Newcastle United News Thread!

by Young_Towzer Tue May 31, 2011 4:49 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 Feb 25, 2012 2:27 pm

I bet your delighted tonight, thats a huge point for Wolves in the current situation.

its negative but its being realistic. Losing Steven Taylor was huge, Williamson n Simpson are car crashes waiting to happen.....sorry are happening. It's been a great season and yes we are in the mix with Arsenal n Chelsea points wise but we arent good enough as of yet to challenge them week in week out and we will fade.

by Beer Sat Mar 03, 2012 4:54 am

Collocini and Krul sign new 4 and 5 year contracts respectively.

Massive plaudits to Ashley, Derek and Pards on this, it's like having 2 new signings and a massive relief for the fans.

BRING ON TOMORROW!!! Yahoo

by Beer Sun Mar 04, 2012 9:20 am

Absolutely shocking in the first half. Offered nothing and showed no desire to play football, was crying out for Hatem to come on.

Second half, that boy changed the game, an absolute revelation. He ran and ran and did everything to create something.

Then, up steps the mackem slayer. I don't care what anyone says, this is HIS game. When the penalty was given i had money on Shola but could not believe Ba was taking it. Don't get me wrong, i appreciate he is the taker, but this is Shola's stage and he doesn't miss many, he should've taken it.

But he got the goal. I was absolutely delighted.

Hatem NEEDS to start now. Stop mucking him around.

Have to say, Tiote was immense but Cabaye drifts in and out far too much for my liking.

by Mr H Mon Mar 05, 2012 4:25 am

Totally agree mate. First half was up there with the worst 45mins of the season. I was relieved to get in at 0-1.

Ben Arfa changed the game. He definately deserves a run in the side he's the flair player we've been lacking. Against Arsenal I'd either leave Cisse on the bench as he's still settling in, and give Hatem a free role but essentially when we havent got possession slip into a 4-5-1. Or - keep it as 4-4-2 and leave Taylor out and put Hatem on the right. He could give Keiron Gibbs huge problems on that side.

by Guest Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:49 am

Finally people understand the quality and importance of Hatem being in the team. The guy is a quality, classy, creative, exciting player who is considerably more effective at going forward than any of our wingers or centre midfielders. I'm sick and tired of people slating HBA for losing the ball or being selfish, I would rather have that than having to watch Cabaye, Obertan or Gutierrez run around doing absolutely nothing but being 'effective' in defence and tracking back. Must admit I personally think Cabaye is overrated, I'm still undecided. I also agree with comments about Ba, he's not the same player since leaving for ACON. 2pts against Wolves & Sunderland is appaling if we'd won both we would be sitting only 5 pts of Tottenham!!

Can't see us getting anything at the Emirates. Williamson needs to be dropped ASAP. Arsenal play everything on the floor, so there's no need for Williamson's slow movement and height advantage. Season is petering out now which is unfortunate in my opinion, I just hope we can hold onto 6th or 7th come May.

by Geordie Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:55 am

I would start him over Raylor or Jonas.

Jonas works his socks off....but his end product is just horrific. Raylor is a solid worker...but again is not gonna create anything...except from set pieces.

Either one should make way...

by Beer Mon Mar 05, 2012 6:57 am

Next few games are crucial, John.

I think we could get a point at the Emirates. Then West Brom away could be tough, but Liverpool have 3 tough games, Sunderland and Stoke away either side of the Merseyside derby?

by Mr H Mon Mar 05, 2012 9:10 am

At the end of the day Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and us are all capable of dropping points in games we shouldnt. I reckon it'll go down to the wire which considering our last 2 games are home to City and away to Everton doesnt bode well for us.

We desperately need to get maximum points at home to Norwich, Bolton and Stoke and away at Wigan. The home match against Liverpool is also winable. Then maybe a point away at WBA, Swansea and Chelsea. Being pessimistic if we got 12 points from our remaining games and finish on 56 points then that is a fantastic season given the size of our squad, lets be honest.

by Guest Mon Mar 05, 2012 9:44 am

If we get pipped to say 6th, I think we will look back at this season and pinpoint some extremely poor home performances against teams we should be beating as a major contributing factor.

