tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15601452484442661582024-02-23T02:42:39.656-06:00Coming Home NewcastleRoberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.comBlogger202125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-32723631746650181712011-01-14T17:37:00.003-06:002011-01-14T17:41:04.998-06:00We've moved!We've been talking about this for quite some time, and it finally happened: We've been picked up by the SB Nation network of blogs, which is a fantastic platform. (And no, we're not just shilling for our new bosses.) <br /><br />We will still be producing the same content. The difference is that we now have better tools to accomplish all of our goals, and the community-building features will enable all of us to interact with each other much more efficiently. We'd love for you to join us.<br /><br />Our new URL is:<br /><br />http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com<br /><br />You can view the welcome post <a href="http://www.cominghomenewcastle.com/2011/1/14/1916726/welcome-to-coming-home-newcastle">here</a>.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-7170192595459569982011-01-14T00:11:00.000-06:002011-01-14T00:11:35.081-06:00CHN Links: Friday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. I really hate reading that the owner had to fly in just to have a meeting with the manager, even if it is just from London.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><!--more--><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News</span><br />Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias <a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8788842.Ashley_flies_in_for_transfer_talks/?ref=rss">flew into Newcastle</a> to talk transfer strategy with Alan Pardew, and apparently part of the meeting was spent reviewing film from the Stevenage disaster. (Scott Wilson, The Northern Echo)<br /><br />Shola <a href="http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/01/13/shola-ameobi-set-to-again-haunt-black-cats-61634-27978900/">Ameobi is fit</a> for the derby, which is great news, considering his track record against the Unwashed. (Mark Douglas, The Journal)<br /><br />Kevin <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6660486,00.html">Nolan is not happy</a> with the result of Newcastle's appeal over Cheik Tiote's red card. Kevin: Stop focusing on this and get ready for the derby. It's not worth crying over. (Ben Collins, Sky Sports)<br /><br />Nikos <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/13/toon-hero-dabizas-message-to-stars-of-2011-72703-27979120/">Dabizas reflected</a> on what it's like to be a derby hero. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br />28 year-old striker <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Cardiff-City-and-England-striker-Jay-Bothroyd-is-in-talks-with-Newcastle-over-a-January-transfer-article672137.html">Jay Bothroyd</a> of Cardiff will be available on a free this summer, but Newcastle and other clubs are said to be kicking the tires. (Simon Bird and John Cross, MirrorFootball)<br /><br />This one goes solidly in the "rumor" category, because the only place I can find it is on sites that pass on gossip: Pardew is said to be moving on from Seb Larsson and is now targeting <a href="http://www.footballtransfertavern.com/2011/01/premiership/larsson-no-go-unleashes-pardew-for-6m-top-quality-spurs-star">Niko Kranjcar</a>, who was connected to the Magpies several months ago. (Football Transfer Tavern)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1346733/West-Ham-weigh-Sol-Campbell-bid.html">Sol Campbell</a> is now drawing interest from the suddenly active West Ham United. (The Mail)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-5787880901916519422011-01-13T23:00:00.002-06:002011-01-14T00:40:17.211-06:00Match Preview: Newcastle vs S*nderland, Tyne-Wear Derby, Pt. 2<div align="justify">The Magpies are headed to the Stadium of Blight on Sunday for the derby rematch that the M*ckem Unwashed have surely been eagerly awaiting. After the utter domination they suffered at SJP they really should be looking forward to the chance for recompense, but our lads won't be looking to make it an easy day for the Unclean.<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Yesterday offered good news that the Newcastle side will be almost fully fit, with Enrique, Saylor, Ameobi, and Jonas all looking fit to play, although Big Andy is still questionable and Chiek Tiote will serve the first game of his suspension for that bogus red card in the FA cup.<br /><br />The bad guys are all fit as well, missing no one of any particular import, with Cattermole's back feeling better and Zenden back from suspension.<br /><br />Both sides are coming off incredibly embarrassing losses in the FA cup, and both have the same record in the same order in their last five league games: W-L-L-W-W. But; the good guys do have two important legs up in this match. Newcastle have only lost once in the last twelve times the derby has been played, and of course we hold in our pocket the 5-1 shellacking from earlier in the season. A win like that can work in either direction though. Surely the M*ckems will attempt to motivate themselves with that loss in their memory so we must be ready for a tough fight.<br /><br /><strong>Keys to Victory: </strong><br /><br />Since he's back <strong>we may want to keep an eye on Lee Cattermole</strong>. I'm sure he'll be itching to right the wrongs of late October. This can make a dangerous man even more dangerous. I'm confident that the defense can handle him, but if they lose track of him we may be digging the ball out of the back of the net.<br /><br />If Big Andy is indeed out on Sunday, <strong>the other strikers will have to step up big time</strong>. At the risk of sounding obvious, we'll need to score to win the game. What I mean to say is that we'll need to have an effective offense for the entirety of the game, not just poach a goal and sit on it.<br /><br /><strong>The midfield will need to be in top form</strong> with Tiote serving suspension. The games this team wins convincingly are won with a stifling midfield. Someone will have to step up while Tiote is out.<br /><br /><strong>Dangers for Defeat:</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Bad marking will get us in trouble</strong> quickly against this S*nderland squad. They have plenty of pace to cause problems in front of our goal. If we can't mark our men, or get cute with offside traps it could cost us.<br /><br /><strong>Remeniscing about the 5-1 win</strong> will have us on the back foot right quick. We cannot expect this team to roll over just because we showed them what for in the last derby. We need to take them just as seriously as any other Premiership team.<br /><br /><strong>Inability to adapt to a new game plan </strong>will undo us before we get started if we aren't careful. I doubt that the M*ckems think all they need to do is fix mistakes to rebound off that big loss. They'll be trying new ways to get to us, not trying to do the old stuff better. We can adapt and win, or be inflexible and lose.<br /><br /><strong>Prediction: NUFC 3-2 SAFC</strong></div>rkwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502195071232993417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-70575084242920020292011-01-13T00:01:00.000-06:002011-01-13T00:01:00.252-06:00CHN Links: Thursday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. Could Andy Carroll and Jose Enrique play this week after all? A national writer gives Carroll some advice, the two derby managers speak out about the clash, and three more names are revealed as targets for the club. All that and more after the jump.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News & HSOs</span><br /><a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/darren-lewis/Darren-Lewis-column-Should-Newcastle-Andy-Carroll-swap-hometown-hero-status-for-a-shot-at-genuine-success-with-Tottenham-article671265.html">Darren Lewis of MirrorFootball</a> says that Andy Carroll has a choice to make, and in his eyes the choice is to play for Tottenham and enjoy the spotlight of London (not to mention playing in the Champions League) or while away his prime years in obscurity in the North East. Sort of a false dichotomy in the first place, but even accepting his premise shouldn't young talented players like Gareth Bale leave for one of the Manchester clubs or perhaps even Barca? This sort of entitlement is what generates so much hate for the bigger clubs, not to mention the feeling among fans that the media is against them.<br /><br />Earlier this week it was reported that Jose Enrique would not be available on Sunday, but it appears as if <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/12/flu-hit-jose-enrique-still-in-frame-for-derby-72703-27972387/">he may just get the chance</a> after all. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) Andy <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-striker-Andy-Carroll-will-resume-training-on-Thursday-after-a-week-in-Dubai-trying-to-recover-from-a-thigh-injury-as-the-build-up-to-the-weekend-derby-against-Sunderland-gathers-pace-article671391.html">Carroll is also back in training</a> following reports that called his availability into question as well. (Simon Bird, The Mirror)<br /><br />Dan <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/12/dan-gosling-shines-in-newcastle-united-bow-72703-27975693/">Gosling was impressive</a> in a friendly match Wednesday. Gosling reportedly hopes to play on Sunday. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br />Managers <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/12/toon-boss-alan-braced-for-derby-showdown-72703-27972453/">Alan Pardew</a> (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) and <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Sunderland-manager-Steve-Bruce-wants-to-turn-DJ-at-the-Stadium-of-Light-and-respond-to-Newcastles-taunts-about-their-derby-day-hammering-early-in-the-season-by-playing-a-mystery-song-over-the-PA-if-his-team-win-the-return-fixture-this-weekend-article671385.html">Steve Bruce</a> (Simon Bird, MirrorFootball) spoke on what the derby means to their respective clubs.<br /><br /><a href="http://latetackle.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/cursing-a-blue-streak/">Chris Faulkner of Late Tackle</a> has a very fascinating piece on superstition in sport that is Newcastle-centric.