Welcome to Tyneside (Newcastle thread)

[realGaurab]

I too would love to see Martins and Owen start. We can bring Viduka later on in the game if things aren't going our way. He can easily unsettle tired defenders.

[bobauckland]

If Sam at Newcastle is the same Sam from Bolton, you can bet Viduka will start ahead of any other striker, regardless of form or fitness. They way I see it, he's been brought in as a skillful Davies type character, a burly center forward. Davies was, and is, undroppable. Are all Toon fans happy with Big Sam so far?

[orionparker13]

i am happy with sam. i think he has made some good acquisitions and the team is headed in the right direction. and i do agree that if his mentality is the same as it was at bolton, then viduka is a mainstay.

[realGaurab]

If Sam at Newcastle is the same Sam from Bolton, you can bet Viduka will start ahead of any other striker, regardless of form or fitness. They way I see it, he's been brought in as a skillful Davies type character, a burly center forward. Davies was, and is, undroppable. Are all Toon fans happy with Big Sam so far?
I agree with what you're saying. Let's hope what he does will eventually benefit the club. I am in full support of him. I think he is the right man for the job, and he can please us all in the end.

[jimmy]

"mido's got a bomb" chants

"mido the pedo" chants

hold yer heads in shame boyos!

[orionparker13]

I don't like Mido. There is just something in his character that rubs me wrong.

[orionparker13]

so who do you guys think the starting forwards will be for the next game (derby)? i sure do hope it is owen and martins. both seem to be on form lately.

[M.E.H.Z.E.B]

Steven Taylor has apparently rejected the extension of his Newcastle contract. Well, the morning papers to that effect have stipulated that Liverpool may be lining up a 5 million pound swoop for the U21 Captain in the January transfer window.

Thoughts?

[drumice]

i wouldn't be surprised to see him go. Big Sam has made a habit out of attempting to take his head out of the clouds

[orionparker13]

i dont think he will go anywhere. he is a great defender but still has alot to learn. he is a hometown newcastle man and i think he will stay at newcastle.

[Kyle_R]

Taylor rejected the offer but he still said he doesn't want to play for anyone else, but the offer was just not right. He felt they were taking advantage of his passion for the club to give him a lower offer, whereas the likes of Boumsong and Luque in the past have been raking in ridiculous amounts.

I think he is right, he is inevitably going to be our captain in a couple of years, he should be a top-earner at the club already.

[realGaurab]

Taylor rejected the offer but he still said he doesn't want to play for anyone else, but the offer was just not right. He felt they were taking advantage of his passion for the club to give him a lower offer, whereas the likes of Boumsong and Luque in the past have been raking in ridiculous amounts.

I think he is right, he is inevitably going to be our captain in a couple of years, he should be a top-earner at the club already.
With his performances so far, I think you are spot on.

[orionparker13]

well what do all you other newcastle fans think about the start to this season? if we can take 3 points from reading that is 20 point in 10 games which is definitely nothing to sneeze at!

[Kyle_R]

We could be looking really great right now if we didn't fuck up and lose a couple of matches by playing non-existent football (notably against Derby and Reading, I thought they were a definite 6 points), again we messed up big time with one of our worst periods of defending over a short amount of time than we ever have, which is really saying something.

But still, we are 10th which isn't great, but it isn't even a third of the way into the season yet and we are only 4 points behind Liverpool, and 10 behind leaders Arsenal. I think our best football is yet to come, our squad and formation has changes a lot this season so I'm reserving my opinion until they get more time playing together.

[drumice]

up! wow this thread hasn't been touched in a while. apparently there are like three people outside of toon nation that thing keegan's appointment was a good one. I am one of them.

In other news, how much longer will it be until Owen leaves? I'm betting he'll be gone before the next campaign begins.

[VikingToon]

Not too long. He's still looking lost up front for the toon.

[realGaurab]

up! wow this thread hasn't been touched in a while. apparently there are like three people outside of toon nation that thing keegan's appointment was a good one. I am one of them.

In other news, how much longer will it be until Owen leaves? I'm betting he'll be gone before the next campaign begins.
I remember you posting the exact same question in the very first post of this thread. And my answer will be a slightly changed one from the one in the first page. I don't see anybody wanting Owen at this stage of his career. He has had a long problem with injury and will be expensive. I don't think any teams are going to get him because they can get somebody who aren't as injury prone and maybe just as effective and maybe a younger guy for a similar price. I can see Martins leaving this summer but not Owen.

About Keegan, I'm not too optimistic about him, but I think he will do better than Big Sam or Roeder. I will be happy if he can make us challenge for an European place next season. This season it would be a miracle if we qualify for Europe though league standing. I've seen stranger things happen and will hope for the best.

[JamezTheYido]

What's the diffrence between an arsonist and Newcastle United?

An arsonist wouldn't have wasted his last 10 matches.

[Bearded Kyle]

When's that young Canadian David Edgar going to get a match? C'mon it's not like he can do worse then the lot on the pitch every week.

