tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44612397259553937312024-02-06T18:54:19.688-08:00That's How He Dreamt it Last NightTwitter: @SamWinter89Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-55520231097871202042016-01-31T08:19:00.000-08:002016-01-31T08:19:03.805-08:00Newcastle United’s Ambition Driven by Fear<div align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;">
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Jonjo Shelvey is the first
England international Newcastle United have bought since Alan Smith in 2007.
Nine years since one of the world’s biggest clubs paid out for one of the
country’s best players. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Rob Lee once said that the
only way Roy Hodgson would come to St James’ Park would be if he were French.
Perhaps more criminally than Newcastle’s lack of domestic investment, Shelvey
is the first player deemed to be a direct replacement for a certain Yohan
Cabaye; a Frenchman who departed 2 years ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A player who can make
Newcastle tick, as demonstrated on a brilliant debut against West Ham,
Shelvey’s signing has been celebrated in the North East. Andros Townsend soon
followed last week in another big money deal, and £21 million is suddenly on
the table for Saido Berahino; a deal which would smash Michael Owen’s transfer
record from over a decade ago.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuipMmnWcubufnh1Wa9KSZvXmjQMrXNpHrl7vB26hDoSSjSnZsI9Kwas7SHs1tcmzCt3OQeJ4VTDBmkhyphenhyphenb-H7mC55sj2tGxt51jjRTw8zpkL0OURXvuF5CX_urXt0YTZEKdMNBTVi8WjxZ/s1600/shelvey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuipMmnWcubufnh1Wa9KSZvXmjQMrXNpHrl7vB26hDoSSjSnZsI9Kwas7SHs1tcmzCt3OQeJ4VTDBmkhyphenhyphenb-H7mC55sj2tGxt51jjRTw8zpkL0OURXvuF5CX_urXt0YTZEKdMNBTVi8WjxZ/s400/shelvey.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An English player? Steve McClaren was delighted with the addition of Shelvey</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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It is a far cry from the
questionable and incredibly frustrating transfer policy Newcastle have adopted
since Graham Carr’s cut-price capture of Cabaye in 2011. So why only now has
the club changed its stance?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Steve McClaren’s influence on
the newly formed board means targeting players with more Premier League
experience will be a regular occurrence. It is obvious that Shelvey and
Townsend were McClaren signings and that Henri Saivet, like Florian Thauvin
before him, was another arrival from Graham Carr’s French conveyor belt. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The club’s reluctance to shake
off their continental recruitment policy has heavily contributed to a slow
demise in the Premier League since finishing 5<sup>th</sup> in 2011/12. As far
as Mike Ashley’s approval of big money deals for England internationals goes,
it’s a green light driven by fear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The Newcastle owner came out
of public hiding for a timely pre-match interview before the final day victory
over West Ham last season. A last-ditch throw of the dice from a man who
realised that an unthinkable relegation was firmly on the cards. A speech to
stir players and fans alike before a crucial game, Ashley promised a summer of
big signings and renewed ambition.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Indeed the signings of
Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, and Chancel Mbemba were impressive
and welcome, but a preference for a Thauvin over a Townsend had sections of
supporters questioning the additions Premier League know-how. Had Newcastle not
been sitting so perilously to the drop going into this transfer window, and had
been hovering around the top 8 as targeted, there is no doubt that the owner
would be reluctant to spend on the likes of Shelvey when he could wait until
the summer. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Pu7GK_nAwLW9pam_Whcss5PF9vepdFDbvFVqq457jwFylDEXDT4Cws3O-RT_oi4ZjJ_voiZigSZsguIwrXIMVUoes1PCHEqfCzt-hqMWrjrU9_Qg3KEV_R-PXKw64LJJGJk9_-7fKxmJ/s1600/thauvinwij.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-Pu7GK_nAwLW9pam_Whcss5PF9vepdFDbvFVqq457jwFylDEXDT4Cws3O-RT_oi4ZjJ_voiZigSZsguIwrXIMVUoes1PCHEqfCzt-hqMWrjrU9_Qg3KEV_R-PXKw64LJJGJk9_-7fKxmJ/s400/thauvinwij.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">50/50: Wijnaldum and Thauvin's fortunes show the gamble in Newcastle's transfer policy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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Financially for Ashley,
relegation would be disastrous. He knows that spending the money know is just a
mere fraction in comparison to the reward of next season’s TV money if the club
stay in the league. He fears the drop, so he is spending big to avoid it. The
club can claim ambition, a new approach, but in reality the owner doesn’t want to
lose a lucrative place in England’s top league.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Go back to the Championship
season of 2009/10. Newcastle were going well towards a return to the Premier
League going into the January transfer window. But with nothing near
guaranteed, Ashley made the signings that ensured the squad would get well over
the line. The “risk” of spending on transfers was worth it for Ashley. Not
getting promoted was simply not an option financially. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A 5<sup>th</sup> placed finish
and the Europa League would surely be enough for most clubs to recognise the
need to kick on and strengthen with acquisitions. Yet Ashley stood still and
needed to fast track a clutch of signings in the January of 2013 to shake up a
squad in freefall. Moussa Sissoko and Yoan Gouffran were supposed to be
post-season free transfers, and the club used that as an excuse to explain why
only a loan signing of Loic Remy was bank-rolled ahead of 2013/14.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LaeJUYr_CLtZ52qkSJ1VN2LWUhMafGVax1BjmAcHepOFcigi0pQE4n7nt8Nhw7wmL4mOKn6-aIMtcbmJ_paZ4lbRWerdx9lxbCkKWo2MHVzeb8rElMb_dn8xRajYncKg7ZDo-SF3winM/s1600/article-2270309-173D39C4000005DC-513_634x394.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2LaeJUYr_CLtZ52qkSJ1VN2LWUhMafGVax1BjmAcHepOFcigi0pQE4n7nt8Nhw7wmL4mOKn6-aIMtcbmJ_paZ4lbRWerdx9lxbCkKWo2MHVzeb8rElMb_dn8xRajYncKg7ZDo-SF3winM/s400/article-2270309-173D39C4000005DC-513_634x394.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Revolution: January 2013 brought a French influx to avoid the drop</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Newcastle were going very well
indeed in January 2014 when Cabaye was sold to Paris St Germain. No danger of
the drop so no need to spend was the attitude, but the playing and coaching
staff imploded and finished meekly once again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Signings were promised and
made as the club recognised that the lack of action in the wake of Cabaye’s
departure had threatened their future as a top flight side. Eventually paying
dividends, the club’s hierarchy failed to act in different sense in January
2015 as Alan Pardew walked out to take charge at Crystal Palace. Once again in
no apparent danger, John Carver was left in charge until the end of the season
and we all know how that went.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
The point is this; if
Newcastle United are “safe” in the bosom of the Premier League table then the
hand will stay firmly in the pocket as quite frankly the target is met. The
club can dress it up as ambition and come out and make impassioned
declarations, but the actions are driven by fear of loss by a single-minded
owner. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLR5Z1f43TTw1_4W3mZnoDt2MZN0CuLCniJmqGZXOJazzeUICcorPhN3nvGghsu1ERCVM3EB3ird5gMv0marZIATSRUK7-eiuoqyOoHS1dYrVdK-143ul1IYRM77TN4XZPp7PXnSCIuH7/s1600/_87988024_andros_still.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLR5Z1f43TTw1_4W3mZnoDt2MZN0CuLCniJmqGZXOJazzeUICcorPhN3nvGghsu1ERCVM3EB3ird5gMv0marZIATSRUK7-eiuoqyOoHS1dYrVdK-143ul1IYRM77TN4XZPp7PXnSCIuH7/s400/_87988024_andros_still.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Would Andros Townsend have been signed if Newcastle were in a better predicament?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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In the current Premier League
climate, with vast amounts of money available to each and every club, the likes
of Leicester, Stoke City, West Ham, and Southampton have seized an opportunity
to kick on as aspiring football clubs. They have done things in the right way
in all departments, moved with the times. There has been no standing still but
genuine ambition to reach greater heights in a now very open Premier League.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A club of Newcastle United’s
magnitude should be right up there, but 21 points and 18<sup>th</sup> in the
league tells you how it really is. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Newcastle United’s image as a
“stepping stone” club for aspiring European internationals needs to be firmly
quashed. It has been a policy that has slowly diseased a club that is sinking
year on year closer to an inevitable drop. It is no coincidence that Newcastle
have struggled for goals when the burden has been placed on a 21 year old
Mitrovic, who has a potentially high sell on value in the next 5 years, rather
than a nailed on Premier League goal getter like 27 year old Charlie Austin. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZdl2Ykp4w32eM47_ftYRKHjDOVEjU0l9cy048u2IjlinGrWfGdYauVk38xrLvqs5ksGZ8TwBqfM-PZN1H_lFOc2CFDsP7f-xs_r7YM8kd7GTuW9VEO0JuF_cFtcCkGTGpr0tKjgjiLjJ/s1600/cabaye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZdl2Ykp4w32eM47_ftYRKHjDOVEjU0l9cy048u2IjlinGrWfGdYauVk38xrLvqs5ksGZ8TwBqfM-PZN1H_lFOc2CFDsP7f-xs_r7YM8kd7GTuW9VEO0JuF_cFtcCkGTGpr0tKjgjiLjJ/s400/cabaye.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stepping stone: Newcastle's stepping stone mentality has been a slow disease</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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An unwillingness to pay that
bit more for guaranteed, proven results and take risks on players that may or
(more often) may not pay off has ultimately now left Mike Ashley and Lee
Charnley needing to take risks the other way round. They seem to only learn
when mistake after mistake is made.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
But with Newcastle only
serving to consistently lose games in the Premier League and stay firmly in the
relegation mire, too many mistakes may well have been made. There is no doubt,
with a minimum of 5 wins needed from the remaining 15 games, that Newcastle are
not showing enough to suggest they will definitely stay up this time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Yes, Ashley may well be
bringing in impressive signings with a Premier League blueprint now, but it
could be too little too late for Newcastle United. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-76712503013342498382015-09-16T15:36:00.001-07:002015-09-16T15:36:16.843-07:00One Step Forward, Two Steps Back<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Monday night's defeat at West Ham United was described as a
"wake up call" by Steve McClaren. For Newcastle United supporters it
was like waking up in a time where the team was managed by John Carver.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">For all the positivity amongst a mixed bag
of results so far this season, the 2-0 reverse very much felt like a couple of
steps back having seemingly taken a step forward. It was a stark reminder that,
despite an excellent recruitment drive this summer, Newcastle still have an
awful lot of work to do to improve on the last couple of seasons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiIXKjGFlJat8-GckVs7gTzxWNT0J4kG0-BKgUsXHtNDg1JdOV0jVbqYnXJmqV-Jed17WDimIPEPXCM42PKI5kc30Kx-hOwfUjFFuGzAOtNgFngXBOoKVwwpsIgTl812NWy779rxGw15E/s1600/West-Ham-vs-Newcastle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJiIXKjGFlJat8-GckVs7gTzxWNT0J4kG0-BKgUsXHtNDg1JdOV0jVbqYnXJmqV-Jed17WDimIPEPXCM42PKI5kc30Kx-hOwfUjFFuGzAOtNgFngXBOoKVwwpsIgTl812NWy779rxGw15E/s400/West-Ham-vs-Newcastle.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots to ponder: Steve McClaren has work to do to improve United fortunes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">This was not a performance that suggested
that the club has kicked on from the woes of the previous regime, and it was an
all too familiar sinking feeling as the goals went in and the final whistle
blew at the Boleyn Ground.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">"Gutless" was a term widely used
to describe Newcastle's performance in its aftermath and it is hard to argue.
Unfortunately and worryingly, without ever making it an excuse, as soon as I
heard the team were stuck in London traffic I was quick to assume that a lot of
the players wouldn't fancy it out there once the game kicked off.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Andy Cole gave his view that the side is
full of "expensive foreign talent" who do not know what it means to
the supporters to wear the shirt. Before the game, having seen West Ham's line
up, I was quick to remark on Twitter that Florian Thauvin had the opportunity
to give James Tomkins a nightmare evening down the left side. A big Centre Half
operating out of position against an exciting winger should fear the worst yet
it turned out to be a stroll in the park for Tomkins.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipe0nHxIDwur0Eu5W3aP95kwyoIZu43zqqDrnqHOIh8LL7jbBCYFs-5ckhLAwRqxSI0e6ggEPommsxSkKJsud6C4CFxhxM9iGUr1o2ozAdR_MiFXXE8EM7KayF3jT7muqDr5eJ4PR8jI0/s1600/daryl-janmaat-victor-moses-west-ham-2-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipe0nHxIDwur0Eu5W3aP95kwyoIZu43zqqDrnqHOIh8LL7jbBCYFs-5ckhLAwRqxSI0e6ggEPommsxSkKJsud6C4CFxhxM9iGUr1o2ozAdR_MiFXXE8EM7KayF3jT7muqDr5eJ4PR8jI0/s400/daryl-janmaat-victor-moses-west-ham-2-01.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lone ranger: Janmaat provided Newcastle's only threat on Monday</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Thauvin turned in an eye-catching
performance in the League Cup however, like Sissoko, Cisse, and Anita, didn't
turn up on a Monday night in East London. It was a frighteningly Remy
Cabella-esque performance by the Frenchman, who exchanged ways with last
season's flop. This backs up Cole's point that for all the international
talent, you've got to dig in and attempt to put in a performance every time you
play in the Premier League.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Newcastle United have spent too long
carrying mediocre foreign players who can't be trusted to provide any sort of
consistency. Steve McClaren has his work cut out to improve this.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">A major problem for United since the
departure of Yohan Cabaye and the isolation of Hatem Ben Arfa has been a severe
lack of quality and creativity in midfield. It seemed like every time Chancel
Mbemba brought the ball out of the defence there was absolutely nobody showing
for the ball in the middle of the park; nobody coming to take control of such a
key area. Mbemba's frustration was apparent as he once again resorted to
playing it long.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Gary Neville gave a damning assessment of
the midfield, highlighting how they were neither protecting the back four nor
supporting the attack. The final ball, as it has been since Cabaye left for
Paris, was weak and ineffective, even suicidal; as yet another embarrassing set
piece led to the killer second goal for the Hammers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">There is no risk taking. As Neville said
the front three hardly covered themselves in glory but there was a chronic lack
of support, probing, and adventure. Aimless cross after aimless cross made its
way towards the vicinity of the West Ham penalty area with an alarming lack of
quality. Other than the right back Janmaat, who in one game registered nearly
all of the season’s shots on target thus far, there was no endeavour to really
breach and get beyond the opposition.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It was frighteningly resemblant of early
last season, particularly another miserable Monday night game at Stoke City
where the team wouldn't have scored if they had played all night.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">McClaren's set up with two holding
midfielders and one striker is not providing the desired platform for the team
to achieve results and the head coach must surely be plotting changes for the
upcoming game against Watford. Only when Siem De Jong came on and Wijnaldum
dropped deeper to link up with his compatriot did Newcastle look anything
remotely like a threat.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEdv-b41lmEzeBk8U1hUGr17sibPWZ6lOYrAj-WipReMqEyCeq690lVu-6tyX1M452oyYbJHkKA4UQ6IG3l2853Bu__-oUZcHONFzYP7pybRcKSQmX6a38zdAWskuiWb7QL11Ig0MO092/s1600/24107955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVEdv-b41lmEzeBk8U1hUGr17sibPWZ6lOYrAj-WipReMqEyCeq690lVu-6tyX1M452oyYbJHkKA4UQ6IG3l2853Bu__-oUZcHONFzYP7pybRcKSQmX6a38zdAWskuiWb7QL11Ig0MO092/s400/24107955.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box to box: Wijnaldum must be utilised better to improve chances of goals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">De Jong's gradual inclusion is probably
right, taking into account his horrendous fortune with injury last season.
Hopefully this will lead to him starting regularly, as he looks like he has the
quality to play in the position that Wijnaldum is currently occupying.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">From what I have seen of Newcastle's
biggest summer signing, Gini Wijnaldum looks far more effective when he plays
deeper than the Number 10 role. Strong on the ball and composed in possession,
Wijnaldum has the quality to hurt opposition from the centre of the pitch.
Also, rather than hoping to run onto crosses, passes and knock downs, he can be
the man providing the quality for the likes of De Jong and co further forward.
McClaren talked of him being a box-to-box player so is it time to implement
that? I think so. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Criticism of Papiss Cisse on the back of
Monday's game is largely unfair. We all know where Cisse's strengths lie and
how he relies on service to provide the goods. Just look at last season, where
sometimes the only balls of quality provided (usually from Janmaat) led to
Cisse goals. He is not a player who can work in isolation and hold up the ball
and link play as he was expected to at Upton Park. Yes he was poor on the ball
but he only ever got it with his back to goal well outside of the penalty area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">As Alan Shearer said, Newcastle would have
fared the same playing with 10 men but that is more the fault of Newcastle's
set up and lack of build-up play than Cisse's alone.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">There will be calls for Ayoze Perez's
inclusion this weekend, and it is hard to argue. His cameo on Monday, as with
De Jong's, brought much needed quality and composure that the side has been
lacking. He is a fantastic outlet for maintaining possession and bringing
teammates into play. I certainly wouldn't be surprised to see a linkup between
the two substitutes from the start, which will perhaps allow Newcastle to
muster more quality attempts on goal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuqkA2dLzTnYhImHaqTEyucj7mp5JBsuGvwNBKg08aqOaTgqrQVrRXspmuVbvq-V6IuEffC-pJfK-zDAeKA3tghjeCmUnwaILK4FbF3vEgkTV5WIcf7JRtmPDVIXS87JTb2c8p4PCm92A/s1600/siem-de-jong-scores-first-newcastle-goal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkuqkA2dLzTnYhImHaqTEyucj7mp5JBsuGvwNBKg08aqOaTgqrQVrRXspmuVbvq-V6IuEffC-pJfK-zDAeKA3tghjeCmUnwaILK4FbF3vEgkTV5WIcf7JRtmPDVIXS87JTb2c8p4PCm92A/s400/siem-de-jong-scores-first-newcastle-goal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Change: Calls have been made to start De Jong and Perez against Watford</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It is a given that Saturday is a must win
game, particularly with the fixtures that follow. If Newcastle want to keep
themselves away from a relegation battle this season, they simply have to be
winning a game against newly-promoted Watford. As with last season with the
victory over Leicester at the seventh attempt, we all know that one win can
kick start a good run. Who thought that Newcastle would go on to register the
victories that they did after that first win?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">It is far too early in the season to be
panicking, just look at Chelsea. But it is also important that the early
problems are addressed and are not ignored. McClaren has himself expressed
everybody's reservations and openly admitted the need to improve. If the
solution is not found then indeed it will be a tough season, but there must be
confidence that the club can make the improvements necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">One win in the Premier League under the
new regime can give Newcastle United the stride forward needed to escape the
perils of the past few seasons. Without adapting the current structure on the
field however, the goals, clean sheets, and victories will continue to be hard
to come by.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-91779730428523901362015-09-07T14:49:00.003-07:002015-09-07T14:59:26.595-07:00Unwanted: Mitrovic must shake off unfair reputation<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I've watched it time and again and my opinion hasn't changed since
the live incident: Aleksandar Mitrovic was unfortunate to be sent off against
Arsenal at St James' Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">His eyes firmly fixed on the ball, the big striker attempted to
trap the ball on its way down but it was nicked away by Francis Coquelin. A
split second incident, ultimately the theft of the ball meant that there was no
other outcome than Mitrovic landing on the midfielder's ankle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkON1MZm12hSBNDaUwp77XWQdqirwgxQJQPeOJKER0FnpVeBGPtnM6BygP_MZo-ZrqaFUYdgXUTGkShO1VFz4nQxW_996-Y1oLMF1_6kPUfd7UO_-3y7rSJCTOxoYeZVEcPH_9lZcqqY9/s1600/Mitrovic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTkON1MZm12hSBNDaUwp77XWQdqirwgxQJQPeOJKER0FnpVeBGPtnM6BygP_MZo-ZrqaFUYdgXUTGkShO1VFz4nQxW_996-Y1oLMF1_6kPUfd7UO_-3y7rSJCTOxoYeZVEcPH_9lZcqqY9/s400/Mitrovic.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Eyes on the ball: Mitrovic unfortunate to be shown red</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He challenged for the ball and missed out. Mistimed, yes.
Intentional? Not for me. It was certainly a physical challenge but Mitrovic is
a big, physical player and last time I looked football was a contact sport.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now I'm not saying I'm an advocate for two footed challenges,
elbows, and lunges but this was none of them. Unfortunately modern football
dictates that any sort of challenge can run the risk of caution and it is going
to come to a point where players are not competing for the ball in fear of such
reprimand.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I agree that the referee's job is difficult, having to make a lot
of decisions in a split second in a high pressured arena and I understand that
this can lead to poor decisions being made. But there is no doubt in my mind
that Mitrovic's "reputation" came into play when Andre Marriner was
making his mind up about which card to produce.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The enthusiastic frontman has certainly done himself no favours in
his initial forays in Newcastle colours with his rash bookings against
Southampton and Swansea in the season's opening exchanges. His early
indiscipline was gold-dust for pundits and the media who thrive on absolutely
anything to fuel their sensationalism.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2T27BzWdiPwDPx-4xOLjTLrkCljR2SicsRvWrwsUqnk9G4d8mNF7WU-DQrU_RZMFyeJG8DkN18-l8OGRLRQHFRg53yHBH1fQEY_3XEIbtG1UtdaSjBm1-ErFBl1B275U1OhhqAzLrJPt/s1600/2B3A388800000578-0-image-a-80_1439137342149.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm2T27BzWdiPwDPx-4xOLjTLrkCljR2SicsRvWrwsUqnk9G4d8mNF7WU-DQrU_RZMFyeJG8DkN18-l8OGRLRQHFRg53yHBH1fQEY_3XEIbtG1UtdaSjBm1-ErFBl1B275U1OhhqAzLrJPt/s400/2B3A388800000578-0-image-a-80_1439137342149.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Unwanted attention: Striker has brought trouble to his own door at times</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He can deny it all he wants but Andre Marriner was instantly
reminded of Mitrovic's indiscretions as soon as that challenge was made. Would
he have made the same decision if it was Santi Carzola or Alexis Sanchez making
that challenge on a Newcastle player?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He almost proved that he wouldn't have made that decision with
almost any other player, booking Moussa Sissoko minutes before with what looked
in my view a naughtier challenge. That is what is frustrating with Premier
League officiating; consistency. Week in, week out we are seeing a lack of
consistency throughout the game - referees failing to keep controversy from
their door.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If Mitrovic's was a red then so was Sissoko's. If Sissoko's was a
yellow then surely Mitrovic's should have followed suit. In commentary Chris
Waddle aired his annoyance at both decisions, particularly Sissoko's; which he
said shouldn't have been a booking. Another frustrating yellow card in a
physical game far removed from when Waddle played. Both challenges were players
attempting to tackle or control the ball in what should be a physical contest,
yet both yielded different consequences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The problem with modern day football is the fact that incidents
can be analysed and scrutinised from every angle in every motion. The more you
look at a tackle the more it can make you think it is worse than it actually
was: Pundits and analysts looking to boost ratings and sell newspapers with
"headlines" which dominate all week along ahead of Premier League
fixtures. They will disagree of course but in my book they have the potential
to influence an official's mind-set going into games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">People who may oppose need only look at how the weekend panned out
as a whole. Do you think that if there wasn't a red card in the early kick off
for "dangerous play" that there would have been a total of 6 red
cards issued? There is no way that every official in the top league that
weekend didn't see or hear about Mitrovic's sending off and its circumstances
before they set out to work in the afternoon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Controversial thinking maybe, but look at the horrendous decision
to send off Mark Noble at Anfield. Whenever there seems to be a red card for a
dangerous tackle or incident, there seems to be a spate of cards that follow.
