This time of year is usually pretty hot for awards being dished out to players and managers for various achievements they’ve managed throughout the season.
We’ve already had Signing of the Season and Goal of the Season, although admittedly that was before Papiss Cisse rewrote the book of Physics with his goal against Chelsea the other night. Now is the biggie though, where I ask you who has been the Player of the Season.
In many ways the success of this season has hinged on the success of our fringe players. Players like Ryan Taylor, James Perch, Mike Williamson, Leon Best and Shola Ameobi have all done a job for us at some point during the season, which has helped out no end of course. However they aren’t, as Sir Bobby would say, our “blue chip” players.
That accolade should be given to the spine of our team, a spine that is arguably as strong as it’s ever been with the “magnificent seven” of Tim Krul, Fabricio Coloccini, Cheik Tiote, Yohan Cabaye, Hatem Ben Arfa, Papiss Cisse and Demba Ba. Realistically our Player of the Season is going to be one of those so lets see what they’ve been up to.
Tim Krul – 40 appearances
Krul has established himself as number one goalkeeper on Tyneside, of that there is no question. He’s pulled off spectacular saves time and time again and has kept us in matches almost single-handedly on occasion. He’s the real deal and while he still has rough edges (mainly kicking) he still also has time on his side and can iron out those creases.
Fabricio Coloccini – 37 appearances, 1 goal
What can you say about Captain Colo that hasn’t already been said? Quite simply he is name number one on the teamsheet. He is easily our best defender and has shown that numerous times. A ball playing central defender is a rare sight these days, but Colo is one of them. A real class act.
Cheik Tiote – 22 appearances
Has had his appearances limited thanks to his participation at the ACoN and through a couple of minor injures. However he’s back in the swing of things now and whilst I don’t think he has a realistic shout of winning the vote, I do think he is vitally important to us and allows other elements of the team to do what they are best at.
Yohan Cabaye – 36 appearances, 5 goals
Quite possibly my favourite player of the current crop, a real class act. Has been pushed forward in recent weeks and has shown that he can chip in with both goals and assists. He’s also a born leader and has the respect of his colleagues which is always a bonus.
Hatem Ben Arfa 28 appearances, 6 goals
If you’re looking for a layer who can pull off the unexpected then here is your man. A truly fantastic talent who has learned to work for the team which has only elevated his performances higher still.
Demba Ba – 34 appearances, 16 goals
Demba has been immense for us this season. His goals in the first half of the season really gave us a platform to build on and even though they may have dried up now his importance to the team mustn’t be underestimated.
Papiss Cisse – 12 appearances, 13 goals
It’s not often a January signing would be considered as a Player of the Season, but then again it’s not often a January signing has such a startling impact. What can you say about him? He scores all kinds of goals and has picked up from where Demba Ba has left off. Brilliant.
I would say those are the realistic options for our Player of the Season although if you have any other suggestions then please feel free to shout them up.
Get voting!
[poll id=”66″]
I honestly couldn’t pick one, “The Team” should win it, by the team I mean every one, the squad, the coaching staff, the scouting staff and (gulp) even fatlad and the rest of them upstairs. Absolutely outstanding effort by all concerned, regardless of what happens in the last 2 games.
richietoon(Quote)
Tim Krul for me. No flops either. Even the players i can’t take to and have performed above expectations at time
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
I think the whole team has done very well, i personally picked Ba as he was the one scoring in the first part of the season and basically dragging us up the league almost single handed (not literally but you know what i mean, others played well too)
Pardew must get Manager of the Year….. He was not my choice but he has just done brilliant with the players.
Bambam(Quote)
Wallet check. Ticket check. Train ticket check. Toon here we come. Au revoir bonnie scotland
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Jonas for me. Solid, Reliable, Adaptable. He has played in 3 different positions scored a couple of good goals and made a few suprised he did not get a mention.
Paul(Quote)
TLR….enjoy it, jealous as ****.
richietoon(Quote)
So hard, they all deserve to share an award.
I went for Colo, for his first year as captain we’ve had a great season. The defence have been tight, disciplined and committed (most of the season 🙄 ).
Let’s hope the lads have a good day today.
HWTL
geoff777(Quote)
Judging by Rich’s post at 1, I am guessing that he is a politition 🙂
Krul for me by a long way…
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Aussie….I wish, could do with a cash filled envelope, I looked at the list for 5 minutes and kept changing my mind every few seconds so gave up.
richietoon(Quote)
Rich, couldn’t we all do with one of those envelopes 🙂 I reckon Krul has had a cracking season.. really made the keepers spot his this season. There were a few games early on that he double handidly kept us in with some blinding saves.
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Joey Barton. Getting rid of that ***** was the best thing we ever did.
Toon Chicken(Quote)
I voted for Demba ba – as people have said I think he has made such a big contribution to our season, i remember watching us play awful at times pre-New year and he was different class.
