Newcastle United News Thread!

[Young_Towzer]

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.

[lorus59]

When a player like Ben Arfa scores a goal like that it must be bitter sweet for a club like Newcastle. It will have the bigger fish maybe trying to tempt him away.

[Guest]

When a player like Ben Arfa scores a goal like that it must be bitter sweet for a club like Newcastle. It will have the bigger fish maybe trying to tempt him away.

I think your wrong. Hatem is an unbelievable talent and he's been at the big clubs before and it's never worked out. Managers across Europe know his talent, Arsene Wenger labelled him 'one of france's greatest talents not so long ago', however it was his shocking attitude, temperament and non-existent work rate which put many suitors off. He's also had numerous bust ups with fellow players and this all went towards painting a very poor picture for Hatem and ruined his reputation. Hatem needed to be loved but he also needed an environment to thrive in, but also a manager who he could trust and respect.......and that's why Pardew has been simply superb. Hatem seems generally happy and I read a qoute not so long ago saying that he felt that this could be the best dressing room environment he has ever experienced, so it is no suprise that he is full of confidence and playing to his star ability. Prizing him away in my opinion would be very difficult now as his life on and off the pitch seems to be heading in the correct path.

Getting back to the club's chances of 4th. I seriously believe now we have a geniune chance now. We were written off and everyone expected us to fall away over the xmas period and it never happened. They expected us to fall away over January, February, March and now we are into April and it hasnt happened. We are in a fantastic position and we are here to stay, if anything we are the form team over Tottenham & Chelsea. Chelsea's fixture list is simply horrific. Being involved in F.A Cup/Champs Lge SF's is a huge advantage for us particulary as Chelsea have a game against Arsenal away slap bang in the middle of the Barcelona games. The F.A Cup semi final is also important for our Europa League chances. If Liverpool beat Everton we are in, however if Everton win it might actually be an advantage in the longer term. If we are still challenging for 4th on the last day of the season, we play Everton. Well if they've reached the F.A Cup final, Moyes will certainly rest his first XI.....so that would be advantageous for us in what could have been a tricky last game of season. Of course its all IF's right now. God I'm excited and nervous

[Crimey]

The thing with Ben Arfa as well is that for every amazing performance you get, there tends to be two poor performances. If Ben Arfa was consistent he would be one of the best players in the league right now, but it's his consistency that really lets him down and which I think will stop him being snapped up by a 'big' club.

Newcastle have to worry about their two star strikers being snapped up, Ba appearing to be the more likely, Cheick Tiote as he is the type of midfielder that a few 'big' clubs are after at the moment and Fabrico Coloccini, as he is the rock at the back of Newcaslte and I think they'd really miss him.

Worryingly with Ba, he's entered a real bad patch of form and doesn't look as happy any more, perhaps the emergence of Cisse has your star striker has knocked his confidence a bit, but if the rumours of his small release clause are true, Newcastle have got to be worried about Ba wanting out.

[Mr H]

If we get Champions League football Ba wont want to go anywhere!

[newballs]

There are always "bigger clubs" out there and lots of WUMs who will remind you of that fact at every turn.

The reality is, of course, NUFC are no minnow themselves, so playing in Europe especially if it is the champions League will see most of the stars staying if they are happy. If they do success breeds success and who knows what kind of season may follow next year.

Also the opportunity to potentially play for a place against Chelsea and Abramovitch's millions. Well, I'd pay good money to see that especially given the form of the likes of Ben Arfa and Cisse!

[Crimey]

The thing that Newcastle can't offer, Champions League football or not, is the same crazy wages as teams like Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City, as well as the foreign sides as well.

[Mr H]

If Ba wanted to go to earn more money then good riddance to him. No player is bigger than the club. We'd get over it just like we got over Carroll being sold. I trust Pardew's ability in the transfer market to sign a good enough replacement. If Ba did go i wouldnt put it past Carroll coming home.

[Mr H]

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.

56 points? Exceeded my expectations then! The boys have been incredible and what can i say about Pardew, he thoroughly deserved the crowd chanting his name on Monday and i bet he absolutely loved it. Fair play to him.

Champions League? Really? Its crazy to even think we are genuine contenders. It will be tough but here is how i think the remaining games will pan out....

