NUFC v SFC

Sunday saw a great end to a great week for Newcastle United with a 4-2 win against fellow Premier league strugglers Southampton.

Newcastle United branded Sunday at St James as 'French day' - this saw a Gallic flavour added to all the pre-match build up - the Le Marseillaise was sung, Blaydon races was translated into French and a group of Cancan dancers entertained the crowd.

Following this how ironic it was that Newcastle fell behind to an early goal from Southampton's only French player - Morgan Schneiderlin. Credit to Newcastle though as they came straight back at the Saints for the remainder of the first half and were rewarded by a 2-1 lead at the break. Obviously Cisse's goal will take all the headlines and it was a spectacular strike from a man who has struggles for confidence lately, however the first goal was an equally good team goal started by Yohan Cabaye, created by Yoan Goufran and finished by Moussa Sissoko which was very apt for SJP's French day.

Credit must be given to Southampton who fought back at got a deserved equalizer not long after the break. The Saints showed what a good side they are, even though they currently are in the relegation scrap. Adam Lallana and goal scorer Rickie Lambert stood out for me at the star performers for the visitors and it was Lamberts cool finish which tied the game.

This was the wake up call needed for NUFC and we then went on to show our dominance for the remainder of the second half. Cabaye cooly slotted home a Penalty after Danny Fox handled a Debuchy cross and then Joos Hooiveld was unlucky to score a own goal which sealed the 4-2 win.

For me the following were the key positive to come from this match:

- Cisse back amongst the goals

-Sissoko proving to be a big goal threat

-Tiote's best game of the season

-Dubuchy showing his quality

-Eliiot proving to be a solid back-up keeper

-Yanya M'biwa showing we now have 3 top centre backs

-Great options from the bench, proving the squads strength

-Cabaye's ability to run a game and control, dictate our play.

Europa league

A cold February night in Kharkiv, Ukraine was the scene for the latest chapter in Newcastle United's Europa league campaign. After a first leg scoreless draw Newcastle headed to Eastern Europe with a point to prove after two very questionable offside calls left this tie very much in the balance. Pardew picked a strong team while also showing the flexibility in our squad. Taylor, Tiote and Santon missed out while Haidara, M'biwa, and Anita showed they are more than capable of stepping into the first team. Newcastle showed they are taking this competition seriously which is very refreshing as over recent years the Europa league has been treated as an inconvenience.

United started well and bossed the early stages with relative ease. Colo and M'biwa looked very solid and our Midfield was full of energy and composure. the much maligned Shola Ameobi started as our central striker and put in one of his most impressive performance this season. His physical assets were in full effect and he bullied the Metalist defenders and was able to hold up the ball and feed passes into Cisse and Sissoko.

I have never been a big fan of Shola - I love his commitment to the club, he is one of us, a fan who made it. For me he cannot be counted as a potential premier league starter, his role must be an impact sub which is a role I believe he does well. Maybe the Europa League is his level also as he certainly seems to unsettle defenders on the European stage.

One area where Shola currently has no equal is from the penalty spot. Last night Shola calmly slotted home a spot kick and registered his 15th European goals for NUFC, secondly only to club legend Alan Shearer.

Penalty KIng

This secured our passed into the last 16 of the Europa league where we will face Anzhi Makhachkala. Anzhi although based in Dagestan play their home games in Moscow and having visited the Russian capital a few years ago I am sure the Toon Army will enjoy the trip behind the Iron curtain. i see no reason why we cannot press on and have a really good run at this competition just as Boro and Fulham have done in recent years.

After a night full of many positives it was worrying to hear that Tim Krul could potentially miss up to 5 weeks of action after picking up an ankle knock last in last nights game. I have a feeling it is too early to make such assumptions and I am sure the club will wait right until the last minute before making a call on Krul's injury.