[Nathan18]

When's that young Canadian David Edgar going to get a match? C'mon it's not like he can do worse then the lot on the pitch every week.
Newcastle need experienced heads out there. I don't think they'll be putting any young defenders under the pressure they're under right now.

[Bearded Kyle]

They need to start trying some different things because what they're doing ain't workin' for them. The Magpies are crap.

And if they're not going to play Edgar they could have atleast released him for Canada's Olympic qualifying campaign going on right now. Although, I'll bet the useless CSA never even bothered asking for his availability.

[nenadsuperzmaj]

Luv Newcastle!

My not-so-good english is to blame for not realizing what does "spoiler" mean. And I have been wondering, really. I thought that there isn't a single user around here who isn't aware od EngPrem results.

Sorry again, yeah. Especially you, JamesTheYido :)

[JamezTheYido]

Spoilers!!!

[dcarson7]

BBC Radio Newcastle: Keegan phone-in (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/default.stm)
Page last updated at 11:57 GMT, Tuesday, 1 April 2008 12:57 UK
(Not an April Fool's Joke)

Goes for about 2 hours !, I listened to the first half an hour, interesting topics discussed.

[macitect]

BBC Radio Newcastle: Keegan phone-in (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/n/newcastle_united/default.stm)
Page last updated at 11:57 GMT, Tuesday, 1 April 2008 12:57 UK
(Not an April Fool's Joke)

Goes for about 2 hours !, I listened to the first half an hour, interesting topics discussed.

Thanks for the link! Am listening to it now.

[darren1972]

hi im new 2 this site and i was wondering if some1 could help me my m8 is a
nufc fan and he has been lookin for newcastle vs manchester united
this game was played
sunday october 20th 1996
the final score finished
newc utd 5 man utd 0
if some 1 knows where i could download this or point me in the
right direction i would be gratefull
thank you for ur time

darren1972:)

[Dash]

really looking forward to the new season, i really hope newcastle can finally live up to their potential!!

[Dash]

what a result all i'll say

[macitect]

hi im new 2 this site and i was wondering if some1 could help me my m8 is a
nufc fan and he has been lookin for newcastle vs manchester united
this game was played
sunday october 20th 1996
the final score finished
newc utd 5 man utd 0
if some 1 knows where i could download this or point me in the
right direction i would be gratefull
thank you for ur time

darren1972:)
Full match? Dunno - check the archives. I know that the highlights are easily found on you tube though. Let us know if you find it.

really looking forward to the new season, i really hope newcastle can finally live up to their potential!!

what a result all i'll say
I'm happy with the result, but even happier with the way we looked overall! I know BBC was making it look like we snuck a point by luck, but the full game showed otherwise! What great signings - and we haven't wasted a $hit-load of cash either!

The future looks bright on Tynside:)!

[realGaurab]

The future looks bright on Tynside:)!
I won't be too overwhelmed right now as we still have 37 more games to go, but I certainly think things will be much better than the last couple of seasons.

[macitect]

...but I certainly think things will be much better than the last couple of seasons.
Like I said - the future looks bright on Tyneside.;)

Don't worry about me, I'm not getting overwhelmed or over-eager or unreasonable. I long for the day that NUFC will be challenging for Premiership honours and even European honours, but I'm not delusional enough to think that it's happening this year or the next. I am simply looking forward to a season of watching some good football - football played with heart - and I believe that is what Keegan will get out of our squad this year.

Yesterday was a good result after a well played match.

[bennmartin]

Like I said - the future looks bright on Tyneside.;)

.

we have officially gone from underachieving mediocracy to being an absolute joke.

[Chris]

I think that yesterdays defeat to Hull < SPOILER** was laughable.

[bennmartin]

I think that yesterdays defeat to Hull < SPOILER** was laughable.


don't think fagan was laughing when he got his leg broken by an out of control guthrie. had my share of lowlights as a newcastle supporter but right now would def be the lowest.

[sketch]

So for "only" £481million Newcastle can mine? Can't understand why anyone will buy for that price.

Not to be a dickhead or anything, but I do hope Obafemi Martins gets out in Janaury. Top class player who'd be at a another CL contender if his career didn't stutter him to St. James Park.

[Blindinoneye]

just some questions:
Who is the blimmin idiot that was coaching the tottenham game?
i mean i can understand geremi playing rightback but why the hell is cacapa, a centerback, playing in midfield?
why is the only player thats capable of holding the ball in the middle being played on his uncomfortable side on the right flank?
why do we never have a proper leftback when most of the right wing midfielders of the other team are the deadly?

[Buddha_Kuddha]

hopefully we're on the quick one-way trip back to the premier league. good start so far.

[ben]

Nearly there, now...

[Marko NUFC]

Very bad result today against Derby... now we have same points as West Brom (59) but we do have a game in hand.

[ben]

Very bad result today against Derby... now we have same points as West Brom (59) but we do have a game in hand.

