Not that there was anything that could be done about the rain or the resultant postponement of course, although to be fair it was very in-keeping with what has gone on over the summer.
The pre-season campaign is supposed to be there to build up fitness and togetherness steadily towards the start of the Premier League season. I think it’s fair to say that ours hasn’t quite worked out like that! First we had the crowd trouble at Darlington followed by the news that a number of our first team players would be staying in Holland for various reasons ranging from Visa issues to child birth meaning that we would effectively have two groups of players on either side of the Atlantic. Ongoing Twitter issues were highlighted during our US tour by Jose Enrique and then by Joey Barton with the latter ending up on the transfer list as a result.
Only at Newcastle….
The match itself was a pretty dire affair as the conditions played their part in proceedings. Yohan Cabaye looked good again as he sprayed the ball about the park but goalmouth action was most definitely at a premium. Cabaye had a shot saved in the first-half before Leon Best fired wide after good work from Haris Vuckic.
At the other end Tim Krul pulled off a couple of cracking saves to highlight the fact that he is likely to be our next No1 whilst Fraser Forster, who came on for the second half, showed his shot-stopping abilities on a number of occasions although in fairness it’s not Forster’s shot-stopping ability that is in question.
Demba Ba had the best chance of the game when he came on for the second half but his shot from a narrow angle rolled agonisingly along the goal line.
Action was cut short in the 64th minute when both managers and referee came to an agreement to end the match in what were rapidly deteriorating conditions. It’s probably not what either manager wanted but I guess they’d take an hour of a football match ahead of a nasty injury to one of their players.
Alan Pardew confirmed after the match (listen here) that a deal for Gabriel Obertan was almost done and that the player will be having his medical during the early part of next week. A positive end to what has been a tough week for the Newcastle boss. Speaking to The Chronicle, Alan Pardew had this to say:
“We wanted the game to go on but there wasn’t much we could do about it. It was the referee’s decision. There was a tackle on Cabaye in the first half from one of their lads and I don’t think he meant to hurt him but the rain played a part.”
So not ideal but at least we didn’t pick up any further injuries. We’re on the home straight now and the new season is in sight, thankfully. Arsenal next week at St James’ Park. I can’t wait! Hopefully preparations for that match can run that bit smoother than what they have run so far!
Howay the lads!
Newcastle: Tim Krul, Danny Simpson, Jose Enrique, Steven Taylor, Fabricio Coloccini, Dan Gosling, Yohan Cabaye, Haris Vuckic, Jonas Gutierrez, Peter Lovenkrands, Leon Best.
Subs: Fraser Forster, Ryan Taylor, Mike Williamson, Sylvain Marveaux, Nile Ranger, James Tavernier, Sammy Ameobi, Shola Ameobi, Demba Ba.
As you said atleast we didn’t pick up any injuries which is a big bonus, pity about the weather as it would have been good to see a good game but then we only have a week to go 😀
Big Dave(Quote)
http://audioboo.fm/boos/432077-alan-pardew-on-gabriel-obertan-coming-to-newcastle-united-medical-on-monday
pardue talking about obertan!! looks like its happening
Army69(Quote)
Army did you hear the other about Jose aswell ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
Been away for a while. What the hell has happened. Obertan? Bloody hell 😕 So now we just have a faster routledge? 😆
Newkie(Quote)
from the commentary, Cabaye looked the part and Vuckic was getting involved.
I hate doing this, but I must 😈
For the Arsenal game:
==========[ Krul ]=========
==Danny=Collo=Saylor=Jose==
======Tiote====Gosling======
=Obertan==Cabaye ==Marveaux=
===========Ba============
Indian Ocean ToonArmy(Quote)
no what was said?enrique cud stay?
Army69(Quote)
Best and Loverman whats the point. Neither can score goals.
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
And if everyone is fit and available:
==========[ Krul ]=========
==Danny=Collo=Saylor=Jose==
======Tiote====Cabaye======
=Obertan==BenArfa ==Marveaux=
===========Ba============
Bench = Best, Ameobi, Jonas, Gosling, Vuckic, Ferguson, Abeid
Indian Ocean ToonArmy(Quote)
With Obertan coming in to solve our right wing problems, I honestly believe we’ve got the most exciting team outside the top 5 (ManU, Shitty, ****, Chels, Spuds).
We’ve definitely got more flair than Liverpool!
Indian Ocean ToonArmy(Quote)
krul
simpson collo taylor enrique
tiote cabaye
obertan gosling guitierez
new striker or ba
Army69(Quote)
Sorry to bleat on guys. As soon as we have 20 teams these posts will stop.
But…I have a head to head league set up on Premierleague.com for Newcastle fans. There are 9 spaces left. Code to join is 139461-54775.
It pitches us up against each other every week and bases points the same as any other league, i.e 1 point for a draw, 3 for a win. It will add up the points your players accumulate and compare that to your opponent for the week, then from there you get a goal difference… Good fun and adds a bit of extra spice to the classic style of Dream Teams.
