A round up of all of today’s news and gossip:
- Some good news on the fitness front after being concerned to see Islam Slimani fail to make the squad on Sunday, with Rafa Benitez insisting that the Leicester loanee is ‘fine’ and should be ok for the trip to Bournemouth next weekend – Full story here.
- Kieron Dyer has lifted the lid on his punch up with Lee Bowyer almost 13 years on from the infamous incident at St James’ Park, explaining just how he and the hot-headed ex-NUFC midfielder came to blows in front of 52,000 fans that day. See fascinating fill story here.
- Alan Shearer has admitted that fans’ understanding of Benitez’s situation has intensified their support for the Spaniard, however feels that many inside St James’ Park have also become increasingly frustrated by the lack of activity behind the scenes – making the atmosphere at delicate to say the least. Full story here.
- Sky pundit Gary Neville has described Jonjo Shelvey’s performance against Man Utd as a ‘joy to watch’, praising the midfielder’s ‘class and composure’ in his man of the match display during Sunday’s superb 1-0 win at St James’ Park. Full story here.
- According to L’Equipe, Newcastle are looking to tie up a deal to bring St Etienne winger Jonathan Bamba to the club at the end of the season – with the 21-year-old available on a free after failing to sign a new contract with the Ligue 1 club. Full story here.
- NUFC stat man Chris Holt has been at it again on Twitter, with his latest set of statistics showing what an incredible effect Jamaal Lascelles has had on our results this season – See them all here.
- Ex-Mag Kieron Dyer has shared a brilliant story about a dressing room altercation between Sir Bobby Robsonand Craig Bellamy, revealing just how the former NUFC manager shot the Welshman down after complaining about being subbed early in a game. Read his brilliant story here.
- NUFC star Mo Diame has looked back on Sunday’s win against Man Utd, explaining why it was the most important win of our season so far – also revealing why he had a ‘bad feeling’ before it.
