Ready for debut? Cheick.Newcastle new boy Cheick Tiote could be in line to make his debut at Everton this weekend.
Tiote was an unused substitute during the 2-0 home loss against Blackpool, which isn’t really surprising considering the lad had been in Africa during the week playing for his country and hadn’t really had a lot of time to get acquanted with the squad.
This week is different, and after a poor result against Blackpool, and some poor performances from some of our players in midfield, Tiote will be looking to get the nod to start the match at Goodison on Saturday. Even if he doesn’t get to start in place of Alan Smith at Everton, Tiote’s debut won’t be too far around the corner and he will surely make his bow against in the daunting League Cup match away at Chelsea in midweek. (more…)
Mags v Tangerines, this time it's Premiership!Welcome to the NUFC Blog match banter for today’s home encounter against Blackpool with your’s truly, Workyticket, standing in once again. As usual, for more in depth pre match stuff, you can always check out Toonsy’s excellent match preview, and the maiden article from new NUFC Blog recruit, Paul Reece, with his “Top Ten facts and stats to know about Blackpool F.C.”
Last time we faced the seasiders of Blackpool at home, promotion from the Championship was assured and there was something of a party atmosphere. However, it should not be forgotten that Blackpool were one of the few teams to beat us last term in the earlier fixture at their place, Bloomfield Road.
Seen by some as the Donkeys of the Premiership, it also shouldn’t be forgotten that the Seasiders have already won a resounding 0-4 away victory at Wigan, something United manager, Chris Hughton was quick to point out in a pre match interview as he warned against complacency. He said:(more…)
The most impressive signing of the window.Well that is it for the summer transfer window, and all in all I have been pleasantly surprised with the business that Newcastle have conducted.
Newcastle have swelled their ranks with five senior players over the summer, and one of those in particular has been rather eye catching.
Hatem Ben Arfa is the signing which most fans want to see in action. The 23-year old Frenchman should be just what the doctor ordered and will add some gallic flair and creativity to the ranks. The lad has undoubted talent, although there will no doubt be question marks, as there is with most overseas players, whether or not he will be able to produce those moments of magic we know he is capable of in the Premier League. (more…)
Campbell in line for debut?Sol Campbell could be in line to make his Newcastle debut against Blackpool in just under two weeks time.
The Sunderland Echo suggests that Campbell is in line to make an appearance in the reserve derby match that is due to take place at the Stadium of Light tomorrow evening.
If Campbell continues to prove his fitness then the Blackpool game could give Chris Hughton a selection headache, in a nice way, as he will have a lot more options available to him. For what it is worth, I don’t think that Campbell will feature against Blackpool and he will have to earn his place in the team ahead of Fabricio Coloccini and Mike Williamson who have both looked rather solid on our return to the top flight. (more…)
Cheick mate. Signed, sealed, delivered!Newcastle have completed the signing of 24-year old Ivory Coast midfielder, Cheick Tiote from FC Twente for a fee of around £3.5 million.
Tiote has now been granted a work permit and will probably join up with the Newcastle squad after the international break next week.
Tiote becomes signing number four of the summer and should add some much needed pace and physical strength to the midfield engine room. Indeed he has been tipped to be a huge success in the Premier League by his former boss, Steve McClaren, who worked with Tiote in Holland and took an unfancied FC Twente to the league title.
“It’s a great thrill for me to be joining such a famous club as Newcastle United,” Tiote told the official club website. “I am aware of the great tradition of the club and the tremendous support they get from the fans.”(more…)
