James Perch - Quality in reserve?
Yet we’ve had to do without some of those key players for large parts of the season, and yet with seven games to go we are still level on points with fifth placed Chelsea.
One of the reasons for this is that I feel that Alan Pardew is getting to grips with how his players operate in certain positions and is basically getting the best out of some by using them as utility players, basically making what looks like a sparse squad into a solid squad/unit that actually belies the supposed lack of quality throughout the squad.
Out of this, he seems to have enough back up in most positions to effect a game offensively and defensively depending on the match at hand. I feel that he’s now got a grip of bringing in players that can see off a game in our favour and having full faith in those players to do just that.
James Perch is a classic example of a player that has been used in a variety of positions and has been used as a very good impact sub when closing out a difficult game, knowing that he gives 100% and isn’t afraid to mix it against any opposition and I think NOW, people are seeing that he’s really a very decent squad addition and that’s what we need, a sort of unsung hero if you like.
To some fans that probably sounds laughable and a few fans will no doubt stand by the fact that they called him crap, so he’s crap, end of story.
Basically there are a number of unfashionable players at Newcastle United these days, players that have been written off or have been viewed as not good enough, but each and every one of them has played a part in where we are this season.
First there is Ryan Taylor who has played in a number of positions and has done better than many (yes you Toonsy!) expected. From left-back to right-back to right-midfield he’s given no less that 100% when called upon and has earned us vital points with his goals.
James Perch and Mike Williamson are another two who have contributed this season, a particularly strong point in light of the victory over Liverpool at the weekend. Danny Guthrie is another who has performed well when called upon. Shola Ameobi is another.
The more Alan Pardew uses these players in certain positions, the more he sees what they’re capable of, obviously, but the benefit to the team and to the player himself is worth it’s weight in gold because players find out a lot about themselves and their abilities, plus Pardew is gaining the confidence in using them in games where his options are limited.
What are your thoughts on this? Are our squad player surpassing expectations? Have they been lucky? Or has the effect these squad players have had on our season been underestimated?
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Its a team game wolfie and Pardiola has us doing it throughout our wonderful club from the tea lady to the boss. Its absolutely marvellous and will result in a severe danger of us winning a trophy?
I think you are spot on. Each and every one of the names you mentioned have stepped upto the plate in our our of need. I’m particularly proud of Perch as the others you could argue we would of had higher expectations of than him anyway. Perch for me most improved player this season.
Having such versatility makes for a great bench. Good read Wolfie. Hopefully these “Championship at best” players continue with us for next season rather than chase a starting place at great clubs like QPR, West Ham & Liverpool.
*hour of need sorry
No doubt we are getting the best out of these players. Perch is the best exaple of this but as you say people will still refuse to accept that he is proving them wrong so he’ll remain shit in the eyes of some.
Most improved player for me this season.
Perch and Raylor deserve a mention-with those two this season we have covered left back, centre back, right wing, central mid and central defensive mid, with both of them also able to come in at right back and I suppose at a push Raylor could go onto the left wing in a traditional 4-4-2. Two players with such versatility, and who are improving/have improved this season are great to have along.
As for Shola and Bestie I’ve already spent long enough defending the both of them-both decent squad strikers. Williamson was technically a first teamer and only kept out by the great start made by Staylor so he’s borderline squaddie, although the general consensus is we need a new first teamer.
The only real problem we’ve had this season is “game changer” -apart from Benny who’s now integral first team. Both Shola and Bestie can do a job and they can help see out a game, and in my opinion Shola can help bring an attacking threat in the later parts of a game but other than that we haven’t had much. We had Marveux but obviously we saw very little of him. Gabby’s done his bit, but doesn’t seem to be a sub favourite-perhaps strange due to his pace.
We have a pretty solid squad base and can cover for many positions, what I hope to see next year is bench players who can truly help to change a game from an attacking perspectve-although in the last few games that’s not been necessary!
It was said at the time that Perch got Hughton the sack – he was very much his buy on an old school transfer (ie got bought because of one good game against NUFC in the Championship rather than being watched by Carr for five years) and his poor start – booked in his first nine games, was it? – led Ashley and Lambias to decide, bizarre as it seemed at the time, that they didn’t think Hughton was the guy to spend their money.
I think the two things that impress me most about Pardew are the speed with which the new signings from overseas leagues settled this year (compared with how the Gutti/Collo/Enrique generation struggled in their first year), and how he’s got the best out of Perch/R Taylor/Williamson type players, both by giving them confidence when they start as injury cover but also playing to their strengths when they come off the bench. The classic Pardew tactic of sending Perch and Shola on to stop the game ten minutes early if we’re winning winds up the haters no end, but always works.
Excellent read wolfie! I think it is astounding and a credit to pardieu and the players to be able to compete with a team like chelsea! I’m beginning to like having Shola coming on for 15 min like, because he is so much more active than when he is playing full 90 min. Perch, Willo and Raylor is a bit of a redeem team this season and Guthrie proving good cover as well.
Also love your post(last part especially) @3 premandup !
Toonsy – did you get my email fella?
Perch has improved so so much recently, but what is that down to? Pard’s, the player fnacying a bit of Europe? or is it just a run of games that sees him improve. I think the idea of rotating the squad a bit more often would hold some water as you can expect people to come in at short notice and perform to their best straight away.
