Can Pardew improve us next season?
This season has been fantastic and it could yet get better depending on how results sway in the last game of the season. With Europe guaranteed and a top six finish already in the bag though, I wonder if we can get much better next time round?
The rule seems to be that you spend money to reach the top of the tree. Whilst we’ve broke the mould with our success this season, Manchester City have shown the difference in class that a few hundred million can get you. It was a game of fine margins yesterday, but in the end the boys in sky blue came out on top thanks to that little bit of extra quality.
I’m not saying that we have to break the bank to break the top four, in fact I don’t expect any change in our approach to transfers at all, and why not as it’s worked so far. I’m just wondering if our approach to transfers will only take us so far?
That is not being negative towards what we have achieved, I’m just being realistic. There is a reason why so many people are lauding our transfer business because it is out of the norm that has been perceived for years – that money gets you to the top of the table when in fact, as we’ve shown, it doesn’t have to be the case.
My main worry is expectation levels. I fear that now we’ve flirted with the Champions League places and with Europe that the bar will have been raised to a level we may not be able to reach. Like in the days of Sir Bobby when we missed out on the Champions League that one season.
Stay grounded people. We can improve but it won’t happen overnight, especially now our margins for improvement are significantly less. You see what I’m saying? It’s going to be hard to improve next season, but given time it isn’t impossible.
Keep calm and carry on!
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Great comment/article there Toonsy, nowt like some of the repeated negative crap that’s doing the rounds
, IMO were 1 great player from a top5 regular team, maybe 3-4 good players to bolster the Squad depth. 
Great performance yesterday against the Best Team @ St James’Park this season.
The problem is the fans. A lot of fans are going to cause a hubbub next year if we are looking at a top 10 finish as opposed to Europe.
Expectation levels have been raised too high and I expect Pardew, if honest, will be dreading next season as he now has to perform to a level he was not expecting so soon, if ever.
For me, Europa League should be the target next season, as it was for most of this season. If we happen to be pushing for a CL spot, great, but i’m not exacty expecting that to be the case.
I think we can improve, but whether we will or not is up to Mike. I know this has been said of every window since we flogged the donkey for 35mil, but this summer’s transfer activity will give us a real idea of where Ashley wants to take us on the back of this years success.
I’d like to see upgrades on Willo and Simpson, as well as a few to thicken the squad out, but as always the outgoings will be of greater interest to me.
Toonsy nice article. I will do the same as I do every season when the fixtures come out. I look at the last 6 or 7 games to see who we face should we end up in a relegation scrap ! .After i’ve done that I look forward to the start of the season with renewed vigor and expectation and once we get to 35 points I start to relax a bit
. Doesn’t matter who we sign I will still do that it’s a habit and i’m not one of those who thinks we should be top 6 every year not even after this great season would I think that. Like everything in life it has to be earned and if the lads have the same attitude and work ethos as this year they will be fine.Ofcourse we also need to strengthen the squad with a couple of quality players now we are in Europe and hopefully not let anyone vital leave either.
I’d be happy with Uefa for a few seasons while building an established team ready for a Champions league push.
It all depends if we sell some of our big players hoping to replace them, we#d b very optimistic to think there are other Tiote’s, Ba’s and Cisses floating around.
Hopefully the money generated from Uefa and selling the naming rights should allow us to keep most of our stars.. + we still have andy carrolls money to spend
Glad to see all the fans are on the same page. I just want consistency for the foreseeable. Top 6 finishes and. if possible, decent runs in the cups. I think it’s doable if we don’t dismantle the squad, although I’m not opposed to selling one for silly money if it means we can get three more in
We can’t keep working on the assumption we will sign gems for peanuts forever.
Besides the fact that there just aren’t many players like Cabaye, Tiote, etc. who have tiny release clauses in their deals (makes our complaints about Demba Ba slightly hypocritical too), the fact we’ve been “found out” with this transfer style means teams are going to ask for £5m more every time we enquire about someone.
The cat is out of the bag and we won’t have it so easy from now on.
