Newcastle United News Thread!

by Young_Towzer Tue May 31, 2011 10:49 pm

First topic message reminder :

Toon fan in peace here, who would the fans like to see us buy and who are realistic targets for us?, i've made a few suggestions, opinions?.

Lewis McGugan - N.Forest
Shane Long - Reading
Daniel Sturridge - Chelsea - (Loan)
Jason Puncheon - Southampton
Kevin Doyle - Wolves
Demba Ba - West Ham
Mark Noble - West Ham
Nicky Maynard - Bristol City
Grant Holt - Norwich City
Roger Johnson - Birmingham City
Oba Martins - Whoever he's at !
Charles Nzogbia - Wigan
Hugo Rodallega - Wigan
Niko Kranjcar - Spurs
Giovanni - Spurs
Matthew Upson - West Ham
Taiwo - Marseille

Cheers
Steven.

by Guest Sat Dec 10, 2011 5:22 pm

Make that 3-1. Game over. Wake up call has well and truly arrived. Gosling shocking

by Beer Sat Dec 10, 2011 6:12 pm

4-2, i expected a few goals. Not surprised we lost.

by Guest Sat Dec 10, 2011 6:47 pm

Perch, Gosling, Obertan - embarassing performances. Our CB's got the expected aeriel bombardment and got destroyed, shame because the rest of the team deserved much better. Ba was sensational and losing him & Tiote is going to be difficult. Would like to see this Abeid or Vuckic promoted now to midfield.

by Beer Sat Dec 10, 2011 8:00 pm

Been hoping Vuckic would get a chance, and Abeid. Think it's time to start blooding a few of these youngsters.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2011 12:30 pm

You know what I would even go a far as playing Alan Smith in at CB. At least he would show desire, commitment, passion and would actually challenge for balls in the air unlike Perch.

With Perch introduced into the team we have conceded 7 goals in two games. Unacceptable! Our next two games are crucial in my opinion, Swansea & an out of form WBA. I would take 4 pts now. This is the situation that most worried me at the beginning of the season, how the team and the french players, such as the Ben Arfa's, would react to a team on a losing streak and being benched. Pardew's got his work cut out in my opinion now. I fear Swansea will play us off the park with their football on our big pitch which is worrying, hopefully Tiote, Ben Arfa & Coloccini all return.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:25 pm

I think whoever had played in defence would have looked poor. If Coloccini returns then I think Perch will play a lot better. Tiote is also another key player in the middle, especially as Guthrie is injured and Gosling is suspended.

Krul
Simpson, Perch, Coloccini, R.Taylor
Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Gutierrez
Ameobi, Ba

Go with this against Swansea and I think we'll get the win. Swansea haven't won an away game all season and we've only lost to Chelsea at home so far this season. Tiote will be key in breaking up play so if he's fit it's a huge plus.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:45 pm

Yer I agree that team looks far more capable than last weeks. It will be interesting to see if a bid comes in for Tiote from a Top 4 Club because the rumours are flying around and lets face it they are rarely wrong. In my opinion Tiote has been world class and I would be upset if he left, just as I was when Enrique left. If we end up receving a bid of £20m at the end of January it maybe too hard for Ashley to refuse. I mean firstly he's been injured and secondly we are then going to lose him for 6 weeks at the ACON. £20m to strengthen the squad could be what's key to keeping the momentum going and focusing on improving the squad in areas that need strengthening. Add in the fact Taylor is long term, Ba is ACON bound and more injuries are likely to occur.

by Beer Mon Dec 12, 2011 3:48 pm

I still want to see us blood some youth. It frustrates me that we have some promising youngsters, yet they don't get a look in. Haris, Sammy, Medhi should all be given a chance, especially in these next 2 games given the injuries.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:16 pm

John, did you honestly just say that the rumours are rarely wrong? Laugh

Oh how I miss the facepalm smiley!

Sammy has been given some chances and looked quite good, but Abeid and Vuckic have the tricky task of fitting into the centre of midfield and going up against players in probably the most important area of the pitch.

£20m would be a fantastic offer. I'd rather keep him though, but I think we need some more bodies in January anyway.

by Beer Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:19 pm

Yeah, but Ben Arfa should be in the '10' role.

With Tiote out, Guthrie injured and Gosling suspended it allows a chance for one of them to step in for a few games. It could allow us to spread funds a bit better come January if we are able to promote.

