Has a sports team sponsorship deal ever caused as much of a media stir as that of Newcastle United's announcement to team up with the UK based financial company Wonga?
As an avid listener to Talksport radio, I have spent the last few days hearing the presenters, fans, ex-professionals and even local Members of Parliament comment on the deal with Wonga. One word that I have heard over and over again is 'ethics'. Wonga are seen in the public as an unethical company who prey on people who are struggling financially. Do Newcastle United have a moral obligation to stay away from companies with such a negative public reputation?
I personally feel that the public perception of Wonga is unfortunate and may be unjust. Wonga is a short term money lending company - not a loan Shark. Yes they offer ridiculously high interest rates (currently 4214%) , however this is a company who only offers a max loan of 400 GBP - we can all agree this is not an amount of money which will lead to financial ruin for anyone. Our previous Sponsor - Northern Rock who have strong roots in the city of Newcastle actually can be accused of having a large part to play in the banking melt down over recent years. Many people suffered as a result, yet there were no complaints regarding their connection with NUFC.
Looking at the moral obligation of NUFC - an argument could be made that dealing with Alcohol or betting companies breeches more ethical boundaries than the current Wonga deal. Unfortunately, many more lives have been ruined through Alcohol or gambling addictions - yet no moral high ground is taken when choosing to agree to sponsorship deals with companies in this sector. Numerous Premiership clubs happily plastered the logo of a Beer company or Betting websites across their shirt without little thought for the impact on society - yet NUFC are accused of neglecting their fans by teaming up with Wonga? I just don't get what all the fuss is about.
As fans we have the choice to form our own opinion of the clubs new sponsor, however no matter what the club sponsor may be one thing remains the same - We are still Newcastle United, the club we all fell in love with and continue to support.
If all else fails and you cannot stomach the connection between Wonga and our beloved NUFC - I urge you to at least find some joy that we no longer play at the Sports Direct Arena!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Monday, October 8, 2012
Europa League - Our best path to sucess
Thursday Night saw Newcastle United defeat the French club Bordeaux 3-0 in their second group game in the Europa league - (UEFA cup to us real fans)
No Football cup competition splits opinion amongst fans more than the Europa league. It can seem that some clubs view the competition as a bit of a hindrance even though they battle through a long domestic season to reach this reward. Over the last few years we have seem many English clubs use this competition to play their reserves or to blood young players - and I think this is great, however by under estimating this competition, clubs are throwing away the chance to win one of only two Europe wide club competitions.
Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Tottenham have all featured in the Europa league over the past few season - all without much success due to not taking the competition so serious - for me this was strange move as these three clubs should be taking every opportunity they have to collect a trophy. Last season also saw the two Manchester clubs drop into the Europa league after failing to quality for the later stages of the Champions league - only to then fail to make the later stages of the competition even though they undoubtedly have the squad to mount a serious challenge. Obviously Sir Alex and Roberto see no merit in winning this competition.
The English mentality towards this competition is holding back many clubs - however this is not the case on the continent where winning the Europa league is high on the list of priorities. This can be seen in the recent quotes from Spurs boss Andres Villa Boas, "The profile of the competition is raised in other countries, but not England. I don't understand it."
No Football cup competition splits opinion amongst fans more than the Europa league. It can seem that some clubs view the competition as a bit of a hindrance even though they battle through a long domestic season to reach this reward. Over the last few years we have seem many English clubs use this competition to play their reserves or to blood young players - and I think this is great, however by under estimating this competition, clubs are throwing away the chance to win one of only two Europe wide club competitions.
Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Tottenham have all featured in the Europa league over the past few season - all without much success due to not taking the competition so serious - for me this was strange move as these three clubs should be taking every opportunity they have to collect a trophy. Last season also saw the two Manchester clubs drop into the Europa league after failing to quality for the later stages of the Champions league - only to then fail to make the later stages of the competition even though they undoubtedly have the squad to mount a serious challenge. Obviously Sir Alex and Roberto see no merit in winning this competition.