An objective AP has laid out is winning some trophies. Going into Europe and pushing for one of the domestic cups will be a big stretch without some more quality lads signing with Newcastle. It could be 3 or 4 to maintain Europa staus, but 6 or more if the cup runs are going to go to Wembley. I think MA & DL will need a revenue source from naming rights at ST. James Park to afford Europe and cup runs. So let’s see how that progresses.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17983793
Well to be fair, we still have a few players that didn’t feature enough this season. We really need them to step up to the plate next season, for us to move forward as a team. Marveaux will be challenging Jonas for that left wing spot, and if he does keep his fitness, I do see him playing an integral part for next season. Obertan will definitely improve with time, and will challenge Benny for the other spot and more importantly, provide cover for European matches etc. I still think Gosling has a future here, and will replace Guthrie as our midfield cover. These players will definitely offer a different dimension to our team, and Pardew would be able to tinker with his formation based on the different nature of games we will face. While the likes of Vuckic and Ferguson will again improve tremendously next season, I do expect them to be starters for the Carling cup games, and also on the fringe of the first team again. Buy a couple more cover for defense and I would think that we would already improve a lot on this season, providing that we keep our core players.
I think the expectation levels were higher in the past because of the money that was being invested. I think this time around the supporters realise that we’re trying a slower approach.
That being said, we can get better if we add suitable depth to deal with the added euro fixtures.
I think players like cisse, cabaye, and santon will be even better next year due to having more experience and that should help us maintain the progress we’ve made this year.
Keep our existing players and improve with say 3 to 4 players I think we will be ok next season, Stoke signed a load of players last season for Europe all be it has beens and they have really struggled in the league due to Europe, just hope it doesn’t happen to us next season. Still can’t wait for next season!!
Of course we can improve as a team, but the big question is whether Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal will improve more than us.
Realistically, I am not expecting a mass improvement on position. I’d be happy as heck if we can qualify for Europa again (i.e. Top 6).
Where I’d like to see improvements:
Longer Cup runs…if not a trophy at the end to boot. And, we’ll be competing in 3 cup tournaments next year, so I realize it’s a big ask, but I don’t think it’s unrealistic.
Fewer goals allowed. We’ve lost something like 5 games by 4 or more goals? Would at least like to see that.
I think we’ll probably keep the goal scoring about the same…provided we keep the team we have, so not asking for much more there…but the goals allowed sucked…
We can improve, with the same strategy. If we get the wasters out of the club It’ll free up millions from their wages, add that to Simpson inevitably being sold in the summer and we’ll have a miny warchest for some Carr masterpiece transfers. I reckon we could shop in the lower league for some young prospects (also we’re a bit low on the home-grown players
). Burnley want £5-8m for J.Rodriguez, I reckon if we offer £5m + Gosling and Abeid on a season(or 1/2 a season) loan might get an exciting young prospect. A similar proposition for huddersfield, offer £4m + N.Ranger(permanant) for Rhodes(who I think should play for GB in the olympics). Add those two to Butterfield probably signing for us and we’d have a fair few extremely promising british youngsters. 
i think we need to sign some quilitry defenders start from the back can c simpson going get rid of williamson get a top left and right back and 2 centre backs make the back four solid for next season a creative midfielder a quick striker we will be strong next season
Chris
If we get rid of Williamson (possibly 2-3m) and Simpson (6-7m if chelsea are really interested) then I reckon we’d just need to get Debuchy(8m), Pieters(4m) and M’biwa (5m) to have one of the strongest defences in the league (with class back-up in R.Taylor, Perch, M’biwa, Tavenire, Ferguson, and possibly Streete).
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/120507/newcastle-strike-sensation-admits-champions-league-dreams-171529
Nice article Toonsy and with everything that has gone on this season it’s a good question.
I’m basing my comments based on us not selling any of our top players because until the scenario of a huge offer, it’s all pessimistic speculation.
I think the beauty with us is that the areas which need strengthening are pretty obvious. FB, CB, DCM cover and another CF for me, then maybe 1 or 2 squad players for extra squad depth with Europa footy next season. I personally would also like to see more goals from the rest of the team next season. I know we were quite defence minded at the start of the season but take Ba and Cisse out of the equation and there is only Cabaye and Benny that have really contributed.
Arsenal have already secured Podolski who is top quality, but if they loose RVP they haven’t improved. I’m sure Liverpool will again spend big without having any real strategy and you can guarantee Man Utd, City and Chelsea will spend.
