CHN Links: Thursday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. Hypothetical question: If the Magpies win on Saturday, will you believe in Alan Pardew? If not, how many wins in a row would it take? 3? 5? 10? Something to ponder as you go through the links today.

Could this man be the difference maker on Saturday?
Photograph: Joe Giddens/Empics Sport

CHN Links: Wednesday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. I have to admit that for a good portion of the day I stayed away from news about Chris Hughton's replacement because I didn't want to admit that it's true. I suspect that I'm not the only one. Whenever you're ready, take a deep breath and follow the jump to catch up on who the rumored replacements are at this hour.

No picture today. Picture a world where Mike Ashley no longer has anything to do with this club.

Possible Managerial Replacements

Chris Hughton must be replaced, reports of Paul Gascoigne trying to sweet-talk Mike Ashley into reversing his decision notwithstanding.

So who will it be? Internal replacements are always the first thought, but none of the internal candidates for Calderwood's job have the "experience" Ashley cited in his press release. Some of the names being bandied about (Sachin Nakrani, The Guardian) are Alan Pardew (controversial ex-Southampton manager), Alan Curbishley (ex-West Ham boss with a history of clashing with ownership), Lee Clark (former Toon midfielder and current boss of League One side Huddersfield Town), Martin O'Neill (you may remember him for quitting on Aston Villa just before the season), Alan Shearer (his name will always be brought up, but I don't see it happening), and Joe Kinnear (that would just be spitting in the face of the Toon Army, wouldn't it?). The Journal also has Paul Gascoigne at 100/1 odds. That would be just what this team needs, right? Our star striker was recently placed on house arrest for assault, so why not bring in a guy with two pending DUI charges? I'm tempted to wager on those odds, because it would be just like Mike Ashley to make such a move.

Kidding aside, I'm not in love with any of these options, but if we can't have Hughton back, my early preference is for O'Neill or Clark.

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

CHN Links: Friday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. Tired of hearing about Joey Barton? This post has you covered.

CHN Links: Monday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. The de Jong/ben Arfa saga takes a strange turn, plus some transfer rumors and more after the jump.

We've been critical of Nigel de Jong, but he's no Todd Bertuzzi.

CHN Links: Friday Edition

Good morning, Toon Army. It wouldn't be Friday if there weren't speculation about selection. That and more after the jump.

Whoever thought this was a good idea should be sacked.