Any, any, any O’Brien?

Posted on March 15th, 2010 | 276 Comments |

Nice nosejob Andy...
Nice nosejob Andy...
Will we seek to borrow back the services of Andy O’Brien from Bolton Wanderers? Chris Hughton has been speaking to the press and expressed his concern over the state of the current Newcastle injury list. Mike Williamson was the most recent casualty leading up to the smogs game at the weekend and when Coloccini limped off halfway through that game, Hughton had to contemplate the foreseeable future without a potential starting back four in Steven Taylor, Jose Enrique, Williamson and Colo.

The news is hopefully good on Enrique and he was reportedly close to a start on Saturday but having limped out of the Barnsley game having returned a little too soon and reporting a tightness in his hamstring, Hughton will be reluctant to put the Spaniard back in unless he’s absolutely certain of his fitness, though he appears confident he’s ready.

There’s no return date scheduled for Steven Taylor following his knee problem, and while the extent of Colo’s ‘dead leg’ is still unclear, Williamson is definitely out for at least a month with a broken hand. So with Enrique, Fitz Hall, Tamas Kadar, Danny Simpson and Ryan Taylor the only senior players left confirmed as fit to fill the back four positions, it was almost inevitable that Hughton might look to bring in an emergency loan as extra cover.

And predictably the name of Andy O’Brien has been bandied around, following interest in him during the summer. While in black and white, he was a fully committed and often capable defender, even if he did lack finesse. And the centre-half with the unluckiest beak ever, was immortalised in song after scoring against the mackems, just as his namesake, Liam did all those years ago. It’s thought he would be keen on first team football back at St James’ although whether his run-out against Wigan scuppers those plans remains to be seen. Hughton has just over a week to get someone in on loan before the deadline passes.

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276 Responses

  1. Yawn…if this is the ambition we are showing I am going to join Phil Brown’s fan club.

    Super Plop :)

  2. To be honest I am starting to see next year in the prem being an even worse disaster than the last time we where there.

    Even with a few measly additions from Ashley (I reckon he will spend about 8-10m MAX) we will be straight back where we began.

    Like Stuart Said “Choppy Waters Ahead”…..Ship ahoy Sailors !

  4. SJT – It’s only a loan mate, as cover.

    I just don’t see the point. Kadar has looked solid enough when called upon and could do with the games and Colo should be fit for Saturday if not Wednesday. That still leaves us with 3 centre backs until we get the others back.

    On an unrelated note, I see Scunny’s top scorer Hooper is out and their captain is banned for Wednesday’s game. Surely Kadar is worth a punt with that in mind?

  5. sjt,

    Choppy waters sums it up perfectly if I may say so myself.

    When we start playing poorly, getting beat, getting hammered and we haven’t spent much money the supporters will get restless and Ashley and Hughton will be under huge pressure.

    I really don’t see a happy forseeable future (next season).

  6. STUART79,look on the bright side m8 we might see some canny sides@ sjp and say if only!,must be better than some of the s— we have saw this season ;)

  7. Players like Jimmy Bullard also plays a part in Phil Brown dismiss.

    + sign too many oldies to the club. They are exprience but just doesnt have the legs anymore to do it.

    George Boateng = good player but use too often in 1st team should be a rotation player

  9. icedog says:
    March 15, 2010 at 8:06 pm
    STUART79,look on the bright side m8 we might see some canny sides@ sjp and say if only!,must be better than some of the s— we have saw this season

    Actually icedog I have really enjoyed watching the likes of WBA, QPR, Doncaster, Swansea, Derby and Leicester out play us at home and the likes of Forest, Scunthorpe, Blackpool and Cardiff out play us away.

    I’m just glad these teams don’t have strikers who can take chances.

    Different story of course in the PL

  10. Dont wish to see Newcaastle in this state, lucky we are heading towards signing young ambitious player, they might be young but exprience are gain.

    We need just the right kind of coach to guide them and time is on their side.

  11. i think kadar can handle at least the next 2 games if JE stands,even loan players take time to bed in 2wks or so,might as well try to keep going and see over these 2 games

  12. Is it only me that gets fuked off listening to bloggers constantly going on about whats going to happen to us next year when we are in the EPL. I know we are not strong enough for the prem im pretty sure CH, MA, and even Lambsarse knows it aswell, but were not in the prem we are in the CCC. Should we not just try to concentrate on this season then worry about it. To listen to some you would think we were fighting for our lifes in the CCC instead of leading it for almost all season. had to get that off my chest as I have been on here a couple of time and after reading a few posts just thought it was mostly doom and gloom merchants.

  15. Spot on Big Dave, next season is a whole new ball game. I’d be amazed if we don’t have a few new players to complement the youngsters finally starting to get some time on the pitch. Time perhaps for Tozer to have an outing?

  16. hi big dave,get if off your chest your allowed m8,i always say look on the bright side,plenty doom and gloom or lets have a laugh about it

  18. Big Dave – here here fella. Some of this lot could fall into a bucket of boobs and would still come out twisting.

  19. Man alive,, the absolute bile on here!!

    SJT – Hughton is demonstrating extra vigilance to ensure cover for the most important of busy schedules in the next few weeks. This isn’t a statement signing – so stop being such a bleedin drama queen. IF we go up – we can look to rebuild and take things from there. That’s not a cue for the lynchmob to come out all angry about smith, nolan, ameobi blah blah,, how they aren’t good enough to keep us in the prem.. or whatever the line of the day is. Interesting comments from Nolan about the fans and the players being together again… if only that could possibly be true for more than 5 minutes ay nufc.

    jeeeeezzzzzzz, going up hopefully after the bleakest of sundays 9 months ago – new manager who has got steadily better and better in his 1st season, decent pool of young players, so why do I think it’s gonna be a long, long, hard summer listening to the lynchmob all over again?? I wonder.

  20. Big Dave says:
    March 15, 2010 at 8:30 pm

    “Is it only me that gets fuked off listening to bloggers constantly going on about whats going to happen to us next year when we are in the EPL.”

    Nope, but I am convinced that we could “survive” in the Premiership, just like Wigan, Stoke and Blackburn have with squads that are little different to ours in terms of value. This whole idea that we have to spend ten times as much as everyone else just to “survive” is a nonsense. What we need to spend for is an assault on the top seven euro places.

  22. big willy al reet m8,why wait till next season when we are sure of going up why not put 2 or 3 kids in they wont feel they are letting one down and can relax, just my thoughts should get 3games i think

  23. The problem is survivng for some people seems to 10th place and up. 17th would do me next season to be fair.

    Do I want more? Yes but survival is the first step. Survival in a league we aren’t even in yet!

  24. Have to agree with Boater, the amount of doom mongers on here that can predict the future is unreal, feel sorry for the families that have to live with these muppets….

  25. workyticket – I agree. I’m fairly convinced that our squad as is, combined with hughton’s determination to make us hard to beat, first and foremost – is capable of stoke, blackburn, bolton survival at the least. We have to see that as our aim this season – already seeing people writing off hughton, you have to laugh – people saying his tactics are wrong sometimes.. oh right really – this being his first season as a manager of a club in turmoil yet still surging back to the premiership – yeah some of those substitutions against derby weren’t very good though eh – yeah I do better on fifa innit.
    You’d laugh if it wasn’t so depressing.

  26. Sorry I jumped in without fully digesting the Article…I just saw his face like a ghost from the past and kicked off….I see tears on the rocky road ahead though…I get the feeling we are all going to miss the glorious fizzy pop days and wish them back again.

    As we all know the prem is no fun when your team just rolls over and gets their bellies tickled.

  27. Boater :)
    Made me Chuckle haha..made me want to get my ABBA collection out and sing into my hairbrush….”Dancing Queen,He’s So Mean…he don’t dig the Ashley Scene…oooohhhhh woooooooooh…wooooooooooh wooooooooh woooooo (Thanks for the backing Vocals Mr Stavers).

  28. Nice to see people are still living in dreamland.

    Open ya eyes – Especially you Worky.

    Do you watch us play? More or less every team has outplayed us at one point during the season. The only thing that has saved us is the fact they haven’t got players who can take the chances they’ve created.

    PL teams don’t miss chances that often.

    I still hold out some hope that we bring in quality though.

    I made the point last night that Middlesbrough have the 4th best academy in Europe and look where they are now?

    They forgot to buy PL quality, experienced players and they suffered the consequences.

    Living on an academy isn’t sustainable or realistic.