As long as we stick to our plan and as you rightly say, keep our feet on the ground. We should focus on consistency and stability. The off field antics should hopefully die off next season (nowt left, I hope) and if we aim top 8 with good cup runs and maybe even win one
But there is the small issue of beating Everton, finishing 3rd and qualifying for CL before we need to worry about next season
andymag spot on as look at man city back 4 only let in 27 all season they have a great back 4 with class defensive cover get those players in andy and with a solid back 4 we can build on this season with out these players we could strugle come end of next season
Ice @9 Pleased for Krul nothing less than he deserves ,wonder how he’ll get on with RVP at training camp
.
ice@18
Looks like we may be a stepping stone then .
Andy@17 Can’t argue with any of that mate ,and glad to see you didn’t add Douglas to your list
Next Season I want:
Harry Maguire From Sheffield UTD
Matthieu Debuchy or Adam Matthews from Celtic
Jacob Butterfield From Barnsley
Gyfli Sigurdsson From Hoffenheim on loan From Swansea
Jordan Rhodes From Huddersfield Or Gary Hooper from Celtic
David Hoilett if Ba Leaves
Krul
Debuchy Saylor Colo Santon
Cabaye Tioté Sigurdsson
Ben Arfa Ba or Hoilett
Cissé
Bench: A GK-Maguire-Raylor-Vuckic-Butterfield- Ferguson- Hooper
Sell Simmo, Obertan, Best, Guthrie Lovenkrands Will Leave as Free Agent and Smith will retire
I don’t like that talksport Cissé interview. Sounds like we’re a stepping stone to him, we’re just a small club to show off what he can do, then he can call-out for Real Madrid or Man United to sign him. But I might just be reading to much into it.
Yeah, those Cisse quotes don’t look too good at all. I hope there is a larger context they are from but I am struggling to think of what could change the meaning of those.
Why does every player feel they have the entitlement to play for the giant clubs? Cisse has been epic for us so far but you have to wonder why none of the giant clubs ever sniffed at him if he was so good as to play for Madrid.
I can’t imagine Pardew is too happy with that interview.
Heres some food for thought if we had not lost ba cisse and tiote to the afircan cup of nations we would of made champs league very easy in my opion.To improve next season we need some pace put into that defence.
I Agree: I dont Like This Interview! If we Are a Stepping Stone To Him, He Can Leave Newcastle Right Now!! I Want Players Who wants To Play wIth Us!!
I don’t think it’s unrealistic to expect us to get better players in with our scouting network. Graham Carr had been scouting Tiote, Cabaye and Cisse for years, and was 100% sure they were good buys when we moved for them. Anyway they don’t have to be “better” players, just underated but talented young players who we can buy for 3 million, develop and then sell for 20 million. That’s the way forward.
Thats what I get for using my phone to put the comment about cisse, everyone’s already discussing it and have said the same things as me, making me look stupid
Nowt wrong with the interview, if you think there’s any of our players who wouldn’t want to play for RM, Man Utd, City etc then you’re living in a dreamworld, most if not all of of our players will probably see us as a stepping stone. The only way that’ll ever change is to be top 4 every year and win trophies.
BLACKBARTOON,
I am not against Cisse having other clubs he prefers. He is hardly going to be a life long Newcastle fan for example, but he is only five months into his time here and he is already touting for a move. It was the same with Demba Ba and his PSG comments.
I don’t remember Hatem Ben Arfa talking about moving to Barcelona or something yet and he has been here longer and his return to the team has had a larger impact on our recent form than anything else.
A bit of respect from these players to the club would be nice. Cisse’s annoyed me.
Anyway if Cisse wants to join a club that’ll win the CL he should choose Bayern Munich, Barcalona or Man U, RM havn’t won it in ages
FJ
Yeah HBA the man everyone touted as being a rebel, with a massive ego and a bad temper is one of the most proffesional forwards in the league, rarely dives (Man U away was the exception), didn’t throw a hissy fit about not being included towards the start of the season and isn’t bigging himself up in the hope of playing for a ‘big team’, he’s just said he one day wants to win the ballon d’ or, and don’t we all
Was not on any side over ben afra like a lot of supporters were, but now the coaches have him playing like they want, think he well deserves his place in the side next season
I’m not reading too much into those quotes. Remember that he doesn’t speak English, so things can get altered in translation, plus the interviewers are always asking leading questions to get a story (not to mention making up quotes completely!).
Let’s be honest though, if he carries on with this scoring form then it’s inevitable that he’s going to leave for a huge club eventually (i’m talking Barcelona, Real Madrid, etc).