The English mentality towards this competition is holding back many clubs - however this is not the case on the continent where winning the Europa league is high on the list of priorities. This can be seen in the recent quotes from Spurs boss Andres Villa Boas, "The profile of the competition is raised in other countries, but not England. I don't understand it."
"I respect the competition. I certainly think it is viewed as a punishment in England and I cannot understand why. It is a traditional trophy."
For me NUFC spent all last season battling hard to make a European competition for the first time in 8 seasons. In a ideal situation it would have been the Champions league, however a good run in the Europa league can be viewed as a stepping stone to bigger things. The truth is the Europa league is far and away our best chance of winning a piece of Silver wear this season.
Along with respecting a competition that we have a serious chance of winning I also see the huge benefit of having the extra European games to blood the young members of our squad. Already this season we have seen how much Rob Elliott and Shane Feguson, to name just two, have benefited from the extra games. Now that we have been dumped out of the Capital One cup we have the Europa league to allow our squad to gain massive experience that can only be a positive for the future of NUFC.
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Ba, Cisse and the 4-4-2 problem
This season has started at a stuttering pace for NUFC and we currently sit 10th in the Premiership with 8 points from our opening 6 games. One of the main discussion points for fans is: are we best suited to a rigid 442 formation or should we continue with the fluid 433 which served us so well in the second half of last season?
The on / off transfer drama surrounding Demba Ba filled many newspaper columns and fan message boards. Thankfully we were able to hang onto our top goal scorer. Ba has started this season just like last year and currently leads the premier league goal scoring charts. However, my concern is that we have adapted our formation and the way we approach each game to fit to Demba Ba's style.
Much was made this summer of Ba's wants / demands to play a more central striking role rather than playing to the left of a front three alongside Pappis Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa. I have no doubts that Ba benefits massively from playing in a front 2 in partnership with Cisse - but this is a team game and we cannot sacrifice the greater good of the team to meet the needs of one player. Pappis Cisse is yet to get on the score sheet in the Premier league this season and he really looks like half the player he was last year when the goals seemed to come so easily. Hatem Ben Arfa is easily the most talented player in the NUFC squad who certainly enjoys the freedom allowed to him in a forward 3. As part of a 442 a higher level of defensive work is needed from Hatem - that certainly is not his forte. For me the more time Ben Arfa spends with the ball at his feet running at defenders and threading balls through for Ba and Cisse the better.
I do not want to underestimate the importance of Demba Ba and can easily see what he brings to the team. Overall I actually think he is a better, more complete player than Pappis Cisse, however Cisse is the superior goal scorer.
Alan Pardew has some big decisions to make in the coming weeks especially as we have massive games against Man Utd and Sunderland coming up. Ba, Cisse and Ben Arfa all deserved to be in our starting 11 week in, week out - Pardew is paid big money to make the decision as to how and where they fit into our team.
Howay the Lads
The on / off transfer drama surrounding Demba Ba filled many newspaper columns and fan message boards. Thankfully we were able to hang onto our top goal scorer. Ba has started this season just like last year and currently leads the premier league goal scoring charts. However, my concern is that we have adapted our formation and the way we approach each game to fit to Demba Ba's style.
Much was made this summer of Ba's wants / demands to play a more central striking role rather than playing to the left of a front three alongside Pappis Cisse and Hatem Ben Arfa. I have no doubts that Ba benefits massively from playing in a front 2 in partnership with Cisse - but this is a team game and we cannot sacrifice the greater good of the team to meet the needs of one player. Pappis Cisse is yet to get on the score sheet in the Premier league this season and he really looks like half the player he was last year when the goals seemed to come so easily. Hatem Ben Arfa is easily the most talented player in the NUFC squad who certainly enjoys the freedom allowed to him in a forward 3. As part of a 442 a higher level of defensive work is needed from Hatem - that certainly is not his forte. For me the more time Ben Arfa spends with the ball at his feet running at defenders and threading balls through for Ba and Cisse the better.
I do not want to underestimate the importance of Demba Ba and can easily see what he brings to the team. Overall I actually think he is a better, more complete player than Pappis Cisse, however Cisse is the superior goal scorer.