  29. people seem to be forgeting andy o brien is dog sh*t was still is always shall be play the youngin kadar simpson even and f*ck it nicky butt is a head off andy o f*ck brien forwards not backwards

  30. How can people say that 3 centre halves are enough? applying that logic we didn’t need to get Williamson and Hall as we had,Colo,Taylor and Kadmar.I dread to think where we’d have been without them.
    As for next season,for God’s sake we may as well not get promoted as some of you have us relegated already.None of us know how much Ashley will spend,we all thought we’d get no new signings in Jan.Lets wait and see,even now I think we have a better squad than some in the prem(my opinion only)Lets enjoy promotion then wait and see.HWTL

  31. he doesnt play young players CH unless it is the last resort!he goes on about them a lot puts them on the bench but doesnt even use them when we are winning. the problem is going to be CH not ashley are major problem is midfield and till he buys fresh legs and gets rid of nolan smith guthrie then we wont move forward and i cant see that happening under him the first thing shearer did was get rid but it didnt work he kept butt in which cost us of staying up.

  32. Stuart79 – other teams have dominated possession in matches yet we’ve still outplayed most by virtue of playing a compact, organised n’ efficient brand of counter attacking football. though If us geordies don’t see a south american passing game even in these humbling times we say it’s not good football@?@? It’s effective, points friendly and that’s all that matters.

    Also – how is it we have the swing of quality necessary to undeservedly rob championship teams of points, and yet not have the makings of a survival premiership side? We exist in some weird football purgatory in your head?

  33. richietoon says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:00 pm
    None of us know how much Ashley will spend.

    It won’t be much Richie.

  34. I merely offer my opinion on what the squad needs ‘if’ we get promoted.

    For every supporter who says we have a good enough squad there’ll be two who say we don’t. It’s all about opinions.

    From my point of view I want to see good football at St James’ Park and I want to see us win – Someone mentioned Stoke and Blackburn earlier like they are teams we should beat. Why should we?

  35. Stuart do you have a crystal ball that is telling you that MA wont spend on players that we need once we know 100% that we are promoted. its just the same old shit we all heard round the start of Jan when bloggers were saying that MA wouldn’t spend money to strenghting the team and what happened ? He might have bought 1 or 2 that im not impressed with but he still bought them. I have learned in life to be gratful for small mercies, because there is enough bad things in life. Oh and I have watched many a prem team miss many chances. :)

  36. ASIM… wtf!?!?!?!

    “and till he buys fresh legs and gets rid of nolan smith guthrie then we wont move forward” reet ok,, leading a club which was in the 1st phase of meltdown to the brink of promotion, winning back the crowds and restoring credibility to the region is not moving forwards then? No shearer – who dropped butt – was taking us forwards – I see how you live in a world where everything is upside down – you do understand that the top leagues are the good ones not the other way around.. just checking yee knaa.

  37. What’s with the ‘waiting moderation’?

    And who’s moderating?

    What’s the moderation criteria?

    Don’t post anything that upsets the STEPFORD MAGS?

  38. boater says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:04 pm

    Right let me repeat myself.

    These teams that have out passed us (as you say) have created chance after chance against us. They just haven’t had the players to take them chances. In the PL they will.

    That’s the difference. Without investment we won’t survive IMHO

  39. Lets try it with a strategically placed asterisk:

    The STEPFORD MAGS are ganging up again.

    Don’t talk the team down. Don’t look past the end of the season. And don’t say a bad word about Mr. Ashley.

    What the f*ck is the matter with you people that the slightest doubt expressed by anyone here has you bursting into tears?

  40. richietoon – It was me who said 3 CB’s would do, I also said only 3 would only do if Colo was not out for long.

  41. Darth – It’s called a difference of opinions, an opinion of which everyone is entitled to yet your the one spitting the dummy because people aren’t on your side?

    Howay man.

  42. Stuart79 says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:08 pm

    “From my point of view I want to see good football at St James’ Park and I want to see us win – Someone mentioned Stoke and Blackburn earlier like they are teams we should beat. Why should we?”

    Stuart, no one mentioned Stoke and Blackburn as teams we should beat. It was mentioned that we already had a squad which was commensurate with those of clubs such as Stoke, Blackburn and Wigan, who have survived in the Premiership.

  43. Big Dave says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:09 pm

    I was the one who was giving Ashley the benifit of the doubt in January. He came up trumps I agree.

    It is very well documented that 90% of promoted teams need at least £20m to survive.

    As for you seeing PL sides miss chances – Slightly false argument as every team in the world misses chances, but it’s also well known that the main two differences between the PL and the Championship is pace and PL teams put chances away.

    I don’t understand how everyone thinks we’ll be fine – It beggers believe!

  44. toonsy

    I’M spitting the dummy because I argue that EVERYONE should be able to POST ANY opinion without getting a pasting just for writing it?

    Howay man.

  45. stuart79 – sorry nah. Bollox to that. – ‘I just want to see good football’ and all that tw*t.. you sound like a spoilt brat on xmas morning son that didn’t get exactly the right expensive pair of trainers. Have you not learned humility in the past year? You preferred which good football exactly? The one that saw countless heartless prima donnas coming in on inflated wages, opening up to sides and getting beat 6-2, 5-1, 4-0 by liverpool, arsenal, villa and sheeet even blackburn?

    It’s not opinions neeva – it’s called doom-mongering.

  46. talking about moving us forward in the prem if u read my blog. u are telling these players will make us stable in the prem u are having a laugh. they cant even run in ccc and what hope have they got. it took CH 14 games to go to put guthrie in the middle or are u daft he hasnt got a clue he has been lucky. dont come on the blog and start calling him in the prem if he is doing shit with them players.

  47. Sirjt……I think thats something most of us will agree on that it won’t be much,but we didn’t think he’d spend £6m? in Jan.All I mean is let’s not all have us relegated before we’re even promoted.CH and the players may surprise us next season(at least allow me to hope!!).HWTL

  48. I don’t object to people having their say. If I disagree, I’ll say so. If things are getting wearing, I’ll just ignorer it.

    What I WON’T do is try and STOP people making a point, or taking a stance I don’t happen to agree with.

    Is that so bad?

  49. Darth – And they can can’t they? If you post an opinion then people are obviously going to question it or agree with it. It would be boring if they didn’t do either to be fair.

    End of the day, we all want Newcastle to be successful, whatever opinion people have, don’t we?

  50. workyticket says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:17 pm

    I’d actually totally disagree with that Worky.

    Stoke and Blackburn have good PL proven players in their squads. We on the other hand have players who are unproven at PL level like Carrol, Lovenkrands, Ameobi, R Taylor, Routledge, Williamson(Although he might suprise us), Simpson, Best and then were relying on the youngsters who aren’t even proven 1st team players yet alone PL players.

  51. DarthBroon says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:14 pm

    “What the f*ck is the matter with you people that the slightest doubt expressed by anyone here has you bursting into tears?”

    Darth, with all due respect, you are the one who is being somewhat hysterical and intolerant of opinions that differ from your own rather jaundiced view of the club. The idea that some of us would burst into tears over anything you had to say is, frankly, laughable.

  54. People must remember that our only ambitions are to STAY UP and conslidate next year…
    Remember, we only just went down and we were carrying cr@p players like Owen along on huge wages…
    I honestly believe our team of this year is better than our team of last year.
    So even if we only invest in say three or four decent premiership players (including some shrewed loan signings) we should stay up.
    Look at our competition: In all likelihood, it’ll be West Brom, Swansea City/Notts Forrest, Wolves, Wigan, Sunderland and West Ham and Newcastle fighting for survival next year…
    We should finish above West Brom, Swansea/Notts, and Wolves…
    So I good season would be a top 15 finish. Thats being realistic.

  55. boater says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:19 pm

    Bizarre.

    I’ll decide what I would prefer to watch when I spend money every year on a season ticket thanks.

    I happen to think that quite a few of our players just won’t be good enough to cope in the PL. Why is that doom mongering? I also happen to think that Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea have no chance of winning the Champions League while Barcalona are still in the competition. Is that doom mongering or an opinion?

  56. ASIM? ok deep breath – let me just clarify the logic behind what you are saying. Hughton is actually just lucky so far in maintaining our position at the top of the league for 7 months pretty much, and him sticking with the players that saved the club from a death-roll is actually a sign of how stupid he is. What would you have done differently – say in the transfer window? maybe signed Fabregas, Park, Abgonlahor and Essien with all of Ashley’s available transfer millions? That midfield would be better I agree, actually hughton is stupid hmmmm,,, you got me there.

  57. Stuart79 I can remember you giving MA the benifit of the doubt ;)
    > As for you seeing PL sides miss chances – Slightly false argument as every team in the world misses chances,
    That was in response to your comment that prem teams DONT miss chances that often so why bring it up if it is a false argument.
    But as I said earlier I dont think we are strong enough for the prem, but I dont think we are that far away. I just think untill the end of the season we should be gratful for what we have and that we didnt do a Leeds.