It’s free, quick and easy so get on board whilst spaces are free! 🙂
Shamrock(Quote)
If he gets his confidence up he will be a very good player for us. And now we have a lot more pace than we did last season with Obertan, Marveaux, and Ben Arfa. Just need a quality striker.
Free giveaways(Quote)
shamrock nice pic 😕 😕 😕 😕
hope i never see that site in a dark alley 1 night 😕
Army69(Quote)
i would take any of these players next week and will be happy
defoe
shane long
remy
Army69(Quote)
Army it’s only the Joker. A character from a kids’ comic lol. Life’s not all fuzzy and nice, you only need to look and Ashley and Llambias to work that out haha 😆
Shamrock(Quote)
I wonder what the intent is with Obertan. Is he supposed to be the striker, or a utility attacker? Don’t know if I understand the point. I mean, he seems talented and quick. Maybe a better brain and passer than Routledge, but I really don’t know.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Gotta be happy with signing Obertan. To expect the sort of signings like N’Zogbia just isn’t realistic and I reckon obertan is at the top end of what we should expect 😯
Moreno(Quote)
what about barton?
nufcman(Quote)
ARMY think remy just signed new contract mate
icedog(Quote)
Some arsenal fans on twitter seem worried that their team looks unsettled and not ready to face us. I’m worried about Gervinho though 😐
Indian Ocean ToonArmy(Quote)
still got a feeling jonas will go 😕
icedog(Quote)
I don’t think Obertan would have left Man U to join us if he wasn’t given some sort of indication that he would be playing regularly which will probably mean Barton will leave before the window closes.
Free giveaways(Quote)
FSOTC..just plays as a right winger I think
richietoon(Quote)
Ice yeah of little faith 😆
As for Shamrocks Avatar im sick of looking at it 😆 I have done that same face twice in 3 days 👿
Big Dave(Quote)
Free giveaways….I think Obertan had asked for a transfer last year because he wasn’t getting enough games
richietoon(Quote)
Not fussed about Barton staying to be honest. He is determined to have a war with the bosses. Granted they are controversial, but his attitude and public outbursts are only going to unsettle the dressing room and put potentail transfer targets off.
Yes he had a good season last year, but he thinks he is more important than he actually is and this club under Ashley has in fairness rejuvinated his career and supported him whilst he sat in prison. He owes this club a lot and instead wages war hiding behind his ‘passion’ for the Black & White shirt. Yeah right, pull the other one. He just likes a fight.
Sooner he is gone the better.
Shamrock(Quote)
😆 😆 @ dave its a bluddy horrible pic
Army69(Quote)
SHAMROCK
August 6, 2011 at 20:15
Army it’s only the Joker. A character from a kids’ comic lol. Life’s not all fuzzy and nice,
🙄 🙄 🙄 🙄
Army69(Quote)
Haha gets you talking though! Trust me they get worse. My other one is a couple of Japanese bloking in mankinis hugging lol 😆
Shamrock(Quote)
🙄
Army69(Quote)
shamrock you scare me 😆
Army69(Quote)
Who had the better result the day us or the unwashed?
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
ya know life is kind of funny at times. And there is a certain amount of irony that happens when you least expect it.( take toonsy for ex. b-day, kid cookin, best blog site) anyway back to my point,
Just watcning the loriemt and psg game and psg have matudi, mentz, gamerio and all their superstars on the field and guess what …….
their loosing 😯 😛 🙂 🙂
Utah-Mag(Quote)
Hello everyone, long time reader, first time poster. I think Obertan will certainly balance the team considerably with Marveux on the left, would be good to see young Vuckic be given the chance supporting the front man at least until HBA returns. Reading previous posts Toonsy, all the best to you and the missus, enjoy the nappies and feeds in the twilight hours, best thing in the world.
Tynemouth Mag(Quote)
I O T
We have more flair than Liverpool?
Please tell me what flair is.
What players that we have get you out of yer seat when we attack.
Curious?
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
T.M. welcome aboard mate,watch oot for that richietoon like 😉
icedog(Quote)
T.M.
Keep posting, Tynemooth people kna the craic… 😉
Moreno(Quote)
U.M 😆 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
I wouldn’t pre-judge Obertan too much.
He was a class act at Bordeaux and has played for Franch at every level bar the seniors.
He hardly had a sniff of a chance at Manure and I reckon with the French influx at our place lately he could really come out of his shell.
He’s got bags of skill and even though his end product is questionable it has only been questioned based on very little opportunity here in the Premier league.
I’m just glad that’s another body in our dressing room and I think 2 more before the window shuts are quite possible.
We WILL get a striker (the identity of which I doubt any of us know) and I think a LB of some description will quickly follow Enrique disappearing for car-radio nicking lessons.