While on the subject, I would also like to give Simpson some credit. He has taken an awful lot of flack yet imo has rarely let us down. Some fans have been guilty of blaming him for anything that has gone wrong this season. Poor kid – he has given his all and some, winning/saving us several points along the way. Over the last 10 years or so we have had much, much worse without those responsible getting anything like the abuse Simpson has had. Allow Pardew (Pardiola – love it) to work his magic on these guys – he knows what he is doing.
Premandup – very good mate, I like it
It’s right though, when the likes of Enrique, Nolan and Barton left last summer, I think we all looked at the remains of our squad and had very little expectation and even feared the possibility of a relegation battle.
.
Ryan Taylor set the example, starting the season at left back – a position he never asked to play in nor would have chosen. But needs must and after a shaky start, quickly formed part of a very stable looking defence. I think the goal against the scum help him not only with confidence but bought him time with fans and he’s proven to be a real assets this season.
It has been Perch who has been stand out for me this season though. Having been a bench player for most of the season and coming on as sub in various different positions. Then he gets his big chance – a full 90mins … at central defence alongside Danny Simpson
But, like Taylor, there was no dummy spitting or toys out the pram. There was no coming out after the Norwich game and mouthing off that he was played out of position and not getting a fair chance at the club. Quite the opposite actually, he and all players who have been used out of their natural position this season have just got on with it for the good of the team.
Of course there have been others like Jonas who as a right footed player has covered every left sided position so far this season.
I won’t lie, I’ve been critical of certain players in certain games. I’ll even hold my hands up and say that I have referred to Perch as a “championship player”. The lad has improved hugely this season and I think the likes of him and Taylor have mastered getting the simple things right and not doing anything silly.
I’d still question our stregth in depth with another big lose for our reserves again this week. But I think we have a really strong foundation to build on in the summer.
I personally would like to see us keep Simpson and Guthrie, but what will be will be there I suppose.
Huge credit to the whole squad, but also Pardew and Carver for convincing the players and keeping faith with fringe players and building their confidence. Good times for the Geordie boot boys
Good article. But I’m not sure I agree that there are people still calling Perch crap. He seems to be getting universally positive reviews on here- though I’m sure there is an exception or two that I’ve missed.
Taylor isn’t the most skillful but he’s a versatile heart and soul type that you need in every squad. Sort of like Perchy I guess.
Anyway, I think Pards and the coaching staff deserve a little credit here. To have on player improve is one thing, but both these guys have been major contributors to a top 6 side when most of us were counting on them or nothing or very little this year. Something positive is going on in the training ground
Harry – I don’t think Perch was signed by Hughton because of one good game. It was generally believed at the time that he was recommended to Hughton by Colin Calderwood, who was Perch’s manager at Notts Forest.
Great read, thanks!
I guess this justifies somewhat the decision to wait until the summer to get the best CB we can for our buck
The task of convincing Raylor, Guthrie, Perch, Best, etc to stay on as squad players is as important as getting a few new signings in imo.
Guthers is out for swansea meaning hopefully pardew has the sense to play jonas as the left sided player in the 433 protecting santon at LB (or Raylor at LB if pards is feeling a bit random). Also hope he brings vuckic on at some point of the bench, better player than gosling, younger and more enthusiastic aswell, also haris doesnt look like he’ll mug you as much as dan does
If Chelsea get through tonight they will have two games with Barcelona and hopefully an fa cup semi final and final to play. That is four TOP level games to pick up injuries, suspensions and fatigue in whilst we have a clear run at them in the league.
Haha Prem, comment of the week!
Great Wolfie, 100% agree, last season we had Best prove us all wrong, this season we’ve had quite a few players show how valuable they are to the squad.
I’d be delighted if we signed a back up centre back that pushed Williamson to 4th choice and he was still happy to stay, we will never have a squad that matches the quality of the first team, Man Utd don’t so we certainly won’t. Keeping capable squad players that are happy to wait for their chance is massively important.
Also I really rate Ameobi as a sub at the end of games, think he’s been dead impressive.
If Guthrie is out I’d play Santon at left back, we’ll need defenders with pace as whoever’s on the left will probably be against Routledge, with others like Dyer and Sinclair with bags of pace as well…Santon is quite good at coming out and hassling as well which Raylor can’t do as effectively….still I think its through the middle we’ll have our problems, so hopefully Tiote will have a good game.
@Chris G, Calderwood undoubtedly had an impact on the transfer, but I have a lot of friends that are Forest fans that believe the game at St James was Perch’s best of the season, I definitely thought we signed him because of that game, he wasn’t even first choice for them and a few months later he was starting at Old trafford!
I got so much grief from my Forest supporting friends the season we got relegated as we “only scored from set pieces in the Champ” so it;s hilarious to hear them now moaning about the bit part players they;ve let go, Perchy inspiring us to Europe and Grant Holt the second highest English goal scorrer when the said he wasn’t good enough for league 1
The question is who can take us into the top 4. I Feel the club is not only looking for players with skills to take us there but wants players to wear the black and white with pride….. and give 100% and can keep up with speed and physical strength of PL….