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br />Alan Pardew met with the board to discuss transfer funds, and one of the targets reportedly mentioned was 22 year-old attacking midfielder <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3348113/Pardew-in-Toon-cash-talks.html">Adam Lallana</a> of Pardew's old club Southampton. He just signed a new 5 year deal with the club, which would seem to indicate that they're interested in keeping him. (The Sun)<br /><br />Several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle, are reportedly in on 31 year-old defender <a href="http://www.click-manchester.com/sport/manchester-united/1212007-newcastle-united-and-tottenham-hotspur-target-manchester-united-defender-wes-brown.html">Wes Brown</a> of Manchester United. Brown would bring versatility and depth and seems to fit the profile of the right back Alan Pardew is looking for. (Kieran Evans, Manchester Evening News)<br /><br />20 year-old defensive midfielder <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6659069,00.html">Sasha</a> of Gremio Prudente (who is listed at 5'7.5" in some places and 5'10" in another, older database) is said to have drawn interest from Newcastle but has been offered a trial at West Ham. He would not need a work permit if he signed for an English club. (Graeme Bailey, Sky Sports)<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Newcastles-pursuit-of-Birmingham-winger-Sebastian-Larsson-appears-to-have-hit-the-buffers-over-the-players-wage-demands-article671341.html">Seb Larsson</a> negotiations appear to be all but dead. (MirrorFootball)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6658630,00.html">Mauricio Victorino</a>, who has been courted by Newcastle, is receiving special attention from Blackpool. (Graeme Bailey, Sky Sports)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8783974.Mido_s_back_at_Boro/?ref=rss">Mido</a>, another rumored target, is now training with Middlesbrough. (Paul Fraser, The Northern Echo)<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306%7E2265004,00.html">Wayne Bridge</a> deal at West Ham is done. (BPL Official Site)<br /><br />So is the <a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306%7E2264972,00.html">David Bentley</a> deal at Birmingham City. (BPL Official Site)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-11422529299045030542011-01-12T00:33:00.000-06:002011-01-12T00:33:19.839-06:00CHN Links: Wednesday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. Who will be fit for the derby? Will transfers be done in time? That and more after the jump.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News</span><br />Cheik Tiote's three match <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/11/cheik-tiote-newcastle-united-suspension?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">ban has been upheld</a> by the FA. (The Guardian)<br /><br />Andy <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/11/united-sweating-on-star-striker-andy-carroll-72703-27965818/">Carroll's status</a> for Sunday's derby match is still very much in question. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br />The Stevenage fan who punched Scott Laird on Saturday <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/11/stevenage-assault-arrest?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">has been charged</a> by the police. (The Guardian)<br /><br />Dan <a href="http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20110111/gosling-to-make-return_2281670_2263516">Gosling is on the comeback trail</a>. (Dan King, NUFC Official Site)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.safc.com/news/20110111/bruces-hopes-over-trio-_2256213_2263881">Sunderland will likely have</a> Lee Cattermole, Nedum Onuoha, and Danny Welbeck on Sunday. The status of all three players was previously in question. (SAFC Official Site)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br />Sources were reporting early Tuesday that Seb <a href="http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/01/11/sebastian-larsson-could-be-here-for-weekend-61634-27963483/2/">Larsson could be signed</a> in time for the derby (Matthew Leslie, The Journal), but by the end of the day <a href="http://www.shieldsgazette.com/nufc/Derby-rivals-sweat-on-Seb.6686738.jp">there were concerns</a> that the two sides could not agree on a wage. (Ross Gregory, The Shields Gazette)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6651698,00.html">Wayne Bridge</a> will likely be landing at West Ham, Roberto Mancini confirms. (Sky Sports)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8782549.Black_Cats_do_not_expect_Sessegnon_to_sign_soon/?ref=rss">Stephane Sessegnon</a> may not be in Sunderland in time for the derby after all. (Paul Fraser, The Northern Echo)<br /><br />In what is likely a case of a rumor being turned into a story (instead of the other way around), <a href="http://www.footylatest.com/newcastle-to-re-sign-shay-given/18937?">Shay Given</a> is being linked to Newcastle by at least one source, however reliable that source may be. (Footylatest.com)<br /><br />Aston Villa are balking at the price and wage of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/11/joey-barton-newcastle-aston-villa?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Joey Barton</a>. (Stuart James, The Guardian)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-87163030081502683032011-01-11T00:01:00.003-06:002011-01-11T00:01:00.978-06:00CHN Links: Tuesday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. Not included in today's transfer rumors are rumblings that Shay Given could return. There's not a single substantial report to be found. Sorry, rumor mongers.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News</span><br />Tamas <a href="http://www.htafc.com/page/NewsDetail/0,,10312%7E2263235,00.html">Kadar has joined</a> Huddersfield Town on a one month loan. (HTAFC Official Site)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/10/newcastle-set-to-appeal-cheik-tiote-red-card-72703-27959736/">Newcastle will appeal</a> Cheik Tiote's red card to the FA. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-s-Chiek-Tiote-pleads-his-case-after-two-footed-lunge-on-Stevenage-midfielder-John-Ashton-article669755.html">Tiote defended</a> his challenge, saying, "I took the ball - I didn't touch the player - and I don't know why he gave me a red card, but this is football." (Simon Bird, MirrorFootball) Kevin <a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8780819.Nolan_calls_for_Tiote_pardon/?ref=rss">Nolan agreed</a>: "It was never a sending off, not a chance in a million years." He added that Jon Ashton told players on the pitch that Tiote didn't touch him. (Paul Fraser, The Northern Echo) I don't think the tackle was worth a red card, but it's hard for me to envision a scenario where the FA overturns the decision, especially given Tiote's propensity to collect yellow cards so far this year.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Newcastle-and-Sunderland-need-derby-redemption-after-FA-Cup-upsets-Simon-Bird-column-article669523.html">Simon Bird of MirrorFootball</a> says the stakes for both Newcastle and Sunderland are especially high this weekend.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.epltalk.com/what-the-north-east-has-given-to-football-28407?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+EPLTalk+%28EPL+Talk%29&utm_content=FaceBook">Rob McCluskey of EPL Talk</a> looks at some football giants of the North East. Definitely worth a read.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br />Birmingham boss Alex McLeish confirms that Newcastle are talking with <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/10/newcastle-united-in-larsson-talks-mcleish-72703-27960626/">Seb Larsson</a>. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br />Joey Barton was linked with Aston Villa earlier in the transfer window, and Gerard Houllier is reportedly stepping up his effort to acquire him by offering Newcastle 26 year-old defensive midfielder <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1345601/Aston-Villa-offer-Reo-Coker-fresh-bid-land-Newcastle-midfielder-Barton.html">Nigel Reo-Coker</a> in return. (The Mail) I'm not sure why we would do that; even <a href="http://www.7500toholte.com/2011/1/10/1926101/aston-villa-lose-out-on-charlie-adam-stephane-sessegnon-john-carew-to#storyjump">Villans</a> don't want Reo-Coker. (Kirsten Schlewitz, 7500 to Holte)<br /><br />23 year-old striker/winger <a href="http://www.imscouting.com/global-news-article/Newcastle-target-Caens-Youssef-El-Arabi/12856/">Youssef El-Arabi</a> of Ligue 1 side SM Caen is reportedly drawing interest from Newcastle, PSG, Wolfsburg, and Marseille. I didn't know who he was, but the scouting report in the article makes him sound very interesting. (IMScouting)<br /><br />The other day I mentioned that the name Glenn Whelan was being tossed around, but couldn't find a credible source to confirm any sort of interest. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/10/football-transfer-rumours-per-mertesacker-arsenal">Here</a> is your source. It's impossible to tell if Ashdown heard this from a reliable source or if he's reporting it because the rumor was already out there. (John Ashdown, The Guardian)<br /><br />Newcastle has been linked previously to <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/sunderland/8250479/Sunderland-close-in-on-5m-capture-of-Stephane-Sessegnon.html">Stephane Sessegnon</a> (then again, so have several other teams), and it looks like he may be closing in on a deal with Sunderland. (Rob Stewart, The Telegraph)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-31363898815026450992011-01-10T00:01:00.001-06:002011-01-10T00:01:00.296-06:00CHN Links: Monday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. You over the FA Cup defeat yet? Me neither.<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News & HSOs</span><br />Alan <a href="http://www.premierleague.com/page/Headlines/0,,12306%7E2262161,00.html">Pardew's excuse</a> for the embarassing performance against Stevenage on Saturday is that the team was tired. Really? (BPL Official Site)<br /><br />Kevin <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-skipper-Kevin-Nolan-admits-Stevenage-lads-wanted-it-more-after-FA-Cup-shock-exit-article668765.html">Nolan apologized</a> for Saturday's loss and offered an opinion about Cheik Tiote's red card. (MirrorFootball)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6642906,00.html">The FA will investigate</a> the assault on Stevenage defender Scott Laird by one of the team's supporters. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />Shola <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Shola-Ameobi-poised-to-deal-Newcastle-international-blow-by-answering-Nigeria-call-up-article667867.html">Ameobi is set to switch</a> his international allegiance from England to Nigeria. Bill Mills of MirrorFootball describes it as a "blow" for Newcastle, which is of course ridiculous.<br /><br />Alan <a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8779245.Pardew_wants_to_hang_on_to_Leeds_target_Smith/?ref=rss">Pardew wants</a> to keep Alan Smith despite interest from Leeds United. (Steph Clark, The Northern Echo)<br /><br />Haris <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/08/haris-vuckic-signs-long-term-deal-with-nufc-72703-27952342/">Vuckic has signed</a> a five and a half year deal. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br />Alan <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6647271,00.html">Pardew doesn't think</a> he will add more than two players in the transfer window. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />Steven <a href="http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/01/09/tayl-of-injury-heartbreak-for-toon-defender-steven-taylor-102039-22835716/">Taylor will not play</a> against the mackems on Sunday due to a thigh injury. No meerkats were harmed in the writing of this story. (Alan Oliver, The People)<br /><br />Alan <a href="http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/sport/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/09/young-gun-nile-ranger-urged-to-knuckle-down-79310-27952949/">Pardew wants more</a> out of Nile Ranger, and apparently he's not above talking to the media to motivate his young player. (Mark Douglas, The Sun)<br /><br /><a href="http://blogs.soccernet.com/newcastleunited/archives/2011/01/pardew_review_1.php">Marc Duffy of ESPN Soccernet</a> grades Alan Pardew following his first 5 games at the helm.