Sunday will soon be here and hopefully we can take the confidence from the Metalist result into the Southampton game. For the first time this season Pardew has some big selection decisions to make. M'biwa or Taylor, Anita or Tiote, does Shola start? I am sure this is a headache that Pardew does not mind having. Sunday might also see the return of our most gifted individual Hatem Ben Arfa and what a boost that would be for the team.

Onwards and upwards

Sir Bobby Robson

Today, Monday the 18th of February, is a day that will always be remembered on Tyneside as Sir Bobby Robson's birthday. If Sir Bobby was still with us today he would have turned 80 years old and would no doubt still have a furor and passion for Football.

　

As a 29- year- old Newcastle United supporter, I have had the privilege of following my team through 2 great spells. Kevin Keegan and his entertainers grabbed the imagination of the country as he dared try to win the Premier League while playing a brand of football that we had never before witnessed on our shores. The second of these purple patches for NUFC was when Sir Bobby returned home in 1999 and led us on an adventure from the bottom of the league to the heights of the Champions league. There was never a dull moment under Bobby. Today is an appropriate day to look back at this marvelous man and recap his spell in charge of his beloved NUFC.

Sir Bobby, eventually took charge of his home town club at the end of a career which took him across Europe working with many tops clubs - Barcelona, Porto, and PSV to name a few and many top players such as Romario, Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Sir Bob also had a high profile spell as England manager - which is the top job for any Englishman. Under Robson England were one Chris Waddle penalty away from a place in the World cup final at Italy 1990.

Sir Bobby returned home to find his team sitting at the bottom of the Premier league after several seasons of struggles under Kenny Daglish and Ruud Gullit. I can still picture Bobby's arrival and the crowds that gathered to see him at the Leazes end of St James Park. Bobby is one of us and knew exactly what it meant to be the manager of Newcastle United.

Robson’s era on Tyneside started against Sheffield Wednesday who were dispatched back to Yorkshire after a 8-0 defeat against a resurgent NUFC led by their 5 goal hero captain Alan Shearer and the knight sitting in the managers hot seat. Newcastle went on to finish a respectable 11th that season and any fan could see that the foundations for a brighter future were being put in place and a sense of optimism was returning.

That season I was able to attend my first and only match at the old Wembley stadium as NUFC reached the FA cup semi-final and faced Chelsea. Although we lost 2-1 against the Londoners that day, it is a match that will live long in my memory and under Robson it left that we would have many more days just like this one. Sir Bobby was restoring the Geordie pride into the team which the fans loved to see.

Bobby went about re-shaping the squad, bringing in his players and moving on those who he did not fancy. There was a large emphasis on bringing quality young players who would add pace and energy to the team. Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Jenas, Jonathan Woodgate, Titus Bramble all arrived alongside talented Laurent Robert and much acclaimed Portuguese youngster Hugo Vianna. Bobby was shaping his team and suddenly Newcastle once again were known as one of the most exciting teams in the league. The blend of youth and experience worked so well as Alan Shearer, Gary Speed, and Shay Given led a young United team.

 

Newcastle were mixing with the big boys in the Premier League and seemed more than capable of holding their own. We were pushing for the title over the following years and were involved in exciting title run in's. Robson let Newcastle to 4th, 3rd and 5th finishes in the Premier league – Robson’s Newcastle regularly out performed Man City, Chelsea, Liverpool and Spurs in the league standings.

Robson brought Champions league football back to the club and we went on to enjoy many fantastic nights against the best clubs in Europe. That night, away to Feyenoord, when Craig Bellamy scored a last minute winner to send the club through to the next level of the competition will live long in the memory of all Newcastle fans. Newcastle travelled to Inter Milan and Barcelona and put in performances to be proud of and the whole of Europe were introduced to the fanatical support of the Toon Army.

Times like this should be our lasting memories of Sir Bobby's time at Newcastle United.

Bobby Robson’s legacy is far reaching. He was loved all over the world and looking today at the elite of European football we can see the influence this great man has had on the game.

