Not enough help, or not helping himself?Given the size of the current squad, Newcastle United can ill-afford any casualties in the coming weeks, and supporters are waiting with bated breath for signs of recruitments, just in case. But it seems like for now, either our fortunes have changed or the way our players are being looked after has, because injuries have been relatively few and the complications limited, in comparison to recent years. Or is it more to do with players and their attitudes?
Last season we had important players with long lay-offs and niggling reoccurring injuries that hampered their contribution to the cause, and ultimately that played a big part in things going pear-shaped. But the injury jinx has been around longer than just last season, at a club that has seen more than it’s fair share of injury nightmares.
Of course one of those players who suffered badly from injury during his spell at St James’ was Irish international full-back, Stephen Carr who never transferred the promise he showed before signing for us. Possibly much of that was due to his in ability to stay fit and command a regular place. Despite a relatively low fee for his services, seventy-eight appearances in nearly three seasons was not a good return and he never looked fit enough to be a Premiership full-back.
However, he wasn’t the only one to suffer from injuries, and there were particularly specific injuries that a number of players seemed to suffer from including tendonitis and hamstring injuries. Fans questioned the training methods and the quality of the facilities available. Even when Sam Allardyce turned up with his forward-thinking and scientific approach, we still suffered badly. And Carr has gone on record to say that it wasn’t necessarily the players who were the problem. (more…)
Bottle half full?Following on from the theme of the hour, I thought I’d spread the joy a little and reiterate the news in The Journal that Chris Hughton is apparently relatively happy with what he’s currently got at Newcastle. Considering the concerns of fans about our strength-in-depth, that might come as a worry.
Particularly when all the noises over the last few months have been about not panicking in into getting loan deals and signing players for the sake of it. And Hughton himself said it was about working to a plan for the January transfer window, so we had probably all hoped that the plans were in place, but it seems like there is a bit of backtracking.
Speaking about the January transfer window, he had this to say:
“I would like to have the same numbers for the second half of the season,”
“But where we are at the moment, I am very very happy with the squad. I do not feel I need to add an awful lot.”(more…)
The beautiful white cold stuff outside is turning into a right pain in the backside and Newcastle United have become the latest victims as the Reading game on Saturday has been called off. Reading have made a statement on their official site:
“Reading’s upcoming Coca-Cola Championship fixture against Newcastle United has been postponed. The game was originally set for 3pm this coming Saturday 9th January, but there is no prospect of a significant improvement in conditions between now and the weekend, so the club, along with the Football League, have taken the decision on the grounds of safety.
Our supporters’ safety is absolutely paramount, we take the matter very seriously and have made what we see as the most sensible and professional decision. With considerable ice and snow both inside and outside Madejski Stadium, there was no option but to postpone the game. In addition, a postponement gives both sets of supporters the best possible notice period.
Snowploughs were at Madejski Stadium on both Wednesday and Thursday, but the heavy snowfall ensured there was simply no prospect of the game taking place. The clubs will now begin to discuss a new date and this will be corresponded to supporters in due course. Tickets for Saturday’s game will be valid for the rearranged fixture.
No doubt our own official site will have it up soon enough as will other blogs, but here it is anyway for those that were planning on attending the game. And between now and Saturday, we’ll have to work out what the hell we’re going to do with our Saturday afternoons…
Looking and feeling a little rusty in the middle?The previous review of the current squad, took a look at the Newcastle defence, an area that this season we’ve been surprisingly strong in, given our poor reputation in recent years.
Today’s review looks at arguably the fulcrum of a successful team, the midfield, the place that could and should control a game and dictate the style of play. Our midfield this season has been very much part of a strong defensive ethos, and while we have grafters in there, we’re also lacking some natural creativity and pace.
Looking at the current crop, it really makes you pine for some of our former midfielders who have graced the hallowed St James’ turf in the last couple of decades. Reminisce about the grace of French wingers David Ginola and Laurent Robert. Recall the guts, determination and drive of Robert Lee and Gary Speed. Consider the guile we had in Emre, albeit fleetingly, and the sheer brilliance of Nobby Solano. Even having pure pace a la James Milner, Keith Gillespie to worry the opposition. You can even look at some of the less popular characters. We would kill for the pace of Kieron Dyer and dare I say, I could forgive Jermaine Jenas. Possibly even Damien Duff is a big miss? Maybe that’s stretching it…
Anyway, that was the past, what about the present? (more…)
Maybe a Magpie?Despite shying away from continuous transfer speculation, it would be a bit folly not to mention this snippet from the BBC website, on a day when Newcastle allegedly raised the bid for Jermaine Beckford.
‘Leeds United striker Jermaine Beckford has handed in a transfer request, his agent has told BBC Radio 5 live.
Beckford, 26, scored United’s goal as they clinched a shock 1-0 win over Manchester United at Old Trafford in round three of the FA Cup on Sunday.
He has been linked with a move away from the League One leaders to Championships side Newcastle. Beckford, who joined the Elland Road outfit from non-League Wealdstone in 2006, is out of contract in the summer.’(more…)
