What an incredible night at St James’ Park.
Only we could have a rotten home record, losing to nil to the likes of Brighton, West Ham, Watford and Leicester, yet go and beat the champions after going 1-0 down within 30 seconds!
Pep and Man City may not be able to be out-bought, but tonight they were out-thought and out-fought, with both Benitez and the players getting it absolutely spot on.
It’s a day that summed up the black and white nature of Newcastle United. We woke up to damning quotes from Rafa, with him refusing to rule out him walking BEFORE the end of the season, yet between 5pm and 10pm we’ve agreed a deal to sign top target Miguel Almiron for a club record fee and beaten Man City. Incredible!
I feared an absolute mauling when Aguero gave City a 1-0 lead after 24 seconds, but we were absolutely brilliant in the 94 minutes that followed.
We limited them to few chances, got in their faces, defended superbly, competed ferociously in midfield and made the most of just about every scrap we were given up top – with Rondon putting in yet another invaluable display up top.
EVERY player did their bit, with them all deserving huge credit for their efforts and level of performance here, but Sean Longstaff was phenomenal – especially when you consider he was up against a £115m midfield. What a moment tonight must have been for him.
The scenes inside St James’ Park at the full time whistle were electric. A rare big win in a season filled with disappointment and a victory that now takes us 5 clear of Cardiff (18th), 7 clear of Fulham (19th) and 13 points clear of Huddersfield (20th).
Here’s how the table looks after today’s results:
Fulham were 0-2 down at home to Brighton but turned it around to win 4-2, but on the flip side, Burnley were 0-2 up at Man Utd with a few minutes to go – and they only got a point. Cardiff also lost at Arsenal and Huddersfield were beaten 1-0 by Everton, but I couldn’t care what happened elsewhere on a night like this!
Next up we’ll face a trip to Spurs on Saturday, with four far ‘winnable’ fixtures to come after, giving us a huge chance to kick on:
- Tottenham (A)
- Wolves (A)
- Huddersfield (H)
- Burnley (H)
- West Ham (A)
Just like the win over Man Utd around this time last year, THIS feels like the moment that could turn our struggling season on its head.
HWTL!
Read The Guardian report and there were over 700 comments, mainly from Scousers!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think we will see an unchanged team except for Hayden. Hopefully he will be gone so I don’t have to think about him ever again. Whoever is fit of Shelvey, Diame or Ki will replace him.
I doubt Rafa will give Almiron a start but I expect to see him off the bench. Will be interesting to see if Rafa stands behind Kenedy as Almiron plays on the left and drifts in to the number 10 role. He can probably play with, and not instead of, Perez.
I also see that Boro are looking to loan Murphy which I think would be good for everybody. He can commute to Boro from Newcastle.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is time we picked up some points from Spurs. We usually play well against them and get nothing. They have a lot of injuries and it is the early game so their supporters will be flat.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think we have a chance against Spurs. As Eric says they have injuries and aren’t in great form. Will be tough but why not…?
Stuart79(Quote)
Great win. I still have concerns about Yedlin (responsible for the first City goal) but the rest of the defence including Ritchie were excellent. Was that gamesmanship by the City keeper before the penalty? My nerves were in shreds with the long wait but Ritchie deserves praise for the way he eventually took the penalty. Good to see Roberts on the bench too. Hope this winsignals an upturn in our fortunes.
Groucho(Quote)
Brilliant result last night ,Rondon and Longstaff were excellent.
kimtoon
January 30, 2019 at 09:41
https://twitter.com/KieranMaguire/status/1090531144729313280
kimtoon(Quote)
Defo gamesmanship there, cheating gets. Ritchie said he was gonna place it but cause of the wait decided to smash it.
Not sure how KDB never got a second yellow either.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah, probably the best chance to beat Spurs for a while given their injuries.
kimtoon(Quote)
So our new signings are thanks to a loan from Barclays rather than a change of heart from fat lad.
Could that suggest a takeover is also imminent??? We have not used loans in 10yrs under Ashley, then all of a sudden we are ??.
