Welcome one and all to this ‘Game On’ article which will take us through the highs and lows as we travel to Anfield for tonight’s Premier league game (8pm kick-off),
JC has been speaking to the media ahead of tonights game saying “There’s only nine points between us and the relegation zone so if we get nothing at Liverpool that could reduce to six,” explained Carver, ahead of the fixture.
“Relegation is always a worry. We need to start picking up the points somewhere no matter how we do it. I’m not too concerned with how we play, I’m more concerned with the final result and we need to get something from Liverpool.
“They (Liverpool) are only seven points off the top four and they’ll definitely think they still have a chance of getting there. I’ll be very surprised if their manager (Brendan Rogers) hasn’t prepared them for our game with that in mind.
“We know it’s going to be a difficult game but I think there’s a bit of pressure on the home side as well.
“Our fans need to get behind the team. We’ve seen the difference it can make when you have that support behind you.
“They love this football club and they just need to see us giving everything we can. We need them.
TEAM NEWS
Liverpool – The Reds are without suspended pair Steven Gerrard and Martin Skrtel but versatile midfielder Emre Can will return to the squad having served a one-game ban, Young winger Jordan Ibe is also back in contention having recovered from a knee ligament injury sustained in February, but centre-back Mamadou Sakho (hamstring) and forwards Adam Lallana (groin) and Mario Balotelli (illness) are all expected to miss out again.
Newcastle – Winger Rolando Aarons (hamstring) and forward Siem de Jong (collapsed lung) are both back in group training but will not be risked for the Magpies’ trip to Anfield. Defender Daryl Janmaat was expected to be passed fit after suffering a calf strain at Sunderland last weekend, but it seems he is now doubtful. United will once again have to do without suspended pair Papiss Cisse and Fabricio Coloccini. Leading scorer Cisse serves the fourth game of a seven-match suspension, while captain Coloccini sits out the final game of his three-match ban.
Howay the Lads
Liverpool Mignolet, Johnson, Can, Lovren, Moreno, Allen, Lucas, Henderson, Ibe, Coutinho, Sterling
Subs Jones, Toure, Lambert, Manquillo, Borini, Brannagan, Markovic
Newcastle United Krul, R.Taylor, Janmaat, Williamson, Colback, Anita, Abeid, Sissoko, Cabella, Obertan, Perez.
Subs Elliot, Sterry, Gouffran, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Armstong, Riviere.
Big summer ahead. Get it wrong yet again and we will get relegated.
Stuart79(Quote)
another season of struggle ahead,while players take time to settle,massive rebuild needed.
ASHLEY OUT
hitman(Quote)
Stu – I think we’ve been pretty fortunate this season with the early points accrued and the poor form of the prolonged poor form of the teams below us.
Of the teams looking likely to come up next season, I think they will all also find it very difficult – that may poor to be our saving grace again. But I agree that if we get it wrong it will be more of a relegation battle than this season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
😆 that last post shows what happens when you’re distracted mid type 😳 it makes sense (ish) I hope.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I am trying to look for silver linings to our clouds but am not finding many. So here is another cloud 🙂 We are scoring at under a goal a game since Carver took over and of the 11 goals, 6 came in 2 games – 3-0 Hull and 3-3 Burnley. That is below even relegation form, that is bottom of the league stuff. Happy Days indeed. Now I don’t feel bad about moaning as obviously I have a lot to moan about at NUFC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ashley will be hoping Bournemouth come up as they’ll go back down and take one place away. He will gamble that spending little will be enough to keep us up.
Still not sure what the point of NUFC is anymore.
Stuart79(Quote)
The club is in a very bad state at the moment. I wouldn’t expect Ashley to do much in the summer. He will make us stronger than the bottom three and nothing more. It’s a sorry state of affairs when we have no share holders for Ashley to answer too.
I would also like to say a big **** you to the Hall’s for inflicting this man on our beloved club.
