Spoilt for choice!Considering we’ve now only scored one goal in three outings, two of those at home, there is a worry that we may begin to shoot more blanks. The Newcastle front line has been fairly toothless and a lack of creative spark from midfield means we’re struggling to make many chances and when they do, the ‘talent’ uptop isn’t able to convert that into goals.
So perhaps we need some timely interventions, like at the recent Sunderland vs Liverpool game when the unfortunates from down the road were aided and abetted in stealing three points with the aid of a young Scouse scally (that’s just for giggles, no disrespect intended). It truly was a ‘Bent’ goal, as Darren’s scuffed shot bounced towards goal only to take a horrible deflection and wrong foot the keeper.
It wasn’t your usual ‘deflection’ though, off the knee or the arm of a defender. It was off a red beach ball which a hapless youngster in the Liverpool end, had inadvertently belted into the Liverpool box at the most inopportune time.
I’m only writing about this now as it’s the first chance I’ve really had to look at this properly, and even though it’s them down the road, you’ve gotta laugh. Here’s some footage for those that haven’t seen it. (more…)
Thinking of us?The traditional Sunday trawl of the back pages has begun, except technically I’ve gone all modern these days and access the back pages online (partly because I’m hungover and don’t fancy the walk to the paper shop). Anyway, so what do they have to say?
Well first of all, an amusing story of Freddie Shepherd and his righteous and gallant spirit in not pursuing the two million pounds, that he claims the club owes him from his contract when Ashley took over the club in 2007. This is because until Ashley makes indications that he will be here for the forseeable, Shepherd doesn’t want to jeopardise the sale of the club. He’s all heart is Fred…….In the same article from The Sunday Sun, they also mention the latest takeover news but there is no more conclusive evidence of who the ‘new suitors’ are and it’s just speculation that it’s an Indian-based group, as is the suggestion Moat and Sheard have sat down for a chat about poolin’ resources. Just speculation you say? Well it is Sunday. (more…)
Carrying his banjo with aplombIn a country well known for it’s love of lamb (easy tiger), there’s a new Chop on the menu. It’s not of the woolly variety though, it’s the history-making Michael Chopra and his scoring boots that has the city of Cardiff salivating.
Chops was breaking down the barriers back in 2006, when he became the first player of Indian parentage to grace the Premiership with both appearances and accompanying goals. Back in the day, he looked like the rightful heir to Shearer’s throne as being a local lad, not only did he attend the same school as Big Al but he also knew where the goal was.
However, with a pile of high profile strikers in front of him, Chopra struggled to make a starting place his own. While he will remain a Geordie legend forever for both his (quickest Premiership) goal in the 4-1 mauling of the Mackems at their dump and his inability / unwillingness to put the goal in the Leazes End net, sadly it was inevitable his future lay elsewhere. (more…)
A promotion race would do us the world of goodWhile fans are divided on their thoughts away from the pitch, it would be hard to argue that you’re not happy with the results on it. The football is hardly of the ‘total’ variety but in a results game, we’re grinding out the points where it counts and really, for now, that’s what matters most. Because it gives us something to get a bit carried away about and something to focus on. Not least it restores a bit of pride.
The last time we were relegated to this division, I was really just starting to watch regularly and for those old enough to reminisce prior to the ’90s, the parrallels between then and now will not be lost on you. The 88/89 season saw lose us our top flight status while discord was rife on the terracing and a Newcastle board struggled incompetently to run our beloved football club.
However, a summer and some inspired Jim Smith signings later, the sun was out, Mick Quinn and Mark McGhee led the division a merry dance and before you know it we’re sitting in a healthy league position behind the top two and the future was looking slightly rosier. (more…)
Hip young thang.H’way, h’way, it can’t be true? The deviants down the road are scavenging from our rotting squad? To be honest, I’m not sure where the rumour has materialised from but it’s said that they have joined a group of potential suitors for the highly-rated young Dutch stopper.
We’re led to believe that there were a dozen or so scouts representing top-flight clubs at the Euroborg Stadion, including those from Arsenal, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic and Hull City who are all said to be keen on Krul.
Krul made a fist of his opportunity when he replaced Harper for the second half against West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. It went some way to further proving he’s a young fella with onion bags of potential. Bags that he likes to keep empty. He also comes across as passionate, level-headed and focused young bloke so it would be a crying shame were he to be swooped on by the vultures. Because as far as the sticks go, he looks like the future. (more…)
