I can’t quite put my finger on why, but I feel that over the summer we will see a switch in focus and will try to become a more passing, perhaps more technically gifted gifted team. You won’t hear any complaints from me on that front, as long as the results stack up of course! Fellow blogger Premandup would enjoy this no doubt.
Now Andy Carroll was a fantastic player for us. He scored important goals before he toodled off to Anfield all-smiles. However, the problem with Carroll is that it was far too easy to resort to the long ball game, which used to happen quite a lot to be fair. Now I’m not criticising it as when you have a player like Carroll it can be a useful weapon to have and proved effective at times. Now though, we don’t have Carroll, so that is probably no longer a viable option for us.
It’s a good job really as, in my opinion, we are starting to see a shift in focus from being a side that plays to Carroll’s strengths to being a side that is starting to play to the strengths of the rest of the squad. I’m not talking all of the time, but generally we do try and knock it about a bit more these days.
This kind of fits in with my belief that we are going to be looking at players from traditionally more technical leagues. In fact we’ve pretty much been told that we are looking at players in France and Holland. Maybe not directly but there have certainly been enough caveats to suggest we’ll be seeking players from the French Ligue 1 and Dutch Eredivisie. A more technical gameplan would automatically suit them.
Then you have a look at the players that we already have. None of them are really suited to a long ball game, apart from Joey Barton who pinged many a long range ball onto the heed of Andy Carroll. However, Barton doesn’t just have that in his locker. He is also a very good passer of the ball and can keep the ball on the deck if needs be.
Moving on from Barton to Stephen Ireland, who I believe will be one of our summer signings already. He is hardly suited to playing a long ball game is widely regarded as a gifted, technical midfielder. He has an eye for a pass and can split a defence in one pass if there is the required movement in front of him.
Then you look at Hatem Ban Arfa. He is arguably our most technically gifted player and is not well suited to a long-ball game. I’m sure he can hit a ball some distance, but his forte is close control, skill and trickery. Jonas Gutierrez is much the same as, let’s face it, he can’t really cross can he?
This is all important stuff really as it kind of shapes the players that we’ll be looking at. For instance if we are to be playing a more technical, more controlled game then wingers aren’t so important. As fellow ‘blogger Toby le Rhone says: “yes we will need players comfortable with playing in wide areas, but not wingers”. I tend to agree with this.
If movement is to be important then it is obviously going to shape what kind of striker we are looking for. Players like Gervinho and Kevin Gameiro are players who rely on movement and a bit of quick thinking who will surely thrive on through balls being pinged through by a creative midfield?
If that doesn’t work we can turn to the backup plan of introducing Shola and pumping the ball up to him!
I like the idea of this technical side. Pardew said the other day he is after being an attractive and fluid attacking side, which is surely what we all want to see?
Whether Pardew can pull it off however remains to be seen.
Well it looks like Pardew is going to be playing with one striker and Ben Arfa behind him so I would think the emphasis will be on midfield runners breaking from deep and going past the striker – a la Arsenal (dare I say it?). Pardew obviously likes the wing play too so we could see some nice football next year if he buys the right players.
Stuart79(Quote)
I’d love for us to be a team who played nice little dinky football and kept the ball well. Like a really good version of West Brom or a poor mans Arsenal. Gamiero and Ireland would be my first 2 signings in the summer, and then i’d look at m’bengue. Im Excited about the summer actually 🙂
Jobey07(Quote)
Cant wait to see some nice, fluid, attacking football from this team, and if we hold on to tiotie we dont have to worry about them walking though are midfield on the conter as much because he can just break it up, I’m looking forward to next season so much 😀
SpencerTheToon(Quote)
I too think there will be a shift away from the target man approach.
is this maybe why they are reluctant to sign up Barton as they don’t see him fitting into the new approach? I wonder.
the danger is we will become neat and tidy but have no bite. But hey you never know and that is what makes every season so exciting. I hate July and August
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
anyone watching beemovie on BBC1? 😆 😆
SpencerTheToon(Quote)
Really good points here, Toonsy! I do feel that we’re moving into getting more technically gifted players from France, Holland, Belgium, etc. It would be really great if Ranger could develop more and get a better foot for goal. He has the pace necessary, but also has a big build that could make him ideal for anything! Here’s hoping at least
AndrewT(Quote)
I am excited about what we could become next season with Ben Arfa, etc. available and ready. We obviously need a couple top strikers to come in to really lift us up to that next level though. Here’s to hoping it will finally happen!
AndrewT(Quote)
Hopefully we’ve picked up some new players by the time they come over to the U.S. and I get to watch my first-ever LIVE Toon match in Orlando!!!