Some referees are driven by fear that they will make the incorrect decision,
and do nothing but steer themselves towards actually doing it. Expect to see
more contentious reds in the coming games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ld2aKrNChV_MUu466HKnLs4XQ3AmumEWD80GBuMoxLHCkIJPcHud8dSJL2iYGeGU2-TPsfxy3feGJwWUadgtPwMQt-AhMR7M4qf9VOWWSX64ETLXWSLUs6Mxd05l_CIkSKuP3gWivj8k/s1600/b4da99f0-518a-11e5-9562-4db3ad6f6fd2_GettyImages-485719232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ld2aKrNChV_MUu466HKnLs4XQ3AmumEWD80GBuMoxLHCkIJPcHud8dSJL2iYGeGU2-TPsfxy3feGJwWUadgtPwMQt-AhMR7M4qf9VOWWSX64ETLXWSLUs6Mxd05l_CIkSKuP3gWivj8k/s400/b4da99f0-518a-11e5-9562-4db3ad6f6fd2_GettyImages-485719232.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Baffling: Refereeing decisions continue to dominate the Premier League</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What can be done to help? Every weekend seems to be dominated by a
debatable refereeing decision. I am largely sceptical about video technology
being introduced, as I think once it is in place where would you draw the line?
It could become something that completely dominates the sport and makes
football become a game different to what we know now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One use would be in the case of red cards. The appeal system in
cricket could be utilised, with the fourth official using video technology to
agree with, or overturn a straight red card. A team reduced to ten men could
have the player restored soon after if the decision was deemed wrong. It
wouldn't really interrupt the flow of the game anyway, but as I said before
where would you draw the line with the technology once it was in use?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Regardless of the controversy, Aleksandar Mitrovic has a problem
he needs to deal with. Rightly or wrongly he has very quickly got a reputation
for reasons he would rather avoid. Steve McClaren, Tim Krul, and Malcolm
Macdonald to name a few have all expressed the need for the Serbian to
"channel" his enthusiasm. There is nothing wrong with the player's
will to compete and win for his team, to impress the Geordie faithful - it is
to be admired. But in a modern game where any mistimed tackle or jump can
result in suspension, he does need to manage his control.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It is fair to say Alan Shearer would have been far more penalised
in 2015 than he was ten to twenty years previous, another physical centre
forward who Mitrovic aspires to emulate on Tyneside. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClvvP09NrAIEEx4KtKbUWHEhgjgI4leb3r660_qfBpTUh4Pf5q2YF5Qxp-bDHZVy7cIPrmCBHlY9ZrYOXr1isNK1vdn-NiFp2LuC8WPYabPuMkumjYukLlBra2tpFcf1NoAsBXlvGnpJL/s1600/alan-shearer-and-neil-len-007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiClvvP09NrAIEEx4KtKbUWHEhgjgI4leb3r660_qfBpTUh4Pf5q2YF5Qxp-bDHZVy7cIPrmCBHlY9ZrYOXr1isNK1vdn-NiFp2LuC8WPYabPuMkumjYukLlBra2tpFcf1NoAsBXlvGnpJL/s400/alan-shearer-and-neil-len-007.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Game has moved on: Alan Shearer would have faced more discipline in this age of football</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Taking the aggression out of his game would likely reduce the
impact of Mitrovic; ultimately Newcastle have bought a physical player who is
at his best when he is 100% challenging for every ball. It may well be the case
that the club and player will have to take a few more bumps and bruises and
negative decisions along with the great things we hope for him to do.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDizUFT5Ndl7YHCXzruvAp9ACdvKXVKi5hpnBMxkb3X7craOCrnyroVXiDU0tmib4N-bhnOI9GpCyCld4yk0bGH1U7Ho6Oc1JWDDx2WCUSqlFaOaZJaYYGEekhoxxhuSWeReeik8-IuLxx/s1600/aleksandr-mitrovic-steve-mcclaren-newcastle_3343824.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDizUFT5Ndl7YHCXzruvAp9ACdvKXVKi5hpnBMxkb3X7craOCrnyroVXiDU0tmib4N-bhnOI9GpCyCld4yk0bGH1U7Ho6Oc1JWDDx2WCUSqlFaOaZJaYYGEekhoxxhuSWeReeik8-IuLxx/s400/aleksandr-mitrovic-steve-mcclaren-newcastle_3343824.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frustration: Nothing has gone right for McClaren and Mitrovic so far</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What is clear for now however is that his indiscipline is already
starting to irk his Manager and team-mates. Mitrovic already has a lot of work
to do on his return. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-24994334020114417022015-08-06T15:15:00.000-07:002015-08-06T15:15:04.416-07:00The Club that we Deserve <div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<i>"It’s your money; it’s the money you've spent. It’s
the money you've spent on your replica shirts, home and away. It's the money
you've spent on your season tickets and your bonds, and your platinum clubs,
and the programmes, and the black and white magazines and I see it as my job,
and it’s a privilege to have the job, of reinvesting that money. You put it in
and I put it into the team so that when you come to watch the product on the
park here it’s the very, very best that we feel we can provide. Because that's
what you deserve."</i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
30th July 1996. The words of
Kevin Keegan rang around St James' Park; an entire Geordie nation hanging on
every word. Newcastle United had just smashed all football transfer records by
acquiring Alan Shearer from Blackburn Rovers for a staggering £15m. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6zLOG_aZooJ2dwYLDUJycI9H8b2ozHAn8VoS0vOmNnquewLiTP23BkMDA_O6lcfrOY65wou9ABFFA3UsFl20_dlMp474e-4KIGFJQVzUjbGlQ_cC2LXWoMG0yu2TSRWHDQhB9ExYjT6L/s1600/Alan-Shearer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib6zLOG_aZooJ2dwYLDUJycI9H8b2ozHAn8VoS0vOmNnquewLiTP23BkMDA_O6lcfrOY65wou9ABFFA3UsFl20_dlMp474e-4KIGFJQVzUjbGlQ_cC2LXWoMG0yu2TSRWHDQhB9ExYjT6L/s400/Alan-Shearer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ambition: The world stood still when Shearer came home in 1996</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Nervous excitement in his
voice, Keegan announced Newcastle as a serious force to be reckoned with. A
sensational statement of intent had been made by the club and the chairman Sir
John Hall, who had, with Keegan, assembled a tremendous squad of players in
just four years. Hall spoke passionately about the plans for a new 60,000
seater stadium, as Newcastle's rise had seemingly outgrown its capacity of that
time, and a major investment in soccer academies to secure the next generation
of Alan Shearer's. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
My word the club was going
places and Alan Shearer was surely the cherry on top of the icing on a very,
very sweet cake. The ambition was staggering, yet was playing out in front of
our eyes. The club made it very clear it was all about the fans. We put the
money into the club; we wanted Shearer so we got Shearer. We<span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span><i>deserved</i><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"> </span></span>it,
said Keegan. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
19 years on and Newcastle
United seemingly couldn't be further from that level of ambition. Another
lacklustre season under the stewardship of owner Mike Ashley; with more of supporter’s
money apparently going in his back pocket. The replica shirts, the season
tickets, and programmes all funding the Sports Direct Empire while the
reputation of club tumbled further into laughing stock territory. The product on the pitch was definitely not very best, the next generation of Geordie superstars nowhere to be seen. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcWsX5ziJrVeleNb_5-ztRws8QUnn8Xis2OXLkrE-WFNzQQUk2_qkT21j1sywtBuSwV7Ub0SxqWQCJXyUj2YZsC0WagkrYpzjroJyT6_jtL7t_-32QFu8o_eOmvDMcFAIo3g9MB8dmWpj/s1600/shearermanager.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcWsX5ziJrVeleNb_5-ztRws8QUnn8Xis2OXLkrE-WFNzQQUk2_qkT21j1sywtBuSwV7Ub0SxqWQCJXyUj2YZsC0WagkrYpzjroJyT6_jtL7t_-32QFu8o_eOmvDMcFAIo3g9MB8dmWpj/s400/shearermanager.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Who would have thought? Shearer can only look on as Newcastle tumbled in 2009</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
It would have been inconceivable
back then to imagine that less than 15 years on from Shearer's signing, the
£15m marquee man would be failing from the Manager's dugout to prevent his
beloved United from relegation from the Premier League. It has been sad to watch the record goalscorer rightly lambast the club as it flirted with the brink again last season.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
There are no homecoming heroes
in modern day football anymore; no World Class stars at the peak of their
powers snubbing champions to play in front of their own people. Players are
commodities bought and sold for ambition-driven businesses, and in a summer
where Manchester City have paid £49m for a frankly unproven Raheem Sterling, it
is even more inconceivable that a club of Newcastle's size have just completed
their third and fourth most expensive signings in history - for less than they
paid for Shearer in 1996. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuyypaIS0XaFN0UHexKVc3gscyPbdtaPa62BbLZ_6s4lWv9d0DA7kTFogRVhieqs_odHTSwvNt7ZveJtVpBmtiYtBaoAMeoiHata1nrggxgH_BpQqx_nsCfgNha1OpHv-maOpI7gqLpBc/s1600/georginio-wijnaldum-signing-newcastle-united-nufc-650x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJuyypaIS0XaFN0UHexKVc3gscyPbdtaPa62BbLZ_6s4lWv9d0DA7kTFogRVhieqs_odHTSwvNt7ZveJtVpBmtiYtBaoAMeoiHata1nrggxgH_BpQqx_nsCfgNha1OpHv-maOpI7gqLpBc/s400/georginio-wijnaldum-signing-newcastle-united-nufc-650x400.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third most expensive player: Gini Wijnaldum arrived for £14.5m</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Only Michael Owen in 2005 has
cost more than Shearer, and at the time that was also a major, major signing;
another show of ambition from the previous regime to Ashley. Regardless of fees however, has the summer arrivals of Wijnaldum, Mitrovic, and Mbemba truly
indicated that Mike Ashley has turned a corner?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Many were sceptical about his
pre-West Ham speech, many were optimistic. But the acquisitions of three highly
thought of players has caught everyone by surprise. A young, athletic, powerful
centre half to hopefully end Mike Williamson's continued involvement and a
creative, goal scoring midfielder have got optimism rising.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
But it is Aleksandar Mitrovic
that has got tongues wagging most. As the boring Charlie Austin "saga"
refuses to go away, people may be overlooking the fact that Newcastle could
have a serious, serious frontman on their hands in Mitrovic. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Considered one of Europe's
hottest properties, it is surprising that Newcastle have managed to pull off
his signature; particularly after his impressive foray in last season's
Champions League. What's more surprising is that Ashley has sanctioned such an
ambitious signing, shortly after securing the Dutch international and PSV
skipper Wijnaldum. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JWRL1RnyWfdOzD7xvgjbVSb66dxGUWEr7Nr0CM7kaSjRXXdMhUEpbTsizxobCPhmzJg8Fi-K0zybmvEpHizgVGOGACagIJGCUap_gTSJ-9dVd9cB5S1MyCfBM2Mm52ScIyu2Aja0pox5/s1600/Aleksandar-Mitrovic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JWRL1RnyWfdOzD7xvgjbVSb66dxGUWEr7Nr0CM7kaSjRXXdMhUEpbTsizxobCPhmzJg8Fi-K0zybmvEpHizgVGOGACagIJGCUap_gTSJ-9dVd9cB5S1MyCfBM2Mm52ScIyu2Aja0pox5/s400/Aleksandar-Mitrovic.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Burgeoning: Mitrovic's impressive Champions League exploits make his signing a real coup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Mitrovic is not a homecoming
hero, but he is a lad who openly supports Newcastle and considers Shearer is
hero and that is as good as it gets in this day and age. If he puts the ball in
the back of the net on a regular basis, then wow. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Newcastle's hierarchy must
have done something right in their pitch to these ambitious players, hopefully it’s
not the "stepping stone" idea that has left fans frustrated in recent
times. Hopefully it is about climbing the league, challenging for trophies, giving the club the stage it should be on more regularly. This could be the sign of positive times to come. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Should more players be added?
Possibly, but Steve McClaren's measured approach is correct; only the right
players will do. If they are not there then others should not be signed for
signings sake. Newcastle have shown infrequently that they do have good players
already on the books, but it was the preparation and management of these
players under Pardew and Carver that saw us lacking. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
McClaren has spoken openly
about defending from the front and shoring up at the back, about revamping set
piece approaches, improving discipline, and eradicating the dreadful injury
record. He is changing the culture of the team, who is to say he can't be the
man who will get the best out of Cabella, Coloccini, and Anita, and take Moussa
Sissoko to the next level? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWyALM4Q-v8VzSrSVsLW6nLWiiZQe-V1i3h1CAOmmxTgurNwcIOjmV1FIHoYr5LqRjh7kQ-oCWkXPkRoc1WDXyYDyYyg1yDSogBV5_y1i1EDmJe_kgTd-KbTexeP02grrPxacTNTtk0hj/s1600/Siem-de-Jong.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWyALM4Q-v8VzSrSVsLW6nLWiiZQe-V1i3h1CAOmmxTgurNwcIOjmV1FIHoYr5LqRjh7kQ-oCWkXPkRoc1WDXyYDyYyg1yDSogBV5_y1i1EDmJe_kgTd-KbTexeP02grrPxacTNTtk0hj/s400/Siem-de-Jong.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quality is there: Keeping the likes of Siem De Jong fit can improve fortunes on the pitch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Improvements across the board,
along with these new signings, can be just what Newcastle United need to kick
on in 2015/16. Keeping players fit is crucial, particularly De Jong and Rolando
Aarons. The proof will be in the pudding, especially when it comes to the cup
competitions; where we will see if the club really has turned a corner and
truly is showing vastly improved ambition. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
It is a far cry from the days
of Hall, Keegan, and Alan Shearer. But nonetheless it is a step in the right
direction. As the season approaches we once again wait with bated breath as the
Newcastle United rollercoaster prepares to take off. Are we ready? Can Newcastle United be the club that we deserve?<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-11686098036566481802015-06-13T11:40:00.000-07:002015-06-13T11:40:22.844-07:00Carver Axe Another Step on Road to Recovery<div style="text-align: justify;">
Steve McClaren's arrival as Newcastle United Head Coach and his addition to the new-look club board has created a large sense of optimism on Tyneside.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
McClaren's high standing within the game, passion for the region, and the club's willingness to increase the Head Coach's influence are positive steps on the walk away from the misery of recent years. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnXmmn2XjoKX-N3jFqRkGOowlLVcGis7MrTu22S_9fKf25U1iUzqkmbtGHWrB-kxdwPHysoikDyKA0cINSdZePgGRZBYbmEBPUDtSap4L2LqBRq2ZTwfUAWoKdKtQ-9dU1FBTLrRPrx9c/s1600/mcclaren.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnnXmmn2XjoKX-N3jFqRkGOowlLVcGis7MrTu22S_9fKf25U1iUzqkmbtGHWrB-kxdwPHysoikDyKA0cINSdZePgGRZBYbmEBPUDtSap4L2LqBRq2ZTwfUAWoKdKtQ-9dU1FBTLrRPrx9c/s400/mcclaren.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New era: Steve McClaren's arrival ended the Pardew era at Newcastle United</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;">But perhaps a more poignant step was the dismissal of beleaguered coaches John Carver and Steve Stone. A few months ago it would have been unthinkable for Mike Ashley to pay out 10 years worth of contract to remove members of staff and it was widely thought, that unlike Patrick Vieira or Michael Laudrup, Steve McClaren would be more than willing to work alongside the current backroom staff - thus saving the owner some more pennies. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Yet the former Middlesbrough Manager outlined his demands and prior to his appointment came the surprising yet welcome news of the coaching reshuffle. Ashley's Carver gamble had failed to pay off, and for Newcastle to truly move forward on the pitch anyone with a brain could see that the interim had to be out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
However merely having a brain hasn't served Newcastle United well in recent times and it was expected that Ashley would continue his low-cost empire with Carver stepping back into his assistant manager post and Steve Stone continuing to put the cones out. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Newcastle's inadequacies on the field of play have largely been down to poor tactics, selection, and training ground preparations. The player's had long stopped responding to Carver and Stone, almost as soon as Alan Pardew departed the club. Negativity seared through the club like a disease, and the players were carrying the ailment each and every week.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLucGmMTlVuiJxordrXfhYfxwQHD9g2Hsj1QX2cERznhxhn5gS3QSL6afF5-KRZ4WNA1fJmSK6a8O6liO6YNZR4LEEaRcoxxnhmHK6dd8u0pP-pmosOu3a8RSJa2rlw4G5KZ6dNQXFeGO/s1600/jonas-gutierrez-fabricio-coloccini-moussa-sissoko-newcastle-united-nufc-650x400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnLucGmMTlVuiJxordrXfhYfxwQHD9g2Hsj1QX2cERznhxhn5gS3QSL6afF5-KRZ4WNA1fJmSK6a8O6liO6YNZR4LEEaRcoxxnhmHK6dd8u0pP-pmosOu3a8RSJa2rlw4G5KZ6dNQXFeGO/s400/jonas-gutierrez-fabricio-coloccini-moussa-sissoko-newcastle-united-nufc-650x400.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unresponsive: Newcastle players failed spectacularly under John Carver</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Of course, as Carver stated numerous times, you can only work with what you are given but he was given a half decent squad of players who had beaten Chelsea, Liverpool, and Manchester City under his predecessor and were looking up rather than down at the turn of the year. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The be all and end all is that John Carver was simply not good enough; he was found wanting big time and Newcastle United almost paid the ultimate price. Sympathy for the Geordie who loved the club soon went out the window with the whimpering in the derby and clueless displays at Everton, Leicester, QPR, and at St James' Park. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ridiculous interviews and statements, turning on the players and playing the weekly Sir Bobby Robson card was bringing more shame on Toon fans already embarrassed enough. It was a case of "careful what you wish for" for those Newcastle fans delighted with Pardew's exit. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQH0PqvOSSYj5FtCOT0LEJS0Ppf_DXGQ0mAWELuJLIkPa6MCx-jrltvse0VHc1y6l-nyTchMAEJPaVFKx3kmrRAiRNpTLModiKSyoQ9l5nPkpMrlaeC2wAtTsd5mm3ovVXe1Z-CG1ZpEm/s1600/John-Carver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXQH0PqvOSSYj5FtCOT0LEJS0Ppf_DXGQ0mAWELuJLIkPa6MCx-jrltvse0VHc1y6l-nyTchMAEJPaVFKx3kmrRAiRNpTLModiKSyoQ9l5nPkpMrlaeC2wAtTsd5mm3ovVXe1Z-CG1ZpEm/s400/John-Carver.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not good enough: John Carver simply didn't have what it took to succeed as Head Coach</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The demise was spectacular but Newcastle survived and the club got their man at last in McClaren. Carver staying on would have kept that lingering failing around the players; who can now move out of the dark shadows under the new regime. Steve McClaren can now fully put his own stamp on the place, and quickly stated his intent to investigate the horrendous injury situation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The new Head Coach knows the area, knows what the fans want and expect, and hopes to bring some good times back to St James' Park. It was positive to see him added to the board of directors and hopefully he can work with Graham Carr to recruit some quality for the first team. Lee Charnley's cringe-worthy declaration that Newcastle United would now essentially "try" to win at football was another positive notion on the back of Mike Ashley's pre-West Ham statement of intent.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All we want is a club that tries, that replicates the passion of those that arrive in droves at the 52,000 seater stadium every other week. The hierarchy are certainly now making the right noises, but as ever we will believe it when we see it. One thing for certain is that Steve McClaren is determined to deliver on his part in a job he has coveted since Steve Gibson pulled the plug on it in 2004.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvbLm-hj7z3x_drBtjJDf3Xi6xXlSAoD26_Ec5CloFikVcQJlafPvMY8-A-5IVDdlke-lf6shK_TaMM5xLQ5Y8fAXNz_sO1r1RdSh2U8q-4Fxj_2upaxGcxoOxY8uqrtZQfJZB4pecteW/s1600/Alan-Pardew-John-Carver-and-Steve-Stone.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvbLm-hj7z3x_drBtjJDf3Xi6xXlSAoD26_Ec5CloFikVcQJlafPvMY8-A-5IVDdlke-lf6shK_TaMM5xLQ5Y8fAXNz_sO1r1RdSh2U8q-4Fxj_2upaxGcxoOxY8uqrtZQfJZB4pecteW/s400/Alan-Pardew-John-Carver-and-Steve-Stone.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Road to recovery: Newcastle can now move on under the new regime</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With Carver and Stone now out of the picture, Newcastle can shake off the last of the Alan Pardew era and start the long road to recovery.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-25855118987378804802015-06-05T14:18:00.002-07:002015-06-05T14:23:15.923-07:00The Leopard Won't Change His Spots <div style="text-align: justify;">
Mike Ashley's treatment of Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez, not even 7 days after the latter had almost single-handedly dragged Newcastle United over the Premier League safety line, was a stark reminder of the shame of life on Tyneside under the owner.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4gfHTV-s-3fZAhIMTkiff6QNtiZiWXJrB36ciKTJycyjqCJmK2np92R8A8Ywry_WQjvZ9wJIUblIJHDUjMWyrC61mOLERm0FueyljM2AAk28Zv9zfNPeVkQ_xwcQpn_iPXgZtmnoFVFp/s1600/ashley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4gfHTV-s-3fZAhIMTkiff6QNtiZiWXJrB36ciKTJycyjqCJmK2np92R8A8Ywry_WQjvZ9wJIUblIJHDUjMWyrC61mOLERm0FueyljM2AAk28Zv9zfNPeVkQ_xwcQpn_iPXgZtmnoFVFp/s400/ashley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Having a laugh: Ashley's latest exploits have supporters reeling again</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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Many had been left feeling optimistic of a brighter Mike Ashley/Newcastle United relationship following the Londoner's out-of-the-blue interview to Sky Sports before the 2-0 win over West Ham on "Survival Sunday". Ashley spoke of his regret and admitted his blame, promising fans a new intent to "win something" and punch above weight.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