I am sure We will bring 1CB who can cover LB…. then we might bring a winger on free if possible. by doing that we get another attacking minded player to push us to get more goals. goals are not the problem for nufc nowerdays (as compared to owen time(waste of time n money). so lets patch up the leaky patch/s
Perch was MOTM against Liverpool for me, closely followed by Williamson and Ben Arfa. He has some decent contol on the ball and passing, almost th areal ability of Collo and he is quite a bit quicker. In that respect it is hard to see how one is a top level player and the other ‘championship’. As long as he has a physical centre half alongside he can do the Collo ‘mopping up’ role quite well.
Fair play to Perchinho, he has played out of his skin for us in the last three wins and has earned his place in the squad for next season.
Aye perch was my man of the match as well, I think they gave it willo after the reina thing.
Hope theres truth in these Douglas rumours, I think the pieters one is done and dusted judging by his tweeting and local journo speak, Should really give us balance and depth at the back for next season…
MTM – it really is going to be interesting to see what you do in the transfer market this summer.
We’ve supposedly already sign up the french lad in midfield, were being heavily linked with Douglas (who I quite like but think will need time to settle) and from his tweets, it looks as though Pieters is well up for joining us!!
I’d say if we can get Hiollett or a similarly attack minded player who can play the wing or create behind the main striker, and who is also on a free that would definitely improve our squad. Having seen the Huddersfield game last night, I would also go after Rhodes, he’s different class in that league and I really think he could make the step up. If we get rid of Lovern and Ranger I do think well need a new CF for when Cisse and Ba are away in the cup of nations.
I would also perhaps look at getting Yanga if we make Europe as he can give cover across the back 4.
I don’t expect us to get all of those player or even to be that active but I do hope we get cover in the right areas because I think we have been quite fortunate our squad hasn’t been stretched further this season – especially by suspensions
What a thread! I cannot remember a more positive, honest discussion on any footie blog. Ever.
I bloody love all this!!
Huge credit to all concerned, really – but especially to players who’ve been ‘unfashionable’ but stuck at it. I hope they read this thread and realise how appreciated they are.
Perch, Willo, Best, Shola, Guthrie, Simpson…..
….hang on…
Anyone else see the elephant in the room here?
It would appear.. a smidge… but hard to deny… that we’re, um, anti-English. Anyone with a foreign name – Santon, for example (no disrespect – just a good example), is given huge slack on here, praised to the rafters and demanded for the starting 11 regardless of performances. When he performs well (and he often does) people cream themselves. Prematurely. Ahem.
Then you get people like Simpson (again, just the best example), who has arguably been our most consistent player, constantly improving, covering huge ground putting in his all, and saving us countless points. Yet somehow, still, he gets schtick in abundance.
Would it have been the same if he’d been called Simmoncello and come from AC Milan?
Interesting one, ennit?
If Krul had headbutted Suarez would he not go down? And if he didn’t and Krul stayed on would their fans not chastise him? Total hypocrits, the media commentators as well. If someone is stupid enough to do that, in front of the referee, they deserve to walk and get a ban, end of.
DJG: Yes, we know – the bindippers cheat as well. But that’s hardly a commanding argument is it?
I was livid with Perch when he did that; the whole pub (in which I was the only Toon) howled with derision just as they had at Judas an hour earlier. I think I was particularly angry because Perch had been just magnificent up to then. Total waste, and all for what? Another yellow card and the club’s image that bit poorer?
This club does not need to cheat, and Pards needs to stamp it out. If we have to compare who cheats the most to defend one of our players, things are in a bad state.
Soap box back under table.
Solano’s Trumpet – ah, now you mention it that does ring a bell.
I do remember somebody writing at the time (probably on one of these blogs) that it was the best game he’d played for a long time. Probably would have clinched it
I divven’t care, they would have done exactly the same thing and got our man sent off and then the liverpool friendly media would probably blame us. I hate them me, couldn’t care less.
Whumpie-I’ve defended Simpson to the hilt on numerous occasions, he’s been our second best defender for the whole season, saved numerous points and rarely been skinned and left us open to dangerous cut backs and the like, its predominantly been on the left/through the centre but some people find criticising Colo abhorrent and consequently put it all on Willo if they can’t put it on Simpson. He’s clearly been better than Raylor or Santon who get the great tracking of Jonas to help them consistently, but it still doesn’t seem to make a difference.
Just seems like he’s one of those players people don’t get on with.
Whumpie-did you howl in derision at Tiote against the scum then? Even though that sending off did change the way of the game and we were able to rescue a point at home? Don’t get me wrong, its pretty pathetic and he didn’t cover himself in glory but if they always stay up then they may give away an advantage. Not that i’m advocating diving, but its the modern game and we need to be realistic.
DJG – yep, agreed. But that doesn’t excuse what Perch did. Being slightly less of a cheat than the other bloke still leaves you a cheat.
The hypocrisy is astounding, though.
Wow Whumpie, hadn’t clocked that at all, it’s an interesting one i’ll give you that.
I’m usually of the thinking that English players are given too much slack, like people say having more english players at the top teams will improve the national team but yet we have english right backs at 4 of the top 7 teams and it is a position England struggle with, so i often believe that English players are overrated leading to inflated prices a la Liverlol.
