Every day we are linked with a different player - some seem totally unrealistic (Mauro Icardi) and some totally under whelming (Ashley Barnes) this led me to the question: In terms of player recruitment what are we looking for this summer, what is the aim for next season?
For me a realistic expectation is a Premier league finish of 10th to 13th. With this in mind we need to manage our expectations in term of recruitment.
Twitter is a wonderful thing for a football fan, it provides a platform for fans to publically state their opinion on their club - however there is an awful lot of rubbish posted on there!
In reaction to potential signings this week I've seen the following responses:
"We can do better than that"
"Why we after him"
"He's Shite"
"What we after Championship level players"
"Haway Rafa man"
When looking at signing's we need only answer the one question: Do these players improve us? If so sign them up. They might not be our ideal signings, but if they take the club forward then why not.
A good example of this is Derby's Tom Ince - now he is no David Ginola, but he is better than Gouffran & Atsu so why not sign him?
Doesn't it feel good to have complete trust in the manager - whoever Rafa want's it good for me.
Relax and enjoy your summer
Friday, May 19, 2017
Thursday, May 11, 2017
How I'd spend Mike's $$
So Rafa is staying and Mike is ready splash the cash
Micky Quinn, Stan Collymore and every other journo have offered up their suggested shopping lists - silly season is well and truly in full swing so I thought why not give it a go myself.
Let me start with the players from the current squad i'd keep:
Krul - still the best keeper at the club for me
Darlow
Woodman
Elliot needs to move on to play first team football
Yedlin
Dummett
Mbemba
Clark
Lascelles
Shelvey
Richie
Hayden
Anita
Perez
De Jong
Gayle
Mitrovic
The following are Players I realistically think we cold bring to the club:
Harry Maguire - Hull
Andy Robertson - Hull
Charlie Taylor - Leeds
Ben Gibson - Boro
Jozo Simunovic - Celtic
Jan Kirchoff - Sunland
Fabian Delph - City
Michael Carrick - Utd
Tom Cairney - Fulham
Gylfi Sigurdsson -Swans
Lazar Markovic - Hull / Liverpool
Aaron Mooy - Hudds / City
Andre Gray - Burnley
Danny Ings - Liverpool
Shane Long - Southampton
Jay Rodriquez - Southampton
JD - Sunland
Michy Batshuayi - Chelsea
Loans:
Tammy Abraham - Chelsea
Kurt Zouma - Chelsea
Micky Quinn, Stan Collymore and every other journo have offered up their suggested shopping lists - silly season is well and truly in full swing so I thought why not give it a go myself.
Let me start with the players from the current squad i'd keep:
Krul - still the best keeper at the club for me
Darlow
Woodman
Elliot needs to move on to play first team football
Yedlin
Dummett
Mbemba
Clark
Lascelles
Shelvey
Richie
Hayden
Anita
Perez
De Jong
Gayle
Mitrovic
The following are Players I realistically think we cold bring to the club:
Harry Maguire - Hull
Andy Robertson - Hull
Charlie Taylor - Leeds
Ben Gibson - Boro
Jozo Simunovic - Celtic
Jan Kirchoff - Sunland
Fabian Delph - City
Michael Carrick - Utd
Tom Cairney - Fulham
Gylfi Sigurdsson -Swans
Lazar Markovic - Hull / Liverpool
Aaron Mooy - Hudds / City
Andre Gray - Burnley
Danny Ings - Liverpool
Shane Long - Southampton
Jay Rodriquez - Southampton
JD - Sunland
Michy Batshuayi - Chelsea
Loans:
Tammy Abraham - Chelsea
Kurt Zouma - Chelsea
Friday, May 20, 2016
NUFC 2016/17
This is my first post since October and the truth be told I like many other fans have really struggled following our team this season. From August to April our season was a disaster and I found myself dreading each game as it inevitably resulted in another loss and a ruined weekend.
They say it is the hope which kills you and this was the case when Newcastle somehow managed to appoint Rafa Benitez - we were given hope and while Rafa is a top manager he is not a magician and could not undue the damage done by Steve McClaren.
Relegation is awful, but it has happened so NUFC need to accept it, move on, and learn from it. Keeping Rafa at the club in now paramount. We cannot change the past, but Rafa can change the future.
Losing Rafa would almost be as bad as relegation has been. I fully believe that with Rafa in charge we could be on the cusp on the best spell at the club since Sir Bobby Robson and tthankfully there seems to positive noises coming out of St James park that Rafa is set to stay and lead us back to the Premier league and onto bigger things.
Our current squad under Rafa went 6 games without defeat to end the Premier league season - this squad with a few tweaks should gain promotion at the first time of asking. Rafa will have players in mind to bring to the club, while also knowing the players he does not want, and those who he knows will want out. I have no doubt that players will stay simply to work for Rafa.
With the current first team squad I would make the following changes:
Big money sales - Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Janmatt, Krul
Heading to China - Cisse, Tiote
Release - Coloccini, Taylor, Gouffran
In terms of squad additions I would look at top championship players who also could step up to Premier league level:
Will Hughes
Lewis Dunk
Steven Caulker
Ross McCormack
Matty Philips
Also fringe players at Premier league clubs who will be hungry and have a point to prove:
Victor Moses
Dwight Gayle
Patrick Bamford
Peter Crouch
Danny Ings
I would bring Michael Carrick home - make him club captain and let him run the midfield.
They say it is the hope which kills you and this was the case when Newcastle somehow managed to appoint Rafa Benitez - we were given hope and while Rafa is a top manager he is not a magician and could not undue the damage done by Steve McClaren.