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:30 pm

Churchill wrote:John, did you honestly just say that the rumours are rarely wrong? Oh how I miss the facepalm smiley!

lol sorry! They werent wrong with the Carroll n Enrique situations and now Tiote's numbers up! It's a real shame but we really are now a stepping stone for most players. It's only a natural progression for Tiote, you can see he's way to good to not be playing champions league football in my opinion. Ashley knows what he's doing and i'm already preparing for the worst in january because we've been there, done that and got the t-shirt. Just so I'm up-to-date, what's the lastest on this Maiga deal, i'm hoping it's deal off?

by Guest Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:33 pm

But they've also reported us losing Coloccini, Simpson and Gutierrez as well over the summer, not to mention all those that are supposedly signing for us.

I think Tiote should stick with us and see if we can get lucky and end up in the top 8 before making his decision. He's capable of playing for a top club, but some may be put off by his discipline record and he leaves for ACON. Well, I'm hoping that puts them off Laugh

Last I heard/saw, Maiga was still very keen on moving to us but nothing had been official.

by Beer Mon Dec 12, 2011 4:39 pm

The Maiga talk all comes from his agent. The emergence of Giroud is a factor as Pardew is a big fan.

I'd expect another move for Erik Pieters and we were linked with Taiwo of AC Milan over the weekend. I imagine a CB will be priority.

by Guest Tue Dec 13, 2011 1:05 pm

Maiga deal very much back on this morning. I just dont understand this deal. Buy a player who's not going to be able to play because he will be joining the other two best players in Ba & Tiote at the ACON. Two strikers leaving for upto 6-8 weeks is plain stupid from NUFC. I can see us dropping like a fly.

by Guest Tue Dec 13, 2011 5:33 pm

Well we only miss them for QPR, Fulham and Blackburn for sure. Depending on how far they go we could miss them for Villa and Spurs. I think Ameobi/Best could actually give the first three defences a tough time, especially if Cabaye can start playing some decent balls into the box. Who knows, maybe Sammy will get a chance upfront or maybe he'll stick out wide. After all, we've all called for youth to be given a try.

I don't think we'll be buying another striker (Apart from Maiga, if not someone else) until we sell someone in the summer. On the books at the club we'd have Maiga(?), Ba, Best, Ameobi, Sammy, Lovenkrands, Xisco. 7 players into 2 positions. Lovenkrands contract is up in the summer and the club will probably try and offload Xisco, so down to 5 and maybe we'd see another new face.

The priority in the next window has to be defence and wings. Marveaux out for the season means two natural wingers left at the club, one of whom hasn't produced so far this season. I'd be happy if we kept all our players and bought 1 fullback, 1 centre back, 1 central midfielder, 1 winger and a striker. But it's unlikely we'll bring in 5 players halfway through a season.

Anyway know how many squad spots we've got left?

by Beer Wed Dec 14, 2011 6:59 pm

News regarding Maiga, he reportedly did not train with Sochaux today and is rumoured to have been in London to complete a deal. Pretty reputable sources on this one including Mark Douglas, Lee Ryder and Phillipe Auclair.

Reported to have bid for a defender as well but unsure who at this point. Anyone know?

by Guest Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:34 pm

If it's liam ridgewell I may shoot myself

by Beer Thu Dec 15, 2011 12:39 pm

It's Tomkins from West Ham.

by Guest Sat Dec 17, 2011 12:55 pm

Maiga deal off after the striker failed his medical, although his agent has since stated there was no issue with the strikers medical condition.

I think its a blessing in disguise, I think we need to spend the money available on strengthening other weaker areas in our squad. Been linked with a move for Wilfried Zaha of Palace this morning. I think todays game against Swansea is crucial in determining how our season unfolds.

by Guest Sat Dec 17, 2011 1:44 pm

Newcastle need to sort them self out again start a fresh and get back to winning ways

by Guest Sat Dec 17, 2011 5:01 pm

The better team in the first half, completely in control. Just need to keep it up and grab a goal.

by Guest Sat Dec 17, 2011 6:06 pm

This is going the way I hoped it wouldnt. We are falling like a tonne of bricks, it may not appear that way in respect of league position but in terms of results and performance we look half the team of six weeks ago. I said this game was a must win to re-energise our campaign but with Ba & Tiote to miss six weeks, things seem to be going from bad to worse. There is clearly a problem with Ben Arfa's attitude to not playing and I always worried about how someone like Hatem, with a chequered past would react to not playing and could therefore be a potentially upsetting individual to other within the dressing room. I don't understand why he is not playing and Obertan is. Obertan is an embarrassment and should be removed ASAP. Santon looks a great prospect but we need a solid CB in January along with a CM and Striker. I would be amazed if we didn't go and get Jordan Rhodes while Ba is absent. I'm worried.

by Guest Sat Dec 17, 2011 6:15 pm

You thought today wasn't a good performance. We've played equally as well and lost games like this, but also won them. It was just a matter of missed opportunities. Was it two or three times Ba hit the post?