I will live with that like. Fat lad can take what he’s owed and do one. As long as Rafa gets what he needs and this increases the chances of him staying.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – In my view this could be Ashley basically saying, if the club want to make purchases they can borrow the money against future TV money. I think this is because he is now taking money out of the club to repay his loans and not prepared to put more money in as it wouldn’t make sense. I do see this as part of his exit plan personally. The more money he has repaid himself the more flexibility it gives him in the price of the club. If borrowing money now to fund staying up helps him then he will do it.
Stuart79(Quote)
Where’s the story on a Barclays loan? It makes sense. I think we all had the feeling that Ashley was paying back his loan. There was just too much coming in and nothing going out. The turnover had increased to 180 million and the wages to under 60 million. A well run club has a wages to turnover of about 50% and we were way below that so we were being starved for a possible championship season AND to pay back Ashley. With 55 million paid from TV this month, my back of a napkin guess of what Ashley has repaid himself is 80-100 million. Next TV payments and NUFC will be close to debt free. As long as we are not relegated that is a good thing.
With our low payroll we will be attractive to anybody that wants to have a blank slate and we do have a few assets.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The other thing that happened is that MASH Holdings delayed submitting their accounts. Their reporting period may have been the end of the year or even sooner so it wouldn’t show where the latest 55 million went. However, I bet there is a paper trail of money repaid and Ashley didn’t want this coming out in the transfer window. I don’t think he will care after that and we will see the accounts soon.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And stop with the DW Sports signs. They are a thirtieth the size of Sports Direct – a pimple on Ashley’s ars#.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That certainly was a night to remember. So so pleased with young Sean. Should be first name on the teamsheet and he’s getting better game by game.
Looks like we’re finally doing business too. Could be off loading both Hayden and Murphy. Icing on the cake Joselu to China?
I’m with Eric on the praise for Almiron. He looks a terrific player and ideally suited for Rafa’s set up. Let’s hope so.
Limbombe, Samaris and Barreca to follow? Struggling to take it all in!
So probably 4 manageable wins and we stay up with a stronger squad for next season.
georgio(Quote)
georgio: I will end up with a lot of egg on my face if Almiron turns out to be **** 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Some South American footie expert reckons he has “blistering pace” and a “deadly left foot”! We certainly need pace and if he can chip in with goals and create a few it will be £20m well spent.
Stuart79(Quote)
I wouldn’t say he is super fast but he is quick. He takes people on and runs with the ball. As a creator he is a bit like Sissoko in that he scares people with his direct running BUT he has an end product.
I saw him in the MLS Cup and New York had some bruisers, some real big dirty b;stards. One red headed brute in particular who looked like he had just come down from the highland games and tried to maim a couple of Atlanta players. Almiron just got on with it and played his game although he was knocked down quite a few times. I doubt he will have trouble adapting to the PL.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Who was the last player we got from a major North American soccer league? I think it might have been another number 10 – Beardsley from The Vancouver Whitecaps all those years ago. No pressure then Miguel 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Minus 51 wind-chill. Nobody on the streets. Even the dogs seem to be refusing to go out.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Blimey mate, and i thought we had a cold wind today. 😯
b ugger that, can’t stand the cold me.
kimtoon(Quote)
I hope you will still go to the pub to watch on Saturday in just your t – shirt.
Stuart79(Quote)
Rio Ferdy doing a ask Rio thing today, man some of the questions
Nufc away days
?@NufcAwayDays
1h1 hour ago
Replying to @rioferdy5 @btsportfootball
When it comes to fat mike, are you the giver or the taker? #AskRio
😆
kimtoon(Quote)
GallowgateShots
@GallowgateShots
6h6 hours ago
More
Replying to @rioferdy5
Did you buy your train ticket ? What if the train broke down ? #AskRio
😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Delphine Fender
@delfender
6h6 hours ago
More
Replying to @rioferdy5 @btsportfootball
Why did you buy that iPad when it could break? #AskRio
kimtoon(Quote)
Doubt it Stuart mate. There is a warm up forecast but the bloody game starts at 6.30am. Luckily it is in regular TV so I will set my alarm and watch from the comfort of home.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
https://twitter.com/SkySports_Keith/status/1090623367605047297/photo/1
kimtoon(Quote)
https://richardajkeys.com/index.php/blog/203-at-last-rafa-something-to-shout-about
kimtoon(Quote)
What an ego. I especially liked the bit where he says “when WE first started the Premier League project there was little more that we liked than a trip to Newcastle”. So Keys started the PL did he. He may have been ONE of the first presenters but I think he may be exaggerating just a tad how much he was responsible for the PL.