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br />28 year-old center back <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1345207/Blackburn-Newcastle-fight-Uruguay-defender-Mauricio-Victorino.html">Mauricio Victorino</a> wants to move to the Premier League and is reportedly being courted by Newcastle and Blackburn Rovers. (The Mail)<br /><br />The Gunners are reportedly interested in bringing <a href="http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/222039/Arsenal-s-Wenger-set-to-send-new-SOS-to-Sol-Campbell">Sol Campbell</a> over for a third stint with the club. (John Richardson, The Express)<br /><br />Manchester United are sniffing around <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Manchester-United-leading-the-chase-for-Jordan-Henderson-of-Sunderland-while-Fergie-is-also-keeping-tabs-on-Newcastle-full-back-Jose-Enrique-article667995.html">Jose Enrique</a>. (Alan Nixon and Alan Oliver, MirrorFootball)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-18297695474441539682011-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:002011-01-10T00:01:00.733-06:00Stevenage 3, Newcastle 1: A Collection of Reviews<a href="http://www.blogonthetyne.co.uk/2011/01/tubthumping-on-tyneside.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChronicleLive-BlogOnTheTyne+%28Chronicle+Live+-+Blog+on+the+Tyne%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Lee Ryder, Blog on the Tyne</a> - "Anybody connected with the black and whites will be hurting like hell today after this embarrassing day in the history of Newcastle United."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3344944,00.html">Sky Sports</a> - <span class="main-content">"The home side did not just cope with Newcastle. They pulverised them."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/08/stevenage-newcastle-united-fa-cup?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+theguardian%2Ffootball%2Frss+%28Football%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Paul Doyle, The Guardian</a> - "</span>That was in the fourth minute – and it was the last time Newcastle showed any real quality. Stevenage took control thereafter."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nufcblog.com/2011/01/08/stevenage-3-newcastle-1-disgrace-and-disaster/">Ed Harrison, nufcblog.com</a> - "It’s bad enough to be eliminated from the FA Cup by a fourth division side, but to also lose one of your best players for the next three league games is a disaster for Newcastle and will no doubt count us points in the league, and after this performance don’t anybody even think Newcastle are safe in the Premier League."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8779587.Stevenage_inflict_FA_Cup_shock_on_woeful_Magpies/?ref=rss">Paul Fraser, The Northern Echo</a> - "For all Newcastle were dreadful, Stevenage were outstanding from start to finish and thoroughly deserved the lead when they earned it four minutes after half-time."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/08/stevenage-3-newcastle-united-1-72703-27946890/">The Chronicle</a> - "It was no fluke. In fact, at times it looked as if the home side were the Premier League outfit."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.newcastle.vitalfootball.co.uk/matchrep.asp?a=227590">Talk of the Tyne</a> - "Peter Winn finished well to make the scoreline 3-1, a result which haunt Newcastle supporters every year when the media roll out giant killings of previous years."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nufcblog.org/2011/01/hereford-all-over-again-stebenage-v-newcastle-f-a-cup-match-report/">workyticket, nufcblog.org</a> - "The Magpies started poorly, then proceeded to get worse as the game progressed, especially so in the second half when all of the real damage was done. Newcastle’s approach seemed to consist largely of lots of long balls punted into the box but with hardly any real chances created..."<br /><br /><a href="http://canadiangeordie.wordpress.com/2011/01/09/national-emborosment/">Michael Richard, The Canadian Geordie</a> - Upset about Tiote's red card and provides a video of the tackle.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3338183/Stevenage-3-Newcastle-1.html">The Sun</a> - "Stevenage will see victory as revenge for FA Cup defeat against Newcastle in 1998 when a disputed Alan Shearer goal helped knock them out at the fourth-round stage."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Stevenage-3-1-Newcastle-Daily-Mirror-match-report-Goals-from-Stacy-Long-Michael-Bostwick-and-Peter-Winn-exposed-the-urban-myth-that-the-Cup-s-magic-powers-have-waned-article668743.html">Mike Walters, MirrorFootball</a> - So many mixed metaphors it makes my head hurt. Where was Simon Bird?Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-42652312890527721572011-01-09T00:01:00.000-06:002011-01-09T00:01:01.432-06:00A couple of questionsNormally on the day after a match, we don't put up a links post. There are a few reasons for that, but the main one is that it usually takes all of the publications we like to link to a couple of days to post their reactions, and we like to put all of those in one place, rather than spread out over several posts. Today, though, there are a couple of things nagging at me. If you didn't watch the game against Stevenage, or you just need a reminder, here are some highlights, courtesy of <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/08/stevenage-3-1-newcastle-united-fa-cup-third-round-highlights-video/">CaughtOffside</a>:<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kr0fNUOz-Vw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Kr0fNUOz-Vw?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br />You won't see either of these things in the above video, but here are my questions:<br /><br />1) Was that a Stevenage fan that punched one of his own players following the match?<br /><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/M6SW5X7QSUk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/M6SW5X7QSUk?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="344" width="425"></embed></object><br /><br /><br />2) Was Cheik Tiote's challenge deserving of a red card? (If anybody has a link to a video of this, please let me know)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-39332220635220101492011-01-08T00:43:00.000-06:002011-01-08T00:43:53.543-06:00Is Andy Carroll Paying for Wayne Rooney's Indiscretions?Why is Andy Carroll a lightning rod for laughably sensationalist stories about his private life? He has made mistakes, sure, but the level of scrutiny his private life gets is past ridiculous. I am aware that footballers are subject to the whims of tabloid media, but just what has he done to deserve this? Let's take a look at his past.<br /><br />Just two months ago yesterday, <a href="http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23895347-premier-league-footballer-andy-carroll-denies-drugs-orgy-claims.do">News of the World reported</a> that Andy Carroll and Kevin Nolan (with whom he was living at the time) had been involved in a "drug-fuelled orgy" at Nolan's home. Of course, <a href="http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/carrollsun.jpg">The Sun</a> was more than willing to join in on the fun. Today, <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-s-Andy-Carroll-injured-in-six-hour-30-Jagerbomb-bender-Exclusive-article666569.html?utm_source=footballURLs&utm_medium=twitter#sitelife-your-comments">Jeremy Armstrong of MirrorFootball</a> claimed that Carroll's thigh injury that has kept him out of recent matches was actually the result of binge drinking and not football-related. Let's say for the sake of argument that this story is true, right down to the anecdote about a meerkat. (A meerkat? Really?!) Armstrong relies on one witness: a drunken gambler hanging out in a casino bar. If the story was corroborated, Armstrong doesn't indicate so. Is this what qualifies as a source nowadays? On top of that, the headline is completely misleading. Skimming only through the day's headlines, as I often do when those headlines don't involve Newcastle, one would come to the conclusion that Carroll had himself ingested 30 Jagerbombs in 6 hours before injuring himself. Reading the story - and again, consider the source - He bought 30 shots for 15 people, which is sort of what rich people do. Even if you're willing to believe that Carroll wasn't injured during the Tottenham game, when Michael Dawson spent the entire climbing his back to get to crosses, you have to admit that this is a pretty flimsy story.<br /><br />So why print it? The more accurate question may actually be: Why are people - journalists in particular - so eager to believe stories that are frankly unbelievable? The simple answer is probably that, as I stated above, Andy Carroll has developed quite a little reputation for himself. If you're predisposed to dislike Carroll and you squint real hard, you might find yourself nodding your head in agreement with Jeremy Armstrong. Of course he fell off a barstool! That's just the kind of guy he is.<br /><br />I think there's something deeper in it, and that's the culture of following sports in today's 24 hour news cycle. We love our cult heroes, and we hate when the mask is removed and they're proven fallible. Take the case of Wayne Rooney, for instance. He's no stranger to controversy. In 2006, when he was about Carroll's age, News of the World and The Sun (sound familiar?) reported that Rooney had assaulted his then-fiancee in a nightclub. He subsequently <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2006/apr/12/newsoftheworld.sun">won a settlement</a> against the papers, (Chris Tryhorn, The Guardian) so the public was free to fall in love with him. And boy, did they, with good reason. I don't need to tell you that Rooney is a world-class player. He's a two-time PFA Footballer of the Year, and his popularity seemed to hit its zenith this last summer right before the World Cup:<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/lSggaxXUS8k?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/lSggaxXUS8k?