But the sceptics were right to be sceptical of his remarkable appearance and words of encouragement, as he quickly reminded us all of his distasteful capabilities by instructing his outgoing interim Manager to relieve two professionals of their jobs in one telephone call.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two men who have for over 6 years served the black and white cause with great pride and won their place in Geordie folklore through individual and collective effort and achievement. Two men hugely popular with supporters, players, and staff dropped by the club with the greatest disrespect.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwEUDQc0Zp1bnQVMbaKO9Mi7W59ubXraumwDOSuqA-3EyVB5Mpqgn8BGFKnwAFoS606ROp7DUUhuMQy1z-YkImz64rxNcg7QOjyQyThb-y7njh7TjGaxDt4y2qcOmRp648hGAsR1xGDzi/s1600/carverjonas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGwEUDQc0Zp1bnQVMbaKO9Mi7W59ubXraumwDOSuqA-3EyVB5Mpqgn8BGFKnwAFoS606ROp7DUUhuMQy1z-YkImz64rxNcg7QOjyQyThb-y7njh7TjGaxDt4y2qcOmRp648hGAsR1xGDzi/s400/carverjonas.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The messenger: Carver uncomfortably delivered release news to the players</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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The decision to release the two out-of-contract players was realistic and largely accepted, but the manner in which the news was delivered was quite unbelievable. Ryan Taylor had unfortunately shown little in the latter stages of the season to suggest that he can play at the level required but this is a man who is a consummate professional with great affection for Newcastle fans, and gave 100% whenever he pulled on the shirt.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As for Jonas, anyone who witnessed the final game of the season at St James Park can see the mutual love between player and supporters. Gutierrez, finally restored to the left of midfield, took the game to West Ham and created a fairytale ending on the pitch. For me, he had shown enough beforehand to warrant an extended stay on Tyneside in a threadbare squad.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gutierrez's return to the playing field was the most remarkable and emotional story of the Premier League season, and huge credit to Ryan Taylor for overcoming awful injuries. Fans will never forget "over the wall" and spectacular goals from Taylor; Jonas' debut, spiderman, his character, fun, and those runs down the left. Their loyalty and commitment to the cause; promotion, consolidation, 5th place. A heroic finale for the Argentine. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjx94zi8r-nC5O1KKfCjuRt1DwqqogcXF3CImYKTIDtZFnfSoVIvTfCtWTt_im_rC1mTt6_huPWddy7f0MWsft1wPQIfu6moEGM2oIrWb6E-i625CSRDRYf5NGoaYNT7QzPpneMiTIybf/s1600/newcastle-united-v-west-ham-united-premier-league.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBjx94zi8r-nC5O1KKfCjuRt1DwqqogcXF3CImYKTIDtZFnfSoVIvTfCtWTt_im_rC1mTt6_huPWddy7f0MWsft1wPQIfu6moEGM2oIrWb6E-i625CSRDRYf5NGoaYNT7QzPpneMiTIybf/s400/newcastle-united-v-west-ham-united-premier-league.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hero: Gutierrez's final day exploits was a fairytale ending at St James' Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jonas was very accepting of his release, suggesting long before the season's completion. The poor way in which the club handled his illness was the beginning of the end and his celebration following his goal told us all we needed to know about how he feels about Newcastle's hierarchy. Would it surprise you if Ashley and Lee Charnley's method of release was stubbornness against the Argentine? Not a nice though but certainly believable. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For this is something Newcastle United fans have long been used to; negativity and embarrassment around every corner, Mike Ashley somehow finding ways to keep the club in the headlines for the wrong reasons.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The club we love is used as an advertising platform for a budget retail company, sponsored by pay-day lenders, and ran by a man who openly admitted to lying to supporters, humiliated Club legends, and renamed a historic stadium to that of a shop that sells Donnay socks. As you know, I could go on.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The point is, that despite the positivity that may have been felt regarding Ashley's interview, he is still Mike Ashley. For the past 8 years we have endured the torment that comes as the territory of his ownership. How could we feasibly trust what he has said? The treatment of these players just compounds the mistrust.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iKaqKFX_h50__NK1rPR2azBpwLSf4R2qPm_y-WM1-mHUZUQYuf50em13tViJOIwQEWjb-Xy5ouCN7GaWdF7eP9WXO2Rn1l2n9wul6BIUbo0RGJ2eRWeeflhjZr22D92YBw5rpsZQimfB/s1600/jonasryan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1iKaqKFX_h50__NK1rPR2azBpwLSf4R2qPm_y-WM1-mHUZUQYuf50em13tViJOIwQEWjb-Xy5ouCN7GaWdF7eP9WXO2Rn1l2n9wul6BIUbo0RGJ2eRWeeflhjZr22D92YBw5rpsZQimfB/s400/jonasryan.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cult heroes: Gutierrez and Taylor have long-endeared themselves to supporters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
What made the whole thing more ridiculous was the supposedly made up interview attributed to Fabricio Coloccini. As if the club thought that Jonas' best mate wouldn't let on that he didn't say what was printed on the official website. We only laugh because we are sick of crying.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dennis Wise, Joe Kinnear (twice), Wonga, Sports Direct Arena, selling players with no replacements, selling Manager's with no replacement, lying to fans, Keegangate, and now this - things of these ilk cannot rear their head if Mike Ashley wants to reclaim any faith and integrity and show the ambition that has never been there. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Challenging in the top half, going for trophies - it's a far cry from what we have become accustomed to at St James' Park. If the last few years of turmoil have been the building of an underbelly then why has it taken our esteemed leader until the lowest point to show that he can actually speak? Fans would have been ever so slightly more understanding if the club would just communicate and let us know what was going on from time to time!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1R5tHfrti9PUuMB8Cx4jvIIDgf3P9eqZ53UrFo1T71csCPoC_tOFPVzMTD8n4boRy6xsLaxTbFDVlxLdLS7PtUrD8EWjxGmyKIKiXXAv5nAP3MinXqRJRxV6oN6e6WAVP8hSQf8G284U/s1600/Mike-Ashley-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1R5tHfrti9PUuMB8Cx4jvIIDgf3P9eqZ53UrFo1T71csCPoC_tOFPVzMTD8n4boRy6xsLaxTbFDVlxLdLS7PtUrD8EWjxGmyKIKiXXAv5nAP3MinXqRJRxV6oN6e6WAVP8hSQf8G284U/s400/Mike-Ashley-2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Increased ambition: Can Charnley and Ashley put words into action?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If the club is to bolt the horse and punch above the weight then, as our wise Interim would often say, the proof will be in the pudding. I would love to believe that the intention is there, but this is Mike Ashley's Newcastle United we are talking about and anything could happen. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
To Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez, thank you. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-34799299367197755352015-02-23T15:12:00.001-08:002015-02-23T15:12:47.770-08:00On the Road to Nowhere<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">"It hurts me to say
this, but Newcastle United are a club going nowhere"<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Undoubtedly
the thoughts and feelings of every Newcastle fan right about now, but it’s a
particularly stinging assessment when it comes from Kevin Keegan. Alan Shearer
branded United "pathetic"; two of Newcastle's three most important
figures of the modern age despairing at current events on Tyneside. I wouldn't
want to know what Sir Bobby would think.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fbIvNz9XyFXjDD9v-vt9_Fm97GUK3d-8GxiiVU1JjL-vVLu2vIij8cwKJwqRrQlAKbdvC7WSD4IlaL6l1hAvsM2-vHbLpJthhHd0v5LLrUbh3UvjSxSv0SRyhrES-52wVSf7XZ5SB3kd/s1600/Jack-Colback.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fbIvNz9XyFXjDD9v-vt9_Fm97GUK3d-8GxiiVU1JjL-vVLu2vIij8cwKJwqRrQlAKbdvC7WSD4IlaL6l1hAvsM2-vHbLpJthhHd0v5LLrUbh3UvjSxSv0SRyhrES-52wVSf7XZ5SB3kd/s1600/Jack-Colback.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pathetic: Newcastle have been lambasted for their recent defeat at Manchester City</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">For
as Newcastle once again rolled over for a Premier League opposition, it was
further evidence that indeed the club is indeed going nowhere. Neither up nor
down, Saturday's "showing" alarmingly indicated that the coaching and
playing staff may actually share Mike Ashley's non-ambition.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">It
would take a monumental shift for Newcastle to go down this season, and
probably a monumental shift to finish any higher than 11th. Safe in the warm
arms of the Premier League, with its mega TV packages, advertising exposure and
sponsorship deals. The 19th richest club in the world off the field, but on it
a million miles away from their Top 20 counterparts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
owner's indifference to on-field success is seeping onto the pitch like poison.
Fans and local press are often accused of being too nostalgic, harking back to
days of Keegan, Shearer, and Robson. But what else is there to hold onto? We
had the ambition of champions, the passion of the fans was replicated on the
pitch and in the dugout. Now our heroes are despairing alongside us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9acfzGVMDxbIu_hLZ5ROh-TsF5wsuFLI8f4Mdjhyphenhyphenf4F0VpvrEe_qrwtDeQN175aUfPOIHR_lmPpcodd170cGoeDAs1xaxw3JWEdUfeUQ6dFTDSv_nyuoRWAKwTtV7r_ZSipzhrks2hyphenhyphend/s1600/ashley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO9acfzGVMDxbIu_hLZ5ROh-TsF5wsuFLI8f4Mdjhyphenhyphenf4F0VpvrEe_qrwtDeQN175aUfPOIHR_lmPpcodd170cGoeDAs1xaxw3JWEdUfeUQ6dFTDSv_nyuoRWAKwTtV7r_ZSipzhrks2hyphenhyphend/s1600/ashley.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No ambition? Newcastle are stood still under Mike Ashley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I
don't think I've written an article that hasn't referenced the Magpies 5th
place finish in 2012. But that is my most recent nostalgia, the last ounce of
ambition shown - that flickering hope of competing once again in the higher
echelons of England. Newcastle's failure to even attempt to capitalise on that
impressive campaign is scandalous. The 19th richest club in the world with the
Premier League's third biggest stadium shouldn't be finishing any lower than
8th in any season. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Newcastle's
unexpected rise only served to tighten Mike Ashley's grip on their league
stability, and fast-tracked the commercial success the owner now enjoys. The
club was winning admirers for recruiting Graham Carr's spotted talent in a
thrifty manner, but the insistence in only operating in this manner has begun
to prove as problematic as it was positive. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Players
being bought young to be sold for profit later on is a well-documented problem
in itself, but too often since the "French Revolution" in January
2013 have Newcastle United players succumbed to embarrassing hammering's both
home and away. Since the rude awakening of that 6-0 defeat at home to Liverpool,
Newcastle have lost by three goals or more to Sunderland, Man City (twice),
Swansea, Chelsea, Spurs (twice), Everton, Manchester United, Southampton
(twice) and Arsenal (twice). <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0bz-BuKG04TyYF_kSG2VxZa1dV5lEjBlExv-fCMpHV2Y5fApjpwHblZIa3UWjsK_YMyyl5HVIdL51zXnHaRoBpD45IYPFYv-dTIsP2Ka_GF6wkTMPmi__unYRdS-YuT7xBoCQM6kMb_3/s1600/man+u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0bz-BuKG04TyYF_kSG2VxZa1dV5lEjBlExv-fCMpHV2Y5fApjpwHblZIa3UWjsK_YMyyl5HVIdL51zXnHaRoBpD45IYPFYv-dTIsP2Ka_GF6wkTMPmi__unYRdS-YuT7xBoCQM6kMb_3/s1600/man+u.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down and out: Too often have Newcastle deflated home fans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">None
of those defeats have been valiant efforts, all carrying the gutless undertones
that were so blatantly on show at the Etihad last time out. All carried the
negative, care-free body language that followed every Man City goal. All
riddled with individual errors like that of Vurnon Anita, all performed by
players lacking passion and desire. Most crucially, all managed by the same
management and coaching team<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Alan
Pardew's departure has only allowed John Carver to carry on over-seeing a
wretched 12 months at St James Park. Players continue to lie down when they
don't fancy it, offer nothing when falling behind. The only difference is that
United would have probably held on to beat Burnley and Stoke under Pardew.
Already a miserable situation, Newcastle are now being led by a less suitable
Head Coach who's post-match interviews are even more frustrating than his
predecessor. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLydFRATYHIMOeJzS1xuYBFiq0fwOMO846U1BcUNtIA0-jQ0fVtM6dgiWIrWOpuEHIbFGPza1ZenUeZtN9jZkgKF_jLY_r1-_yvU9okBLgGnhCRWHgL_2dTavo241ssazdjIE-ltF0YyA/s1600/John-Carver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZLydFRATYHIMOeJzS1xuYBFiq0fwOMO846U1BcUNtIA0-jQ0fVtM6dgiWIrWOpuEHIbFGPza1ZenUeZtN9jZkgKF_jLY_r1-_yvU9okBLgGnhCRWHgL_2dTavo241ssazdjIE-ltF0YyA/s1600/John-Carver.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No answers: Carver has struggled to justify a future as Head Coach</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">King
Kev reckons that Carver won't be in charge going into next season, and fans can
only hope so. For fortunes to change on the field, the club needs an overhaul
of management and coaching. While they're at it they should hire a new physio
team too. United have lost their identity, and only a fresh approach to tactics
and team selection can change the prospects on match-day. We all pray for De
Boer or Garde, but who would be surprised if Ashley opted for his most
cost-effective option?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What
has been really telling in recent times is the squad's lack of leadership;
compounded as two of Newcastle's substitutes were sent out to apologise for the
latest drubbing. Our Club Captain, whose voice I've never heard interviewed,
was once again part of a lacklustre defeat, once again absent from the inquest.
The side have nobody to galvanise them; Colback was stupid, Sissoko tried to
force the initiative but was quick to sulk. How long before Krul gets sick of
picking the ball out of the net?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dgD9D_7Kp-7E6_ffYcsCdNSqu449mUTbbxE-2j1oemHy27o5zyEsSvps494U8v2PcwLoCwdk4YegYxpfZBCwah8Oe25p-2ZLFVj1rM9BEuBUEsNUeUoqWLaxV-qfXxb_t63Wmad6Zlv_/s1600/sissoko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dgD9D_7Kp-7E6_ffYcsCdNSqu449mUTbbxE-2j1oemHy27o5zyEsSvps494U8v2PcwLoCwdk4YegYxpfZBCwah8Oe25p-2ZLFVj1rM9BEuBUEsNUeUoqWLaxV-qfXxb_t63Wmad6Zlv_/s1600/sissoko.jpg" height="205" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prize asset: How long before another Newcastle star is moved on?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Coloccini,
Gouffran, Williamson, Anita, Sissoko. All part of the sides turned over too
often. Cisse is starved of quality service. The Newcastle coaching set up has
for too long preferred to continue with these players, continue with the same
hapless tactical approach. The win over Liverpool in November was Newcastle's
best display this season. Now the likes of Abeid and Obertan can't get a look
in despite being fit for a good few weeks; Carver happy to stick with the
frustrating Gouffran and Anita. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The
season is not over until that final day. There are league positions to fight
for, a derby to win, impressions to make. If Newcastle are looking to bring in
a fresh Head Coach then these players should be fighting for their futures. Krul,
Sissoko, and Perez are by far the club's prized assets; but how long before
these assets are cashed in? Abeid, Aarons, Ameobi, and Obertan should be given
the opportunity to flourish between now and May; Ryan Taylor too. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVaCun02WiUg95xh-xc2deyiIsf-imJ0xeyayZv19lgh708_wY8rKek5IaZMLFf9veaXvLELJimWP3tk0Yxf_8DgssqxWNtu19QuuDlkKJLzMcnpistMOfPnHX-0zvntxzEoAeUeYDLdD/s1600/Rolando-Aarons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrVaCun02WiUg95xh-xc2deyiIsf-imJ0xeyayZv19lgh708_wY8rKek5IaZMLFf9veaXvLELJimWP3tk0Yxf_8DgssqxWNtu19QuuDlkKJLzMcnpistMOfPnHX-0zvntxzEoAeUeYDLdD/s1600/Rolando-Aarons.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something to play for: United need to utilise the returning Aarons</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">If
the owner opts to ignore the blatant need for new Management structure next
season, I dread to think of the direction Newcastle United might head. A
continual orbit around mid-table mediocrity, an occasional flirtation with the
trap-door. Moments of promise forever dashed, that nagging reminder of the
suffering of this great football club. Sleeping giants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A
fresh impetus in the dugout is needed to awaken Newcastle on the field. If
Charnley and Ashley have the ambition we all doubt, they will give the club
what it needs. What is really needed of course is a fresh impetus from top to
bottom, but that's not going to happen any time soon. The least the owner can
do is give the fans something to be proud of on the pitch while he continues to
cash in.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">But
hey John Carver is cheap and available, so what do I know?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-33793942642226540182014-12-30T17:52:00.000-08:002014-12-30T17:52:27.287-08:00Love Will Tear us Apart<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">“<i>It's about love, it's about love and putting cover on each other, and they did that. Fantastic.</i>”</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">Alan Pardew spoke passionately about his players love for one another after one of the best Newcastle United performances in his four year stay on Tyneside - that 2-1 victory over a rumoured unbeatable Chelsea.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: 'Open Sans', Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">Yet love was something Alan Pardew had not received since he stunningly became Newcastle United Manager in 2010. A dislike verging on pure hatred in recent times, a lack of love from supporters that seemingly has led to his equally stunning departure. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwJ-tMPQ-QZeYyQQxgmioUpRPOpZ8aNG5HMVCoeASP5otxI2wIobmHHSDZMMZ_OR7S5VaC2vfG1vH68_79qc-FK_7LrqZvq4ddbalUEgXaMicqMwCkHJVRylc59n5si3jTyeA-Jitriki/s1600/Alan+Pardew+Newcastle+United+v+Hull+City+Premier+6dPVTEM037cl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwJ-tMPQ-QZeYyQQxgmioUpRPOpZ8aNG5HMVCoeASP5otxI2wIobmHHSDZMMZ_OR7S5VaC2vfG1vH68_79qc-FK_7LrqZvq4ddbalUEgXaMicqMwCkHJVRylc59n5si3jTyeA-Jitriki/s1600/Alan+Pardew+Newcastle+United+v+Hull+City+Premier+6dPVTEM037cl.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protest: Alan Pardew has long endured the frustration of Newcastle supporters</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">I have been disappointed for Pardew at times, been equally disappointed by him at others. But what disappoints me most is that a Premier League Manager would leave Newcastle United for a relegation scrap with Crystal Palace. This is a really hard pill to swallow and you would hope would be a real eye-opener for Mike Ashley. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">As for Pardew, can you really blame him as a human being for walking away? I've always openly described the abuse he has received as over the top; over-spilled passion getting far too personal. He goes to somewhere where he has respect, he has backing. He goes home to his family. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">He was never going to win at Newcastle. A brief fling aside as he marvellously led the club to 5th in 2012, Pardew was much maligned from the word go. Not surprising at all, given that he never crossed supporters minds as a replacement for Chris Hughton. Of course it became very clear why he was appointed. Perhaps "Yes-Man" isn't the fairest way to describe it, but certainly Pardew was more than happy to work under the Ashley regime. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rOEs1yR11Q0L9649QH-4VnVrnv3f5ib39fRa8acpLJiohRT3IoUEZ8W8d7cOUGpZOGrwuvkUV3UqMi4QGiDMZCFwjlo6jp41lCv9zzrV4zFJXbvjzXakksamX2BvvinZq6Z5qgc3UD6e/s1600/alan-pardew_1782041b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4rOEs1yR11Q0L9649QH-4VnVrnv3f5ib39fRa8acpLJiohRT3IoUEZ8W8d7cOUGpZOGrwuvkUV3UqMi4QGiDMZCFwjlo6jp41lCv9zzrV4zFJXbvjzXakksamX2BvvinZq6Z5qgc3UD6e/s1600/alan-pardew_1782041b.jpg" height="250" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Surprise: Nobody anticipated Pardew's appointment in 2010</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">Pardew has had to be the face of his owners actions, the man in the firing line time after time as Ashley frustrated fans. He lost Andy Carroll, had his desire for building on 5th ignored, was embarrassed by Joe Kinnear, and lost Yohan Cabaye with no replacement given to him. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">Time after time it was he that took the flak, he that faced the questions that he must have wanted to ask himself. Suggestions that he wouldn't be backed once again in the market after he had publicly expressed the need for two new recruits may also have added to the misery. Perhaps he just didn't want to have to be the face of more January despair.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5IfCKhqiCR40yAZ-Vm6nCE1JNPhk_MfOvryHFdV40Zq6CesI057jD5f4_6VVXC5gDdkkXonWuMNfQC7gcuTtGbeLOtPSNgVTFfAY9o0bZkz_hAgTUQruEaFk8bwb9ZyV6IN1Fctfgl0H/s1600/cabaye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie5IfCKhqiCR40yAZ-Vm6nCE1JNPhk_MfOvryHFdV40Zq6CesI057jD5f4_6VVXC5gDdkkXonWuMNfQC7gcuTtGbeLOtPSNgVTFfAY9o0bZkz_hAgTUQruEaFk8bwb9ZyV6IN1Fctfgl0H/s1600/cabaye.jpg" height="258" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Cabaye: Losing star player kick started a dreadful 2014</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">It's been good, bad, and ugly under Pardew. 2014 has been utterly dreadful and after a second successive 4-0 defeat at Southampton it was almost evident that nothing had changed between the two drubbings, despite change in personnel. Recent impressive victorious have probably papered over the cracks that suggest Pardew has taken Newcastle United as far as he could.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQorNmRMWsR45OT5k7d6Ab7zYp90rjGthCfndtFxGLl0ff93R-LzTUIOoEeFDkZLa7olmbFWEMRkpkUbaFBwOLhobSX-ka2gLu5K-kgTSq4ReH7iC4lbpj_heWFcz2g2GT7qWaa9Y5lMz/s1600/Alan-Pardew-headbutt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbQorNmRMWsR45OT5k7d6Ab7zYp90rjGthCfndtFxGLl0ff93R-LzTUIOoEeFDkZLa7olmbFWEMRkpkUbaFBwOLhobSX-ka2gLu5K-kgTSq4ReH7iC4lbpj_heWFcz2g2GT7qWaa9Y5lMz/s1600/Alan-Pardew-headbutt.jpg" height="240" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ugly: Pardew had some notable flashpoints as Newcastle United Manager</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">His departure is largely celebrated on Tyneside, but will it be something that supporters live to regret? Newcastle fans don't expect year on year trophies, just a football club and a team that mirrors the 52,000 seater cathedral that has housed legends of the game. We can dream of De Boer and Klopp, we should really have such links, but in reality would they ever cross Mike Ashley's mind?</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">Remember "Open Your Eyes, the Problem is Wise"? A Manager with polar opposite popularity to Alan Pardew, an institution of Newcastle United driven out by the Sports Direct mogul. Kevin Keegan couldn't do it, Alan Shearer wasn't allowed to do it - if Alan Pardew has given up on it, who do we really expect to walk through the door?</span></span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl8GMY_LPTCzTpxzVB7ee1qRaBWrsjCBMwMwBjYCtX4_2jBSrku9bUDL3ggb_uEpIJtZSVCp7mbhO469NRDlnEIdLcSMnHXEg88Ta5RIrs7hyvnchHKlfOtEeWWKXY7gT-jQQJmBgeHSc/s1600/wise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVl8GMY_LPTCzTpxzVB7ee1qRaBWrsjCBMwMwBjYCtX4_2jBSrku9bUDL3ggb_uEpIJtZSVCp7mbhO469NRDlnEIdLcSMnHXEg88Ta5RIrs7hyvnchHKlfOtEeWWKXY7gT-jQQJmBgeHSc/s1600/wise.jpg" height="320" width="197" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ashley Out: Fans have long suffered Mike Ashley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">The answer, sadly, is that we don't have a clue. Newcastle United is a business to Mike Ashley and it would be a major surprise if he didn't plump for somebody who will pick up the mantle from the beleaguered Pardew and continue operating the Ashley way. It almost makes me laugh that even the Manager has been sold on for profit. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.9995269775391px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">The club needs to show ambition; not to settle for 10th, not to play down the cups, not to always sell the best players and frustrate in the transfer market. They need to galvanise supporters, get the best out of talented players, and head into 2015 with far greater fire than 2014. A positive appointment would get the ball rolling, but does anyone really expect one? There is almost nothing that surprises supporters now.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindejdGnX24vVTe4Mcu667ABDIdyP72mHiue3c5h_FBnurowkaRbqViJIROW_eRs5o6Sfo8P3AujxUETi45fzT1vhmbu1RsJs50esl1SFzb6ZScm31YBuGJEIfXHp3ihkF4EdvtS-1TUzE/s1600/moussa-sissoko-newcastle_dlfw2b3ipo6a1vh8mghkcizmx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEindejdGnX24vVTe4Mcu667ABDIdyP72mHiue3c5h_FBnurowkaRbqViJIROW_eRs5o6Sfo8P3AujxUETi45fzT1vhmbu1RsJs50esl1SFzb6ZScm31YBuGJEIfXHp3ihkF4EdvtS-1TUzE/s1600/moussa-sissoko-newcastle_dlfw2b3ipo6a1vh8mghkcizmx.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Don't go Sissoko: Newcastle must keep hold of key players to move forward</td></tr>