Relegation is awful, but it has happened so NUFC need to accept it, move on, and learn from it. Keeping Rafa at the club in now paramount. We cannot change the past, but Rafa can change the future.
Losing Rafa would almost be as bad as relegation has been. I fully believe that with Rafa in charge we could be on the cusp on the best spell at the club since Sir Bobby Robson and tthankfully there seems to positive noises coming out of St James park that Rafa is set to stay and lead us back to the Premier league and onto bigger things.
Our current squad under Rafa went 6 games without defeat to end the Premier league season - this squad with a few tweaks should gain promotion at the first time of asking. Rafa will have players in mind to bring to the club, while also knowing the players he does not want, and those who he knows will want out. I have no doubt that players will stay simply to work for Rafa.
With the current first team squad I would make the following changes:
Big money sales - Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Janmatt, Krul
Heading to China - Cisse, Tiote
Release - Coloccini, Taylor, Gouffran
In terms of squad additions I would look at top championship players who also could step up to Premier league level:
Will Hughes
Lewis Dunk
Steven Caulker
Ross McCormack
Matty Philips
Also fringe players at Premier league clubs who will be hungry and have a point to prove:
Victor Moses
Dwight Gayle
Patrick Bamford
Peter Crouch
Danny Ings
I would bring Michael Carrick home - make him club captain and let him run the midfield.
Friday, October 30, 2015
Is the Corner in sight?
There has been little improvement in our results yet I would argue NUFC have improved massively under Steve McClaren.
If you watched in isolation our performances away to Man Utd, home to Chelsea and Norwich, and the first halves at City and Sunderland you would not believe we are a team sitting in the bottom 3.
In these games we've played some of the best football we have seen for 18 months. Our passing, movement, team shape have all improved. We have individual players who have come in and raised the team level - Wijnaldum, Mitrovic and Mbemba in particularly. Everything sounds great - except the obvious lack of points we currently have.
Yes football is a results business and we do need to start winning points but I really do believe we are doing a lot of things right on the pitch, and usually when you do the right things on the pitch the results will come. Everyone outside the city of Sunderland and even some within if they are being honest saw that we are a much better team. We were better than City for 45 minutes and Chelsea for 75. The results will come and for that reasons I am pleased to see there is no mass call for McClaren to be fired.
Not everything is rosy - we need to improved defensively - we need a new centre back and captain as Collocini is not up to either job right now. This needs to be addressed in January along with a top quality left back and Charlie Austin must be brought North 6 months after he should have arrived. McClaren remains safe right now but he knows that Mike Ashley will protect his investment and will not allow us to drift too far before he makes a leadership change.
Our club has done a lot wrong over the last 7 years but slowly there seems to be small signs that we might be approaching a corner and potentially might even start to turn it.
If you watched in isolation our performances away to Man Utd, home to Chelsea and Norwich, and the first halves at City and Sunderland you would not believe we are a team sitting in the bottom 3.
In these games we've played some of the best football we have seen for 18 months. Our passing, movement, team shape have all improved. We have individual players who have come in and raised the team level - Wijnaldum, Mitrovic and Mbemba in particularly. Everything sounds great - except the obvious lack of points we currently have.
Yes football is a results business and we do need to start winning points but I really do believe we are doing a lot of things right on the pitch, and usually when you do the right things on the pitch the results will come. Everyone outside the city of Sunderland and even some within if they are being honest saw that we are a much better team. We were better than City for 45 minutes and Chelsea for 75. The results will come and for that reasons I am pleased to see there is no mass call for McClaren to be fired.
Not everything is rosy - we need to improved defensively - we need a new centre back and captain as Collocini is not up to either job right now. This needs to be addressed in January along with a top quality left back and Charlie Austin must be brought North 6 months after he should have arrived. McClaren remains safe right now but he knows that Mike Ashley will protect his investment and will not allow us to drift too far before he makes a leadership change.
Our club has done a lot wrong over the last 7 years but slowly there seems to be small signs that we might be approaching a corner and potentially might even start to turn it.
Monday, October 19, 2015
Our season has started
Newcastle United's 6-2 victory over Norwich yesterday has certainly lifted the clouds of doom and gloom which have hung over Tyneside for most of 2015. This must be a spring board to bigger things and not just a temporary respite.
Steve McClaren took a lot of stick after he made the "Our season starts now" comment. For me this was unfair criticism and it was obviously meant to put a positive spin on what has been a tough start to the season - I say this has been harsh as I can only really think of 2 results which have been poor. We've had an awful fixture list and other than the Watford and Sheffield Wednesday games the results have been predictable. Not many teams will take points away at Swansea or West Ham yet we got unexpected positive results against Man Utd and Chelsea.
McClarens "our season starts now" statement was blown out of context and should be filed alongside the old football classics like: 'A 6 pointer' or 'Its like a cup final'
Wijnaldum is a special player - I really feel he will eclipse everything Yohan Cabaye achieved with the club - he can really be the leader and future of our club. Our front 4 were excellent and will be a match for any team. When Moussa SIssoko puts in an attacking performance like that he is unstoppable - we just need to see this on a regular basis.
Yes we were still a little sloppy at the back and that will improve with time but right now we look like a Keegan team in that rather than defend we will just out score you.
This is the ideal performance and result in the build up to the Tyne / Wear derby next weekend and our players must be buzzing with confidence and a belief they can take all 3 points at the Stadium of Light.
