The new Big Al?If Hughton is thinking about Newcastle United’s striking options on Saturday and getting a headache, I’d implore him to take five minutes out to rest his weary head and then make an informed decision. To partner Nile Ranger and Marlon Harewood upfront.
That’s not a reflection of Andy Carroll’s recent form, which has been good and admittedly somewhat above my expectations. However, I just feel that Nile Ranger, despite his tender years, has what it takes to make it in the game and certainly has enough at this level. For me, he has had a major impact since feeling his way into the team and is growing in confidence with each outing.
Ranger has pretty much everything you’d want from a centre forward. He has bags of pace and is really quick off the mark. For a young lad he is incredibly strong and is effective at holding the ball up. He will improve over the years but even now he has demonstrated intelligence in making good runs and is willing to get on the end of things. (more…)
Not always pretty viewingWell, on a night when Chris Hughton made Nile Ranger a second half stranger, all the points almost went to Queens Park Rangers and their pacy danger but the game ended all square at 1-1. This was arguably the best side I have seen Newcastle up against so far this season and with pace throughout their team and Routledge always a menace, QPR could well have nicked the win. They were neat and tidy and industrious and with more of a clinical edge in the final third, they could be strong candidates for promotion.
So with that in mind, we had our work cut out but rather than counter it, we seemed to give them a helping hand on a night where several players were not at the races.
Hughton started with the same back four that finished the Ipswich game except Danny Simpson returned from injury to slot into right-back as replacement for the injured Coloccini. Guthrie returned on the right side of midfield in the absence of Ryan Taylor, and so we began the game with four central midfielders playing a compact and narrow formation with Nolan pushing in behind the front two. (more…)
Keano walks his dog.Kick-off Portman Road, Saturday, 5:30PM [live on BBC1].
Firstly of course, Newcastle United’s Championship clash with Ipswich will be another game overshadowed by the memory of the great Sir Bobby Robson, who managed the ‘Tractor Boys’ for some thirteen years, building the Suffolk team patiently and taking them to the heights of both domestic and European competition. Before the game commences, Portman Road’s North stand will be officially renamed the ‘Sir Bobby Robson Stand’. In a further tribute, both teams will play in a special commemorative kit for the occaision. Incidentally, the last time the Magpies faced Ipswich (at SJP in 2002), Sir Bobby was manager and the teams drew, 2-2, with Ipswich taking the early initiative, and Toon equalising twice to grab a point. The word is that Ipwich have sold 25,000 tickets for the occaision, and a 27,000 full house is almost certain as Ipswich fans pay tribute to probably their greatest manager, alongside that other titan of the England dugout, Sir Alf Ramsey.
Unfortunately for Ipswich, they have being having a right old mare of a season so far with Keane. They are currently second bottom of the Championship, with no wins, four draws and four losses. In the ‘vale of tears’ world that being a Magpie is though, this will only make things worse for us if they manage to rise like a wouded animal and pull off a shock victory. (more…)
Naked ambitionThe official Aston Villa site has confirmed that Martin O’Neill has agreed the 3-month loan of Marlon Harewood to Newcastle United. The rumours have been rife for weeks now but the speculation ends with the forward joining us at a critical point when our threadbare squad is already being stretched to capacity with a handful of injuries. The official Newcastle site is yet to make an announcement but it seems apparent the deal has or at least will go through in time for the weekend.
The jury appears to be out for Harewood, though I guess all loanees are always scrutinised for the very fact they’re carrying that status, the question being, why are they being loaned out? O’Neill has already gone on record to say Marlon can hopefully get some games under his belt and gain some much-needed fitness. Unfortunately, we really need players who are just about there and ready to hit the ground running so hopefully he’s not too far away and Hughton will welcome him into the squad for Saturday’s televised game at Ipswich. (more…)
Toon by tomorrowMartin O’Neill has confirmed that Newcastle are set to take Marlon Harewood on a 3-month ’emergency’ loan. The move should be completed by Friday.
O’Neill said:
“Newcastle are still looking to do something in terms of Marlon.
“I think they are waiting to hear whether they have permission from their owner to go and progress the move.
“I think the opportunity for him now coming back from injury, to get involved in a cause, would be very important and only a benefit for all of us.
“Marlon has been out since pre-season with injuries. He is fighting back, is feeling fine, trained for a few days on the trot.
“But people are pressing for places and at this moment we have competition up front. Delfouneso is going to be a really excellent player and he is hovering around in terms of being on the bench.” (more…)