The Funny Thing Is That Im Senegalease, but Nufc Fan Since I Was Kid! And To Be Honnest, Papiss Cissé Surprise me A Lot, because He Was a Poor Player at Metz and with Senegal he only scored against Crap Africans Teams! I think It’s a Bit Disrespectful for Us what he said, but Maybe The Interviewers have Modify His Comments.
Andy…He doesn’t say he wants to play for Madrid, that apart they’ve won the CL more recently than Bayern…..although that’s probably going to change very soon
Richie
herees hoping
Andy….don’t mind them winning it if we finish 3rd
if cisse wonts to join a club who could win the champions leauge so be it as long as its not manure would hate to c him go but what top strikers we could get with the money we receave from cisse
I’ve just read the English transcript of Cisse’s interview and find absolutely nothing to get upset about. Haven’t we all been brought up to be aware of the aura of Real Madrid, so why should Cisse be any different? Ronaldo was always very open about his ambition in that respect at Man Utd. It didn’t stop him from giving superstar performances and I don’t think you’ll find any Utd supporters saying they wish he hadn’t played for them. As far as the comments re the Manchester clubs, don’t you think Papisse is only too aware of the fawning attention the media in this country have for them and as far as those at Talk Sport are concerned you haven’t made it in England until you play for them. My take on Cisse’s remarkd are that he is pointing out that Newcastle are a big club too and he is proud to play for us. Read it again – I’m sure that any negativity you may feel is is more to do with our own insecurities than any slight on our club from Little Demba. Finally as has been said, I don’t believe for a moment that Talk Sport or anyone else for that matter would fail to translate Cisse’s (non existent English) words into anything other than a sensational story to suit their purposes. Don’t buy it people. It is obvious Cisse is loving it at Newcastle.
I think we can improve next year, actually. I think the big differences between our 2 sides yesterday were the quality of defense, and our attacking players being a bit tired from the midweek game.
With a new cb and fb, and just 1 good attacking player to be brought in or come through (Marveaux, Sameobi, Ferguson, etc. all look like they could), we could really be quite frightening next season. We’ll also, hopefully, have a fully fit and focused Ben Arfa in the squad to start with!
Why not improve?
dont think fergie and s ameobi r going to set our season on fire we need top players loan out s ameobi fergie a sqaud player atmost wouldont start regular in most prem teams them 2 r not the anser to going forword a solid defence is the way forword
I don’t know if we can improve as the league might be a bit harder next year but I don’t think we should be dropping out of the top 6.
But I do think we need to bring in some top quality players we don’t have a problem scoring but we have a problem conceding we have scored 55 but conceded 48 thats a goal difference of 7 which is the lowest out of the top 8.
Well said Tony Toon
Toonsy a Realist is only a pessimist who has deluded himself that he is right.
I also expect us to continue with our transfer policy. Sell at over inflated prices, and only when the player hands in a transfer request, and replace with a bargain from the continent. I fully expect us to have a stronger squad next season and as I’ve said before I’m more interested in Points than places, so next seasons target has to be 70pts. That should get us some form of European action.
this guy would be a canny back-up while strikers are way at ANC,cannot see it not a bench warmer this lad.
http://nothingbutnewcastle.com/2012/05/blogs/patrick-kluivert-backs-former-club-to-take-dutch-star-to-newcastle
A repeat of this season would be ideal. We probably can improve because although we were undefeated in our first ten games we were functional and not the side we have been since February. The summer transfer market will be crucial. Players will go and some will come in. The unknown is how quickly the one’s coming in will gel with the manager’s ideas and importantly have the correct character to fit in with the rest of the squad
Ice…aye been linked with him for a while, more shocked that Kluivert is only 35
sorry to dive on to a article and ask this but does anyone have any links for feeds for the wigan blackburn game? got council tele tonight and need a link.
Ice I would give him a go
http://www.nutjob.eu/
Richie I thought the same but his wiki says he’s 35
ok soon to be 36
Billy Richies the links man
Dave….lol, aye I had to check it myself
richie, you are mint! ta.
i will be known as billy now wont i
lol
BQMag…link @ 51 or some on here
http://www.footballstreaming.info/streams/todays-links/ and here
http://www.sportlemon.tv/c-1.html
Billy…yes you will Andy
… how do you think I feel, my names actually Bob 
I also don’t have a problem with what Cisse has said and dont find it disrespectful at all. The lad has made no secret that he is grateful to the fans for their support and is happy at Newcastle.