I mean losing to WBA (h) when they were out of form + Swansea, Sunderland, Wolves (home draws) just shouldnt be happening and cant be afforded at this level. Desperately need a centre back in the summer and swapping Santon to right back & buying a new left back. Also a winger with pace & most importantly with the ability to cross or deliver a final ball unlike Walcott, Lennon, Sturridge & Downing......basically all England's wingers!

by Beer Mon Mar 05, 2012 10:10 am

Agree, but then after last season, did anyone really expect 6th?

by Mr H Mon Mar 05, 2012 10:39 am

But John winning away at Stoke and getting 4 points from Man Utd is something which wasnt expected so whilst we've dropped points in games we shouldnt we've also gained points in games we shouldnt.

Yes, if we won those home games we could be sat comfortably in 4th place but every team around us can say the same thing. I dont know how any Toon fan can be disappointed if we finish 7th. Thats an amazing achievement.

by lorus59 Mon Mar 05, 2012 10:49 am

What about Pardew's antic on the touchline? Don't you think he was a bit over the top?

by Mr H Mon Mar 05, 2012 10:59 am

No, he showed passion which is understandable in a hotly contested derby match. I genuinely believe he cares about and loves the club.

by Beer Mon Mar 05, 2012 11:05 am

He celebrated a penalty and a goal against our fiercest rivals like he'd supported the club for years, fair play.

by d260005p Mon Mar 05, 2012 11:59 am

King Beer wrote:Absolutely shocking in the first half. Offered nothing and showed no desire to play football, was crying out for Hatem to come on.

Second half, that boy changed the game, an absolute revelation. He ran and ran and did everything to create something.

Then, up steps the mackem slayer. I don't care what anyone says, this is HIS game. When the penalty was given i had money on Shola but could not believe Ba was taking it. Don't get me wrong, i appreciate he is the taker, but this is Shola's stage and he doesn't miss many, he should've taken it.

But he got the goal. I was absolutely delighted.

Hatem NEEDS to start now. Stop mucking him around.

Have to say, Tiote was immense but Cabaye drifts in and out far too much for my liking.

The only thing "immense" about Tiote yesterday, was his "ive been smashed in the face by Wladamir Klitschko" impression.

Shocking.

Was a red card, no doubt, and the ref was 2 yards away. But to go down like a war veteran is a disgrace to football and has been for years.

by Guest Mon Mar 05, 2012 4:35 pm

Cheick shouldnt have reacted like that but he did clearly get hit in the jaw.

Let's not forget we were losing, playing badly and the players had been told prior to the game and at half time after a grilling from Pardeux that this was the biggest game of the season, so gaining an advantage or making the most out of the situation was inevitable in a moment when every player is so desperate to win. It happens week in week out and will soon be forgotten. Lets not forget we've had some shocking decisions go our way like the David Luiz last man tackle on Demba that wasnt given, so Sessegnon's was a deserved red.

Yes Tiote was in the wrong but lets not go mental about it there's more important topics to talk about relevant to NUFC season looking forward than this.

by Beer Tue Mar 06, 2012 6:49 am

d260005p wrote:
King Beer wrote:Absolutely shocking in the first half. Offered nothing and showed no desire to play football, was crying out for Hatem to come on.

Second half, that boy changed the game, an absolute revelation. He ran and ran and did everything to create something.

Then, up steps the mackem slayer. I don't care what anyone says, this is HIS game. When the penalty was given i had money on Shola but could not believe Ba was taking it. Don't get me wrong, i appreciate he is the taker, but this is Shola's stage and he doesn't miss many, he should've taken it.

But he got the goal. I was absolutely delighted.

Hatem NEEDS to start now. Stop mucking him around.