  58. Dave – Anymore of that and you’ll start getting called an apologist for Mike Ashley :lol:

  59. Stuart79 – the you’ll drag us back down again. The problem last season – despite the party line about Dennis Wise!?!? – was a broken club with demoralised and panicky players – that came about due to the unrest from the supporters, fueled largely by perceived acts of barbarism – albeit somewhat true – by the owners. The players aren’t champions league then or now – but they were never a relegation team in a month of sundays – it was unthinkable but alas the unthinkable happened – largely due to a toxic atmosphere – not helped in any way by the fans.. although you understand the frustrations- what we have seen this season is the mending of bridges, unifying and revitalising of a reasonably talented squad albeit with obvious weaknesses – such as a flair midfielder.

    For us to start moaning about our chances in a league – which we aren’t EVEN SODDING in yet – is in no way comparable to positing an opinion on Arsenal’s relative chances in the CHampions League. In NO way sir is it the same, the only thing it actually is – is self-destructive griping of the kind which played such a massive part in our downfall in recent times.

  60. lads lads,can we agree to disagree on some points without some getting angry and at times hurtful,put your point thats what the blogs for,but respect others point of view,to me insults lead to contept say you disagree if you do leave it that,rant over :(

  61. toonsy

    “And they can can’t they? If you post an opinion then people are obviously going to question it or agree with it. It would be boring if they didn’t do either to be fair”

    It would be boring, wouldn’t it? It would pretty crap if they didn’t address the points made at all, and just accused the people making them of ‘hating’ and ‘doom mongering’.

    “End of the day, we all want Newcastle to be successful, whatever opinion people have, don’t we?”

    Apparently, we don’t.

    If you read back across the last few blogs – some of us won’t be happy until the club’s wound up. Some of us just ‘want the team to fail’.

    I’m speaking against the people here who think that no one has the right to speculate as to what’s going to happen beyond next week’s game.

    I don’t know what you’re speaking about.

  63. boater,

    Your boat will sink mate!

    You are sleep walking into every major decison this club has ahead of it self.

    I take your point about the supporters last year but we were relegated due to the fact we had about 7 manangers in the last two seasons. The negativity at Man Utd has really dented their hopes of winning things – NOT!

  64. Toonsy unlike you MA is not on my xmas card list and it has been well documented on here what I think of him and especially Lambs arse, and especially all the crap we have had him spewing lately about how much money MA has been putting into the Club. But we have done better than what I expected and for that I will give him credit ;)

  65. Fair enough Darth, your call at the end of the day but it appears that you can be just as bad at not accepting others points aswell, we all can be.

  66. Big Dave says:
    March 15, 2010 at 9:45 pm
    Toonsy unlike you MA is not on my xmas card list

    Ooo, hark at you eh :lol:

  67. toonsy, doesnt get me down m8,just trying to wave a flag for some.i just laugh really :(

  68. ice – It only really bothers me when people get personal with their remarks. Anything else is just banter but the personal stuff is uncalled for in my opinion. I’d rather have the banter with you and Dave anyday :)

  71. stuart79, I’m not sure that classifies as a very convincing response, sorry mate.

    OK so enlightenment me, bearing in mind we are looking good to accomplish task 1 -promotion at the 1st time of asking, why should we in fact be discouraged by the shape of things at the toon?

  72. Just for interest sake let compare our relegation team with our promotion team.

    (GK)Given vs Harper (Given slightly better) (+1 2009)
    (DL)Enrique vs Enrique (same but better now) (+1 2010)
    (DC)Taylor vs Bassong (Bassong just for me) (+1 2009)
    (DC)Colo vs Colo (same but more adjusted) (+1 2010) promotion)
    (DC)Simpson vs Beye (Beye better) (+1 2009)
    (ML)Jonas vs Jonas (same player) (no difference)
    (MR) Routledge vs Duff (fairly even) (no difference)
    (MC) Smith vs Butt (Butt was/is useless) (2010 +1)
    (MC) Guthrie/ Nolan/ Barton (no change)(no difference)
    (FC) Martins vs Lovenkrans (Martins for me) (2009 +1)
    (FC) Carroll vs Owen (no brainer, Owen sucks)(2010 +1)

    That basically means on paper we have a fairly even first eleven to the one that got promoted. Only this time we should ahave more cohesiveness and better team spirit with newbies having adjusted like Enrique, Colo, Jonas and youngsters having gained valuable experience.

    But it is clear what positions we need to strenghten:

    1 We need one more strong Centre back…
    2 We need a create passer/creater in midfield…
    3 We need a pacey striker up front…
    4 We need cover for the full backs…
    5 We need a Pacey creative midfielder to cover for both flanks…

    Thats five signings…

    We release Butt, Ameobi, Xisco, Hall (loan exp) and Best…

    Basically, five decent signings and we should be ok… But only time will tell…

  74. toonsy,thanks but watch big dave hes got a funny rash ;),any point in say picking4-6 midfielders,for next year and the lads having a poll on it,players that maybe we could afford,

  75. Right boater sensible debate time.

    I believe and this is only my opinion so disagree if you want that our midfield as it currently stands is too slow, cumbersome and lacks technique.

    I believe we conceed a fair few chances against teams in this league, the poorer ones as well as the better ones. In the PL we will be punished.

    I believe we will need a goalscorer who has a proven pedigree, we don’t create that many chances so we will need someone who can put the ball in the net – I’m not too sure we have that in Carroll(yet) or Lovenkrands. We know Ameobi cannot do it.

    I’m not asking the club to spend £50m, but I believe we should spend £20-25m and I don’t think that’s unreasonable.

    Don’t forget the other teams in the PL will increase their spending due to them being in the league for another year.

    The problem I have is that what were hearing from the club is that there is going to be the bare minimum spent while hoping we stay up.

    I like the idea about the youth set up but that doesn’t make a club successful on it’s own – Ask Middlesbrough.

  76. JJ – not exactly empirical scientific research that, but still.. Slightly amazed that the mythical glow of shay given is still blinding you – Harper the best keeper in the land this season with 19 cleanies.. how many does he have to clock up to dislodge shay – can never do wrong, even though he does loads of basic things wrong – given from your list?

    I do agree that we are a different beast this season – in terms of team performance, something I haven’t witnessed by us in years now. We defend as a unit, close down as a team and score as a unit (as exemplified by the way the goals have been distributed throughout the squad) and basically have a strategy that works for this division. Yes that exact performance against boro would have been punished by a premiership side – but we aren’t there yet.

    Also our best player this season for me is easy – hughton, if we go up a miracle worker.

  77. And those signings would be:
    1 Strong centre back – Gary Cahill
    2 Creative passer – Graham Dorrans
    3 Pacey striker – Andy Johnson
    4 Cover for full backs – Aaron Hughes
    5 Pacey midfield for flanks – Chris Eagles

    Haha, do we have a chance of getting those players on the cheap…???

  78. boater says:
    March 15, 2010 at 10:09 pm

    I do agree that we are a different beast this season – in terms of team performance, something I haven’t witnessed by us in years now. We defend as a unit, close down as a team and score as a unit (as exemplified by the way the goals have been distributed throughout the squad)

    Are you aware we are in the Championship? The worst Championship for years I might had.

    I don’t know for sure but our better defence and goal scoring might have something to do with the shyte we’ve been playing against.

  79. Toonsy….I’d prefer another CB on loan though,mainly because our history on the injury front is so bad.We only have 3(when colo is back)and as it stands we have 3 injured(including Colo).I just think better safe than sorry as after this month we can’t bring in any emergency loans.Another CB can only be a benefit,if he doesn’t get used then fine we’ll lose 1 months wages.Worth doing it(IMO).HWTL

  80. toonsy,
    the clairvoyants of Doomality mate.
    Here’s a little suggestion, don’t go all soft ‘n’ soppy on me, but,
    What if: Worky or your good self make a little list of all the predictions, not that we won’t all remember, the no. of times we’ve all heard it shouted from the blog-tops, of DOOOOOM & all the countering reposts & get ’em out this time next season & see who’s right/wrong.
    If the Doom comes home to roost, they can give up their day jobs & become clairvoyants & or pundits. & the ‘let’s wait & see’ delusionists can have waited & seen.
    Does that sound fair?
    If the converse happens, the ‘let’s wait & seeists’ can have waited & seen & the doomsters can carry on like we all knew they would anyway, even if/when they’re wrong.
    :)

  81. JJ

    Cahill – Would he leave Bolton if they stay up, and would he be willing to drop to a newly promoted side? Would probably cost a lot aswell.