He also goes on to suggest that because he doesn’t know Ashley well that he does not support his actions and say stupid things about NUFC. He may not know Ashley but is that an excuse for ignorance and backing an agenda that is clearly harmful to NUFC. Ashley himself wants out and admits he doesn’t know what he is doing when it comes to football.
A couple of anecdotes about John Hall and the Douglas’s will not get you off the hook because even though they had some successes they were ultimately in it for themselves as evidenced by the flotation and the sale to Ashley.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
There was a pre-game story over here about Gini Wijnaldum taking pictures on a plane and sending them to his 6 million twitter followers. Why does Gini have 6 million twitter followers and what do they suppose they will get from following him?
I have to admit that I am at a loss for how some of this social media stuff gets this sort of critical mass. I think Pogba has over 100 million followers on Instagram.
I think some follow them for fashion advice but who really needs a 1,000 pound Gucci t-shirt with a lion on it? It is not far removed from a Grandma getting a picture of her cat stenciled on a $10 t-shirt at Walmart/Tesco if you ask me.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
There has been a minute’s silence for the Cardiff player who died in the plane crash. I have no objection but he had not played a game in the PL. I really do think there are a lot more minutes applause/silence than there used to be.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I saw the picture of Almiron arriving at the airport and he doesn’t have much luggage. He’ll have to have some shipped over, but in the meantime do you think Mikey will give him a gift card to Sports Direct. Watch out for him wearing a Lonsdale hoodie and Dunlop trainers.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
At the risk of sounding rather misogynistic (which I’m certainly not) why are all these sports now crow barring women commentators and pundits into their shows? These shows have gone from having no women at all to having at least one on every show within 6 months! Isn’t that a bit patronising? Some are good and I genuinely don’t mind them being on the shows but some are useless and seem to be only on because they’re women. That is ridiculous imo.
Anyway, results looking ok tonight.
Stuart79(Quote)
I’m happy with the players we are linked with and who seem likely to come in this window.
I would love to swap Samaris with Tielemans who has been linked with Leicester – and seems likely to go there as they are swapping with Andre Silva. He’s an exciting young player that lad.
I wouldn’t mind RLC or Drinkwater from Chelsea over Samaris either actually – can’t say I’m sold on him, and he could end up staying put anyway.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Player has past first part of medical second part tomorrow
Icedog(Quote)
Aye good news mate
kimtoon(Quote)
L/pool let it slip a bit tonight,Chelsea thumped
Icedog(Quote)
Can you believe they are going to have 6 hours of live deadline day here in the USA tomorrow? A 3 hour live sky simulcast followed by 3 hours of analysis. They did it about 6 years ago on Fox, Murdoch’s channel, but I can’t remember it recently.
That one 6 years ago had someone standing outside the Stadium of Plight. Guessing it will be SJP tomorrow and that Almiron will be holding up a scarf after passing his medical on deadline day for maximum effect.
Seriously, I really can’t see why they’re having 6 hours of it. Who could possibly be interested? I will probably only watch the last hour.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What I also remember about the reporting was a bunch of chavvy little kids jumping around and generally annoying the reporters – making rabbit ears and worse gestures 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Samaris deal off. Always the problem if you leave things so late. My prediction is Almiron and Barecca will be our only two signings this window. I think that means Murphy and Haydyn stay put.