Jose Mourinho - Real Madrid manager who worked with Bobby at both Porto and Barcelona

"I want to and I will keep with me always the Bobby Robson of every day, a person who had extraordinary passion for life and for football, with an extraordinary enthusiasm.

"Bobby Robson is one of those people who never die, not so much for what he did in his career, for one victory more or less, but for what he knew to give to those who had, like me, the good fortune to know him and walk by his side".

Andre Villas Boas - Tottenham manager who first encounter Robson as a neighbour in Portugal.

"Sir Bobby is one of the great managers of the game and without him I probably would not be where I am now.

“He offered me a unique opportunity to get involved in football, taking me under his wing when I was still a teenager. He is enthusiasm and passion for management certainly rubbed off on me. He was not only a great manager but a great man and I will never forget his generosity towards me, he will always be an inspiration."

Robson’s influence can also be seen in Pep Guardiola who played under Robson at Barcelona. Pep is now seen as one of the top coaches in the world.

It is clear to see the footballing world loves wor Bobby just as much as we do.

I could talk about Sir Bobby all day long - looking back at the relatively short time he spend withe Newcastle United brings a smile to my face. Sir Bobby Robson. A great manager, and more importantly a gentleman. He certainly is one a kind, the likes of which we will never see again.

Auf Wiedersehen Pet stars tribute to Sir Bobby Robson

Classic Geordie

This is my first post since before Christmas and obviously a lot has happened at Newcastle United since then. Our club is never one to stay out of the headlines for very long!

Over Christmas I was able to head home to the North East and of course took in a match at St James. I was there for our 1-0 against QPR - and seeing the league table right now what a massive win it was. Shola Ameobi came off the bench to grab a late goal - for me a sub role is all that Shola can expect these days, and to be honest he has shown this is when he can be most effective. It was great to be at the match with the lads - makes realise just how much I it!

This was the only highlight over what was a poor festive season for NUFC. We saw our team slide down the league as 2012 ended and our top goals scorer leave for Chelsea just as we entered 2013. This along with the poor home loss to Reading really had me and every other NUFC dreading what could be in store during 2013.

Credit must go to Mike Ashley and his team who managed to give the squad, the fans and the whole city a boost by signing 5 players in January - all of whom seem to have settled in very well. We may have even found a new superstar in Moussa Sissoko. Personally I am excited about Mapou Yanga M'biwa - having seen the lad play in the French league, and for the national team he is class. We have a future French captain in our team and he can be our rock for years to come.

This season has been a massive disappointment but hopefully now we can put a few performances and more importantly results together and finish the season as high as possible - while also have a decent run in the Europa League. To do this we will have to survive our trip into Eastern Europe to face Matalist. I thought we played well last night and were very unlucky to have 2 goals called offside when the replays show both were very questionable. Having that 2-0 lead could almost be game over - but then when have NUFC ever done things the easy way. Matalist away will test our squad and show us just what they are made of.

I plan to keep on top of my blogging for the rest of the season and hopefully it will be a case of onwards and upwards for NUFC



Offside?? Hadaway



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This time last year we were flying high in the Premiership as we  started  the season with an 11 game unbeaten run.

This season has been less spectacular - although it is not quite panic time we will wanted to address our slow start and look at how can kick start our campaign. Like I said we have not started terribly Draws away to Everton, Liverpool, and Sunderland are great results. Defeats to Cheslea and Man Utd are not the end of the world. I can think of our draw at home against Villa and our defeat to West Ham as our only poor results.

We certainly have not hit the heights of last year where really we over achieved. Our big players are currently not on the form we saw last year and Alan Pardew has struggled to get the troops going so far this season.

Following is my take on changes I would make:

I would get back to playing 433 - like we did for the second half of last season. For me a forward 3 of Ba on the left, Cisse in the middle, and Ben Arfa on the right offers us the best attacking option available. We have all seen that Ba and Cisse as a front 2 does not work, and Hatem Ben Afra is not a right winger where he is shackled by defensive duties.