Spurs - Points - 59

QPR (A) - 1pt
Blackburn (H) - 3pts
Bolton (A) - 3pts
Villa (A) - 1pt
Fulham (H) - 1pt

TOTAL - 68 POINTS - 4th PLACE

Newcastle- Points - 59

Stoke (H) - 3pts
Wigan (A) - 3pts
Chelsea (A) - 1pt
Man City (H) - 0pts
Everton (A) - 1pt

TOTAL - 67 POINTS - 5th PLACE

Chelsea - Points 57

Arsenal (A) - 0pts
QPR (H) - 3pts
Newcastle (H) - 1pt
Liverpool (A) - 1pt
Blackburn (H) - 3pts

TOTAL - 65 POINTS - 6th PLACE

I reckon it will finish as it stands right now. Newcastle United finishing on 67 points and finishing 5th in the league. If you said that at the beginning of the season you'd be laughed at. What an amazing achievement it would be, and christ even if the worst happened and we finished 6th we simply cannot be disappointed. Europa League would be amazing, and if somehow we did pip Spurs to the post i think the Alan Pardew statue outside St James' would be imminent!

[dyrewolfe]

Congrats to Alan Pardew and all at St Sports Direct's Park. Its been an amazing season and its great to see the North East being represented at the top end of the Premier League.

Be nice if you could go one further next season and challenge the Mancs and Londoners for the title.

And this is coming from a Smoggie.

[Guest]

Playing in Europe is a double edged sword. With only 25 squad players, all the additional travelling and games and expectations are bound to impact negatively on their premiership performance (consider Stoke this season and Fulham in past seasons).

[Crimey]

What a goal by Cisse! The first was good, the second was out of this world. I thought that Crouch's goal was good, Suarez's third goal against Norwich even better but that goal by Cisse is probably one of, if not the, best goal in the Premier League ever.

[Guest]

Agree completely Crimey.
For those who want to see one of the best goals ever:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=meoCkgZ6H1Y&sns=fb

[azania]

Amazing goal. But Ben Arfa's was better imo.

[Guest]

Ridiculously good. I give up with Newcastle - how on earth did they unearth such talent with so little net investment and bigger clubs all around them. I still think Newcastle will probably end up 6th - but they won't be too far off third place.

[Guest]

Simply astonishing. PDC has been sensational. What's that 13 goals in 12 games......breathtaking! Unbelievable result, Di Matteo has had a shocker prioritising the F.A Cup over League position. We should finish 5th at least now.

[Guest]

2 games to play and 1 point behind Arsenal who are 3rd.
Anything is possible!

[Geordie]

The whole team deserve credit...they've played sensational and given Cisse the platform to work his wonders.

Mr Carr aparently has a nice little list for the summer...if they are like Cabaye, Cisse, Ba, Tiote etc then bring them in!!!

And im sure Alan Pardew has his eye on promoting some of the talented youngsters coming through the academy as he has at his previous clubs. Its important to have local lads in the team aswell....

Ironically though...you can see us getting 4th spot...and Chelsea winning the CL so we will be in the Europa anyway.

Still a cracking season.

[azania]

2 games to play and 1 point behind Arsenal who are 3rd.
Anything is possible!

[Crimey]

Amazing goal. But Ben Arfa's was better imo.

Not a chance! Ben Arfa was helped by the fact that the Bolton players didn't even seem to try and tackle him. I've seen better goals similar to that, but the goal from Cisse was really unbelievable.

[Guest]

I think Ben Arfa's F.A Cup goal against Blackburn is quite easily the goal of the season. Yes, it's not in the league but it's without doubt the goal of the season. If your talking about goal of the league season only then it's a toss up between Crouch and Cisse, both truly sensational. Cisse's finishing this season has been phenomenal and you've got to remember he's equally as good on his left or right side.......frightening.

[The Special Juan]

The problem is keeping him though.

[Guest]

The problem is keeping him though.

Not really in my opinion. He's only just signed and he's now settling in and enjoying his football. He will definitely be at us next season, however I can't say the same thing about Tiote or Ba. Cisse signed for £9m......Ashley would of tripled that already.

[The Special Juan]

If you get in the CL I think you can keep most of the players. You can't really take a step up from a CL club unless it's to a European giant. A couple more astute signings from Alain Pardieu, keep most of the team together and you'll come back pretty strong after the Euros.

[Guest]

Interesting comments from Pardew this week about the realistic chance of top players leaving this summer if the right offer comes in. I'm fully expecting Tiote to leave and possibly one other now.

Pardew comments -
"I am contemplating bringing in someone because we don't have a dominant header of the ball. On the scouting front we are looking at a centre-half who can come and score us eight goals next season," he added.

''we are trying to bring another player to the club who is close to Yohan Cabaye. That is another little connection and a bit of a clue for you''.

Well that clue obviously means Mathieu Debuchy of Lille who can play right back or as a ball playing defensive midfielder. Capped for France.

General thoughts on this?

[newballs]

Most of us expect Tiote to leave but you can but live in hope that amongst modern day footballers there may still be the odd exception to the rule of money first and club second...

Ba should be encouraged not to invoke his "walk away" part to his contract because he's too good a player not to start performing The triumvirate of Cisse, Ba and Ben Arfa plus Cabaye should entice any ambitious young French league player to want to join them. We'll soon be the North East equivalent of Arsenal with a less whinging manager of course!