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br /><br />The parents who named their kids Wayne before his sub-par World Cup performance were even more upset this September when more <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/7982734/Wayne-Rooney-slept-with-prostitute-while-wife-Coleen-was-pregnant.html">reputable sources</a> began reporting of his affair with a prostitute. (Matthew Moore, The Telegraph)<br /><br />So what does Rooney's path have to do with Carroll's? Well, for one thing, Carroll's place on England's national team has been a topic of great discussion the last few months. Fabio <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/nov/20/andy-carroll-wayne-rooney-england">Capello has visions</a> of pairing the two players together up front the next time England plays, so the comparison is very natural. (The Guardian) Here's my theory: Given Rooney's fall from grace, both on and off the field (I should mention that I don't believe myself that his play in the World Cup represents his ability as a player, but we're talking perceptions here), Carroll is being set up as an anti-hero. It's the principle of "low expectations, few disappointments." I'm not saying there is a vast conspiracy or that Carroll is above reproach. Andy Carroll is not a saint. He has been arrested for assault at least three times and has had several dust-ups with his teammates. Most people that follow football even casually are aware of his reputation - see <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dan-silver/Dan-Silver-column-The-Top-10-funny-things-we-learned-from-football-this-week-including-Roy-Hodgson-Manchester-City-punch-up-Mario-Balotelli-Im-A-Celebrity-Get-Me-Out-Of-Here-Carlo-Ancelotti-sack-race-Avram-Grant-lucky-scarf-Andy-Carroll-to-lose-his-hands-in-Dubai-article665767.html">Dan Silver of MirrorFootball</a>'s joke at Number 10 on this list. I'm not trying to pretend otherwise. I believe that, consciously or unconsciously, the tabloid media is making Carroll pay for the sins of Wayne Rooney and other heroes who have disappointed the masses when their private lives have been made public - and that's a shame.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-87206132623601956942011-01-08T00:01:00.001-06:002011-01-08T00:46:46.576-06:00CHN Links: Gameday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. Let's let this picture tell the tale of what's to come in today's post.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_leoj2j2ifi1qecli2.gif"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 474px; height: 294px;" src="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_leoj2j2ifi1qecli2.gif" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">"Then all of a sudden [Carroll] perked up, alert, 'like a meerkat'." - Jeremy Armstrong, MirrorFootball<br />Photo courtesy of <a href="http://twitter.com/#%21/ToonArmyMIA">@ToonArmyMIA</a>. <a href="http://toonarmymia.tumblr.com/">Tumblr link</a><br /></span></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Match Previews</span><br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/9341905.stm">BBC Sport</a> - Match facts.<br /><br />Selection update: <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/07/jonas-gutierrez-joins-injured-newcastle-stars-72703-27946901/">Among</a> those expected to be unavailable are Jonas Gutierrez, Shola Ameobi, and Andy Carroll. Cheik Tiote is listed as "unlikely" and Leon Best will have to pass a fitness test if he is to play. Mike Williamson, Shane Ferguson, and Nile Ranger are expected to play, while Dan Gosling and Danny Guthrie could get a look. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) <a href="http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/01/07/pardew-forced-to-field-weakened-side-for-cup-61634-27945626/">Also</a> expected to miss are Steven Taylor and Steve Harper, who will be with his expectant wife this weekend. (Stuart Rayner, The Journal)<br /><br />Nile <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/07/nile-ranger-wants-to-make-up-for-horror-miss-72703-27946891/">Ranger says</a> he wants to make up for his awful miss against West Ham by scoring on Stevenage today. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogonthetyne.co.uk/2011/01/our-friends-from-the-south---p.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChronicleLive-BlogOnTheTyne+%28Chronicle+Live+-+Blog+on+the+Tyne%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Lee Ryder</a> let Stevenage boss Graham Westley draw him offside with his recent comments.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-s-Andy-Carroll-injured-in-six-hour-30-Jagerbomb-bender-Exclusive-article666569.html?utm_source=footballURLs&utm_medium=twitter#sitelife-your-comments">Jeremy Armstrong of MirrorFootball</a> has an exclusive item about Andy Carroll. I have offered commentary in <a href="http://cominghomenewcastle.blogspot.com/2011/01/is-andy-carroll-paying-for-wayne.html">a separate post</a>.<br /><br />David <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6640882,00.html">Bentley, who had generated interest from Newcastle, has signed</a> with Birmingham City on loan. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />Newcastle's £1.5 million bid for Seb Larsson was indeed accepted, but <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6640775,00.html">Birmingham City are hoping</a> to convince him to stay. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />Three young <a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8778675.Newcastle_let_three_youngsters_leave_on_loan/?ref=rss">players have left</a> on month-long loans - Matthew Grieve has gone to Stockport County while James Tavernier and Joan Simun Edmondsson will play for Gateshead. (Scott Wilson, The Northern Echo)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br /><br />Alan Pardew has reported interest in 21 year-old striker <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3334923/Pardew-ready-for-Hammer-Freddie.html">Freddie Sears</a> of West Ham, whom he coached during his time there. Seems a little unnecessary. (The Sun)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nufcblog.com/2011/01/07/newcastle-reported-interest-in-stokes-david-whelan/#more-65906">Ed Harrison of nufcblog.com</a> says that Sky Sports is reporting interest in Glenn Whelan, but I can't find this on the Sky Sports website - or anywhere else for that matter. In other words, this seems like a rumor of a rumor.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-69681266908873067502011-01-07T06:00:00.000-06:002011-01-07T06:00:01.731-06:00You Thought Nile Ranger's Miss Was Bad? Watch This.This video is from a Greek Football League game, which Wikipedia tells me is the second highest professional league in that country. In this clip, Veria FC misses an open net FIVE times in one sequence, but they at least went on to beat Levadiakos 1-0. (H/T <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/06/worst-collective-miss-in-footballing-history-video/">CaughtOffside</a> and <a href="http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2011/01/06/footie-team-great-a-creating-chances-and-thats-all">The Spoiler</a>)<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dV8ozxliySQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dV8ozxliySQ?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-45290969774287433832011-01-07T00:26:00.000-06:002011-01-07T00:26:22.814-06:00CHN Links: Friday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. Conflicting reports about a possible transfer, an amusing anecdote about Stevenage, and more after the jump. (I can't wait until we're on a platform that doesn't limit the number of tags I can put on a post...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/1/5/1294264445327/Leon-Best-005.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 276px;" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Football/Clubs/Club_Home/2011/1/5/1294264445327/Leon-Best-005.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">#LeonBestIsMint scores the second of his three goals for Newcastle against West Ham at St James' Park.<br />Photograph: Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images<br /></span></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News & HSOs</span><br /><br />Ben <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/n/northampton_town/9345909.stm">Tozer's loan</a> with Northampton Town has been extended to the end of the season. (BBC Sport)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.blogonthetyne.co.uk/2011/01/ben-arfa-deal-is-a-real-coup-f.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChronicleLive-BlogOnTheTyne+%28Chronicle+Live+-+Blog+on+the+Tyne%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Lee Ryder</a> is a fan of the Hatem Ben Arfa signing.<br /><br />Alan <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/06/pardew-hails-england-class-of-joey-barton-72703-27939888/">Pardew is backing</a> Joey Barton for selection to the Three Lions. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br />Andy <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-have-sent-star-striker-Andy-Carroll-to-Dubai-for-some-rest-and-sunshine-in-the-hope-he-will-shake-off-a-complicated-thigh-injury-in-time-for-the-Tyne-Wear-derby-against-Sunderland-on-January-16-article665853.html">Carroll is being ordered to relax</a> in hopes that he will be ready for the Derby match on the 16th. (Simon Bird, MirrorFootball)<br /><br />Chris <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Former-Newcastle-boss-Chris-Hughton-and-ex-QPR-Swansea-and-Leicester-gaffer-Paulo-Sousa-have-both-been-interviewed-by-Crystal-Palace-for-the-vacant-manager-s-job-article664979.html">Hughton has interviewed</a> for the vacant Crystal Palace job. (John Percy, MirrorFootball)<br /><br />Saturday's FA Cup Third Round match with Stevenage has many talking about the controversial result from 1998, which is a pretty cool story that I didn't know about. Stevenage boss Graham Westley (reminds one of <span style="font-style: italic;">The Princess Bride</span>, doesn't it?) says <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/stevenage/9341996.stm">the club is under some pressure</a> to "sort out" that "injustice." (BBC Sport) Alan Pardew <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2010/12/30/alan-pardew-aims-for-cup-glory-72703-27907768/">has previously said</a> that he will not treat the match lightly, but <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/06/injury-woes-hit-nufc-ahead-of-stevenage-trip-72703-27940168/">there are injury concerns</a> going in that may cause him trouble. (both links from Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br />I went digging for some of these. Keep in mind that often the further you have to dig to find info during a transfer window, the less reliable the information is. Still, it's fun to speculate, no?<br /><br />We've linked to rumors about Pardew's pursuit of Birmingham City winger Seb Larsson before, but <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Newcastle-have-had-a-1-5million-bid-accepted-for-Birmingham-winger-Seb-Larsson-after-their-chase-for-Tottenham-midfielder-David-Bentley-faltered-article665875.html">Alan Nixon of MirrorFootball</a> is reporting that Birmingham have accepted a £1.5 million bid from Newcastle. This is the only source I've seen even hinting about an agreement, so for now treat the report with a grain of salt.