It good to have players who want have a burning desire, as the only way they can achieve their goals is to play well for Newcastle making us a success and meaning we attract better players.
As long as he plays with 100% commitment while he is in a toon shirt, that’s all I’m arsed about.
BQM richie mint
dont know about that dave says he does suck a lot at times like 
Ice
…..I think he means I’m a refreshing change from all the “bitter” crap he has to swallow on here 
I am currently watching the Rennes – Montpellier match. I am not the least surprised that Graham Carr is spending so much time in France, as the technical level and the speed of the game as well is very good indeed. There are a number of players i both sides that could easily make it in the Premiership. Mapou Mbiwa looks good, just to name one of those we’ve been linked with in the past ..
RICHIE nee one can say your slow mate,your wit is second to none
mind your lass says your slow thats what she told dave
Ice..strange that like….she always tells me I’m too quick
Aye that’s what the Rovers players need from their fans, booing off at HT
@56
Is that a reference to me
And the chicken to start off the game wasn’t that much help either. Which makes me wonder…how does smuggle a chicken into the ground?
richie
the rovers fans are dicks, they want to go down to prove a point that Kean’s shit, which is why I want them to stay up
Andy…no mate, BillyQ’s real name is Andy……I think
Richie slow to start very fast to finish
Oh game of thrones is on, later lads
no probs rich
NorCal…..it was hard to spot amongst all the other cocks following Blackburn
Andy…aye, they seem to hate Kean more than they love their team. they’ll go down and it’ll be a long while before they return imo…..if ever.
DAVE @68 you got it in one mate
Dave…nae point taking ya time when the bar is still open
I see Ed’s blog is speculating we may be able to get Marvin Martin on a cut price deal.
I somehow doubt it.
FJ….I doubt it too, they won and are out of the relegation zone now also.
marvin martin is just a canny good player like imo
What a load of tossers Rovers fans really are, get behjind ya team no matter how shit the are and leave your demos for after. They deserve everything that’s coming to them
*behind*
Good Afternoon Lads
Regarding Marvin Martin I think Sochaux has already been relegated and I think we should put a canny 5 million bid just to test the resolve and increase it little by little if need be.. To strengthen the squad I would go for Alderweireld because I doubt we can get Vertonghen but then again would Ajax want to lose both starting centrebacks? Id also go for Hoilett or Jarvis for depth and even a cheeky bid for Karim Frei from Fulham as he looks class and only 18 
Id also go for Steven Fletcher. Hed be a good utility striker for ACON… Good addition and minimum outlay of cash. So Martin, Alderweireld, Hoilett or Jarvis, Frei, and Steven Fletcher
The problem we could have is this:
We will probably lose at least four squad players in the summer for next to nothing with Lovenkrands, Guthrie, Smith and Best. We also need a left back, centre back and that’s without replacing the ones who leave. We may need to spend money regardless of how we look at it as the way I see it to have a bigger squad than this year (which we’ll need) we’ll need at least six new faces.
Manassa…Sochaux are out of the relegation zone
MANA i quite like fletcher as a back up,and he has sat on the bench a bit at wolves so could handle that,and he might be in jabba price bracket
Thats unfortunate for our cause Richie
If not Martin what about a really cheeky bid for Granero? He has Mourinhos confidence but I reckon hed get much more playing time with us. What do you lads think? Or am I deluded for even thinking about Madrid players 
Stuart, I doubt we’ll see six in but I could definately see the 4 you mentioned being replaced with 4 of better quality. Marv and Staylor will be back and it’s time for players like Fergie, Vuckic, Abeid and Tavernier to step on up.
MDS marv is a top player imo,hope hes over his injurys.
MANA remember the last player we got from R/M
Manassa…they have a couple of tough games to come though
I think we’ll have to wait and see who Real Madrid’s manager is next season before we nick half their team
Ice- Hes scored goals for Wolves so far with much less chances so I reckon hed do a job for us
MDS – Then we have no bigger a squad than this year with probably an extra ten games to play and possibly more with a cup run.
We need a bigger squad next season – simple. Also need younger players to challenge yes but cannot expect them to achieve much considering their inexperience.
Anyone remember about 18 months ago – Scott Dann and Roger Johnson were a £30m defensive duo? Now they are getting three teams relegated in two seasons respectively. I believe the term is “Flash in the Pan”.
People should remember this next time they complain about Danny Simpson and Mike Williamson being “Championship players”.