Perch looked solid beside Coloccini and Santon had an impressive debut. The defence looked strong again today, but Pardew has rightly said we need another defender. A great show of faith in Vuckic and Abeid to put them both on the bench, I'm all for giving them a chance.

Obertan played well in the opening 30 minutes and then dropped off, as per. The biggest show of how Pardew rates HBA will come against West Brom. I expect him to play 4-4-2, but with Cabaye out through injury we need an attacker through the middle.

I don't think we need a centre mid as we've got lots of talent in that department. Cabaye, Tiote, Guthrie, Ben Arfa, Gosling, Vuckic and Abeid. Unless someone leaves then we're fine. Priority has to be a defender and striker. If the funds are there I'd like to see another winger added,

I feel like we need a win against West Brom. If we only manage to pick up 2pts from the 9 available against Norwich, Swansea and West Brom then I'd be disappointed. 5/9 isn't so bad.

by Guest Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:18 pm

Churchill wrote:If we only manage to pick up 2pts from the 9 available against Norwich, Swansea and West Brom then I'd be disappointed. 5/9 isn't so bad.

Well even if we beat WBA it's only 4 out of 9 (Norwich, Swansea & WBA) and it would be 5 out of 18 which isnt too clever! Your right it wasnt a bad performance but we should be beating Swansea with their away record. I just feel the great start is way behind us now and this form is just wasting that advantage we held over teams like Villa & Stoke. I was hopeful of a top 7 and a Europa League slot but its clear this squad could not handle both comps, so maybe a top 10 finish is more likely and probably will be more beneficial to us in the long term.

by Guest Sat Dec 17, 2011 9:56 pm

To be honest, before the season started I don't think anyone expected anything from Chelsea, Man City and the Man Utd games, so our recent form may be poor but we've had some tough games. It's all about the build up to the Liverpool game and trying to finish the year on a high.

I'd be ecstatic with a top 10 finish this season.

by Beer Mon Dec 19, 2011 11:46 am

Our next 5 league games are crucial...

West Brom
Bolton
Liverpool
QPR
Man Utd

We need to be getting 9-10 points minimum out of those games.

by Guest Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:21 pm

In order to finish where?

I can see us picking up 7 points from those games and that wouldn't be such a bad result. I'm hoping maybe 8 if Liverpool continue to struggle at home.

by Beer Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:28 am

So, plus points....

~ Haris, take a bow son, impressive performance.
~ Demba Ba is some player.
~ Hatem is passing more

Bad ones....

~ James Perch
~ James Perch
~ James Perch

by Guest Thu Dec 22, 2011 12:29 pm

Look i'm not being negative 100% of the time but Pardew is now realising why managers don't last long here. I think some of his tactics and subs recently have been appaling. As I said before we are falling like a tonne of bricks and it wont be long before the table shows this especially as Stoke have two winnable home games on the horizon over xmas. Obertan & Perch......simply dreadful. We've conceded ten goals in four games since the arrival of Perch, we are completely inept at defending set-pieces or crosses its embarrasing. Why we are not playing Ba with Vuckic & Ben Arfa behind him is beyond me. Losing Demba is going to be massive and in my opinion it wont be long before someone comes sniffing for him at the end of the season. If we lose to Bolton then basically this season has turned into an 'avoided relegation, well done chaps season' which is extremely disappointing. Top 10 now would be a magnificant achievement and January doesn't promise to much either through results or incomings.

by Josiah Maiestas Thu Dec 22, 2011 1:18 pm

I didn't expect a defeat at home to West Brom for them, perhaps the humbling defeat to Chelsea has taken some confidence away..

by Guest Tue Dec 27, 2011 1:02 pm

Fantastic & much needed result yesterday, how Best plays ahead of Ben Arfa is beyond me. Expecting a 4-5-1 vs Liverpool so should integrate HBA in just behind Ba. I'm still criticising Obertan because his two best performances have been against Marc Wilson & Paul Robinson, both shocking left backs. Brilliant news today that Suarez will be banned, however it's almost certain that Carroll is going to play and score against us, you can see the storylines already + Jose Enrique will not be so forgiving on Friday when playing against Obertan. Draw would be a sensational result in my opinion even though their home form has been recently poor. Confirmed that no striker is coming in during January, a move I believe the hierachy will have regretted come the first week of February with the absense of Demba. I'm expecting a maximum of 5 points from 4 games which includes Liverpool (a), Man Utd (h), QPR (h) & Fulham (a).