<br /><br />27 year-old striker <a href="http://www.sportingo.com/football/a17447_newcastle-linked-free-transfer-former-tottenham-ace">Mido</a> is available on a free transfer and has been linked to Newcastle. He's one of those players that has attitude problems but keeps getting chances because of his ability. I'm usually more willing than most people I know to take chances on those kind of guys, so I say jump in it. (Arthur Williams, Sportingo)<br /><br />30 year-old left back <a href="http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2896/premier-league/2011/01/04/2289035/newcastle-united-add-manchester-citys-wayne-bridge-to-list">Wayne Bridge</a> of Manchester City is being courted by several Premiership clubs, including Newcastle on a loan. Bridge would bring depth to the position, which is surely lacking, but I don't think he would represent an upgrade over the younger Jose Enrique. (Goal.com)<br /><br />26 year-old right winger <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1343427/Aston-Villa-Newcastle-eye-Stephane-Sessegnon.html">Stephane Sessegnon</a> is reportedly being courted by Aston Villa and Newcastle United. He is on record as saying that it is "impossible" for him to work with his manager at Paris Saint Germain, which would seem to leave them with little negotiating leverage. Sessegnon interests me because while he doesn't have the crossing ability of David Bentley, he is very fast and could create problems with his pace. He would also be cheaper in terms of wages and is under contract a year longer than Bentley. (Daily Mail)<br /><br />The Reds are reportedly interested in <a href="http://www.givemefootball.com/premier-league/liverpool-switch-wing-wizard-target-to-former-spur">Wayne Routledge</a>. I don't see why Liverpool would be interested, but they can have him if they want to fork over the reported £8 million asking price. (Give Me Football)<br /><br />Spanish teams Real Zaragoza and Racing Santander have registered interest in <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Newcastle-have-offered-misfit-5million-frontman-Xisco-to-Spanish-sides-Real-Zaragoza-and-Racing-Santander-on-loan-article664975.html">Xisco</a>. (Jeremy Butler, MirrorFootball)<br /><br />Harry Redknapp confirms that Alan Pardew rejected any attempts to obtain <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_6636822,00.html">Andy Carroll</a>. (Sky Sports)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-66897699411207593462011-01-07T00:09:00.000-06:002011-01-07T00:09:28.662-06:00Newcastle 5, West Ham 0 - A Collection of Reviews<a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/05/newcastle-united-5-0-west-ham-premier-league-highlights-video/">CaughtOffside</a> - Video highlights<br /><br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/05/newcastle-united-west-ham-united-premier-league">Louise Taylor, The Guardian</a> - "Revenge rarely proves sweeter, or more reassuring. It is four years since Alan Pardew was sacked by West Ham United but, quite apart from getting his own back in truly spectacular fashion, Newcastle United's manager discovered that his team really can thrive without the injured Andy Carroll."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/06/newcastle-united-5-west-ham-united-0-72703-27940170/">Lee Ryder, The Chronicle</a> - "Even the writers of Roy of the Rovers would struggle to come up with a script as good as this."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-5-0-West-Ham-Leon-Best-grabs-hat-trick-in-rout-to-turn-heat-back-on-Avram-Grant-article665311.html">Simon Bird, MirrorFootball</a> - "[Pardew] added of Best: 'Like all strikers from the Championship, there is a snobbish opinion that they are not good enough, but they can be if they get belief.'"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/8772875.Newcastle_United_5_West_Ham_United_0/?ref=rss">Paul Fraser, The Northern Echo</a> - "If Sunday was about proving Newcastle United were not a one-man team, then last night showed they can actually cope in the absence of both of their first-choice strikers."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nufcblog.com/2011/01/05/newcastle-5-west-ham-0-best-hat-trick-magpies-hammer-west-ham/">Ed Harrison, nufcblog.com</a> - "West Ham were completely hammered – excuse the pun – but Steve Harper had almost nothing to do in the Newcastle goal, as Alan Pardew seems to have made a bright start to his Newcastle management career with 3 wins in the first 5 games in charge, and Newcastle now are on 28 points from 21 games."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/match_report/0,19764,11065_3284042,00.html">Ben Collins, Sky Sports</a> - "<span class="main-content">But [Best] needed just 18 minutes to justify his selection when he ran on to Lovenkrands' ball over the top to thump a left-foot volley across Robert Green and into the bottom corner."</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3332449/Newcastle-5-West-Ham-0.html">The Sun</a> - "When Newcastle win at home these days, they win big - this was the third time they have bagged five or more in front of their adoring fans this season."<br /><br />I'm not able to watch this, but perhaps if you live in England you can view the highlights as featured on <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00xb1g2/Match_of_the_Day_2_2010_11_02_01_2011/?t=21m35s">Match of the Day 2</a>. Short rant: How is it beneficial for BBC to block US viewers from seeing this content? Would they rather I seek out a pirated copy of the program?<br /><br />However, it's perfectly okay for foreigners to watch <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9342661.stm">Avram Grant doing his best</a> not to fall asleep during his post-match interview.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-12921631294441197712011-01-06T21:07:00.006-06:002011-01-06T23:28:22.862-06:00Reasonable Reaction Review: Newcastle United FC Hammer West Ham 5-0<div align="justify">Well after a tough run to start the second half of the season, Pardew has our lads back on the right foot. That's in spite of the adversity of loosing Andy Carroll and subsequently Shola Ameobi to injury. On Wednesday those injuries gave way to one Leon Best, who was told by Pardew before the match to show something to convince the manager to keep him around instead of shopping him around during this transfer window. I shouldn't have to convince you to agree that he did that and much more.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><a name='more'></a><br />Best and Lovenkrands made a dynamic duo on Sunday with Best benefacting the most in the form of a hattrick completed in the 60th minute. Best is for sure the story of this game, but one of the subnotes has to be a return to better form for Peter Lovenkrands who hasn't seen much action at all this season. He and Best worked the West Ham defence like a pair of strikers that had been playing together for years, and perhaps through what we'd supposed was bad luck we've found a bit of good in the apparently strong chemistry between the two. At the very least it will have me worrying less about how we'll be able to score when Andy Carroll isn't on the pitch.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">But, as I said, Best is the story of the game with three very smart looking goals, and in only his first ever start in the premier league. That third goal especially showed the poise of a veteran; you might expect a young player (best is 24) to get shoot early there and hope for good things, but best had the wherewithal to settle it down and pick a spot that the keeper would have had to be playing out of his mind to save.</div><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">I also shouldn't have to do any convincing (even of West Ham fans) to say that NUFC outplayed the Hammers in every department of gameplay from the keeper forward. Though Harper was barely tested, he was where he needed to be at all times, and he can thank his defence for keeping the shots off target in the first place. Coloccini and Saylor are making quite the middle pair, Danny Simpson continues to increase the distance between himself and anyone else that might challenge to take the position, and I don't think I have to sing the praises of El Toro.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify">The midfield controlled the ball and therefore the game, rarely letting the Hammers out of their own half with any momentum at all. I kept thinking to myself how the midfield is always first on my mind when we have a good showing. Hopefully games like this are a sign of what's to come when we take on lower and mid table teams for the rest of the season. If we only win games against the bottom half for the rest of the year we'll be well clear of relegation climbing the top 10.</div><div align="justify"></div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify">I usually offer player notes but the whole side played so well that I'd rather just let it be at that and mention the only dark spot I saw in the game. It wouldn't even be a dark spot except it has been on my mind since the Liverpool match. When Nile Ranger missed that no doubter.... I had said after Liverpool that he had made a strong case for first team action only to hear that Pardew called him out on his training habits and attitude. Since then he's seemed to be in steady decline and I can only hope that miss on Wednesday was the bottom for him. If he slips much further he may find himself in the dog house big time.</div><br /><div align="justify"></div><div align="justify"><strong></strong></div><div align="justify"><strong>MOTM:</strong> Leon Best, who else could it be? As it turns out, with Lovenkrands by his side, he may just be <em>mint</em>.</div>rkwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502195071232993417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-23984092587840477652011-01-05T15:59:00.000-06:002011-01-05T15:59:33.200-06:00Game #21 Talking Points1. Okay, be honest: Did you really believe #LeonBestismint before this game?<br /><br />2. No really, be honest.<br /><br />3. Nile Ranger: Bad miss or the worst miss?<br /><br />4. Feeling good about the team overall? Does 5-0 give you confidence you didn't have before, or does the fact that it was against West Ham give you pause?<br /><br />5. Name your ideal Starting XI for the FA Cup tie against Stevenage on Saturday.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-58124493557204582562011-01-05T10:06:00.001-06:002011-01-05T10:07:26.263-06:00Hatem Ben Arfa Signs Permanent Contract With NewcastleAccording to multiple sources (<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/05/newcastle-hatem-ben-arfa-contract">here</a> is a link to The Guardian's story), Hatem Ben Arfa has officially signed a permanent four and a half year deal with Newcastle United. The 23 year-old is expected to be ready for game action in February.<br /><br />If the team does nothing else during the transfer window, it should still be considered a successful January, in my opinion.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-30444970285976293332011-01-05T01:20:00.000-06:002011-01-05T01:20:28.056-06:00Match Preview: Newcastle United Hosts West Ham UnitedAlan <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-boss-Alan-Pardew-insists-he-holds-no-bitterness-towards-West-Ham-over-his-2006-sacking-and-believes-he-would-still-be-Hammers-manager-now-but-for-the-injury-that-sidelined-one-key-player-article663699.html">Pardew insists</a> he's not bitter about being sacked at West Ham, (Simon Bird, MirrorFootball) but he will no doubt have revenge on his mind when the Hammers visit St James' Park on Wednesday. The match marks the end of an 11-day stretch in which the club will have played 4 games. The Toon is 1-2 in that stretch so far and a total of 2-2 under Pardew's leadership.