Last to wear the number 931 players have been allocated squad numbers for Newcastle United’s 2011/2012 season.
As we haven’t posted it here yet, I thought I’d list the squad numbers for the 2011/2012 season.
31 players have so far been allocated a number but there are three gaps for numbers 3, 9 and 12 (and obviously an infinite number of gaps from 35 upwards!).
The word is that the number 9 shirt will remain free until someone earns it, or at least that was the way Chris Hughton ran things when he was manager and there is nothing to suggest that has changed. Presumably number 3 will be taken by our new left-back (Erik Pieters perhaps) and I have no idea why number 12 – worn by Danny Simpson last year – has been left free, although it could be speculated that that’s the number our fabled ‘new striker’ might take. (more…)
Win prizes!Last call for anyone wishing to win £100 in the NUFC Blog Prediction Competition.
You can of course enter at any time during the season but for the best chance of winning you should be there from the off. You have until midday today to enter your predictions for this weekend’s league games.
All you need to do is be a registered member of this blog and log in. Then follow this link to make your predictions for next week: https://nufcblog.org/prediction-competition/next-weeks-predictions/, then when you’re done predicting just hit one of the ‘Save’ buttons.
Likely move, I'd sayErik Pieters is looking all the more likely to join Newcastle United after his recent comments but the hunt for a new striker is looking a bit glum just now.
It looks like PSV’s Erik Pieters is one step closer to becoming our new left-back as PSV boss Fred Rutten is almost conceding defeat in his attempts to keep the player at his club. Rutten said:
“I would lie in the road to stop him leaving but I fear I cannot block his transfer to Newcastle.
“He is a brilliant defender, but, if it is right for him and the club, I cannot say no.”
Many press reports are saying that a £6m deal is in its closing stages and, whilst we might be without a first choice left-back for today’s visit from Arsenal, we should have one in time for the derby game next weekend.
The situation regarding a new striker is less clear, but to be fair we’ve only needed one since January so it’s a 7 month rush job in terms of recruitment.
One of our targets, Eren Derdiyok, has slammed the door in our face saying:
“I did not realise they [Newcastle] were watching me, but it does not make any difference to how I feel about my future.(more…)
Gone!Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew tells us why we didn’t have a replacement for Jose Enrique already in place, and Enrique explains the reasons for his departure. Oh yes, and news about Xisco.
As if in reply to Jimbob’s post of yesterday Alan Pardew broke his lengthy vow of silence to tell us why we didn’t bring in a replacement for Enrique some time ago. Pardew said:
“I am sure some of the fans will be asking why we had not brought a left-back in earlier.
“The difference was if Jose had signed we would have ended up with two very, very expensive left-backs and that is something we could not afford when we are trying to create the best side.
“We need that money in other areas and of course we do not have the striker to cover the line yet.
“I understand a big bulk of our fans just want our best players wanting to stay here – it does not always work like that, unfortunately.”
Which really means the Mike Ashley would not risk any money on a new left-back whilst there was still a smidgen of a gnat’s willy of a chance that Enrique might sign a new contract. (more…)
Alan Pardew has the final sayNewcastle United manager Alan Pardew talks about Joey Barton’s potential selection for Saturday’s game against Arsenal and a dispute between the board and players about bonuses.
It appears that there will be no further ‘boardroom revenge’ against Joey Barton for his renegade Twitter activities beyond the fine he has already received and that Alan Pardew will have the final say as to whether he plays against Arsenal on Saturday.
The usually reclusive Pardew gave an interview for once and had this to say when asked whether he needs to clear Barton’s selection at board level:
“It’s my decision. I’ll probably talk to Joey before the start of training on Friday but I’m not sure whether he’ll start on Saturday, whatever answer he gives me.”
On whether or not Joey will actually see out his contract at Newcastle, Pardew said:
“Only Joey will determine that.
“I’ve said to Joey that he won’t play for me and I won’t include him unless I think he’s pulling for us. He’s in the process of weighing up what he needs to do.(more…)