[Guest]

I like Pardew, he's a realistic guy.

I do think that it won't be as bad if you finish 4th, if not then you ought to be a bit concerned, but he's proven that he has an eye for a player so it may not be all doom and gloom.

[Geordie]

Well it would suggest Tiote is away...OR...that Tiote is staying and we all know we need a right back....

Like you John, sadly i do think Tiote will be away...and i firmly believe it will be to man U. He is exaclty what they need...alongside signing a playmaking midfielder.

How much of a miss do you think he'll be? If this signing is correct then we may not miss him as much as we might think and Ashley will have made another nice little sum to pocket...

All in all though John i actually trust Pardew...unlike previous recent managers, and that he will take the club forward...

[newballs]

GF that's a bit harsh on Hughton who was doing a good enough job before Ashley showed him the exit door. Since he bought both Tiote and Ben Arfa at least some of the current praise for Pardew could easily be given to Chris.

Now, don't get me wrong, Pardew and his staff have since worked wonders for Newcastle offloading the likes of Carroll, Barton and Nolan (supposedly then our three most important players) and replacing them with the likes of Cabaye, Ba and Cisse. As you say there does seem to be an action plan to keep taking us forward and, even if Tiote and a.n.other(s) were to leave, there's no reason why we can't have a successful European cup run (wherever!) and chance at CL status again next season.

[Geordie]

Aw im in no way slating Hughton...he was brilliant for us...and the reason Pardew had such a battle when he arrived is because every newcastle fan....was furious at Hughtons sacking when he was doing just fine.

But football fans are fickle...and have short memories when they want to...and with Newcastle flying...that whole episode has gone under the bridge...rightly or wrongly....

[Guest]

Apparently Danny Guthrie has confirmed tonight that he is leaving Newcastle United in the coming weeks.

I'm actually shocked about this. I think the guy was actually sensational this season when he played, especially during that period when Cabaye was 'off-form' and Tiote was at the ACON. Great passer of the ball and quite creative with an eye for goal, will be missed and I hope allowing him to leave doesn't come back to haunt us later in the summer. I think it's stupid to let him go but Pardew must be confident in replacing him and holding onto key midfield players.

Also what's the latest on Simpson & Best, both definitely leaving this summer?

[Geordie]

John we talking about this very thing at work today... Guthrie.

One of the lads was at Newcastle Airport on Monday and saw him Steven Taylor etc all going on holiday.

We think he offers more "end product " that Jonas...and would have worked nicely using his passing alongside Cabaye and Tiote.
But now it looks like two of that trio could be away.

I didthink he would be gone due to his lack of chances this season. Pardew obviously doesnt rate him that highly.

Im just concerned as for me aside from a great work ethic...what does Jonus actually offer??

I heard something daft like an £8m bid had gone in for Simpson. If thats true...id eat their hands off for it!

[Guest]

Yer disappointed Guthrie is leaving, I'm not looking forward to this summer to be honest. I'm just dreading the day I put on SkySports News and David Craig is there reporting on bids for Tiote etc.

I think we'll do our business early, I know Debuchy is reportedly joining but the Douglas deal from Twente has hit problems. £8m for Simpson.....you must be joking, we'd be lucky to get £2m from QPR for him.

As for Jonas, playing in that new 4-3-3 does make him more useful than playing out-wide. Yer he's not great but his work ethic is sensational and goes some of the way to making up for his shocking technical ability and crossing. Wouldn't suprise me if we went for Matty Jarvis as the genuine left winger in the squad.

[Beer]

I wonder whether the club would consider a move for Adam Johnson?

[Guest]

I think Adam Johnson is without doubt the best winger this country has, given the opportunity. Superb technical ability, speed, balance and can actually provide a delivery or final ball, unlike Theo, Aaron or Downing. Still can't believe the lad isn't going to the Euro's.

As for us our chance of being able to get him........slim. I heard Everton/Sunderland were lining up loan moves back in January but nothing ever materialised, maybe the failure to get into the England squad will give the lad a wake up call and force a move.

[Beer]

Not to mention the imminent signing of Hazard!

[GSC]

I hear Lewis McGugan is available

[monty junior]

Would it be worth making a move for Steven Fletcher? with Wolves going down he certainly won't be going with them, after another 12 PL goals this season, he's just turned 25 and at the very least would be an excellent backup option for around 6million. Hear Sunderland want him too though.

[Guest]

I'm just hoping we don't go and sign Nigel Reo-Coker because Pardew still fancies him. I've never been a huge fan of signing players that have just been relegated. I think £6m for Fletcher is pretty steep for a player that would basically be sitting on the bench or playing the odd Europa League or domestic cup game until Ba & Cisse leave for the ACON.