<br /><br />The Toon Army has the right to expect three points from this match, despite West Ham's recent stretch of okay form. West Ham has been toiling in the relegation zone all season, and you can be sure that they will be doing all they can to stretch toward that little bit of light they can glimpse under all that rubble. Avram Grant is managing for his job and the team as a whole is trying to prevent management from going into fire sale mode while the transfer window is open. Still, the Hammers will be fighting against history. Before their win at Craven Cottage 11 days ago, West Ham hadn't recorded a victory in their 27 previous away matches. That is not a misprint. They also haven't won back-t0-back away games since December 2007, and haven't won at St James' Park since 1998. This season, they've scored 8 goals in 10 away matches...and 3 of those were in the aforementioned Fulham match. More after the jump...<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><br />That doesn't mean a guaranteed victory, however. Newcastle fans are well aware of what happens when the team refuses to give their opponents the proper respect, and the team must be sure not to have a letdown in focus ahead of an extended break. They will have to do it without Andy Carroll, who has been <span style="font-style: italic;">the</span> offensive attack for Newcastle in the first half of the season. They proved on Sunday that they can create plenty of chances against a porous defense (and West Ham certainly has one of those), but will the finishing be there?<br /><br />Pardew will have a couple of selection decisions to make. He has 4 strikers to choose from, if his protest that Leon Best's brief appearance against Wigan was not an audition is true. I would go with Shola Ameobi and Nile Ranger up front, but I do not believe that they have played together in league play this season, so I would expect to see Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands once again. I also anticipate Steve Harper getting the nod at keeper following a clean sheet and a nifty long ball that led to a goal on Sunday. Fabricio Coloccini and Steven Taylor seem to have emerged as the preferred pairing in the center of the backfield, but word is that grumpy Sol Campbell will be fit once again. Also, will Mike Williamson and his new contract continue to sit on the bench? My predicted lineup is the same as last week: Harper, Simpson, S. Taylor, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Barton, Nolan, Tiote, Jonas, Ameobi, Lovenkrands.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Keys to Victory</span><br />1) Finishing<br />Shots off the crossbar and headers off the upper 90 are only amusing following a victory. You can only afford to miss so many chances in the Premiership, even if the opponent is a candidate for relegation.<br />2) Contain Carlton Cole<br />He's scored twice in his last two matches against Newcastle and scored twice against Fulham. That's obviously a small sample size and not predictive of anything, but never underestimate what confidence can do for a striker.<br />3) Score First<br />RKW isn't here to harp on it, so I'll do it for him. The Magpies are 6-1-1 when they score first.<br /><br />Prediction: 2-0 NewcastleRoberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-78897565665853258102011-01-05T00:01:00.001-06:002011-01-05T00:01:01.923-06:00CHN Links: Gameday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. This <span style="font-style: italic;">may</span> be the last one of these we do at this site...<br /><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Match Previews</span><br /><br />As is usually the case for a mid-week match, the pickings for previews are pretty slim.<br /><br /><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9331257.stm">BBC Sport</a> - A lot of focus on Pardew returning to his old club.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nufcblog.org/2011/01/newcastle-united-v-west-ham-match-preview/">Workyticket, nufcblog.org</a> - Worried about West Ham's recent form.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">News</span><br /><br />Peter <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/04/bradford-peter-taylor-newcastle-manager">Taylor has said no</a> to the assistant job, preferring to honor his contract with Bradford City. Can't fault that. (The Guardian)<br /><br />Alan <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-boss-Alan-Pardew-insists-he-holds-no-bitterness-towards-West-Ham-over-his-2006-sacking-and-believes-he-would-still-be-Hammers-manager-now-but-for-the-injury-that-sidelined-one-key-player-article663699.html">Pardew says</a> he's not bitter about losing the West Ham job, but then he goes on about how he would have kept it if Dean Ashton hadn't been injured. It sure is hard to tell that you're not bitter, Alan... (Simon Bird, MirrorFootball)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br /><br />The <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/04/tottenham-make-tempting-triple-player-swap-or-22m-cash-offer-for-newcastle-united-striker-andy-carroll/">rumor du jour</a> Tuesday was a mega-deal between Tottenham and Newcastle involving Andy Carroll, Robbie Keane, David Bentley, and Niko Kranjcar. Another reminder not to believe everything you read, kids. (CaughtOffside)<br /><br />29 year-old striker <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6633849,00.html">Roque Santa Cruz</a> (Manchester City) is linked with several English clubs. He has a HUGE salary. No thank you. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />23 year-old winger <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6634977,00.html">Max Gradel</a> is not available, says Leeds United boss Simon Grayson. A big fat <span style="font-style: italic;">meh</span> from me. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />Fiorentina have told Newcastle and other clubs to stay away from 28 year-old striker <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6635036,00.html">Alberto Gilardino</a>. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />Leeds United reportedly want <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/04/leeds-united-hope-to-secure-newcastle-united-midfielder-alan-smith-in-homecoming-loan-deal/">Alan Smith</a>. (CaughtOffside)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-65953411007736240532011-01-04T18:18:00.000-06:002011-01-04T18:19:03.808-06:00Happy Birthday, Danny SimpsonThis is too late for those across the pond, but for those in the States, you still have >5 hours to celebrate Danny Simpson's 24th birthday, so hit your local establishments before closing time.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Ryan+Taylor+Danny+Simpson+Newcastle+United+wJH5gf_sVT1l.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 407px; height: 446px;" src="http://www2.pictures.zimbio.com/gi/Ryan+Taylor+Danny+Simpson+Newcastle+United+wJH5gf_sVT1l.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Newcastle players Ryan Taylor, Andrew Carroll and Danny Simpson celebrate with Shola Ameobi after he scored the opening goal during the Coca-Cola Championship match between Newcastle United and Sheffield Wednesday at St James' Park on August 19, 2009 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.<br />Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images Europe<br /></span></div>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-37891741254093202162011-01-04T02:00:00.001-06:002011-01-04T02:01:47.070-06:00CHN Links: Tuesday EditionGood morning, Toon Army. Plenty of news and transfer rumors to go around today - so much so that I ran out of room to tag people in this post. (Sorry Andy Carroll and Tim Krul...)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2009/03/adel-taarabt-415x275.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 415px; height: 275px;" src="http://i.thisislondon.co.uk/i/pix/2009/03/adel-taarabt-415x275.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Rumored target Adel Taarabt's playing style has been compared to Hatem ben Arfa. The difference is, Taarabt has two good legs at the moment. What, too soon?<br />Photo credit unknown<br /></span></div><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/03/leaving-out-tim-krul-was-tough-decision-for-pardew-72703-27924752/">Alan Pardew</a> and <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/03/steve-harper-s-sympathy-for-team-mate-tim-krul-72703-27924753/">Steve Harper</a> both spoke about Pardew's decision to play Harper instead of Krul on Sunday. (both links Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)<br /><br />Andy <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6631191,00.html">Carroll hopes</a> to be fit by the time the Derby rolls around on January 16. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />The search for an assistant continues, and now it's Bradford City (League Two) manager Peter <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/jan/03/peter-taylor-alan-pardew-newcastle-united">Taylor who has been approached</a> about the job. (Louise Taylor, The Guardian)<br /><br />Alan <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Alan-Pardew-Barton-will-be-Newcastle-s-player-of-the-season-article662759.html">Pardew had some kind things to say</a> about Joey Barton, chief among them that Barton is on track to be named the club's player of the year. (MirrorFootball)<br /><br />Shola <a href="http://www.shieldsgazette.com/sport/39I-can-fill-Carroll-void39.6678061.jp">Ameobi says</a> it's not necessary for the club to go get a striker in the transfer window, as he can take care of scoring goals. (Miles Starforth, The Shields Gazette)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/01/02/newcastle-to-offer-peter-beardsley-new-5-year-coaching-contract-102039-22820388/">Newcastle are reportedly prepared</a> to offer reserve team coach Peter Beardsley a contract extension. (Alan Oliver, The People)<br /><br />Chris <a href="http://www.people.co.uk/sport/football/news/2011/01/02/sacked-newcastle-boss-chris-hughton-wanted-by-burnley-102039-22819836/">Hughton is</a> on Burnley's short list. (Dave Kidd, The People)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Transfer Rumors</span><br />The Toon, along with Spurs, are rumored to be going after <a href="http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/01/03/magpies-duel-with-spurs-for-david-beckham-61634-27922946/">David Beckham</a>, who needs no introduction, for a loan spell. (Luke Edwards, The Journal) Alan <a href="http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/3328858/David-Beckham-too-slow-for-Alan-Pardews-Newcastle.html">Pardew has recently tried</a> to downplay his interest, (Vic Holly, The Sun) but <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/9331809.stm">continues to wait</a>, along with others, to see if LA Galaxy will even approve such a move. (BBC Sport) <a href="http://www.blogonthetyne.co.uk/2011/01/newcastle-need-blood-and-snot-1.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChronicleLive-BlogOnTheTyne+%28Chronicle+Live+-+Blog+on+the+Tyne%29&utm_content=Google+Reader">Lee Ryder</a> thinks Beckham would not be good for the club.<br /><br />The Robbie Keane rumors have cooled off in the last couple of days, but <a href="http://www.tynetime.com/2011/01/03/dear-alan-pardew-please-do-not-sign-robbie-keane/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dear-alan-pardew-please-do-not-sign-robbie-keane">Doocey of Tyne Time</a> made a passionate plea to Alan Pardew not to sign him, just in case.