Pardew: tall, nice Solvenian guyNewcastle United’s youth squad has much promise, although recent events might indicate that Nile Ranger isn’t destined to be part of it.
If the stories in the press are true, it seems that Nile Ranger is once again in hot water and this time it’s a bit more serious than an ill-informed pose with an allegedly replica handgun.
Ranger has been arrested on suspicion of assault after a 33 year-old victim was found with a broken jaw in the Groat Market in Newcastle. Ranger is currently “helping police with their enquiries”, which is police talk for “being interrogated to see if he’ll ‘fess up” and if he’s charged and subsequently found guilty he could face prison.
There were rumours that Ranger had been transfer-listed earlier in this transfer window and I get the impression that both the manager and the boardroom hierarchy were running out of patience with his indiscipline and allegedly casual approach to training anyway, but this latest escapade could, I believe, see the end of his prospects as a professional footballer.
He’s not the first Newcastle player to get into trouble of course. Notably both Joey Barton and Andy Carroll have had their off-pitch controversy, but their on-pitch contributions seem to have persuaded various managers back them through their troubles, although I suspect that Alan Pardew will be reluctant to provide too much backing for Ranger. (more…)
Match highlights from yesterday evening’s League Cup victory for the Magpies over Scunthorpe United.
Includes goals from Dagnall (Scunthorpe), a scorching free kick from Ryan Taylor, and finally, the deciding goal from Sammy Ameobi.
NUFC Blog’s prelminary report from the game is available here, and a full report from our man in the stands at Glanford Park, Jimbob will be along soon. (more…)
...and yet we still lack depth.Interesting scenes today as Newcastle United fans chanted “If Sammy scores, we’re on the pitch”… and then Sammy Ameobi decided it would be a great idea to score.
Needless to say, on fled hundreds of Toon fans, some of which travelling all the way from Newcastle upon Tyne, forcing the referee to actually postpone the game. During the madness, a steward was hit in the face by a Darlington supporter, which I’m sure we can all agree is simply out of order.
Newcastle United were at the Northern Echo Arena for the second time in as many pre-seasons to open up their pre-season campaign. Fraser Forster began between the sticks with Hatem Ben Arfa making his first appearance since his horror tackle by Nigel De Jong. Joey Barton scored after just 3 minutes and at some point afterwards (relying on Twitter for information here!) Sammy Ameobi dared the Newcastle fans with his goal. (more…)
Pardew: Looking forward to US trip.Newcastle United manager, Alan Pardew is looking forward to the team’s forthcoming 3 game tour of the United States.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he spoke of the trip as a chance to “focus completely on our job without any distractions”. He will also have a chance to get a good look at the club’s recent signings, and also some of the younger players who may be pushing for a place with the big lads. Pardew said of the trip:
“I know the facilities are top, top drawer, it’s good and accessible for our fans to see us.
“The training conditions are perfect, the competition will be good, and importantly we can focus completely on our job without any distractions – the food, language and climate won’t take any adjusting to and we can just get on with things.”(more…)
