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.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

WhoScored.com ‏@WhoScored
Worst conversion rates in Europe's top 5 leagues so far this season: Augsburg 2%, Wolfsburg/Norwich/Palermo 3%

That just proves how bad we have been in front of goal so far this season lol. Don't get me wrong, my head says you will probably beat us comfortably, but my heart tells me otherwise! I believe!

[Guest]

1-0 win for us but once again the performances just aren't upto the standard of last year as of yet. 4-4-2 is simply not working and Anita through the middle isnt either. Ben Arfa is basically carrying the team along with Ba. What a turnaround for Cisse this season, he couldn't even finish his dinner this season. I think play him in the Europa and find his some form.

Must praise Harper for a great save from Surman. Only one defeat in five is a positive though but we really need to improve performances. I hope we don't play a strong side against Man Utd this week and just focus on Reading where we should be winning.

[newballs]

John it's funny how Ba started last season well then Cisse stole his thunder and he couldn't find the target. Now he's firing on all cylinders again and Cisse's the one firing blanks.

On a sadder note looks like Ranger (remember him?) has been up to no good again. Good grief!

[Driver]

Is he still with us?

[monty junior]

I'm worried though, apparently Ba is still available for 7 million which frankly for a player of his quality is a snip. Anita doesn't do much for me, didn't really add much to the defense which was needed in the summer and kind of just hoped for the best. Not a terrible start and some tough games out the way (Everton away, Spurs and Chelsea) but i'm not positive for anything higher than 8th. We'll see though, Cisse needs to get his finger out, woeful penalty on sunday.

[Guest]

City, United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Tottenham, Everton - I would presure will be tough for us to beat this season if we go far in the Europa League with this small squad. I think we will be battling it out with Liverpool & Sunderland for that 7th-9th position range.

Not sure about Demba Ba. £7m was available during the summer and there were no takers, I'm sure if he stays injury free a club will take the risk in January. Agree about Anita, just puzzles me that signing. I just don't see why he was bought and for what position. He's way too small for my liking, especially away from home. Cisse is never a penalty taker but the lads wanted him to take it to get him off the mark, nice touch from the players but woeful outcome.

Pardew is apparently going for a strong team against United in the LC tomorrow with Tiote & Coloccini both being confirmed starters. Should be an interesting match but I fear the outcome will be a defeat.

[Guest]

Shane Ferguson achieved more in his first 45 seconds on wednesday night that what Obertan has achieved in 18 months.

Obertan is appaling.

[The genius of PBF]

Cisse been found out this season letting my fantasy team down.

[Guest]

He's had a poor start but he is starting to find his feet and himself again and just scored a confidence boosting goal at Old Trafford. I would not say he's been found out

Cabaye out of the Reading game due to his teeth.

If Gosling & Obertan are starting tomorrow then there's not much point in us turning up.

[Crimey]

I don't think Cisse has been found out, I just think Ba and Cisse struggle to both be in good form at the same time. I imagine it's a problem United will have with Rooney and Van Persie. If one striker is firing on all cylinders and getting goals, the other players will make more of an effort to get him chances, Ba went through a similar rough patch on the end of the last season when Cisse hit form.

[Guest]

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew: "We are struggling for rhythm this year, and are not playing with the same exuberance as last year and today was a sign of that. We can't rely on spirit all the time. No mistake, [Demba Ba's second goal] hit his hand. Shane Ferguson put the ball in a great area, and it hit Demba's head and hit his hand but it's about the delivery of the ball. Reading gave us a going over today, I have no worries about them staying in this division."

Not a great performance, really playing poor at the minute. Glad that Ferguson is getting mentioned about his delivery, done it midweek for Cisse and now for Ba. Obertan should never play again. Missed Colo today.

Man United next sunday will be tough. Demba Ba now top EPL goalscorer, January will be interesting........

[Guest]

Sunday was embarrasing. Pardew tactics all wrong. Been playing appaling all season apart from Ba, going to be a tough season. Without doubt take 8th position right now.

[Beer]

Wonga have bought the naming rights for the stadium and have handed it back to the fans. St James' Park is back!!!!

[Crimey]

That's a really nice touch I think. Sometimes the business side of football can have positive stories it seems.

[Guest]

Once again a poor performance but most importantly the three points ahead of our trip to Liverpool next weekend.

Apparently, Newcastle United have secured the service of Moussa Sissoko from Toulouse. The French International will join in the January transfer window. If true, this puts the future of Cheick Tiote and Yohan Cabaye under serious questioning.