Have to say, Tiote was immense but Cabaye drifts in and out far too much for my liking.

The only thing "immense" about Tiote yesterday, was his "ive been smashed in the face by Wladamir Klitschko" impression.

Shocking.

Was a red card, no doubt, and the ref was 2 yards away. But to go down like a war veteran is a disgrace to football and has been for years.

He wasn't the first and he certainly won't be the last to milk it.

It shouldn't go against his performance, it was a stupid and cowardly act by Sessegnon who hit him twice.

by d260005p Tue Mar 06, 2012 11:07 am

Its disgraceful but your right, he was hit, i just wish he had stayed up and shouted or something. Saying that, just LOOKING at Luis Suarez makes him fall.

I generally CAN NOT STAND that guy!!

by Beer Mon Mar 12, 2012 8:46 am

Big, big, big game tonight!!!!!!!!!!!

by Guest Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:33 am

Big game, I'm just hoping we show up and give a good account of ourselves, our away form against the big boys needs to improve.

The thing with Arsenal is that it's usually about the wingers feeding RVP and in my opinion our full backs in particular Simpson are shocking. I'm guessing Williamson will be given the run around tonight as his movement & pace is poor. Cabaye needs to show us tonight what he's made of, impressive start to his career but badly faded in my opinion. Hatem will be pushing for a start and surely he deserves it now, there's no point sitting back against this Arsenal team and letting there weak defence off.

A point would be extremely good and probably says it all about our chances but we've certainly got the players too trouble them if we perform. Chelsea have got some tough games ahead and our up-coming games against Norwich & WBA are more than winnable.

by Beer Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:41 am

I think a point would be a great result. Especially with Liverpool playing Everton this week, we'd then be 3 points clear on level points.

I just hope Pardew doesn't make the same mistake and goes all out like he did against Spurs.

by Guest Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:52 am

King Beer wrote:I just hope Pardew doesn't make the same mistake and goes all out like he did against Spurs.

I think the tactics used against Spurs will probably work far better tonight as that day we had a depleted team, I mean we had no Cabaye or Tiote. Arsenal don't possess the wingers that Spurs do in Bale & Lennon. Walcott & Gervinho are hit and miss at the best of times and Arsenal's defence is incredibly poor and they've struggled against strikers who are physical and have pace.......I reckon he'll go for Ameobi & Ba, just the conundrum of fitting HBA into the team.

by Beer Mon Mar 12, 2012 10:57 am

I would imagine he would sacrifice Santon for Raylor and play HBA on the wing. I would think he would go with Ba/Cisse as they will be a handful. Leave Shola to have a late cameo!

by Beer Tue Mar 13, 2012 5:20 am

Robbed.

by newballs Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:11 am

We were unlucky. Fair play to Arsenal's persistence though.

Unimpressed by Whinger and his team all the same. We were quick to put the ball out of play when one of their players was down (even though we were on the attack). Was it reciprocated? Fat chance - they nearly scored in a similar situation making no attempt to stop like we had.

by Beer Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:13 am

newballs wrote:We were unlucky. Fair play to Arsenal's persistence though.

Unimpressed by Whinger and his team all the same. We were quick to put the ball out of play when one of their players was down (even though we were on the attack). Was it reciprocated? Fat chance - they nearly scored in a similar situation making no attempt to stop like we had.

Thats why i feel robbed mate. When Koscielny went down we were 4v3 breaking and Tiote put the ball out and twice; including when they scored they refused to put it out.

by Guest Tue Mar 13, 2012 6:56 am

Okay, where do we start?

Firstly a fantastic effort by the majority of the boys last night. A defeat like that is gut-wrenching but we have to move on. More importantly is that Ben Arfa is now without a shadow of doubt in the first team. A fantastic goal, high work rate and excellent composure and passing ability, yes tired in the second half but that is to be expected thanks to Mr. Pardew not playing him.