Stem(Quote)
STUART I agree mate,jabba is not going to change his way of life for any reason,staying away is our only weapon
icedog(Quote)
Stu – totally agree mate. The level of ambition will drop from being a top 10 club (not that we were) to bottom half/league survival. We will join that group of teams like Villa, WBA, Hull, Scum who flirt with relegation every season and only survive because 3 teams are less successful then us.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If we had genuine ambition I think Ayew and Wijnaldum would be realistic targets – they would cost top end wages and Wijnaldum would be 10-15m I reckon, but they could be got. Unfortunately, I reckon we are more likely looking at players in the 2nd divisions of France and Spain.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy I’ve wanted Ayew for 5 years. We should have bought him a few years ago as I think he’s gotten to big for us now.
MDS(Quote)
MDS – it’s still possible but we’d have to make him one of our top earners I reckon.
He wants to come to the PL, and of the top 5 there is only Liverpool who may want him – but I think their defence & Gerrard replacement will likely be there priority.
After that I don’t see him at Spurs, but most likely Everton. Can they afford his wages though and they have quite an ageing squad – the defence in particular, so may have other priorities.
I don’t see us paying his wages anyway so don’t see it coming off. It’s a real shame though coz that’s the standard of player we once would have signed without any doubt.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy Id be over the moon if we got him. He first caught my eye when he terrorized the US in the 210 World Cup.
For all the (justified) talk of CBs and strikers, our wing play has been terrible for far too long. I reckon Ayew and Aarons would batter teams. I can’t see the back of Sammy and Obertan fast enough
MDS(Quote)
2010 WC
MDS(Quote)
MDS@313 I agree mate,seems one or two PL are looking at Sammy they are welcome to him imo,just like his brother shops,would love Ayew not just for his skill but he is a 100% grafter for his team
icedog(Quote)
SHOLA
icedog(Quote)
MDS – I’m well aware I’m dreaming, but if we could get Ayew and Wijnaldum we could play 4-2-3-1 and be a real threat – Sissoko and Colback in the midfield, with Wijnaldum, De Jong and Ayew behind Cisse.
It won’t happen, but a Geordie can dream can’t he?! 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree Ice Sammy can go where he wants
Nothing wrong with dreaming Sharpy
MDS(Quote)
Sammy has worked hard this year and can’t fault his effort, but like his brother, the talent is lacking unfortunately and if Aaron’s was fit I don’t imagine Sammy would be in the side.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy @ 317 well atleast you realise that its only a dream, I suppose its the same as Sammi thinking he is a prem player 😀 I have always said he was like his bro Championship at best.
Big Dave(Quote)
Dave – it should be a realistic dream, but with this bunch it isn’t.
I watched the Boro game the other night and have see them afew times this season – I would defo go for Patrick Bamford. I think he’s good enough for the step up.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I haven’t read much about this profit and £30m in the coffers.
Surely it’s £30m profit, so why have they not said that instead of saying £18m?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy – it was actually £38.6m, but there was a £4.5m overdraft they cleared meaning that’s gone down to £34.1m. That’s on top of the £18m they stated, so really it’s £52m we were up.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Everyone on here will agree I’m sure that I’ve been very calm and patient with Ashley. All right, I admit there have been a couple of slips where I criticized him mildly. But overall I feel I’ve been very fair to him As the voice of reason on here Mike I beg you to change course. To spend properly on the club. To listen to the supporters. To hire a decent manager not a lackey head coach. Please Mike. It’s the only reasonable thing to do. I calmly, patiently await your response Mike.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
So, continuing on in my usual mild mannered way I thought I would make a list of a few things that might help a little bit before we go into another season of football. Here it is:
1. An intelligent owner with the proper decision making skills to run a football club.
2. An intelligent director of football with the proper decision making skills to run a football club.
3. An intelligent manager with the proper decision making skills to produce a winning side with the right players.
4. A group of decently skilled players at all positions, including cover for a long, hard season in the Prem.
5. An intelligent group of board members with the proper decision making skills to run a football club.
Other than those five small changes there isn’t much more needed mates. 😯
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Now, nobody is saying that you haven’t tried very hard Mr. Ashley. It’s clear based on the quality of the managerial hirings and the magnificent quality of the board, and the fabulous quality of our squad that you’ve given it your best Mike. Who wouldn’t have hired Dennis Wise or Joe Kinnear (twice) had they been in your position Mike? But still, possibly you aren’t quite suited to owning a football club? Possibly you could go on to better things? Possibly you could devote more attention to your budgies? Just a thought Mike. I await your response with calm patience.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
So if you would just see your way to selling up Mr. Ashley the people of Newcastle and the supporters of Newcastle United around the world will be eternally grateful.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Because we really do need to move on Mr. Ashley. Not at some point in the future. Now. We’re not immortal. We want our club back so we can get back to trying to win things. Now.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Enough blather from me. I’ll sit back and enjoy all your comments.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Just a mess
Stuart79(Quote)
Sharpy17
April 16, 2015 at 20:20
“Troy – it was actually £38.6m, but there was a £4.5m overdraft they cleared meaning that’s gone down to £34.1m. That’s on top of the £18m they stated, so really it’s £52m we were up”
That information appears to be wrong
I’ve now received my copy of the 2014 full accounts from Companies House and those figures aren’t what the accounts are showing (although the profit and loss account DOES confirm the profit after tax of £18.752 million that Charnley announced on 30th March).
Surprisingly, the cash at bank figure appearing on the balance sheet isn’t the 34.1 million that’s recently been reported in the press. According to the accounts that I’ve got the cash at bank is shown as £22.5 million, so goodness knows where that figure of £38.6m has come from. Curiously, every report that I’ve read has used exactly the same wording to describe it, ie “£38.6million was transferred into Newcastle’s bank account as a cash-flow sum.” That sounds to me like it was written by somebody who doesn’t know what they’re talking about and doesn’t understand what the term ‘cash flow’ means. It’s almost as though everybody else has picked up on it and quoted it verbatim without bothering to do their own research.
It did occur to me that maybe there was some cash tucked away in St James Holdings Ltd, which is the parent company of the Football Club, so I downloaded a copy of their accounts as well. Those accounts were also for the year ended June 2014 but the balance sheet only showed cash at bank in the sum of £1 thousand, so that isn’t the answer.
I think the only way I’m going to get a proper explanation is to write to the auditors and invite them to comment on the figures that are being quoted in the media, because it doesn’t look as though the club are going to make any effort to clarify things. The guy who signed the auditors’ report (of both companies) was Mark Hatton at EY (Ernst & Young) and he seems like a decent bloke – http://www.thejournal.co.uk/business/business-news/business-interview-mark-hatton-ey-8643030 – so maybe he’ll find time to explain the discrepancy.
ps. The NUFC accounts contain a number of reports:
Strategic Report, signed by Charnley
Directors’ Report, signed by Irving
Auditors’ Report, signed by Mark Hatton
and I couldn’t help noticing that all the reports were signed and dated 27th January, which makes you wonder why Charnley waited 2 months before announcing the results for the year.
Chris G(Quote)
Chris – thanks for those mate, I did say I was no accountant and even with my own research I don’t suppose it would have been any clearer. Like many, I am just a footy fan reading the details from news reports – which you’d expect to be accurate. But the figures they have put out are vastly different to what you are saying – that’s quite a large discrepancy idea isn’t it?!.
Infact, by trying to clear things up and understand things better – it actually made things more questionable 😕 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Cheers Chris there does seem to be somthing not right but then under the regime they are never going to make things clear.
Big Dave(Quote)
…maybe everything is right and the bullshitting English press, who love nothing more than to wind Toon fans up, have lead everyone down the garden path somewhat! Just a though! 😉
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Now Carver is really getting his excuses in, saying:
– Coloccini is not captaincy material and will be replaced
– Coloccini wasn’t given time off after his sending off unlike when he injured his back and was allowed to go to Argentina. I think Carvs thinks he deserves credit for this.
– Carver has done the best he can with the squad he had. This may actually be true, but a better manager may have done better.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Chris@331, Thanks for doing that. Wow that’s some difference in figures isn’t it 😕 So where on earth did the press get the £34.1Million figure from?, you would think they would pay the tiny fee to get their hands on the copy of the full accounts. 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric, truth is I don’t see one player who could be called a leader and captaincy material at the moment. Maybe Janmaat at a push, maybe if De Jong can stay fit he’ll turn out to be the right guy but we’ve hardly seen him to know yet.
kimtoon(Quote)
Aussie – I have to say that was my thinking on it too mate. NUFC have a lot more to loose filing inaccurate accounts than the press do reporting inaccurate figures.