Steve McClaren took a lot of stick after he made the "Our season starts now" comment. For me this was unfair criticism and it was obviously meant to put a positive spin on what has been a tough start to the season - I say this has been harsh as I can only really think of 2 results which have been poor. We've had an awful fixture list and other than the Watford and Sheffield Wednesday games the results have been predictable. Not many teams will take points away at Swansea or West Ham yet we got unexpected positive results against Man Utd and Chelsea.
McClarens "our season starts now" statement was blown out of context and should be filed alongside the old football classics like: 'A 6 pointer' or 'Its like a cup final'
Wijnaldum is a special player - I really feel he will eclipse everything Yohan Cabaye achieved with the club - he can really be the leader and future of our club. Our front 4 were excellent and will be a match for any team. When Moussa SIssoko puts in an attacking performance like that he is unstoppable - we just need to see this on a regular basis.
Yes we were still a little sloppy at the back and that will improve with time but right now we look like a Keegan team in that rather than defend we will just out score you.
This is the ideal performance and result in the build up to the Tyne / Wear derby next weekend and our players must be buzzing with confidence and a belief they can take all 3 points at the Stadium of Light.
Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Return of the McC
So after only two days of optimism surrounding the potential appointment of Patrick Vieira - Newcastle United have once again brought us all back down to earth with a dump. All the optimism which followed Mike Ashley's interview and the news of the Vieira interest has all but gone.
With Vieira out of the running it appear that Steve McClaren has a clear shot at managing out club - is is simply either McClaren or the unthinkable Carver?
I actually do not mind McClaren at all and honestly think he will do a steady job. He will stabalise the club and I have no reason to doubt he is a quality coach. You do not work for Alex Ferguson for so long if you are an idiot, you do not win the Cup with Boro or league with Twente if you are not talented. McClaren's coaching ability is far better than his charisma and this is his major downfall. Let's all remember McClaren is a massive improvement on Carver - it is disrespectful to even compare the two.
Kevin Keegan and Bobby Robson were great managers and with big strong personalities who could inspire both players and fans. We all bought into what they had to say and backed them to the hilt. McClaren will not offer this. Fan opinion is very negative and he faces and immediate uphill battle to win over the St James crowd.
Appointing Vieira would have been a clear indication that NUFC were ready to go in a new direction and offer a bright, young head coach free reign to shape the club. Sadly this does not appear to be the case and McClaren will happily accept his role within our 'structure'. He will work hand in hand with the ever increasingly powerful Graham Carr.
If the worst case scenario is appointing Carver then McClaren isn't a bad option and with heavy investment he could be the calm steadying influence our troublesome club needs.
Whoever is appointed Mike Ashley needs to follow up on his promise and dig into those very deep pockets and stump up the funds needed to rebuilt our team.
With Vieira out of the running it appear that Steve McClaren has a clear shot at managing out club - is is simply either McClaren or the unthinkable Carver?
I actually do not mind McClaren at all and honestly think he will do a steady job. He will stabalise the club and I have no reason to doubt he is a quality coach. You do not work for Alex Ferguson for so long if you are an idiot, you do not win the Cup with Boro or league with Twente if you are not talented. McClaren's coaching ability is far better than his charisma and this is his major downfall. Let's all remember McClaren is a massive improvement on Carver - it is disrespectful to even compare the two.
Kevin Keegan and Bobby Robson were great managers and with big strong personalities who could inspire both players and fans. We all bought into what they had to say and backed them to the hilt. McClaren will not offer this. Fan opinion is very negative and he faces and immediate uphill battle to win over the St James crowd.
Appointing Vieira would have been a clear indication that NUFC were ready to go in a new direction and offer a bright, young head coach free reign to shape the club. Sadly this does not appear to be the case and McClaren will happily accept his role within our 'structure'. He will work hand in hand with the ever increasingly powerful Graham Carr.
If the worst case scenario is appointing Carver then McClaren isn't a bad option and with heavy investment he could be the calm steadying influence our troublesome club needs.
Whoever is appointed Mike Ashley needs to follow up on his promise and dig into those very deep pockets and stump up the funds needed to rebuilt our team.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
Turned the corner?
Firstly let me apologise for the lack of articles. Like many Newcastle fans I have grown so disillusioned with the club since January. I really fell out of love with Newcastle, and football in general - I dreaded match days as it became expected that we would lose and plunge further and further into relegation trouble.
Everything about Sunday was awful until the the victory was secure. The whole build up during the week, the pundits tipping us for the drop and the feeling that the world was against us winning and would celebrate our relegation.
As we now know thankfully this didn't happen and the lads had enough to get the result we needed. Seeing Jonas score our second goal was a magical moment that only football can produce. After everything that Jonas has been through over the last few years I cannot think of a more deserving player to seal our survival. He truly is a Newcastle United hero who will be remembered in Geordie folklore.
The second half of Sundays game reminded my why we all love football, and Newcastle United and since then I really have been buzzing with excitement. Hopefully I am not being naive but I really do think we are on the cusp of a big change at the club. Mike Ashley's interview was a huge step and if he follows up on his word then we are in for an exciting summer. Of course this is a big IF and word can only go so far - Ashley needs to back this up with actions. The biggest of these actions will be appointing the right manager to lead us forward.
Yes we are owned by a multi Billionaire, however we need to still be realistic - even though Ashley spoke about investment we are simply not going to be the new Man City. Spending 70m would be a giant step in the right direction and would get us back amongst the top 8 where we belong.
With this is mind I have tried to be as realistic as possible when looking at potential manager appointments and player recruitment. Yes we all want Carlo Ancelotti or Jurgen Kloop - but it is not going to happen. Remi Garde, Michael Laudrup and Steve McClaren are names we have been linked with over the past few months and to be honest I would be happy with with any of those - McClaren being my 3rd choice.