You all have no idea how excited I am for that, even though it’s against a semi-pro club
AndrewT(Quote)
AndrewT – I’m waiting for your match report 😉
If you can, attach a picture aswell 🙂
toonsy(Quote)
I hope to god we sign Gameiro. By far and away my top summer transfer target. Sign him and I will be absolutely chuffed, hopefully our inquiries go further and our rep in France sorts us out! Arsenal are sniffing round him and let’s face it, if they bid for him they’ll get him.
DevonMag(Quote)
Lol! Will do. I’ve been meaning to get a decent one up for a while
AndrewT(Quote)
I also think Pardew will bring in at least one specialist winger, in the Lens/Gervihnio mould. Hope he gets Wjiludnalem…
DevonMag(Quote)
I’m dying to hear all your comments when we try and sign a couple of forwards. We will be linked to loads of top strikers and one by one they will reject our advances when they realise they will get a **** contract.
Good strikers come at a premium and we only deal in peanuts! ❗
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
I remember in the summer of 1988 when we sold Gascoigne and used the cash to buy, Andy Thorn, Dave Beassant, John Robertson and John Hendrie.
All good proven players at their respective clubs, what happened? We got relegated……and all the above were moved on within 18 months.
We need to be very selective in who we bring in during the summer, it takes a unique player to understand the passion and meaning of playing for NUFC.
As many folk have previously stated, this summer will make or Pardew and perhaps Ashley as well.
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)
*make or break*
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)
Bobby, you’re f*cking boring. you know nothing about our wage budgets, who we’re looking at, what kind of wages our targets want. you’re just a doom mongering idiot.
Jobey07(Quote)
16 😆 😆 😆
SpencerTheToon(Quote)
I think/hope that Pardew realizes what kind of players need to come to NUFC. He at least spouts off about it every other week
AndrewT(Quote)
tried getting an image set up, but gravatar wouldn’t recognize my password. oh well. I’ll be faceless forever
AndrewT(Quote)
Good food for thought here, and I agree that this is likely to happen and i’d also love to see it-at the end of the day I want to see us win trophies, but failing that some bloody good football will have to do 😛
Tiote isn’t just a cruncher-he’s proven he can pass and he has very good footwork for a defensive midfielder which is certainly not expected, when he was dummying rooney the other week it was brilliant to watch-risky, but nontheless brilliant. Slipping Barton back in the middle will allow us to see his creative talent from the centre-he does have it, although we may now be used to seing him knock it onto someones head, he’d still be a great asset in a pass/move team. Our “current” full backs would also fit in brilliantly, enrique doesn’t need talking about, but Simpson has pace, good movement and good passes and cheeky low/bouncing crosses.
Would certainly fit Jonas better as well as we wouldn’t be pressuring him to whack the crosses in, we’ve already seen how dangerous he can be when he has the space and the encouragement to cut inside.
Dare I say it…it would also suit Best better? 😀 Not that I expect him to be playing a crucial part for us next year, but nevertheless he has good movement, as well as the obvious men like Arfa/Ireland.
The only problem I really see is Nolan, and perhaps our lack of pace in the centre of the park-Tiote has it, but do we want him rushing forward out of position? Nolan and Ireland, well they can get around but they don’t tear up defences, and we might have to rely on some quality through balls for Arfa and our new strikers/wingers to get on to.
Funnily enough it even suits Colo, he has some quality technical ability and passing, Williamson is probably the only player that really needs to hoon it rather than pass it, but at the end of the day we always need that option.
NewkieBrown(Quote)
Good article Toonsy, I’ve been of the same opinion for a while. When we have Mr T in the side we tend to play a passing game seldomly giving the ball away. Guti is a typical example of that, he may lack the killer ball, but he seldomly gives the ball away cheaply….I also think that Joey Barton has a part in that kind of team, cos he’s a good passer of the ball, alos with a killer long ball.. Pardew may be a bit behind the times, cos the majority of cloggy and German teams have been playing that way for years, but as Toby Le Rone@4 mentions, you also need to have some bite up front or all the possesion in the world doesn’t convert into goals…
Bring on the new season, hopefully, with some new blood to freshen up our approach we could be in for an exciting season… 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Jobey07
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:29 PM
That’s what I like about this blog, all opinions are welcomed and debated with such panache.
Stuart79(Quote)
Pardew has also mentioned that he hopes Tiote can influence the play more in the final third, he doesn’t just see him as a defensive midfielder.
Stuart79(Quote)
Also, really excited to see Barton getting the chance to have consistent time at center mid. He’ll be even more deadly, and hopefully with a talented & pacey winger on the right, we could be deadly all over the place.
AndrewT(Quote)
Yeah I agree, think we’ll go down the more technical side in regards to who we buy during the summer, really looking forward to the next few months.