<br /><br />Tottenham Hotspur winger <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Transfer-news-Tottenham-outcast-David-Bentley-tops-Newcastle-s-wanted-list-now-that-a-David-Beckham-loan-is-unlikely-article663109.html">David Bentley</a> could be the creative guy with the ability to swing crosses into the box we've been looking for. He's reportedly at the top of Alan Pardew's list. (Simon Bird, MirrorFootball)<br /><br />20 year-old striker <a href="http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Newcastle-transfer-news-Toon-chase-5m-Lacina-Traore-as-strike-partner-for-Andy-Carroll-article662093.html">Lacina Traore</a> from Romanian side CFR Cluj is 6'8" and could spell Andy Carroll or even work with him (though both are left-footed). He is listed at £8 million, but could go for lower. (Dave Kidd, MirrorFootball)<br /><br />CAM <a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/01/01/newcastle-united-ready-to-launch-move-for-qpr-playmaker-adel-taarabt/">Adel Taarabt</a> is an exciting playmaker, but surely current Champions League leader QPR wouldn't just let him go for any price, would they? (Steven Constable, CaughtOffside)<br /><br />Midfielder <a href="http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_6632053,00.html">Seb Larsson</a> of Birmingham will be available on a free this summer. (Sky Sports)<br /><br />It's rumored that <a href="http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/01/03/why-would-i-sell-leon-best-asks-toon-boss-72703-27924782/">Leon Best</a> could be up for transfer, and the fact that he came into the Wigan game for fifteen minutes out of nowhere only serves to fuel that speculation. Alan Pardew issued a stern denial, but methinks he doth protest too much. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-4967657148369705542011-01-04T01:40:00.008-06:002011-01-05T22:56:28.666-06:00Reasonable Reaction Tuesday: Newcastle United FC Win at WiganI don't know about you folks, but Sunday's match was pretty stressful for me despite the stellar play of our lads. It seemed like no one had the finishing touch that they needed to get that second goal, and I wasn't convinced that one was a enough until the final whistle blew. Still, it was a great showing from our lads and a very entertaining match.<a name='more'></a><br /><br />The 1-0 score line isn't indicative of how far apart these teams were on Sunday, if I may say so with apologies to the Latics. The Magpies were on form; if not in the front the way we might like then they were in midfield where this game was won. I had a coach that used to say that if a team can't score it can't win and the best way to keep them from scoring is to keep them too far away to score. Our lads certainly had that or something similar in mind as the Latics struggled all day to get across midfield with the ball at their feet. The majority of their legitimate scoring chances came from long forward passes that usually leave most of the team too far behind the ball to pick up the rebound or offer more passing options.<br /><br />Before player notes I'd like to say just a quick word about the close chances that NUFC were able to generate but not convert. I like to see lots of chances, I really do. But put all the chances in a basket and bring them to the final standings and see what they'll get us in trade. Nothing. I'll mention three chances that were much less than I expect our of premiership players. Danny Simpson's early volley: he just has to test the keeper with that. Jonas Gutierrez's break away: for all the dancing and step overs he pulls you'd think that he could dribble around a keeper way off his line with bad timing, but Jonas found a way to make him look good. Maybe I play too much FIFA, but I would have given that ball a little chip and ran to the away allocation section with my arms raised. Finally Barry Pepper- I mean Peter Lovenkrands: I know he isn't right footed but he does indeed have a right foot, and if he would have just put that thing toward the net I don't think the keeper had a play while screened by his defender....<br /><br /><strong>Player Notes:</strong><br /><br />Despite his breakaway blunder, Jonas Guiterrez showed signs of returning to form. I say showed signs, because Spider Man also looked lost sometimes, especially when coming back to defend.<br /><br />I noticed this in a couple of earlier games that <strong>Peter Lovenkrands</strong> played in, but I think something is wrong with his finishing touch. I don't know how strikers train but I think being out of first team action has dulled his edge a bit. As of end of game Sunday, I'm almost into double digits on plays that my sensibility says McLoven should have scored on, and that's no good for a striker.<br /><br /><strong>Kevin Nolan</strong> was uncharacteristically absent from the game. Somewhere toward the end of the first half I found myself thinking: Hey, wasn't the skipper supposed to be back today. I'm not worried about this yet, Wigan were playing down the sides a lot as the center seemed impenetrable. But, if having Andy Carroll out of the game means having Nolan out of the game too, then it may be something to worry about.<br /><br />It seemed to me that <strong>Cheik Tiote</strong> had an off game, which isn't to say he was any less effective. On an off day does a little more of what they call in hockey "taking the body" meaning that he tends to play the man instead of the ball. From what I can tell he does this mostly on days when he gets frustrated about something, and Sunday was one of those days. It's one of the best ways to have a bad day on the pitch I think, but it puts him at extra risk for yellow cards.<br /><br /><strong>The Defense </strong>played just spot on, giving only three chances that really had me worried. Of course I couldn't admit that until after the game, I've already mentioned how nervous it made me.<br /><br />MOTM: Steve Harper, I'm throwing Harper a bone here because for all intents and purposes he set up the only goal of the game. I do it hesitantly because it means by proxy that I have made a concession in our recent Magpie vs. Magpie feature.rkwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502195071232993417noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-73241925716383861342011-01-01T15:41:00.001-06:002011-01-01T15:42:28.314-06:00Top 10 Moments of the First Half10. Several Promising Youngsters Locked Up in Long-term Deals<br /><br />Over the last several weeks, the following players have signed 5 and a half year deals: Nile Ranger, Mike Williamson, Steven Taylor, and Andy Carroll. All but Williamson could be called "young" in football terms, and all are solid players that will contribute for years to come.<br /><br />9. Newcastle 1, Arsenal 0, 7 November<br /><br />You know your team has done well when you've caused the London press to wring their hands and wonder how a top team could have possibly lost to a "newly promoted side," and that's exactly what happened when an Andy Carroll header and a perfectly executed game plan vaulted Newcastle into #5 in the table, their high-water mark of the season.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49834000/jpg/_49834856_newcastle466.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 466px; height: 260px;" src="http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/49834000/jpg/_49834856_newcastle466.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center; font-style: italic;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Carroll took one away from Fabianski and Newcastle took three away from The Emirates.<br />Getty Images<br /></span></div><br />8. The Emergence of Cheik Tiote<br /><br />Maybe this is cheating, because it's not exactly an event, but Cheik Tiote's wonderful possessive play in the back of the midfield has kept Newcastle afloat during the first half, and I think that deserves some recognition. His story of learning to play growing up in Africa is not totally unique, but it is fascinating and worth reading up on. At the end of <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/oct/30/cheik-tiote-newcastle-united">this article</a> (Louise Taylor, The Guardian), Tiote says, "Newcastle is perfect for me." Love you too, Cheik.<br /><br />7. Alex's Howler, 27 November<br /><br />Coming off of a terrible defeat at the hands of Bolton Wanderers, the Magpies needed something to fall in their favor to have a chance against a slumping Chelsea side, and they got exactly that when Alex was a little too careless in passing the ball back to goalie Petr Cech, and Andy Carroll was happy to capitalize.<br /><br /><object classid="clsid:d27cdb6e-ae6d-11cf-96b8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=8,0,0,0" id="videoEmbed" align="middle" height="400" width="500"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="scale" value="true"><param name="movie" value="http://www.goal4replay.net/videoEmbedLa.swf?ID=S47403&MediaID=1"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="bgcolor" value="#999999"><embed src="http://www.goal4replay.net/videoEmbedLa.swf?ID=S47403&MediaID=1" quality="high" name="videoEmbed" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" scale="true" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" align="middle" height="400" width="500"></embed></object><br /><br />6. Andy Carroll's Goal from Distance, 11 December<br /><br />In Alan Pardew's debut against Liverpool, the two sides had battled to a 1-1 tie that stood for most of the second half when Joey Barton finally broke through in the 80th minute. As the game progressed into stoppage time, the crowd which had gathered to boo Mike Ashley was enjoying what was a very unexpected three points when Andy Carroll, who had assisted on the first goal and was instrumental in the second, gathered the ball outside the box. The crowd urged him to shoot, the defense backed off, and an instant later a rocket found its way to the back of the net.<br /><br /><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/g3nib2tgVm2szKQuhSRq/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="323" width="410"></embed><br /><br />5. Joey Barton's Cross, 23 October<br /><br />Sometimes you just have to appreciate a pretty goal for what it is. Watch this video starting at around 51 seconds for a beauty.<br /><br /><embed src="http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/play?file=http://rd3.videos.sapo.pt/KV51F8ELNjaO3vIrzdPa/mov/1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" height="357" width="410"></embed><br /><br />4. Andy Carroll's Hat Trick, 22 August<br /><br />Nobody expected Newcastle to travel to Old Trafford on Opening Day and earn any points, but a 3-0 loss had the doubters out in full force anyway. A 6-0 drubbing of Aston Villa the next week injected some much needed optimism in the fanbase. More importantly, the question "Who will score for Newcastle in the Premiership?" had an answer, and his name was Wor Andy Carroll.