Ice- I know ill get slated for this but I quite liked Owen he was a good striker. If only his heart would have been in it and not been so injury prone I dare to say he would have come good.
Richie- If Mourinho leaves I fear Madrid will come for Pardew
what do u all think would it worth while going in for clint dempsey think he coul take us forword
Manassa
Chris…too old for us to be interested in him I reckon, canny player though.
Richie- With Mourinho coming to us
Sahin would really take us forward too! Has played very little this season and it seems Mourinho has no confidence in him. Would be an amazing signing but wages could be a stumbling block
Stuart, we have 27 players list on the first team now. How many do we need?
On a sidenote… Who does anyone think will leave us this summer? Or at least should leave us
We should sign Scott Dann and Roger Johnson and get Alex McLeish as manager.
I can’t think of a more proven and potent formula for relegation.
I thgink Stu is right: Smith, Loven, Best, and Guthrie will leave, though I’d like to keep Guthrie. I’m afraid we’re stuck with the Spanish Wonder
MDS- I think Guthrie will leave but id like him to stay. Best too I hold affection for him as a utility player. Lovenkrands will definitely go as well as Smith. And to think that Xisco was touted as a Spanish international before coming to us
.. To Replace Guthrie I think Amalfitano is coming to replace him and for Lovenkrands like I said Id like Fletcher and for Smith maybe Oriol Romeu from Chelsea? He looks class and I think Barca will sell him
Frei, Jarvis, Hoilett, or Assaidi or Mertens for good wing depth
MANASSASMAG,
Romeu is a holding midfielder, he wouldn’t replace Lovenkrands and Barcelona did sell him – to Chelsea.
Well one transfer target that will not be coming is Eric Pieters , his injury has ruled him out of the Euros and they are now saying he will not be fit for the start of the new season .
Funky- I meant for Romeu for Smith
Axel- Now thats a pity
b/burn down then
Ice- Id take Yakubu though
Seriously though I dont like Blackburn going down.. PL wont be the same without knowing we face a trip to Ewood Park. Much rather Aston Villa or Stoke or Liverpool to go down
Gary Neville loves Newcastle, lol
MANA sorry dont rate him one bit for a team like toon,aye i wish villa had gone doon,hopefully next season
well lads/lasses ime off laters
MDS – Come on man! Half of them are kids and just aren’t ready. We need a bigger squad of available first teamers with the young uns getting experience in certain games.
Don’t forget there’ll be a lot of Thursday games next season ( I’m assuming) so we will need a bigger squad. If you don’t think so youve been watching the wrong games this season to comment,
I know about the squad, my point is 27 is enough IMO, so long as the quality is there. We need more quality depth that is for absolute certain, but we’re obviously not going to turn into ManCity either. For me, remove the 4 you mention, plus maybe someone like Abied out on loan, and add 5 quality players the squad who can actually contribute on a regular basis, and I think that’s plenty. Also starter quality players like Staylor and Marv are returning as well.
FJ, what did Neville say about NUFC?
Wouldn’t like to see Best gone. I think he’s been very good for us, if a bit unlucky.
Manassa@79, Totally agree on Toby Alderweireld only 23 and highly rated and wouldn’t be too expensive. The one that may come that worries me a bit is Douglas ,not sure about his temperament at all .
Actually sad to see Blackburn go down ,why couldn’t it be Villa or Wigan
Don’t forget–we need to plan for injuries and African Cup of Noodles.
@CaulkinTheTimes: Christophe Lowinsky, a Marseille & France Under 19 international, is on Tyneside at present for a trial with #NUFC. 20yr old centre-half.
We shouldn’t be too down. This is a side that has been no.1 all season apart from a slight blip. They have beaten their rivals and next best team United home and away and deserve to win the league. We have had a great season really and have no right at all to be in the top 5 given the resources and momentum some of these other top half teams have. I think we need a bigger squad next season. I’m not sure we could finish in the top 5/6 again but it’s time we had a decent run in a cup competition or Europa. Hopefully we will see some of these younger players get some playing time as well.
FANS SHOULD OWN THE CLUB
2 of his top 3 goals were by us and he only ever says nice stuff about us.
TC
Thats an intriguing one.
With regard to Marvin Martin
Thought I heard arsenal were gunna get him.
kimtoon May 7, 2012 at 23:16
‘Actually sad to see Blackburn go down’
I’m not, their fans are were disgusting with the abuse they gave Kean. I’ve been to ‘Ewok Park’, they are a run of the mill club that wouldn’t look out of place in the championship.
