Jonas aiming for 42 pointsJonas Gutierrez thinks Newcastle United are capable of picking up 6 points from their two remaining home games and, most importantly, finishing above the missing links from Wearside.
Our last two home games are against Birmingham and West Brom and they should in theory be quite winnable, which is also what Jonas is saying:
“It’s a good opportunity to take the six points because the teams are playing at the same level as us, fighting for the same positions in the table.
“West Brom have come from the Championship, the same as us, and Birmingham are trying to make sure they stay up so they are two teams I think we can take six points from.
“But we have to concentrate on the first one first, and that’s Birmingham.”
In the past Jonas has often been criticised for displaying a lot of bluster but delivering very little in terms of effectiveness, particularly when it comes to the final ball.
Personally, though, I think Jonas is a much improved player: he works exceptionally well with Enrique on the left, puts the willies up defenders by taking them on and his final crosses are hitting the mark more regularly these days. (more…)
A stunning little numberNewcastle United unveil the new 2011/2012 home kit.
Kevin Nolan is modelling the new home kit for the 2011/2012 season and personally I think it lacks a touch in the stripes department, although in the grand scheme of things I guess it’s not too important compared to what actually happens on the pitch.
Apparently inspiration for the new kit was taken from Kate Middleton’s wedding dress to reflect how royally screwed we’ll be next season if Ashley doesn’t fork out for a couple of decent strikers.
Actually that’s not true. I just made it up.
The keen fashionistas amongst you can pre-order your shirt today and, providing you order by Sunday 15th May, you will receive next season’s kit on the official launch date of Thursday 19th May.
If, however, you’re not a slave to fashion you may – like me – make do with a 5 year old one that has been personalised with various curry and kebab stains. (more…)
Kevin Gameiro - Toon target?Alan Pardew confirms that Newcastle United are already active in the transfer market.
Alan Pardew has confirmed that the club has made ‘several approaches’ to other clubs to begin recruiting players for next season, although none of these approaches are said to be in an advanced stage yet.
When asked if the club had begun sounding out potential transfer targets Pardew said:
“Yes we have. We’ve made contact with a few clubs about the availability of players, I think that’s important.”
Pardew refused to be specific on names but rumour (and The Journal) suggests that Lorient striker Kevin Gameiro, France Under-21 left-back Cheikh M’Bengue, Hamburg-based Ivory Coast left-back Guy Demel, Cardiff’s Jay Bothroyd and Reading’s Shane Long are amongst those on Pardew’s wish list.
Speculation also suggests the club are after a midfielder to step into Tiote’s shoes when he’s away at the Africa Nations Cup next season and a right back to provide competition for Danny Simpson. (more…)
Crocked ankle in JanuaryAlan Smith is back in training but may not play for Newcastle again until next season.
The last time Alan Smith played for us was back in January against Brucie’s louts. During that game his ankle was broken by Kieron Richardson and he’s been crocked ever since.
However, Smith fans will be pleased to know that a magic seven league boot he wore during his rehabilitation seemed to work and he was back in training at Benton last week.
Whilst he hasn’t turned out on the pitch for us, Assistant Manager John Carver was keen to point out that he has still been contributing behind the scenes. Carver said:
“During his injury Alan has played a big part off the field for us.
“Just because a player is injured it doesn’t mean they don’t have a part to play, and Alan has been an excellent example of that.” (more…)
I want a squad this bigAlan Pardew reflects on Newcastle United’s defeat at Anfield, suggesting where we failed and what can be done to improve matters next season.
I thought we were pretty rubbish against Liverpool (who were also fairly rubbish themselves IMHO) except for about 20 minutes after the first goal, although I do tend to agree with Pardew that we were still in with a slight chance until the second goal went in. Pardew said:
“I thought the second goal was crucial in the game because after a fast start by Liverpool where they got the goal, we played well in that period and we took the emphasis away from Liverpool in terms of their exuberance and their movement.
“We kept the ball, we were patient, we couldn’t quite find that moment from a set play or a cross to get ourselves a goal before half time, but straight after we had a chance with Joey and normally I would expect him to score that.
“It was everything, the second goal, and unfortunately for us, Williamson has made a mistake that has cost us a goal, albeit outside of the box by the looks of it.”
I get the impression that Pardew wasn’t too happy with Williamson’s mistake and feels it may have cost us the match. He may be right. (more…)