    Dorrans – Good shout but I reckon West Brom will want to hold on to him.

    Andy Johnson – Too much of a liability injury-wise. How about that Altidore on loan at Hull?

    Aaron Hughes – Would be good for cover as can play on both sides.

    Chris Eagles – Don’t think he is prem quality in all honesty.

  82. Boater – I agree Harps has been excellent, but he’s not having to save 24 shots a game from the likes of Lampard, Rooney, Ronaldo, Torres etc… I don’t doubt Harper will be good for us next next though and I dont think he is a big step down from Shay at all… They are very similar…

    Also, I agree that Hughton has been good this year… and at present, we can’t attract anyone world class to manage us, so loyalty and someone who will have the support and backing and trust of like players like he has, is really the best we can do…

    I truely hope people dont get on his back after a few defeats next year… And I hope he gets given the entire season even if we are in the relegation mix to the end just to prove himself.
    Would be amazing at this club to have the same manager two years running… A great start…

  83. CLiNT FLiCK

    “Does that sound fair”

    How about you STFU and let people have their say?

    Does that sound fair? In a blog? Where people are supposed to post their opinions? It being a blog?

  84. CLiNT – :D Each person is entitled to their own opinion though so it’s unfair to gag anyone or point them out for ridicule.

    Just make a mental note instead ;)

  85. stuart79 some points seem good to me ie,midfielders a def imo would be over run,as to striker all clubs are lookiing for goalscorer with proven pedigree,if there is one to buy your talking 18-20mill which m8 blows a hole in your 20-25mill,which he wont spend anyway m8 but ime with you on it

  86. Dorrans is class but agree with Toonsy,if WBA go up I can’t see them selling unless for a large fee(which rules us out).

  87. Shit,
    you’d think players like Harper, Colo, Enrique, Jonas, Smith, NOlan, Barton, Butt, Carroll, Ameobi, both Taylors, Lovenkrands etc had never played in the prem, just last season, get a grip, get a memory.
    Why do you think we’ve been top all season?

  88. For what it’s worth, I agree with Darth to be honest. If you look really hard, you’ll find there is generally less bile being spat by those who aren’t going to
    San Francisco with a flower in their hair. There’s nothing wrong with being positive but why suggest fans are dragging the club down by having, heaven forbid, worries about the future?

    We’ve all seen where we’ve come from. Not everyone who suggests next year could be tough is a self-perpetuating doom-monger, right? Maybe just an acceptance of reality?

    We can always hope for the best but if we’re not constantly standing around chanting positivity mantras then apparentyl we’re part of the problem? Bit far-fetched lads, is it not?

    Hoo man, hey man and arl that…

  89. What part of me stfu would constitute everyone being allowed an opinion then Darth?
    I’m not telling anyone to stfu mate, i’m making a ‘little’ suggestion.
    ;)

  90. CLiNT FLiCK

    What is it that F*CKING KILLS YOU when someone posts something that questions what’s happening?

    What is it you think will happen as a result? Why can’t you just ignore it? Or disagree?

    Because as much as the DOOMMONGERS [sic] annoy you, f*ckers like you who can’t bear to let people have their say annoy the f*ck out of me :(

  91. Stuart79 – I basically agree regarding the merits and weaknesses of our squad: presumably butt is gone in CM – which leaves barton, nolan, smith and guthrie – I agree the priority in the summer will be to look at someone to add verve, pace and penetration to this group, such as O’hara. That said one from the other 4 is not really so bad is it? They’re all premiership players – aside from one miserable season in which they all failed – but hey that aside. A top dependable striker would be nice but then – villa, stoke, fulham, arsenal, liverpool, everton, all hold respectable positions in the league without anyone scoring more than 15 in the league.. I am personally excited at the prospect of players such as Guthrie Enrique, Routledge, Carroll continuing to develop in a settled and motivated team.

    What annoys me is hearing people assume that it’s the same players now so the same will happen all over again SHOULD we go up,, that fails to take into account the subtle yet crucial shift towards us having a semblance of organisation and togetherness to work for results. We will be hard to beat next season, I can’t imagine very flashy but after the utter sickness of THAT day in dirty villa park why are we bothered about anything other than sheer bloody survival to build on. Evolution guys!

  92. Icedog the rash is all away now mate ;) good old e45 done the trick.
    Stuart do you not rate a mid of Jonas, Barton, Guthrie and Routledge ?
    As for Carroll im not 100% sure but I do think Lovenkrands will cut it, I had a lot of hope for Ranger untill we got Best as I think he will allways get the nod ahead of Ranger.

  93. A FEW OF YOU FELLAS NEED TO GET TO THE DOCS AND GET THERE ANTI DEPRESSION TABLETS, U NEED YOURS STRAIGHT AWAY STUART INSTEAD OF TRYING TO DEPRESS EVERY 1 IN THE ROOM AS ALWAYS.

  95. Mate,
    i think you’ve got a anger management issue going there.
    I’ve hardly come out all guns blazing.
    But i’ve obviously done it in a way that gets your back up.
    I really think you have a canny turn of phrase, a bit wit & sound intelligent actually.
    It’s cool that you’ve singled me out for special treatment though.

  97. aim this season was to stay up (i said at the start of the season if we made the play offs i would be ecstatic) looks like we’re gonna win the league, so we should be over the moon.
    Next season, aim – stay up, my sixpence worth here is to say that to stay up, you dont need to spend a fortune, so everyone saying we need to spend to stay up i believe, is wrong. To progress, yeah, maybe, but to stay up, no, you just need solid performers, and they dont cost a fortune, Williamson for 1mil anyone?

  99. Toonsy,

    Those players are just ideas, I realise we might not be able to get them, but I’m saying they are the mould and type of players we need to be looking at…
    Its difficult to see who else we can attract until we prove we arn’t going to be a yoyo club…
    Although we financially we should have no concerns next next…
    We get huge tv revenue, a final parachute payment, an new sponsorship deal, fans will be back buying merchandise in droves because the kit will have the Premier League badge on.
    Our transfers for the past few years should be nearing being paid off and we’ll still be receiving payments from the Milner, Bassong deals etc…
    I agree with Mike Ashley keeping the wages lowish, but we should easily have a transfer kitty in the region of 20 Million pounds avaible to add four or five good quality additions to the club…
    The first transfer window of next season, will be my FINAL JUDGEMENT on Ashley’s ambitions for Newcastle…
    I don’t want trophy signings but I don’t want joke squad fillers in either…
    Until then, all I can do is support the team to promotion then wait and see… Ashley’s got one final chance to put it right!

  102. Going back to the thread, whats the problem with O’Brien coming back as cover, I think he should be welcomed with open arms. He may not have been the best in the World, but never let us down in the Premier, so he could do a job for us in this league no problem whatsoever, he would still be good back up after promotion. Looking at cover, best we could go for is A Hughes, he could play anywhere across the back four and even cover in midfield. We need more players like that, at worst, sit on the bench, come on and cover anywhere.

    As for promotion, yes we need to improve the squad, but don’t need to spend loads. Lets just see how it goes, backup player for defence, mayb an attacking midfielder and a strong forward. I’m sure with that, we could finish between 17 – 13, anywhere in that region for first season back and I’ll be over the moon

  103. Stuart 79,,, so what about boro? – who finished a mere 2 (?!) points behind us last season but collapsed like a flan in a cupboard until reinforcements were brought in… and THAT’S with us having a clearout of 7 first team regulars before we started the season.

    My point, in case it still isn’t clear is that – to cite the gulf in the league as the only factor in our renaissance is to miss the positive things that have been taking place internally at the club, such as players playing for the shirt, hunger and determination to come back in games when it looks like we’re beat. If it was therefore only the league, then presumably boro would be sitting right at the top of the CC next to us with there predominantly ex-prem 1st team!?

  104. JJ – The rest is spot on apart from the parachute payment. We forfeit the 2nd year payment if we go up, the remainder gets split between the teams left in the championship.

  105. big dave good stuff that bleach,dave jonas,routeledge ok still think we need m/f with a bit more guile to pick a pass,guthrie maybe,barton i would not trust,plus i dont think he would help with the good team/sp we have imo m8

  106. Big Dave says:
    March 15, 2010 at 10:27 pm

    I am prepared to give Jonas the benifit of the doubt – He might have needed his first season, although he very rarely does anything away from home.

    Routledge has has had about 5 PL clubs and they have all sold him – Does that tell you anything?

    Barton is the PL class player, I want to see him be injury free and then we’ll see the best of him.

