To be fair, he does have a point. We are all but safe now and that could be a signal to the players to take their collective foot off the pedal. It’s happened before when a team has nothing in particular to play for, but that is not the case at the moment.
Back-to-back home games against Bolton this weekend and Everton the weekend after give the team a chance of really pushing on up the table and and leave with us an outside chance of qualifying for Europe this season. If that was to happen it would be a truly stunning return to the Premier League that would have surpassed the expectations of many a fan.
The word ‘Europe’ tends to send shivers of delusion down my spine, but it isn’t me who is thinking of it, not this time anyway. Step forward Alan Pardew, who believes that Europe could be on the cards if the lads can stay focussed against Bolton on Saturday.
“Bolton is a big, big game even though many will view it is as a game between two mid-table sides. But they will be in the same mood as us,” Pardew told The Journal. “This game is pivotal in terms of attacking the top ten. If we win this we can attack the top ten – if we don’t win this game then we’ve lost a big opportunity and the opportunity might be Europe.”
“We’re on the verge of something exciting – these two games will decide whether we’ve got something to go for or we’re going to have a season where we’re just seeing things out. I don’t want that to happen. This game is to keep the season alive – and I think we need the help of the fans to do that.”
Well you can’t say that he isn’t ambitious, can you?
In a sense he is absolutely spot on, and this rallying call has come at the right time to remind he players that the hard work is far from over. A win against Bolton could catapult us to 7th in the table if Sunderland fail to beat Everton at Goodison Park, which would give us yet more bragging right over those infernal inbreeds. Massive Sunderland below a newly promoted team? I can hear the fizzing from here!
We have to win our game first though, but given that we have a decent run in when compared to other teams, and if we can get a bit of luck along the way, then who knows? Perhaps a Europa spot could be up for grabs after all?
Am I deluded? You better believe it!
As good an achievment Europe would be, are we really geared up for it?
We have to be aware of ‘second season syndrome’ and if we’re in Europe as well we could well suffer next season.
Would be a good achievement though.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart79 – Quite the optimist.
David(Quote)
2nd season syndrome with any luck should be put to bed by Blackpools survival and looking at the run ins i have a funny feeling mad micks lot will scrape themsels safe. We would have to totally capitulate to finish below the likes of them, Brum, Blackburn, Stoke and the 3 promoted sides.
Europe would be a good thing if we bring in cover in the positions we lack, left back, right back, a quality winger and a couple of strikers i cant see why we couldnt do pretty well, I would rather hit europe with our current lot than Fulhams team that got to the final under woy.
CC(Quote)
Even though i am probably too positive sometimes when it comes to nufc i agree a little bit with Stuart. If we did qualify then we would have to buy quite a few players in the summer and i think would turn into quantity and not quality, i just remember under Roeder where we probably had the worst injury curse i can ever remember, there was about 15 first team players out injured and having to start the season in July was probably one of the main causes of that.
dan4toon(Quote)
If we beat Bolton and Everton we have a chance.
Our squad isnt anywhere near big/good enough to compete in Europe. Spurs have been struggling with injuries and look at the size and depth or their team.
But we would be able to attract the bigger names.
AndrewNUFC(Quote)
David
Posted February 24, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Stuart79 – Quite the optimist.
It’s all in the history books.
Stuart79(Quote)
We win, and the scum loose or draw, we go above them 🙂
I’m not thinking Europe for the remainder of the season, get the players to think of the league as having two teams in, us and the mackems. Get above them, and stay above them at all costs.
The fans will like nothing more than that, I think this would be a good move by Pardew persoanlly, not talk of Europe.
I Love Mike(Quote)
AndrewNUFC
Posted February 24, 2011 at 11:58 AM
If we beat Bolton and Everton we have a chance.
Our squad isnt anywhere near big/good enough to compete in Europe. Spurs have been struggling with injuries and look at the size and depth or their team.
But we would be able to attract the bigger names.
With that comes a higher expenditure – I just don’t think we’re ready for Europe yet. Or to put it another way – I think we (the fans) will always be ready and yearn for Europe, but whether the guy who holds the purse strings is ready for Europe is debatable.
But like I say, it would be a brilliant achievement, no doubting that.
Stuart79(Quote)
I’m sure we can all agree on the fact we arn’t ready this season, if we spend the 35 million well why not next season?
The size and quality of our squad now isnt anywhere near close to doing well in europe.
AndrewNUFC(Quote)
This season may well be our best opportunity for some time imo. Next season wont be as close as this one, with Villa and perhaps Everton coming back into the Euopean fold.
I say go for it, worry about if we are ready later. Fulham didn’t do too badly I seem to remember.