Wow...just saw the result. Surprised at that...Hughton named the same side that thrashed Palace on Friday too. Nile Ranger needs a start, over Carrol IMO. He seems to have more potential. I understand Hughton trying to bring him into the first team slowly but it's the Championship and if he isn't getting a good run of games now, he's going to lack the needed match experience if we go up! But yeah the back four is almost brand new, Enrique, Colo and Taylor all hurt so the loanees and Wiliamson are in. The poor defensive performance tonight might have just been down to unfamiliarity between the new boys. Hopefully.

Well, here's to beating the Swans on the weekend! The game is on Sky too, so that means we might get a cap boys!

[Marko NUFC]

I really hope we get something out of Swansea game tomorrow because that is gonna be tough game considering that Swansea are very good at home.
You are kinda right, ben, about Ranger. He have to be given a chance... but Lovenkrands... I don't understand why Hughton isn't starting Peter Lovenkrands?! He scores a hat-trick and next game he is on the bench then come off to score and again next game on the bench... what he has to do to play in first XI?
Hughton puts debutant Leon Best over Lovenkrands - that is outrageous.

[ReiGn26]

yeah let this thread roll in again. think it wasnt a great match and i really have to question hughton why this fitz hall has to play if we signed someone as good as williamson?

still good for carroll to have scored

[ben]

I really hope we get something out of Swansea game tomorrow because that is gonna be tough game considering that Swansea are very good at home.
You are kinda right, ben, about Ranger. He have to be given a chance... but Lovenkrands... I don't understand why Hughton isn't starting Peter Lovenkrands?! He scores a hat-trick and next game he is on the bench then come off to score and again next game on the bench... what he has to do to play in first XI?
Hughton puts debutant Leon Best over Lovenkrands - that is outrageous.

Well, I understand Best getting in ahead of Lovenkrands. He didn't start yesterday but he is the big money signing so both we the supporters and the management of the club will expect him to start nearly every game. Best didn't start yesterday though and when he came on he did well enough. I never realized how big and powerful he is, he set up Carrol's goal with a beautiful cross but he won quite a few headers as well. I don't understand the Lovenkrands situation either. I know there was a death in his family recently (father, I think), and Hughton had said he wants to give him some time to mourn but I'm sure Lovenkrands just wants to play. Truthfully though, I'd most like to see Best and Carrol up front. Carrol is sooooo wasteful at times, like v Swansea he didn't do much at all, just threw himself about and got booked, won a few headers, but otherwise he would just give the ball away. BUT then he pops up to score a great goal. Right now, he's somewhat one-dimensional in that he's just big and good in the air. He needs to develop the rest of his game, like Peter Crouch has.


yeah let this thread roll in again. think it wasnt a great match and i really have to question hughton why this fitz hall has to play if we signed someone as good as williamson?

still good for carroll to have scored

I'd stick Williamson in ahead of Hall, too. I think Hall is only here on loan too, so he should be a back-up. Maybe Williamson had taken a knock or something in training, I don't know, but he should definitely play before Hall.

It wasn't a good game, we were dominated almost the entire match and the possession stats were crazy at times (80-20 in favor of Swansea). Swansea's winger, Cotterill, was great and he was the difference in the game!

[Marko NUFC]

Well, big game tomorrow night against 3rd placed Nottingham Forest. A win tomorrow and on saturday against Peterborough could see us back in the premier league where I think we belong :)

What a relief that would be considering the disarray at the begging of the season...

[ben]

Well, big game tomorrow night against 3rd placed Nottingham Forest. A win tomorrow and on saturday against Peterborough could see us back in the premier league where I think we belong :)

What a relief that would be considering the disarray at the begging of the season...

Yep, for sure.

Despite not being a Newcastle supporter officially during the drop and the first month of the season, it hit close to the heart because my mum was devastated and all my family in England were too. I was hopeful things would turn around and now, having watched every Toon game this season and officially proclaiming myself Newcastle, I feel like we've seen the rise of a phoenix, you know? Granted, big changes still need to occur over the small off-season we have but I can't see us dropping straight back down. I look at teams like Hull and West Ham and even now think we could beat them, no problem. Even some mid-table teams are beatable with our current squad. I think Ashley will invest some money for sure, and him being a businessman, won't sell the club. Profits are going to come in from the TV sponsorship that comes with the jump to Prem and it's going to be really exciting...seems crazy that only a few months from now we'll be back where we belong, amongst the best.

[ben]

What a game...the atmosphere was incredible. Even being thousands of miles away, I felt like I could feel the emotions in the stadium last night...relief, happiness, togetherness...fantastic. I'm all for Hughton staying, he's done incredible well all things considered. You could argue that really we're a top tier team playing in second tier so we should be winning and dominating but the players were so low on morale...the fans were as disappointed as ever...but he's turned everything around. He's done incredible in terms of keeping everyone motivated and keeping the focus. He also handled to Taylor v Carrol situation perfectly in my opinion. Peterborough on the weekend shouldn't be too much of a challenge, break out the Newcastle Brown Ale boys, we're goin' up.