    As for Guthrie – Not convinced…

  109. Simon agree with your comments about A Hughes I allways liked him but that could be my Norn Iron bias coming out :lol:

    BBM @ 96 that reminds me of Rodzilla ;)

  110. I thought you give up the parachute payment and as somebody said, gets shared out between the other clubs

  113. Big Dave, I always like Hughes, another player who gave his all and could cover so many postions. Bit like Steve Watson, right back, wing, midfield, forwad and even goal. Yes a player performs best in one postyion, but if they can cover others, all the better. Hughes would have been a great super sub as he gets older. Maybe not a whole 90 mins, but could come on and play almost anywhere. He would be one of my first cheap signings

  114. boater says:
    March 15, 2010 at 10:36 pm

    Boro were sat right up there next to us until they sacked their manager.

    Also look at the two squads, ours is worth millions more so we should be there.

    Anyway I was referring to Boro’s excellant youth system. The same model that NUFC want to follow.

    They totally ignored the fact that you need good quality experienced PL players to play with the good youngsters they had – Look at them now.

    You need a balance. We have neither at the minute.

  115. CLiNT FLiCK

    I haven’t singled you out for treatment – and if I could yank that last one back I would. My apologies.

    I was just trying to say in my earlier posts that I don’t see the point in people posting with the intent of shutting other people up – and suggesting that people aren’t supporting the team because they still express concerns about the way the club’s being run.

    Anyway, you’re quite right. No cause to go off the deep end.

  117. “If one of those clubs is promoted straight back up, the £11.2m it would have had as a parachute payment for the following season will now also be shared among the Football League’s other clubs. If two clubs bounce back, the Premier League will keep the other spare parachute payment. Only if all three clubs bounce back, which has never happened, will the Football League share two of the following season’s spare parachute payments”

    http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2007/aug/08/sport.comment1

  118. NUFCLIT

    “U GOT YOUR PILLS YET DARTH ?”

    Yes mate. They seem a bit bigger than last time.

    It was all I could do to get them up.

  119. Stuart79 – “Routledge has has had about 5 PL clubs and they have all sold him – Does that tell you anything?”

    Yes it tells me – or rather suggests on his early performances – that CH is showing the signs of being a decent man manager – and may get an extra 10% out of players who have failed to live up to earlier reputations. That’s my main point here I think – some see it some don’t.

    We had a policy of huge ambition with big name marquee signings in the past, now hughton may turn out to be the kind of bloke who develops our young’uns or even bring in talented players on the outskirts of other clubs and gives them the confidence to play decent stuff… Williamson, Routledge, Carroll, guthrie, enrique, simpson, etc.

  122. Im ganna laugh at all you doom and gloom merchants when newcastle shock the prem league and nick a ufea place wonder what yous will be saying then.

  124. boater says:
    March 15, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    Yes it tells me – or rather suggests on his early performances – that CH is showing the signs of being a decent man manager – and may get an extra 10% out of players who have failed to live up to earlier reputations. That’s my main point here I think – some see it some don’t.

    There is absolutely no evidence of this. Although I would be delighted if he turned out to be one of those managers.

    Don’t forget Routledge played well against us so I don’t think it’s Hughton who has turned his career around.

    Also again he’s been playing against Championship players.

  126. If only eh, nick the UEFA spot. I remember last time we got promoted and we did, in fact as it stands now, would have got a CL place, but I think that will just be a nice dream for next season. For me, I’ll be happy anywhere from 17th up at next season, anything else will be a bonus. It’s the following 2 or 3 seasons after where I want and expect good progress to be made.

  127. Darth,
    absolutely no problem whatsoever.
    Honestly mate, it’s certainly not my intention to even attempt to stop people having there say man.
    Although, the typed word can come across a bit different
    to the way it was meant.
    Maybe i should name whoever i’m aiming at, to be more specific.
    I’m just hoying me 10 pence in the pot like us all.
    Sorry back mate.

    Ok, nowt to see here, move along.

  128. NUFCELITE

    I’ll be saying

    “Great, we really shocked the premier league what with nicking a ufea place n’ that”.

    “What a great bloke that Mr. Ashley is.”

    “And there was I thinking him and Degsy were a couple of…”.

  137. Stuart79 – ?!?!? eh. why does it matter that they sacked their manager – your argument is that we are where we are because of the premiership has-been side we have to dig us out of football holes – nothing to do with management!?!?

    Ok it’s late noo.. and I’m needing a tab n bed..

    Hughton, a bloke who has us on the verge of promotion in almost impossible circumstances, a happy and unified dressing room, and some decent young players. No we don’t have Ajax training academy, nor Fabregas as the white elephant of a playmaker we’ve all set our sights on.

    We don’t know if we have turned a corner or if – as the twisty faces are having us believe – it’s just the crap league we’re in … probably something in between,, anyway I cannot see nor have heard one single reason to approach the future with anything other than cautious optimism,,, not to mention a fair to decent party involving getting pretty hammered and delirious if we do go up.

    Next season hopefully we will see if Guthrie, routledge, jonas, collo, carroll et al, are up to the job.. we will see – I’ll be excited just at the chance to get behind the team again – especially one that has dug in and stayed loyal to right the wrong of relegation. I will also happily give my full support to hughton – who may or may not turn out to be out of his depth or in fact one of the country’s decent up and coming managers. Again we shall see… can’t wait,, bring it on.

  138. Saw that ‘love-in’ coming a mile off!!

    Aye Dave, funnily enough it reminded me of him too when I read it back. It was meant to be the theme music to Good, Bad, Ugly if anyone was wondering about my random post.

  142. NUFCELITE – Aye it is, but at the end of the day I can understand the reasoning behind us only getting 1 payment if we go back up. At the end of the day, the £50 million TV revenue from the Premier League far outweighs the £11.2 million parachute payment.

    Although it would be nice to keep both :D

  146. I’m not sure I’m in to threesomes anymore ladies…

    Maybe if we get promoted and win more than 5 games in the PL with this squad…

    lol

  150. 147 CLiNT FLiCK says:
    March 15, 2010 at 11:17 pm
    Stuart,
    you do have a sense of humor!
    I knew it!

    I think that is a pre requisite for supporting the Toon.

  152. Hahahahaha nufc wants to signe hazard lol he is called the next Ronaldo or even better than him and some fans think he may come to us we’ll next we may be linked with hugain or benzema ….

  153. Well – just goes to show some folks have the inability to learn by THEIR mistakes (the mob and their hate filled negativity) but chastise others for doing wrong time and time again (Ashley) – even when those same people are improving.

    I ask the mob – have you improved – have you learned. Stuart? BBM? Darth?

    I’ll answer for you – obviously not. And before you reply – I shall not reply – I am bored to tears with you and your sort, be off with you.

  155. Astime gos on stardust even the dimwits will relies we could so easyly have been the first pompey mate.

  156. NUFCELITE – can you imagine what a crass existence these people have – plus it cant be fun for those they infect as they drift by, muttering their hate filled mantra’s.

    Stupidity/Moronic and Hate filled – cant imagine that makes for a decent sort.

    Luckily there are a lot more folk willing to stick their heads above the parapet in support of the club these days – long may the refreshing realism and honesty prevail.

    I feel like I have my football club back – at long last we are cast free of the FFS regime.

    The sad thing is – the mob would have us run headlong into that train wreck all over again.

  157. When they understand how close we came to being the next leeds united a few will understand how close to the wind we were sailing with shepard in charge, thats why he sold the club before the ship sank.I like ashleys tactics of youth and not being mugged off with huge transfer fees for overpaid dandys like micheal owen springs to mind.I think the future will be black and white with ashley in charge, and cant wait to see the team lift a cup.

  158. Stardust

    “I’ll answer for you – obviously not. And before you reply – I shall not reply – I am bored to tears with you and your sort, be off with you.”

    you f*cking nutcase.

  159. Stardust

    Really, that great big furtive, darting, beady eye is just a perfect look for you.

    It goes so well with the maniacal rants.

  163. U can use your brain u know darth it wont wear out if thats what ya worried about mate.

  166. Darth aint you got another star wars film to shot mate stick to that as you know nowt about football mate.

  167. Stardust @154

    Reads like a script from one of the old Universal horror films.

    Spoooooooky!

  168. It is amusing though. Appears to be a match made in heaven. Don’t let the facts get in the way of a good old character assassination ladies.

    Admit it, you have a bit of A4 with all that ‘club hater’ stuff on and you just keep reciting the same old twaddle?

    I guess that would have been you down at Boro, sticking your head above the parapet and nearly getting it kicked off by a police horse in the process, while waiting patiently to get home then Dusty?