David(Quote)
ffs leaky any 1 would think we spent years in the chapionship ,2nd season 😆 you read too many papers and listen too sky sports too much 😉
batty(Quote)
batty
Posted February 24, 2011 at 12:39 PM
ffs leaky any 1 would think we spent years in the chapionship ,2nd season you read too many papers and listen too sky sports too much
If you’re happy that the club think it’s an achievement that clubs want our better players then more fool you.
Stuart79(Quote)
May as well aim for europe, win next 2 games and it’s a possibility.
Just ordered Tiote t-shirt http://www.ynsam.com/tee.php?prod=TIOTE87_050211
Class!
4411(Quote)
4411
Posted February 24, 2011 at 1:19 PM
That’ll be out date quicker than Cream!
Stuart79(Quote)
@Stu – the memory of me screaming round the house when that goal went in will never be out of date – wife and kids thought I’d completely lost it 🙂
4411(Quote)
Stuart man, give it a rest.
Why aren’t we ready for Europe? We currently have an extremely strong starting 11 when fit with some good options as backup. We also have ‘some’ money to spend next season and I would be suprised if Jose and Joey didn’t sign up if we got into Europe….
Not ready yet? nah, we only have a 50,000+ seater stadium and a host of current international footballers in our ranks (Shola plays for Nigeria for example) plus a millionaire chairman who hasn’t been shy on investing in the squad for the right player (HBA 5million+)
Moreno(Quote)
Stuart79
Our squad isnt anywhere near big/good enough to compete in Europe.
I bet Aris Thessaloniki havent got half the squad we have, the finances, the infrastructure or the quality of players….
Man City vs Aris Thessaloniki
in the last 32 of the Uefa Cup
Moreno(Quote)
Moreno
Posted February 24, 2011 at 1:27 PM
Stuart man, give it a rest.
Why aren’t we ready for Europe? We currently have an extremely strong starting 11 when fit with some good options as backup. We also have ‘some’ money to spend next season and I would be suprised if Jose and Joey didn’t sign up if we got into Europe….
Not ready yet? nah, we only have a 50,000+ seater stadium and a host of current international footballers in our ranks (Shola plays for Nigeria for example) plus a millionaire chairman who hasn’t been shy on investing in the squad for the right player (HBA 5million+)
Where do I start with that load of *****?
I said the supporters would always be ready for Europe but the owner isn’t.
We would need a much stronger squad the one we currently have. You obviously have confidence in Ashley that he will invest what is needed for us to be in a position to play potentially an extra 10 games next season – I don’t!
Ashley didn’t pay for HBA – Carroll did. Like every other player we’ve bought, it’s been off set by sales. But that is old ground that I cannot be bothered to rake over.
You’ll be the one dissapointed when he lets us down yet again.
Stuart79(Quote)
Full of the joys of spring today, aren’t ya, Stu? 😆
Toon Chicken(Quote)
Moreno
Posted February 24, 2011 at 1:33 PM
What a moby!
They don’t have to play in one of the most competititve leagues in Europe, they don’t have the problem of having just got promoted to the top league and probably won’t have their squad weakened by a greedy owner(read the form).
You just keep seeing the roses, mate.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart79
Can you please pinpoint which part of what I said was ‘*****’ ?
(bearing in mind the Ameobi thing was obviously tongue in cheek)
Moreno(Quote)
Toon Chicken
Posted February 24, 2011 at 1:35 PM
Full of the joys of spring today, aren’t ya, Stu?
As i’ve stated already – twice, I would love to be in Europe, it would be a great achievement I just don’t want it impacting on next seasons efforts domestically.
But of course you don’t want to read that I want us to get into Europe and think it would be a great achievement by us, do you?
Stuart79(Quote)
Moreno
Posted February 24, 2011 at 1:39 PM
Why aren’t we ready for Europe? We currently have an extremely strong starting 11 when fit with some good options as backup. and I would be suprised if Jose and Joey didn’t sign up if we got into Europe….
Not ready yet? nah,and a host of current international footballers in our ranks (Shola plays for Nigeria for example) plus a millionaire chairman who hasn’t been shy on investing in the squad for the right player (HBA 5million+)
I’ve tried to be fair but to be honest all of the above is complete *****.
Stuart79(Quote)
My point is that even with the players they have got they are still competitive in Europe.
Our second string (when fit) and with a few additions would easily be on par, you drew a comparison to Spurs!!!! They are playing the likes of Milan at the San Siro!
Different kettle of fish mate, are you on about the competition we have a chance to qualify for or the champions league?
Moreno(Quote)
If you want to have a reasonable debate about it then fair enough, if you want to ram your point down peoples throats without even considering what they are saying then gan talk to the mirror mate, you obviously have a very warped opinion of what you need to compete in the uefa cup nowadays, you must be confused with the champions league.