[Marko NUFC]

I'm also for Hughton to stay... I didn't fancy him at the begging of the season because I wanted to see Shearer to save us and bring back to PL. But everything what happened I think Chris deserves it and I hope we do well next season in PL.

We won today at London Road against Peterborough Untied so we are basiclly promoted (Nottm Forest can only level our points if we lose every our remaining games but our goal difference is huge comparing to theirs)... but on Monday at SJP we should offically be promoted.

@ben - too bad that you didn't start earlier to support Newcastle, at least last season when we were in PL... that relegation thing was one of hardest thing but that put me even more into the club. I must say I admire your change of supporting clubs... from trophy-winning club Man Utd to struggling club (compared to ManU) like Newcastle ;)

Cheers

[ben]

@ben - too bad that you didn't start earlier to support Newcastle, at least last season when we were in PL... that relegation thing was one of hardest thing but that put me even more into the club. I must say I admire your change of supporting clubs... from trophy-winning club Man Utd to struggling club (compared to ManU) like Newcastle ;)

Cheers

Well Marko, I spent the first 18 years of my life in a Newcastle supported household. My mum spent the first 24 years of her life growing up within a few hundred yards from St. James Park so Newcastle have been in my family forever, and I have to say that from having watched the club's final 10 or so games in the PL, and having Geordie blood, I very much felt the club going down! I'll never forget the day relegation was sealed, seeing the fans crying and the players distraught, it was awful and it makes you realize how much more football and the team mean to Geordies and Toon fans worldwide. Although I wasn't an official supporter it hit close to home! It's nothing like supporting Manchester United or Chelsea or Real Madrid, it's truly the best supported club in the world. If one of those clubs were relegated I hardly think they'd still average 45,000+ per match!! Every single player would leave for better things, but here we are with Jose Enrique and Jonas, two great players who have played and in all honestly could likely be playing for one of the big four right now.

Watching the team reinvent itself this season has been a revelation. I know big changes are going to happen this summer...Nicky Butt is all but gone, Alan Smith should probably stay in the CCC, as should Ameobi, Saylor might be leaving...but it's real exciting nonetheless. Rumor has it 15 million pound is being given to Hughton (or whoever is managing) to spend on new players but we all know that doesn't necessarily get you much these days. A creative midfielder is a must, though. It's all muscle and no creativity in the central of the park right now, despite Guthrie's best efforts.

[Marko NUFC]

Well Marko, I spent the first 18 years of my life in a Newcastle supported household. My mum spent the first 24 years of her life growing up within a few hundred yards from St. James Park so Newcastle have been in my family forever, and I have to say that from having watched the club's final 10 or so games in the PL, and having Geordie blood, I very much felt the club going down! I'll never forget the day relegation was sealed, seeing the fans crying and the players distraught, it was awful and it makes you realize how much more football and the team mean to Geordies and Toon fans worldwide. Although I wasn't an official supporter it hit close to home! It's nothing like supporting Manchester United or Chelsea or Real Madrid, it's truly the best supported club in the world. If one of those clubs were relegated I hardly think they'd still average 45,000+ per match!! Every single player would leave for better things, but here we are with Jose Enrique and Jonas, two great players who have played and in all honestly could likely be playing for one of the big four right now.

That is why I love this club... the passion they got I haven't seen anywhere and not even ManU, Real, Chelsea got it like Newcastle (although I know their supporters would say the same about their club)

Watching the team reinvent itself this season has been a revelation. I know big changes are going to happen this summer...Nicky Butt is all but gone, Alan Smith should probably stay in the CCC, as should Ameobi, Saylor might be leaving...but it's real exciting nonetheless. Rumor has it 15 million pound is being given to Hughton (or whoever is managing) to spend on new players but we all know that doesn't necessarily get you much these days. A creative midfielder is a must, though. It's all muscle and no creativity in the central of the park right now, despite Guthrie's best efforts.

15 million pound? it would be nice considering Ashley's previous transfer budgets...
I agree with you about creative midfielder. We haven't got one for ages, I can only remember one in recent history and that is Emre Belozoglu. Guthrie is very good and Barton is good when he is fit, but someone like Arteta at Everton or Modric at Spurs is what we need.
Also we need proven striker in PL, I would say Robbie Keane. Do you have someone in mind who is a natural goalscorer?

[ben]

That is why I love this club... the passion they got I haven't seen anywhere and not even ManU, Real, Chelsea got it like Newcastle (although I know their supporters would say the same about their club)


15 million pound? it would be nice considering Ashley's previous transfer budgets...
I agree with you about creative midfielder. We haven't got one for ages, I can only remember one in recent history and that is Emre Belozoglu. Guthrie is very good and Barton is good when he is fit, but someone like Arteta at Everton or Modric at Spurs is what we need.
Also we need proven striker in PL, I would say Robbie Keane. Do you have someone in mind who is a natural goalscorer?