Alan Pardew has some big decisions to make in the coming weeks especially as we have massive games against Man Utd and Sunderland coming up. Ba, Cisse and Ben Arfa all deserved to be in our starting 11 week in, week out - Pardew is paid big money to make the decision as to how and where they fit into our team.
Howay the Lads
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
NUFC v THFC
Saturday evening saw Newcastle start the premiership campaign with a home win over fellow top 4 rivals Spurs. For me any win against a top club is huge and the level of performance almost becomes irrelevant - this was definalty the case on Saturday as we came out victors in a closely contested game.
Missing our captain Fabricio Collocini we struggled to get going early in the game and Spurs started bright with their high energy and dangerous counter attacking style led by Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon. We survived numerous first half scares when Bale and Defoe rattled the post and Bar while Newcastle struggled to create and goal scoring opportunities.
For me it was a tactical battle that was won by the new Spurs boss AVB with his fluid 4-3-3 formation out smarting the flat 4-4-2 line up Pardew selected. We were over run in midfield and our creative player were shackled meaning Cisse and Ba had very little service in the first half. Credit must be given to Pardew and his staff as we made the changes at half time which was us revert to the 4-3-3 foramtion which served us well toward the end of last season. Cisse played through the middle with Haten Ben Arfa and Demba Ba taking up the wide roles.
Ba scored a cracking goal to give us the lead with a beautifully curled shot which really came out of nothing. After this we looked very comfortable and seemed to have grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck - until we switched off at the back with Danny Simpson giving Aaron Lennon too much time and space and he was able to pick out Defoe at the abck post who bundled the ball into the net at the second time of asking. At 1-1 the mood and changed and both side felt they could have taken the 3 points. At that point up stepped the best player on the pitch Hatem Ben Arfa who singled handly won and scored a penalty which secured the 3 points for the home team.
Summing up this game I would say it was a close battle fought by 2 good teams who will both push hard for a top 5 finish - Luckily for us Newcastle fans it was won by a moment of skill and the coolest of finishes from Haten Ben Arfa.
Missing our captain Fabricio Collocini we struggled to get going early in the game and Spurs started bright with their high energy and dangerous counter attacking style led by Gareth Bale and Aaron Lennon. We survived numerous first half scares when Bale and Defoe rattled the post and Bar while Newcastle struggled to create and goal scoring opportunities.
For me it was a tactical battle that was won by the new Spurs boss AVB with his fluid 4-3-3 formation out smarting the flat 4-4-2 line up Pardew selected. We were over run in midfield and our creative player were shackled meaning Cisse and Ba had very little service in the first half. Credit must be given to Pardew and his staff as we made the changes at half time which was us revert to the 4-3-3 foramtion which served us well toward the end of last season. Cisse played through the middle with Haten Ben Arfa and Demba Ba taking up the wide roles.
Ba scored a cracking goal to give us the lead with a beautifully curled shot which really came out of nothing. After this we looked very comfortable and seemed to have grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck - until we switched off at the back with Danny Simpson giving Aaron Lennon too much time and space and he was able to pick out Defoe at the abck post who bundled the ball into the net at the second time of asking. At 1-1 the mood and changed and both side felt they could have taken the 3 points. At that point up stepped the best player on the pitch Hatem Ben Arfa who singled handly won and scored a penalty which secured the 3 points for the home team.
Summing up this game I would say it was a close battle fought by 2 good teams who will both push hard for a top 5 finish - Luckily for us Newcastle fans it was won by a moment of skill and the coolest of finishes from Haten Ben Arfa.
Season Preview
So as we stand on the eve of another Premier league season I wanted to take a minute to share my thoughts on the coming season and also give my thoughts on our summer transfer business.
As of now we have brought in 4 players and out of them I only believe Vurnon Anita will push for a regular first team start. I like the look of the younger lads brought in and they will certainly add something to the squad and give us options from the bench while also having a chance to shine in the earlier rounds of both the Europa league and domestic cup competitions. We can also add Marveaux to that list as after over coming his injuries last season he will add so much to the squad - I fully expect him to push hard to make the starting 11.