    Support? Howay kidda…

  169. And have the decency not to nick my word ‘mantra’ next time, there’s a good chap… ;)

  174. I don’t know you well enough and it was quite late, so I couldn’t decide whether you were taking the p*ss. I assume you knew I was talking about you. You’ll have to excuse any ribbing but if you choose to be in cahoots with Stardust over his ‘mob antics’ then you need to lie in that bed. But you shouldn’t take it personally.

    Truth is, I don’t think we’ll get pummelled every week if we go up. However, without some healthy additions we’re probably going to struggle. I do think we need to think ahead and start making preparations. And I don’t think it’s unreasonable to have doubts about what lies ahead. Just because you air those concerns, it doesn’t mean to say our club morale is going to spontaneously combust. I was as positive as they come on Saturday but the truth is, in the back of my mind I was thinking ahead and thinking we’d get punished off most Premiership sides. All this while singing my face off. Does that make me a bad supporter?

  175. Come on you doom-merchants, it’s not the tme to be negative is it?

    We’re in a strong postion to get out of the Championship with a squad that’s adequate for that league.

    Of course there’ll be a need to strengthen the squad but that’s got to be done within the limitations of the operating budget, not repeating the folly of the previous regime which left the finances in such a mess.

    Let’s try to be positive and stop building expectations to such as point that matching them is out of the qusetion.

    Just look at Portsmouth, Leeds, Cardiff and Hull…. do you really want to go down that route again?

    To those who post as seasoned whingers, get behind the team, get behind Hughton who’s done a remarkable job under very difficult circumstances and where Mike Ashley’s concerned, just control your emotions and your gobs!

  176. NUFCELITE

    Cheers Pinky. On the same note, you’re doomed to a world of silence.

  177. NUFCELITE says:
    March 15, 2010 at 10:50 pm
    Im ganna laugh at all you doom and gloom merchants when newcastle shock the prem league and nick a ufea place wonder what yous will be saying then.

  178. NUFCELITE says:
    March 15, 2010 at 11:31 pm
    Astime gos on stardust even the dimwits will relies we could so easyly have been the first pompey mate.

  179. NUFCELITE says:
    March 15, 2010 at 11:50 pm
    When they understand how close we came to being the next leeds united a few will understand how close to the wind we were sailing with shepard in charge, thats why he sold the club before the ship sank.I like ashleys tactics of youth and not being mugged off with huge transfer fees for overpaid dandys like micheal owen springs to mind.I think the future will be black and white with ashley in charge, and cant wait to see the team lift a cup.

  180. comment 175 << u are the 1 that needs pills or a bit of electic shock treatment if u beleive that

  183. lesh – do you have any genuine concerns over what Ashley might do regards continuing to balance the books?

    I guess there’s the overriding concern that given recent history, he could just decide to move on at any point.

    However, taking them at face-value (!), one of the concerns I have is that Ashley might have seen that some of the recent buys have done well. Two considerations to make on that. Firstly, do they have the ability to make the step up? And secondly, if he thinks that the likes of Williamson et al can come in and do a job, will he try and massage the books by cashing in on the likes of Colo and Gutierrez and replace them with cheaper alternatives? I think without some genuine class in the side, we would definitely be in bother. That said, those two will need to prove themselves at the highest level anyway. Will he take a punt on getting rid of the big-earners and take a chance on more humble players doing the job? Again, that might be down to what his intentions are.

    I’m happy worrying about tomorrow night but we’re inevitably going to have these discussions?

    All this is assuming we go up like… 8O

    (edited)

  185. as i said at the begining of the season i couldt see us losing more than a handfull of games ,i stand by that ,pluss i said we would be near enough promoted by mid april i think that is nailed on ,but i still worry whats gonna happen next season ,ands any 1 who sez they dont including u stardy will be liaring.

  186. bowburnmag says:
    March 16, 2010 at 9:00 am

    At last a supporter, (and I mean supporter in the real sense of the word) that’s a realist and not living in denial.

    Well done BBM.

  188. BOwburn @ 180,

    I don’t honestly think MA’d be daft enough to sell for selling’s sake.

    Recent behaviour tells me that he’s realised the need to listen to football people and selling two good players just wouldn’t make sense – unless they wasnted to go of course.

    Massaging the books in such a way just wouldn’t do any good as I think any potential investor (that’s what a buyer is) will want to see a degree of stability and potential to develop. That can’t happen when you sell your best players.

    Have some faith Bowburn, we’re all a wee bit sceptical about MA given past performance but it’s his money that’s kept this club afloat and top of the second-tier pile.

    NUFC is Mike Ashley’s investment which he’ll want to protect a benefit from so we’ve really got to have some faith and dare I say it, trust in him.

  189. Oh realism is spreading like wild fire!

    BBM,

    I still think he will try and sell. If he cannot find a buyer and I don’t believe he will, the worse case senario is he tries to reduce his losses cost cutting furhter in the name of financial stability – Portsmouth may have been a blessing in disguise for him.

    I believe he’s had one hell of a shock, he won’t want to face losing that kind of cash again. I believe he could try and reduce his liabilities – Loans being paid back ect…

    I’m grateful to him for putting his money in this season but lets be honest he’s not doing it because he loves the club or the fans – He’s protecting his investement(fair enough).

    The £30m he’s put in will be paid back in August anyway when transfer fees come in ect..

  191. Stu – aye that’s sort of where I’m coming from. Just because I dislike him because of the way he handled things and recognise that he has a vested financial interest to consider, it doesn’t meant the two are linked. I don’t dislike him because he won’t spend money or that he was here to asset-strip us. Those two things can be mutually exclusive. I don’t blame him for trying not to lose a sh*load of money. Who would?

    lesh – I definitely think it’ll take longer to trust this lot. You’d concede that much?

  192. My Feeling about MA have not really changed that much but I am more tolerant to this regime than I was-Roughly translated I can’t be arsed to moan as much as I have done in the past.

    Going by past records I think Mike’s mentality has not really changed much and he will ultimatly do what suits himself and NUFC will always play second fiddle to his main focus which is flogging Tat.

    If we are promoted I think investment will be made by MA but very minor and just enough to finish above the bottom 3….it is a big risk but MA has shown that he likes a flutter and usually loses :)

  193. i think andy would be good cover to bring in,he knows the club inside out.
    wye aye bring back good old cyrano de bergerac!!!!!!.

  194. Bowburn @189.

    Understand where you and Stuart are and yes, I certainly share your sentiments about trust.

    But to answer you question, can I ask a qusestion?

    Are we talikng about trust or faith to deliver?

    If it’s trust, MA’s past behaviour certainly draws that into question.

    If it’s a question of faith in him to deliver stability, I’d say yes I have some, more faith than trust. After all, it’s his investment, his money and sure as eggs is eggs, he’ll not want to take a hit!

    A subtle disticnion I know but worth making.

    Hope that clarifies my postion.

  196. Batty – it as obvious to us as it is to CH and MA that we will need to develop the club again next year, and of course that means signing a few, selling those who cant step up – but what I cant stand is those sniping and hating instead of just enjoying this year – and rewarding in full the team for their efforts – Their success – which contrary to popular belief – has been won through hard work, endeavour and a team spirit thats been missing for almost 10 years .

    For once in a very long time (providing we are promoted), the decisions awaiting us next year are good (even GREAT) decisions to have.

    For example MA “Do I invest x and repay x of my loan or do I invest x + x in the squad” – we can do that as we are solvent again.

    CH’s decisions “Shall I stick with Carroll or sell him and bring in Y – a player with more craft and guile” Or do I sell Ameobi instead? What balance of youth and experience should I play and where can I afford to play the rawness of youth in the PL.

    You get my drift – all of these things arent a worry – they are enjoyable decisions.

    I just cant stand folks who bitch and moan for nothing and look at those same decisions with a “woe is me” attitude. As I said before – without meeting many on here – you know you’d never share time over a pint with them

  197. o/t,has anyone seen footymad,they have syarted a thread nile ranger is a charver,well a chav made me chuckle.

  199. looks like the..

    i’m not an ashley opologist but , blah blah blah – apologists were out in force last night.

    you lot – try living in the real world , were top of one of worst leagues i’ve ever had the displeasure of witnessing whilst playing the type of football that will eventually drive the supporters away for good.

    – why defend the FCB ? what has he done to deserve any praise ? he’s done sweet FA other than appoint CH as manager 2 months after the season started ! – that’s the only person deserving of any credit at this football club.

    next season will be a replication of last season – lack of investment , poor CH to be bladdered early doors , come back JFK all is forgiven ect ect , club on and off the market like a yo-yo and eventually relegation.what makes people think he’ll do anything different to what he normally does ?.

    trust fat boy and his cronies at your peril.

