Pancrate ready to seal a deal?It’s a cold, damp and blustery day over here in Newcastle, so what better way to spend your evening than to go and watch a reserve game eh? Well that’s what the Bowburn branch of nufcblog.org has decided to do tonight, and I’ve even roped in my old man to come and keep me company.
Of course, it’s free and we’re playing Hartlepool United so there’s a little bit of local rivalry going on, particularly as my mate supports them. So there are two good reasons to go. Plus they’ve moved the venue from Whitley Park (where yours truly used to grace the beautiful turf, back in the day) to St James’ and have opened up the East Stand to supporters. That makes it a bit easier with me being in town already.
It’s admittedly been a while since I took in a ressie game, and it gives me a chance to see some of the young ‘uns that I haven’t seen play a full game. Mind you, I’ve once again managed to miss out another potential 90 minutes of football for Nile Ranger because he’s away with England U19s. I’ll also miss out on seeing Shane Ferguson, Callum Morris and Brad Inman who are all away representing their respective countries. (more…)
Oba returns against Orient.In a day that appears largely bereft of Newcastle United news, I’ll have to pick out our reserve win over Whitley Bay as the headline news. Apparently Hughton and Calderwood were amongst the 1,075 crowd that saw us win 3-1 with two goals from Brad Inman and one from Wesley Ngo Baheng.
According to The Chronicle, Oba Martins and Geremi are set to make a return against Leyton Orient on Saturday, although Bassong is complaining of a ‘muscle ache’ and remains doubtful.
I have to admit to being a bit nonplussed about such news because I’m guessing that all three of these players will be clearing off as soon as Ashley’s transfer embargo is lifted. I’m not sure what we’re gaining in the long run by getting them into the pre-season squad and wonder if we’d be better off giving more of the youngsters some first team time – at least they’ll still be here for the rest of the season.
The article also explains how Hughton has been left to contemplate starting the season the season without Nicky Butt. He told The Chronicle: (more…)