Once a manager is in place we can set about player recruitment. I've gone for players with PL experience. There are very few members of our first team squad that I would worry about losing.
Keeper
Kasper Schmeichel If Tim Krul is sold
Defenders
Virgil Van Dijk We need 2 starting CH
Steven Caulker We need 2 starting CH
James Chester Good cover, better than Willo
Kieran Trippier Competition for Janmaat
Midfielders
Leroy Fer Replace Tiote
Etiene Capoue Replace Tiote
Mohamed Salah Quality player
Forwards
Charlie Austin Goals needed if Cisse is sold
Danny Ings Goals needed if Cisse is sold
Patrick Bamford Huge potential
Aleksandar Mitrović Goals needed if Cisse is sold
Everything about Sunday was awful until the the victory was secure. The whole build up during the week, the pundits tipping us for the drop and the feeling that the world was against us winning and would celebrate our relegation.
As we now know thankfully this didn't happen and the lads had enough to get the result we needed. Seeing Jonas score our second goal was a magical moment that only football can produce. After everything that Jonas has been through over the last few years I cannot think of a more deserving player to seal our survival. He truly is a Newcastle United hero who will be remembered in Geordie folklore.
The second half of Sundays game reminded my why we all love football, and Newcastle United and since then I really have been buzzing with excitement. Hopefully I am not being naive but I really do think we are on the cusp of a big change at the club. Mike Ashley's interview was a huge step and if he follows up on his word then we are in for an exciting summer. Of course this is a big IF and word can only go so far - Ashley needs to back this up with actions. The biggest of these actions will be appointing the right manager to lead us forward.
Yes we are owned by a multi Billionaire, however we need to still be realistic - even though Ashley spoke about investment we are simply not going to be the new Man City. Spending 70m would be a giant step in the right direction and would get us back amongst the top 8 where we belong.
With this is mind I have tried to be as realistic as possible when looking at potential manager appointments and player recruitment. Yes we all want Carlo Ancelotti or Jurgen Kloop - but it is not going to happen. Remi Garde, Michael Laudrup and Steve McClaren are names we have been linked with over the past few months and to be honest I would be happy with with any of those - McClaren being my 3rd choice.
Once a manager is in place we can set about player recruitment. I've gone for players with PL experience. There are very few members of our first team squad that I would worry about losing.
Keeper
Kasper Schmeichel If Tim Krul is sold
Defenders
Virgil Van Dijk We need 2 starting CH
Steven Caulker We need 2 starting CH
James Chester Good cover, better than Willo
Kieran Trippier Competition for Janmaat
Midfielders
Leroy Fer Replace Tiote
Etiene Capoue Replace Tiote
Mohamed Salah Quality player
Forwards
Charlie Austin Goals needed if Cisse is sold
Danny Ings Goals needed if Cisse is sold
Patrick Bamford Huge potential
Aleksandar Mitrović Goals needed if Cisse is sold
Friday, April 17, 2015
Buy British
Everyone knows NUFC face a massive summer - we need manager and an overhaul of our playing squad. In my previous posts I outlined who I would keep and who I'd sell. I'm sure we all agree there are not many players we want to keep - based on ability, and importantly character.
Character and attitude are the new buzz for regarding potential signing's. With that in mind I have complied a transfer shot list of player who I believe will both improve our playing squad and bring the right attitude to the club. All of them come from 'smaller club' ,all of them are what you would call proper footballers and seem to be good lads. They are not at the peaks of their careers and will be hungry to improve.
Here we go:
Danny Ings - Great bosman signing if he does not go to a top 6 club.
Charlie Austin- - Plenty of goals in a struggling team.
Jordan Rhodes - Another 18 goals this season - deserves his shot in the PL
Patrick Bamford - Great at Boro - unfortunately he will not get a chance at Chelsea - great for us.
Steven Caulker - All the ability needed - will only get better.
Scott Dann - Solid PL centre-half - improvement on Willo & Taylor.
Kieran Trippier - Great PL season - young, hungry, talented.
Tom Huddleston - Passes the ball as good as anyone we have. Physically imposing.
Will Hughes - Best young English midfielder
I am also all in favour of picking the best players from the Championship - these lads know our game, have the right attitude and are desperate to improve.
#BuyBritish
Character and attitude are the new buzz for regarding potential signing's. With that in mind I have complied a transfer shot list of player who I believe will both improve our playing squad and bring the right attitude to the club. All of them come from 'smaller club' ,all of them are what you would call proper footballers and seem to be good lads. They are not at the peaks of their careers and will be hungry to improve.
Here we go:
Danny Ings - Great bosman signing if he does not go to a top 6 club.
Charlie Austin- - Plenty of goals in a struggling team.
Jordan Rhodes - Another 18 goals this season - deserves his shot in the PL
Patrick Bamford - Great at Boro - unfortunately he will not get a chance at Chelsea - great for us.
Steven Caulker - All the ability needed - will only get better.
Scott Dann - Solid PL centre-half - improvement on Willo & Taylor.
Kieran Trippier - Great PL season - young, hungry, talented.
Tom Huddleston - Passes the ball as good as anyone we have. Physically imposing.
Will Hughes - Best young English midfielder
I am also all in favour of picking the best players from the Championship - these lads know our game, have the right attitude and are desperate to improve.
#BuyBritish
Thursday, March 26, 2015
Summer clear out
Although I am very skeptical I was interested to hear that the Newcastle United squad will be overhauled this summer that Mike Ashley has realised the errors of his ways and will invest in players. I don't plan on holding my breath on this, but hope to be pleasantly surprised.