I would also play a midfield 3 of Tiote, Cabaye, and Anita. Tiote would do his usual defensive duties allowing Cabaye to push on and support the front 3. Anita has taken a little longer than hoped to settle into the speed of the Premiership however he is a talented lad who will offer plenty to the team with his energy and passing ability.

Jonas would be dropped to the bench - though he is currently injured. For me Jonas wants to re-invent himself as a centre midfielder, however it is not as simple as that at premiership level. Jonas has a great engine and offers tons of work rate though this is not enough to just expect to fit in perfectly. There is a certain understanding needed to play in the middle of the park and after years playing as an out and out winger it really is hard to change. We saw his lack of awareness at Anfield where his slack passing was punished as Suarez grabbed the equalizing goal.

Maybe a spell at fullback might be an option if Jonas and Pardew feel he can no longer offer anything as a left winger. Truth be told Jonas has been ineffective as an attacking option for a few years now. For me if 442 is Pardews choice then Shane Ferguson, Sammy or Obertan are the better attacking option from a wide position.

Obviously suspensions have hurt us really bad this season - missing key players like Tioe and Colo has been key - also we dropped points from a winning position in the games they both received their red cards.

Consistancy is key - last season it seemed as though we never changed our starting 11 for weeks, whereas this season it seems as though we are chopping and changing each and every week - this makes it really hard to get any consistancy going on the pitch.

All in all it has been a mediocre start to the season - obviously we have plenty of time and games to turn it around and in my mind making a few changes could be a catalyst to kick start our season.

Returning heroes

Tomorrow West Ham United visit St James park with three former Magpies in their ranks. Former NUFC manager Sam Allardyce brings his Hammers squad north with former captain Kevin Nolan and local hero Andy Carroll in his team.

After Allardyces failure to win over the NUFC faithful, or produce the results on the pitch he is guaranteed a frosty reception from the home crowd - although in his defence as soon as Mike Ashley arrived with his new regime Big Sam's days were numbered.

Andy Carroll is no doubt going to receive a mixed reception from the Toon Army - there are many who still feel he loves our club, and that he was forced onto the helicopter heading for Liverpool - others however feel he deserves the Judas status for leaving his home town club for the big money on offer at Anfield. I have a feeling now Carroll is wearing Claret and Blue and not Liverpool Red his reception will not be as ferocious .

The off field receptions are all part of the drama of football and add a certain spice to this game - however for me they are really irrelevant to the outcome of the game. That being said it is the return of Kevin Nolan that I feel may have the biggest bearing on the game.

Nolan's abilities divide supporters. I am a big admirer of what he brings to a team, while I am also aware of his limitations. For me he led our team with the spirit and desire we require. He plays the game with the passion of a supporter and really understood what NUFC means to our city.

Kevin arrived at St James park in January 2009 in a 4m deal. He went onto make 85 appearance and scoring 29 goals. Nolan was appointed club captain for the 2010-2011 season and really did lead from the front with Newcastle winning the Championship at the first attempt.

29 goals is a great return for a midfielder in anyone's book. Nolan seemed to have a 6th sense which allowed him to be in the right place at the right time. So many of his goals came from Andy Carroll knock downs or goal keeper rebounds. Whenever a goal was needed Nolan would pop up and win 3 points for his team. For me this was enough to get him in the team each week and while we won the championship and then set out to remain in the Premier league Nolan was just what we needed.

The down side of Kevin's game is his lack of mobility and energy. No one would call Kevin a box-to-box midfielder and he relied heavily on his team mates to cover his defensive duties. He has been accused of carrying too much weight, although Nolan has never been a top athlete - he is an old school footballer who relies on grit, determination and passion to get him through each game.