No kidding, all the Liverpool and Man United supporters would say that they have the best fans but I think if you took a neutral poll, without a doubt it'd be Newcastle. If you've ever been to the city you'll know that, you can't walk 10 feet without seeing a black and white shirt or hearing someone talk about the Toon.

The 15M...Yep, just a rumor I've heard on Talk of the Tyne and from a few match commentators. Emre was good in his day, I wonder where he is now. Agreed, a player who just creates and scores a few goals is perfect. Sneijder isn't available on a free, is he? There's my dream signing right now.

Looking at the squad, in my opinion this what needs to happen.

Out
Butt, Smith, Ameobi...

In
Creative CM, decent Striker, LB cover, new no. 1 keeper

Opening day lineup

GK: ?
RB: Simpson
CB: If Taylor stays, then Taylor. If not Williamson
CB: Colo
LB: Jose Enrique
RW: Routledge
CM: Guthrie or Nolan
CM: ?
LW: Jonas
ST: Carroll
ST: ?

There's a lot of question marks because I'm personally hoping we sign starters for those positions. Harper is a decent keeper and a great servant/mentor but he's not good enough for the Premier League. I don't know who could come in as a stiker. Kris Boyd was a rumour, and as far as I know he's a big, good striker who scores a lot of goals. Otherwise, any decent striker who is available likely wouldn't come to Newcastle. Hopefully, there's a hidden gem somewhere in a lower league or somewhere in Europe.

[Marko NUFC]

Sneijder would be great signing but don't think it will happen. I would want to see us sign Rafael van der Vaart but that won't happen.
I like your starting line with all these question marks because that are position we need to improve.

GK: Harper/Krul (can't think of any keeper now, but we should buy a good keeper)
RB: Simpson or Perch (from Nottm Forest)
CB: S.Taylor/Williamson
CB: Coloccini
LB: Jose Enrique
RW: Routledge
CM: ??? (Guthrie/Barton)
CM: ??? (new signing - Veloso, Sneijder, van der Vaart, Bullard?!, Diamanti?!...)
LW: Jonas Gutierrez
ST: Carroll/Lovenkrands
ST: ??? (new signing - Keane, Boyd, C.Cole, Rodallega...)

Also in squad I would want to have: R.Taylor, Ameobi (he won't leave, he will be forever here no matter how much we would want him to leave :) ), Kadar...

Out: Nicky Butt, Leon Best, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate


After few seasons we finally could have a good defence, but midfield must be improved with good signings.

[ben]

Sneijder would be great signing but don't think it will happen. I would want to see us sign Rafael van der Vaart but that won't happen.
I like your starting line with all these question marks because that are position we need to improve.

GK: Harper/Krul (can't think of any keeper now, but we should buy a good keeper)
RB: Simpson or Perch (from Nottm Forest)
CB: S.Taylor/Williamson
CB: Coloccini
LB: Jose Enrique
RW: Routledge
CM: ??? (Guthrie/Barton)
CM: ??? (new signing - Veloso, Sneijder, van der Vaart, Bullard?!, Diamanti?!...)
LW: Jonas Gutierrez
ST: Carroll/Lovenkrands
ST: ??? (new signing - Keane, Boyd, C.Cole, Rodallega...)

Also in squad I would want to have: R.Taylor, Ameobi (he won't leave, he will be forever here no matter how much we would want him to leave :) ), Kadar...

Out: Nicky Butt, Leon Best, Fitz Hall, Fabrice Pancrate


After few seasons we finally could have a good defence, but midfield must be improved with good signings.

Haha nah I know, wishful thinking! Sneijder and Torres, thank you very much.

I like your signing ideas...I've always liked Carlton Cole and Hugo Rodallega...Perch from Forest played great against us and is probably a better player than Danny Simpson but Simpson is more than adequate for the time being. Miguel Veloso would be an absolutely incredible signing, too. I'd love to sign Joe Hart, he's a great keeper and England's future no.1 without a doubt. Shay Given still has a few top years in him at City, shame he was ever sold, eh? I heard the Bullard rumour too, I'd welcome that provided he can stay fit. He's great when he's not injured, seems like a good, funny guy too.

A lot of fans don't want Ryan Taylor to stay but I think he's okay, he's a good weapon to have for dead ball situations and he's alright getting forward. Not a terrific defender but he's a decent back-up to Simpson. Pancake, besides that incredible goal, is a flop! And you're probably right about Shola...if he hasn't left yet he never will! I never quite understood the signing of Leon Best, to be honest.

The difference between us and a team like Hull or Burnley, who are only just back up top, is that this is where Newcastle belong and there's the stadium and fans to prove it. So I think new players -who may normally be put off by the idea of signing for a newly-promoted team- won't think the same way about signing for Newcastle. If everything is seemingly clear and there's a manager in place there's not many reasons not to sign with the club.