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: Open Sans, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 21.9995269775391px;">Statistics say otherwise but Pardew has done a good job in part given all too prevalent circumstances. Of course he has caused his own unacceptable problems at times that have only fuelled the fire of unrest. There have been some unforgettable results, for good and bad, and games and goals that will live long in the memory. But it is time to move on, to move forward. Few will be sad to see him go but what I will say though, is be careful what you wish for. Because as we know all too well at Newcastle United, it just might not be a happy ending.</span></span></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-24500041187173138342014-11-05T16:45:00.001-08:002014-11-05T16:45:41.682-08:00Newcastle United - Trust in this Squad<h3>
<u>After a memorable fortnight on Tyneside, Sam Winter reflects on the upturn of form and the emergence of squad depth at Newcastle United.</u></h3>
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The best squad in his time here he said. But few would have agreed with Alan Pardew's statement as Newcastle languished and toiled in the opening exchanges this season. Yet in the space of 15 days the gloom has been lifted and replaced with optimistic excitement.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still alive: Alan Pardew has marshalled Newcastle's upturn in form</td></tr>
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A deserved win at home to Leicester has been followed by three fantastic victories against the league's Champions League chasers - including that wonderful cup night at the Etihad against the holders. Suddenly Newcastle are now as close to the top 4 as the bottom 3 and in the Quarter Final of a domestic cup for the first time since 2006.</div>
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The change in performance has been almost unrecognisable to the early struggles that had Pardew seemingly on his last thread. A couple of welcome Cisse braces eased the pain but it has been the sudden emergence of <i>squad depth</i>, something thought of as non existent just weeks ago, that has really got Newcastle motoring.</div>
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Nobody has epitomised Newcastle's upturn in fortunes more than Gabriel Obertan. First name on the team sheet after an assist at Swansea, the much maligned Frenchman was the hero in Newcastle's first league win of the season. Against City he was Newcastle's outlet, keeping the ball superbly and threatening City, drawing fouls and showing the quality we've barely seen in his 3 years on Tyneside. The disappointment at his injury blow says it all about his improvement. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjbV05Jb5UDvT0nJBdZK2mNQqm9XqoweElGtnscRB9vbmegYLlH41Qg0-pruKQmHDFCw3fQd6SdQCC0zQp6HF7xtezILMWY7PTxj9cZ68TcNTZB0cpllsTHvvejRn7092Ca510h7yxDSW/s1600/obertan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQjbV05Jb5UDvT0nJBdZK2mNQqm9XqoweElGtnscRB9vbmegYLlH41Qg0-pruKQmHDFCw3fQd6SdQCC0zQp6HF7xtezILMWY7PTxj9cZ68TcNTZB0cpllsTHvvejRn7092Ca510h7yxDSW/s1600/obertan.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gabriel Obertan was flying before cruel injury blow</td></tr>
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Similarly to Obertan is Sammy Ameobi; someone often publicly lamented by his Manager for threatening to waste enormous talent. He has been excellent in recent weeks, and that goal at Spurs will have done him the world of good. And what about Rolando Aarons, how good is it to have the 18 year old back in contention. How good can this lad be? Bursting past world class players, getting the crowd on their feet. And he has an eye for goal.</div>
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My favourite inclusion at the weekend was Mehdi Abeid. Quietly magnificent in the cup, efficient in thwarting the might of Yaya Toure. There wasn't a player you could fault that night, but Abeid certainly caught his Manager's eye most - and proceeded to better Steven Gerrard 3 days later. Suddenly he's a key player; another initially thought to be on their way out in pre season. He showed in his loan spell at Panathinaikos that he has the ability - now his chance has come to really shine at his parent club. All of a sudden there's huge competition for places in the engine room, Vurnon Anita finding out more than most by not making the last two squads. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWpms0TcU41ysVioWyO2IGSF_0uSvUKLGSceQl7jEtRlFJRY59X8h-U1Jkerb4yYfwmU0sNmjVgj0no4GAmh-JgIA-Ts9nHrS-cJT-aAZN28jKzA9HHxlQ11xdbO_N_7WxFzkf5Rq7uQO/s1600/abeid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghWpms0TcU41ysVioWyO2IGSF_0uSvUKLGSceQl7jEtRlFJRY59X8h-U1Jkerb4yYfwmU0sNmjVgj0no4GAmh-JgIA-Ts9nHrS-cJT-aAZN28jKzA9HHxlQ11xdbO_N_7WxFzkf5Rq7uQO/s1600/abeid.jpg" height="278" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready Mehdi: Abeid has suddenly become a key player in the midfield</td></tr>
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Moussa Sissoko has been magnificent and highly praised by all corners of the game. Deservedly so, the powerhouse finding some consistency at long last; demonstrating his considerable ability with driving runs that have led to winning goals in each of the last two league games, plus one for himself in Manchester. He has been Newcastle's main threat of late and his form has been more welcome than surprising - unlike the main beneficiary of his service.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA0kzLjOZz9gbPfzFSbSfJ7suNEnriwk4t5WoGmKgPihfQiaDBJ6lw9YJv-e056UjBo1kMBJr_LpJwcdm3F1FXW_ZM4174c6zkUxXLrmRi1sAOkNX3EWVNId3fJQLCvJjUfc8TcqLwZKz/s1600/sissoko.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoA0kzLjOZz9gbPfzFSbSfJ7suNEnriwk4t5WoGmKgPihfQiaDBJ6lw9YJv-e056UjBo1kMBJr_LpJwcdm3F1FXW_ZM4174c6zkUxXLrmRi1sAOkNX3EWVNId3fJQLCvJjUfc8TcqLwZKz/s1600/sissoko.jpg" height="224" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Beast: Moussa Sissoko is showing his best form</td></tr>
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As Emmanual Riviere struggled with the goalscoring burden, it was like answered prayer seeing Papiss Cisse return to action. The Number 9 rescued draws, but a once unknown from Tenerife has been stealing victories. Ayoze Perez is another remarkable find from Graham Carr, allegedly snubbing La Liga giants to head to England. Far from ready for regular Premier League hustle and bustle, the 21 year old has however shown a deadly eye for goal. A brilliant header at Spurs followed by a poachers instinct at St James' Park and Newcastle now have goalscoring options too. Cisse will rightly continue to lead the line, but what a great option to have off the bench.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uMa73W1TBc-MYe67bQ15peooJf_OO21mKjd1b3Z0pbPtzKhbGtCxHbNosSP962wF8uaCAzKcY-VfDQ9tcmXchLafaKnn59ej9O5VbkSInGyyVVMXXV310uj18c7_jh-ZIc1Ap3BoRTfv/s1600/ayoze.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0uMa73W1TBc-MYe67bQ15peooJf_OO21mKjd1b3Z0pbPtzKhbGtCxHbNosSP962wF8uaCAzKcY-VfDQ9tcmXchLafaKnn59ej9O5VbkSInGyyVVMXXV310uj18c7_jh-ZIc1Ap3BoRTfv/s1600/ayoze.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made in Tenerife: Ayoze Perez is fast becoming a goalscoring hero on Tyneside</td></tr>
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Newcastle's recent defending has been a stark contrast in recent games to that of August and September. The capitulation at Southampton and the domination against Liverpool couldn't be further apart. People have been quick to mention Mike Williamson's absence, but it has been his replacement that deserves a huge chunk of credit.</div>
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Steven Taylor has taken a great deal of flak in the last couple of years, most of which I can't understand. Perhaps the doom and gloomers have been dismayed by his continuous show of passion in dire times, or him being the player to come out and face the media after another thrashing. Fitness and injuries have always been his issue but there is no doubting that Newcastle's best centre half pairing has always been Taylor and Coloccini during Pardew's reign.</div>
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It was Taylor and the skipper who had that fantastic defensive record as Newcastle were unbeaten until this time in 2011 when Taylor's Achilles went at home to Chelsea. The pair momentarily steadied a sinking ship the following season with the local lad earning an England call up in the process. And it is the two of them now that lead a Newcastle side who have conceded one goal in four fantastic matches. It's no coincidence. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taylor and Coloccini have shown why they're Newcastle's best defensive pairing</td></tr>
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Coloccini's performances have also improved since Taylor's introduction, perhaps a greater confidence in his partner than in Williamson. The Captain was at his most enjoyable best against Liverpool, who just could not find a way through. Daryl Janmaat is improving all the time and put in a great display down the right. Paul Dummett was outstanding at City, and earned deserved praise from his Manager for stifling Raheem Sterling on Saturday.</div>
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And what about Ryan Taylor. What a story, what a man. Lumps in the throat after the final whistle at Eastlands, a true hero - and wasn't he excellent in his 90 minute return.</div>
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The biggest pinch of positivity I felt was an hour before kick off when I read Pardew's team for the Liverpool game. The fact that he was actually <i>using</i> the squad, rewarding the form players no matter what status or age. There was no "name" player like Anita taking the place of Abeid, and the frustratingly immovable Gouffran also not getting a sniff of action all of a sudden. Perhaps his omission will give him the opportunity to re-energise and find some form. Remy Cabella had a lovely cameo and is slowly but surely showing improvement, fighting for his place.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ryan Taylor's emotional return means further competition for places</td></tr>
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That's what it's all about, fighting to earn your spot. Competition for places. The Manager's headache. These young fringe players have earned their starting berth, now keep it. Keep the regular first-team players on the sidelines, keep the standards high. Alan Pardew has never really used the squad when he should have in the past, now it's his time to maintain this spirit and this healthy competition for the black and white shirt.</div>
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It's not a time to get carried away, but Newcastle have at least turned a corner. It's certainly a time to be positive, to look upwards rather than down. It's a time to kick on and show that beating Spurs, Manchester City, and Liverpool was no fluke. It's time to trust in this squad, and keep moving up the Premier League.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-68001296976694931882014-09-28T16:42:00.001-07:002014-09-28T16:42:58.176-07:00Right Place, Right Time, Number Nine<h4 style="text-align: center;">
<u>Forgotten man Papiss Cisse saved Newcastle's blushes against Hull City last weekend. Sam Winter analyses the strikers time on Tyneside and his timely return to action</u></h4>
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<i style="text-align: justify;">Always looking forward</i><span style="text-align: justify;">. A moving tribute to Jonas Gutierrez, a statement of intent from a returning Newcastle United hero.</span><br />
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Papiss Demba Cisse stepped off the substitutes bench as Newcastle United fell two goals behind against Hull City at St James' Park. Not deterred, the Senegalese forward rolled back a couple of years by confidently rescuing a point for the home side, and possibly rescuing his Managers' job - for now.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always Looking Forward: Cisse is back and his timing couldn't be better</td></tr>
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As Newcastle toiled once again in front of goal, and confidence levels threatened to plummet further, it was somewhat encouraging to see Cisse stripped and ready for action. A player short on confidence for some time, you'd have been forgiven for fearing disappointment. But Cisse was notably fired up, a far cry from the bit part figure that graced the same touchline last season. </div>
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And boy did he deliver when he entered the fray. Such instinct. Right place, right time.</div>
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Few were aware of Papiss Demba Cisse when he arrived from Freiburg for a fee of £9 million in the January of 2012. But we were all well and truly aware of the newest Number 9 after he smashed home a memorable debut goal, assisted by his friend Jonas. Get well soon Spiderman.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi642keXALs6_ePGiSJTIJw4V9WJ2B_2y1lUX2Mu2khPFk698IX5secfWPWYoFQ1m4xiZkqFL0SCVsLK5oZonuyBO0RAzGyK-V6n67m6nPP2sQ9alPYU4eJG0kVOl4CwnH-IKuucUJJu5QB/s1600/article-2096528-11996A45000005DC-252_634x405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi642keXALs6_ePGiSJTIJw4V9WJ2B_2y1lUX2Mu2khPFk698IX5secfWPWYoFQ1m4xiZkqFL0SCVsLK5oZonuyBO0RAzGyK-V6n67m6nPP2sQ9alPYU4eJG0kVOl4CwnH-IKuucUJJu5QB/s1600/article-2096528-11996A45000005DC-252_634x405.jpg" height="255" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrived: Cisse made an instant impact on Tyneside</td></tr>
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Newcastle were moving along nicely at that point, but Cisse took them to another level. He scored 13 goals in his 14 games that season - goals with both feet, goals with his head, goals that defied physics.</div>
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Confidence oozed out of Cisse, he was unstoppable. The new Andy Cole they said. Would Newcastle be able to keep him? A move to Real Madrid was even rumoured. And why not, he just couldn't stop scoring. What a player to take into a full season. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnoa2Y9G3R1iB48G3VME439bRXHNqsvj3NzMf44zp2GDn1PaoAo4g54KWWCp3slsFj3nPGTsrdBj7X6fq61r0LO5poQP2ilDB3JHfEeloAv4Bc8T0D2cswhetwNiiGgj0_hyphenhyphenIoBI6jv7U/s1600/cisse-goal-vs-chelsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFnoa2Y9G3R1iB48G3VME439bRXHNqsvj3NzMf44zp2GDn1PaoAo4g54KWWCp3slsFj3nPGTsrdBj7X6fq61r0LO5poQP2ilDB3JHfEeloAv4Bc8T0D2cswhetwNiiGgj0_hyphenhyphenIoBI6jv7U/s1600/cisse-goal-vs-chelsea.jpg" height="231" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Defying logic: Cisse's jaw-dropping moment at Stamford Bridge</td></tr>
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Or so we all thought.</div>
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One of my major gripes with Alan Pardew's tenure is his ill-fated attempt at keeping Demba Ba happy and on Tyneside as his £7 million release clause refused to go away. Pardew sacrificed the effectiveness of his team to appease one man. Newcastle were excellent with Ba wide-left of the lethal Cisse; with the former displaying his pace, skill, and technical qualities as the latter used his incredible goal-scoring instinct. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSc8WB8S-aVtsPcpp0F73mUFfYi91Wub85uREJSsiWt5q-cLFoozmIjGqWJ52YV7RyMY3ogRlNGBnVACxjZNJoRJleNbx0p2RLN8AhJWPKbSiauTZeZeSJ7OCui5GizL2wuEp9vOD2Dq8/s1600/_66350133_ba_cisse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTSc8WB8S-aVtsPcpp0F73mUFfYi91Wub85uREJSsiWt5q-cLFoozmIjGqWJ52YV7RyMY3ogRlNGBnVACxjZNJoRJleNbx0p2RLN8AhJWPKbSiauTZeZeSJ7OCui5GizL2wuEp9vOD2Dq8/s1600/_66350133_ba_cisse.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fatal changes: Pardew made Cisse move aside for Demba Ba in 2012 - it didn't work</td></tr>
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Pardew shifted Cisse to wide-right in 2012/13 and to say he struggled is an understatement. Cisse is not a winger, he's not a Number 10. He is a goalscorer who must be the furthest forward central striker in the team if you want him to deliver. Newcastle toiled, Cisse only had three league goals to his name by January. Demba Ba left for Chelsea.</div>
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Pardew's misuse and mistreatment of Papiss Cisse has been the driving force behind any lack of form from the striker. Goalscorers thrive on confidence, and when you are clearly viewed as second best in the eyes of your Manager each game gets harder and harder to score in. It happened again with Loic Remy last season, Cisse again left playing second fiddle to a man the club desperately wanted to convince to stay. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZlNh10UCY2JjuQYmbSMVSHLZiBpl_KLJ1SKMjHgIhoM1_Z1-xkMjEoiQcd8GiIAPPEdjYSzm_pK2dgxQCQhrhFYTVMwTHTnKsqyz4xWzG-SSTd8vjcAlEIh_xTfObocLvXsEYWE7MS0L/s1600/cabs_1825108a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNZlNh10UCY2JjuQYmbSMVSHLZiBpl_KLJ1SKMjHgIhoM1_Z1-xkMjEoiQcd8GiIAPPEdjYSzm_pK2dgxQCQhrhFYTVMwTHTnKsqyz4xWzG-SSTd8vjcAlEIh_xTfObocLvXsEYWE7MS0L/s1600/cabs_1825108a.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second best again: Cisse found himself behind Loic Remy in the pecking order last season</td></tr>
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Newcastle were brilliant at Cardiff in a 4-3-3 with Remy showing his best coming in off the left flank. Cisse played through the middle, the ball just not dropping for him to get a goal. But his movement allowed his teammates to create openings for themselves. </div>
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Cisse's goals would surely come but he wasn't given the chance. Newcastle went reserved with Remy leading the line alone, Cisse further ousted by Shola Ameobi - another dent in the confidence which was painfully visible as he tried so hard to score when given the rare chance. </div>
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Despite a regular lack of faith shown in him, Cisse has never hidden on the pitch, never shied away from a goalscoring opportunity. Notable misses in games last season stick in the mind - a crucial miss against Manchester City in the Capital One Cup and a bit of a sitter at home to Spurs for example - but he will always come back and try again.</div>
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When Ba left Cisse's goals kept Newcastle in the Premier League. Stoppage time winners against Stoke and Fulham under extreme pressure, a goal at Villa Park in a rare away win. His European exploits took Newcastle to the fringes of the Europa League semi-finals. And he wasn't half unlucky at times - wrongly disallowed goals against Metalist, West Ham, and (fatally) Sunderland setting Newcastle back. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgliNAioL1kA6d8zMsKORhFDOWxfkpi0fRMkNPL73QT3G3838kSWAU0CtOfEaIJWRAixOFqRjtVkbeYx3yHIZcwczgfjdK94kXXSZxKB1faZIUW6Pzyhg2rhlPxumEj2sncBbj0_wo5Em7/s1600/cisse1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgliNAioL1kA6d8zMsKORhFDOWxfkpi0fRMkNPL73QT3G3838kSWAU0CtOfEaIJWRAixOFqRjtVkbeYx3yHIZcwczgfjdK94kXXSZxKB1faZIUW6Pzyhg2rhlPxumEj2sncBbj0_wo5Em7/s1600/cisse1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Always on time: Cisse's late goals kept Newcastle in the big time in 2012/13</td></tr>
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When Remy was injured last season and Newcastle in dreadful form he stepped up again. Another late winner at home to Crystal Palace when chance after chance went begging for him all game. He didn't stop believing, didn't throw in the towel. </div>
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For too long Cisse has been second fiddle to somebody else. He has shown when given the consistent opportunity that he deserves to be the main man up front. Whenever he is called upon when Newcastle need him most he delivers. He is the most natural finisher the club has had since he joined, since Alan Shearer. He's taken United to Europe and kept them in the top flight. The man for all occasions. </div>
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32 goals in 75 starts is a decent return for a Premier League striker in modern times. Papiss Cisse has nothing to prove as a goalscorer, he just needs to be given a run in the team and to be made to feel like a true Number 9 should feel - wanted, <i>needed</i>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaWkRP5S586GlAXa_fn1gLO_W6yN6437NDqYFrXXP5oYjqgG3zVPZKdtObRu9b9qtauks23_W_ms-Qe5uD0VYFemIvr7Ik12gBkWzAaY3F56_Fey0B0_poeAhbq56ucecaX7JllQJLpKY/s1600/papiss-cisse-alan-pardew-newcastle-hull_3206575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigaWkRP5S586GlAXa_fn1gLO_W6yN6437NDqYFrXXP5oYjqgG3zVPZKdtObRu9b9qtauks23_W_ms-Qe5uD0VYFemIvr7Ik12gBkWzAaY3F56_Fey0B0_poeAhbq56ucecaX7JllQJLpKY/s1600/papiss-cisse-alan-pardew-newcastle-hull_3206575.jpg" height="211" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main man: Pardew must utilise Cisse to change Newcastle's fortunes.</td></tr>
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Cisse's goalscoring return last weekend could be the lift Newcastle United need. They have the personnel to create more chances this season, they just need the right man on the end of them. Alan Pardew was right in saying that too much burden has been placed on Emmanual Riviere's shoulders. Papiss Cisse can carry the burden, will carry the burden, and hopefully will fire Newcastle United back up the Premier League table. </div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-45731759889171372552014-09-18T16:50:00.002-07:002014-09-18T16:50:59.011-07:00From X-Factor to Ex-Factor: The demise of Hatem Ben Arfa<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><u>Following Hatem Ben Arfa's much publicised exit from Newcastle United, Sam Winter looks at where it all went wrong for the fans' favourite.</u></span></h2>
