Carver Axe Another Step on Road to Recovery

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.

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. 

New era: Steve McClaren's arrival ended the Pardew era at Newcastle United

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

Unresponsive: Newcastle players failed spectacularly under John Carver

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. 

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. 

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. 

Not good enough: John Carver simply didn't have what it took to succeed as Head Coach

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.

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.

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.

Road to recovery: Newcastle can now move on under the new regime

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.

The Leopard Won't Change His Spots

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.

Having a laugh: Ashley's latest exploits have supporters reeling again

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.

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.

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.

The messenger: Carver uncomfortably delivered release news to the players

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.

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.

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. 

Hero: Gutierrez's final day exploits was a fairytale ending at St James' Park

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Cult heroes: Gutierrez and Taylor have long-endeared themselves to supporters

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.

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. 

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!

Increased ambition: Can Charnley and Ashley put words into action?

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. 

To Ryan Taylor and Jonas Gutierrez, thank you. 

On the Road to Nowhere

"It hurts me to say this, but Newcastle United are a club going nowhere"

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.

Pathetic: Newcastle have been lambasted for their recent defeat at Manchester City

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.

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. 

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.

 

No ambition? Newcastle are stood still under Mike Ashley

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. 

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. 

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). 

 

Down and out: Too often have Newcastle deflated home fans

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

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. 

 

No answers: Carver has struggled to justify a future as Head Coach

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?

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?

 

Prize asset: How long before another Newcastle star is moved on?

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. 

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. 

 

Something to play for: United need to utilise the returning Aarons

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.

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.

But hey John Carver is cheap and available, so what do I know?

Love Will Tear us Apart

“It's about love, it's about love and putting cover on each other, and they did that. Fantastic.”

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.

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. 

Protest: Alan Pardew has long endured the frustration of Newcastle supporters

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. 

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. 

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. 

Surprise: Nobody anticipated Pardew's appointment in 2010

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. 

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.

Goodbye Cabaye: Losing star player kick started a dreadful 2014

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.

The Ugly: Pardew had some notable flashpoints as Newcastle United Manager

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?

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?

Ashley Out: Fans have long suffered Mike Ashley

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. 

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.

Don't go Sissoko: Newcastle must keep hold of key players to move forward

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.

Newcastle United - Trust in this Squad

After a memorable fortnight on Tyneside, Sam Winter reflects on the upturn of form and the emergence of squad depth at Newcastle United.

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.

Still alive: Alan Pardew has marshalled Newcastle's upturn in form

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.

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 squad depth, something thought of as non existent just weeks ago, that has really got Newcastle motoring.

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. 

Gabriel Obertan was flying before cruel injury blow

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.

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. 

Ready Mehdi: Abeid has suddenly become a key player in the midfield

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.

The Beast: Moussa Sissoko is showing his best form

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.

Made in Tenerife: Ayoze Perez is fast becoming a goalscoring hero on Tyneside

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.

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.

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. 

Taylor and Coloccini have shown why they're Newcastle's best defensive pairing

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.

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.

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 using 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.

Ryan Taylor's emotional return means further competition for places

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.

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.

Right Place, Right Time, Number Nine

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

Always looking forward. A moving tribute to Jonas Gutierrez, a statement of intent from a returning Newcastle United hero.

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.

Always Looking Forward: Cisse is back and his timing couldn't be better

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. 

And boy did he deliver when he entered the fray. Such instinct. Right place, right time.

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.

Arrived: Cisse made an instant impact on Tyneside

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.

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. 

Defying logic: Cisse's jaw-dropping moment at Stamford Bridge

Or so we all thought.

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. 

Fatal changes: Pardew made Cisse move aside for Demba Ba in 2012 - it didn't work

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.

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. 

Second best again: Cisse found himself behind Loic Remy in the pecking order last season

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. 

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.  

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.

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. 

Always on time: Cisse's late goals kept Newcastle in the big time in 2012/13

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. 

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. 

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, needed. 

Main man: Pardew must utilise Cisse to change Newcastle's fortunes.

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. 

From X-Factor to Ex-Factor: The demise of Hatem Ben Arfa

Following Hatem Ben Arfa's much publicised exit from Newcastle United, Sam Winter looks at where it all went wrong for the fans' favourite.

"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."

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. 

Star man: Ben Arfa was a genius at best, a prized asset of his Manager

 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.

The Best of Hatem Ben Arfa

"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.” 

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. 

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. 

Magician: Ben Arfa saved his best for the adoring faithful at St James'

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. 

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.

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 could be.

The Worst of Hatem Ben Arfa

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. 

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. 

Ben Arfa struggled for fitness in 2012/13, but still provided some magic moments

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.

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.

Which raises the issue of professionalism.

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.

Rash: Ben Arfa lost focus, and his place in the team

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.

Who is to blame?

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. 

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.

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.

Further issues of form and fitness blighted Ben Arfa's final season on Tyneside

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. 

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.

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.

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.

Time to move on

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. 

Time to go: Ben Arfa has gone, but he will forever be a favourite on Gallowgate

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. 

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.