If we get Debuchy, Douglas, Reo-coker, Fletcher & another I personally wouldn't be that happy. As for Hazard signing that could push Johnson out the door but I could see him being snapped up by a top team before we got round to dealing with him.

[Beer]

Digging up old targets but apparently Gamerio is leaving PSG in the summer?

Rumour has it that Luuk De Jong is our target should Demba decide to leave in the summer.

[Guest]

Nathaniel Clyne apparently close to signing but Palace asking for compensation. Simpson out, Clyne in......tidy business in my opinion.

The defence was always going to be the priority this summer and we are still targetting Debuchy & Douglas. Waiting game now.....

[monty junior]

De Jong would cost around 12 million, would Ashley really fork out on that? though i suppose if Ba leaves there would be some money to spend. Gameiro is a pipe dream as is Johnson, these guys at the least would cost 15 million each.

[Geordie]

Well 11 released...including Guthrie, Lovenkrands, Donaldson, Kadar etc...

It appears that Newcastle have put a valuation of £20m on Tiote...with Man U and Chelsea likely to fight it out for him. You would hope that it would increase above that though.

It makes Carrolls value even more ludicrous....but i think this is low for a player of Tiotes quality.

Can we repalce him? Do you think Newcastle have already identified his replacement?

[Guest]

Just some news regarding the ACON for 2013.

Ivory Coast and Senegal have drawn each other in a two legged qualifier for the competition, therefore Newcastle will only possibly lose Tiote but not Ba & Cisse as Ivory Coast would be expected to qualify. Some positive news.

[Guest]

- - - - - - - - - - - - CISSE- - - - - - - -

- - - -? - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - --BEN ARFA

- - - - -CABAYE- -TIOTE - -GUTIERREZ- - - -

SANTON - -COLOCCINI -- TAYLOR - -DEBUCHY?

- - - - - - - - - - KRUL - - - - - - - - - - - -

subs
elliot
douglas?
williamson
simpson
ferguson
marveaux
ameobi(s)
almafitano
bigiriama
obertan etc

What's people thoughts on the squad so far and the possible incomings/outgoings? I think we've seen our rivals push on ahead of us so far in particularly chelsea. If Demba leaves we need a natural left winger or who can play in the three up top, thought hoilett would of been ideal but wages were the problem.

[Geordie]

Well its looking like the Debucchy deal may be scuppered now...

We have signed a young Aussie 19yo centre back from Melbourne. Aparently left footed...could he be a potential left back problem solver?

A russian side have bid £7.5m for Ba...the team he turned down to join west ham...so that doesnt say much....although murmurs are £90k a week wages...could be offered.

Talk of a bid going in for this French striker Remy from Marseille...

John - as for your left winger...why not give young fergi a crack at it. He's looked very lively when he's made his sub appearances...lets see what he can do in a few games. We need to start and back some of our young talent in games this season...especially so we dont look like a French development side....
Marveuax could be the one...but is he gonna stay fit.

Also id take Guti out play 4-4-2 with Demba and Cisse up front.

[Guest]

Defensively - Yer, Curtis Good the 19 year old from Australia is having a medical and should sign. We've apparently made a last bid of £7m for Douglas. Lille have bought a replacement for Debuchy as I understand, what's the latest on this Debuchy saga?

Midfield - Feguson on the left wing??? not sure. He's certainly quick, defensively aware and can cross but still unproven. I'd like a pacey winger with technical ability who is creative and can cross consistantly because Newcastle certainly need one and Obertan is just embarrasing.

Attack - If Demba leaves (hoping not) then Carroll to come in would be expected. That will put emphasis on Pardew finding a winger to provide the ammunition for AC like Barton did previously. Remy too expensive in my opinion.

[monty junior]

Does anyone here really want Carroll back? he's a good player but will cost 15-20 million, i'd much rather have Debuchy for 7-8 and Douglas for 7 million with one or two others to warm the bench until the Europa league.

Remy would be great but he'd cost 20-25 million and demand huge wages

[monty junior]

Also De Jong has gone to Borussia Monchengladbach for around 15 million, so thats that option gone.

[Guest]

I personally don't want Carroll but if Demba Ba leaves then we are left very short up front with Ameobi & Cisse. I'd take Carroll on loan for sure, however paying upwards of £17m for him is ridiculous. Also, buying Carroll back, will undoubtedly have a negative impact upon our attractive style of play we showcased last season.

I just want Debuchy, Douglas, Keep Ba & Tiote and possibly get a winger of real quality. Knowing Ashley and Newcastle it will end up completely different to that.......

[monty junior]

They've signed so well for the last couple of seasons im expecting a disaster purchase any time soon, either that or they start starting Obertan every week

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