[Marko NUFC]

Haha nah I know, wishful thinking! Sneijder and Torres, thank you very much.

I like your signing ideas...I've always liked Carlton Cole and Hugo Rodallega...Perch from Forest played great against us and is probably a better player than Danny Simpson but Simpson is more than adequate for the time being. Miguel Veloso would be an absolutely incredible signing, too. I'd love to sign Joe Hart, he's a great keeper and England's future no.1 without a doubt. Shay Given still has a few top years in him at City, shame he was ever sold, eh? I heard the Bullard rumour too, I'd welcome that provided he can stay fit. He's great when he's not injured, seems like a good, funny guy too.

A lot of fans don't want Ryan Taylor to stay but I think he's okay, he's a good weapon to have for dead ball situations and he's alright getting forward. Not a terrific defender but he's a decent back-up to Simpson. Pancake, besides that incredible goal, is a flop! And you're probably right about Shola...if he hasn't left yet he never will! I never quite understood the signing of Leon Best, to be honest.

The difference between us and a team like Hull or Burnley, who are only just back up top, is that this is where Newcastle belong and there's the stadium and fans to prove it. So I think new players -who may normally be put off by the idea of signing for a newly-promoted team- won't think the same way about signing for Newcastle. If everything is seemingly clear and there's a manager in place there's not many reasons not to sign with the club.


Yes, Joe Hart could be very good signing... his loan ends at Blues in the summer, doesn't it?
I can't get over it with Given's sale. I don't understand it even now. He was a loyal servant to our club for 11-12 years which is amazing and he left in the most worst time of all his 11-12 years of service... he left when we were in the biggest mess. I don't get it why he didn't wait till the summer to go to Man City, he could of save us. It was really irrelevant if he left in summer or in january in Man City perspective. If he wanted to leave, that is for me a betrayal, but I keep saying to myself that he was pushed away by Ashley and co.

You are spot on about signings for a newly promoted club... Newcastle is still a big club and we should attract good players but Cashley need to splash the cash first ;)

Uh, can't wait next season in PL, just a few thoughts:
1. mackems derby
2. seeing Owen back at SJP (in ManU shirt of course, can't wait to see how fans will welcome him :) )
3. getting back at Villa Park
4. playing against Man City with Shay Given playing for opposition (it will be weird)
etc. etc.

[ben]

Yes, Joe Hart could be very good signing... his loan ends at Blues in the summer, doesn't it?
I can't get over it with Given's sale. I don't understand it even now. He was a loyal servant to our club for 11-12 years which is amazing and he left in the most worst time of all his 11-12 years of service... he left when we were in the biggest mess. I don't get it why he didn't wait till the summer to go to Man City, he could of save us. It was really irrelevant if he left in summer or in january in Man City perspective. If he wanted to leave, that is for me a betrayal, but I keep saying to myself that he was pushed away by Ashley and co.

You are spot on about signings for a newly promoted club... Newcastle is still a big club and we should attract good players but Cashley need to splash the cash first ;)

Uh, can't wait next season in PL, just a few thoughts:
1. mackems derby
2. seeing Owen back at SJP (in ManU shirt of course, can't wait to see how fans will welcome him :) )
3. getting back at Villa Park
4. playing against Man City with Shay Given playing for opposition (it will be weird)
etc. etc.

It does, yeah. I heard McLeish wants to keep him there for another season and it might happen given how well Birmingham/Joe Hart have done this season.

Losing the best keeper in the league (yes, easily) would destroy any club, let alone one in shambles as it was. I too guess he was sick of everything going on and he knew nothing would improve. Still though, you have to look at Buffon with Juventus...he's probably the best keeper in the world and he stayed with Juve after a forced relegation and shaming. Given could have stuck around, knowing that it'd probably be a straight back up deal, but I guess back last January it seemed that it would be a very long downwards spiral. He's done well at City though and is finally getting the recognition he deserves, but the fact is he left to the highest bidder and it's disappointing, especially when you consider the fact that he was so loyal to the club for so long.

I'm just excited about everything about the next few months. New signings, optimism from players and fans alike...my mums said that her brothers have said in Newcastle the buzz is crazy, it's just like when KK was in charge all those years ago. It'll be great watching games EVERY week unlike the thing we have know, catching whatever cap (rare good ones and mostly low quality) we can!

Having said all this, how do you think the season will go? Back down? Mid-table? Champions League :cool:;)

[Marko NUFC]

I'm just excited about everything about the next few months. New signings, optimism from players and fans alike...my mums said that her brothers have said in Newcastle the buzz is crazy, it's just like when KK was in charge all those years ago. It'll be great watching games EVERY week unlike the thing we have know, catching whatever cap (rare good ones and mostly low quality) we can!