Stuart79(Quote)
Apparently there’s a surprise in the offing for today for NUFC fans… Probably Almiron bein g sold to Chelsea for £40m… 😯 😆
Stuart79(Quote)
Sky reporting it’s a done deal. Probably pics in the Chron later. I’m amazed!
georgio(Quote)
All about money and Ashley repaying his loan. As soon as the Barclays loan was done things started to move. And this is secured against future payments from the PL – even parachute. Also seems that Charnley was as much handcuffed as Rafa with Fatty wanting his money.
So much for Rafa getting every penny the club generates.
Fatty will probably want 300 million still, even after repaying the loan.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, I personally believe Jabba is reducing the loan so it allows him to reduce the asking price but essentially still get the return he wants from the club. If he sells for £250m and only has £70m of loans outstanding he’s made £50m. He could take more back and reduce the price or keep it a fair price of £250m. But I am convinced it’s because he realises he won’t get £300m for it but still wants his profit.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart: there is no way that Ashley will let the TV money sit in the NUFC bank account and be taxed. He is repaying his loan for sure. By the end of this year it could be almost paid off as NUFC are generating a lot of money now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Rio Ferdinand spouting shyte again, this time about Liverpool. Why do the TV stations keep hiring ex-players who cannot get over their biases – for their ex-teams and against their main rivals. I am totally sick of the likes of Rio, Carra, Thommo and Neville being so blatantly partisan.
I know Shearer is the same for NUFC but at the moment that is more endearing than anything else because we are irrelevant.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And I only saw a couple of YouTube clips but I thought Rio was a tw@t when he was “merking” people. Whatever that means. I don’t like practical jokes anyway as they are often cruel and the victim is always expected to take it as just good fun and is a spoil sport if they get annoyed. A bit like “banter”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The surprise is they are trying to keep Rondon beyond this season, Luke edwards has just tweeted it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Think that will be our lot , Miggy ,Barreca and poss Rondon staying.
The bare minimum you would expect.
kimtoon(Quote)
I’m not sure Jabba will have taken the majority of his loan back yet but wouldn’t surprise me if a hefty chunk has been repaid. I wouldn’t mind that if it meant lower his asking price to a more reasonable price and getting shot of him. Might find out in May when the accounts are in. ➡
Stuart79(Quote)
May will be last years accounts though Stuart when we were still catching up from a year in The Championship. I still expect that he took some money back but this year seems like it will be when he repays the bulk of it as he has also slashed wages and not spent a penny of NUFC own money. An overdraft against future earnings doesn’t count.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Back of an envelope calculation ignoring previous moneys for transfers on an installment basis.
1. Come out even on transfers with Mitro paying for Almiron.
2. 180 million in Revenue/Turnover
3. Approx 60 million in wages
4. No more than 40 million for everything else – staff, maintenance, academy, travel, bonuses etc.
= probably about an 80 million profit.
This will not be reflected on the books until the 2018/19 accounts which are due March, 2020. There will also be another TV payment in the summer which Ashley will undoubtedly snarf up as part of the 80 million leaving no money for transfers again.
But we will have been fattened up for a sale.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Barreca done
What’s the hold up with Miggy
kimtoon(Quote)
NUFC 360 Retweeted
Aaron Stokes
Verified account
@AaronJStokes
53m53 minutes ago
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Hearing Anthony Limbombe’s move to #NUFC is in doubt.
Nantes manager/president can’t agree over the player’s future.
And there’s a disgraced agent involved to further complicate matters…
Full story to come soon… @DailyStar_Sport
NUFC 360
@NUFC360
25m25 minutes ago
More
But things get even more complicated for both parties due to the fact disgraced agent Mogi Bayat is involved in the transfer negotiations. Starsport understands #NUFC are uneasy about working with the businessman, who was arrested last year
kimtoon(Quote)
NUFC 360 Retweeted
Luke Edwards
Verified account
@LukeEdwardsTele
28m28 minutes ago
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Replying to @NUFCblogcouk
I’m told #nufc were trying to do four deals today. Two we know are definitely happening, as for the others, well extending Rondon’s loan may or may not be part of that. Whether they happen or not ?♂️
kimtoon(Quote)
https://twitter.com/ALawrence95UK/status/1090368778268012544
kimtoon(Quote)
My guess is they want to make an afternoon splash on Sky transfer deadline reports. Is Keith Downie outside SJP with the young Chavs yet?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
waiting for someone in USA to give the final paperwork there is a five hour dif with UK
icedog(Quote)
RICHIE wants to leave?? surely cannot be right
icedog(Quote)
Almiron to be unveiled at 2.30 according to his agent.
