Ranger to be loaned out?Nile Ranger now appears to be a likely candidate for the St James’ Park exit door during the summer as a loan move is being lined up for the 19-year-old striker, according to his agent.
Having being thrust into first team action early on in the season due to injuries elsewhere in the squad, the feeling was that Ranger could have a bright future ahead of him as he displayed some great hold-up play whilst plowing a lone furrow up front on his own.
Unfortunately his finishing wasn’t as good as the rest of his play and he was unable to bag his first competitve goal in a Newcastle shirt until December. Having said that, the lad has scored goals at all youth and reserve levels and has even impressed for the England Under-19’s. But that hasn’t stopped him falling down the pecking order at St James’ Park fuelling rumours that his alleged playboy lifestyle away from the pitch has been affecting his application during training. (more…)
And the winner is...The goalposts are down, the World Cup is just around the corner, and the summer sun will soon be upon us. Yes it’s the end of the season, so what better time to announce the NUFCblog.org Player of the Season result?
It has been down to you, the reader, to decide the destination of this much coveted award. It’s only fair that we are the ones to pass judgement on how a player has played for us throughout the season, we know much more than the experts anyway. So it gives me great pleasure to announce that the winner of this award, as voted for by you and with 28% of the final vote is….. Jose Enrique.
I’m sure he is ecstatic knowing that he is now the proud owner of our coveted award, but as yet I have been unable to track down the Spaniard to ask him how he is feeling at what must be an emotional and triumphant time for him. Unfortunately he will have to wait to be presented with the widely respected trophy although I can give everyone an update on the progress of it’s construction. I can reveal that the finishing touches are being applied and all I need now to finish the trophy off are some nails, glue and some tin-foil. And to think my mother never rated Blue Peter and wondered why I used to watch it as a child, who’s laughing now eh mother? (more…)
Barton: One last chance, don't blow it!He is a player that has always divided opinions between Newcastle United fans during his time as a Newcastle player. For some, Joey Barton has already had his last chance in a Newcastle shirt and is living on borrowed time, whilst others believe that Barton could prove to be an invaluable asset to the team if he can regain his fitness and steer clear of trouble.
Joey has had a turbulent three seasons on Tyneside, with his playing time having been interrupted by long injury lay-offs, suspension, and a spell in jail. As a result of that, Joey has struggled to make an impact in the team since his arrival, although towards the end of last season he demonstrated just what he is capable of with some superb assists and even managed to grab a goal against Peterborough. I have been less than impressed with his antics off the field, but if he can avoid any more transgressions, remain injury free and get back to the form that landed him on the periphery of the England squad a few years back, then he could be a real asset for us next season. (more…)
Wilshere: An ideal solution.Now it looks like Newcastle United’s return to the Premier League will be somewhat of an austere one, our attention can turn to just who Chris Hughton is likely to bring through the St James’ Park doors this summer.
Hughton should have some cash available to use in the summer, although admittedly perhaps not as much as most of us would like to see thrown around. Still, we have to deal with it and I am sure that whatever Hughton does get to spend will be spent wisely. Of course, there is a way of maximising whatever cash there is available and reserving it for use on perhaps one better signing rather than two mediocre ones, and that is to operate in the loan market. Which brings me onto Jack Wilshere, whom Chris Hughton will apparently be trying to tempt to Tyneside over the course of the summer. (more…)
Keeping positive.Newcastle manager Chris Hughton has moved today to allay fears of a season of struggle in the Premier League next term.
He believes that the current feel-good factor within the current set of players can only be a good thing and will stand them in good stead next season. Hughton is still hopeful of acquiring some new faces as the true meaning of just what “capital outlay” becomes clearer. One thing will be key to survival, and that is a good start to the season, not just one or two games, but say the first ten for example will be vital. That is where we could steal a march on the rest teams in the hunt for Premier League survival, and also where our unbeaten run that stretches back to February could prove invaluable as we seek to carry the momentum built up this season into the next. (more…)
