Needs more games?Cold, damp and pretty miserable, and that was just my fatha. Well no actually, the weather did a good impersonation of mid-December (or else I’m just getting auld). And the first half of the Newcastle vs Hartlepool reserve match sort of felt a bit sorry for itself at times. But with the news that Fabrice Pancrate would be gettin a trial run-out in tonights game and Peter Lovenkrands would be getting some much-needed match fitness, the gate was somewhat swelled by it’s usual numbers and the atmosphere was quite vibrant.
Starting off the night by heading to The Strawberry from work, I realised it had been a while since I’d been in for a pint. It might be my last for a while, judging by the funny looks I got from the regulars looking over my shoulder as I opened my IPhone to browse the blog and discovered picture after picture of naked men. ‘Summat funny about him’ the look said, so I finished off my Babycham and headed to the East Stand.
Eagerly grabbing my A4 teamsheet, I sat down to study the first eleven and realised I only knew half of the team. What happened to the reserves being for first teamers down on their luck? It’s not really ‘the stiffs’ anymore is it? Anyway, some ‘Poolies’ behind me, were inferring that it was a strong eleven that they had out, so our youngsters seemed set to face a stern test. (more…)
Due back at the end of the monthThe Newcastle United squad will be boosted by the return of 3 players coming back from injury.
Chris Hughton reckons Shola Ameobi should be back in contention by the end of the month, which could mean the game at home to Swansea on 28th November or the following game, at home to Watford on 4th December.
After scoring 5 goals in 5 games at the start of the season, Shola has been sidelined with a foot injury, but Hughton said:
“We’re very much looking forward to Shola Ameobi hopefully coming back towards the end of the month.
“That’ll give us a big boost.”
It’ll be interesting to see what becomes Hughton’s first choice strike force when Shola’s fit. I’m presuming Ameobi will be the first name on the list and I would guess Carroll will partner him. (more…)