<br /><br /><object height="353" width="470"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/b93fa911225c3a20e67525c079fd972d"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="flashVars" value="uid=3605581"><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/b93fa911225c3a20e67525c079fd972d" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="uid=3605581" height="353" width="470"></embed></object><br /><br />3. Hatem ben Arfa's Goal, 18 September 20<br /><br />The announcer's commentary on this video clip says it all.<br /><br /><object height="353" width="470"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/eccc0354b7f53316456bb681e8bdc51f"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="flashVars" value="uid=3348712"><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/eccc0354b7f53316456bb681e8bdc51f" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="uid=3348712" height="353" width="470"></embed></object><br /><br />2. Fabricio Coloccini saves the day against Wigan, 16 October<br /><br />The Magpies were in a bad way heading into stoppage time against Wigan. They'd lost the last two matches as well as their new superstar in the week previous, and they were down 2 goals to 1 against Wigan, with both of the opposition's goals coming from a man who had walked out the door a couple of years ago on bad terms. Then, miracle of miracles, Jonas' cross found an unmarked curly-haired man on the far post to save the match (and according to some, Chris Hughton's job).<br /><br /><a href="http://soccerblogvideo.blogspot.com/2010/10/newcastle-2-2-wigan-nzogbia-doubel.html">Click link to watch video</a><br /><br />1. Newcastle 5, Sunderland 1, 31 October<br /><br />Toon 5, mackems 1. All that needs to be said.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.caughtoffside.com/2010/10/31/newcastle-united-5-1-sunderland-premier-league-highlights-video/">Click link to watch videos</a>Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-13588192424455444952011-01-01T14:38:00.001-06:002011-01-01T14:41:37.085-06:00Bottom 10 Moments of the First HalfWith the second half about to begin, let's look back at the best and worst moments of the first half. We'll start with the worst:<br /><br />10. Newcastle Beaten By 10 Men at White Hart Lane, 28 December<br /><br />I suppose you could take comfort in the fact that Tottenham Hotspur are a good team in good form, or in the fact that they beat Aston Villa the previous match with 10 men as well, but when you're down by a goal and the other side loses a player, you're expected to dominate possession, not give up another one.<br /><br />9. James Perch's Own Goal, 26 September<br /><br />Sometimes when a player scores an own goal, you feel bad for them, especially if it's some fluky, weird deflection. Sometimes, though, a defender heads in a corner with 5 minutes to go to lose the game against Stoke City, and you don't feel sorry for them one bit.<br /><br />8. Charles N'Zogbia Scores 2, 16 October<br /><br />It hurts when seemingly the only good player on the other team beats you for two goals. It hurts even more when that player used to be one of your own.<br /><br />7. Andy Carroll's Off-the-field Exploits<br /><br />Two assault charges and orders from a judge for the top striker to bunk with his captain dominated the headlines this fall. It got to the point that false rumors from one publication about a "drug-fueled orgy" at Captain Nolan's house wasn't even the worst of it. On October 21, Carroll's car was torched and Nolan's garage door covered with graffiti following the release of Nolan's address in the media.<br /><br />6. Tim Krul's Howler, 26 December<br /><br />You can't just give goals away in the Premiership, least of all to Manchester City, but that's exactly what Tim Krul did in the second minute of the second meeting of the two teams. Three minutes later, the Blues added another, which ended up being all they really needed.<br /><br /><object height="353" width="470"><param name="movie" value="http://video.rutube.ru/6595c1d0cbd653d3d3113c0753a66e8c"><param name="wmode" value="window"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="flashVars" value="uid=3468691"><embed src="http://video.rutube.ru/6595c1d0cbd653d3d3113c0753a66e8c" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="window" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="uid=3468691" height="353" width="470"></embed></object><br /><br />5. Bolton Wanderers 5, Newcastle United 1, 20 November<br /><br />A 5-1 loss is bad, no matter how you slice it, but this one featured two goals for the opposition off of penalty kicks plus a red card for Fabricio Coloccini. Colo was sent off for aggressive play against Johan Elmander. Mike Williamson was later suspended for a separate incident involving Elmander, but the striker didn't seem to mind as he also scored two goals on the day.<br /><br />4. Joey Barton Suspended, 10 November<br /><br />Joey Barton had been having a relatively quiet season by his standards before he reversed course in a 2-1 loss at home against Blackburn Rovers, punching Morten Gamst Pedersen in the chest and earning himself a 2 game suspension. The club struggled without him, tying with Fulham at home and then being decimated by Bolton.<br /><br /><object height="340" width="560"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rIH8HQYP4R8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rIH8HQYP4R8?fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="340" width="560"></embed></object><br /><br />3. West Bromwich Albion 3, Newcastle United 1, 5 December<br /><br />This match would have made the list even if it weren't the impetus for getting Chris Hughton sacked. Here's how <a href="http://cominghomenewcastle.blogspot.com/2010/12/reasonable-reaction-monday-nufc-1-wba-3.html">RKW reviewed the match</a>:<br /><br />"It can be described in so many words, but bluntly it was nothing short of horrendous. Fundamentals were flawed, leaderships was lacking, execution exited the building, passion took a pass, the offense was (pardon me) offensive, the defense deplorable. Our Magpies couldn't pass, possess, shoot, cross, clear, tackle, or keep the ball out of their own net. Other than all that they didn't play very good football either."<br /><br />Following the match, Chris Hughton held an hour-long meeting with his players which was reported to be less than pleasant, but it didn't really matter, as the players were motivated in a much different way 24 hours later.<br /><br />2. Nigel De Jong breaks Hatem ben Arfa's Leg, 3 October<br /><br />Hatem ben Arfa was the object of an extended chase by Chris Hughton over the summer. For weeks the Toon Army was subjected to rumor after rumor of the status of a possible transfer for the talented young midfielder, so when he finally arrived at St. James' Park he was already something of a folk legend. Few expected him to live up to that billing, but in the few games that he played before getting injured, ben Arfa exceeded even the loftiest of expectations. The Magpies finally had their creative playmaker who was to lead them to the promised land of survival. In the blink of an eye, Nigel de Jong, who has built himself quite a resume as a dirty player, came in with both legs and snapped both the tibia and fibula of young Mr. ben Arfa, putting not only the season in doubt but also bringing forth the question of whether or not HBA will ever play again on Tyneside, given the conditions of his loan. Here's hoping the reports earlier this week that he will sign a permanent deal are true, and that he really can be ready in early February. The squad's survival may depend on it.<br /><br /><a href="http://soccer-portal.org/video/3698-hatem-ben-arfa-injured-after-nigel-de-jong-tackle.html">Click for link to video</a><br /><br />1. Chris Hughton Sacked, 6 December<br /><br />Football fans the world over were shaking their heads when Mike Ashley made the ill-advised move of sacking popular manager Chris Hughton. Hughton had led Newcastle back to the Premiership, made several improvements to the club despite limited funds, and gained the respect of his players, but rumors had persisted for several months that the relationship between Hughton and Ashley (and Derek Llambias) had grown frosty. Still, it was a shocking move that disrupted the players as well as the fans. Replacement manager Alan Pardew has only been around for three matches, so the jury is still out on him, but the effects have already been far-reaching in terms of personnel, as Sol Campbell has stated unequivocally that he wants out. For his part, Hughton treated the ignominy in his usual classy manner and has been linked to several vacancies (and a couple that aren't even vacant yet). He will latch on somewhere, and when he does, I will be jealous of the team that's lucky enough to land him.Roberthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11780096086034089243noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1560145248444266158.post-15130859725530595392011-01-01T01:22:00.006-06:002011-01-01T02:59:46.309-06:00Match Preview: Newcastle and Wigan, Both Without Their Top Scorer<div align="justify">Apologies for the lack of a review for the MANC and Spurs games. I meant to roll them into one review but never even got around to that with an unexpectedly long week at work. On with the Preview.<br /><br />Newcastle will be away at DW for the second rematch of the year, and hoping to force the issue a bit better than they did in early October when a home draw was all they could muster. One would think that the Latics should be ripe for picking with their best player out on suspension, but they are also unbeaten in their last four, and you can't give all the credit to N'somnia.<a name='more'></a><br /><br />Andy Carroll will be out as well, and that leaves me wondering how either side will expect to score at all on Sunday. Still I have to say I like the Magpies chances to gain three points here and make a better start at the second half of the season. Pardew certainly needs a win, and the team needs a win, we can only hope that need weighs heavily enough to get them back into good form.<br /><br /><strong>Reasons we win:</strong><br /><strong></strong><br />With N'somnia out <strong>Wigan may be hunting for the single point </strong>on Sunday, and that is something that Newcastle must take advantage of. We should be looking to apply and hold pressure to them all day long.<br /><br /><strong>Shola Ameobi needs to come through </strong>for this team, and since he's the likely replacement for Andy Carroll, he'll get his chance. A strong showing from Ameobi can all but make up for the lack of Andy.<br /><br />This is becoming a theme, but <strong>Jonas Gutierrez has to get his head on right. </strong>I've been on and on about the whys, we're a significantly poorer side when he's not playing well.<br /><br /><strong>Reason's we lose:</strong><br /><strong></strong><br /><strong>Giving mid-table teams proper respect</strong> has been a thematic problem for NUFC this year. A quick way to lose on Sunday will be to treat the match like a cakewalk just because N'zogbia won't be around.<br /><br />With Andy on the bench, <strong>finding a way to score may prove difficult,</strong> and that's a good way to find ourselves not getting the three points we want out of this game. If we can't put any on the board we may just see all the points stay with Wigan.<br /><br /><strong>Prediction: NUFC 2-1 WAFC</strong></div>rkwhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05502195071232993417noreply@blogger.com0