Moreno(Quote)
Moreno
Posted February 24, 2011 at 1:42 PM
Who’s mentioned Spurs?
Our second string? You mean the young kids who haven’t even started a first team game yet?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart79
“They don’t have to play in one of the most competititve leagues in Europe”
The fact that you can qualify for Europe in the most competitive league….suggests you are good enough to compete in it.
Moreno(Quote)
Moreno – Let me draw a line under this;
I don’t believe our owner will invest enough money for us to compete and compete well in four competitions next year. I want us to get into Europe, I want us to win it for gods sake, but I don’t think the owner has the ambition that is required.
My argument is not with you, it’s with him. I hope I’m proved wrong, but where Ashley is concerned it hasn’t happened yet – he never fails to live up to his reputation.
Stuart79(Quote)
Moreno – divint fret man.
Stu’s job involves fella’s ramming things down his throat all day long.
He just likes to get his own back when he comes on here.
Just humour him for now – he’ll have another customer soon. 😆
Toon Chicken(Quote)
Apologies, was Andrew who mentioned Spurs.He was being negative too so just presumed it was you to be honest
Moreno(Quote)
Moreno
Posted February 24, 2011 at 1:46 PM
Stuart79
“They don’t have to play in one of the most competititve leagues in Europe”
The fact that you can qualify for Europe in the most competitive league….suggests you are good enough to compete in it.
Can you see what you’re typing?
The fact is you would have another 10 games to play on top of what you normally play. Just because you’re good enough this season doesn’t mean you’re good enough next season with the extra strain on the squad.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart,
thats whats the blogs all about a difference of opinion. 😉
I personally believe with a fit squad, not losing any key players and a few good additions…..we can take on most teams in Europe,
yes it does boil down to the fat man but the evidence you are pointing to is open to interpretation and I believe if we make europe he will invest (as he has done in the past)
Moreno(Quote)
He’s never invested in the playing side of things – NEVER!
He’s only protected his investment to keep the club going.
Stuart79(Quote)
No one expects us to win the europa league, but wouldn’t it be nice to at least be in it. Would even be such an embarrassment to go out in the first round? Probably not.
Europe brings more to the club than silverware. It brings revenue and raises the status of the club, which will mean we can attract bigger players and wont have to pay over the odds for them.
David(Quote)
what time is school oot?
icedog(Quote)
On a side note i notice that Peter Taylor will be leaving Brentford after their next game on Sunday. I know he turned down the chance to come here as No 2 before JC was offered the job.
Does anybody think this could affect JC being offered a longer term deal in the summer??
halftimebovril(Quote)
Stupot
I ask again since you didnt reply yesterday “Why do you follow Newcastle” I wont say support because you dont.
Following NUFC seems to cause you no enjoyment whatsoever and you aint exactly much fun to be around either.
Maybe youre a bit like a farter, you can stand your own smell and think its OK – while others are repulsed?
Stardust(Quote)
Anyone happen to read this? 😯 😈
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/24022011/58/la-liga-barca-slam-immoral-arsenal.htm
AngelOfDeath(Quote)
Stardy, agree with that,
Although I do like the fact he is so passionate about his hate of Ashley! To jump on people because they are showing optimism about the clubs future is quite frankly ludicris.
Moreno(Quote)
I have to at least partially agree with Stu on this one. Unless we invest pretty heavily in the summer, we don’t have the squad, and over-achieving this season could knacker us for the next.
However, I’m not so sure Ashley won’t invest in the summer. A bit of rose-tint here, but I think he’s shown that when there’s a deal to be done or a good player to be kept, the wallet remains open. He’s chucked good money after bad to get us where we are (having largely caused many of the problems in the first place, admittedly) and while he’s stuck to some pretty rigid rules, it has led us to having a very nice squad for the stage we’re at.
BUT we’re currently over-achieving and are very thin on the ground. Starting next season a month early, plus increasing our games by 50% could well screw us royally. What if we do get a decent cup run? Are we seriously going to compete on 3 or 4 fronts with this squad? Even with half a dozen new signings and no departures (which is very optimistic), I can’t see us doing it.
Ok, so all the evidence points to Europe being a bad thing.
So why do I still want it to happen?? 😯
Whumpie(Quote)
oh i see school isnt oot yet
icedog(Quote)
Moreno – maybe I will have to re-christen him “Stufart” 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
Stardust(Quote)
Stardust. That was not a 6-smiley joke. Struggling to make 2, to be honest. Not quite tumbleweed material, mind.
Whumpie(Quote)
😯 😆
Stardust(Quote)
Stardust
Posted February 24, 2011 at 2:12 PM
Stupot
I ask again since you didnt reply yesterday “Why do you follow Newcastle” I wont say support because you dont.