Newcastle will also look to bolster the squad after a disappointing start to the season with the signature of Mathieu Debuchy from Lille who are looking to cash in on the player after going out of the champions league group stage.

[Geordie]

John

I wouldnt be surprised if a deal had already been done for Tiote, and its just under complete wraps..if hes not gone in January, he will be in the summer.

Cabaye though im not sure...he seems happy, enjoying the club...

[Beer]

Pardew dismissed the Sissoko report after the West Brom game, though i wouldn't be too bothered about Tiote, he's been rubbish this season!

[Guest]

Nervous ahead of today. I think our match against West Ham is incredibly massive for us, it's crucial. We've been playing poorly but if we can win today and Manchester City can do Tottenham, then we could be sitting in sixth tonight which would be sensational.

We're missing Tiote & Coloccini which is a big blow but it's about time some other players raised their game to win this one. Big game.

[Driver]

Poor performance through out , Saylor was the best player on the park with Santon looking lively.

If Pardew wants to play the long ball game he needs to sign a big lad to play up front.

I'm begging for Andy Caroll to re sign!!!

[Guest]

Truly appaling, still can't get over how bad we are playing this season.....what has happened? Must be complacency from the player and Pardew not bringing in players over the summer to challenge the established. The formation is all over the place, Cisse looks like he's inept of any technical ability and without Tiote or Coloccini we got physically bullied from start to finish.

Long season ahead, January will be interesting but do they seriously think Carroll is going to improve our team or they he would actually consider coming back. We played attractive, creative football last year and now we are reverting back to long ball......embarrasing.

[The genius of PBF]

Called it before...Cisse has been found out.

[Lumbering_Jack]

Called it before...Cisse has been found out.

Hardly. Everywhere he has been he has scored. Just going through a dry patch.

[Guest]

dreadful yesterday.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Not investing in the squad in the summer is unfortunately biting now imo. You lack depth

[Driver]

I missed the game yesterday but from what i'v read we were awful again and are going to keep being awful unless Pardew changes the way we play.

We don't seem to be testing any defenses , Cisse doesn't really move about and make any probing runs whilst Demba trys too hard at times.

[Guest]

To be fair Grant Holt V2, we were missing Coloccini, Cisse, Jonas & Cabaye and Tiote was only just returning from suspension. I would like to see other teams without four or five first team regulars missing. Yes, I admit we are playing appaling but I don't see how Pardew can really change it. We've tried the 4-4-2 and went back to last seasons 4-3-3 but it seems nothing is working, injuries and suspensions have hit hard and without doubt complacency has set in without any quality pushing the first team to keep performing to last seasons levels.

We may, unfortunately, have to say that this season could be poor and ending up mid-table will rejuvinate the players for next season and that they know they've got to perform. I'm sure we will lose a big name in January or the summer, more likely Tiote and that should raise £20m to go and bring in fresh faces. I think alot of the players are caught up in our european campaign and seeing how far they can get in that competition before possibly trying for a move.

[Lumbering_Jack]

We lack the cutting edge we did last season, despite having the same players. Was ultimately short sighted of fat Ash to not invest in real talent and hope to survive with what we have.

A mid table finish was what I expected and a won't be disappointed with that.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

To be fair Grant Holt V2, we were missing Coloccini, Cisse, Jonas & Cabaye and Tiote was only just returning from suspension. I would like to see other teams without four or five first team regulars missing. Yes, I admit we are playing appaling but I don't see how Pardew can really change it. We've tried the 4-4-2 and went back to last seasons 4-3-3 but it seems nothing is working, injuries and suspensions have hit hard and without doubt complacency has set in without any quality pushing the first team to keep performing to last seasons levels.

We may, unfortunately, have to say that this season could be poor and ending up mid-table will rejuvinate the players for next season and that they know they've got to perform. I'm sure we will lose a big name in January or the summer, more likely Tiote and that should raise £20m to go and bring in fresh faces. I think alot of the players are caught up in our european campaign and seeing how far they can get in that competition before possibly trying for a move.

That is a lot of injuries and suspension to be fair, but even with a few people out there is a lack of depth there. I was very surprised you didnt really try to push on in the summer, you had a great chance to really push on and challenge for the top four this year imo, but that may have passed already unless you find last season's form again

[Crimey]

I think a mid-table finish is fine for Newcastle only three seasons removed from the Championship.

[Guest]

I think a mid-table finish is fine for Newcastle only three seasons removed from the Championship.