I’m feeling a bit more positvive for some reason today but I think we’ll have a crazy couple of weeks ahead with some fireworks come August 31st. 😯
GeordieDan(Quote)
Will do mate, always keep one eye open when i’m lying in the gutter 😆
Tynemouth Mag(Quote)
I am with icedog regarding Jose,
wish he’d just leave now and give us enough time to get someone in without being held to ransom
Moreno(Quote)
Icedog>
What kind of fee do u reckon Jonas will fetch if he had to go?
GeordieDan(Quote)
Outside the turks? 😉
Moreno(Quote)
Toby….Shola….he often gets me out my seat screaming abuse 😉
Tynemouth M….welcome to the nuthoose, watch that Icedog he’s a cantankerous auld bugga
richietoon(Quote)
Moreno>
I think Jose’d be away if a firm offer really had come in for him. Everyone feels the same at the club including the player so hopefully it won’t be too long.
It could get very messy if the only bid we get is at the 11th hour.
And there’s a very high chance of that being the case.
GeordieDan(Quote)
Dalglish had 3 main priority targets before the window opened.
Jose, Young and Adam. They didn’t go for Young when united showed interest as they didnt want to lose face. they got Adam and will be getting Jose. Only a matter of time, anyone harbouring thoughts that no one will come in for him and he will stay…pinch yourself to wake up.
Moreno(Quote)
Still need a bl00dy striker and a left back 😐
Rodzilla(Quote)
I agree with those who are saying we can’t write Obertan off, I’m just sort of baffled by the purchase. Everyone seems agreed we need a striker and a LB/coverage there. A wing player seemed rather down the list of necessities, except as straight replacement for Routledge.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Moreno..Ice said Jonas 😉
richietoon(Quote)
You must have seen me, either there or Cumberland, Barca, Aspire or the Sal, not really picky when i have me fally down juice 😆
Tynemouth Mag(Quote)
Toby
ba vs carroll
obertan vs downing
marveaux vs kuyt
Who’s got more flair?
Indian Ocean ToonArmy(Quote)
TM nice to you have a sense of humour too,well we need it being fans of the toon like 😀
icedog(Quote)
Richie,
Aye, was going on his past ramblings on the Jose saga.
he has been quite vocal about wanting him out now.
Moreno(Quote)
Can’t be great shakes if Sir A has let him go.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
B & B,
Oh aye, like Rossi,
…and Forlan….
….and Pique…..
proper **** them lot…. 😆
Moreno(Quote)
Moreno…..if you’re going on Ice’s past ramblings we’re in for a long night 😆
richietoon(Quote)
GEORDIEDON,6/7mill mate imo
icedog(Quote)
Richie – 😆 😆 😆
Moreno(Quote)
GEORDIEDON but its off the wage bill that ashley will be looking at 😉
icedog(Quote)
Just a thought and i’ll probably get slated !! If Everton are after Barton but can’t afford him, what about a swap for the Yak, i know he does’nt fit into the the”buy em young and cheap” buying system that we seem too have now, but definitely a proven goal scorer.
Tynemouth Mag(Quote)
moreno- don’t forget that one Christiano R. fella
Utah-Mag(Quote)
Moreno – Like **** and Gillespie. I’m pished, but there must be loads more. Could be a good game this.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Moreno – I’m only on about the dross he gives us.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
Am I the only one that doesn’t rate Obertan so highly? 😕
Newkie(Quote)
Aye B & B,
I know mate, Nicky **** and Smudge being great examples….
He doesn’t get it right all the time though, as good a manager as he is….remember Massimo Taibi 😯 Christ, I would have preferred Karelse!
Moreno(Quote)
Newkie,
I am indifferent towards him. Will give him a chance just haven’t seen anough to have an informed opinion tbh,
Which i think is some people’s problem….for some reason…..
Moreno(Quote)
I O T
Liverpool on all three counts.
Also comparing our number one striker to their number two is a bit cheeky.
Suarez has more flair alone than our lot put together.
But both teams have different targets this season and if we achieve mid table again I will be more than happy
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
… anyway, what about the **** that he’s just peddled doon the road? wes what’s his face and O’shea.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
agree@66
richietoon(Quote)
Chelsea agree fee for Lukaku….
Going to be a very interesting season up the top
Moreno(Quote)
Newkie, I think the jury’s still got to be out on Obertan, so I don’t think you’re alone. He SEEMS talented, but that’s from limited viewings on my part. Not sure.
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
Ashley might just turn his phone off on 31st Aug like, and Jose will just have to stay.
err yeah right Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Not if fat mick can make some lolly he wont.
Pretty sure Jose will be going somewhere soon, but who will we replace him with ❓
must be cheap to keep the profits up.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Aye Moreno, Smudger’s a classic. come on there’s got to be more. Good game this. I’m liking it.
Blackley & Brownlie(Quote)
I’d take £6-7million for Jonas lyk.
But reckon ur probably right about fatman just pocketing it.
As long as we get in some genuine decent replacements I don’t mind the rebuilding/re-shaping. But the new team really needs time to gel and that’s a major downside to our pre-season.
This season is a real unknown!!!
GeordieDan(Quote)
RICHIE still think that barca forward will come 😉
icedog(Quote)