With that in mind, I have broken down our squad giving my opinion on who we should keep, and who we should move on. I have used the following 5 categories:
Starters - Players I believe merit a first team spot next season
Keep - Players I would be happy to keep in the first team squad
Can go - Players I would not miss if they were moved on this summer, but could retained as squad players.
Gone - Players I want to see moved on this summer
U21's - The young players we have not had a chance to judge.
Starters
1 Tim Krul
7 Moussa Sissoko
9 Papiss Cisse
10 Siem de Jong
14 Jack Colback
17 Ayoze Perez
19 Massadio Haidara
20 Remy Cabella
22 Daryl Janmaat
Keep
27 Steven Tayor
28 Sammy Ameobi
30 Mehdi Abeid
36 Paul Dummett
16 Rolando Aarons
Gone:
6 Mike Williamson
8 Vurnon Anita
15 Facundo Ferreyra
21 Rob Elliot
31 Jak Alnwick
39 Shane Ferguson
Can go:
2 Fabricio Coloccini
4 Ryan Taylor
11 Yoan Gouffran
18 Jonas Gutierrez
24 Cheick Tiote
25 Gabriel Obertan
29 Emmanuel Riviere
U21's - not proven yet
32 Adam Armstrong
33 Curtis Good
34 Remie Streete
35 Adam Campbell
37 Lubo Satka
38 Gael Bigirimana
40 Olivier Kemen
41 Freddie Woodman
42 Kevin Mbabu
23 Haris Vuckic
With that in mind, I have broken down our squad giving my opinion on who we should keep, and who we should move on. I have used the following 5 categories:
Starters - Players I believe merit a first team spot next season
Keep - Players I would be happy to keep in the first team squad
Can go - Players I would not miss if they were moved on this summer, but could retained as squad players.
Gone - Players I want to see moved on this summer
U21's - The young players we have not had a chance to judge.
Starters
1 Tim Krul
7 Moussa Sissoko
9 Papiss Cisse
10 Siem de Jong
14 Jack Colback
17 Ayoze Perez
19 Massadio Haidara
20 Remy Cabella
22 Daryl Janmaat
Keep
27 Steven Tayor
28 Sammy Ameobi
30 Mehdi Abeid
36 Paul Dummett
16 Rolando Aarons
Gone:
6 Mike Williamson
8 Vurnon Anita
15 Facundo Ferreyra
21 Rob Elliot
31 Jak Alnwick
39 Shane Ferguson
Can go:
2 Fabricio Coloccini
4 Ryan Taylor
11 Yoan Gouffran
18 Jonas Gutierrez
24 Cheick Tiote
25 Gabriel Obertan
29 Emmanuel Riviere
U21's - not proven yet
32 Adam Armstrong
33 Curtis Good
34 Remie Streete
35 Adam Campbell
37 Lubo Satka
38 Gael Bigirimana
40 Olivier Kemen
41 Freddie Woodman
42 Kevin Mbabu
23 Haris Vuckic
Friday, February 20, 2015
Mr Charnleys PR machine
The NUFC publicity machine is in full flow. Managing director Charnley is throwing his support behind John Carver and hails the changes / difference he has brought to the club since he took temporary control.
However the current owner and his regime have turned me and many other NUFC fans into a cynic and I cannot help but think we are being prepared for the permanent appointment of John Carver in the summer. Ashamedly on the back of meeting the clubs standards of delivering a top 10 finish.
“What we have in John is an individual who is doing absolutely everything he can to achieve positive results.
“The staff and players have responded very well to John and the changes he has made on a daily basis.
Yes changes that have brought only 1 win, 5 points from a possible 15 - form that is worse than Pardew achieved earlier this season.
No doubt Carver care passionately about the club - but don't we all? that does not quality us to be Head coach - is Carver just a glorified fan who struck it lucky and worked his way up through the club - not too dissimilar to Charnley. Do we have a MD and Head coach who really have no right to be in those positions?
“I know that from first thing in the morning until the last thing at night he is giving it everything he’s got and driving the staff and players.
“He is desperate to get the right results.”
Could it simply be that he is not good enough? again we all would try hard. I'd go as far to say that I imagine that JC work be working twice, maybe thrice as hard as Jose Mourinho yet achieves no where near the level of success. Hard work and graft will only get you so far in an industry dictated by individual skill and expression.
Has JC really changed the teams set up at all? Bringing Remy Cabella back into the team and getting a performance out of him is the only move I can think of. The teams set up / tactics and substitutions have been a mirror image of those use by Pardew.
“Are you Pardew in disguise” was sung by the NUFC fans at Selhurst Park. This is a fair opinion in my eyes - Carver has been Pardew's closest Allie over the last 4 years so now to suggest he differs in regards to football ideology if not believable. Did Carver have no influence on the team over the last 4 years?
“What we would ask is for the final 13 games the supporters get behind John and get behind the team.
“We would encourage everyone to focus on getting behind John and the staff and team. It will make a real difference.”
However the current owner and his regime have turned me and many other NUFC fans into a cynic and I cannot help but think we are being prepared for the permanent appointment of John Carver in the summer. Ashamedly on the back of meeting the clubs standards of delivering a top 10 finish.
“What we have in John is an individual who is doing absolutely everything he can to achieve positive results.
“The staff and players have responded very well to John and the changes he has made on a daily basis.
Yes changes that have brought only 1 win, 5 points from a possible 15 - form that is worse than Pardew achieved earlier this season.