It’s fair to say the press don’t like the regime, and what is the worst the press will get – a fine?!.
Eric – I’m no great fan of Carver, but with the injuries & suspensions we’ve had im not sure who would have been able to have done that much better. Also, Carver is right, Colo isn’t captain material – never has been.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, exactly mate, the press should be taken to task when they misrepresent things like they do.. ******! 👿
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
The reality is that we won’t have enough money to do what we need with the squad. God knows why as we haven’t spent any money for the last few years.
Stuart79(Quote)
6-8m pretty much get’s you a good squad player now days…. it’s a sad state of affairs! 😕
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Stu – we would if we were prepared to do what every other club do and spend the money we know we will get before we get it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Careful Sharpy – that’s dangerous in Ashley’s book. He won’t even spend money when he’s got it – and had it a long time!
Colback – Abeid – Kemen
on Sunday?
georgio(Quote)
This squad needs at least £30m spent on it and that’s without replacing Tiote, Sissoko, Krul and Cisse who will probably be leaving.
Worrying times if anybody is still bothered…
Stuart79(Quote)
Georgio – I think he may have to go 4-4-2 against Spurs. It would make most sense with Colback & Abied in the middle, probably Cabella & Sammy wide with Perez & either Riviere or Armstrong up front.
Stu – I think we could survive without Tiote & perhaps Krul (though I’d sooner not loose Krul). I really don’t want to see us loose Janmaat, Sissoko, Cisse or Perez.
My fear though is that this regime saw what Saints did in the summer and believe it can be done again with ease.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Weve seen enough times overhauled sides not clicking straight away Fulham, QPR, Sunderland etc. in recent memory and we need a fast start next season.
I think with a new manager coming in, We should be signing 6-7 max for it to click early doors imo. That means keeping Colo, Salor & Anita for another year and ridding ourselves of the genuine deadwood Obertan, Gouffran, Williamson & the out of contract players
CC(Quote)
CC – part of the problem in the last 2 seasons is that we start fast and fizzled out. I understand and agree with what you’re saying mate but whoever is in charge next season needs to introduce sustainability for me.
Martin Keown wrote a decent piece the other day basically saying that our squad is better than our rivals, but we don’t play as a team. We don’t play with spirit and I agree with him. He also suggested that things started going wrong when Cisse was banned – I don’t completely agree with that, though it didn’t help.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We need Ayew and Austin in the team next season.
Stem(Quote)
The Austin talk is, I thinmk, inteeresting – I can’t believe that its more than just talk, because if we really did sign him it would be a significant change to the Ashley approach, but he would provide theall-round effort and learership we so sadlylack in attack -not the very best player,but then nor was Sit Les, ans that worked out ok.
GTE(Quote)
How much are QPR going to want for Austin? – I’d bet it’s more than the suggested £10m.
Sharpy17(Quote)
He’s only got a year left on his contract
That would alter the price plus the fine they are due if/when they go down
CC(Quote)
Sharpy
We were in a decent position at Christmas but we didn’t win for 8 matches at the start on the season
I’m hoping for a fast start from the off not just a good run mid season
CC(Quote)
Just read that letter in the Chronicle from the Liverpool Echo editor. Strong stuff about the boycott and how the fans managed to get rid of Gillett and Hicks and claim their club back. Rangers fans have also kicked Ashley in the balls and he’d better watch his back if he comes back for more.
I’d like to see SJP completely empty on Sunday except for one fan holding a banner that says Sports Direct is *****.
BoycottSpurs. AshleyOut. Tat Direct.com
georgio(Quote)
I have an idea;
For those who are boycotting good on you. I will not be attending the game but I haven’t been since Burnley but empty seats will have an impact. I just hope Jabba is there to see it.
If you want to go to the match it would be a brilliant spectacle if people got up and left after 17 mins. It would be awesome!
But for anyone who says “What difference will the boycott make?” Ask yourself this; What difference does attending games make these days?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart – easier to get fans not to go at all than to get them to walk out once they’re in. If we ever managed to score another goal then it wouldn’t work at all.
georgio(Quote)
Sharpy@345 – I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone (and you’re not alone) would mention the abject talentless Riviere as a possible starter or sub. I’d rather play with 10 men.
georgio(Quote)
Georgio – Being a bit optimistic aren’t you? Score another goal? Oh and I reckon we could be 2 down by the 18th minute on Sunday so could be easy decision.