Following NUFC seems to cause you no enjoyment whatsoever and you aint exactly much fun to be around either.
Maybe youre a bit like a farter, you can stand your own smell and think its OK – while others are repulsed?
I am facing reality, I don’t hide from the facts whether pretty or nasty. Those who constantly think things will get better transfer window after transfer window under this buffoon will be the ones dissapointed. I know Ashley will continue to dissapoint, but one day he will be gone and we can all rejoice.
Stuart79(Quote)
this summer is make or break for me, Stu is right in one sense, we haven’t really saw any intentions by Ashley, but that could be quite simply because the financial situation needed to be addressed before anything on the playing side could. We weren’t in the position to do anything, whereas we are now.
Now, we are in the position to push on, we are seemingly stable financially, we have a bit of dosh to spend and are comfortably positioned to stay in the league.
I’ll keep the faith, but if that’s thrown back at me this summer, well I may well tuck myself in to bed with Stu.
I Love Mike(Quote)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PHQ5QdNj9U
toonsy(Quote)
😆
toonsy(Quote)
2008/09 – Relegation
2009/10 – Promotion
2010/11 – Europe?
Is that not progress, Stu? Can you honestly say things haven’t got “better” in the last 3 seasons??
Toon Chicken(Quote)
TOONSY didnt like the idea of 5mil walk before match then 😀 😀
icedog(Quote)
toonsy – 😆
Toon Chicken(Quote)
Ice – If I walk five miles at the minute I’ll probably collapse and die with the way I’m feeling at the minute 😥 😥
toonsy(Quote)
stardy the farting comes from all the lubricant he uses aroond his **** 😉 the divent call him leaky for nowt
batty(Quote)
darling iam taking you away for a romantic weekend at the travel lodge 😆 😆 😆
batty(Quote)
Whumpie,
OK, so people may say we are ‘over-achieving’
We should also be higher than we are due to throwing points away at Spurs and Makems though!!!
Why would it knacker us for the next season? Is Mike Ashley suddenly going to go gung-ho and plough huge amounts of money into winning the cup? No. We are not going to do a Leeds United by qualifying for the Uefa cup!!
Moreno(Quote)
Batty – 😆
“Happy birthday wnech. I’m taking you to a Newcastle match, drinking lots of beer, and will treat you to a stay in a Travelodge. If you behave I’ll throw in a six nugget meal from McDonalds aswell.”
I know how to wine and dine like 😉
toonsy(Quote)
defo a smooth talker 😉
batty(Quote)
She knows she has it good 😉
toonsy(Quote)
TOONSY my dogs will drag anybody 5miles 😀
kna but if your ever stuck m8 😉
icedog(Quote)
moreno if pardew had of been here at the start of the seson we would be talking chaps leauge now 🙂
batty(Quote)
Batty – Forgot to add.
“Oh yeah, and I’ve bought the Wi-Fi and laptop so when we do get some time I can spend it on the laptop ignoring you”
😆 😆 😆
toonsy(Quote)
toonsy well thats a must 😆 😆
batty(Quote)
Ice – I knaa mate. There was loads of hotels really to be fair, but it just meant using a different one to the one I usually use 🙂
Batty – Anyway, the Travelodge is a step up for her. We usually stop in Teams when we come up, and she likes that 😯
toonsy(Quote)
Batty, if Pardew had taken over instead of Shearer we would have romped all six games and we wouldnt even be having this conversation
Moreno(Quote)
moreno and leaky would still find sumit too moan aboot 😉
batty(Quote)
If Stuart found himself in a Jacuzzi of horny naked women he’d moan that the water was too cold or summit 😆
toonsy(Quote)
toonsy how far did ya gan along the a14 ❓ 😆 😆
batty(Quote)
66 kna hed moan it wasent a naked man
batty(Quote)
Batty – All the way from Ipswich. So pretty much the full length of it 🙁
toonsy(Quote)
i used too get of at 43 it used too do me fookin head in
batty(Quote)
I came on at 57 👿
toonsy(Quote)
MORENO divnt gan saying oot against the great AL mind m8
icedog(Quote)
Toonsy – Batty – LMAO
Or if he fell in a bucket of fannies he would say it smelled of fish lol
Stardust(Quote)
Mind you, the A1M does my nut in as well and I’ll have to deal with that at the weekend. I’ll be spending untold hours stuck behind trucks that are trying to overtake each other 🙄
Job interview tomorrow 😕
toonsy(Quote)
Stardust
Posted February 24, 2011 at 3:05 PM
“Or if he fell in a bucket of fannies he would say it smelled of fish lol”
Now that is a six smiley funny!
😆 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
toonsy(Quote)