Newcastle United – News Roundup – 22 July 2009.
Posted on July 22nd, 2009 | 19 Comments |
I hope this isn’t a sign of things to come. We seem to have had a particularly injury-prone squad in recent seasons and I was beginning to wonder whether that’s just down to bad luck or whether there’s something wrong with the training / physio regime.
According to The Chronicle, the players have been told that they can expect Hughton to be in charge for the start of the season, which is no real surprise given the way things seem to be dragging on. The article also suggests that the Malaysian consortium that was recently given a tour of St James’ Park has fallen by the wayside, although I’m not sure how The Chronicle knows that because all that Ashely’s PR man had to say on matters was: “we can’t give out anything on the record“.
It will come as disappointing to news to fans that we won’t have a new owner and manager by the time the season starts and it looks like Ashley might be determined to hang on for his £100m. There will come a time in the not too distant future when we might have to accept the possibility that Ashley might still be in charge for at least the first half of the season (until January, perhaps). I am wondering if Ashley has any backup plans for this in terms of refreshing the squad and getting a manager in place.
The Chronicle is also reporting that West Ham are interested in Andy Carroll. An Upton Park source told The Chronicle:
“It’s no secret that West Ham are thin on the ground when it comes to strikers.
“The club finished ninth last season and, while that is a good achievement by most team’s standards, Gianfranco Zola believes it could have been even better had they had more of a threat in front of goal.
“The manager is looking at a range of options and Andy Carroll is included on that list.”
Finally, there’s confirmation from the club that Shearer will lead the team playing in the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy match on Sunday. Shearer said:
“Bobby really deserves this match after everything he’s done. I feel I owe him a personal debt. When he came in as Newcastle manager he got me enjoying football again and playing the way I can.
“He helped me when I needed it and I’m very happy to help him now.
“There are men and there are real men. I think you know which he is. What he’s done, what he’s achieved and what he’s going through – he’s incredible.”
Unfortunately that’s all the news I can find for today. For a report on last night’s friendly against Huddersfield, see this article.
NUFCBlog Author: Hugh de Payen
I'm a baby-boomer of the punk rock persuasion, currently exiled in Somerset for crimes committed in a previous life where locals keep trying to poison me with something called 'scrumpy'. Hates sprouts, coat-hangers, Cilla Black, ornaments, Steven Seagull movies and 50 Cent (he's not worth 10).
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I’d be worried about our ability to get points off some teams in The Championship with the current squad.
We’re devoid of creativity and it’s like we hit a brick wall once we cross the halfway line.
The team seems disinterested but also very sloppy. Enrique was particularly wasteful last night, as was Guthrie, Xisco and Jonas. Hopefully just cobwebs but they should be rid of those now in my opinion.
We also have players who don’t look fit – notably Xisco, Nolan, Guthrie and Colo look a little sluggish. Stevie Taylor looks top-heavy as well.
On the whole I’m not filled with confidence.