Stuart79(Quote)
We need Ayew as well. A proper assist man. Not like Aaron’s who takes longer to get over a hamstring than any other player to get over a hamstring. We need player’s not wimps.
Stem(Quote)
If we make those two signings and don’t let Alnwick go, we can have the makings of a real ‘A’ team:
Alnwick, Anita, Abeid, Aarons, Ayew, Ameobi, Austin, Armstrong
😀
GTE(Quote)
Georgio – I mention him because that’s basically who we are left with. I don’t see Kemen getting into the starting 11 when he’s not been involved all season so with the lack of midfielders, it would suggest an extra forward. He may put Obertan right wing and have Cabella play the no. 10 behind Perez, but if Riviere doesn’t start he will most likely be on the bench as he has most of the season.
I think for all the talk of this boycott, I think there will still be over 45k there. Hope I’m wrong, but it will be interesting to see either way.
Sharpy17(Quote)
—————————Krul————————
——–Janmaat—Willo-Colo–Anita———–
—————-Abeid———Colback————–
—-Gutierrez—–Armstrong——-Cabella—–
————————-Perez—————————
That’s how I’d go, Anita looked quite useful at LB the other day, Arma was good off the front at Palace
CC(Quote)
Good comment Chris G. @331. Very informative. We do have a fairly large profit to use to improve the squad then Mike. Get started asap in the summer. Or be prepared to explain why we can’t do so. Oh and bring in a proper manager while you’re at it.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Change or leave Ashley. I believe the summer will be your last chance. Any more of the “we just want to finish in the top 10 and are not interested in winning anything” line of bollocks and you will be hounded out of the Toon.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Perez up front by himself doesn’t work CC mate. He’s not strong enough yet. He needs a partner. I would play 4-4-2 with Perez and Cabella up front believe it or not. Two quick lads together might be able to break down the Spurs defense. We’re thin in the midfield now without Sissoko but that can’t be helped. I would play Abeid and Colback in the center of midfield. We’re short of decent wingers as well of course thanks to Ashley. It will be a dog’s breakfast for us on the pitch but at least Janmaat should be able to go back to RB with Colo back.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
All the very best of luck with the boycott.
It is a disgrace the way your great club is being abused by the fat slug and i know it is hard to take your support away from the team but if you do this and also attack his tacky retail outlets you may have a chance to change his attitude.
Wyart Lane(Quote)
If he was at Hogwarts Ashley would definitely be in Slytherin Wyart mate @365. He is sly and cunning. He might pretend to change his attitude to get the supporters back on side but that’s all it would be. A ruse. Ashley out.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Wyart lane cheers mate, nice to see you back on again you are one of the very few sensible opposition fans that comes on here.
Apart from sunday all the best for the rest of the season mate 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
whats happend to this great blog,it used to be full of life.
hitman(Quote)
Wyart lane, Got to say I’m lovin Harry Kane mate, hope he doesn’t put any past us tomorrow.
kimtoon(Quote)
Hitman I think at the min people just couldnt be fuked with all things Toon mate, I know I find it hard talking about the club as it just reminds me of how **** things are.
Big Dave(Quote)
I’m fairly confident Kane will be in form against us. We make far to many mistakes at the back.
Terry(Quote)
Dave, spot on, the fat git has destroyed all the joy in watching us. So many have drifted away from the blog and I blame the lack lustre displays and serious lack of ambition. 🙁
kimtoon(Quote)
Terry, it will be like taking candy from a baby mate.
kimtoon(Quote)
It’s sunday ko, was thinking it’s tomorrow 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim I am 99% sure thats why the blog is so quiet, I honestly find it hard to think of any positives about the club lately there seems to be nowt to get excited about. I just cant wait till the season is over and that we are lucky to still be a prem team.
The only thing that excites me at the min is the thought that there will be a lot of support for the boycott Spurs, but at the back of my mind I dont think there will be enough fans willing to say enough is enough, but I hope im wrong as Jabba needs to get the message that the fans have the balls to make a stand.
Big Dave(Quote)