Perhaps we’ve gone too far in the other direction of not giving home grown as fair a shot as foreign players? Like you said it must be the case with Simmo, lauded by pundits, stats show how well he has played, but still stick from his own fans.
I’ve been thinking about this for some time. I’m not sure it’s nationality as much as expectation. Championship player making a step up has to prove he’s good enough. Under 21 international needs time to adapt to new culture. Etc. +ould be wrong though. I’ve no idea how some fans think.
Great article Wolfie .
DJG@16 -Spot on ,that’s what I said on previous blog .Can’t see them beating us with the potential game fatigue that’s bound to set in.
Sharpy@24 Agree with that ,would love to get Hiolett in but think the Dippers might get him and Rhodes would be a good aqusition as I don’t doubt he could make the step up. I’m sure Iread recently that we were in talks with Douglas who I agree looks good .The only thing I would worry about is he’s supposed to be a bit of a hot head and picks up a lot of cards and served a long ban for hitting a player i think you’ll find.
Whumpie@25 -Elephant indeed ,spot on mate. It is funny how the overseas lads get so much more slack over our home grown players .In my opinion it’s important to keep plenty of British lads in the squad as they can help guide our imports as to the complex nature of our PL. Obviously they need to have the required talent not just be in the squad for the sake of it.By and large lads like Guthrie, Raylor, Perch (much improved) and Simmo have done us proud mostly. Even Willo who I have given plenty of stick to looked good on sunday and ofcourse when fit Saylor has been outstanding and bleeds black and white.
Finally big thumbs up to Pards who has done great bedding in all our new players ,no mean feat that. He may fox us at times with his formations and late odd subs but mostly has got stuff spot on , he’s even found a niche for Shola as impact sub in which he excells !
ST – how much of that stick do you think is down to the contract though?
I don’t really agree with this arguement that we give our English players more stick than the foreign ones. Yes, I’d accept that the players mentioned in Whumpies post have had stick, and I’ve already said I was guilty of it. But I’ve been as critical and seen as much criticism of the likes of Obertan, Tiote, Cabaye, Santon, Best and even Benny.
The fact is though that our most improved players this season are Ryan Taylor and James Perch – who just happen to be English, pure coincidence … Nothing more.
I’m not so sure that its the very fact that players are foreign that means they get more slack, imo its down to style of play.
For instance-Enrique was absolutely adored by the toon army in the CC and the first half of the Premiership campaign because of his strength but mainly his dribbling skills and attacking play-everyone loved to see it. People generally saw past the silly runs he made where he lost possession, or poor pass choices when he should have hoofed it upfield (more like an English player)
Imo Santon is the same, great attacking play-people like to see it, generally more interesting than Simmo, but definitely less effective. Again you could say with the Benny worshipers-great feet, little lazy, people wanted him played regardless.
So not so sure its the very fact they’re foreign, people just like seeing “good footballers” more often these lads are foreign, and whilst they’re good they’re not neccessarily more effective in the English game, or they have aspects which can cost us…so “boring” English players get picked and then pick up stick.
Just seen on Tavernier’s twitter that he’s been recalled to NUFC
@James_Tavernier
Been called back to newcastle. Really gonna miss Mk!
I think what we are seeing this season with the team/squad is a confidence build that gets stronger as the season goes on.
As has been said, even Shola looks more alive as an impact sub and actually looks fitter than I’ve seen him in a long time.
All the players seem to benefit from playing with and being around the quality that we have.
Everyone seems to have more of a spring in their step, which is amazing to see at this stage of the season.
Maybe they ALL really can smell the air of Europe and want to breathe it right in.
Tav recall = Perch doubtful for Swansea
@lee_ryder
James Perch struggling with a slight knock ahead of #swansea #nufc
Newkie @ 31 – Yes, I did howl at Tiote. It was humiliating to be wearing black and white and to sit there when one of your team does something like that.
I think things look very different once you’re watching outside of Newcastle and the crowd aren’t all biased. Down here there is no local prem team, so generally the pub is full of neutrals who don’t hold back if they see cheating. It tends to stamp on the ‘selective specs’ and make you see things more objectively.
If it comes to cheating and winning, or playing clean and losing, I’ll take the latter. There’s no glory in doing otherwise. I know there is a grey area, but what we’re seeing now is not in it – it’s just pathetic. I pay my dosh and want to see the best team win – not the one that fools the ref the best.
I know this is totally unrelated to this thread, but I did find it a very good read on Cisse.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/writers/iain_macintosh/04/04/cisse.newcastle/index.html?sct=sc_t11_a0
Hopefully all of you can get it.
Whumpie, I certainly wouldn’t take playing clean and losing if the other side were playing dirty to win.
Cheating should be stamped out though but it won’t happen unless they bring in or use the technology available to instant replay any dodgy decisions that can be immediately apparent to the watching 4th official via tv screen and he can relay a verification of any decision a ref makes.
If players knew this was in force, very few if any would attempt to hoodwink the ref.
I see Chelsea has 11 games in the next 40 days
And they aren’t exactly the youngest club in the league. Surely that bodes well for us.