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<i style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">"There is magic in his feet, it is his world when he is on the ball. Not many players in this division can score goals like that. It was very clever. There are not many blessed with that kind of talent."</i></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Alan Pardew, waxing lyrical about his prized possession in 2012 following one of the greatest goals witnessed at St James' Park. That prized possession was of course Hatem Ben Arfa. Newcastle had once again won, spearheaded by the brilliant Frenchman, and Champions League qualification was a real possibility. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX83FuBRugZp0ek7qWCbjHjzqP1i_ZaFm8toEXnpuMeiyap5_fxdNI9lZGBJXSvDQIu2UkTmZbsz_whTTbbNsRY1EUmq2Xayx-RkOJxZ4RP_N82hRKHa21lfOIOVwj4xnJAGQSI0WG0I2V/s1600/Alan-Pardew-Hatem-Ben-Arfa-Newcastle-2011-102_3002607.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX83FuBRugZp0ek7qWCbjHjzqP1i_ZaFm8toEXnpuMeiyap5_fxdNI9lZGBJXSvDQIu2UkTmZbsz_whTTbbNsRY1EUmq2Xayx-RkOJxZ4RP_N82hRKHa21lfOIOVwj4xnJAGQSI0WG0I2V/s1600/Alan-Pardew-Hatem-Ben-Arfa-Newcastle-2011-102_3002607.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Star man: Ben Arfa was a genius at best, a prized asset of his Manager</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Fast forward 29 months and Ben Arfa wears a different set of stripes, Newcastle play a less scintillating brand of football, and Alan Pardew's popularity is at an all time low. What rubber-stamped Ben Arfa's unpopular departure we might never fully know. However what cannot be denied is that there has been a serious decline in Ben Arfa's performance, and his relationship with Alan Pardew.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The Best of Hatem Ben Arfa</span></h4>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"><i>"Hatem’s very focused about being a professional footballer. A lot of players could learn from him in terms of that – although he’s still a maverick. You never know quite what he’s going to do. He gives the team an X-factor, which is important.” </i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">At his best Hatem Ben Arfa was a magician, unplayable, drawing comparisons with Lionel Messi. He would frighten defenders with his unpredictability, wriggle out of any situation, and completely change gear and burst past all who tried to stop him. He got into endless chance-creating positions and his form propelled Newcastle to another level in their 2012 Champions League chase. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">He destroyed West Brom and Liverpool notably, he dug Newcastle out of sticky patches on regular occasions - putting Sunderland on the back foot at St James', majestically equalising against Blackburn in the FA Cup, and blasting important goals against the likes of Everton, Aston Villa and, more recently, Fulham in front of his adoring faithful. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zdzwfsrgoLEhCPWFqDT4ZKQEF3Ut7ubaeIAqdMNnuDNOTS9VDwPZms2vW_4LHtb2jWSQYlQNeLIfmRRhVmw_gCk5wZhYCsB6wHHowxOD2peNuurfsGbavufuO4OSczv2fwlEPUNbqMTj/s1600/Newcastle-Ben-Arfa-Bolton-cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6zdzwfsrgoLEhCPWFqDT4ZKQEF3Ut7ubaeIAqdMNnuDNOTS9VDwPZms2vW_4LHtb2jWSQYlQNeLIfmRRhVmw_gCk5wZhYCsB6wHHowxOD2peNuurfsGbavufuO4OSczv2fwlEPUNbqMTj/s1600/Newcastle-Ben-Arfa-Bolton-cropped.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Magician: Ben Arfa saved his best for the adoring faithful at St James'</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">His best moment was that breathtaking goal against Bolton Wanderers at St James' Park; skill, pace, power, poise, and balance - one of the greatest goals Tyneside had seen. Once again it was his magic that got Newcastle going against a dogged Bolton side. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">At this height of his form Ben Arfa was praised by his manager for his "immaculate" focus and professionalism. Praised for eventually buying in to the team ethic; chipping in with tackles, tracking back, winning the odd header. The way he carried and kept of hold of the ball gave his team-mates a rest but also a platform to build attacking intent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">And he thrilled the fans. St James' Park adored him, demanded him when he wasn't playing, and the volume would increase several notches at his mere presence. His best moments will always be remembered on Tyneside, that's how good he </span><i style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;">could</i><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 21px;"> be.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">The Worst of Hatem Ben Arfa</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">On reflection, Hatem Ben Arfa's deserved call-up to the France squad for Euro 2012 was perhaps a turning point in his Newcastle United career. A much publicised bust-up in the French camp involving Ben Arfa saw his "enfant terrible" tag rear its head. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Ben Arfa returned to Newcastle noticeably unfit, missing pre-season completely but drove Newcastle to an opening day victory over Spurs and sending a scorching equaliser into the top corner against Aston Villa. All seemed well but Ben Arfa's lack of fitness caught up with him and injury took him out of a Newcastle side desperate for his invention. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVzdo_zFcs5yCvG5pEj-o4TixOndhLtFeTf9W75VN20fw9Y802hyphenhyphenFMeikKKFNnC0T9X3TX-B-3B_o8QCqvLfTUf-j5J2eth9LE9uKgh6zfSV6_4IagSDnT9h1AtGXSOye5_Q6-LQMytcP/s1600/Fulham-v-Newcastle-United.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiVzdo_zFcs5yCvG5pEj-o4TixOndhLtFeTf9W75VN20fw9Y802hyphenhyphenFMeikKKFNnC0T9X3TX-B-3B_o8QCqvLfTUf-j5J2eth9LE9uKgh6zfSV6_4IagSDnT9h1AtGXSOye5_Q6-LQMytcP/s1600/Fulham-v-Newcastle-United.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben Arfa struggled for fitness in 2012/13, but still provided some magic moments</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">On a fleeting return he scored a beauty at Craven Cottage but was injured again, not returning until March with Newcastle in and out of a relegation battle. Aside from some flashes of skill and a crucial penalty at Loftus Road, Ben Arfa was never the same again.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">His fitness has always been an issue in parts, not helped of course by an awful broken leg. But since returning at the start of 2012/13 there have been niggling injuries and questions of fluctuating weight. He has never once looked like the lean, sharp, lethal Hatem Ben Arfa that performed so wonderfully at the back end of the previous campaign.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Which raises the issue of professionalism.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Alan Pardew has very often praised Ben Arfa for his professionalism - his improved professionalism. His improved work-rate, teamwork, tracking back, dedication. A constant public arm-round-the-shoulder. Praise was certainly merited, but Pardew made sure that he mentally mothered his prized possession to remind him of his required duties as a team player.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-hC19sGl0CdjcHKKCDdLtwCjmdu-XoG5y_t6DxJJC96ReoqnXRaZsuVFAva5m9U1ozuYTunjbQI7uhriV_rwEovBKNJN8Ty-tBBdtHBasCrbdcUJgi3vsZMM0x5kJ_SMuYgTrCLzOCYV/s1600/186970819-hatem-ben-arfa-of-newcastle-united-watches-on-during.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK-hC19sGl0CdjcHKKCDdLtwCjmdu-XoG5y_t6DxJJC96ReoqnXRaZsuVFAva5m9U1ozuYTunjbQI7uhriV_rwEovBKNJN8Ty-tBBdtHBasCrbdcUJgi3vsZMM0x5kJ_SMuYgTrCLzOCYV/s1600/186970819-hatem-ben-arfa-of-newcastle-united-watches-on-during.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rash: Ben Arfa lost focus, and his place in the team</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">But the professionalism waned; Ben Arfa became rash, erratic. He became increasingly careless in possession, a danger to the team - dispossessed before opposition goals. Too often he blazed shots into the stands, perhaps blinded by an eagerness to please, and made bad choices in bad areas. Too often he was hauled off at half-time, too often deservedly so.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Who is to blame?</span></h3>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Many people blame Alan Pardew, and naturally so. The most creative talent on Newcastle United books not getting a look in, not allowed to train with the first team, not playing in front of his adoring crowd. The biggest frustration was the silence, no explanation of why. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Pardew's back was against the wall after the sale of Yohan Cabaye. Let down by the hierarchy his annoyance spilled alarmingly at Hull. Perhaps he retreated into a damage limitation mode, afraid of risking the adventurous approach of Ben Arfa. If he did, it didn't work.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Rumours of a bust-up between Ben Arfa and a frustrated Pardew seem to be a factor. Another poor cameo from the equally frustrated Frenchman. However Ben Arfa appeared again at Stoke, which reportedly was the final straw for many senior players including Fabricio Coloccini. He has never appeared in the senior shirt again. It is a far cry from the days of Ben Arfa being Pardew's favourite son.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6swmAHT6ViZN9rnxmOisEe_vcIBX_K3dMGnMZYjzK_RdijR7YH3ekNRDRzJ33KKBwkFHvLz3Ma8PfQEAPsniRr_n2R2tdhfTTts6-6VsuxXA_xgmpCytSgT3KigFYUu2Ca7NizVCI_PW/s1600/Hatem-Ben-Arfa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM6swmAHT6ViZN9rnxmOisEe_vcIBX_K3dMGnMZYjzK_RdijR7YH3ekNRDRzJ33KKBwkFHvLz3Ma8PfQEAPsniRr_n2R2tdhfTTts6-6VsuxXA_xgmpCytSgT3KigFYUu2Ca7NizVCI_PW/s1600/Hatem-Ben-Arfa.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Further issues of form and fitness blighted Ben Arfa's final season on Tyneside</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Still the crowd call for Ben Arfa and direct anger at Pardew. But the Manager cited the players lack of professionalism when quizzed on a reported pre-season overweight fine. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Whoever is to blame, the mercurial Frenchman never hit consistent heights that his potential craved. We have to remember that Ben Arfa only got regular starts in a blinding final third of 2011/12; he couldn't get an extended run in a team that had maintained a lofty position all season. Newcastle's best spell last season also lacked the winger. There never even seemed to be any solid talk of a contract extension during his spell at the club, unlike his team-mates around him.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Ben Arfa's inconsistency was incredibly frustrating. Early on last season he was "unplayable" at Villa but barely two weeks later was atrocious at Everton. His impressive displays became all too rare and when Newcastle really needed him most, following Cabaye's au revoir, he failed to deliver all too much. It reached a point where his appearance from the bench in games Newcastle led last season actually filled me with dread; that he would lose the ball in a key area with a lead so precious at stake.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">45 league starts in a very inconsistent three or so years on Tyneside underline why Hatem Ben Arfa will never reach the heights of the greats he has been compared with. He will never reach the heights that so many were convinced he would. We will all be wondering "what if?" in years to come.</span></span></div>
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<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Time to move on</span></h3>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Now he is gone, and there is nothing that can be said or done to bring him back. It remains to be seen how he will do at Hull City. I imagine there will be flashes of brilliance, of course there will, and that will hurt Newcastle fans. But I would be very surprised and disappointed if he ever nears the best form that wooed St James Park. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1PxLfTtrSRLqL49XpzljKfboNE8KY4ItwHDCfGrSGeBwIUJOaV6TJ4yyJqQi_Z1SSATSR1_ytNjUhRQJc652iocoXh53EOMYTAU28wDQVwHQGYx5YkgAfQYmGhfh5938e4t-CKnv6ltp/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1PxLfTtrSRLqL49XpzljKfboNE8KY4ItwHDCfGrSGeBwIUJOaV6TJ4yyJqQi_Z1SSATSR1_ytNjUhRQJc652iocoXh53EOMYTAU28wDQVwHQGYx5YkgAfQYmGhfh5938e4t-CKnv6ltp/s1600/images.jpg" height="245" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Time to go: Ben Arfa has gone, but he will forever be a favourite on Gallowgate</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
Whether its his fault, Pardew's fault, Mike Ashley's fault, or whoever's, no single player is bigger than Newcastle United. And if the Manager and several first team players were against his inclusion, then that is enough for me. Ben Arfa's open letter on departure and his halted "meet and greet" in the summer suggests a last ditch plea to fans from a man knowing it was all too late. </div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18px;">Players' come and go, but Newcastle United lives on. Farewell Hatem Ben Arfa, a Newcastle United favourite indeed, but a Newcastle United player no more. Those fleeting, fantastic memories will live long. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-2092270618795267012014-08-29T14:51:00.003-07:002014-08-29T14:51:52.756-07:00Back of the Net?<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b>Newcastle United are yet to score a true goal of their own in the opening weeks of the season but Sam Winter believes that it won't be long before the Toon Army are celebrating hitting the back of the net once again.</b></u></div>
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Newcastle United have done enough in the opening competitive fixtures of the 2014/15 season to suggest that regular goals will not be far away.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8myejdCWadqkXflvUE7XYqs1sShQKI2v92UFNaHoqt2_FZWo5PKBdqMUT6p8-OZ7lXIbgKReaDWewHhNBtTMIaPjcfbwzDtAzvf7NvI9P7ek1tc07RyTE52lIxwIRGB0fcQhYTfa-pXMt/s1600/Emmanuel+Riviere+Newcastle+United+v+Manchester+ianG4VtZemwl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8myejdCWadqkXflvUE7XYqs1sShQKI2v92UFNaHoqt2_FZWo5PKBdqMUT6p8-OZ7lXIbgKReaDWewHhNBtTMIaPjcfbwzDtAzvf7NvI9P7ek1tc07RyTE52lIxwIRGB0fcQhYTfa-pXMt/s1600/Emmanuel+Riviere+Newcastle+United+v+Manchester+ianG4VtZemwl.jpg" height="252" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A goalless start for The Magpies, but Riviere will get chance to get up and running</td></tr>
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As we all know, goals win games and the fact that the inadvertent John Egan has scored the only goal registered to Newcastle United does hint at minor concern. Yet what we all need to remember is that the club was in a very similar situation this time last term: goalless in the league and into the next round of the Capital One Cup. However the level of performance on the pitch between now and then couldn't be more different.</div>
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
Far cry</h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rather than getting run ragged at Eastlands and looking like conceding every time Manchester City touched the ball, this season's opener saw a spirited and skillful Newcastle side more than match the Champions in key areas of the pitch in a game that frankly looked like it could go either way. But when it came down to it quality won through, with City taking both their only chances in the game. If you want to compete against the big boys in this league, you must take your chances because, as Newcastle and even Liverpool have discovered, City WILL take theirs.</div>
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Much praise was reserved for Newcastle after that defeat, and much needed optimism took us to Villa Park. More clear-cut chances would surely be created, and Newcastle surely would score. Alas, such openings were well and truly created, but Newcastle did not take a single one. A hugely frustrating result for the travelling Toon Army, the net somehow not bulged. But again, large portions of the performance were impressive, and the goals are on the horizon.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghv277hDgEyxZYGBCrAQQskkkJL1upwetWUnQ-TNxINtrnjzRZUuzXLw_r8fE_bfdbOgxqdZQqdD_E_1k6FlJ2NbXtDByZO8VaBV89_B78NVYJTwBtdBxk1Lz67rH1WJcF7P-trOAYpRzz/s1600/1408805764908_wps_2_Mandatory_Credit_Photo_by.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghv277hDgEyxZYGBCrAQQskkkJL1upwetWUnQ-TNxINtrnjzRZUuzXLw_r8fE_bfdbOgxqdZQqdD_E_1k6FlJ2NbXtDByZO8VaBV89_B78NVYJTwBtdBxk1Lz67rH1WJcF7P-trOAYpRzz/s1600/1408805764908_wps_2_Mandatory_Credit_Photo_by.jpg" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Frustration: Newcastle were unable to take their chances at Villa Park</td></tr>
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>No room for negativity</b></h4>
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Negativity has soon set in with sections of the fans, worried by the lack of goals to celebrate in the opening games. Many have jumped straight back on Alan Pardew's back, yet nobody can really say that there hasn't been a vast improvement in performance levels; the Manager citing the most impressive possession statistics in his tenure. Even from set pieces we look far more dangerous, Daryl Janmaat almost a beneficiary against Aston Villa.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then there are those who point towards a lack of a "big name" striker arriving at St James' this summer to fill the Loic Remy shaped hole up front. I am convinced that Pardew would like one more striker but I agree with him when he says that, unless they are better than Riviere and Cisse, there is little point in spending big money. The Club's transfer policy has been more than frustrating at times but they have got it right this summer, and grabbing a Remy or a Lacazette would be a huge slab of icing on the cake. But if it's not to be then I believe that there is enough fire-power to lead Newcastle to a good season.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv-WO7tl4o1dVkjoqD7TcSYDBuWOjnEHFr-OlzcCGRPmC7Hj5GneHEXsfL1kQqFqS3fwT48ltP7YVfEUneXWkVLPprCkUxgaqhTeQCAnNw-wkkgFJN4cpFOQwr0crFIkYFlOBdzM3GQSp/s1600/44500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHv-WO7tl4o1dVkjoqD7TcSYDBuWOjnEHFr-OlzcCGRPmC7Hj5GneHEXsfL1kQqFqS3fwT48ltP7YVfEUneXWkVLPprCkUxgaqhTeQCAnNw-wkkgFJN4cpFOQwr0crFIkYFlOBdzM3GQSp/s1600/44500.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newcastle have been frustrated in their permanent pursuit of Loic Remy</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Emmanuel Riviere has doubters already but I can't understand why. He has barely had a sniff. A half chance at Villa and a couple of look-ins against City; where he showed great strength and power, if perhaps a little too eagerness to score - rushing his attempts on goal. In pre-season he showed he can score goals and looks like he will take to English football well sooner rather than later. Bundling Kompany and Toure off the ball was a decent start.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Riviere's lack of goalmouth action suggests a lack of service but the chances squandered by his team-mates at Villa will hopefully mean a big chance falls his way this weekend - and hopefully he will put it away and get up and running in a Newcastle shirt. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Time to sharpen up</b></h4>
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I believe that the lack of goals so far comes down simply to sharpness. There was a number of occasions against Villa where the wrong pass was made in the final third, the wrong option taken - a harder route to goal. All players across the league are still finding their feet in the new season, regardless of how well some are playing already. More games brings added sharpness, and Newcastle look to have the players to really hurt teams once it clicks into place. Remember there is still Siem De Jong to really bed into the side.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Alan Pardew has mentioned that Remy Cabella is perhaps trying too hard, similarly to Riviere. You can see that in his game, a lack of composure at times, a desperation to impress adoring fans. There is no doubting Cabella's potential, he has shown enough in flickers to suggest he will have some magical moments in a black and white shirt. Once he relaxes and gets the games under his belt, he will show what he is all about.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ZVog9N5GywRk8ZDU8tpy4nyIXWA4LQTXtTc5jgJBUmqAGFOjIq474RSUY-bOCbhKFvyameevBMDwcqbIVCuoB1a8FIg6PaOnwL4H_sP54tilrhf2uU66JSHBdjbp394LtNgfw42doyZ/s1600/remy-cabella-newcastle-manchester-city_3192097.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd4ZVog9N5GywRk8ZDU8tpy4nyIXWA4LQTXtTc5jgJBUmqAGFOjIq474RSUY-bOCbhKFvyameevBMDwcqbIVCuoB1a8FIg6PaOnwL4H_sP54tilrhf2uU66JSHBdjbp394LtNgfw42doyZ/s1600/remy-cabella-newcastle-manchester-city_3192097.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying too hard? Remy Cabella has been eager to impress</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Crystal Palace visit Tyneside this weekend, a new Manager to impress. I can only see them doing what they did last season and "parking the bus". Hopefully Newcastle have enough creativity and that all important fire-power to take the 3 points. </div>
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<h4 style="text-align: justify;">
<b>International recognition</b></h4>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally I would like to congratulate Jack Colback on his England call up. It almost feels like a brand new experience; a Newcastle United player in Roy Hodgson's fold. Colback has been a breath of fresh air - a local lad leading the charge in the engine room, flying the Geordie flag. There's not enough English players involved at the club, let alone local lads, so let's hope Jack can continue his excellent start to life back at home. </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-77793887266765800092014-08-16T05:17:00.000-07:002014-08-16T05:17:53.421-07:00The Year of The Pardew<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u>2013/14 couldn't have finished sooner for Newcastle United. A dismal end to a promising campaign brought a cloud of uncertainty over Manager Alan Pardew. Here Sam Winter explains how the new season is a defining one for the Toon boss.</u></b></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTf_AaDJ5Y8dWTxbEqsouAfyN3jFLixC69V1u5_ntXUvC4HHUOc5j6RxTbmmu6kk1s26ZeddsM-ns4ZL2T0fZJPGomLeU9xqf5HLOMy0ZTixqnCVbAuWZ6dX4r4zx53UC-DDPie5eTBzE/s1600/Alan-Pardew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvTf_AaDJ5Y8dWTxbEqsouAfyN3jFLixC69V1u5_ntXUvC4HHUOc5j6RxTbmmu6kk1s26ZeddsM-ns4ZL2T0fZJPGomLeU9xqf5HLOMy0ZTixqnCVbAuWZ6dX4r4zx53UC-DDPie5eTBzE/s1600/Alan-Pardew.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newcastle Manager Alan Pardew knows that 2014/15 is his most important yet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2014/15 is a defining season for Alan Pardew as Newcastle United Manager. No longer beleaguered by short-comings in the transfer market, Pardew has the tools at his disposal to prove his managerial credentials and drive Newcastle United up the Premier League.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Our one-time LMA Manager of the Year couldn't have signed off last term on a more sour note; a quite embarrassing, how can I put it, hounding from the fans pouring out of St James' Park in the 69th (or was it the 60th?) minute of a 3-0 victory over Cardiff City. I won't delve too far into my personal take on the "protest", but I will say that, regardless of any ill-feeling toward the upper echelons of a football club, it is imperative to support the 11 wearing the Newcastle badge on the pitch for all of the 90+ minutes of play.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It had indeed been a funny old season for Pardew. A second consecutive summer of frustration on the transfer front - not helped by a bumbling idiot called Joe leaving us all fearing the worst. Yohan Cabaye's head was turned on the eve of a 4-0 thrashing at the Etihad and the most dreadful of 0-0 draws with West Ham at St James' followed. Ironically it was the now exiled Hatem Ben Arfa who got the season up and running, the little genius that he can be. By Christmas we were 6th, by May we were plain sick.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejkSmjzIliBkdp96UekOokHdFfJrgajpSbiibQjq3e6WGTV8zITPQDzMNxRLdPMqA_PR8JWApOJFdLIgdD8bEUyMpftyO6nUD79ZQ8sZHGg2-XSfJSibzstoEwsEqOZHMJjnm7we-KJN5/s1600/cabaye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiejkSmjzIliBkdp96UekOokHdFfJrgajpSbiibQjq3e6WGTV8zITPQDzMNxRLdPMqA_PR8JWApOJFdLIgdD8bEUyMpftyO6nUD79ZQ8sZHGg2-XSfJSibzstoEwsEqOZHMJjnm7we-KJN5/s1600/cabaye.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yohan Cabaye disrupted Newcastle's start to 2013/14; his eventual sale effectively ending a once promising campaign</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The debacle of Joe Kinnear was doomed from the start; Mike Ashley only realising his mistake after catalyst Cabaye was not replaced in January. Heads dropped all round, and once again Pardew was left to face the backlash alone. Losing your prized asset, the man who made Newcastle tick on the park, is a blow. Seeing nobody come through the door to replace them is despairing. I half don't blame Pardew for throwing a butt at the first person that crossed his path.