Yes, it was very annoying in Championship that you can't watch all the games and even highlights of some games are really pathetic, especially of those games played in mid-week. C'mon 1 minute of footage :mad:
Glad to hear that Newcastle is breathing football all over the place again, hope we have a very very good next season even better than this one :D

Having said all this, how do you think the season will go? Back down? Mid-table? Champions League :cool:;)

Well, my dream is any European place... I adore European matches. I would like Europa League as well. Champions League is maybe too far for us atm, but getting to CL, that would be just the same as the feeling as we'd won Premier League.

It is really hard to make up my mind where we will finish,
but I think we will finish mid-table, but again I hope for a place in Europe and that is at least 7th spot ;)
What are your thoughts regarding this delicate question of where we will finish?

[ben]

Well, my dream is any European place... I adore European matches. I would like Europa League as well. Champions League is maybe too far for us atm, but getting to CL, that would be just the same as the feeling as we'd won Premier League.

It is really hard to make up my mind where we will finish,
but I think we will finish mid-table, but again I hope for a place in Europe and that is at least 7th spot ;)
What are your thoughts regarding this delicate question of where we will finish?

Europe would really be amazing but it's probably unrealistic right now...maybe in a few years!

I think if we added players for the positions we talked about, we could beat anybody up until 7th or 8th place. We could beat the likes of Bolton, Wigan, etc. Our defence, even right now, would probably be one of the better in the Premier League, assuming we added a top keeper. If Shay was still the no.1 it'd be within the top 5! Even teams like City and Aston Villa are beatable, provided we work hard and don't get careless. The class of Chelsea, Arsenal, or Man United is too much, though.

Based on all this I really believe it will be a mid-table season. I think we'll have a few great runs and venture as high as 7th. This is coming from an optimist, true, but when you look at the lineups of certain teams and look at ours, it's obvious we're equally as skilled. Hughton has also turned the team into a great team unit, the players work hard for eachother...for example how many wingers (i.e. Nani, Aaron Lennon) track back as hard and as well as Jonas? Not many...

So, I'm saying 10th or thereabouts. I really doubt it'll be instant relegation, I think everyone knows that last season relegation was hardly down to the skill of the players (although their characters are to blame) but to all the chaos surrounding them.

[duffy101]

are back in the premiership

[Leggster]

That's it then
Newcastle are back in the Premier League
Congrats guys, have always admired the passion for football in Newcastle. It's great to see them bouncing straight back.

[bayern1982]

Just wanted to stop by and congratulate your club on making it back to the BPL.

CHEERS!! :cool::):D;):cool::D;):)

[Pompey Lad]

Shame that St James Park sounds like a library tonight!

[Blitzkrieg]

are back in the premiership

and will be replacing West Ham ;)

:p

[flancrest]

and will be replacing West Ham ;)

:p

Sure hope so.

Congrats, looking forward to kicking the shit out of you in the first division again. :p

[christiankemp1]

Congrats. Will be good to see you'll back in the big time.

[ben]

Back up where we belong. Great game v the Blades Monday, the emotion was spilling out of the TV screen at the end of the match. I though Chris Hughton was going to tear up at his post-match interview, the guys a legend regardless of whether he stays (hopefully) or goes. Having a game or two in hand on WBA, I can't see us dropping out of the number 1 spot, so to go up winning the league will be even more incredible. Fantastic season, my best ever as a supporter.

[rymert19]

Question is: Does Newcastle stay up this year?

[ben]

Question is: Does Newcastle stay up this year?

Answer is: Yes.

What I said earlier in the thread was that this isn't the same as a team like West Brom or Forest or even Burnley coming up. I think most agree that Newcastle deserve to be in top flight, it's just there was such a mess off the field last season that it really affected the on field actions. Players' morales were lower than ever, there was a managerial turnstile, poor signings, poor tactical decisions, plus the weight of the Geordie expectations. Players like Kev Nolan and Jonas Gutierrez are without a doubt Premier League quality, which is something most newly promoted teams don't have much of. Plus, Mike Ashley and co are apparently getting ready to spend between 15-25 mil in the summer on players. So, with the level of players, a proper permanent manager, and a few new signings, without a doubt we stay up.

[praju7]

Answer is: Yes.

What I said earlier in the thread was that this isn't the same as a team like West Brom or Forest or even Burnley coming up. I think most agree that Newcastle deserve to be in top flight, it's just there was such a mess off the field last season that it really affected the on field actions. Players' morales were lower than ever, there was a managerial turnstile, poor signings, poor tactical decisions, plus the weight of the Geordie expectations. Players like Kev Nolan and Jonas Gutierrez are without a doubt Premier League quality, which is something most newly promoted teams don't have much of. Plus, Mike Ashley and co are apparently getting ready to spend between 15-25 mil in the summer on players. So, with the level of players, a proper permanent manager, and a few new signings, without a doubt we stay up.

Ben .. How is Jonas playing this season ??? Too bad we dont get the matches telecasted here in India.

[ben]

Ben .. How is Jonas playing this season ??? Too bad we dont get the matches telecasted here in India.

He's probably been one of the players of the season, along with Jose Enrique. He's honestly just been incredibly good, and has finally scored a few goals! I really think Jonas terrified most defenders in the Championship, for sure.