Whumpie-Fair enough then mate, but I live in South wales and go to uni in Reading so as you can imagine toon fans are few and far between. Neither player covered themself in glory although what I was getting at is that online Perch received a lot more condemnation than Tiote did.
In any case, as you say neither of them covered themselves in glory. However, unfortunately, sometimes in sport finding ways to cheat effectively are the ways that certain teams play the game and win. You can look at Leeds in the 70s. You can look at Rugby as the case where people don’t fall down like fannys but they do cheat like hell-Quins with Bloodgate, or New Zealand with pretty much everything they do.
Unfortunately cheating often pays off, and I’d rather accept that our players will sink to the same level that get on Pards to stamp it out of our game completely-why when other teams will go unpunished?
The game is there to be played and despite the fact that nobody likes it, it doesn’t seem like its getting cleaned up, so let the players play the game.
perch out of swansea game
Ice-you’re kidding
Shit…that’s why Tav was called back….him or Simmo at centre back now? Unbelieveable….
Well, whatever slim hope we had seems to be vanishing
Ice@46- That’s just made a tricky encounter a whole lot harder
What’s his injury ,is he out for just the one game or what.
Our back four is folding like a pack of cards now.
dont know what the injury is,just said perch is a doubt as hes struggleing with “a”injury
I still don’t think we’re as strong as some believe, Willo is being touted as good now because he didn’t do too much wrong against liverpool, eventhough he still hasn’t learnt that your not allowed to wrestle with players, and imo he was lucky not to be seen trying to wrestle with Carroll.
Ice sure if perch is out we’ll be ok with the squad we have
Dave-ironic justice this news would break on this thread I think
Kimtoon the back four are allready folded its the back ups turn now, and as I said before if that costs us it will be a disgrace because we all ready knew we were weak in the defence.
But it seems that after a few good wins most think things are all rosey. and we should be happy with what we have
Whumpie I agree mate If what Perch done was done by someone against us we would be raging at it but it seems its only dirty cheating if it’s someone else that does it against us.
I was embarrassed by Tiote and I was embarrassed with Perch but seems he gets MOTM because he was good at acting aswell
Dave@53- The lads who have come in have done o.k but as you point out we are very short on cover and now we need cover for the cover
DAVE i agree you cannot keep going useing a patched up defence and most of us know who is to blame for it,got to get caught out at some point imo
Guess we’ll just have to see what happens. According to a fair few both Willo and Perch are still just CC players and Tav is in a team pushing for the CC….surely not much difference then?
Ice the point that alot of people miss is that we are now worried about our defence because Perch might be out, But Perch isn’t a defender he is just standing in for one because we don’t have proper back up. we have 2 CB Colo and Saylor, then we have 1 back up Willo thats it, and for a team that want to be top 6 thats not good enough.
Newkie I think Perch is doing a good job but he is a MF not a CB as for Willo he is just a disaster waiting to happen and imo it will happen again. As most people will say we need 2 players for each position, but in CB we have 2 positions and 1 cover ( Willo ) for the 2
Well Ice glad to be back or do you wish you were still away sinking a few mate
DAVE did you get photos of pups tats i sent??
If Perch doesn’t play, I can see Simpson at CB and Santon taking the RB spot with Jonas occupying the LB spot.
Luckily, Swansea aren’t exactly a big team in height forward wise so Simpson should have a much easier time than he did away to Norwich.
Dave-I think Perch is honestly a defender first and foremost although he’s played very well and possibly better in defensive mid as it suited his simple play and in all honesty I think he’s done well enough to earn his place.
As for Willo he had a shaky return yes but he’s a good player-he did well for us last season although arguably the weakest in our defence he has a much better midfield ahead of him and a better keeper behind him. I don’t agree he’s a disaster waiting to happen either.
Newcastle have won 60% of Premier League games with Williamson playing this season, compared to 38% without him.
Think that Stat is pretty interesting myself. I do agree we needed a central defender in January though, not sure anyone can argue with that. Now we’ll have to run with it or suffer the consequences.
Ice yeah mate got the pics sweet looking tat, was waiting for pup to come on, but I have been that busy lately I have missed him once or twice.
Newkie I know Perch is a ( defender ) but I honestly don’t feel safe with him there, but I feel safe with him in MF and I wouldn’t have any worries about him playing there,
As for the Stats about Willo we all know stats can be read different ways etc etc but imo he has cost us already and will cost us again, yeah alls good when things are going well but when the shit hits the fan Willo falls apart already has done and imo will do again
MDS – what’s the crack with Chelski?! I keep reading they have huge team changes to make due to an ageing squad but didn’t they spend a fortune on buying loads of talented young uns like Kakuta, Bruma and Lukaka to name but a few.
I would like to see them beat Benfica tonight and go on to get thumped by Barca.
Kim – sorry I didn’t get chance to reply the other day, pleased the boy is ok. Aye, I’m going to miss watching Spartacus like but Game of Thrones is back on … good times
Big Dave-yeah I know what you mean about stats, but for me it just goes to show we weren’t the brilliant all winning side we were at the start of the season with Saylor which some people seem to be making out. We were better defensively-yes, we were worse offensively-fact. Its not as simple as one player for another though in my opinion.