  200. Unbelievable!

    I actually agree with some of what Crapper has to say.

    Only some mind…

  203. One outlet, Magicbox on Percy Street has agreed to donate £1 for each latex mask (at £9.99) that they sell to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, whether bought in the shop or from their website here.

    So the shop Makes £9 and the Charity gets a quid…..Hmmmmm that’s generous.

  204. lesh – yep, that’s about where I am at the minute, although I never doubted we were almost on the same page. I was just interested in the finer details.

  207. One outlet, Magicbox on Percy Street has agreed to donate £1 for each latex mask (at £9.99) that they sell to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation, whether bought in the shop or from their website here.

    So the shop Makes £9 and the Charity gets a quid…..Hmmmmm that’s generous.

    Tbf, it will cost more than £9 to buy the masks but i see your point.

  209. lesh @205

    How about George Michael – Faith?

    lesh @175

    “Let’s try to be positive and stop building expectations to such as point that matching them is out of the qusetion”

    Make your mind up mate (at least break up a change of opinion over a couple of sentences).

  211. Darth,

    Re “Let’s try to be positive and stop building expectations to such as point that matching them is out of the qusetion”

    and your comment – “Make your mind up mate (at least break up a change of opinion over a couple of sentences)”.

    Not with you Darth, please translate?

  212. lesh-that photo is photoshopped mate, he wouldnt put the shirt on. Fair play to him, has anyone got that picture of Peter Reid posing with the newcastle fans and their flag knocking about? That was a good’n, lol.

  213. lesh @211

    Let’s have another go then.

    “Let’s try to be positive…”

    “..and stop building expectations to such as point that matching them is out of the qusetion”

    Still not seeing the contradiction?

  214. Darth.

    Re “Let’s try to be positive and stop building expectations to such as point that matching them is out of the qusetion”

    What I was trying to say (not very well!) is that posters shouldn’t be knocking the club already but be realistic in that Euro football won’t be there at the end of next season, assuming we go up of course!

    Additonally, we shouldn’t be expecting showboat signings but ones that are within a realistic longer-term strategy for the club’s eventual status as a credible force in the Prem – without putting the club at risk, again!

    Hope that helps Darth.

  216. ANGELDUST
    Why dont you shut to f*ck up , you are no longer entertaining with the drama queen stuff only a repetative bore.

    Worky
    Think you are dead wrong pal, this side is not even as good as Pompey and would get hammered by Stoke.
    Dont know where you get the idea it`s competetive enough to survive, when we were relegated with a much more talented side, and thats a fact.

    So it`s doom and gloom is it for those taking a realistic approach (give a dog a bad name) Christ took no time before every one joined in like a pack of baying hounds, pack mentality !
    Like Shearer said, depends on how much money is spent (survival in the PL) and there`s just no way around it.
    That is unless you think Ashley and his footballing genius pal Llambarse, have found a way of spending shit on wages and transfer fees and coming up with hugely talented players all under 26 and willing to accept wages under, what was it ten or fifteen thousand a week.
    If you believe that I got a good deal for you, on a bridge in Brooklyn.

  217. Chuck,

    I prefer to listen to the likes of Bobby Moncur, Alan Shearer, Malcolm Macdonald and John Anderson – Ex footballers who know a thing or two about the game and what is required at the top level.

    They all say without a good level of investment this current squad will struggle in the PL.

    They might, just might know a litle bit more about the game than some.

    Then again I’m sure their just doom mongering…

  218. Lesh

    “Posters shouldn’t be knocking the club already”

    Just because some of the people who post here express doubts about the efforts/intentions of MA – and express concerns about club policy (so far as it’s stated) – it doesn’t meant they daydream about hosing the team bus down with a flamethrower, and it doesn’t mean they’re looking forward to the day when we go the way of Blue Star.

    Why would you think that people who raise concerns about transfer funding, and the long-term goals of the club are somehow doing the team down?

  221. Darh and “Why would you think that people who raise concerns about transfer funding, and the long-term goals of the club are somehow doing the team down?”

    Surely we should be getting behind the team instead of whipping up discontent before there’s anything tangible to worry about.

    We ain’t up yet and if/ when we are, then let’s go one step at a time rather than sparking the fire of discontent.

  222. Got to be better available, arsenal have a young centre back think he’s called havard nordviet, he’d be alright and could gain a bit of experience.

  224. lesh says:
    March 16, 2010 at 1:50 pm

    Surely we should be getting behind the team instead of whipping up discontent before there’s anything tangible to worry about.

    Statements like that really get in my pecs!

    You probably don’t mean it Lesh but please….

    I go to every home game, I have had a season ticket for years, I bought a three year one and didn’t ask for my money back when it all went pear shaped, like some. I am there shouting, screaming and singing every game – Backing the team!

    I dislike the current regime yet I still pay my money and go and support the team, unlike some I could mention when they don’t like the owners.

    My opinion on this blog doesn’t have any influence on the team – Players don’t read this blog and think ‘oh there goes Stuart79 not rating me, I’m going to have a bad game now.’

    I would rather vent my frustrations and concerns here than on a match day. Match days are reserved for my unswerving support, always have been and always will be.

  225. lesh @221

    “Surely we should be getting behind the team instead of whipping up discontent before there’s anything tangible to worry about.”

    “Getting behind the team”? “Whipping up discontent”?

    I’ve been to the last five home games in a row. And plenty more besides. That’s WHEN and HOW I get behind the team – shouting meself hoarse every other Saturday. Don’t lecture me about getting behind the team.

    “We ain’t up yet and if/ when we are, then let’s go one step at a time rather than sparking the fire of discontent.”

    Discontent among who? Do you think we have a direct line to the changing rooms from here?

  226. Fully understand your point Stuart and there has been so much happened that frustrations do have to have a vent and guys like you deserve a medal the size of a frying pan for perservering!

    I’m not suggesting that the blog itself will affect the players but there must be ‘fans’ who’d jump on the anti Ashley bandwagon at any opportunity.

    It may seem like fun to some but do we really want a repeat of his withdrawal from the club and the botched attempt at marketing which made the club the focus of media attention for all the wrong reasons.

  228. “guys like you deserve a medal the size of a frying pan for perservering!”

    He surely does. And he deserves his say.

    And this is just the place for him to do it – being a blog that is.

  229. What a bunch of twisting, thick c**ts.

    Trying to rebrand moaning as realism.

    What a crock of shit.

  230. Lesh,

    Whatever happens the media will treat NUFC as a laughing stock – That’s what they do, it sells newspapers.

    I just cannot come on here and start saying I rate this player and that player when I just don’t. Likewise I cannot say I think we’ll be ok in the PL went I don’t think we will be.

    Some will say don’t say anything then, but where would this blog be if nobody said anything because they thought people would disagree?

    Someone like Stardust doesn’t rate Carroll but he’s scored goals this season – I don’t rate Nolan yet he’s also scored goals.

    It’s all about opinions mate.

  231. Opinions-arseholes arseholes-opinions
    arseholes have opinions, stick your opinions up your arsehole.

  232. Girly Mag says:
    March 16, 2010 at 2:18 pm

    Something tells me you have a rather apt username.

    Wonder what you do during the evening…

  234. And what would that be that can only be done at night you condescending little f**k?
    Your name isn’t that apt, it should be twisting stu-pid c**t.

  237. Its not your style to agree chore, but it is your style to condescend.
    Im sooo upset by your poncey name calling. What did you think girly mag meant you thick f**k?
    I can’t say im surprised that irony is lost on you.

  238. Oh Chuck – why am I not surprised that you – the Dr Death/Master of Misery of the blog should be annoyed with me for being boring – by asking folk to concentrate on the positive side. I’m so sorry my upbeat view of life unsettles you so.

    Sadly for you – your needless use of the expletive displayed your lack of class – but thats something youve never been accused of having anyway.

  239. Stuart of course this is a blog and everyone’s eniltled to an opinion and being human, of course there’ll be differences of opinion. That’s life and that’s healthy.

    I share yor reservations about next season and one thing’s for sure, I’ll not be alone in looking out for positive developments and sensible stewardship by Ashley. He has a mountain to climb and I’d like to think he’s learned lessons.

    We’re not Euro material or even Prem and yes, there must be investment in good players to help the club consolidate it’s status in the Prem – a slow and probably very frustrating progression to credibilty.

    Stuart, with guys like you and many others around, you will see success for Newcastle United.

  241. lesh
    i wouldn’t waste your time trying to explain football 101 to that thick bastard.
    Even if the bell flew up his arse and rang in his head he still wouldn’t get it.

    And stardust
    i think youll need to dumbdown you argument to words of one syllable to get chuck to understand.

