Sunday, February 12, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Geordies in the Sauna - NUFC in the USA 2011
This summer saw NUFC head to the USA for their pre-season tour. I'm sure they headed here for a number of reasons - both to take advantage of the weather / facilities and also build on the fan base, which would bring financial benefits.
I was lucky enough to travel to Kansas city to watch the game against Sporting Kansas city and really enjoyed the experience. With the MLS being in mid-season the lads from Kansas were obviously very fit and were certainly more accustomed to playing in the ridiculous summer temperatures. The game was a good work out for NUFC in a quality little stadium and they certainly would he raised the profile of the club in a city that has accepted football as a major sport.
Most of the new signings featured and give a good first impression of themselves. Ba, Marveaux, Gosling and the young lad Abied all like look like good additions to squad and it will be great to see the fit into the squad.
It was great for ex-pat Mags currently living in the USA to get to see the lads play ,and enjoy some great banter and a good sing with the Toon Army.
Hats go off to the NUFC squad for spending time with the fans both before and after the game. I was able to have a chat with Danny Simpson, Ryan Taylor and Smudger - all great lads.
Other than the injury to Hatem Ben Arfa I think it was great for the club to head to the USA and overall it was a successful trip - hopefully it helped the lads prepare for the upcoming season.
Howay the lads'
I was lucky enough to travel to Kansas city to watch the game against Sporting Kansas city and really enjoyed the experience. With the MLS being in mid-season the lads from Kansas were obviously very fit and were certainly more accustomed to playing in the ridiculous summer temperatures. The game was a good work out for NUFC in a quality little stadium and they certainly would he raised the profile of the club in a city that has accepted football as a major sport.
Most of the new signings featured and give a good first impression of themselves. Ba, Marveaux, Gosling and the young lad Abied all like look like good additions to squad and it will be great to see the fit into the squad.
It was great for ex-pat Mags currently living in the USA to get to see the lads play ,and enjoy some great banter and a good sing with the Toon Army.
Hats go off to the NUFC squad for spending time with the fans both before and after the game. I was able to have a chat with Danny Simpson, Ryan Taylor and Smudger - all great lads.
Other than the injury to Hatem Ben Arfa I think it was great for the club to head to the USA and overall it was a successful trip - hopefully it helped the lads prepare for the upcoming season.
Howay the lads'
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Gems from the Championship
Todays Chronicle mentioned has us linked with 3 championship forwards. Connor Wickham, Jay Bothroyd and Shane Long
I certainly this its worth dipping into the championshop and picking off the top players from that league. Its been done in the past with Lescott, Cahill, Jagielka, Smalling etc..
I know this is a lower level however see seem to be doing plenty of scouting in the Dutch, German and French leagues which to be honest are about on par with the Championship.
I am not a big fan of Bothroyd - and he does not fit our blue print for future signings with him being 29. Shane long has been a round for a few years even though he is only 24. When Reading were knocking around in the premiership he always seemed to come off the bench and grab a goal - I'd have him and or course Connor Wickham who is young and could be expensive. These two lads are an improvement on what we currently have and will only get better over the years. They also are pretty realistic.
We have also been linked with Adel Taarabt and the Welsh center half Ashley Williams from Swansea. If we can unearth some gems in the lower leagues then could have some talented lads on our hands without having to splash big money.
I certainly this its worth dipping into the championshop and picking off the top players from that league. Its been done in the past with Lescott, Cahill, Jagielka, Smalling etc..
I know this is a lower level however see seem to be doing plenty of scouting in the Dutch, German and French leagues which to be honest are about on par with the Championship.
I am not a big fan of Bothroyd - and he does not fit our blue print for future signings with him being 29. Shane long has been a round for a few years even though he is only 24. When Reading were knocking around in the premiership he always seemed to come off the bench and grab a goal - I'd have him and or course Connor Wickham who is young and could be expensive. These two lads are an improvement on what we currently have and will only get better over the years. They also are pretty realistic.
We have also been linked with Adel Taarabt and the Welsh center half Ashley Williams from Swansea. If we can unearth some gems in the lower leagues then could have some talented lads on our hands without having to splash big money.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Routledge deal: Paving the way for Taarabt to move North?
Today saw some strange goings on at NUFC (again) as winger Wayne Routledge was released from his contract by 'mutual consent'. Wayne is currently on loan at QPR and he is adding so much to their promotion push in the Championship. He really is in good form right now and has added something to their team.
I am sure none of us expected Routledge to return to SJP and most of us view him as a player made for the Championship. However I also think none of us expected Routledge to be released from his contract which has enable him to sign a permanent contract at Lotus Road. Surely we could of sold Routledge for a transfer fee - 2m maybe? He certainly seems to be of value to QPR who are of course a very rich football club.
One thought might be that this is a sweetener to a deal that will see Adel Taarabt move to SJP this summer. Taarabt has had a great season for QPR and he certainly looks out of place at that level. I am a fan and feel he would had that extra spark to our team - he is very creative and has goals in his locker.
I certainly would not pay the fees being branded about in the papers - to me we should go no higher that 7m. For this fee I'd love to land this player.
Everything just does not add up to me. Why release Routledge when we continue to carry players like Alan Smith and James Perch - surely these lads offer no more to squad than Routledge did so why not let them go?
Nothing would surprise me if there is a deal in place - but as with everything at NUFC you just never know!
Here is a video of Adel Taarabt - These silky skills would be on view at SJP
I am sure none of us expected Routledge to return to SJP and most of us view him as a player made for the Championship. However I also think none of us expected Routledge to be released from his contract which has enable him to sign a permanent contract at Lotus Road. Surely we could of sold Routledge for a transfer fee - 2m maybe? He certainly seems to be of value to QPR who are of course a very rich football club.
One thought might be that this is a sweetener to a deal that will see Adel Taarabt move to SJP this summer. Taarabt has had a great season for QPR and he certainly looks out of place at that level. I am a fan and feel he would had that extra spark to our team - he is very creative and has goals in his locker.
I certainly would not pay the fees being branded about in the papers - to me we should go no higher that 7m. For this fee I'd love to land this player.
Everything just does not add up to me. Why release Routledge when we continue to carry players like Alan Smith and James Perch - surely these lads offer no more to squad than Routledge did so why not let them go?
Nothing would surprise me if there is a deal in place - but as with everything at NUFC you just never know!
Here is a video of Adel Taarabt - These silky skills would be on view at SJP
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Could this be Newcastles starting 11 next season?
Team Sheet 4-5-1
GK Harper
RB Simpson
LB Enrique
CB Coloccini
CB Taylor (c)
DCM Tiote
CM Barton
RM Jarvis
LM Gutierrez
AM Ben Arfa
OR
4-4-2
HARPER
SIMPSON
COLO
TAYLOR
WARNOCK
JONAS
TIOTE
BEN ARFA
BARTON
ELMANDER
STURRIDGE
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
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