I think Willo will be alright and a good shout for marking Graham who is one of the few truly physical swansea players. As for the other centre back? Could be anyone….Tavernier…Simpson? Santon? Tiote!? Think I’d use Santon as apparently he’s played there before? Will have the pace to work with Willo and his tackling is decent and hopefully it will put an end to him being out of position….then Raylor and Simpson asfull backs I suppose.
Hi guys
Apologies for lack of articles today. Woke up late this morning and could only sort one out before I had to go to work
Normal service will be resumed tomorrow
Am I missing something – is Willo out for Swansea as well?
Nee worries Toonsy, suppose having a child is a worthy excuse, as long as we’re back on course for friday
Sharpy-Just Colo/Perch/Guthrie I think
Chelsea 1-0 up and benfica down to 10….shame this won’t be a taxing tie then.
Luckily Torres still looks shit and not confident to shoot…need to make sure he doesn’t get that confidence back..
Sharpy17- I’m not sure about chelsea. TBH I haven’t really followed them this season until we started really nipping at their heals. They did bring in some youth but the spine of their team is still Lampard/Drogba/Terry/Essien whose better days seem behind them. Most of their yousgters they signed haven’t shown much yet from what I understand. Don;t know how they will remake their squad since I doubt the anyone wants to pay top money for the ones they want rid of.
As for willo- I wish people would stop criticising those of us who have criticised him this season. He had one pretty good game, let’s not get carreid away. As somone said he has been a disaster waiting to happen this year
Newkie – cheers, I thought I read someone saying we would have to go with Tav and Simmo at CBs
Can Santon not play CB? he’s tall enough and quick enough?
Hope Simpson doesn’t play centre back. He rarely wins a contested header.
Sharpy-Nah I think Willo is alright…for now, fingers crossed.
I thought I heard after he first moved here that Santon could play centre back, personally he’d be my choice as I think he’s got a decent tackle and obvious pace, height and strength. Only problem-italian defenders can be a little too composed sometimes so he’ll need to make sure he can pass out quickly and the like, or him and Willo might have trouble with Swansea’s pressure game,
Newkie – I read an interview he done not long after joining us and he was saying he actually played CF in Inters youth teams before “the special one” had a word with him and told him he’d make a good full back. So he had only been playing as a full back for 2 seasons before joining us, pretty impressive really.
I think I’d probably go with:
————-Krul———-
Simmo/Willo/santon/jonas
—tiote/cabaye/Fergie—
———Benny———-
——-Cisse/Ba——–
Chelsea game is a yaaaaaawwwwwwwwner
CF? Really? Blimey, knew he was on the wings but up front is surprising, still I guess its where most people want to play when they start eh
That formation would be pretty good….i’d be tempted with maybe playing Vuckic in place of Guthrie and having him push up with Cabaye and Tiote holding. A point would probably be a good result for us in light of these injuries.
Nobby-agreed. Benfica playing all the football…we look such a better team than Chelsea as well, we deserve CL
It’ll more than likely Perch and Willo centre again, it’s only a “slight knock” he has, if he can take a full force head butt off Reina then a wee knock isn’t gonna bother him
Wouldn’t you have Guthrie?
Nobby – I’ve turned it over – piss poor
Newkie – my thinking is, with our weaken defence I’d ask 2 of the 3 midfielders to sit back while the other got forward to attack. The only reason being is that Swansea play brilliant fast flowing, counter attacking football. I think they have only been beaten twice at home or something like that. I just don’t want us to get caught out on the break because like you say, even a point would be a good result in the position were in at the moment.
Guthrie’s defo out injured…prob for Bolton game too
Richie-Ah if its just a knock then yeah wouldn’t surprise me if he’s played from the start…if it gets worse though will Colo be back for monday I wonder..
@80-Guthrie is out for Swansea I think mate, if not then yeah I wouldn’t change a thing.
Sharpy-Exactly, keep Cisse up top but let the rest track back when necessary-we’ve seen now with Ba and Benny that we can counter attack effectively as well so pulling back isn’t such a danger for us nowadays. Before we could never score without a fair old build up…
Jesus..Benfica should have won this
What about:
Tavernier Williamson Simpson Santon
Cabaye Tiote Jonas
Hatem Cisse Ba
Sharpy@65- Lucky you ,I can’t see game of thrones as i’ve got Virgin cable ex large package but you don’t get Sky atlantic
Would also liked to have watched Broadwalk empire if I could of.
Toonsy -Has your little one arrived yet ?
The problem with these so branded squad players is are they happy at playing a bit part. Guthrie and Perch are both at a age when they now should be wanting regular football so may decide to move on. As loyal Toon fans we find it impossible to understand why somebody would want to play for anybody other than NUFC. But the lads are footballers and just want to play.Shola is a different age altogether and will be going nowhere. Don’t forget Sammy and Marvellous will be like two new signings and numerically in midfield our squad isn’t that weak providing their is no exodus.
The ACON will bite us in the bum as I think Besty will also look for regular football. Loverman will also leave i think which will leave us short of back up strikers. Worth a £5 million bid for Carroll
MDS @ 71 yeah mate it seems a winning run of 3 games cancels out the OG’s, red card and the fouls etc, I have always liked the guy from we got him but he is only good for a back up for a few games, he isn’t a longterm fix.