No doubt Carver care passionately about the club - but don't we all? that does not quality us to be Head coach - is Carver just a glorified fan who struck it lucky and worked his way up through the club - not too dissimilar to Charnley. Do we have a MD and Head coach who really have no right to be in those positions?
“I know that from first thing in the morning until the last thing at night he is giving it everything he’s got and driving the staff and players.
“He is desperate to get the right results.”
Could it simply be that he is not good enough? again we all would try hard. I'd go as far to say that I imagine that JC work be working twice, maybe thrice as hard as Jose Mourinho yet achieves no where near the level of success. Hard work and graft will only get you so far in an industry dictated by individual skill and expression.
Has JC really changed the teams set up at all? Bringing Remy Cabella back into the team and getting a performance out of him is the only move I can think of. The teams set up / tactics and substitutions have been a mirror image of those use by Pardew.
“Are you Pardew in disguise” was sung by the NUFC fans at Selhurst Park. This is a fair opinion in my eyes - Carver has been Pardew's closest Allie over the last 4 years so now to suggest he differs in regards to football ideology if not believable. Did Carver have no influence on the team over the last 4 years?
“What we would ask is for the final 13 games the supporters get behind John and get behind the team.
“We would encourage everyone to focus on getting behind John and the staff and team. It will make a real difference.”
Mr Charnley NUFC fans will always back the team, not necessarily the regime. Yes i accept JC as an temporary coach, but he is not the answer long term for our club. We are Newcastle United, we are better than this. Success is not a top 10 finish, that should be a minimum. Our Head coaches should not be hired on the back of such low expectations.
Its over to you Lee - deliver us the Head coach our club deserves and allow JC to get back to coaching.
Its over to you Lee - deliver us the Head coach our club deserves and allow JC to get back to coaching.
Monday, February 2, 2015
A case for the defense
So another transfer deadline day is here and as per usual at NUFC it is all about out going transfers.
Today see the news that Daivde Santon is heading home to Inter Milan on loan, with a view to a permanent more in the summer.
Santon arrived with a big reputation after being handed a debut at Inter at 18 by Jose Mourinho. He went on to be labelled 'The new Paolo Maldini' - to be honest he go no where near that standard and is nothing but a decent premiership left back. Of course he young and could develop but in all honestly he departure is not real loss to NUFC.
Personally I actually prefer Massadio Haidara at left back yet Santons departure leaves a lack of first team defenders in the squad - one or two injuries and we are in trouble. To be facing with second half of the season with only: Colo, Willo, Dummett, Haidara, and Janmatt is very worrying.
I am fine with Santon leaving, but only if a replacement is brought in. I am posting this article at 3.50 GMT and here are zero signs any signings will be made today. Santon out and a replacement signed is a piece of business I can understand and approve. But this is NUFC I fully expect to hear the "Closed for business" statement made via Skysports any minute now.
On the bright side Moussa Sissoko remains a NUFC player....for now.
Today see the news that Daivde Santon is heading home to Inter Milan on loan, with a view to a permanent more in the summer.
Santon arrived with a big reputation after being handed a debut at Inter at 18 by Jose Mourinho. He went on to be labelled 'The new Paolo Maldini' - to be honest he go no where near that standard and is nothing but a decent premiership left back. Of course he young and could develop but in all honestly he departure is not real loss to NUFC.
Personally I actually prefer Massadio Haidara at left back yet Santons departure leaves a lack of first team defenders in the squad - one or two injuries and we are in trouble. To be facing with second half of the season with only: Colo, Willo, Dummett, Haidara, and Janmatt is very worrying.
I am fine with Santon leaving, but only if a replacement is brought in. I am posting this article at 3.50 GMT and here are zero signs any signings will be made today. Santon out and a replacement signed is a piece of business I can understand and approve. But this is NUFC I fully expect to hear the "Closed for business" statement made via Skysports any minute now.
On the bright side Moussa Sissoko remains a NUFC player....for now.
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Yes man?
No doubt you've seen it plenty of times in the press over the last week few weeks - but in case you've been on another planet and missed it, here it is: John Carver is a Geordie, he loves the club to bits and he worked with the great Sir Bobby Robson.
Now that's all well and good, but does that qualify him to manager our club, or more importantly does that mean he will not be another 'yes man'? - I have my doubts.
Carver was Alan Pardew's closest lieutenant and strongly defended his boss against fan protests yet was quick to distant himself from AP when his former boss left for Crystal Palace
JC -"I am no Pardew clone. I’ve done some things different on the team meetings, how I’ve worked with the players is slightly different. I am my own man.
“This is how I look at it is you live by the sword, you die by the sword. If I don’t do it my way and I don’t get the job, then I’ll think ‘why didn’t I do it like that?’
“I’m going to do it my way and if I don’t do the job then at least I know I’ve done it my way.”
I am not sure if other than the 1st half at Chelsea we have seen any difference in how Carver and Pardew set up their teams.
Carver also wanted to make it clear he would not pander to boardroom pressure - yet immediately towed the company line in fielding a weakened team in the FA cup.
Carver is not the choice of the fans and will face an uphill struggle to convince the fans of how effective he can be as our head coach.
Carver needs to be his own man, stand up to the board and make the following demands to ensure our season does not just drift away into a relegation battle.
- A first team centre half must be brought in. We cannot finished the season with only Colo, Willo, and Dummett. Taylor is out for the season & unfortunately we have sold Mapou yanga M'biwa so a replacement must be signed.
