CHN Links: Tuesday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. I don't want to divulge anything specific, mostly because nothing's been finalized, but exciting changes are ahead for us. But you didn't come here for us; you came here for the Magpies...so, Tuesday's links are after the jump.

Cheik Tiote battles for possession with Didier Drogba, who in this instance has chosen to stay on his feet.
Associated Press

It's no secret that Cheik Tiote and countryman Didier Drogba have a special relationship. Drogba famously encouraged Tiote to make the leap to the Premiership. Before leaving town, he took the time to praise the midfielder on Sunday. By the way, Tiote was in Drogba's pocket all day. We are lucky to have him. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle) Cheik Tiote's style sometimes leads to extra attention from referees, but Tiote says he will stick to his game. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Simon Bird of MirrorFootball, who never met a pun he didn't like, has a great feature on Andy Carroll. At first glance, the headline seems like an insult, but the content is very complimentary. It's all about his on-the-field exploits, which is refreshing.

Chris Hughton says his side deserved the point on Sunday. (Sky Sports, VIDEO) Regular readers know that I hate this type of rhetoric, but the video is worth a watch.

Jose Enrique says the draw revealed Newcastle's character. (BBC Sport)

Andy Carroll says the lads need to build on the point they earned this weekend and earn some more against West Brom. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Shola Ameobi suggests that Newcastle's inconsistency is due in part to lack of discipline in formation against lesser teams. (Simon Bird, The Mirror)

Joey Barton is due back next week, but whom will he replace, if anybody? Chris Hughton isn't saying, but he is glad that he has choices. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Sol Campbell is happy to be back out on the pitch with the first team (Sky Sports) The Guardian helpfully points out that Campbell can still get the job done.

The draw for the third round of the FA Cup was held Monday, (Sky Sports) and Newcastle will be headed to Stevenage. The Toon famously faced the League Two side in the fourth round of the FA Cup in 1998, when Alan Shearer's controversial goal led to a draw that forced a rematch which Newcastle won. Chris Hughton promised to put the match, which will be played in January, "on the back burner" and concentrate on upcoming league matches. (Lee Ryder, The Chronicle)

Andy Carroll is looking forward to playing up front with Wayne Rooney for the Three Lions. (Sky Sports)

December starts tomorrow, which means it's time for the January rumor mill to get cranked up (though to be fair, some never stopped pumping those rumors out there). Adam Johnson and Stephen Ireland (please tell me this one isn't true) are two names that are linked to Newcastle. (both links from CaughtOffside)