  243. Girly Mag says:
    March 16, 2010 at 2:56 pm
    What the f**k would you now about class?
    LOL

    Does LOL mean ‘lot’s of love’, Porno?

  245. Thanks for clearing that up for me lover.

    Away now cos you’re boring me.

    Ta Da x

  246. Angeldust
    Sorry but someone had to tell what a bore you have become,
    There was a time when you were an entertaining novelty that people could laugh at.
    Now, unfortunately just a bore, who`s Ashley`s my hero rants have become repetitious.

  250. Happy families eh?

    Welcome to the Toon blogging fraternity.

    Just seeing the natural friendliness and tolerance of others brings a tear to the eye.

    All for one and one for all eh?

  251. lesh says:
    March 16, 2010 at 3:23 pm

    “Happy families eh?

    Welcome to the Toon blogging fraternity.

    Just seeing the natural friendliness and tolerance of others brings a tear to the eye.

    All for one and one for all eh?”

    Now I can remember why I’ve lived in London for so long.

  254. robmathieson says:
    March 16, 2010 at 3:44 pm

    “Tipstar has just released a downloadable app for Newcastle United fans that brings real-time news to their desktop. This includes nufcblog.org posts. You can download the app at:”

    Many thanks Rob. Site and app look great!

  255. You got it Workey @251.

    What;s the ticketing situation like for QPR/ Newcastle?

    Is it safe for non doms?

  256. lesh – I have heard that loyalty points will be needed for the away although it’s too early too say for definate.

    Roy – Spank me pretty boy ;)

  257. @workyticket

    Thanks mate, would appreciate it if you could push it out to people you think would be interested. :)

  258. lesh says:
    March 16, 2010 at 3:58 pm (Edit)

    “You got it Workey @251.

    What;s the ticketing situation like for QPR/ Newcastle?

    Is it safe for non doms?”

    I’m waiting for some in with the Geordie radgies, Lesh. :-) The QPR supporters are OK I suppose, and I would happily sit in with their lot. But I wouldn’t wear a Toon shirt and go shouting the odds or anything like that, I’d soon get hoiked oot by the little Hitlers in the flourescent jackets anyway. I’d just sit there and watch the game in a fairly quiet, studious manner.

  259. Worky.

    What? Watch a crucial game like this in a fairly quiet and studious manner?

    Ah but then I suppose you and the other so called Geordie radgies’ll be doing just that eh?

    I should ****ing cocoa!

  260. robmathieson says:
    March 16, 2010 at 4:14 pm
    @workyticket

    “Thanks mate, would appreciate it if you could push it out to people you think would be interested.”

    Aye, will do, Rob. I’ll stick you in the links section next time I’m updating too.

  261. girly mag,it aint ladylike with all that colourful language,you want to watch yourself or they will end up reworking that classic musical,only yours will be”SEVEN KIDS FOR SEVEN FATHERS”lol.

  262. lesh says:
    March 16, 2010 at 4:20 pm

    “Worky.

    What? Watch a crucial game like this in a fairly quiet and studious manner?”

    I knaa Lesh. I love seeing all the lads shouting their heads off, and I used to get stuck in a bit myself. But I’m a bit like Arsene Wenger now though. I sit there like watching every pass, how tight the formation is etc etc, especially so since I started this ‘blog and started writing match reports etc.

  263. I’m the same as Stuart, at all the home games and support the team. Totally disagree with booing a player or anybody at all while the match is in progress. I can’t stand Barton, just want to see the back of him as hes been nothing but nother since the day we signed him, just a drain in the clubs money and name in my view. But I would never boo him while he is on the pitch for us. I’m also concerned about next season, but I’m taking Stardust’s view and that of others right now and enjoying how it’s going this season. we can only beat what’s put in front of us and right now, top of the league.

    I have to admit, CH has proved me wrong, I didn’t think he was up to it and very worried about his lack of plan B, but how can I complain when we are top of the league. All I can say is, he should get a pat on the back, a well done and manager of the season award. He has earned the chance to give it a go in the Premier League if we go up and it looks like we are. Only ourselves to blame now if it goes wrong.

    As for being promoted, I’m not hoping for big things next season. 17th will do me for now, anything else is a bonus. The squad we have got does need to be improved, but I don’t think a major amount of money for saftey. I reckon about £10m and some tweeking should see us finish between 17 – 15. If we can do that, get the prize money, TV money etc, we can then spend a bit more to go for 10th the next season. After that we can start to dream about the big signins we probs won’t get under this owner.

    Yes, can’t stand Ashley, but will say thanks for the cash and stopping us from folding altogether. If he can invest wisley, keep us going and make us look like a club that can start to go places over the next few years, I might change my mind again and he may win me over. i’ll just wait and see how it goes. Put it this way, he knows he can’t do worse than he did last year, with any luck, he may want to make this all work, if he does, it’s for our benefit like his. he may end up winning us all over and we will all be happy and stop the moaning.

    So for the next few weeks, lets support the team like I know we all do, we all want to see us promoted and hopfully go up as champions. But if and when we do want to moan and whinge, make sure it’s done on blogs like this and not at the games. We can all have a laugh at some of the posts, some we agree with and others we don’t.

    Well that’s my rant over and better stop before my boss see’s me on here and not working

  264. Aye Worky, Wenger or not, are you saying you’re gonna be sittin there, studiosly analysing the game whilst making polite conversation with the lady or gentleman by your side, and yet keepin ya gob shut when things get interesting?

    Oh yeh Worky….. “lovely pass”, “well played”, polite applause on a goal?

    Ok, I’ll believe ya.

    Anyway, here’s someting that might stimulate another thread?

    http://news.hereisthecity.com/news/football/10137.cntns

  265. Simon @263, I could have written that myself but you’ve done it much more eloquently than I.

    A good post that captures a lot of folk’s views, I’m sure.

  266. Thanks Lesh, jsut got carried away.

    Worky, look out (if he still goes that is)for the QPR fan with the long dreads and big blue and white hat. He has some kind of horn thing that he blows making so much noise, then he jumps up and down non stop, so funny.

    When my cousin was playing for QPR a few years back, I went to eatch them at the Stadium of Light (hate typing that lol) and was sitting beside him as he always got tickets of Gavin as well. Then a couple of years later when we had the semi at Wembly against Chelsea, I went to the QPR match on the Saturday, ended up next to him again. You can’t hear yourself think never mind watch the game, be he was good for a laugh.

  267. Oh Chuck – no one died recently so you can pop around to their funeral for some fun?

  268. Simon says:
    March 16, 2010 at 4:48 pm

    “Worky, look out (if he still goes that is)for the QPR fan with the long dreads and big blue and white hat.”

    He sounds just like that Portsmouth gadgie, you know the one I mean, Simon? I’ll keep my eyes peeled.

  269. I sat in the same block as “that Portsmouth gadgie” at Wembley. I’m surprised he hasn’t had a battering really as that bell is fecking annoying!

  270. Worky, yep, I know the one. He does make the match more enjoyable, well it works when your not watching your team anyway. Lets just hope by the time we go to QPR, we will still be celebrating winning the league and getting the cup a couple of weeks before that.

  272. Jesus Christ, there’s a healthy dose of vitriol and animosity on the blog today lads! I wonder where girly mag came from, the first comment he/she left actually sounded reasonably intelligent, certain things go down hill fast eh?

    Anyway, back to the footy, with Barton’s return nearing and everyone taking part in the traditional ‘he’s had too many chances/ one more can’t hurt as afterall he is a canny player’ debate, I found this interview with him back in his city days. Bearing in mind he’s actually settled down a little since then, I personally think he sounds surprisingly reasonable, calm and intelligent. Especially considering he’s having a massive go at his club and it’s players!

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFEOYhlVyfM

    have a listen and see what you think, I’m personally looking forward to his return- hope he gets a good few games before we’re back in the PL.

    CLASSIC QUOTE TO LOOK OUT FOR “I know Bolton paid a lot of money for Anelka, but we paid a lot of money for Samaras..”

    classic

  273. devonmag says:
    March 16, 2010 at 5:03 pm

    “CLASSIC QUOTE TO LOOK OUT FOR “I know Bolton paid a lot of money for Anelka, but we paid a lot of money for Samaras..”

    Similar to Jack Walker’s “Why do you want to sign Zidane when we have Tim Sherwood?” :-)

  275. robmathieson @253

    A very nice bit of kit, mate! Well done for the headsup.

    I particularly like the price :)

  276. ANGELDUST
    Just trying to stir you up, been too agreeable lately, need some bile and venom to make it interesting.
    Off to watch the St. Patrick`s day parade on 5th ave.