2. Colo.absolute rock at the back 3 Cabaye has changed the way we play with his vision and passing.
BigPapa(Quote)
The real winner is the game of football 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Toonsy – it’s funny you should post this today, I was having the very same conversation with a lad I work with just yesterday. This one and who is Newcastles most improved player … Neither was an obvious answer and we had different names for each.
I went with Krul. I just think for his age and lack of experience, he has been emmense this season. I went Perchino for most improved.
That said, I wouldn’t disagree with any of the other candidates. Colo has been a rock, as has Tiote and the way Cabaye, Ba and Cisse has settled into the team and had such an impact is unbelievable.
Sharpy17(Quote)
There is no I in team 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Like others I have voted fot Demba because of his fantastic efforts in the first part of the season.
Going off the subject I loved yesterdays Daily Mail. They printed the Prem League table and left 5under1and off,bloody great,just the way it should be.
KATHAL(Quote)
I must admit the old nerves are starting to jangle already as I think about the game against city. If we don’t win, I feckin hope we take it too em…
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Demba all the way for me, without his goals and a word in his pal Cisse’s ear we wouldnt be anywhere near where we are now. Captain Curllo 2nd he’s been wor rock all season.
Shaking like a shittin dog thinkin aboot the match 😯 😯 😯
Have just put 2 mad bets on :
Toon 2-1 HT, 3-2 FT: 3 squid @ 175-1 😯 😯
Toon to win 3-2: 2 squid @ 33-1 😯 😯
If I win either I’ll download u’s aal a virtual pint from Qatar
HOWAY THE FECKIN LADS!!!!!!! ….LALAS!!!!!!!!! 😉 😉 😉
geordieqatar(Quote)
3 hours and counting, tick tick tick 😕
richietoon(Quote)
Why is Ryan Taylor not in the vote ? he has been solid in every position he has played and has scored important goals, its not just the flair players who make a team good
Geoff THEMAGPIE Robinson(Quote)
Collocini.
Stuart79(Quote)
Benny for me as with him we play a totally different game that gets you of your seat.
Big Dave(Quote)
Demba Ba @dembabafoot
Hello paul smith, from the sun! Before writing on the paper please make sure thats me talking to you mate.
anybody care to explain this to me?
ron(Quote)
I think people are now taking Krul a bit for granted. Pretty much am unknown quantity a year ago, now one of the top 3 in the league you’d think and you can bet our unbeaten start to the season wouldn’t of got past rd1 if it not for Timmy.
Brendan(Quote)
If i had to single anyone person out my vote goes too Krul ,that said i think everyone that is connected with the club should get the vote , Why ? because players , coaching staff , office staff , maintenance people and obviously all the fans are pulling in one direction . We have all started to realise that Jabba’s 5 year plan works and we are all enjoying it , we are becoming a top 6 club again and we are all at long last UNITED . Fair is fair Ashley made mistakes and took a load of slagging but he has turned it round and fair play too the bloke he has delivered what we wanted European football and a club to be proud of .
As for today ,i say HOWAY THE LADS because we would all just love it if we beat Citeh and we can .
Axel(Quote)
http://twitter.com/#!/Football_Tweet_/status/199076498026676225/photo/1
RIP SIR BOBBY
hitman(Quote)
Ron – it was just supposed quotes from Ba saying how we’re going to make it difficult for them. Just shows the quality of The Sun that they need to make up quotes in order to write a complete non-story.
Jon R(Quote)
thank you JON.thats pathetic from the sun.
btw my vote is for super colo..consistently good all season
ron(Quote)
A few weeks ago when we did a little poll I was for Ba, changed my mind now to Coloccini.
Our defence would be in tatters without him, he is responsible for players like Raylor and Perch managing to improve so much.
Best CB we’ve had in the PL era.
Don’t think Pards will be required to motivate the players today, the statue of SBR should do it with ease.
HTL
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
Actually no that i think about it, that previous poll was for best signing wasn’t it 😕 . Ah well, they’ve all been brilliant!
SolanosTrumpet(Quote)
The Toon is crackling with atmosphere. Toon and city fans can’t predict the outcome
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
I went for Ba, overall contribution has been immense. Huge credit to him for the goals early on, staying fit and for graciously taking a back seat to Cisse
Moreno(Quote)
Waiting for this match is agony lol
I can’t choose!!
Susan(Quote)
1 hour 10 minutes…tick tick tick
richietoon(Quote)
What about Gutierrez???
…the forgotten man. Hasn’t he played in every single game for us this season, and also covered more than one position. The bloke runs his **** off for 90+ minutes every game. I know he only has 2 goals and 3 assists, but his build up play has contributed to a lot more; not to mention his tackling ability.
I’m not surprised he’s been left out though, he’s never been the most glamorous NUFC player with his ‘no end product’ (yeah yeah) tag.