As for the stats I suppose he has a big advantage playing with Ba, Benny and Cisse compared to the strikers Taylor was counting on, so I really can’t see how the 2 can be compared
Out of the topic.
But nice vid of Benny against Liverpool.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GplSqajd52s
Enjoy it before FA bloke it.
MDS- I haven’t criticised anyone for criticising Willo…
Big Dave-To me it seems that the three or four games where he’s been actively bad this season have overwashed most of last season where many felt he was still Taylor’s superior. It wasn’t until the last three games of last season and Taylor’s three goals in them that people started changing their mind again-I know you always preferred him and I myself was pretty undecided, but many just seem to have jumped on Willo because he isn’t a superstar like half of our team..
Technically Staylor did have Benny and Ba and he had much more defensive wingers in Jonas and Obertan doing more defensive duties-basically my point earlier in the season was that we placed more emphasis on defending-that’s just my opinion-whether because we were confident in our defenders like Staylor or not so confident in our strikers like Ba i’m not too sure…
been thinking about the papa reina’s stitch on Perchy, and I actually think going down like he did makes a bit of sense.
If it was you or I in Perch’s shoes, what would we have done. I’ll tell ya, in a flash we would have lamped the fooker. Cheeky twat, who the fook does he think he his. Yes?
Well going down to the floor eliminates that reaction, which would have seen Perch getting red carded also.
Every player knows that attempting to head butt an oponent will get you sent off. Simples.
The fact that Pap Reina couldn’t stitch a blanket, and missed Perch’s nose by millimeters is quite frankly irrelevant.
All Perch did was highlight what Reina did, to the ref.
ok he obviously needs better acting lessons, lol, but I would still rather he went down than flatten the stupid kunt.
HBA39@89 -Love that video.
Beardsley-exactly right…no matter how unfortunate it is.
Its nothing on Carrolls antics quite frankly. Reina deserved a red, Carroll tried to give a completely innocent player a red and earn himself a penalty.
Newkie I honestly don’t think Willo holds a candle to Saylor I think there was a lot of Saylor hate because of leaked stories last season, which I touched on in the only time that I stated what a source told me that Saylor was too close and supportive of KK. So we got all the stories he was trying to screw the club, he wasn’t loyal and wanted away, the Carroll fight etc etc.
So I think that was why many fans turned on him because the believed the shit that was designed to force him out.
BB I understand and said at the time why he done it but it doesn’t change the fact that he was cheating and got a player rightfully sent of, but the bin dippers will say that he started it by dripping Reina then made it worse because he went down like he was hit by Iron Mike Tyson.
I know im embarrassed by it and believe he should be too, and I know I would be raging if it happened to us.
HBA39 – I was in favour of Benny being dropped when he was and thought Pardew has handled what must have been a really tough decision very well. I always knew what he was capable of but my main criticism was his decision making, but I have to say that against WBA and the bin dippers his decision making has been fantastic.
Top top player
@Kimtoon
http://www.1channel.ch/tv-1386995-Game-of-Thrones/season-2-episode-1
The putlocker links are the best only takes a few seconds to load up aswell
Dave-Aye I know, personally I’d just kind of forgotten how crucial Taylor could be because it seemed like we’d been two years or so without him, he’s the better defender and hopefully we’ll get an even better one-both to take/challenge his place and take over from Colo if/when the time comes. The running contracts and the Carroll fight also definitely put some fans against him for sure.
For me the diving thing was kind of shown up-When Gervy slapped Barton earlier this year it showed Barton had “learnt his lesson” in that he didn’t smack him and he also used the trick Pedersen taught him a year previously when he collapsed after a poke in the middle.
I hated pedersen for that-but I can see why he did it. Barton looked like a prat and destroyed his honest hard man image-but I can see why he did it. Perch? He looked foolish-but again, I can see why he did it. Carroll? No idea why he did it…through on goal man.
Also I’m not being funny, but how many times has Jonas flung himself or feigned injury more than was neccessary after a free kick was awarded? Its essentially the same thing, just an extreme case. Yet Jonas had the captaincy and is praised completely? I just feel some people are overreacting. Especially the liverpool fans…dunno if that’s put pressure on our own.
@85 (can’t be bothered with your name soz)
Aye agree with that team maybe swapping tav with simpson as tav has had more experience at CB than simpson.
ok so what exactly should Perch have done then? Just stand and laugh at the fooker I guess.
Moral of the story is, if you’re gonna get a red card for head-butting an oponent, at least get full value for it by at least making contact .
Ultimately we need players who are prepared to sit on bench or at least think we have squad rotation – at the moment we’re a long way from that and players like Guthrie, Perch, Williamson know that as soon as 1st teamers are fit they are back on the bench – what happens to players like santon who’s place has gone to makeshift lb’s
STEVEP-I imagine that both Williamson and Perch are happy to be squad players,especially Perch. Neither of them really have the experienced needed to become a first teamer in any other prem side-the only ones who would take them would be promotion/relegation teams for first team action-and we’re close to the champions league so…..
As for Santon? Think he’ll be happy with the experience he’s had so far. Fair few appearances, potential is recognised, he’s only 20 and only just learning to speak English. Won’t be ideal for him if a top class left back is brought in though….but then he may get a shot at the right….