- Moussa Sissoko must not be sold in January. He has been our best player & team leader this season. His future will be a press headline until the transfer window slams shut, but for the sake of our season any transfer must be put off till the summer.
Carver has 16 games to win over the fans & prepare the club for hopefully and exciting managerial appointment in the summer.
Good luck JC
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Monday, January 26, 2015
Carver till the summer
Today first team coach John Carver has been appointment Head Coach until May. Although this is something we all really saw coming I really cannot get excited about his appointment.
I am not convinced JC will be able to get this group of players going - will things be any different to his time at the club under Pardew? I think a clean break for the club would have been a better option - even on a short term deal. A new coach with new ideas, new faces around the club would have been beneficial.
I while I can understand waiting till the summer if it means we can appoint a top coach, I am also concerned that nothing is set in place for the summer. Could we get De Boer, Tuchel, Garde etc... to sign a pre-contract agreement?
Its all good FDB saying he will talk to us in the summer - but what if there are better jobs available then? I see Steve McClaren is still linked - what is Derby are promoted? I have the feeling we are just going to go through all this again in the summer rather than having it signed and sealed.
No doubt JC cares about the club and has been in and around the club for years - i am just unsure he has what it takes to be the leader. Of course i hope he proves me wrong. But right now Premiership survival has to be the main aim - i just hope he have not taken a massive risk in appointing JC.
I am not convinced JC will be able to get this group of players going - will things be any different to his time at the club under Pardew? I think a clean break for the club would have been a better option - even on a short term deal. A new coach with new ideas, new faces around the club would have been beneficial.
I while I can understand waiting till the summer if it means we can appoint a top coach, I am also concerned that nothing is set in place for the summer. Could we get De Boer, Tuchel, Garde etc... to sign a pre-contract agreement?
Its all good FDB saying he will talk to us in the summer - but what if there are better jobs available then? I see Steve McClaren is still linked - what is Derby are promoted? I have the feeling we are just going to go through all this again in the summer rather than having it signed and sealed.
No doubt JC cares about the club and has been in and around the club for years - i am just unsure he has what it takes to be the leader. Of course i hope he proves me wrong. But right now Premiership survival has to be the main aim - i just hope he have not taken a massive risk in appointing JC.
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
Normal service resumed
Apologies for the lack of posting recently. I have the massive privilege of travelling home to the North East for Christmas with my family. During this time I was able to be at St James for the Sunderland, Everton, and Burnley games.
A lot has happened over the last few weeks - another derby defeat, Pardew has gone, and we continue in the never ending search for a new manager continues!
I will be back to regular posting at the end of this week.
Cheers
A lot has happened over the last few weeks - another derby defeat, Pardew has gone, and we continue in the never ending search for a new manager continues!
I will be back to regular posting at the end of this week.
Cheers
Thursday, December 11, 2014
The Geordie resurgence
I imagine Sir John Hall is sitting in his Northumberland country manor with a smile on his face as he watches a great bunch of Geordies in the NUFC first team squad.
It was back in the mid 1990's when Sir John made the famous "I dream of a team full of Geordies' speech. We had a bloody good team back then, however the only Geordie's who made it to the top level with us were Alan Shearer, supported by our best crop of local talent - Clark, Howey, Elliott, and Steve Watson the Geordie version of Man Utds class on '92.
In all honestly though Alan Shearer was the only member of that group who played for us in their prime.
Since then only Shola Ameobi and Steven Taylor have broken through and stayed around the 1st team - both with varied success. This season though we have seen a group of local lads having a big influence on our recent success.
During Saturdays win of Chelsea we fielded the following Geordies - Taylor, Dummett, Colback,Alnwick, and Ameobi. Add to that Armstrong, Campbell, and Streete who are next in line to make the 1st team squad and we have a lot to be proud of.
The time and money spent on the academy is paying dividend right now. Outside of the Geordie group we have seen Tim Krul, and Rolando Aarons make the 1st team after progression through our academy system.
Our squad all of a sudden looks in a lot better shape than we first thought thanks to the Geordie resurgence.
Now if only we could find the next Alan Shearer!
It was back in the mid 1990's when Sir John made the famous "I dream of a team full of Geordies' speech. We had a bloody good team back then, however the only Geordie's who made it to the top level with us were Alan Shearer, supported by our best crop of local talent - Clark, Howey, Elliott, and Steve Watson the Geordie version of Man Utds class on '92.
In all honestly though Alan Shearer was the only member of that group who played for us in their prime.
Since then only Shola Ameobi and Steven Taylor have broken through and stayed around the 1st team - both with varied success. This season though we have seen a group of local lads having a big influence on our recent success.
During Saturdays win of Chelsea we fielded the following Geordies - Taylor, Dummett, Colback,Alnwick, and Ameobi. Add to that Armstrong, Campbell, and Streete who are next in line to make the 1st team squad and we have a lot to be proud of.
The time and money spent on the academy is paying dividend right now. Outside of the Geordie group we have seen Tim Krul, and Rolando Aarons make the 1st team after progression through our academy system.
Our squad all of a sudden looks in a lot better shape than we first thought thanks to the Geordie resurgence.
Now if only we could find the next Alan Shearer!
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Burnely, Ings, & awful set pieces
Tuesday night saw NUFC grab a decent point away at Burnley despite an awful 1st half performance. Second half have changes saw us equalise and push for a winner yet in the end we had to settle for a draw - probably a fair result. This is the kind of of game NUFC usually lose so lets take that as a positive.
Saying all of that that the only things Tuesday nights game confirmed for me is that we are terrible from set pieces - corners, free kick, and even throw In's - we are awful. Secondly we need to make a move for Danny Ings who I felt was the best player on the field. If Ings was in a NUFC shirt we would have won this game.
