Archive for tag: Martin O’Neill.

Martin O’Neill at Sunderland – A Geordie’s View!

January 12th, 2012 | 59 Comments |

Tyne and Mackemland.
Sympathy for the Devil?
I think Sunderland signing Martin O’Neill as their new manager is one of the most significant events to happen in the North-East recently.

Of course there is massive rivalry between Newcastle and Sunderland, so it takes a lot for a Newcastle fan to say something like that. But rivalry and competition manifest themselves in every walk of life.  Being better than others at school, in your job, sibling rivalry at home, my car’s faster than your car, my dad’s bigger than your dad – the examples are endless. It’s part of life and something we have to deal with every day.

When it comes to football however, rivalry can often get out of hand to the point of bigotry and violence. “Local Derby” rivalry has existed since football began, and no matter what anyone says, there is no bigger derby and no bigger rivalry in football than that between Newcastle United and Sunderland. The rivalry between the two modern-day cities can be traced back to the 1600s and linked to them supporting different sides in the English civil war! But sometimes it’s important to remember that these days it’s mainly about football, and whether we like it or not, there are bigger issues in life and basically people are pretty much the same wherever they come from. (more…)


Marlon driftwood?

November 13th, 2009 | 28 Comments |

Empty promise?
Empty promise?
Poor attitude, poor touch, just in it for the money. But enough about my career as a masseur, I’m talking of course about our half-hearted centre forward Marlon Harewood. Currently loaned to Newcastle by Premiership outfit Aston Villa, judging by performances so far, it would seem to most fans there were no flies on Martin O’Neill when he agreed the deal.

With the return to fitness of Shola Ameobi possibly coming sooner than we imagined, thoughts turn to Shola’s early season form and the expectancy or hope that he will fall back into that vein of form. If so, then he will almost certainly be a starter for Hughton and if you consider that we also have Andy Carroll improving with each game, Nile Ranger waiting patiently and capably in the wings for his chance and Peter Lovenkrands back on the books, you’d think Harewood would be fighting tooth and nail for a permanent move.

Of course that would imply he wants to be here but going on the effort he’s put in since his arrival, he’s looked like he didn’t really care much about it. And only in the Peterborough game has he looked anything like a striker of Championship quality never mind Premiership quality. But the more frustrating aspect being the lacklustre attitude in games. However, he has since stated his desire to turn this into a more permanent gig and to respond positively to the criticism. (more…)


Marloan Harewood heading for Toon.

September 24th, 2009 | 5 Comments |

Naked ambition
Naked ambition
The 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…)


Villa manager confirms Harewood loan. Any other loans?

September 24th, 2009 | 11 Comments |

Toon by tomorrow
Toon by tomorrow
Martin 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…)


O’Neill’s Beyewatch pays off, Habib is now a Villan.

August 7th, 2009 | 4 Comments |

Habib: Villan now.
Habib: Villan now.
While it seemed yesterday that Newcastle United right-back, Habib Beye, was all set for a move to the ‘Tigers’ of Hull, with a bid accepted, it appears that this development motivated Martin O’Neill and Randy Lerner to make a dramatic eleventh hour swoop, and Habib is now a ‘Villan’. The 31-year-old is reported to have signed a three-year deal, and will enjoy European competition in next year’s new ‘Europa League’ with the Midlands club.

Villa had previously expressed an interest in the Senegal star, and it always seemed a more likely choice if Villa were to meet Hull’s bid of around £2.5 million, though the figure is currently undisclosed.

Beye was signed by Newcastle United in August, 2007 from Marseille, and it has been said that our interest in him was initially sparked by an excellent performance when Marseille knocked us out of the UEFA cup three years earlier. Beye played for United in what has undoubtedly been a lacklustre period in the club’s history. However he always escaped the criticism levelled at many other players due to his solid and highly consistent performances amidst the chaos that was frequently going on around him.
(more…)