Making a difference!Despite carrying round a sizeable pot and an ar*e the size of Bowburn Services, Kevin Nolan once again produced the goods, just when it looked like we’d have to settle for a draw. And instead, Newcastle United again managed to snatch victory from the jaws of a pretty dire televised encounter almost inevitably destined for a bore draw, and ensured we once again reign supreme at the top of the table.
Having committed my pocket money to the upcoming Barnsley and Sheff Wed encounters, I had to make do with a seat in front of the Sky cameras, and after an hour I was grateful for my decision-making. With Hughton initially opting for a 4-5-1 formation, Andy Carroll presumably being supported by the roaming Nolan, he was forced to make changes even before the kick-off as Ryan Taylor apparently pulled a calf muscle in the warm-up.
So Newcastle started with the same side that beat Peteborough, what seems almost months ago now after the international break. And of course with the more traditional 4-4-2, Newcastle fans were probably hopeful of a slightly more cavalier approach, compared to previous games away from St James’ this term. But in a first half that proved once again that this level is a million miles from the quality in the upper elechons of the top flight, we struggled to make an impression on an average looking Preston. (more…)
Preston North End: A proud history.Well the two week international break will eventually draw to a close for us Monday evening when Newcastle United will continue their quest for league domination, hoping for a win during their visit to Deepdale, home of Preston North End.
Preston started off the season well, but after having lost some of their early sharpness they will be looking to achieve their first home win since September. With their players returning from a fitness break in La Manga, let’s hope they don’t feel too refreshed when meeting us. 1980 is the last time the Lilywhites beat Newcastle at Deepdale although we have gone face to face there 34 times over the years with the Toon only notching up 12 wins in total.
Ex Toon coach and now North End manager, Alan Irvine, will have his latest recruit, Michael Tonge, available for selection. The 26-year old midfielder, on loan from Stoke, has not seen any action with the Potters in the Premier League this season, with just three Carling Cup appearances this season. (more…)
Big Marlon: Enjoying life in the dressing room.In his most recent interview, on loan Toon assassin, Marlon Harewood, opened his heart on Aston Villa, getting back into form, new strike partner Andy Carroll and the spirit in the Newcastle dressing room under the ‘Chuckle Brothers’ dream team of Chris Hughton and Colin Calderwood.
Harewood, who has been under some pressure to perform after a lean spell where he hasn’t been getting much match practice, explained how he finally feels that the cobwebs have finally been blown away, and he is ready to perform for Newcastle United.
Harewood kicked off:
“I do feel as if I’m getting back into the groove.
“It’s nice to be back involved on a matchday again and I can feel myself getting stronger and sharper. I’ve had to get used to the players here but I feel it’s starting to come together. If I can get a few goals as well I think that will help me.”
Moving on to the spirit in the dressing room, and the chance to get in some much needed playing time, Harewood added:
“I couldn’t believe the spirit in the camp. It’s unbelievable. I didn’t expect to come into such a warm environment.
“When you read everything that was going on in the summer, I didn’t expect to find a team which pulls together so well.”
Empty promise?Poor attitude, poor touch, just in it for the money. But enough about my career as a masseur, I’m talking of course about our half-hearted centre forward Marlon Harewood. Currently loaned to Newcastle by Premiership outfit Aston Villa, judging by performances so far, it would seem to most fans there were no flies on Martin O’Neill when he agreed the deal.
With the return to fitness of Shola Ameobi possibly coming sooner than we imagined, thoughts turn to Shola’s early season form and the expectancy or hope that he will fall back into that vein of form. If so, then he will almost certainly be a starter for Hughton and if you consider that we also have Andy Carroll improving with each game, Nile Ranger waiting patiently and capably in the wings for his chance and Peter Lovenkrands back on the books, you’d think Harewood would be fighting tooth and nail for a permanent move.
Of course that would imply he wants to be here but going on the effort he’s put in since his arrival, he’s looked like he didn’t really care much about it. And only in the Peterborough game has he looked anything like a striker of Championship quality never mind Premiership quality. But the more frustrating aspect being the lacklustre attitude in games. However, he has since stated his desire to turn this into a more permanent gig and to respond positively to the criticism. (more…)
Carroll: Growing up fast.Chris Hughton has been speaking about Andy Carroll, relegation, and the chances this has given to Newcastle United’s younger and more inexperienced players in the wake of the great exodus of 2009.
Hughton concentrated mostly on Gateshead hitman, Carroll. The 20 year old is now one of the more ‘experienced’ of the younger players, having made a total of 29 senior appearences (not including a loan spell at Preston) for the club until the end of last season, since his first team debut in a UEFA cup tie with Palermo. Carroll looks set to double that appearence total this season alone, so long as he doesn’t get a serious knock.
Hughton said:
“I think it’s fair to say Andy Carroll would not have got this chance this season if we had still been in the Premier League.
“He wouldn’t have played as many games, that’s for sure, so the drop down has been good for him on a personal level, although I’m sure he never wanted to see the club get relegated.
“This has been a great chance for him to get a run in the side and learn from the experience and he’s managing to do that.” (more…)