I'm not being funny but this season is getting ridiculous for us now and has the high chance of turning into a major disaster. You may think i'm jumping the gun here but if we continue to play the way we are, then I can see us entering into a relegation battle. Suspensions & Injuries added to the fact we have a small squad battling on multiple fronts with appaling backup players just emphasises my point.

Injuries
Cabaye (2 months)
Perch (Month)
Tiote (ACON 6 weeks)
R. Taylor (Season)
Ben Arfa (Unknown)
Cisse (Unknown)

I can see Demba Ba jumping ship in January aswell. £7m is a snip and I can see Liverpool taking him. All this ridiculous worry regarding his 'ticking timebomb' of a knee has put people off before but I can't see that happening now. Our home form has been horrific, our away form even worse and with a difficult December coming up, things don't look to great. Am I wrong?

[Crimey]

I think you're just overreacting because of the success of last year, at the moment Newcastle are just in that big jumble of clubs who are all able to beat each other but it's difficult to see which team is actually the best.

Having to play in Europe and England is just taking it's toll but I imagine if you get knocked out of Europe you'll improve in England.

[Guest]

I think you're just overreacting because of the success of last year, at the moment Newcastle are just in that big jumble of clubs who are all able to beat each other but it's difficult to see which team is actually the best.

I don't think I'm overreacting really. We've been shocking all season and that's no exaggeration, even with Cabaye & Ben Arfa playing. Monday night against Wigan is quite frankly massive for us. The seasons a write-off in terms of the league but we just got make sure we don't get dragged into a stupid relegation fight. We've played Swansea & West Ham at home and lost, followed by a thrashing at Southampton and now another defeat at Stoke. These are teams we should be beating and we've achieved 0 points. Embarrasing.

I think it's a good idea if UEFA scrap the Europa League and double the amount of teams in the Champions League. It's a non-advantageous competition with no financial reward for entering it and it's basically killed us this season. January should be interesting, think Ashley might give the green light for Tiote to go before his price tag begins to drop.

[newballs]

Swansea and West Ham at home plus Southampton and Stoke away all for 0 points. Yes, it isn't looking good - although I have to concur with Pardew that last night we were hard done by getting nothing from a game where, with 10 mins to go, Stoke frankly looked there for the taking. Mind you the defending was horrendous and if anything is even more worrying than a shortage of goals upfront.

John it's increasingly looking like a bad hangover from an enjoyable night out the season before and I'll also start worrying more than a little if we don't start turning things around starting with Wigan on Monday.

It may be rather an obvious excuse but the Europa league hasn't helped and the increasing injury list is showing up our lack of strength in the squad. Worrying times indeed. Hopefully though the board and fans will keep the faith with Pardew who can get things sorted out I believe given time.

[Guest]

Basically last night was a welcome gift, bout time the luck changed. Still think the result has papered over the cracks in our squad currently and next monday at Fulham will no doubt show this. Incredibly strange atmosphere last night due to the sending off and many people not turning up, probably as a result of injuries to our most creative and exciting players.

Demba's contract needs to be sorted ASAP. Thought Marveaux started to show his quality and desperately needs a run in the team. Great goal by Bigi and hopefully the backup players are gaining confidence. It's still a tough December and can't see us moving away from the relegation fight at all with both Manchester's to play and Arsenal.

[Guest]

Another defeat. So frustrated watching that game, we could of had that game in the bag after half-time. Two players constantly letting us down and they get found out each week. Jonas & Williamson.......just appaling. We need a winger who can cross......ASAP & a central defender. Williamson is dreadful and I've noticed Colo is having to do extra work and his performances are dropping as a result.

Never thought I would say this but Tiote's time maybe coming to an end. Been poor this season and I would cash in if it means £15m-18m. Absolutely love him but we need money to bring in three or four players.

Another issue is Cisse & Ba. They bring more problems to our formation than they bring positives. They simply can't play together. Ben Arfa, superb........way too goo for us.

Next fixtures are shocking. This season is a write-off, just need to make sure we are in EPL next season and then we can rebuild.

[Driver]

First half cost us today , got sucker punched 3 times on the counter in the game.

Missed Ben Arfa's spark. Anita and Cissie impressed with Cissie and Ba linking up well in parts.

[Guest]

QPR winning ahead of our clash is worrying, they will be flying and full of confidence now. Without Ben Arfa we've got very little imagination, just long ball to Ba and hope he can hold it up and produce something. How Gutierrez remains in the team is unbelievable, great servant but is truly out of his depth now in this league. Offensively, he's shocking and how Marveaux was not used as Ben Arfa's like for like replacement is beyond me. Anita is growing on me, starting to show his ability. Wouldn't mind seeing us play Cabaye, Tiote & Anita in the middle three in the future and allowing the more offensive two to express themselves. Williamson just needs replacing, so poor.

