Archive for category: MarkToon.

No Newcastle game? That’ll be my weekend ruined then!

December 18th, 2010 | 204 Comments |

St Andrews earlier today.
St Andrews earlier today.
Not much to report today. Just the frustrating fact that this miserable December day has hindered football across the country.

Not that I particularly care that the likes of Liverpool and Arsenal are no longer playing their fixtures. The only fixture I really cared about was supposed to be taking place at St Andrews this afternoon.

The fixture looked as if it was going ahead despite the heavy snow fall in Birmingham. However, at around 12.00pm our game was called off along with several other games throughout England and Scotland. Grrrrrrrr! Luckily enough for myself, Toonsy and Jay Jay, we live in The Midlands so we didn’t have any problems transport wise. But I bet a few of you good people made it a fair way down before the game was officially postponed.

Considering it’s quite a trek from the North East to The Midlands the game was given the no-go a little late on perhaps. It wasn’t the state of the pitch that was the concern, but the persisting snow in the area made the game a health and safety issue. I hear that roads near the ground were closed and all sorts. (more…)


Who would YOU choose to be our next manager?

December 7th, 2010 | 245 Comments |

Alan Pardew - The likely candidate?
Alan Pardew - The likely candidate?
I have been unable to post many articles as of late as I’m finding myself at work an awful lot (to which I’m sure Toonsy and Jay Jay will have lots of cinema manager jokes). For that I apologise ladies and gentlemen.

First and foremost I don’t think I have anything to say about Chris Hughton’s unjust sacking that hasn’t already been voiced by you guys.

Like a lot of Newcastle fans, I loved Chris. I could sit here and praise him all day long. Top coach, top man, and I have no doubt Chris will be back in work soon. What I will say though is that I’m really proud of all the people that texted and e-mailed into Sky Sports News with messages of support and thanks for Chris and the disgust at the treatment he has recieved from the goons that run our beloved club.

Once again we find ourselves in need of a new manager. Something we seem to be used to. I read Hugh de Payen’s article about Martin Jol and other potential candidates for the vacant hotseat at St James’ Park. What I want to know is who you guys want for the position? (more…)


Williamson charged violent conduct.

November 22nd, 2010 | 125 Comments |

mike-williamson Mike Williamson has unsurprisingly been charged by the FA today for violent conduct. Mike was involved in an off the ball incident with Bolton’s Johan Elmander during the humiliating and diabolical 5-1 loss on Saturday.

The incident wasn’t spotted by referee Howard Webb during the match and The FA chose to review the situation afterwards. They certainly didn’t like what they saw and have charged the defender for violent conduct.

Here is what a spokesman from The FA had to say this evening;

“Newcastle United defender Mike Williamson has today been charged with violent conduct.”

“The charge relates to an incident involving Johan Elmander in his side’s fixture with Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, November 20.”

“Williamson has until 6pm on Tuesday, November 23rd to reply to the charge and under The FA’s fast-track regulations may admit the charge and accept a standard three-match suspension.”

On the whole I think Willo has been steady this season. With Coloccini suspended as well it could very well mean that we see a partnership of Sol Campbell and Steven Taylor at the heart of the United defence in the absence of Hugton’s seemingly first choice pairing. (more…)


Old boy Woodgate on the mend?

November 22nd, 2010 | 47 Comments |

Woodgate back in business?
Woodgate back in business?
We have had very little to shout about this weekend in truth, and I refuse to go into Newcastle’s diabolical display on Saturday as it’s already been well covered on here.

So with little news about, I thought I’d take a slightly different angle.

Many of you will read this article and ask why? Why the hell is Mark writing about someone that doesn’t even play for us anymore?

I chose to cover this story because, as Toonsy can confirm, Woody was a player I greatly admired during his brief stint at Newcastle. He set the standards at Newcastle and was fantastic during his time with us.

Jonathan has been injury prone throughout his entire career though, but he quickly became a fans favourite as he put in some excellent defensive displays. At times he even made Titus and Andy O’Brien look half decent!

I for one was devastated when he was sold to Real Madrid for £13.4m in 2004. Jonathan did however reject the chance to re-sign for United on a few occasions, prefering moves to the Smoggies and Spurs after Madrid, though the player still has great affections for our club and fans. (more…)


Nolan returns to his old stomping ground.

November 19th, 2010 | 66 Comments |

Will our former Bolton player do the damage?
Will our former Bolton player do the damage?
Newcastle United captain Kevin Nolan insists he has no regrets about leaving Bolton to sign for The Magpies.

The Scouser prepares himself for an emotional return to The Reebok Stadium tomorrow afternoon.

In a clearly emotional and extended interview with The Chronicle, Nolan reflected upon his time with Bolton, his move to Newcastle and his pride at playing for Newcastle United among other things.

“It was a fantastic move for me, and I was delighted when I made it.

We went down, but I wanted to prove it wasn’t the wrong move. And bit by bit, year by year, I can continue to improve and prove that why I came here was because I could see bigger and better things for this club.”

Since arriving Kevin has always always had a positive attitude and said the right things to the press. He spoke about how proud he is to be skipper at United:

“I was Bolton captain for three or four good years, and I really enjoyed it. But when I got the captaincy here, it was probably a bit of a prouder moment, because I know what it means to so many people here with the fan base.” (more…)