[Marko NUFC]

Just to make this thread come to life again...

I want to hear other opinions about expectations regarding new season...
what will happen with Jose Enrique, Joey Barton?
Personally, im really looking forward to see how the club progress in this transfer window...we have signed Cabaye from Lille, Marveaux from Rennes and Demba Ba from West Ham but we also lost our captain Nolan to West Ham so far...all i can see is the club making huge decision with making the whole team younger with selling older players or not offering extensions to "older" players like Joey Barton... and bringing in French players with flair might just do it for us next season :)

but above all we need more strengthening...i hope we sign in at least one proven striker (roumors about Melvut Erding from PSG) and good right back where we have only Danny Simpson...and if Enrique is going to be sold (which i hope won't happen :S ) then we need to replace him...

what do you think who we should sign and your thoughts about next season?

[will190780]

I think we'll do okay next season. I don't think Ashley intends to invest in the squad as we would like to see and would be required if we wanted to get into Europe.

He is led in his acquisitions by price and resale value alone. No defenders? One striker (with a suspect knee) is not going to cut it. Frankly we need cover all over the pitch and I think we were lucky injury wise last season, certainly defensively!

Fingers crossed I'm wrong and another 8 players come in :-)

[Whoah10115]

Newcastle's midfield is good. On paper, anyway. I didn't realize they signed Marveaux. Plus they have Obertan and Jonas, and they have Danny Guthrie (too bad he's a thug, as he's actually a very good CM). Coloccini and Steven Taylor not so good (and I liked Taylor). In fact, bad. But they somehow ended up with Santon. They have Demba Ba and they have Ben Arfa, who can be very good.


The most impressive thing is that CM pairing. Tiote and Cabaye...solid on paper, at least.

[Marko NUFC]

Newcastle's midfield is good. On paper, anyway. I didn't realize they signed Marveaux. Plus they have Obertan and Jonas, and they have Danny Guthrie (too bad he's a thug, as he's actually a very good CM). Coloccini and Steven Taylor not so good (and I liked Taylor). In fact, bad. But they somehow ended up with Santon. They have Demba Ba and they have Ben Arfa, who can be very good.


The most impressive thing is that CM pairing. Tiote and Cabaye...solid on paper, at least.

I would disagree with you about Coloccini and S.Taylor. They played really good in these opening three matches, especially Coloccini who just brings that composure and security to the Newcastle defence. Coloccini is also new captain for this season which tells you something.
You are right though about midfield, at least on paper. Tiote and Cabaye could prove to be real force if they are consistent and injury free.
Tiote has really poor disciplinary record, last season 14 yellow cards:eek:...

Anyway, looking forward to our next matches and can't wait to see Ben Arfa back in form...too bad the club couldn't find a really good striker in this transfer window considering Ba is still not settled...

[bigb0i13]

I would disagree with you about Coloccini and S.Taylor. They played really good in these opening three matches, especially Coloccini who just brings that composure and security to the Newcastle defence. Coloccini is also new captain for this season which tells you something.
You are right though about midfield, at least on paper. Tiote and Cabaye could prove to be real force if they are consistent and injury free.
Tiote has really poor disciplinary record, last season 14 yellow cards:eek:...

Anyway, looking forward to our next matches and can't wait to see Ben Arfa back in form...too bad the club couldn't find a really good striker in this transfer window considering Ba is still not settled...



Ba looked very good last year tho. Play Ben Arfa at SS (I think his best position) and you're very potent. The only question is whether or not there are a lot of goals there. Nolan scored a BUNCH last year, and for some reason went to The Championship. But you have good players. Just a question of actual goal-scoring.


Who is the other fullback? What side do you think Santon will be on?

[Marko NUFC]

Ba looked very good last year tho. Play Ben Arfa at SS (I think his best position) and you're very potent. The only question is whether or not there are a lot of goals there. Nolan scored a BUNCH last year, and for some reason went to The Championship. But you have good players. Just a question of actual goal-scoring.


Who is the other fullback? What side do you think Santon will be on?

well, its a tricky one considering that santon prefers playing at right back, but atm Newcastle is thin on the left side so I think Santon will play left back in expense to Ryan Taylor who is out positioned anyway and Simpson will be on the right side.

Newcastle really started the season very bright and looking forward to see finally Ben Arfa fit as Newcastle could have a really good season if the bloody owner Mike CAshley doesn't decide to "press" a self-destruction button again.

If everyone is fit, this Newcastle team has the talent and strength to finish in top 7:

--------------------Krul--------------------

Simpson-------S.Taylor----Coloccini----Santon

Obertan---------Tiote------Cabaye------Jonas
(Marveaux)
--------------------Ben Arfa-----------------
-----------------------Ba--------------------

Subs: Harper, R.Taylor, Williamson, Gosling, Guthrie, Ferguson, Lovenkrands, Shola and Sammy Ameobi, Best...