If we lose or draw to QPR, then we will almost certainly be in the bottom four, maybe three by January if you take into account our up and coming fixtures. Ben Arfa is rules out of the festive fixtures too, never rains but it pours. Why Pardew played him against Maritimo is a question I would like answered?

Trying not to get worried but the signs are not good. If Reading and Southampton get relegated then I think we could be battling with Wigan & QPR for that last relegation place. Negative but looking more and more like a reality.

[Good Golly I'm Olly]

Southampton aren't gonna get relegated. Reading look pretty nailed on, QPR will need a major turnaround, Wigan looked very poor yesterday.

You'll be fine, just worry about finishing above those Mackems eh

[Driver]

I honestly think we'll lose Demba Ba in January which will be a killer blow.

Anita looked great yesterday , made some fantastic give and go's , yesterday's 2nd half was the best football we had played all season.

[newballs]

John agree with most of your concerns. Jonas always looks a bit of a luxury when the team is struggling to be honest and the fact that Ba and Cisse seemingly just can't gel together hardly helps matters either.

The biggest worry has to be lack of creativity though. In the absence of both Ben Arfa and Cabaye it does seem strange that Marveaux isn't getting more opportunities with Anita's new found form probably the only positive to take out of recent performances.

[Guest]

KRUL

SANTON
S.TAYLOR
COLOCCINI
DEBUCHY

CABAYE
TIOTE
ANITA

MARVEAUX
BEN ARFA
CISSE/REMY


Pardew's first XI (4-3-3)

I think that is still a top 6 side when all fit, it's not all doom and gloom. If Demba goes then Remy may be the replacement and we still have Cisse who will play in his usual front role. Marveaux has been a revelation, knew he had talent but now with him and ben arfa patrolling the wings means we can go back to our usual 4-3-3 formation. Ben arfa, marveaux and cabaye is oozing with creativity. I dont think there's going to be many takers for tiote now. huge dip in form and is overpriced.......so in reality a positive. Anita has developed and gaining confidence over the recent weeks. Simpson out!!!! YESSSSSS! THANK GOD! Be interesting to see Debuchy play for us and his attacking ability and crossing will be important. Still think steven taylor is a huge miss and we will need a new CB in january

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Bit quiet here since Ba has gone. Losing you top scorer for 7mill (minus agent fees). And when you consider Rhodes went for around that price, who are you goin to bring in? Will clubs be hollding you to ransom cos they know you need a stiker? Also 2 points above relegation, is this worrying times?

[TRUSSMAN66]

Look on the bright side....Pardew has 8 YEARS to turn the slump around..

[Guest]

Glad we are out the F.A Cup and Pardew's line up was obviously going to lose and he knew it.

Embarrasing but focus can go elsewhere.....

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Glad we are out the F.A Cup and Pardew's line up was obviously going to lose and he knew it.

Embarrasing but focus can go elsewhere.....

On surviving?

[Lumbering_Jack]

Glad we are out the F.A Cup and Pardew's line up was obviously going to lose and he knew it.

Embarrasing but focus can go elsewhere.....

On surviving?

No on chasing that second spot with Liverpool.

[Soldier_Of_Fortune]

Glad we are out the F.A Cup and Pardew's line up was obviously going to lose and he knew it.

Embarrasing but focus can go elsewhere.....

On surviving?

No on chasing that second spot with Liverpool.

Am sure this is a Newcastle thread? Keep on the subject

You got to agree, its not looking good for Newcastle at the moment

[Guest]

It hasnt been looking good all season. The only team we've turned over was Wigan and that was because they had 10 men for over 80 minutes. If you actually watched that game I think they still had more possession than us. The problem stems way before the injuries in my opinion. It was Ashley's humungous mistake in not buying quality players to the club at a time when we were in an attractive position. No players came in and the squad were not happy and then complacency crept in. The other issue was the formation and the situation between Ba on the left and Cisse up top. It made Pardew change from our successful 4-3-3 to 4-4-2 and it didnt work. Then the injuries hit and suspensions and we have been in trouble ever since.

Major relegation battle on our hands and I'm not looking forward to it.

[Geordie]

NOw Colocinni puts in a transfer request...wants to be gone by the end of the month back to Argentina with San Lorenzo...

[liverbnz]

Ben Smith (BBC): 'Colocinni has not put in an official transfer request but he has asked to leave this month.'

Smith is pretty reliable.

[Sponsored content]