Benitez: Knows where he needs to strengthen. It is often said that no club is too big to go down and fallen giants such as Aston Villa and Leeds United are testament to that, but Newcastle’s relegation to the Championship in the 2015-16 season was unexpected, and a body blow for the Magpies’ faithful.
However, with a passionate and talented manager in charge, they bounced at the first attempt and the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United will once again be seen at St James’ Park next season.
But will Rafa Benitez be able to keep the club in the Promised Land?
It has been obvious there have been problems between the owner and the managers in recent years which have led to dissention in the stands and ultimately, relegation. (more…)
Can Carroll be the key to survival?The month of December will mark the half way point in the Premier League season, and will hopefully give us an indication of whether or not we look set for survival or struggle for the rest of the season.
Of course nothing will be guaranteed, but it should give us a decent idea of where we stand with regards to ensuring Premier League football for next season.
With the way the season has gone so far it would be foolish to count any chickens until safety is mathematically assured. Teams are taking points from each other, from top to bottom, in what is turning out to be a very tight Premier League season. A couple of wins can push a team into a European spot, but also a couple of results that go against you could see a team being sucked into the relegation zone.
Luckily for us it has been the former so far this season, but there is always a chance that we could hit a sticky patch of form. Some will say that we are in one now having only taken two points from a possible 12 on offer, but all that really matters is getting enough points on the board to survive this season. I couldn’t give a toss where the points invariably come from, as long as we have enough come May. (more…)
I have not written for quite a while on this ‘blog, so this post is just a gentle reintroduction from me without much substance, but I feel I can get away with it just this once to ease myself back into things.
It gets worse because I’m about to do some dreaded hearsay Daily Mail style reporting.
I had reason to hire a ‘Man With A Van’ recently to help clear out a house after a bereavement. This ‘Man With A Van’ happened to be a Geordie and came accompanied by a son at no extra charge. I’m not entirely sure of the son’s purpose in the whole house clearing thing I had to do as he seemed reluctant to lift anything and merely ate all my biscuits. However, this son apparently dates a girl who worked in the press office at SJP and we got onto the subject of whether or not Andy Carroll is for sale because, obviously, there has been much speculation about that recently. According to my ‘source’ (hey, I feel like a real reporter now!) Andy Carroll is for sale, but so is everyone else at Newcastle United.
Now of course, I am not silly enough to put any faith in what is essentially gossip, particularly as it came from someone who ate all my biscuits. I am however getting to a point, the point being: Does it matter anyway? (more…)
Is it a case of classic Great Expectations?First and foremost, you may not recognise the name above this article. I visit the ‘blog every day, I rarely comment but always read with great interest. I thought I’d start by introducing myself.
I’m Mark, and I’m good friends with Mr .org himself, Toonsy! I often go to the games with him. Like Toonsy, I currently live in The Midlands in a dive which is known as Rugby. I bleed black and white and Newcastle United are my life.
Its always been Sunderland or Newcastle in my family. Luckily when I chose my team I had the sense to stay away from the dark and unwashed side and opt for The Toon. Much like our No.9, who has a Sunderland supporting Grandma I think!
Anyway, I’m going to attempt this ‘blogging malarky in the hope that I can match Toonsy’s, Workyticket’s, and the rest of the gang’s good work with this great blog. But enough about me as I’m beginning to make this article sound like a lonely hearts ad….. (more…)
Sing your hearts out for the lads!Bouncebackability is a funny word, and the origins of it remain fuzzy.
Some say that Iain Dowie made it up on the spot whilst covering a match on Soccer Saturday whilst other, perhaps more enlightened, folk claim that is was first used in ‘The Statistician’ back in 1998.
Anyway, I digress. However the word was created, whether that be from our furrowed browed former assistant manager or from anyone else, the meaning of the word will need to be applied this weekend.
Another home game, another winnable home game, and another opportunity to put some points on the board presents itself on Saturday afternoon, and this is an opportunity that Newcastle can ill afford to pass over. (more…)