by Guest Fri Dec 30, 2011 8:35 pm

Liverpool v Newcastle line-ups
Liverpool: Reina, Johnson, Skrtel, Agger, Jose Enrique, Henderson, Spearing, Adam, Downing, Carroll, Bellamy. Subs: Doni, Gerrard, Maxi, Kuyt, Carragher, Shelvey, Kelly.
Newcastle: Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Ryan Taylor, Obertan, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Vuckic, Ba. Subs: Elliot, Santon, Ben Arfa, Perch, Best, Shola Ameobi, Sammy Ameobi.

Three former mags in the Liverpool team; I'm sure one of them will get a goal. Williamson & Coloccini will have some problems with the height of Carroll, Raylor and Simpson don't exactly add extr height.

Huge statement from Pards by starting Vuckic (presumably) behind Ba.

by Guest Fri Dec 30, 2011 10:53 pm

That was simply shocking. Obertan should be given a one-way ticket to the other side of the world......truly embarrasing! Man utd were laughing all the way to the bank with that deal. Our problems are Obertan & two poor full backs, santon should start at LB from now on. Cabaye was dreadful tonight and Tiote had to carry the whole midfield, he will be a massive miss. Pardew & Carver worry me alot, poor tactics and once again the failure to see that ryan taylor is not a left back is shocking. How he waited until the 70th minute to bring on Ben Arfa and only gave Sammy Ameobi 10 minutes was extremely frustrating.

Gerrard was sensational......END OF!

by **Crimey** Fri Dec 30, 2011 11:00 pm

I don't think you played too bad to be honest, most teams have struggled for possession like that when they play us at Anfield.

Tiote and Demba Ba are your best players, which is worrying considering they're the players who will be going away in January. Cabaye didn't look good, Vuckic looked a little lost throughout the game, I think he struggled having to chase the ball all game. Obertan was awful, but I think most thought he was anyway. A big disappointment is Ben Arfa, he's the type of player you would have thought could make the difference but was absent for his time on the pitch. Coloccini is a class act as well, really good defender, I'd be surprised if no big club tries to snap him up, a much better player than Gary Cahill.

Big positives for us though, Bellamy and Gerrard played really well. We scored goals!!!! I think with Bellamy and Gerrard both in the side that could make up for Suarez being missing, Carroll looked much better when Gerrard was whipping those balls in. I just really want to see Henderson dropped, he offers nothing at the moment, hopefully Gerrard replaces him. Good way to end the year.

by wwinterj Fri Dec 30, 2011 11:20 pm

Henderson played miles better once stevie was on the pitch. brilliant 30 minute cameo by captain fantastic. skrtel agger axis is immense and enrique is the best bes left back ive seen in a red shirt for a very long time.

Newcastle was pretty average to be but with playing against us at the fortress anfield the writing was on the wall.

Ba is quality,fact. Cabaye should have had a straight red for the cowardly assault.

by Geordie Thu Jan 05, 2012 9:35 am

Brilliant win by the toon ....was there last night and the atmosphere was excellent....

But can anyone please tell me WHAT Shola Ameobi has over managers.....does he have naked photos of them or something?

The guy is not even 1st division class let alone premiership....

by Beer Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:00 am

I thought Shola played well enough. He did what he was instructed to do and made a nuisance of himself. Held the ball up well at times.

Mainly it's his height. The idea was to bully the centre backs, and whilst he's far from brilliant in the air, he's got enough about him to cause problems, and it worked. He was involved in the first 2 goals. His knockdown to Ba for the first, and his dummy run cleared space for Ba to draw the foul from Jones for the free kick.

It was a fantastic team performance. I think every single play deserves credit for last night. Even Perch didn't screw up!

by Clunge4life Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:03 am

Excellent performance from Newcastle - the atmosphere last night was electric

Demba Ba has been some signing - and a free transfer at that...took his goal really well last night.

Great display and did Spurs a big favour last night Very Happy

by Geordie Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:09 pm

Demba Ba has been sensational....and i fear how long he will be away....