Hope you’ve been playing nicely since i’ve been away 😀
I Love Mike(Quote)
cuz tiote IS so much more than a defensive mid! He’s so technically gifted, and has a great eye for a pass. We could potentially have the best midfield next season outside of the top 5/6
AndrewT(Quote)
Jobey07…keep your wig on mate…haven’t you recognised that Bobby Shinton number 9 is a WUM…??? 😆 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
ILM where have you fookin been 😉 ❓
batty(Quote)
Although, I think he needs to be said, that we can’t just go for technically gifted players. They need to have some bite to them and an attitude & personality that will really fight in every game. Can we get those players? I hope
AndrewT(Quote)
@jobey
Just realistic whilst you and many are complete dreamers.
Just put my protective goggles on to face the flak from the deluded. 😎
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
27 😆 😆 😆
got me a bit worked up 😆 😆
Jobey07(Quote)
Stu@23…haven’t read that Pardew quote about Tiote anywhere…
To be honest I like him just the way he is playing the hub position, with everything flowing through him…not sure if he has a killer pass though ?…I’d like to see him sitting tight defensively, we’re gonna have more than enough creqative stuff in midfieold once HBA gets his toes twinkling… 😆 …and once we get one of Bobby Shinton nr 9’s Blue Star League strikers to play up front 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Jobey07….can you eat three Weetabix for breakfast mate ?? 😆 😆 😆 you’re the man !!
Munich Mag(Quote)
@jobey
I probably did get you worked up but telling the truth normally does wind up dreamers, the deluded and the clueless. 😉
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Bobby Shinton nr 9…you’re also the man mate….take no notice of the rest of them, they’ll come round to our way of thinking eventually… 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
bs- so. how do you know such in depth info about the club then?
Jobey07(Quote)
MM – Don’t encourage him 🙄
toonsy(Quote)
jobey…bobby has a source man, keep up!! 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Stuart79
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:33 PM
“That’s what I like about this blog, all opinions are welcomed and debated with such panache.”
Well, you do know what to do don’t you? 😉
toonsy(Quote)
ILM – Where you been? Even my Mum asked about you 😯 😯 😯
toonsy(Quote)
And Bobby, wind it in a little bit aye?
toonsy(Quote)
been in nick for laundering donation money? 😉 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Priority for us should be two quality strikers. It’s become clear since Carroll was forced out and Best was injured that our back up is not good enough.
Unless they unearth an unknown gem I can’t see us attracting a top quality striker with our wage structure.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
I have a source too 😯
SpencerTheToon(Quote)
Ok so im new on here so give me some slack till 2nd post at least.
A lot of this theory is base on the return of HBA…… what happens if he breaks down or he never regains form. A lot has been written about a guy that has so far featured in 4 games had one blinder and looked poor (in my opinion) in fleeting subs appearances.
Im all for the total football / Arsenal approach but you still need plan b which is where Arsene seems to fall down never replaced his midfield destroyers or his proper defenders who can lead a team through difficult times.
Our on pitch leader will struggle to get a game (in my opinion) if we bring many other players. He will be shown up as the one paced midfield plodder he is! Albeit one who has scored a rake of important goals this season, can he do it again – I doubt it very much.
So whilst sexy football is a dream please remember the **** Ruud made of it in his time here!
Selbymag(Quote)
Pathetic!
You stick to your guns Bobby. Just because people don’t like your opinions they will try and abuse you and try to make you look like a doom merchant.
God forbid you should have different views to some on here.
Munich Mag
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:42 PM
He was talking about him playing in a more advanced position in Holland.
Stuart79(Quote)
Like I said Stuart. If you think it’s pathtic you know exactly what to do
toonsy(Quote)
toonsy
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:55 PM
Like I said Stuart. If you think it’s pathtic you know exactly what to do
Statements like that are just utterly pathetic imo.
Stuart79(Quote)
You say Bobby stick to your guns and how it’s pathetic that you can’t have an opinion.
It’s exactly the same as Booby does when he calls people clueless and deluded for having a different opinion to him.
Just to clarify 😉
toonsy(Quote)
Stuart79…I agree with a lot of what Bobby Shinton says, but also disagree with a lot, and also the way in which he says it. But I’m sure his skin is thick enough to take some disagreement…..? 🙂 🙂
Munich Mag(Quote)
@toonsy 😯
I appreciate the others don’t have my insight or foresight but these are my genuine opinions.
I believe many of the bloggers are plain dreamers and deluded and occasionally need telling so.
Nothing compared to the comments I receive.
I don’t take any offence at any of their comments and likewise, providing there is no swearing or abusive language I fail to see anything to wind in.