I would be tempted to play Santoon at CB with Willo and keep Jonas at LB. I would then bring either Abeid or Vuckic in for Guthrie. Try and have as little disruption as possible. Mind you, along with Streete, who are the CB’s for the Reserves? Surely one of those should be brought in as thats what they are for surely? I am sick of square pegs in round holes. Give Kadar a go at CB.
don’t be daft
—————-Krul—————–
Simpson-Perch-Willo-Raylor (fit?)
——-Tiote——–Jonas——–
————-Cabaye————-
—HBA——————Ba—–
————–Cisse————–
If Perch is out, Tav plays. Only question is who goes CB – him or Simpson
keys that team looks class!!!
apologies if this is a tad early, but just found some interesting pre match stats :
Swansea didn’t manage a single shot on target in their 0-0 draw with Newcastle at St James’ Park.
Newcastle have kept just two clean sheets in their last 13 Premier League away games.
Swansea have only won two of their last seven home games and kept just one clean sheet in that run (W2 D3 L2).
Only Manchester United and Manchester City have picked up more points in 2012 than Newcastle.
The Magpies have cleared more shots off their own goal line than any other Premier League team this season, 10.
Swansea have completed 85% of their passes this season, only Man City (86%) have a better rate.
Newcastle haven’t won four Premier League games in a row since April 2006.
None of Gylfi Sigurdsson’s six Premier League goals have been scored at the Liberty Stadium.
Should be a good match tomorrow, really looking forwards to it and bringing home another 3 points
I honestly dont think we have anything to be afraid of. Yes they are having a good season, but I think we should destroy them easily enough.
HTL
Would we seriously rather be playing Simpson at centre back than Kadar or one of the reserve CENTRE BACKS?! like Jeff Henderson.
BB…Here’s another one, Pardew(and the team) has got more points already this season than Sir Bobby got in his first full season. Also in Pards’ first 2 seasons he has equalled Sir Bobby’s points total for his first 2 seasons with games to spare, obviously both manager’s 1st seasons weren’t full ones and this is a completely irrelevant stat…..but surprised me a little
JJ…Alot are assuming Perch won’t be playing, the only thing I’ve read was that he had picked up a knock it training, I reckon he’ll be fine.
BB – I know the point was made last night, just catching up with the postings now.
Regarding your point about how Perch reacted. Personally I was disgusted by both his reactions and Tiotes against Sunderland. I get your point about emphasising what happened so the ref does not miss it or have any doubts about what happened, but they both went down as if they had been shot by a sniper!!
These are professional footballers and role models to kids watching the game. Any contact was minimal, I didn’t think he was actually hit which makes it no different to Carrolls blatant dive. What Perch and Tiote should have done is walk away holding there faces and make their point that way, rather than going down quicker than a pink lane pro.
So Guthrie AND Vuckic out, with Perch doubtful. I’m getting more worried every day
Great stats Rich. I’ll be pinching them
I know a site where they will go down like a lead balloon
@AndrewT
I’m sticking to the “if it isn’t on nufc.com it isn’t true” dream!
@BB
You certainly wouldn’t guess that if you’d been coming purely on here in that time, i mean there’s moaning and then there’s moaning! And that is with a Colo apart “Championship defence”, without Ba/Cisse for a month, without Tiote for a month and Cabaye “playing terribly”, imagine if we actually had a good team, we’d be chasing Champions League! Oh wait… L O L
Seriously though, I’m not against criticism of the team, but people need to stop being so hormonal with their opinions, just as one good game doesn’t make Willo a world beater, a few bad games doesn’t change the fact that he was a decent, perfectly able centre back for us in the prem last year.
And having been lauded by G Nev maybe people will lay off Simmo a bit, the premiership isn’t exactly blessed with an abundance of world class right backs, the grass isn’t greener on the otherside.
Toonsy….which site would that be I wonder..mmmmm
I’d check them first since they’re my own stats……because another interesting stat is that I balls up 83.2% of my own stats, which in turn means I could have ballsed up my 83.2% bit but I’m not sure what the percentage is for me having possibly ballsed that bit up is……ooww me heed
Thanks for that reply Sharpy.
And you are spot on too. The amateur dramatics is way over the top and needs to be cut out now.
Hold your face and turn away is exactly the right reaction.
Solano
You know how small the margins are that we arn’t clear in a champions league position.
But for:
- a missed penalty against Sunderland
- throwing away a two goal lead against Wolves
- conceding in the fifth minute of injury time against Arsenal
We could easily have six points more which would have put us on 59 points and Arsenal on 57, we would have been in third position well clear of Chelsea.
We must have a better team that anyone gave us credit for at the start of the season.
BB – The biggest disappointment is that he had a really good game filling in for Colo, yet most of the talk is about the way he reacted in that one incident. Then you get numptys like Stan Collymore calling for Perch to get a 3 match ban. It’s ridiculous, I thought the ref handled the situation very well. It would be wrong for the FA to get involved now (not that they have suggested they would) but i would like to hope Pardew addresses the matter with the whole team this week because I don’t want our team to be known as a bunch of divers … not after all their hard work this season.
JJ what annoys me most about the season: Luiz challenge on Ba, most clear cut ever
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