King..Did you really think he did well? For a big guy he has no aggressive streak or power....i mean he got outjumped by evra on one occasion...

He has the touch of a baby elephant....and is lazy beyond belief.

I would rather see Best as the target man....if thats how we are to play...at least he's a grafter and has aggression.

by Guest Thu Jan 05, 2012 12:11 pm

i watched the game last night and ba showed more brilliant form, he was a great signing for you's, even if he did leave westham Sad

by Guest Thu Jan 05, 2012 1:23 pm

Ba & Tiote last night were truly sensational. I know Ba takes the headlines but Tiote is a world class midfielder and he will be a huge miss during January. It's funny how Obertan is dropped and the team plays like this. I thought Santon played well and finally we have a reliable, quick left back who can be dangerous offensively aswell, thats not taking anything away from R.Taylor.

The core of the team is Krul, Coloccini, Cabaye, Tiote & Ba (sensational 5). If we could add quality around them especially on the wings then we could have a very good team. Ben Arfa and Pardew have had a disagreement about the team's philosophy (Ben Arfa wants to play on the ground and Pardew likes more direct football). I fully expect this to blow over as Ben Arfa is destined to get his chance during January as there are no other options.

3-0 Fantastic result. Next- QPR (h) & Fulham (a) - would take 3pts now and be pleased along with beating Blackburn in the Cup.

by Beer Thu Jan 05, 2012 1:26 pm

Ba will be back for the Spurs game at the latest. He'll miss 5 games in total.

Best has been injured, so will probably get the nod, but i think he did his job well, he may frustrate the fans but last night he frustrated the opposition, drew fouls etc.

by Guest Sat Jan 07, 2012 3:39 pm

wouldnt suprise me if demba included a £10m release clause, he was clever enough to put one in his west ham deal if they got relegated.

hopefully we can turn over blackburn today. HBA gets his chance to shine

by Beer Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:22 pm

Got the result we deserved. And good to see Hatem making a point after his comments mid-week.

Few of the Journo's i speak with on Twitter are denying the release clause claim, blaming a disgruntled Agent.

by Guest Sat Jan 07, 2012 10:59 pm

John wrote:HBA gets his chance to shine

I said it was his time and boy did he produce.....truly stunning individual goal!

by Beer Mon Jan 09, 2012 11:08 am

John wrote:
John wrote:HBA gets his chance to shine

I said it was his time and boy did he produce.....truly stunning individual goal!

Agree.

Said to a lad on Twitter that it was his chance to earn that '10' role. He does drift in and out of games, but if that's what he can produce then drift away.

Worrying to hear Redknapp spouting off about Demba.

by johnson2 Mon Jan 09, 2012 1:16 pm

King Beer wrote:
John wrote:
John wrote:HBA gets his chance to shine

I said it was his time and boy did he produce.....truly stunning individual goal!

Agree.

Said to a lad on Twitter that it was his chance to earn that '10' role. He does drift in and out of games, but if that's what he can produce then drift away.

Worrying to hear Redknapp spouting off about Demba.

Redknapp is a schemeing low life... what right does he have to come out with those comments. Total scum bag looking to unsteady the ship.

by Geordie Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:05 pm

In reality who do you think we'll lose this January or in the summer?

I think Tiote is a gonner in the summer....but not sure about who else...

Colo wil be in high demand...

by Beer Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:19 pm

I think Sammy may go out on loan. Other than that i don't think we will lose anyone.

As for the Summer? Depends on where we finish!? If we get Europe it could see us keep our squad together, but if not, i would expect Tiote to go, but it will be big bucks.

by Guest Mon Jan 09, 2012 3:49 pm

Can't see anyone leaving in January due to ACON! I personally think if we qualify for Europe then Ba & Tiote will be sold immediately to create funds and bring in six or seven players in preparation for competing in the Europa League which takes it's toll on a small squad.

Tiote is my favourite player but his quality is in demand. Man Utd or Chelsea bound in the summer for around £18-£22m

Demba Ba - His future entirely depends upon his knee. If he stays fit and bangs 25 goals by May then I can't see us keeping hang of him and he will be off to PSG (his favourite club). The big question is the 'release clause'. Demba would'nt have wanted to price himself out of a move to a big club so a £10m clause seems too high. The problem is Demba knows he's hot property now so even if we offered him a new deal he wouldnt accept.

As for Colo, he's getting on nowadays but has been sensational. Ashley knows he's a big earner and replacing him with a younger, cheaper version will be a possibility.

Real shame but this is the reality for our club.

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