Gabriel Obertan should be shot immediately........his performance last night, along with Mike Williamson was quite frankly embarrasing, digraceful and completely undid all the hard work that their teammates had put in. Therefore Obertan should never play for Newcastle United again. A previous post yesterday by me stated Williamson would be given the run-around and his defending for the goal was shocking, to be turned like that, knowing that RVP would favour his left foot is just simply dreadul. The secong goal, where he had the advantage through aeriel ability was once again non-existent against smaller players.

Yohan Cabaye...........what has happened to him? Talk about dip in form since the suspension, Tiote was carrying him all night and was no suprise Cheick came off with an injury, hopefully it's not too serious. Perch was the suprise for me, actually impressed me at left back to a degree compared to Santon. As for Gutierrez, we simply have no attacking option down the left hand side of the pitch when we play away because Jonas is so defensive, just invites more pressure so was no suprise to see Arsenal attacking down that side all night. I'm not slating Jonas, he works hard but there comes a point when you need an option to support Demba, especially if you've got one up front and two holding midfielders.

RVP..........hope he gets that hamstring injury we all know is overdue and then Arsenal would be in tatters. Disgraceful reactions and celebrations last night just insighting bad behaviour and reactions from our players. Stupid Jack Wilshere chirpin' away on twitter about Krul aswell has got me going, calls himself a senior england international.....erm how many caps have you got son? Also Danny Simpson closing down his twitter after abuse over last night's throw in that led to the goal.

As for us we are left in 'no-mans' land in 6th - too far from 4th and only a small points margin ahead of Liverpool/Sunderland/Everton. If we're not careful we will be eaten up, our form has got to improve drastically. For me the Norwich game is a must win and a point vs West Brom would be incredibly handy.

by Beer Wed Mar 21, 2012 7:14 pm

Massive result tonight with QPR beating Liverpool.

5 points clear of them. Match their result this weekend and we'd be 5 points clear of them knowing a draw at SJP would be a massive boost. They still have to play Chelsea at home, an improving Blackburn, Norwich and Swansea away.

Not only that, but if Spurs beat Chelsea and we get a result at West Brom we go 5th with a bit more breathing space.

by Mr H Mon Mar 26, 2012 6:55 am

I've been asking myself this since the result yesterday - can we do the unthinkable and actually finish fourth? Its a massive ask but its not beyond the realms of possibility. These are our remaining fixtures and the points i think we'll collect:

Liverpool (H) - 3pts
Swansea (A) - 1pt
Bolton (H) - 3pts
Stoke (H) - 1pt
Wigan (A) - 3pts
Man City (H) - 0pts
Everton (A) - 1pt

That would give us 62 points which would be absolutely amazing.

Chelsea still need to play away at Fulham, Liverpool and Arsenal aswell as still being in Europe, i think they will drop points. The only problem is Spurs, they seem to have a fairly easy run in.

My prediction is that we'll finish 5th, which would be an incredible achievement and Alan Pardew deserves to be manager of the season if we pull it off.

by Guest Mon Mar 26, 2012 7:55 am

Sensational performance yesterday! Front three at times were frightening. I've was saying for weeks HBA should be in the team, he's the difference and key to linking midfield to attack. Losing Coloccini is a massive blow, however Perch deserves credit for the turnaround in his game and Tiote could fill in. As for the table, we won't finish 4th! If we win next sunday that would take us eleven points clear if i'm right and I would think 6th is guaranteed at worse. What an achievement.

I was really worried especially after the Wolves/Arsenal games that our season was petering out and the players were tiring, however the turnaround and determination to work together and give it one last push has been fantastic and credit must go to Pardew.

by Geordie Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:10 am

I agree John, and im glad you mentioned Perch...he did well yesterday.

Pardew has always shown he is a big fan of his...maybe now that faith is slowly being proved right.

Pardew has also shown excellent mana management Ben Arfa, after his injury, loss of form etc. He has brought him back slowly and precisely...and again it is beginning to bear fruit.

I think 4th is ambitious though. Im happy with 5/6th...outstanding season.