I will adhere to any request you wish though as you are in charge and set the rules.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Do something about it then Stu. Grow some balls. Don’t be a fanny, be and stand by your convictions 🙂
If you don’t like it, don’t come on. It’s simple isn’t it? I’m not keeping you here at gunpoint am I?
toonsy(Quote)
toonsy
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:58 PM
You say Bobby stick to your guns and how it’s pathetic that you can’t have an opinion.
It’s exactly the same as Booby does when he calls people clueless and deluded for having a different opinion to him.
Just to clarify
I’m not bothered what he says to other people and I’m not bothered what people say to him, I just think anyone should be able to say what they like as long as nobody gets hurt.
Stuart79(Quote)
Bobby Shinton number 9
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:59 PM
“I believe many of the bloggers are plain dreamers and deluded and occasionally need telling so.”
Maybe, but they are as entitled as you are to have an opinion without having the **** taken out of them by being called clueless etc. That is my point, and is a point that Stuart has also clearly missed!
toonsy(Quote)
Jobey07….see he’s at it again 😆 😆 😆 😆 …laugh…I nearly got the beers in… 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Anyway, cheers for spoiling a decent and thought provoking thread mainly about tactics.
New, ****-take thread up now.
toonsy(Quote)
Laters 👿
toonsy(Quote)
toonsy
Posted April 25, 2011 at 4:59 PM
Do something about it then Stu. Grow some balls. Don’t be a fanny, be and stand by your convictions
What? Stand by my convictions and do what?
Sometimes you seem ok, toonsy, other times you come across as having ‘little man syndrome’. You must have something missing in your life I suppose.
I just don’t know why people have to say things like “well you know what to do”, it’s just impotent arrogance I suppose.
Stuart79(Quote)
I also think that Bobby sometimes talks utter bollocks, but that’s his opinion and he’s entitled to it, nowt wrong with that… 🙂
If you sensitive souls who cannot take a bit craic have ever worked on a factory floor you’d know what banter is all about….real tough at times…or are the Geordie nation turning all sensitive and touchy-feely ?
Munich Mag(Quote)
oh oh…toonsy’s moving into radge mode… 😥 😥
Munich Mag(Quote)
Although I do agree with Bobby on some points – some on here do appear to be dreamers, imo of course…
Stuart79(Quote)
@stu 79
I’m baffled by it all. Seriously. 😯
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Personal times. Look what i started.
you annoy me because you impose your views like a jehovahs witness.
Jobey07(Quote)
Munich Mag,
I worked in the Ship Yards for years, my skin is as thick as a rhino’s. 😆
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)
Not religion, surely?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart@61….a typically nothingness statement which can of course only be taken as a provocation by certain persons on here… 😆 😆
(I think you are spot on by the way…)… 👿 👿
Munich Mag(Quote)
TonyGreenSupreme…wehey…thats more like it big man….nowt touchy feely about the shipyard banter …. 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Nowt wrong with being a dreamer then
Thanks guys
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Toby le Rhone….you can be anything you wanna be mate….you just need to have inner strength, and you can achieve anything… 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Stuart there is nothing “Little man” about. I just simply said that if you don’t like it then nobody is forcing you to come on…
toonsy(Quote)
Toonsy the “Little Man”, I heard that he is a 6ft -5in Shag Monster. 😆 😆 😆
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)
TGS 😆
I just think people have the right to an opinion without being classed as a dreamer or clueless. That’s all….
toonsy(Quote)
In between the ***** slapping we all missed some really good points by Selbymag@45…
I hope to goodness that our coaching staff have recognised whether HBA will be as good a before his injury. The majority of fans , me included, are expecting great things from the lad next season…hope he is up to it 😯 time will show. Hopefully we can expect a couple of cameo performances from him before the end of the season …
Munich Mag(Quote)
You guys seem to use “dreamer” as if it were a bad thing. What’s wrong with being a dreamer? Dreamers are usually much more creative personalities. And then people talk about realism as if there was something self-evidently superior about it. What sort of realism are you talking about? Bet you didn’t even know there was more than one. 😀 It’s a bizarre blog this one sometimes. I guess that’s why I read it.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Sorry not been around for a while. having problems with the threads loading. Thanks for the name check Toonsy. Just to pick up on a points. Playing HBA off the striker sounds good, however it leaves the front man easier to mark. The movement of the man behind can compensate for that but two players supporting with good movement makes marking much harder. Playing Nolan & HBA behind the frontman wuld get the best out of both. If HBA does break down then perhaps Ireland can play there? However for this to work you need a strong 3 man midfield. Bringing in Jonas tighter with Tiote & Barton achieves that, and provides the flexibility to provide width with 3 players as opposed to the two we have normally. We have the players now. strength in depth is needed, and more importantly consistancy. We should be looking at 60 points seeing the points we have given away this season. Maybe that should be our target next season
Premandup(Quote)