Ings is a old fashioned England style forward - much in the mold of a young Alan Shearer, similar to QPR's Charlie Austin who is looking great this season in the Premier league. Ings or Andy Carroll wold be the kind of forward NUFC fans love. Young, hungry with bags of potential.
Ings is free to talk to clubs in January and leave Turf Moor in the summer. He is someone NUFC should certainly talk too and is a forward who could lead our forward line for years to come.
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| The new Shearer? |
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Burnley away - Injury crisis
After a quick read of the morning football news is appears we have 13 first tteam players currently injured and will miss tonights game at Burnley.
Add to this list Moussa Sissoko and Jack Colback who are suspended and we are really down to the bear bones.
The likes of Remie Streete,and Lubomir Satka will come in as defensive cover, while the likes of Vurnon Anita will be given a chance. Pardew will have to earn his wages tonight as coming up with a team which can win a Premier league game tonight will be tough.
I would go with the following 11
Elliott
Dummett
Taylor
Streete
Haidara
Cabella
Anita
Tiote
Sammy
Perez
Riviere
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
NUFC & AP - Better together
Back in September we all witnessed and the Scottish independence referendum and saw for weeks both the Yes and No campaigners cast their visions for a better Scotland.
As we know the No campaign we successful and the United Kingdom remained in tack.
The tag line of the No campaign was 'Better together' - When looking at Newcastle's resurgence over the last 5 weeks couldn't this tag line be applied to Newcastle United and AP?
After a terrible 2014 AP has finally found the right formula to get his team performing to a level the fans deserve. Don't get me wrong this purple patch of form does not forgive AP for the terrible run we have had this year, rather it shows that sometime patience is the key to success.
Everything is clicking at SJP right now and whatever AP and his staff are doing is working. To look at our squad, at our starting 11's over the last few weeks we have no right to be 5th in the PL yet this is exactly where we are. Full credit must go to AP - he has made the changes - both tactically and personnel wise and he has got it spot on.
Newcastle United right now are a great example of Aristotle's ideology stating that "The whole is more than the sum of its parts." We have no superstars - just a bunch of good players working hard together towards a common goal.
Geordies are a realistic bunch and we know this good run will come to an end, but lets all just enjoy it while we can - like always continue to back the team, but lets also show AP some Geordie love.
As we know the No campaign we successful and the United Kingdom remained in tack.
The tag line of the No campaign was 'Better together' - When looking at Newcastle's resurgence over the last 5 weeks couldn't this tag line be applied to Newcastle United and AP?
After a terrible 2014 AP has finally found the right formula to get his team performing to a level the fans deserve. Don't get me wrong this purple patch of form does not forgive AP for the terrible run we have had this year, rather it shows that sometime patience is the key to success.
Everything is clicking at SJP right now and whatever AP and his staff are doing is working. To look at our squad, at our starting 11's over the last few weeks we have no right to be 5th in the PL yet this is exactly where we are. Full credit must go to AP - he has made the changes - both tactically and personnel wise and he has got it spot on.
Newcastle United right now are a great example of Aristotle's ideology stating that "The whole is more than the sum of its parts." We have no superstars - just a bunch of good players working hard together towards a common goal.
Geordies are a realistic bunch and we know this good run will come to an end, but lets all just enjoy it while we can - like always continue to back the team, but lets also show AP some Geordie love.
Friday, November 21, 2014
Tiote: A pain in the Arsenal?
So by now i'm sure most NUFC have seen the image below of our midfield enforcer Cheick Tiote wearing a Arsenal away shirt while posing with a friend.
After a quick look on Facebook & Twitter I was shocked to see the fans reaction. I feel anyone who thinks Tiote wearing an Arsenal shirt means he is 'disloyal', 'disrespectful' or "Trying to forcing a January move to Arsenal" are being far too naive.
To expect our players to be just like us fans is unrealistic. They are employed by NUFC not passionate NUFC supporters. They grew up like we did supporting their local clubs. Arsenal are massive in Africa - chances are Tiote grew up a fan, and he might still be. Coloccini is a San Lorenzo fan, I bet Sissoko and Cabella will follow PSG or Monaco.
My point is as long as our players give 100% on the pitch and are professional then we shouldn't care about which teams shirt they wear in the spare time. No one can claim Tiote has not been fully committed to us when he is on the pitch - one of our best signings over recent years.
When talking about Tiote and Arsenal I prefer to remember this picture.
The bigger concern right now is getting Tiote back on the pitch...
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| Gooner |
After a quick look on Facebook & Twitter I was shocked to see the fans reaction. I feel anyone who thinks Tiote wearing an Arsenal shirt means he is 'disloyal', 'disrespectful' or "Trying to forcing a January move to Arsenal" are being far too naive.
To expect our players to be just like us fans is unrealistic. They are employed by NUFC not passionate NUFC supporters. They grew up like we did supporting their local clubs. Arsenal are massive in Africa - chances are Tiote grew up a fan, and he might still be. Coloccini is a San Lorenzo fan, I bet Sissoko and Cabella will follow PSG or Monaco.
My point is as long as our players give 100% on the pitch and are professional then we shouldn't care about which teams shirt they wear in the spare time. No one can claim Tiote has not been fully committed to us when he is on the pitch - one of our best signings over recent years.
When talking about Tiote and Arsenal I prefer to remember this picture.
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| Tiote screamer: 4-4 |
The bigger concern right now is getting Tiote back on the pitch...
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