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Life is never dull on Tyneside, the headlines are unfortunately often too close. Pardew's indiscretion on Humberside was an explosion of a build up of sheer frustration. Another transfer failing at a key time, the circus of life under Mike Ashley, another fan backlash to face - bearing the crimes of those above him. Unwanted fallings-out with Hatem Ben Arfa, a burnt-out squad with no competition for places. More derby misery.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD7K0kcpcfYxpncz_9I1wMff6Ve4rudhXsdGDFecwBAI3ymlMTmCMVm-vS4yH7JxDkG0RqUlTfc8fqMUGpqtGTTjS3N00uM0RLIbOjkY1o7nqkgjJsUGcgD76CmbPmNsAVorD2oWUhTkY/s1600/remy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirD7K0kcpcfYxpncz_9I1wMff6Ve4rudhXsdGDFecwBAI3ymlMTmCMVm-vS4yH7JxDkG0RqUlTfc8fqMUGpqtGTTjS3N00uM0RLIbOjkY1o7nqkgjJsUGcgD76CmbPmNsAVorD2oWUhTkY/s1600/remy.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newcastle's failings in previous transfer markets has hindered Pardew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Since Newcastle United finished 5th in 2012, Pardew has arguably had it against him. Don't get me wrong he has made mistakes, but everyone does. Many fans accuse him of plain making excuses, but in my book they have been valid. His squad wasn't strengthened ahead of a European campaign and that season took its toll. Lessons weren't learned 12 months on. But now, heading in to 2014/15, the excuses are surely gone. Now it is time for the Manager to deliver. Time to remind us what you can do, Alan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The squad is strengthened, a statement of intent from the club with signing after signing this summer. There are players fighting for every position, fewer guaranteed starters. All to play for. Siem De Jong and Remy Cabella in particular are mouth-watering prospects. Daryl Janmaat and Jack Colback also showing signs of being shrewd acquisitions. Fabricio Coloccini and Cheick Tiote will have points to prove. Davide Santon will have it all to do when he returns from injury, Papiss Cisse too.</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CDPbVE8ZGlUY5YrjF2jEwcxrLAtt9uHLCjMRV0ger_XwhD1BdyEpIENARAS-6tdEwr2nLe0N3demx4RCxQO02M64RDzRizCRGExkOkKQqlu6ZVVRjOXWOC5PIf5IuGZXpsm5TbYbq9wV/s1600/cabella.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3CDPbVE8ZGlUY5YrjF2jEwcxrLAtt9uHLCjMRV0ger_XwhD1BdyEpIENARAS-6tdEwr2nLe0N3demx4RCxQO02M64RDzRizCRGExkOkKQqlu6ZVVRjOXWOC5PIf5IuGZXpsm5TbYbq9wV/s1600/cabella.JPG" height="400" width="366" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The addition of Remy Cabella and several other summer signings has boosted Newcastle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A lot of critics cite Pardew's tactics as a major problem, but I would argue in saying that he hasn't had the personnel to be able to hurt teams tactically. Now he surely does, and a missing threat in the final third could be restored by Cabella and De Jong. United need to return to the swashbuckling set-up that saw Champions League almost return to St James' Park. One thing I would say is that Pardew should never have so readily moved away from that 4-3-3 set up. A naive desperation to keep Demba Ba happy the beginning of the end of such a devastating strategy.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Pardew knows he has it all do and knows the responsibility solely lies at his door now. I disagree with those that say a good start will determine his future, or the first 10 games will decide his fate. Pardew will get more time, stability still the focus at the club. Of course a good start is always important, but if Ashley wanted Pardew out he would have gone long ago. Newcastle fans want a team to be proud of again; a team challenging those European places. Perhaps it's not last-chance-saloon but it is certainly a crucial campaign for Alan Pardew. And we all certainly hope he can deliver.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-18725120941584088922013-11-04T06:29:00.000-08:002013-11-04T06:29:08.319-08:00"Holy Trinity" Leads the Way for Newcastle United<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><u>Another turbulent week on Tyneside culminated in a fantastic 2-0 victory over Chelsea for Newcastle United. Sam Winter analyses the driving force behind the victory and why it can lead to a successful season in the Barclays Premier League.</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
It was Bill Shankly who once
said, “At a football club, there's a holy trinity - the players, the manager
and the supporters. Directors don't come into it.” And following another
turbulent week on Tyneside full of more unwanted headlines and uncertainty, it
was the holy trinity that came up trumps on Saturday against Chelsea.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmktToAzZ7R3yVsvG8HTIukbmBJdVO6nEb_x-_NR5ciCmNsABnwlvU06bDiSE1DVyRnkkF68v2itISARbiboWIEKkEN2MBa37XltSPHg18IdhgYQ2do3grXuaHYtYt25SxnE4fD1dthUX/s1600/Newcastle-United-supporte-011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmktToAzZ7R3yVsvG8HTIukbmBJdVO6nEb_x-_NR5ciCmNsABnwlvU06bDiSE1DVyRnkkF68v2itISARbiboWIEKkEN2MBa37XltSPHg18IdhgYQ2do3grXuaHYtYt25SxnE4fD1dthUX/s400/Newcastle-United-supporte-011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Supporter unrest led to Mike Ashley banning local media access to NUFC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h3>
Supporter Unrest</h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Newcastle went into the
encounter on the back of local media and supporter unrest, Mike Ashley once
again having waved his unpopularity wand and banned local media access to the
club. A few upset fans brandished their copy of the Evening Chronicle in the direction
of the director’s seats but the vast majority did the imperative: got behind
the team ON the pitch. For on the pitch it had been a
distressing week; defeat at the hands of the enemy and bowing out of the
Capital One Cup. Many would be forgiven for anticipating a routine Chelsea
victory against a possibly vulnerable side.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
I felt that Alan Pardew made
tactical errors in his selection against Sunderland; primarily not starting a
central striker and playing his three forwards as rotating wingers in a game
where time on the ball is reduced. The ball needed to stick up front at times
with a Shola Ameobi, not a Hatem Ben Arfa, something which worked for
Sunderland’s front two. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpnFqTpis-fD8WOnPIUhHMyZky1_s6uy9TbGJs_ucZOP6jWsAtmdy4OcXaPUimneB_BVEWoQE0VIYiWZQq_R8cGT79fdVhWOyDdAnVBianH1U0TBAPWtPnz9UIZG2KcTR_wziJqUZs0Zp/s1600/1382885668821_lc_galleryImage_SUNDERLAND_ENGLAND_OCTOBE.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpnFqTpis-fD8WOnPIUhHMyZky1_s6uy9TbGJs_ucZOP6jWsAtmdy4OcXaPUimneB_BVEWoQE0VIYiWZQq_R8cGT79fdVhWOyDdAnVBianH1U0TBAPWtPnz9UIZG2KcTR_wziJqUZs0Zp/s400/1382885668821_lc_galleryImage_SUNDERLAND_ENGLAND_OCTOBE.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pardew had his selection wrong against Sunderland, Ben Arfa failing to rise to the occasion</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Improvements in midweek gave
some hope that Newcastle would be able to get a result against Mourinho’s men,
but an unwanted 120 minute workout on Wednesday made fatigue an obvious
stumbling block. Pardew gambled; instructing his troops to conserve their energy
and contain Chelsea in the first half, something which could have gone very
wrong.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
But it didn’t. Each and every
man put a shift in, not only containing Chelsea’s flair but restricting their
opportunities to John Terry headers from corners. Yoan Gouffran was
particularly excellent, doubling up to assist the shaky Davide Santon down the
left side. <o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
<o:p><b><br /></b></o:p></h3>
<h3>
<o:p><b> Second half superiority</b></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Going into the second half
goalless the expectancy was creeping up. Chelsea weren’t setting the world
alight or finding any way past Williamson and Yanga-Mbiwa. The introduction of
Vurnon Anita was another inspired Pardew tactic, the Dutchman giving Newcastle
a fresh zip and vigour; a purpose that unleashed the dangerous Loic Remy. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Chelsea were wobbling, Ashley
Cole once again terrorised by Moussa Sissoko and troubled by the brilliant
Mathieu Debuchy. Cole lost his head momentarily, unnecessarily giving Newcastle
the free-kick that led to an emphatic opening goal by Gouffran. Even Pardew had
a word in the goal; his “round the back” advice to the talismanic deliverer
Yohan Cabaye.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJr9BntlfrSDTLlgOmmxIMvbzQb_92cfECRpm2TjwuXAL_WE7lt-ZNY3rDvXlBEfNNNETteuvneoJqlsXDLqj8o85rPNwREQ9i79GWSWGi473hTIdIg4BbB09CwXYZsXcTxC4G5sitNfd/s1600/http-content.reuters.com-auth-server-content-tag-reuters.com0000-newsml_gm1e9b21qhg01-1433320888-tag-reuters.com0000-binary_gm1e9b21qhg01-baseimage-tokengknjoz3t5tok68bljm3hgp4xeue76wuyfbfqhdraq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJr9BntlfrSDTLlgOmmxIMvbzQb_92cfECRpm2TjwuXAL_WE7lt-ZNY3rDvXlBEfNNNETteuvneoJqlsXDLqj8o85rPNwREQ9i79GWSWGi473hTIdIg4BbB09CwXYZsXcTxC4G5sitNfd/s400/http-content.reuters.com-auth-server-content-tag-reuters.com0000-newsml_gm1e9b21qhg01-1433320888-tag-reuters.com0000-binary_gm1e9b21qhg01-baseimage-tokengknjoz3t5tok68bljm3hgp4xeue76wuyfbfqhdraq.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yoan Gouffran celebrates the opener against Chelsea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
The Holy Trinity of football
was now in full swing. Pardew’s tactical instructions, the fans at their spine
tingling best, and the players with their work ethic and drive had created an
unbreakable spirit. Mike Ashley was suddenly at the back of everyone’s minds. The roof came off when Loic
Remy slammed in the second two minutes from time, Anita with the sensational
assist. The noise of the Gallowgate at full throttle, a side on the hallowed
turf beaming with brilliance, and a manager on the touchline fully justified.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
<o:p><br /></o:p></h3>
<h3>
<o:p> <b>"These are the days you want at SJP"</b></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
“You could see it boost
everyone; the fans exploded again. These are the days you want at St. James'
Park” said Tim Krul after the game. And boy do we want more of them. Newcastle’s performance
against Chelsea should be the minimum in all home games; they need to be
playing like that against the Hull City’s of this league. Consistency in
performance is not far off in my eyes and hopefully that will lead to
consistency in results – particularly with back to back home games coming up
soon.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoehfedXe-WIbpW8ivox3pUtj2ZaKpDFswL2P4eOIsmTA4cd0gXwE0nu8yyZgUoZqO4a6W4hpAQZlTzehRQEYsEETfRouE1kXzlqzlNnbp2n6fIcBbHf1J7K6i96wRFSDO1YLDD8iaoBq/s1600/high_sz708ff0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwoehfedXe-WIbpW8ivox3pUtj2ZaKpDFswL2P4eOIsmTA4cd0gXwE0nu8yyZgUoZqO4a6W4hpAQZlTzehRQEYsEETfRouE1kXzlqzlNnbp2n6fIcBbHf1J7K6i96wRFSDO1YLDD8iaoBq/s400/high_sz708ff0.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"These are the days we want at SJP": Tyneside in delight as Remy sinks Chelsea</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Mathieu Debuchy has been
excellent of late, a stand-out performer in the last four games, something
which indicates an improved team as a whole. With Tiote looking back to his
best, Cabaye pulling the strings and Coloccini on his way back from injury, supporters
should be optimistic for the foreseeable fixtures.<o:p></o:p></div>
<h3>
<o:p> </o:p></h3>
<h3>
<o:p><b>Working in tandem</b></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Saturday proves what can be
done when the club as a whole works in the tandem. When St James’ Park is
rocking like that there is no better place to be. The noise drove the players
on to victory and that is all that matters, not what Mr Ashley is getting
himself up to behind the scenes. For as Shankly says, directors
aren’t important; it’s the players, manager and supporters who make it all tick
when it really counts. And with more days like Saturday, St James’ Park will
once again be a truly beautiful place to be. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-25448431538471649002013-09-30T05:36:00.000-07:002013-09-30T05:36:01.821-07:00Patience Pays Off For Young Duo<h4>
<u>Sam Winter hails the patience of Paul Dummett and Sammy Ameobi after the young duo make their mark against Leeds United in the Capital One Cup.</u></h4>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Newcastle United’s 4<sup>th</sup>
round victory over Leeds in the Capital One Cup was notable for a few reasons.
A comfortable second-gear win, the game highlighted the squad’s strength in
depth if there is a clean bill of health and also saw a much needed notch for
goal-shy Papiss Cisse. The most prominent of notable talking points however was
the inclusion and performances of two academy graduates who excelled down the
left flank at St James’ Park.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMDbeqD-IN8mhNeZTQ-qLTaldln1j0Und61UN66b_oLCLbRVzVyAUbF_wM3bpxuXBc4S4mQR03kBGebGogYyA7es2PGgkJ-MXKoJpThyYK5TBQyi9Ew7ZUcpyWs7lAbXO9ZJuTMxMOOVE/s1600/Sammy+Ameobi+Paul+Dummett+63vRtQL44QFm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMDbeqD-IN8mhNeZTQ-qLTaldln1j0Und61UN66b_oLCLbRVzVyAUbF_wM3bpxuXBc4S4mQR03kBGebGogYyA7es2PGgkJ-MXKoJpThyYK5TBQyi9Ew7ZUcpyWs7lAbXO9ZJuTMxMOOVE/s400/Sammy+Ameobi+Paul+Dummett+63vRtQL44QFm.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In it together: Ameobi and Dummett are emerging at the right time for Newcastle United</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Paul Dummett and Sammy Ameobi
have been at the club since they were 9 and 14 years old respectively and on
Wednesday night showed that they deserve as much as anyone to be vying for
places with the more established foreign imports on Tyneside. They slotted in
so comfortably alongside the likes of Coloccini, Tiote, and Cisse, and looked
like they belonged. There were no moments of inexperience, no questions about
their ability or temperament; but stand-out performances in the black and
white. Dummett’s perfectly weighted clip down the line and Ameobi’s steaming
run and pin-point effortless cross, which Papiss Cisse merely had to walk into
to score, was a truly brilliant combination. Ameobi later provided Yoan
Gouffran with the platform to superbly add a second but it was the way the two
Geordie lads combined down the left all game that was most refreshing. They
made Newcastle’s left side the driving force, the creative zone in the assault
on the Leeds penalty area. They combined, lapped and overlapped and gave the
opposition a torrid first half in particular. Once the result was sealed they
showed composure and experience beyond their years to help see out the
comfortable 90 minutes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj9oUbQbyX-zo7xGPWureEPiGHa_UqvqvepnSpUf-dXEAlMAJjx9Jn6OShCIrPnaYMQcG7mAjFysV3rA4kxk1vVsBuwgpcmeN9JUmA1ObPt4sSCq9Il1ac1oUt3aK3TOlu5_Y2AGjWTSl/s1600/cisse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj9oUbQbyX-zo7xGPWureEPiGHa_UqvqvepnSpUf-dXEAlMAJjx9Jn6OShCIrPnaYMQcG7mAjFysV3rA4kxk1vVsBuwgpcmeN9JUmA1ObPt4sSCq9Il1ac1oUt3aK3TOlu5_Y2AGjWTSl/s400/cisse.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On a plate: Work from Dummett and Ameobi made Cisse's life easy against Leeds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<h3>
Too Small a Production Line</h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
To see the two local lads
interlink how they did gives real hope to young Newcastle hopefuls who dream of
running out at St James’ Park. Newcastle United has been famed for too few top
class local players such as Beardsley, Gascoigne, and Shearer (who took the
long way round to make it for Newcastle). Of course Tim Krul’s rise has been
impressive and well nurtured but the Dutchman is only an adopted Geordie. Only
Steven Taylor, Andy Carroll and Shola Ameobi (Nigerian birth, I know) have
really made it for United in the last 10/12 years as local lads. At 22 years
old Dummett’s emergence is perhaps late when you consider that most potential
stars are in and around the first team at 18-20 years old in the modern game.
If they haven’t made the grade in their teens many are cut loose, or sever the
ties themselves so it is somewhat of a relief to see Paul backed by Alan Pardew,
and by himself, to eventually make his dreams come true. It shows any youngster
in the academy that they can make it themselves; that the hard-work,
determination, and use of the loan system, can also get them to the first team
picture. Dummett’s patience has been rewarded, and in Pardew Newcastle have a
manager who will put faith in the young players if they really strive for it.
He has waxed lyrical about Dummett and Ameobi, stressing how there is always a
way to the Newcastle first team. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfda44sm7j3GS0BSauFp5R6By3JJjhWbAWBzR_61V0E4kdZhAe-jsZvtehaMS3zb9gymfdgophZqkzrmF1QqdyZanazZwLX_xlaFawf-Eo4wq_A6EzuOYzyMLK_9Q3X5Qm9KH5vrfPISS-/s1600/gazza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfda44sm7j3GS0BSauFp5R6By3JJjhWbAWBzR_61V0E4kdZhAe-jsZvtehaMS3zb9gymfdgophZqkzrmF1QqdyZanazZwLX_xlaFawf-Eo4wq_A6EzuOYzyMLK_9Q3X5Qm9KH5vrfPISS-/s400/gazza.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newcastle have failed to produce more of the likes of Gascoigne and Beardsley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
In Sammy Ameobi’s case, the
game against Leeds saw a different, developed player that has previously run
out at St James’ in the last couple of seasons. Sammy’s directness in the
modern technical game was a breath of fresh air when he first appeared, however
it was soon apparent that his inexperience was holding him back. I would find
myself groaning and bemoaning as Sammy ran down the line until he was tackled
or, as I noticed all too often last season before his loan to Middlesbrough,
until he himself ran the ball out of play! The lad was too eager to impress in
a league where young players don’t get too many chances. He needed to learn
when to run with the ball, when to hold back, when to pass, and when to put in
that killer ball. Against Leeds United Sammy Ameobi did all of that. He looked
like he had come on leaps and bounds and become that player, a player good
enough to challenge and overtake the likes of Marveaux and Jonas for first team
places. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsxhyffXn-BrBBTG_dsghM5gr7q65QvXN-dYQYop_fU9Xb5s7O_mKF1YTjv5HMtZSAnO7L2-_fwkN9emMwrXKX1_zH7GvyViuKi6afmFKAPDNMCtg-Dl9qxkvtSk9ao88LnWoCxdYe8FD/s1600/Shola-Ameobi-left-with-brother-Sammy-Ameobi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEsxhyffXn-BrBBTG_dsghM5gr7q65QvXN-dYQYop_fU9Xb5s7O_mKF1YTjv5HMtZSAnO7L2-_fwkN9emMwrXKX1_zH7GvyViuKi6afmFKAPDNMCtg-Dl9qxkvtSk9ao88LnWoCxdYe8FD/s400/Shola-Ameobi-left-with-brother-Sammy-Ameobi.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sammy Ameobi has come a long way since his debut in 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<h3>
No More "Geordie 11"</h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
The performances of Dummett
and Ameobi were much needed in the wake of criticism from FA Chairman Greg
Dyke. Dyke blasted Newcastle when referring to the overload of foreign players
in the Premier League. I remember tutting and condemning when Arsenal fielded
the first all-foreign starting eleven a few years back yet my own team followed
suit in the 2-1 victory at Aston Villa earlier this season. Sir John Hall’s
vision of “11 Geordies” couldn’t have been further from possible on that day.
The leagues over-reliance on foreign players has caused an English decline. The
financial implications of each and every league position (particularly the
bottom three) has created a fear in football clubs who will spend money on so
called “internationals” from all over the world to keep them afloat rather than
use their own produce. Only Aston Villa and Southampton have recently really relied
on home-grown; a gamble that eventually paid off for Villa last season. Buying
from Europe and overseas is also more cost effective, as Newcastle’s French
Revolution will testify, and those precarious English talents that remain
subsequently have their price tags severely inflated. As a Newcastle fan I sit
back and am disappointed about our lack of British players, let alone Geordies.
But when it comes down to it, when you need to throw on a Marveaux or a Sammy
Ameobi to save a game, I admit that I would plump for the “established” foreign
player over the young English hopeful. And that, sadly, is the nature of the
Premier League now with so much at stake.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfmdSfzxMd7WhPfVWu6UJblJ7V18N-bg8tBPpcae8jPnHUBD-FooLclxZtsyxCttqAOXu7AlUD2z-KjxCiuX0DUSBpn91x0ywWJGB6L1R6G25-Q2ibcrGAOW-5HUMZ4_HlzBDGxMgjwC6/s1600/greg-dyke-fa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMfmdSfzxMd7WhPfVWu6UJblJ7V18N-bg8tBPpcae8jPnHUBD-FooLclxZtsyxCttqAOXu7AlUD2z-KjxCiuX0DUSBpn91x0ywWJGB6L1R6G25-Q2ibcrGAOW-5HUMZ4_HlzBDGxMgjwC6/s400/greg-dyke-fa.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">FA blast: Greg Dyke highlighted the plight of English players recently</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<h3>
An Example to Follow</h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
“You’ll win nothing with kids”
once declared that Scottish crooner Hansen. Seemingly only Sir Alex Ferguson
disagreed with him, which is rather baffling considering how it worked out for
him. Many will cite Manchester United’s class of 1992 and will say it will
never happen again. But it’s only the nature of modern day football in England
that would prevent a repeat. Granted, they were a talented bunch individually
but it was the work-ethic and team spirit instilled in them that nurtured their
ability. Foreign player limits in Europe also helped, Gary Neville was playing Champions
League at 18, and there’s no coincidence that the class of ’92 were in the
thick of it in 1999. It’s a rightly celebrated group yet there’s no reason why
it couldn’t have happened again elsewhere. Those Manchester United players went
right through the ranks together, a togetherness that could aid Dummett and
Ameobi at Newcastle. It wasn’t just Paul Dummett in the team with the senior
stars, his academy pal Sammy was there alongside him. Granted it’s not quite
Neville and Beckham just yet but by forming a relationship in one area of the
pitch with another young player (and they certainly have an effective one
already) can have a real positive effect on their development. There was a
trust between the two, an understanding, and a confidence of having each other.
They’re not in there alone, one young star among a team of established seniors.
They can progress as a pair. It certainly helps that they play down the same
side as two left-footers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoehLZYG9p4L4I67xvfB7hbW8mZqS1Yk1-Tcz3qZcR0MrxzKpCNaxzBXHLrwGo-8QCvcSQ4jEUCzJUcglQHySJ7hAXKO93Az27N_WW6lhQGuS-0gmzpbV0wiIOEfHejck_2EXUFeD6ikX/s1600/becks_1315236a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="233" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHoehLZYG9p4L4I67xvfB7hbW8mZqS1Yk1-Tcz3qZcR0MrxzKpCNaxzBXHLrwGo-8QCvcSQ4jEUCzJUcglQHySJ7hAXKO93Az27N_WW6lhQGuS-0gmzpbV0wiIOEfHejck_2EXUFeD6ikX/s400/becks_1315236a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beckham and Neville could be examples for Ameobi and Dummett to follow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately TV and media
dominance has created a monster in English football, and any hopes of another
“Fergie’s Fledglings” or even a “Geordie 11” are virtually non-existent with
the current set-up. Modern football with all its glitz and glamour has
dangerously created a new type of football apprentice; a young player who
strives to have what senior players’ have OFF the pitch rather than ON it.