I think it would be sad to see Bolton go down.
http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16223789
I agree with DJG regarding Bolton.. Good club and I couldnt see them in the Championship but the same was said about us.. Anyone fancy Gourcuff? High wages would be a problem though… Krasic same
Hmm, there’s probably a few Marseilles players we could lure here, but would we want them? They’ve done poorly in Ligue 1 for a reason…
Yea id feel a bit bad for bolton. I rate coyle plus theyve had bad luck with injuries
Rovers fans were absolute scum last night, they had the cheek to sing Jack Walker’s name, a man who would have been disgusted and ashamed of the way they went on and because of that I hope we never see the feckers in the prem again.
What happened this season is beyond anyone’s expectations. We have performed tremendously well, and as biased as it may be, NUFC is the team of the season. Add Alan Pardew as manager of the season to that.
However, we should keep the same spirit and belief. Expecting the team to qualify for UCL next season is not being overly ambitious, but probably we should take heed in what we can achieve. A EL qualification for this year and next would do the team wonders. One step at a time I suppose.
Take a look at Olympique Lyonnais and how they were transformed since Jean-Michel Aulas took over and started to operate the team as a business. It works! But we have to give this concept some time, and hopefully Mike Ashley sticks to his guns and doesn’t go crazy with any mindboggling decisions.
The possibility of selling our top players will always be there. Tiote is one, but if a team wants to buy him, let the opening bid be 50 mil. Then we’ll talk.
In a nutshell, if we continue to operate in this manner, I don’t see why we can’t go far. Next season is another stepping stone to a great future for the Magpies.
HOWAY THE LADS
Someone has already noted it earlier on and I have to agree… I reckon a sustained league position (top 6) but a better run in the cup competitions would be a improvement over this season. I really can’t see us moving much higher up the table, but we can give the FA & Europe cup a good shake..
Linking to that TalkSport link earlier, I see The Times are saying Real Madrid are going to move for Cisse this summer.
At least we would get an insane fee from them with 5 years left on his contract.
He can’t leave until January.
DJG@122 -I was thinking more about the Jack walker thing ,big Al connection and all that ,they were a great family club at one time. Got to say I never watched their game last night as was busy with the lad but that business with the hen is disgusting .That poor bird must of been terrified in that hostile atmosphere ,what a bunch of idiots ,done themselves no favors there like. Still would of liked Villa to of gone down instead though ,my main reason for wanting Rovers to stay up is Kean ,for his sake really he has shown such dignity in the face of awful abuse from the fans.
Franky – why can’t he leave?
Not that I believe a word of what The Times or Talkshite say, but just curious.
Franky@130 -re Cisse , I thought he could be sold in the summer but not allowed to play until January ?, could be wrong though.
Jon R it’s the 3 clubs in a season thing ,I thought you could sign for 3 in one season but only play for 2 .?
Kim – did Ba not play for Hoffenheim until january, then join West Ham, then move to us in the summer? That’s 3 clubs?
Jon ,good point ,really not sure about that to be honest ,I will check the rules when I got a sec .Got to dash now stuff to do.
Jon ,just a quick thought was it cause Ba was on a free?
For those who are interested i belive Pemiership teams in Europe can only have a squad of 25 ?
Kim – I got this from wikipedia: “FIFA’s rules state that no player can play for more than two different clubs between 1 July and 30 June the following year”. On that basis, the Ba transfers would be allowed and so would any Cisse transfer in the summer.
Btw i’m not saying i think this will happen, just curious of the rules!!
I suppose with the fabulous season we have had its not surprising that some of the so called Big Teams are looking at our players sadly they all have a price,Re! Ronaldo when the price was right Man U sold him.The same will happen to our super stars the right offer comes along we will sell.Just as we have done in the past Andy Cole,Beardsley,Gasgoine,Alan Kennedy,Terry Mac & befors them Supermac when money talks the fans arent even concidered & of course lately Carroll,Nolan & Enrique plus of course Barton out on a free.
Jon @139 -Thanks thats clearer now. Right really got to go now .
Ref Real Madrid and Cisse, there’s been feck all in the Spain press about it(that I’ve seen) and we’ll know well in advance if they are interested as they’ll spend months in advance unsettling the player via the press….it’s the Madrid way
*Spanish press*
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