georgio(Quote)
That’s that then – Almiron confirmed! First interview up already. I’m very pleased.
georgio(Quote)
Won’t be able to play against Spurs though has to collect his visa in person .
kimtoon(Quote)
Rumours going round we may sign Austin or Carroll !
Lazy hacks and over excited twatters
kimtoon(Quote)
Murphy off on loan to WBA then, thought they would let us have Rondon for Murph and Gayle
kimtoon(Quote)
Very happy to see Almiron finally confirmed and hope that Barreca is decent too… not happy to see the Ritchie wanting away stories tho… I have a feeling this is it for incomings now… not enough… not happy that Roberts has been loaned out either…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
I don’t know if this needs clearing up but I will do it anyway. Atlanta won the MLS Cup which is sort of a hybrid between league and cup. Like all US sports soccer has divisions – East and West in this case. Then they have a playoff of quite a few teams in each division with the winners playing each other in the 2 leg final. It is like the Superbowl and Atlanta won their division and then the Cup, which is really the League and makes them the best team. Almiron was also MVP – Most Valuable Player – of that league. Whatever anybody says about MLS not being physical, don’t believe them. They have a lot of South Americans playing for their livelihood and the American College players are very fit and make up for a lack of technique with a lot of hustle.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m with you mate , it’s the bare minimum we have done. Rondon on a permanent was what i had hoped to see, he is a beast and we really need a good back up forward.
kimtoon(Quote)
https://twitter.com/PaulWhitePhoto
kimtoon(Quote)
Guardian article on Almiron. I forgot he was playing under Tata Martinez so he will be used to playing under a tactician:
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/jan/31/miguel-almiron-newcastle-united-atlanta-united-mls
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Is that us done now then?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Would have kept Roberts especially as Murphy is probably going on loan and so is Aarons. Roberts ‘ contract is up at the end of the season. Kenedy I would have got rid of and Atsu who has been more prominent in games recently still seems to have no end product. Would have liked to have seen Roberts given 15 minutes with the first team. He was on the bench against Man City so hopefully Rafa sees some potential in him.
Groucho(Quote)
I would have kept Roberts especially as Murphy is probably going on loan and so is Aarons. Roberts ‘ contract is up at the end of the season. Kenedy I would have got rid of and Atsu who has been more prominent in games recently still seems to have no end product. Would have liked to have seen Roberts given 15 minutes with the first team. He was on the bench against Man City so hopefully Rafa sees some potential in him.
Groucho(Quote)
I reckon we’re done. Losing Murphy and not replacing him a risk or not? I doubt it as Almirón can play out wide. Will be good for the player too.
I imagine this was the least of what Rafa wanted. Maybe it will be enough for him to sign up…
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I would have only let Murphy or Roberts go out – not both.
I suppose getting the LB means that Ritchie can be moved up field again – shame to hear he wants a move, but I feel confident he’ll still put a shift in through the rest of the season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Are these 2 signings enough for Rafa to sign a new contract???
I don’t think it will be alone – if the club is sold and new owners come in, then yeah – but I don’t see Rafa staying if Ashley is still there – no chance.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sky have got nothing to talk about. Almiron was announced yesterday so is not even news. Their big stories are Martial signing a new contract which of course is massive since it is Man U! and Peter Crouch to Burnley.
And Big Fat Sam is on now. They have got most excited about the pizza delivery so far. What a waste of time. I have only watched bits and pieces just to see how bad it is.
Eric Sykes(Quote)