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!
Great comment/article there Toonsy, nowt like some of the repeated negative **** 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. 😆
toonarmybill(Quote)
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.
funkyjesus(Quote)
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.
ArchieMag(Quote)
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.
kimtoon(Quote)
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 😆
mark(Quote)
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 🙂
Andy(Quote)
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.
funkyjesus(Quote)
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.
BeeGuy(Quote)
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17983793
icedog(Quote)
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.
Toon@Jer(Quote)
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.
JerseyGeordie(Quote)
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!!
Alimagpie(Quote)
Of course we can improve as a team, but the big question is whether Liverpool, Chelsea, Spurs and Arsenal will improve more than us.
Jon R(Quote)
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…
NorCal Toonfan(Quote)
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. 😀
Andymag(Quote)
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(Quote)
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).
Andymag(Quote)
http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/120507/newcastle-strike-sensation-admits-champions-league-dreams-171529 😯
icedog(Quote)
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 😈 😛 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
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
chris(Quote)
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 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
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
Blackbartoon(Quote)
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.
Andymag(Quote)
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.
funkyjesus(Quote)
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.
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
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!!
Blackbartoon(Quote)
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.
Andy(Quote)
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 👿 😥 😆
Andymag(Quote)
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.
richietoon(Quote)
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.
funkyjesus(Quote)
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 😆
Andymag(Quote)
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
Andymag(Quote)
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
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
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).
Jon R(Quote)
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 **** Africans Teams! I think It’s a Bit Disrespectful for Us what he said, but Maybe The Interviewers have Modify His Comments.
Blackbartoon(Quote)
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 😉
richietoon(Quote)
Richie
herees hoping
Andymag(Quote)
Andy….don’t mind them winning it if we finish 3rd
richietoon(Quote)
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
chris(Quote)
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.
Tony Toon(Quote)
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?
AndrewT(Quote)
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
chris(Quote)
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.
Big Dave(Quote)
Well said Tony Toon
geordie deb(Quote)
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.
premandup(Quote)
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
icedog(Quote)
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
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Ice…aye been linked with him for a while, more shocked that Kluivert is only 35 😯
richietoon(Quote)
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.
billquaymag(Quote)
Ice I would give him a go
Big Dave(Quote)
http://www.nutjob.eu/
richietoon(Quote)
Richie I thought the same but his wiki says he’s 35 😯 ok soon to be 36
Billy Richies the links man
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave….lol, aye I had to check it myself
richietoon(Quote)
richie, you are mint! ta.
i will be known as billy now wont i 🙁 lol
billquaymag(Quote)
BQMag…link @ 51 or some on here
http://www.footballstreaming.info/streams/todays-links/ and here
http://www.sportlemon.tv/c-1.html
richietoon(Quote)
Billy…yes you will Andy 😉 … how do you think I feel, my names actually Bob 😆
richietoon(Quote)
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.
Sharpy17(Quote)
BQM richie mint 😯 dont know about that dave says he does suck a lot at times like 😉
icedog(Quote)
Ice 😆 …..I think he means I’m a refreshing change from all the “bitter” **** he has to swallow on here 😉
richietoon(Quote)
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 ..
funkness(Quote)
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 😆
icedog(Quote)
Ice..strange that like….she always tells me I’m too quick 😯 😆
richietoon(Quote)
Aye that’s what the Rovers players need from their fans, booing off at HT 🙄
richietoon(Quote)
@56
Is that a reference to me 😉
Andymag(Quote)
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?
NorCal Toonfan(Quote)
richie
the rovers fans are dicks, they want to go down to prove a point that Kean’s ****, which is why I want them to stay up 😈
Andymag(Quote)
Andy…no mate, BillyQ’s real name is Andy……I think 😕
richietoon(Quote)
Richie slow to start very fast to finish
Big Dave(Quote)
Oh game of thrones is on, later lads
Andymag(Quote)
no probs rich
Andymag(Quote)
NorCal…..it was hard to spot amongst all the other ***** 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.
richietoon(Quote)
DAVE @68 you got it in one mate 😉
icedog(Quote)
Dave…nae point taking ya time when the bar is still open 😆
richietoon(Quote)
I see Ed’s blog is speculating we may be able to get Marvin Martin on a cut price deal.
I somehow doubt it.
funkyjesus(Quote)
FJ….I doubt it too, they won and are out of the relegation zone now also.
richietoon(Quote)