I cant wait for the summer to see who we're after. I think we're in a position now where we can attract quality players....

by Beer Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:12 am

Can we all please refrain from calling him 'Perch'?

It's Perchenbauer.

Thanks.

by Guest Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:20 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:I cant wait for the summer to see who we're after. I think we're in a position now where we can attract quality players....

I'm fully expecting one big name to leave in the summer after a season like this. I'm sure Cheick will be gone for £20m to fund new players, especially in preparation for a long hard season including Europa League football if we qualify. We need a big squad, something we currently don't have at all and seeing as the ACON is held again next year, I can only see Tiote being sold. Hopefully we can attract big name signings next season and not have to witness embarrasing last minute offers for players like Liam Ridgewell. The summer is going to be extremely interesting........I'm more nervous than excited to be truthful

by Geordie Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:04 am

I agree Tiote is actually the one i think will go aswell. Theres a few of the top four clubs that could really go with a destroyer in his mould.

But if we get £20m + for him...then im confident Mr Graham Carr has a list of like for like replacements at bargain prices.

I dont forsee any others moving on...even though Arsenal have announced their interest in Krul.

Im looking for a defender or two to come in, and i'd like to see a couple of really attacking wingers / midfielders...with an end product....which sadly Jonas doesnt seem able to produce.

But all in all, i think its been a great season.

by newballs Mon Mar 26, 2012 10:40 am

Mr. H we have a rearranged game with Chelsea to throw in the mix too.

No reason why we can't beat Dalglish's team of under achievers either next weekend. Talk about a man in denial of his own failings and that of his players.

If Ben Arfa, Cisse and Ba carry on producing the goods till the season's end could be a really good end of season for us. Personally can't wait to see Man City turn up really needing the three points. That could be game of the season and not the result City were looking fr either.

Pardew need a lot of plaudits for buying some real quality players and bringing the best out of those already on the books. If we can hang on to most of them then next season could be a really great one.

by Geordie Mon Mar 26, 2012 11:05 am

newballs wrote:Mr. H we have a rearranged game with Chelsea to throw in the mix too.

No reason why we can't beat Dalglish's team of under achievers either next weekend. Talk about a man in denial of his own failings and that of his players.

If Ben Arfa, Cisse and Ba carry on producing the goods till the season's end could be a really good end of season for us. Personally can't wait to see Man City turn up really needing the three points. That could be game of the season and not the result City were looking fr either.

Pardew need a lot of plaudits for buying some real quality players and bringing the best out of those already on the books. If we can hang on to most of them then next season could be a really great one.

As does Graham Carr for finding or recomending them...best scout in Britain..

by Mr H Mon Mar 26, 2012 11:18 am

Mike Williamson fills me with zero confidence. I panic everytime he's on the ball. It'll be great to have Steven Taylor back but we need cover at centre half for next season, that has to be a priority.

I'm not Simpson's biggest fan either, i'd be looking for a new RB and a new right winger, Obertan is not the answer. Centre mid needs strengthening, Guthrie for all his hard work lacks the quality and bite of Tiote. With Shola, Best, Sammy & Vuckic i think we have enough back up to the Senegal boys.

Check out the list of names mentioned by the OP at the top of the page. Reckon we can set out sights a bit higher than that now eh? Jason Puncheon & Matthew Upson!! Would take Kranjcar mind.

by Geordie Tue Mar 27, 2012 7:18 am

Looks like we have been linked with another French swoop, with Lens teenager Geoffrey Kondogbia the latest reported target.

The 18-year-old has apparently been one of Ligue 2’s outstanding performers this season, and Newcastle are one of the clubs being linked with him rated at £2m.

by Guest Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:14 am

Look I think Carr & Pardew have done magnificent with bringing these players to the club, however I think continuing to go forward with this 'french policy' will come unstuck sooner rather than later. Yes, our french players have been fantastic and cheap but do I really want to see a Newcastle united team full of foreigners or french speaking players.....Not really. I understand why Ashley is agreeing to this policy as he sees £ signs in nurturing these young foreign players and then selling the on for huge fee's.....as I expect we will do with Tiote in particular.