I also think this is a big season for our young home grown lads - I think of Sammy, Shane Ferguson, Tav,and Harris Vuckic. They are now a the age where they need to be progressing into solid premiership players - for me Vuckic needs to have a big year and fulfill that promise and potential we have all talked about for years.
I have heard Pardew and many pundits saying that the most important thing this summer was keeping hold of all our big names and without tempting fate we have managed to do just that. All the rumours of Ba and Tiote especially leaving have come to nothing and we will see the benefit of these lads growing together and developing into an even better side. With a spine of Krul, Colo, Tiote and Cisse we look great and when you add the quality of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Stevie Taylor and Ba to that we have a very strong side.
Looking ahead to this coming season I feel that we can achieve another top 6 finish. I also feel we can go far in the Europa league if we pay the competition the respect it deserves and also a good cup run in either of the domestic competition. A lot will depend on how Pardew juggles the squad with the added European games. We will also need a little bit of luck with injuries if we are to maintain a solid push on all 4 fronts.
Of course are still a few weeks to run in the transfer window and personally I would like to see a forward join the club. With Cisse and Ba we look great, however beneath them we only have Shola and then youngsters. Personally I would still love to see Big Andy Carroll return in whatever kind of deal best suits NUFC. No doubt his move to Liverpool has not worked out for whatever reason, however the lad does not become a bad player over night - think back to the good times he had at NUFC and every fan would like to see him back in the Black n White. If we are priced out of a move for Carroll them maybe a moved for Loic Remy is a good option - my thought however are that we have one of the best partnerships in the league with the two Demba's so realistically we are not going to be signing anyone better than either of these guys. I personally would look for a top young up and coming striker who will compete with Shola for the striking sub position. Someone like Jordan Rhodes would be great - or I am sure Graham Carr has found plenty of options on the continent.
So as we stand on the eve of another Premier league season I wanted to take a minute to share my thoughts on the coming season and also give my thoughts on our summer transfer business.
As of now we have brought in 4 players and out of them I only believe Vurnon Anita will push for a regular first team start. I like the look of the younger lads brought in and they will certainly add something to the squad and give us options from the bench while also having a chance to shine in the earlier rounds of both the Europa league and domestic cup competitions. We can also add Marveaux to that list as after over coming his injuries last season he will add so much to the squad - I fully expect him to push hard to make the starting 11.
I also think this is a big season for our young home grown lads - I think of Sammy, Shane Ferguson, Tav,and Harris Vuckic. They are now a the age where they need to be progressing into solid premiership players - for me Vuckic needs to have a big year and fulfill that promise and potential we have all talked about for years.
I have heard Pardew and many pundits saying that the most important thing this summer was keeping hold of all our big names and without tempting fate we have managed to do just that. All the rumours of Ba and Tiote especially leaving have come to nothing and we will see the benefit of these lads growing together and developing into an even better side. With a spine of Krul, Colo, Tiote and Cisse we look great and when you add the quality of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Stevie Taylor and Ba to that we have a very strong side.
Looking ahead to this coming season I feel that we can achieve another top 6 finish. I also feel we can go far in the Europa league if we pay the competition the respect it deserves and also a good cup run in either of the domestic competition. A lot will depend on how Pardew juggles the squad with the added European games. We will also need a little bit of luck with injuries if we are to maintain a solid push on all 4 fronts.
Of course are still a few weeks to run in the transfer window and personally I would like to see a forward join the club. With Cisse and Ba we look great, however beneath them we only have Shola and then youngsters. Personally I would still love to see Big Andy Carroll return in whatever kind of deal best suits NUFC. No doubt his move to Liverpool has not worked out for whatever reason, however the lad does not become a bad player over night - think back to the good times he had at NUFC and every fan would like to see him back in the Black n White. If we are priced out of a move for Carroll them maybe a moved for Loic Remy is a good option - my thought however are that we have one of the best partnerships in the league with the two Demba's so realistically we are not going to be signing anyone better than either of these guys. I personally would look for a top young up and coming striker who will compete with Shola for the striking sub position. Someone like Jordan Rhodes would be great - or I am sure Graham Carr has found plenty of options on the continent.
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