Archive for category: NUFC Blog on Metro.co.uk.

Pardew: I’m not being told to rest Cabaye

August 27th, 2013 | 56 Comments |

Yohan Cabaye training.
What’s the real story on Cabaye?
My latest blog on metro.co.uk is now up!

Entitled “What is the truth on Yohan Cabaye and Arsenal? Newcastle fans may never know,” as you might guess, I take a look at current Yohan Cabaye transfer imbroglio. This includes conflicting stories in the media about whether Cabaye is actually on strike, or whether he is just being protected from injury in anticipation of a “world class bid” that would “blow the doors off” (to use two of Pardew’s recent terms).

I also look at Alan Pardew’s approach to the drama, where instead of either keeping his mouth shut and refusing to answer questions, or alternatively, making some kind of honest disclosure on what is going on, he has chosen to resort to innuendo and riddles, usually followed by something like “but I can’t say more than that”. Along with the conflicting media reports, especially the ones from the Evening Chronicle’s Lee Ryder about Cabaye allegedly refusing to play, this has led to alot of unhelpful speculation. (more…)


Putting lipstick on a pig called “Wonga”

August 23rd, 2013 | 26 Comments |

Wonga loan Shark.
Wonga: Ticking the boxes for fans?
My latest ‘blog on metro.co.uk is now up!

Entitled “Is Wonga really Newcastle United’s greatest ever sponsor after only five weeks?” I reflect on the words of Newcastle United’s Financial Director John Irving, who recently said the following at a meeting to reassure Newcastle United fans about the club’s controversial sponsorship deal with Wonga:

“From a commercial impact, Wonga have had the money on the table and have been a lot more aggressive.

“It’s massively important to have people on board that want to get involved with us in terms of what we do with the fans and the foundation and what we do with the younger players.

“Wonga have only really been here five weeks and they have actually done considerably more than anyone ever has done in terms of investment and support.

“The gates have been unveiled… they renamed the stadium back to St James’ Park. Wonga tick the boxes. (more…)


The madness of Alan Pardew and the Three Stooges in Nice

August 21st, 2013 | 65 Comments |

NUFC Blog on metro.co.uk
NUFC Blog on metro.co.uk
My two latest blogs for metro.co.uk are now up!

The first one, entitled “Pardew – Is he deluded to the point of insanity?” takes a look at some of the talking points from Monday evening’s game with Manchester City. Talking points such as the gossip surrounding Yohan Cabaye and not least, something all we Newcastle United fans have become wearily familiar with, Alan Pardew’s total lack of a grip on reality in his post-match assessment of games.

The second one is called “Were Newcastle’s ‘Three Stooges’ in Nice to sell Cabaye or buy Cvitanich?” (The sub-editor changed the original title so don’t blame me!). Basically, it is my ruminations on what Newcastle United’s “Three Stooges,” Alan Pardew, Joe Kinnear and Graham Carr might have been doing at Nice airport, where they were spotted and photographed by a Northumbria University student and Toon fan who calls himself “Sewelly” on Twitta. (more…)


Newcastle United fans give their thoughts on the coming season…

August 17th, 2013 | 65 Comments |

NUFC Blog on metro.co.uk
NUFC Blog on metro.co.uk
Ladies and Gentlemen, my latest blog on metro.co.uk is now up!

Entitled “Toon season preview: The fans’ views” it is an addendum to my previous season preview on there.

In it, instead of my views, there are the views of several NUFC blog readers, all expressed within around 50-60 words. There are views from nufc bloggers Joe Sharpe, Tony Toon, GS, Pete Toon, Steve P, Joe Hawkins, Tunyc, Sampdiago and Dokky on what the current season might hold in store for Newcastle United and it is well worth a read, with views ranging from the cautiously optimistic to gloomy premonitions of impending catastrophe.

Hope you like it and many thanks to all of you who contributed! (more…)


Season preview: What’s in store for Newcastle United this season?

August 15th, 2013 | 157 Comments |

NUFC Blog on metro.co.uk
NUFC Blog on metro.co.uk
As some of you may already know, I am currently the Newcastle United blogger for metro.co.uk, and my preview for Newcastle United’s 2013-14 season has now been published on my metro blog site. In it I was asked seven questions:

Hopes for the season?
Predicted finish?
Biggest worry for the season?
Key player this season?
One to watch (which up and coming could make their breakthrough)?
Best place for a pint?
Stand with the best atmosphere? (more…)