Clarke Carlisle recently revealed his horror as our own Newcastle prospects
climbed aboard the team coach will all their gadgets while Peter Beardsley
pushed the trolley of dirty laundry. A sad picture to imagine of course, do any
of them know that they could never be as good a player as Pedro was? They
should be pushing him around in a trolley made of gold. Sadly this is how it is
now in football; there’s no boot cleaning anymore as youngsters enjoy a charmed
life while their talents often fall by the wayside.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz3A2T-vq7G1-8cZkxokzyNvtOvVkvHNNWwGXEceQz2_hbiwXCraaL9BelyGP8BlVzOQaFdawHCw2cKnatUpEOB8SCQTFzmI4DcmtVLKiAtIpQP6j_yru39fuvId1_tRZlAX31VIvMNOH/s1600/pauldummett20130819_576x324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxz3A2T-vq7G1-8cZkxokzyNvtOvVkvHNNWwGXEceQz2_hbiwXCraaL9BelyGP8BlVzOQaFdawHCw2cKnatUpEOB8SCQTFzmI4DcmtVLKiAtIpQP6j_yru39fuvId1_tRZlAX31VIvMNOH/s400/pauldummett20130819_576x324.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking his chance: Paul Dummett has not let youthful talent go to waste<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
Paul Dummett is somebody who
has NOT let his talent fall by the wayside. He’s proven what it’s really all
about – hard work. And at 22 years old he’s finally making the grade with his
hometown club and on the brink of being an international. Against Manchester
City at Eastlands, Mapou Yanga Mbiwa had a torrid time against Jesus Navas but
Dummett largely caged the Spaniard in the second half of a forgettable night
for Newcastle; underlining his potential. Sammy Ameobi admitted his failings
last year; he wasn’t stubborn or defensive as he recognised that he needed to
work harder. Now he, Newcastle United, and England U21’s, are beginning to reap
the rewards. He has been the driving force in both Capital One Cup successes
with a goal at Morecombe to boot. Newcastle fans have only had Andy Carroll,
Shola, and Steven Taylor to be proud of (from a local perspective) in the last
10 years but I really feel that Paul Dummett and Sammy Ameobi can make the
grade and live every Geordies dream of running out in the black and white every
other week at St James’ Park. Hopefully their performances against Leeds will
lead to more opportunities in the Premier League and come May we will be
celebrating a successful season for the Academy duo.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-45290935407803947492013-09-21T04:55:00.000-07:002013-09-21T04:55:33.313-07:00The Day from Hull: What a Difference Five Years Makes.<h4>
<b><u>As Newcastle United prepare to welcome
Hull City back to St James’ Park in the Premier League for the first time since
a poignantly fateful clash in September 2008, Sam Winter discusses how life has
changed on Tyneside since Marlon King sank the Toon Army that day.</u></b></h4>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<b>Cockney Mafia Out</b>. Derek Llambias sat
alone in the Director’s seats as the rage of a Geordie Nation rained down from
the stands at St James’ Park. Mike Ashley and Dennis Wise were unsurprisingly
absent. King Kevin had gone, although as I walked up to Gallowgate with
thousands of fellow supporters that afternoon there was a faint hope that all
might not be lost, that the “Geordie Messiah” may well have been persuaded to
reverse his resignation. What was certain as I took my seat that day was that
relations between the fans and Mike Ashley’s regime were well and truly broken.
The man who had delighted Tyneside with a takeover, stood with fans on away
days, picked up bar tabs in town, and quite amazingly appointed Keegan as
manager once more, was now well and truly public enemy number one. His sidekick
Dennis Wise was brought in over Keegan’s head to oversee a disastrous transfer
window and it was the beginning of the end for Newcastle United in the Premier
League. As the teams walked out onto the pitch on the 13<sup>th</sup> September
2008 it was immediately clear that the football played would be a mere sideshow
as St James’ Park showed an unwavering support for Keegan, and a united stand
against Mike Ashley. As the banner made its way round the ground and resolutely
faced the empty directors area the whole ground stood and applauded. The match
didn't matter, this is our club. Newcastle players were completely dumbfounded
by the off-field events, Hull won a woeful encounter 2-1 and Newcastle United
were relegated at the end of the season; ironically a point behind the Tigers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGv7jUj76V7MGFqJ6qyTNOomclp236u9Woq93hLjVW5GCh0Bxl9LU9wiUAAZT2cka4zmecvXQQxT5W2bFoIo8hS1l1-31k0JVtlBgh-7Z6BwNENnXgofBa0i7UsLF6X8ej7GvlZ_dYZp2/s1600/article-0-02A458D400000578-984_468x286.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVGv7jUj76V7MGFqJ6qyTNOomclp236u9Woq93hLjVW5GCh0Bxl9LU9wiUAAZT2cka4zmecvXQQxT5W2bFoIo8hS1l1-31k0JVtlBgh-7Z6BwNENnXgofBa0i7UsLF6X8ej7GvlZ_dYZp2/s400/article-0-02A458D400000578-984_468x286.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Events on the pitch on 13th September 2008 were a mere sideshow to a greater battle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Fast-forward
to 2013 and Tyneside is once again at odds with Mike Ashley, something I never
thought would be apparent as I exited St James’ Park five years previous.
However this time the frustration comes on the back of Newcastle being unable
to follow up on an outstanding 5<sup>th</sup> place finish in the 2011/12
Premier League season. In three seasons Newcastle had gone from Championship
relegation favourites to the cusp of the Champions League and the biggest
surprise of all was that Mike Ashley oversaw the entire renaissance. A complex
and silent figure to say the least, Ashley still manages to make almost
ridiculous headlines. You only need to mention the letters JFK to understand
exactly what I refer to. The Sports Direct Arena, Wonga, Chris Hughton, and
Joey Barton - the owner has continued to make the headlines seemingly all about
him; and continued to painfully irate the loyal support of Newcastle United.
People may hate him (and I give any praise through gritted teeth) but few can
deny what Ashley has done for the club, the Londoner has effectively saved Newcastle
United financially and made it one of the surest, most stable football clubs in
Europe. Fans will never have to worry about the threat of liquidation or debt;
Newcastle United’s foundations are forever steadfast under this owner. Exciting
players have been brought in under the radar, taking the club forward on the
pitch and back into Europe. There’s no doubt the club is now in great shape,
but the owner is still as unpopular as that September afternoon in 2008.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK79ClX1VE55dFIP2IJrx_KT6Q22isf8OlSDYSmsAOrno-9yws61uYsEwSYUoq47etMdq0FQfXvc3ZDYI8Z8YUQnc2ttqFX7qaV4YoI0jDMZBXury4V2b1Uu55vwK5CF2-4GggF-nI5hv_/s1600/ashley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK79ClX1VE55dFIP2IJrx_KT6Q22isf8OlSDYSmsAOrno-9yws61uYsEwSYUoq47etMdq0FQfXvc3ZDYI8Z8YUQnc2ttqFX7qaV4YoI0jDMZBXury4V2b1Uu55vwK5CF2-4GggF-nI5hv_/s400/ashley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Complex figure: 5 years on Ashley remains on Tyneside, popularity still desperately low</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<h3>
Rising From the Ashes</h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
I
remember standing on the platform at Newcastle Central Station as a 0-0 draw at
home to Portsmouth had slid Newcastle dangerously closer to the relegation trap
door in 2009. I phoned my father and uttered the once unthinkable words, “we
need to be relegated…we need to start again”. By all means I didn't really want
us to go down, the day we did was as painful as any bad day I've ever experienced,
but I knew deep down that the only way Newcastle United could become great
again was by starting over. I never would have thought that Mike Ashley would
be at the helm when we rose again though. An unsuccessful sale pitch to local
businessman Barry Moat ensued before the subsequent Championship campaign; Ashley
having put the club up for sale at supporters’ “requests”. Newcastle fans were
in disarray, awaiting an appointment of Alan Shearer that never came, and the
players were embarrassed 6-1 at Leyton Orient in pre-season. My vision of us
starting over was crumbling before a competitive ball was kicked. Ashley stayed
aboard though, and poured another £20 million into the club to fund a swift
return to the Premier League. The likes of Kevin Nolan, Steve Harper, Alan
Smith, and Joey Barton grabbed the playing staff by the scruff of the neck and
stormed to the Championship title. Suddenly it was fantastic again, 100+ points
and a St James’ Park fortress; high earning footballers sweating blood for the
shirt – for the fans. Tyneside will never forget the impact of players like
Nolan and Barton (you only had to be at Steve Harper’s charity game last week
to appreciate that) or the dignified Chris Hughton. They avoided the off-field
circus and did the business where it mattered, and they take huge credit for
where the club finds itself now in 2013.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyRpOsyN6hbinwpZk8HJkN5b5BeiH7Hf-HLyqBrYS8SjS33Gw4MASOp-nWLAn1Opc37SgNkWYqtKqszDZyS6bfRcbBxCsYxvXXm7VbUFhJu1LjwfykhX0BYrCgh6Oa0q3eOso2fDQad6P/s1600/champs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHyRpOsyN6hbinwpZk8HJkN5b5BeiH7Hf-HLyqBrYS8SjS33Gw4MASOp-nWLAn1Opc37SgNkWYqtKqszDZyS6bfRcbBxCsYxvXXm7VbUFhJu1LjwfykhX0BYrCgh6Oa0q3eOso2fDQad6P/s400/champs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swift return: Newcastle players and staff galvanised the club and stormed to the Championship title</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<o:p> Ashley in?</o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Back
in the Premier League in 2010 and suddenly there was no reason to complain, no
reason to revolt or backlash against the owner. The team smashed Aston Villa
6-0 and sensationally destroyed 5under1and before stunningly winning at the
Emirates. Supporters were in dreamland, team spirit was unshakeable and, most
importantly, Mike Ashley was silent and nowhere to be seen. As a Newcastle
United fan for 20 years I’ve learnt that trouble seems to always be round the
corner when things are going swimmingly, particularly under Mike Ashley. Sure
enough just weeks after a wonderful set of results Chris Hughton was sacked. It
was disgusting treatment of one of the nicest men to grace the game; not only
that but a man who had contributed to reviving the club, a man who simply did
not warrant losing his job. Ashley had the footballing world in uproar,
Tyneside astonished. I wasn't surprised. The swift appointment of Alan Pardew
had alarm bells severely ringing and the “Ashley Out” campaign was back in full
swing. Looking back now I feel ashamed to have jumped on the anti-Pardew
campaign so quickly but it was impossible not to following Ashley’s reason for
sacking Hughton being that he wanted a “big-name” manager. The deadline day
sale of Andy Carroll a month later certainly didn’t help the cause yet Pardew
led Newcastle to a comfortable mid-table finish that finish and Newcastle
sanctioned the arrival of Yohan Cabaye early in the summer under the noses of a
host of European clubs. Demba Ba also arrived but as the 2011/12 curtain-raiser
drew near, the wheels were threatening to come off again as Jose Enrique and
Joey Barton publicly criticised the board in the aftermath of the sale of
popular skipper Nolan. Fans were also in disbelief and it was hard to see how
the board had any ambition with their actions. Ashley’s staunch determination
to stay out of the public eye and explain his decisions only fuelled the
frustration. Enrique got his wish and left for Anfield, and Barton didn't get
his and was shipped to QPR on a free transfer. In the aftermath of the Barton
furore, it was clearer than ever that Mike Ashley wanted full control of all
things Newcastle United. You only needed to tune in to Barton’s interview on a
QPR radio show to astonishingly hear some unfortunately believable home truths.
Ashley didn't appreciate the “players committee” that pushed Newcastle to
promotion in 2010, and slowly but surely dismantled them over time. Danny
Simpson and Steve Harper have also since departed; two more key figures from
that season. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2ouuACiwm9I6MgkNtk0soTYb0tC20S2R5EZ6VAxPIQ5uLrKLKsu3ckOZaSv3i_3kZcJs8HyrPqVMur32JUNNkYIpNF7EHtViTaWMOKNHqYCGlnTBiT33bUPW8M88vhxL8OtHtLXrc2cv/s1600/players.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM2ouuACiwm9I6MgkNtk0soTYb0tC20S2R5EZ6VAxPIQ5uLrKLKsu3ckOZaSv3i_3kZcJs8HyrPqVMur32JUNNkYIpNF7EHtViTaWMOKNHqYCGlnTBiT33bUPW8M88vhxL8OtHtLXrc2cv/s400/players.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newcastle impressed back in the big-time, but trouble was always round the corner</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Surging Forward, Standing Still</h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Despite
the great worries Newcastle delivered on the pitch in unprecedented fashion; a
5<sup>th</sup> place finish that could have been as high as 3<sup>rd</sup>
going into the final weekend of 2011/12. Some performances were spectacular;
swashbuckling football that Geordies had been craving since Sir Bobby Robson.
Sir Alex Ferguson held his hands up as the Champions were crushed 3-0, Didier
Drogba left applauding as Papiss Cisse conquered Stamford Bridge. Suddenly
Newcastle had a side that could push for the top and a Manager of the Year. The
summer transfer window couldn't come quickly enough; Graham Carr the mastermind
scout would surely uncover more diamonds. Yet excitement became disappointment
as only Vurnon Anita was brought in as a senior player and, with early season
injuries in the Europa League, the squad was suddenly far too thin in 2012/13.
Ashley had stood still, the worst thing to do on the back of promise, and fans
could only watch as the side limped through to the January window. It perhaps
highlights a naivety and an unwillingness to part with a transfer kitty on
Ashley’s behalf that the owner had transfers lined up for the following summer
because they would be free transfers, rather than bringing them in before the
disastrous campaign. So in rushed the belated French Revolution in January and
their contribution meant Newcastle just about stumbled over the survival line
at Loftus Road in May with one game to spare. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiLfucaWCwF-yeIdfwqfAbwTesDQkTqTz-DX3UWQ7iqQartX-lWJf0GVfZnaJ842Uep_tlrOok6G2eNjSyxx5jZyL9YCDomwO-C50NbH8vxSiN5D6F1W8ph8Orr2L8_tbsLYJNj5aFiTq/s1600/Papiss+Cisse+Chelsea+v+Newcastle+United+Premier+Zs1FZ53KM5Al.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEiLfucaWCwF-yeIdfwqfAbwTesDQkTqTz-DX3UWQ7iqQartX-lWJf0GVfZnaJ842Uep_tlrOok6G2eNjSyxx5jZyL9YCDomwO-C50NbH8vxSiN5D6F1W8ph8Orr2L8_tbsLYJNj5aFiTq/s400/Papiss+Cisse+Chelsea+v+Newcastle+United+Premier+Zs1FZ53KM5Al.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Papiss Cisse's arrival and a 5th place finish had fans purring, but disappointment was again all too swift to follow</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
Now
it truly was time to move forward and to not stand still. Surely the owner
would learn from his mistakes. Pardew was ready to kick on, Llambias right
behind him. All the right noises were being made; two new attackers and a
centre half would AT LEAST be heading to Tyneside. But then it happened, right
out of the blue in true Mike Ashley style, the excruciatingly embarrassing
return of Joe Kinnear as Director of Football. Now this is an example of how I
just cannot fathom Mike Ashley’s methods. There is no denying that Ashley is a
shrewd businessman (he isn't the 15<sup>th</sup> richest man in the UK for
nothing) and as a business he runs Newcastle United well. But as a football CLUB
it just seems to be wave after wave of embarrassment and unwanted headlines for
the fans. Ashley knew that Kinnear’s appointment would be catastrophic for
supporters but he wanted a “football head” in that role, which makes huge
sense. However there are hundreds of other football heads that aren't called
Joe Kinnear out there yet he still chose to pick the last man Geordies would
have wanted. The fact that Kinnear only managed to bring in Loic Remy this
summer compounded the misery, but if Remy stays fit he could be the man to fire
the side back into the higher echelons of the Premier League. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeSPu5S5oXqQtajYPM19siNZ7AnQnXhZzz0MxjSFQk4RHI2fiCT4NVtJp1UleEpNrT0L3jEk9isKguKSNwcTMaq28zt6W5BczjaC_GB6yFMLXl7Gu9_-IRUEh2f6a0bRXB9HqZCN5T30-/s1600/joe-kinnear-and-loic-remy-136382573372012802.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeSPu5S5oXqQtajYPM19siNZ7AnQnXhZzz0MxjSFQk4RHI2fiCT4NVtJp1UleEpNrT0L3jEk9isKguKSNwcTMaq28zt6W5BczjaC_GB6yFMLXl7Gu9_-IRUEh2f6a0bRXB9HqZCN5T30-/s400/joe-kinnear-and-loic-remy-136382573372012802.gif" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Joe Kinnear's arrival was madness, but Loic Remy's could be magical</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<h3>
Method to the Madness?</h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
This
madness wasn't unique of course; The Sports Direct Arena was another trying
time for supporters. The whole “naming rights” spiel is also logical due to the
business-like nature of the modern Premier League, however Ashley did not NEED
to change St James’ Park to the name of his own business to attract potential sponsors;
Newcastle United can do that by itself. Wonga weren't wooed by the “Sports
Direct Arena” when they took on sponsorship, as proved by a swift renaming.
Despite popular strategies, Wonga has not been a favourable arrangement with
the Newcastle faithful from a rightly ethical perspective. The pay-day lenders
may well be the clubs biggest ever partnership but once again a Mike Ashley
dealing had brought unwanted headlines and upset to the club. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
It
is difficult to argue against the idea that Mike Ashley does financially viable
dealings, yet makes sure he annoys the Newcastle fans at the same time. Don’t
get me wrong, the unpopular but astronomical sale of Andy Carroll has helped
the club massively in the long run; and the despairing sale of Kevin Nolan has
probably been justified by the acquisition of Yohan Cabaye. But with the
Hughton/Pardew drama, the renaming of St James’ Park, Wongagate, and the Joe
Kinnear debacle, have all been mind-boggling situations that Ashley has
conjured. What makes everything all the more testing is the fact that Mike
Ashley does not speak publicly about the club or anything going on at the club,
ever. The fact that he never comes out and explains some of these huge decisions
when he really should only serves to drive Newcastle supporters even further up
the wall. I would say that he does himself no favours by remaining in the
shadows, but I am also aware that any public declarations would only appease a
section of support. The general consensus is that Mike Ashley will never win
over Newcastle United fans and will always get the abuse he has got for five
years, so why should he talk? It is perhaps far-fetched to conclude that Mike
Ashley uses some sort of hatred of Newcastle supporters to drive his running of
the club but IF he did, it perhaps boils down to that afternoon in September
2008 when Hull City visited St James’ Park for the very first time in the
Premier League. That day was the beginning of the end for Newcastle United in
the top flight, and the end of any friendship between Mike Ashley and the Toon
Army.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-NIgTV2uOtxT-eSz9xErkUXr8bfXelRydGANXJB3EMISJ8BeUHO1vEpCWF0HN38kvVnKzEGlyisqiulbAmvtSUg_ZWV6emuSWVzOnCPR5991ds7tTgwtoFO87y0KuT_hgqvwRjCKs6pV/s1600/newcreu_951165c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_-NIgTV2uOtxT-eSz9xErkUXr8bfXelRydGANXJB3EMISJ8BeUHO1vEpCWF0HN38kvVnKzEGlyisqiulbAmvtSUg_ZWV6emuSWVzOnCPR5991ds7tTgwtoFO87y0KuT_hgqvwRjCKs6pV/s400/newcreu_951165c.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Much has changed since the last St James' meeting between Newcastle and Hull in the Premier League</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<h3>
Different Ball-Game</h3>
<br />
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
What
we can conclude however, as Tyneside welcomes back the newly promoted Tigers,
is that Newcastle United is a completely different animal in fine shape five
years on. There’s no squad disharmony or disillusion, there’s backroom
stability, financial security, and a wave of positivity in the aftermath of
summer difficulties with promising performance on the pitch. Newcastle go into
the game with an opportunity to record three wins on the spin, a fine feat
early in the campaign. Fans will swarm to St James’ with optimism and
expectancy, not despair and anger. Events on the pitch will be the spectacle,
not the sideshow. In 2008 Hull took advantage of a wounded animal, this time
they should fear one. And perhaps somewhere, wherever he may be, Mike Ashley
will look on proceedings with a wry smile. What a difference five years makes. <o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-28165580388074561652013-09-10T05:25:00.000-07:002013-09-10T05:25:09.457-07:00Rickie Lambert: Restoring Faith in International Football Since 2013<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: justify;">
<h4>
<u>As Rickie Lambert has emerged from the Football League shadows to lead England's attack in Ukraine, Sam Winter looks at the rise of the working-class striker amidst the decline of International football in England.</u></h4>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
As a six year old boy I
watched wide-eyed with wonderment as Euro 96 fever erupted over the nation; my
earliest memory of a major football tournament being played in front of my eyes
on television. I can vividly remember watching each England game unfold; the
drama, the passion, and the sheer national spirit. This was a time where
International football was completely ingrained in our English national
identity, still the ultimate honour for any footballer; European and World
victory the pinnacle of sport in this country. Here we had the likes of Adams,
Shearer, Seaman, Pearce, Gascoigne, and Platt, belting their hearts out as the
National Anthem rang around the old Wembley. Euphoria swept England as
Scotland, Netherlands, and Spain were put the sword on a march to the
semi-finals. Pride in despair descended as the agonising defeat to Germany was
confirmed by the unbearable tension of the penalty shootout. Even as a small
child I knew that it didn’t get any bigger than playing for England. Yet 17
years on this notion has all but disappeared from the English game and the
national mentality. And now on the eve of a crucial World Cup Qualifier in the
Ukraine, as England toil in a group with the hosts and Montenegro, would it
even be as great a national disappointment as it should be if the team fail to
qualify for the 2014 showpiece in Brazil?</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisejjxMcVBXNFMUnMTQhe6h8k0SzkqOpjoH495pdFJOUZ8tL_boI5NFhBNq6xJi7tEv5i9hHZlFDApfgOJ7ahtq4Rtwoo7rufqw-G-cCEIcx6EE-k5hK2ngUxgMx_w6KLTmca8q_x2YUAh/s1600/eng.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisejjxMcVBXNFMUnMTQhe6h8k0SzkqOpjoH495pdFJOUZ8tL_boI5NFhBNq6xJi7tEv5i9hHZlFDApfgOJ7ahtq4Rtwoo7rufqw-G-cCEIcx6EE-k5hK2ngUxgMx_w6KLTmca8q_x2YUAh/s400/eng.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The passion displayed in 1996 is a distant memory compared to modern day England</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<o:p>Great Expectancy, Great Decline </o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
I’ve watched the importance of
the national team diminish over the years since that first international
experience. Don’t get me wrong I felt in 1998 and 2000 it still really
mattered, as vilification of David Beckham and Phil Neville will testify.
