One Bobby Robson...It was exactly twelve months ago today that the world unfortunately lost a special man. I’m not just talking about the football world, I mean the broader world aswell.
Sir Bobby Robson touched the hearts of many people the world over, even those who never had the good fortune to meet him.
His enthusiasm and zest for life was contagious and he brought out the best in people. That is continuing even though he is not here in body to see it. His legacy is most definately living on.
The sheer outpouring of grief after the news that Sir Bobby had passed on broke has provided me with images that I will never forget. In the midst of the utter turmoil his beloved club was going through last summer, Robson managed to get us all pulling together again. He made us Newcastle, United once more. (more…)
Hawthorns next junction on 'Road to Wembley'Well it’s not really a bag anymore and we’re not even through to the 4th Round yet, but former Chelsea man Paul Elliott and comedian and Baggies fans, Frank Skinner between them managed to ‘bag’ Newcastle a difficult away tie should we overcome Plymouth in our 3rd Round replay.
Assuming we can beat Plymouth next week to make it through to the next round, we face a difficult trip to the Hawthorns just days after we’ll have played West Brom in our Championship crunch encounter at St James’. Frank Skinner, a big West Brom supporter pulled their ball our first to hand them home advantage, and despite both teams having more focus on promotion, there were easier ties to get.
Most Newcastle fans seem keen to drop out of this competition to allow us to concentrate on regaining Premiership status. However, I’m with Hughton on this one, and there’s nothing quite like a good cup run. I’m even fairly confident we could do quite well, and though we have to beat Plymouth first, I don’t see why we can’t go and win at the Hawthorns. And the last time my old man went to watch the Mags there in the cup, he always tells me it was like half the ground was full of Mags and it was a great day out as we marched on to the ’74 Cup Final. Mind you, the colours are quite similar… (more…)
More room required?It’s already been the season for picking up awards, although of course the most important award Newcastle fans will be hoping for is the league title. But along the way so far, Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has won the Championship’s manager of the month award for the third time this season, adding November to his previous awards in August and September.
Our six-straight-wins run, included a perfect return in November as we enjoyed a 100% record in all four league games, including a couple of tricky fixtures against some of the stronger teams, and as a result we sit proudly at the top of the Championship, four points clear of West Brom in second and ten clear of Notts Forest in third.
Kevin Nolan also picked up the PFA Fans’ Player of the Month for the Championship for the second month running, following his impressive goal haul. Nolan pipped Sheffield United’s Darius Henderson and West Brom’s Simon Cox and although he still looks like he could lose a few lbs and get about the pitch quicker, his ability to score crucial goals has been invaluable, and his influence is a major reason for the current team spirit according to the rumours. (more…)
Still 2 points clearChris Hughton claims that the team’s focus was the key to Newcastle United’s win over Peterborough yesterday.
Cardiff lost away to derby rivals Swansea and West Brom managed to beat promotion hopefuls Leicester, which means a bit of a gap has opened up between the top 2 and the chasing back.
After the game, Hughton said:
“We have got a totally focused group of players who, from minute one, saw an opportunity for us to stay on top of the division, and very much took that opportunity.
“We have got used to getting on with the job. There are things we can’t affect, but I am very lucky that I have got a group of players who are focused on one thing, and that’s on staying where we are at the right end of the table with the ultimate aim of getting promotion.
“We are focused enough and it certainly hasn’t taken anything away from the victory.” (more…)
Jonas due to return thoughThe diminutive Newcastle United squad is about to be stretched further by injuries and international duties.
Fabricio Coloccini picked up a groin strain and Ryan Taylor picked up a calf injury during Saturday’s game against Ipswich. Danny Simpson is also sidelined with an ankle injury from the Plymouth game and is doubtful for this week’s games. These add to the longer-term injuries of Shola Ameobi and Joey Barton with the latter now expected to be out until Christmas with an ankle injury.
Hughton said:
“As ever we will be assessing everybody as we go along.
“Ryan has been suffering with a little tightness in his calf and is a doubt. But Fabricio looks the more doubtful of the two and we are probably more hopeful on Ryan.
“Danny Simpson has got a chance but he is again touch and go. And providing Jonas gets through the next few days without any problems, he could also be back against QPR.”
So it’s good news about Jonas but there’s going to be some defensive reshuffling needed. (more…)
