Archive for author: AndyMac

OK, it’s the silly season – So who would you bring in?

July 19th, 2012 | 52 Comments |

Newcastle United players. — Who would you add to the team?

In order to shift attention back to what this blog is all about, this is a very brief look at the new season squad and how we all think it will shape up.

According to nufc.co.uk, this is the current first team squad in advance of the new season. (more…)

Lucky Luiz escapes justice from wonky-eyed Wirrall whistleblower: Newcastle 0-3 Chelsea

December 4th, 2011 | 29 Comments |

Mike Dean - Referee? — It's three fingers Mike.

Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Date: Saturday 3rd Dec, 2011.
Kick-off: 12.45pm.
Referee: Mike Dean.

Newcastle made just one change to the side that drew 1-1 at Old Trafford last weekend, with the suspended Jonas Gutierrez replaced by Peter Lovenkrands. For the 13th time this season, Newcastle United were able to field the same defence that has conceded the joint lowest total of goals so far in the Premier League (12).

Frank Lampard returned to the Chelsea midfield, in place of Raul Meireles, who dropped to the bench. This was the Blues only change, with striker Fernando Torres again having to settle for a place on the bench. Danger man Sturridge was chosen to play wide right with Drogba and Mata completing the front three.

The players took to the field in front of a full house at SJP and joined in with the crowd of 52,305 for a rousing minute of applause for Gary Speed. Newcastle coach John Carver was clearly upset as he had worked with Gary as recently as last season when they were at Sheffield United together. Incidentally Speed scored his first goal for Newcastle in this corresponding fixture in 1998 which ended in a 3-1 defeat of Chelsea. (more…)

AVB looking to avoid early KO at SJP? Newcastle vs Chelsea preview

December 2nd, 2011 | 20 Comments |

Chelsea flags. — Chelski: The last of our terrible trio of fixtures.

Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle.
Date: Saturday 3rd Dec, 2011.
Kick-off: 12.45pm.
Referee: Mike Dean.

Newcastle United will be looking to maintain their fine home form (undefeated in ten games) and increase the pressure on Chelsea’s beleaguered manager, André Villas-Boas in the 12.45 kick off at St James Park, Newcastle on Saturday.

NUFC report that the game is sold out so a capacity crowd will be able to watch an intriguing match up between the fourth and fifth placed teams both of whom have injured DM’s missing from their respective sides.

Cheick Tiote, who has been linked with a move to Chelsea in recent months, will definitely miss the game adding to concerns by some fans that he’s been left out deliberately in order to avoid further injury in the run up to January’s transfer window.

Worryingly, manager Alan Pardew said:

“I am not going to say he will be fit for next week. We must make sure he is right because he is a very important player to us. (more…)