England’s failings under Kevin Keegan saw positivity drop significantly and the
appointment of a first foreign manager questioned the national team identity. But
England hit some “heady” heights under Sven Goran Eriksson; a 5-1 victory in
Munich and that David Beckham free-kick, an exemplary qualification record for
major tournaments and the emergence of the “Golden Generation”. But the fact
that a qualification victory and a last-gasp draw against Greece are the
celebrated England games of recent times purely underlines England’s continued
failures when it really matters. Of course England have no divine right to win
major tournaments, but they’ve certainly wasted golden opportunities. Under
Sven, England had a core of players that at the time would have walked into any
team in world football: Beckham, Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, Owen, Ferdinand. On
paper England had a capable tournament-winning side, but when it mattered it
was the same old Quarter Final misery as before; England limping out when they
could have given so much more.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Media scrutiny and national
expectation have never helped the cause; England sides have never been able to
handle a tag of being favourites unlike the French and the Spanish in more
recent years. The infamous “WAG culture” and managerial misdemeanours
overshadowed the 2006 World Cup and the failure to qualify for Euro 2008 was
disastrous for a nation with the pool of players England possessed at the time.
Fabio Capello briefly got pulses racing again ahead of South Africa in 2010 but
another abject display left national expectancy and enthusiasm at an all-time
low. In my time England had never played so poorly on the big stage and when
Euro 2012 came around, there was minimal fanfare surrounding the tournament.
Customary flags on cars and houses were gone, nobody expected success and
nobody was all that bothered or surprised when the Quarter Final’s beckoned
another penalty-shootout exit. And here we are approaching 2014, World Cup
Qualification in significant limbo. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirth3jxyuTcTT3qY7luZNEsJP7DkvZZa-RFsR6AQ6JC-qktPrP7hdJHhkpWPjqrUhc6rKP3TxQMfoCQnw-m1Uv8OIamaIGz45FaAPU7Lcg8lc9JJoBQWcPrMWtSoZHN16KR9g68L9A0ZfV/s1600/lampsroo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirth3jxyuTcTT3qY7luZNEsJP7DkvZZa-RFsR6AQ6JC-qktPrP7hdJHhkpWPjqrUhc6rKP3TxQMfoCQnw-m1Uv8OIamaIGz45FaAPU7Lcg8lc9JJoBQWcPrMWtSoZHN16KR9g68L9A0ZfV/s400/lampsroo.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">England were woeful in 2010, compounding how far they have fallen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<o:p> England's Own Worst Enemy</o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
The National decline in
international football’s interest has many contributing factors that boil down
to a core of English football failings. Failure despite hope and expectancy is
admittedly a major cause however the explosion of the Premier League in England
is the telling factor for multiple reasons. Unquestionably the Premier League
has done wonders for English football since its creation; the style of football
played, the personalities, the stadiums, the teams, the drama, and the memories,
have all contributed to the Premier League becoming a worldwide attraction.
However its growth has tilted England’s international prospects into a
dangerous slide. The financial incentive of the Premier League and an obsession
with Champions League football has seen club become more powerful than country.
Players withdraw from playing for England; retire from England, at the advice
of their clubs. Playing for England should be the pinnacle of any footballer’s
career in this country, yet it is significantly second fiddle to the Premier
League. A staggeringly low total of 32% of players in the Premier League are
English in 2013, almost a third of what it was at the leagues introduction.
Teams have fielded 10 or 11 foreigners from the start of English league games,
and those English talents left have seen their price tags inflated due to their
now precious existence. England’s coaching system and grass-roots setup is
flawed, and the decline of the British manager in the Premier League has not
helped coaching development at the top level. The value placed on the Premier
League also effectively blocks hopes of a useful winter break ahead of
international tournaments, a break that benefits other major international
teams. The FA’s obsession with developing Wembley Stadium, despite the success
of the touring England side under Eriksson, is also financially hindering
footballing development. England were taking football to the fans before
Wembley’s rebuild; all across the nation, and the passion and interest was once
again sky high. But with the English game as it is now, particularly with the
excitement and importance of the Premier League, it is little wonder that
support of the International side is so low from a fans perspective.</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnwGcFxFvEJOBCuzFRe4kkxhW1k9HHIQkagYdrFlipX5lyoMN8-Nd-TOQsUzpqv1s_18bh4ydzZwZnSj-X2alSdULBV2O6F-wYsI7RhrBSf2cIrn8rpuog4b2AYHBVedNt4GscjzLOvMC/s1600/rio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAnwGcFxFvEJOBCuzFRe4kkxhW1k9HHIQkagYdrFlipX5lyoMN8-Nd-TOQsUzpqv1s_18bh4ydzZwZnSj-X2alSdULBV2O6F-wYsI7RhrBSf2cIrn8rpuog4b2AYHBVedNt4GscjzLOvMC/s400/rio.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Premier League has caused a Club vs. Country divide that has seen a priority shift for the likes of Rio Ferdinand.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<o:p> Rickie Lambert's Football Fairy-Tale</o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
English football has too few
fairy-tale moments these days. Wayne Rooney scoring the winner against Arsenal
as a 16 year old and then riding his bike round the corner to home is a
fairy-tale moment. The lifestyle and fame that is handed to emerging talents in
2013 certainly reduces these moments and thus you cannot particularly blame
these youngsters from having a lesser interest in playing for their country, or
not singing the words to the national anthem when they do play. It is just how
the game they came into is now. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Reading my hand-me-down Roy of
the Rovers annuals painted the fairy-tale footballers path for me as a young
boy: Grafting through the lower leagues, hitting the big time through sheer
performance, and walking out at Wembley and scoring for England. This was
certainly the dream of former Stockport County striker Rickie Lambert, and the
Liverpudlian was on the tip of destiny as he sat on a Wembley bench on the 14<sup>th</sup>
August 2013 at the age of 31. Aside from Lambert’s remarkable story, the fixture
between England and Scotland on that night could have significant positive
implications for the future of English International football. This was a
match-up that was 13 years late, a return of the home nation’s encounter that
should once again be played annually. If the England side need a boost or an
incentive, particularly before a major tournament, then this needs to be the
fixture to provide it. The oldest of football rivalries, both sides showed a
fierce determination to get one over their neighbours in a pulsating game. This
game showed what it really means to wear the shirt, the three lions on the
chest. On this occasion, with the game locked at 2-2, Roy Hodgson called on his
latest substitute.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hHE0HH8go8ipYjLMA_RBD734-sCkg_dn2EDbvVq7f5WSv4FgxEwaUzjwqXEH_nPc1AoUyeKwQ2byduekE3r91sIejfUMd3ZvHWXGEff3ZYzdu70wtTBZNLpiSBXM0aPUphWMH9e3SI5Q/s1600/_69291679_lambert_getty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1hHE0HH8go8ipYjLMA_RBD734-sCkg_dn2EDbvVq7f5WSv4FgxEwaUzjwqXEH_nPc1AoUyeKwQ2byduekE3r91sIejfUMd3ZvHWXGEff3ZYzdu70wtTBZNLpiSBXM0aPUphWMH9e3SI5Q/s400/_69291679_lambert_getty.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rickie Lambert living the England dream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Unfortunately it was easy to
write off Rickie Lambert’s international prospects before he even stepped over
the white line at Wembley. We’d seen it all before with Kevin Davies, Jay Bothroyd,
and Bobby Zamora to name but a few in recent times; strikers playing for
England and being found out, never to feature again. But as Lambert crashed
home a 70<sup>th</sup> minute header with his first touch as an England
International everything changed, Lambert had delivered for his country and had
achieved his dream in truly memorable style. He was the happiest man on earth
as he wheeled away across the Wembley turf; you could see in his face that this
was the stuff of fairy-tale. Here was a man who had only been a Premier League
striker for a year following a career labouring in the lower leagues with
Blackpool, Macclesfield, Stockport, Rochdale and Bristol Rovers before being
signed for Southampton in 2009. A late bloomer perhaps or maybe a victim of
English clubs over-reliance of foreign imports, Lambert had certainly arrived
at this moment the hard way. "I have been dreaming of that all my life, it
means so much," he said after the game ended with his goal the winner.
"I was trying to play it cool this week but deep down I wanted to scream.
It was brilliant”. This is exactly what it should be like for all players who
play and score for their country. The Southampton striker had grown up dreaming
of such a moment; he’d never dreamt of fortune and fame, just playing football
and maybe, just maybe one day scoring for England at Wembley. Such passion and
enthusiasm for the game is sadly reduced in the modern world of mega-rich Prima Donna footballers. But Rickie Lambert’s emergence may well have come at the
perfect time for English International Football. With support for the national
team in great need of a boost, the working-class hero from Kirkby may well be
the perfect catalyst. The England fans can relate to him, he is one of them, a
normal lad who was worked and grafted to get to where he is, never having had
anything handed to him. He represents the people, like England strikers of old,
playing out their dreams wearing the three lions. Support for Lambert, with
everyone talking with intrigue and amazement about his journey to the
international stage, can only be good for England.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdP2Gsr-7yS_8pmp790pnWFk4ilgNmIfD2WkQL87Yceh7CDMUnG18HtiZ7bXdU6bMeec1YLZehZ3IfkIRINPOFN58mTYr_Y9Hqwb9ouWxaMU1W2PEVguu3DOTB56UCAFPsuhJVNMqE0P8/s1600/lambert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAdP2Gsr-7yS_8pmp790pnWFk4ilgNmIfD2WkQL87Yceh7CDMUnG18HtiZ7bXdU6bMeec1YLZehZ3IfkIRINPOFN58mTYr_Y9Hqwb9ouWxaMU1W2PEVguu3DOTB56UCAFPsuhJVNMqE0P8/s400/lambert.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lambert can be a hero of the people for England<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<h3>
The New Roy of the Rovers?</h3>
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Less than a month on from the
Scotland game and Rickie Lambert is lining up for his first England start,
amidst a striker “crisis”, singing the national anthem in front of the nation
ahead of a World Cup Qualifier at Wembley. Lambert leads the line superbly
against Moldova, scoring a real striker’s goal from point blank range before
twice assisting strike partner Danny Welbeck in a comfortable 4-0 victory.
Suddenly the striker is right at home, an England international leading the
charge. And now on the eve of a huge night in Kiev, 28 months on from playing
in League One, Lambert has the hopes of his nation resting on his shoulders. Much must be done to improve England's international fortunes in the short and long term, but if Rickie Lambert can fire England towards the World Cup, a nation’s faith in International
football will surely be close to being fully restored. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4461239725955393731.post-62709282759007386862013-09-06T07:22:00.001-07:002013-09-06T07:22:56.483-07:00Jose and Back Again: The psychology of Roman Abramovich in his pursuit of greatness.<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
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<h4>
<b><u>As Jose Mourinho's second coming as Chelsea manager gets underway, Sam Winter looks at how he got there in order to understand the psychology of Russian billionaire and Chelsea owner, Roman Abramovich</u></b></h4>
<b><br /></b>
<b>20<sup>th</sup> September 2007</b> and world football
was digesting the news that Jose Mourinho had left Chelsea Football Club. The
man who led The Blues to their first domestic championship title in 50 years,
amassing 95 points and conceding only 15 goals along the way, was gone under a
cloud of huge uncertainty amid long-standing rumours of a rift with owner Roman
Abramovich. Mourinho was Abramovich’s first managerial appointment since his
sensational arrival the previous year, when he arrived from Russia with endless
pockets and big ambitions for the London club. The Special One could do no
wrong; 2 Premier League crowns in successive seasons, 2 League Cups, and an FA
Cup triumph had Chelsea fans in dreamland. Stamford Bridge was unbreakable and
European Glory was surely not far away. But then the wheels came off.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGxOmVxsvYa8pHrlhXiQY215dwisQecpzgws1wx096V7TK3917CekJOZkK0zLGun0tDJ2ZhtwcVHDHO4eNs_0vVXHZgP7oltdLE_9wVeCIW_3ComkjRd7By3LMVIRVJOkssVE2b3j5PEN/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEGxOmVxsvYa8pHrlhXiQY215dwisQecpzgws1wx096V7TK3917CekJOZkK0zLGun0tDJ2ZhtwcVHDHO4eNs_0vVXHZgP7oltdLE_9wVeCIW_3ComkjRd7By3LMVIRVJOkssVE2b3j5PEN/s400/images.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lampard and Terry were key men in Mourinho's assault of the Premier League.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p>There was nothing broken at Chelsea, so there was
no need to fix anything. However Abramovich tinkering began before a ball had
been kicked in 2006/07. Andriy Shevchenko came in above Mourinho’s head and
rumblings were evident with Sporting Director Frank Arnesen. Troubles were
clearly brewing, Mourinho would admit as much in media interviews. Abramovich
became a closed book, Mourinho having to deal with advisor Piet de Visser
instead of the owner directly. Relationships were broken, the honeymoon was
over, and Sir Alex Ferguson swatted Chelsea away to take the Premier League
crown back to Old Trafford.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Just two days before Mourinho left, 3 months into
the following season, Chief Executive Peter Kenyon described the Portuguese as
“the key to glory” in Chelsea’s hunt for European dominance. But Abramovich had
become impatient and relationships were at the point of no return, and it was
Mourinho to go.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Less than six years on and Mourinho is back at
Stamford Bridge, a sensational return for the special one. Issues seemingly
resolved, Mourinho’s return has made Chelsea many people’s favourites for this
seasons Premier League crown. Staggeringly, 7 managers have been in the Chelsea
hot-seat since Mourinho departed and only Guus Hiddink left on his own terms. Abramovich’s
ruthless hiring and firing of household names suggests complete disaster post
Mourinho. Yet six major trophies and a community shield were won in that period
of managerial merry-go –round; including an impressive regain of the Premier
League under Carlo Ancelotti in the double season of 2009-10, and that elusive
all-conquering Champions League crown under Roberto Di Matteo. Even the Europa
League was won under Rafa Benitez, completing a clean sweep of all available
major trophies to Chelsea in the decade of Abramovich. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The way Abramovich has constantly discarded the
notion of “giving manager’s time” and spent millions and millions on appointing
and sacking big name managers such as Scolari, Villas-Boas, and Ancelotti, has
always made me despairingly wonder just what it is that Abramovich wants? What
goes through the psychology of the introverted Russian billionaire with the
hugely successful football club? What was it he was looking for when he let
Mourinho go? And what hasn’t he found that has signalled Mourinho’s return?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br />
<h3>
Europe or Bust</h3>
</div>
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At first I was convinced
Abramovich’s motives were driven by Champions League failings. Mourinho
seemingly hadn’t done it in enough time, and only a slip in the rain of Moscow
prevented Avram Grant from being the unlikely source of success. Given the
unrest over Mourinho’s departure, Grant did a remarkable job with Chelsea that
season but he was never the long term solution. So in came Big Phil Scolari,
World Cup winner, to turn the tide on Champions League fortune at the Bridge. But
from the first negative result Scolari was doomed, with rumours of player
unrest not helping his cause, and he was off within half a season. Guus Hiddink
steadied the ship with an FA Cup success but wouldn’t continue the poisoned
chalice full-time and in came Carlo Ancelotti, who brought the good times back
with an impressive double in 2010. Chelsea were lethal again, Drogba and Anelka
leading the charge, but Sir Alex Ferguson once again swatted them away in 2011
and Ancelotti was quite unbelievably sacked. This was the clearest indicator
that it wasn’t just the Champions League that sacked a Chelsea manager;
Ancelotti’s perceived failure to double up on Premier League crown’s had cost
him. Abramovich couldn’t stand not being top dog in England let alone Europe,
and Ancelotti paid the price. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapuC8krq1Iev8k8WU4SR04aM2ZrTGDy1xd7rNyT3W3ih57UJTfHDxMKwpDPtkeGS7dznhldihAFLHwq2Pw9i65oYfkqUltw2DrjVggdjzL4T4h-z9uZWhAOqX2MKFgsNJkQuKKbwlR2SF/s1600/ancelotti.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiapuC8krq1Iev8k8WU4SR04aM2ZrTGDy1xd7rNyT3W3ih57UJTfHDxMKwpDPtkeGS7dznhldihAFLHwq2Pw9i65oYfkqUltw2DrjVggdjzL4T4h-z9uZWhAOqX2MKFgsNJkQuKKbwlR2SF/s400/ancelotti.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carlo Ancelotti brought the good times back for Chelsea but soon was on his way out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
<o:p>A Change in Style...Just Don't Change That.. </o:p></h3>
Abramovich suddenly wanted
Chelsea to go in a different direction, to play a different way to generate
consistent success, and he had no problem in activating an extortionate release
clause to bring in Andre Villas-Boas to achieve it. Villas-Boas was the start
of a bright future, a long and successful tenure bringing through exciting
young players and ousting the old guard; regaining the Premier League and
winning the Champions League at long last. But despite such positive statements
Villas-Boas found himself out favour for trying to play teams without John
Terry, Didier Drogba, and Frank Lampard in. No player should be bigger than a
club yet Abramovich has always valued Lampard and Terry above all others and
the tactical changes clearly sat unfavourably with the owner. A few poor
results and the media frenzy swallowed up player unrest and tactical
disagreement, and Abramovich sensationally pulled the trigger again. From
wanting his club to do things differently, to build a long term strategy,
Abramovich had changed his tune at the first signs of such implementation. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3yctujWeOhZZNJ4Jwz02YHyOeCq2lCiGzHO7xDVHZKS5P6HBC4y94YULtScWszWp4-eA-jAzkr9gMC_HnvTZpqHLZvyfA3vjrfw0zcif_98qvw1tQ_hwRFtQIdS7rzD0xBIYH5zaqEU6/s1600/avb2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl3yctujWeOhZZNJ4Jwz02YHyOeCq2lCiGzHO7xDVHZKS5P6HBC4y94YULtScWszWp4-eA-jAzkr9gMC_HnvTZpqHLZvyfA3vjrfw0zcif_98qvw1tQ_hwRFtQIdS7rzD0xBIYH5zaqEU6/s320/avb2.jpg" width="267" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AVB found himself unable to implement changes at the club.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h3>
Di Matteo Delivers the Crown</h3>
His impatience
is a key factor in understanding his character. If success isn’t immediate then
no manager is safe, even Mourinho found that once surrendering the Premier
League. Abramovich demands instant success and disregards the possibility that
managers and players, tactics and systems, may need time to adjust and settle.
His closeness with his senior stars, the ones who brought the initial success
to the club, perhaps hinders any Chelsea long term development and his yearning
for Champions League glory was also pulling on his patience. The sensational
victory over Bayern in Munich therefore had seemingly brought an end to his
misery. The searching was over, the solution found. Roberto Di Matteo conquered
Europe and took the FA Cup back to the Bridge. He was a bright young managerial
talent, the players loved him and the fans worshipped him and most importantly
he’d delivered for the owner. The future looked bright, Chelsea started the
following campaign in blistering fashion yet a demolition at the hands of
Falcao and a bad night in Turin meant it was all over once again. Di Matteo’s
dismissal added a new dimension to the confusion over Abramovich. Surely he’d
got everything he wanted now? He had the crown, he had the future, and they’d
started an assault on the league in fine fashion. All his previous issues were
seemingly solved, so what was it that was missing? And then it was clearer than
ever. Mourinho.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K_VMF0kRWRSWoMVehp3HCfGoO5JY3chW_Dnrb8FR0t6LS3onUch80qdV2vzxVzI_wwgKJmNtGtDRaYyMjZ3Q8vXk2IDzlV05pSA20nMLBd3DTsTFjrlISUH7XhblU2WyVln4ZWsCn_Hu/s1600/article-2147273-132F7B6D000005DC-680_634x458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7K_VMF0kRWRSWoMVehp3HCfGoO5JY3chW_Dnrb8FR0t6LS3onUch80qdV2vzxVzI_wwgKJmNtGtDRaYyMjZ3Q8vXk2IDzlV05pSA20nMLBd3DTsTFjrlISUH7XhblU2WyVln4ZWsCn_Hu/s400/article-2147273-132F7B6D000005DC-680_634x458.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Problem solved? Di Matteo won it for Abramovich but it wasn't enough.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<h3>
The Second Coming</h3>
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Since the day The Special One
exited Stamford Bridge he had been linked with a comeback. After each and every
managerial dismissal Mourinho was rumoured to be returning to rescue the club.
It was clear to me the Mourinho would be back permanently after Di Matteo was
sacked, even more so when Benitez was installed as the sensitive “interim”. Abramovich
had spent six years trying to move on from Mourinho, to replicate his success
with other men. But he couldn’t, what he wanted WAS Mourinho, and only
Mourinho. And Chelsea would never have stability without his return. </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br />
Despite
the fantastic trophy record in his decade at the helm, Abramovich has attracted
copious criticism for his running of the club, his handling of managers and
finances. From an ethics perspective, the sheer fortune spent on buy-outs and
pay-offs of world-renowned managers, Abramovich’s methods are disappointing and
it’s certainly hard to agree with the man. Yet you can’t argue with his trophy
cabinet. Perhaps with the Special One back in town all will be forgotten and
the drama will simmer down in that respect. But Mourinho will know exactly what
is expected of him, and Abramovich won’t be much less lenient now his prized
leader is back. A trophy-shy season might get alarm bells ringing but I think
it would be tolerated this time around, but only this time. Abramovich deals
only in success and not even Mourinho is safe if success isn’t brought to
Chelsea. Perhaps the owner will have learned his lesson, bringing Mourinho back
when he should never have let him go in the first place. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd1PT6CDqsogazzBgT4opC94maTPFmkFSxzmKGRzV2z-107KIlL-qCDkkW2kpO4s3GvEvOVp3HoWo_Ng5VWcY2fzOazXwqaXzdTG_xfG15U8Le6bph0k5qVNy_Un387H9X3YfEW2sDjBN/s1600/article-0-1B5B5A9A000005DC-403_634x488.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBd1PT6CDqsogazzBgT4opC94maTPFmkFSxzmKGRzV2z-107KIlL-qCDkkW2kpO4s3GvEvOVp3HoWo_Ng5VWcY2fzOazXwqaXzdTG_xfG15U8Le6bph0k5qVNy_Un387H9X3YfEW2sDjBN/s400/article-0-1B5B5A9A000005DC-403_634x488.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There was only ever one man for Chelsea fans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Abramovich has always
struck me as someone who wants to control absolutely everything, to be the
manager as well as owner, and his interference in the past has probably served
only to hinder the club. Certainly such interference would have to be
completely eradicated as far as Mourinho is concerned. Here is a man who
managed to get himself full control of dealings at Real Madrid, something
completely unheard of. The issue of power had owner and manager at loggerheads
the first time around, and for the second coming to work at Chelsea, this can
never rear its ugly head again. Both men are older and wiser now and hopefully
a long-standing, successful era will ensue for the fans of Chelsea Football
Club. Or perhaps the merry-go round will just keep on going. You just never
ever know in football. Let's just hope Roman doesn't have a thing for Super Cups.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13373193154156717323noreply@blogger.com0