Now that we are well performing team, I'd rather us not buy these french teenagers and instead purchase some premier league experienced, quality players who can push us onto the next level. Buying these cheap players can only get you so far in my opinion. I maybe wrong, thoughts?

by Geordie Tue Mar 27, 2012 9:23 am

You have a very valid point John.

by newballs Tue Mar 27, 2012 11:06 am

which "experienced quality players" do you have in mind john? A fair few of them would be foreign anyway.

Much better scouting fair and wide to bring in some real talent potential and try to develop our home grown talent in the North East (mind you that looks a little bit sparse as of the moment).

by Geordie Wed Mar 28, 2012 5:08 am

I think the problem is:

THe English market is so over priced...that say Cabaye who was £4m...would probably cost around £10m. It thus makes sense to go abroad.

For English talent it cost even more...a reason we simply MUST bring through the best local talent. Get some local lads in there with real ability, like Taylor or the old Gazzas who have passion to play for the club aswell.

Whats the current rule for the number of home grown players in the team? Isnt it due to increase so you simply cant have lots of foreigners in your teams anyway...

by Guest Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:21 am

Yesterday was simply a sensational result and to keep a clean sheet without Colo was a great achievement from the team clap

. Cisse was superb along with HBA and seeing as the game was a 6 pointer means that we must be guaranteed 6th now with an 11 point cushion. I think the Swansea game will dictate whether we are serious contenders to challenge Spurs or Chelsea. Fantastic season, however surely Tiote or Ba will leave in the summer to fund a bigger squad in preparation for a potential europa league campaign.

by Beer Mon Apr 02, 2012 10:45 am

Interesting stat...

Newcastle have won 60% of Premier League games with Williamson playing this season, compared to 38% without him.

by Guest Mon Apr 02, 2012 11:10 am

It's an interesting stat but was Williamson playing when we lost away at Fulham & Tottenham.....YES! I actually thought Perch played better than Williamson yesterday but I will give credit to Williamson his game has improved. No doubting when it comes to playing the top 6 away from home.....Williamson get's found out! Colo & S. Taylor easily our first choice and I would expect a new centre back in the summer

by Geordie Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:18 pm

Another cracking result...and what can you say about Cisse.

Cabaye with two great assists....but Demba has been quiet since he returned from the ANC.

by monty junior Fri Apr 06, 2012 2:36 pm

Cisse is just amazing, for shots to goals ratio he must be the best striker in the league. Scores all kind's of goals, what a brilliant signing Smile

by Guest Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:47 pm

Unbelievable run we are currently on, sensational from PDC and two great assists from Yohan. I must mention Perch again, I was his biggest critic but the turnaround has been truly remarkable.

As for Demba he clearly looked unhappy playing out-wide and if you watch Cisse score there is no reaction or smile from Demba when the camera panned to the bench, just looked down.....worrying. I'm starting to think that with this formation and with Ben Arfa's form, Ba is going to continue being unhappy and will probably result in him leaving in the summer. Who would I rather lose Cheick or Ba?......probably Ba.

by Thomond Fri Apr 06, 2012 3:56 pm

Pardew is certainly the manager of the year. In the past Newcastle were known for making pretty expensive signings who flopped but Ba and Cissé are bargains!

by Guest Mon Apr 09, 2012 7:01 am

Another fantastic result from the lads and seeing Tottenham lose to Norwich just shows how much pressure we've put upon the big teams. What can I say about Hatem....truly fantastic, he's bought into the team work ethic and not only was his goal simply superb but his all round contribution was great. Also another great performance from Santon.

Stoke & Wigan are next up and I'm beginning to believe the impossible. It will be extremely tough and I think we will need a result when we go to Stamford Bridge but upto now it's been a phenomenal season.

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