As Newcastle looked to step up to the next level and push for a European spot it was obvious that Kevin was going to be left behind. The direct football style played under Chris Houghton was being phased out and with that Kevin's place in our team was under threat. The arrival of Cabaye, Ba, and Cisse,  the return to fitness of Ben Arfa and the importance of Tiote meant Nolan would struggle to get in our team. Alan Pardew's style is a fluid game based on pace and power which relies heavily on a pass and move game. Kevin did not fit into this model so when West Ham made a offer for him it really suited all parties. West Ham are likely to be battling for Premiership survival after achieving promotion and are adopting the same style Newcastle did during our first season back in the big league. Nolan would be ideal for any team in the bottom half of the Premiership.

The double act of Carroll and Nolan is working well for the Hammers this season and they currently sit in 9th position after a surprisingly bright start to the season. No doubt the direct style can cause some problems. Our centre half's will have to deal with the aerial attack from Carroll and our midfielders will have to pay close attention to Nolan as he drifts into the "hole" and takes up positions off Carroll and feeds of his knock downs.

Of course the focus will be on Andy Carroll coming home - especially after Alan Pardew again publicly stated his desire to bring Andy back to the club - however for me Kevin Nolan will be the returning hero who I feel can have a bigger impact on the game.

Over the last few months I have watched the fly-on-the-wall documentary Being: Liverpool. Below are my thoughts on this ground breaking program.

The first episode starts in the Liverpool changing rooms with Brendan Rodgers asking his players to huddle around him so he can offer his final words before the first pre-season game. "Today's the start of a long hard journey for us," he tells his player. "You can only trust yourselves, no one else, you can trust the supporters because they're the best and you can trust your family at home." This is the first of many Rogerism's we hear throughout the series.

For Liverpool fans a behind-the-scenes look at life at Anfield must be a real treat. Fans see inside the homes of Captain Gerrard, Lucas and Brendan Rodgers. The camera is allowed into the unseen headquarters of Melwood - and even venture into Chief executive Ian Ayre's inner sanctum. In terms of a football documentary Liverpool are breaking barriers and setting a new standard.

Being: Liverpool however feels like an hour long promotional video for the club - From narrator Clive Owen and a local Scouse playwriter all we hear are stories of Liverpool's glorious past and how in twined the local people are with their football club. Both of these are very admiral and gain nothing but my respect.

Much of the series focuses on new manager Brendan Rodgers. It must be said that Rodgers comes across as eloquent, intelligent and above everything, determined to succeed. It feels as though Liverpool are determined to show their new manager as a cutting edge leader of a new pure football revolution. It is as if Liverpool are trying to convince themselves that they have hired one of the worlds top managers when in reality Rodgers is unknown outside of the UK. It could also be argued that even on our shores he has limited experience or success. As a club Liverpool seem desperate to raise the reputation of their new manager.

It is obvious that Rodgers picked up so much from his time at Chelsea working under Jose Mourinho - the certainly listened hard during his time at Stamford Bridge. "It's not just about winning, it's about how you win on and off the pitch," Rodgers explains in a of sit down interviews. "It's not just about training players, it's about educating players. You train dogs," he says in another. "We were brought up not with the silver spoon but the silver shovel," he says of his upbringing. You can imagine Jose Mourinho coming up with many of Rodgers footballing quotes, however the difference being that Mourinho is one of the greatest managers ever, and has a CV to back that up. Brendan Rodgers does not. Rodgers comes across as a likable guys, however for me there are many cringe worthy moments during his interviews. Rodgers talks a great game

For me Liverpool fans with enjoy seeing their hero's in a different light - and if this was a Newcastle documentary there is no doubt I would be fan. However I can see the older fans feeling this is a sell out for their once glorious club. Liverpool are one of the biggest names in the footballing world and for them to be the first to allow TV cameras access to one of footballs true cathedrals will not sit right with football purist. I could not imagine the bastions of old - Shankly, Paisley, or Souness posing for the TV camera, especially during a time when the current squad fall way short of Liverpool teams of the past.