We’re 5th in the league and he’s played every game (or there abouts), he’s a key player for me.
Having said all of the above, he’s not my player of the season 😆
…that would have to go to Colo, for me.
Rodzilla(Quote)
Well I think it go to anyone of them to be honest as they all played a part in our brilliant season plus others whose name are not on the list ,but honestly the stand out for me has to be Krul. When all’s said and done the oposition has to put goals past you to win and thanks to Tim that aint happend to often this season ,for one so young he’s been immense he really has and we can’t underestimate his contribution .If he improves his distribution next season he’ll be the real deal ,but as a shot stopper he’s one of the best.
Hitman @26 That’s a beautiful statue ,very fitting . 😀 RIP Sir Bobby.
Jon R@27 I fecking hate that paper ,full of ****. 👿
Hope we can get a result today ,don’t feel too bad actually as really feel all the pressure is on Shitty .
kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah can’t wait to get it on 😀
Big Dave(Quote)
Colo for me. He has been the best in the league this year at the back. A great example as a captain and modest to boot. Love him. Best centre back we’ve ever had.
JJ(Quote)
This match has all the feel of a cup final , i am starting to be very nervous . The beer is in the fridge getting cold and the tv is on and the build up has begone here in holland . If we score today i will cheer so loud it will carry right over the North sea and down the Tyne so yous can all hear it . God i wish i was in the Toon today .
Axel(Quote)
I think Ba. His goals really put the momentum in our season. Without those goals we maybe wouldn’t have been so high up the table in Jan and then maybe we wouldn’t have signed CIsse as a result. Then Cisse wouldn’t have scored the goals since then. So I think Ba has had a massive say in this season and possible the future of the club by making it possible to sign Cisse.
rossco(Quote)
Here we go, just setting off and here’s the team:
Krul; Perch, Williamson, Coloccini, Santon; Tiote, Gutierrez; Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Ba; Cisse
Simon(Quote)
So Perch keeps his place over Simpson. Ballsy move by Pardew. Papers saying Chelsea want to sign Simpson 😯
rossco(Quote)
Perchinio starts, who would have thought the day when I hoped he would get a start. 😆
TonyGreenSupreme(Quote)
That is in the Daily Mirror though Rossco, possibly the most unreliable of rags.
Rodzilla(Quote)
ime stuck between krul/colo,imo doesnt matter how many you score,if you cannot keep them oot at other end your fooked nowt worse for strikers seeing goals ganning in at other end,as they say goals change games,keep them oot 😀 😉
icedog(Quote)
Yea that’s what I thought. I just don’t get where the paper get it from. Lazy lazy journos. If he can’t keep his place and gets stick here. He’ll not last 2 minutes at Chelski.
rossco(Quote)
How long to go now Rich 🙂
My order – Krul, Colo, Ba, Jonas… cisse would be a contender with more games under his belt.. however, if he gets a hatrick today I will give him my number 1 vote 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
ROSSCO he already said yesterday that the team would be unchanged . I have a feeling we have seen the last of Simpson , Guthre and Gosling in a black and white shirt .If they leave we will have to sign a couple of Homegrown talents or our quota will be in danger of breaking UEFA rules .If you look at he starting line up we have only 3 “homegrown” players . Krul , Perch , Williamson .
Axel(Quote)
Axel – I was wondering about our quota. Which is why I think Butterfield would be a very real possibility. We need to pick up young British talent even if it’s jsut as a squad player. We really should be trying to keep Simpson for that reason alone. Although does Colo not count, having been here for more than 3 years?
rossco(Quote)
I can’t pick…can we wait till the end of the season and see if Papiss fires us to victory some more
Newkie(Quote)
ROSSCO no colo was too old after he moved here , its got something to do with players being at a club for 3 years before they turn 21 .
Axel(Quote)
I agree though we need to keep Simpson and try and get Guthrie too re sign as well.
Axel(Quote)
Foxtel here just put on a little montage of Cisse’s goals during the pre game show.. the guy is a human hi-lite reel.. 🙂 🙂 🙂
aussie magpie fan(Quote)
Over the course of a season – Colo for me – by a distance.
Stardust(Quote)
Richie at 1 totally agree, its all-ways subjective picking one, your choice is spot on its every one involved deserves credit for where we are,even the less portly one.
Tommy Gibb(Quote)
Cabaye for me. He has revolutionised our game. The embodiment of knowing the fine line between applying hard graft or finesse at the right time.
People were in a right flap at the thought of our ‘heart’ being torn out with the departures of Barton & Nolan – however this lad came in and took straight off, leaving us asking who Nolan and Barton are?!
He is our little orchestrator with the right lifestyle, attitude and work ethic and the whole team just knits in to his style of play. Even though people know he is good, I don’t think they realise just how he really is….
Shamrock(Quote)
Coloccini for Me!
Blackbartoon(Quote)