Both teams go into this match on the back of 2-1 defeats in London last weekend – As we lost to already relegated Queens Park Rangers, the Hammers ended their home games with a reverse to Everton.
Speaking ahead of the game John Carver said “I’m looking forward to the challenge,”
“I have enough players in that dressing room who realise how much this game means. Let’s be honest – it’s the biggest game at this football club for six years.
“I’m sure that Sam (Allardyce,) will bring his strongest team here. Everybody wants to win a Premier League football match and Sam and Kevin Nolan won’t be any different.
“I’m expecting the players to step up to the plate and put in a big performance that’s worthy of keeping them in the Premier League.
“We have to win this game. I said a few weeks ago that four points was the target and we got one against West Brom so yes, we have to win.
“The lads have to play to the game and not the occasion because sometimes you can get carried away with what’s going on around the outside, but they need to stay composed.
“We can’t fear wanting to get on the ball and play, if we get that reaction and we get on the ball then I’m confident.
“I’m expecting the atmosphere to be electric. Against West Brom it was like being in a proper football stadium again – it was fantastic. I know that for the 90 minutes on Sunday it’ll be the same.
“Six years ago it wasn’t in our hands but it is now. We can take care of our own business and that’s the important thing.”
Also speaking ahead of the game Fan and blogger Big Dave said ” I am dreading the game as I just don’t think our players have the bottle/ spirit to go and really give the Hammers a fight”, ” and I think we will have to hope that Man United do us a favour by beating Hull”, ” I also think it’s a real disgrace that Mike Ashley has let our once great club get into this position again because he wanted to gamble from Jan that we would have enough points to secure our Prem status without having to invest in the transfer window, the same way he gambled in Jan last year”. ” I can’t ever remember feeling so disinterested in our club as I have this year, it is just one mistake after the other, we have an owner that has zero interest or ambition in the club except to stay in the prem for the huge revenue from the televised games, and keep using us as as a huge advertisement hoarding for his only love Sports Direct, ” I am very near the point of not really worrying about the outcome of todays game, as I think if we stay up the Regime wont really learn or change their ways, and it will just be more of the same,” ” if we get relegated then things will have to change and the Regime will have the ambition to win games to get promoted back in to the multi million £ honey pot AKA the Premier league” . so it’s a toss up of remaining the Premier league’s whipping boy’s, or being a competitive Championship side ? the sad thing for me is that I know there is a lot of other Toon fans are thinking the same way and that is all down to one Man Mr Mike Ashley.
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle– Mike Williamson is in contention for a starting spot after serving a two-match ban for a red card at Leicester earlier this month. Siem de Jong (thigh) has trained but remains a slight doubt, while Massadio Haidara (knee), Cheick Tiote (knee), Rob Elliot (thigh) and Steven Taylor (Achilles) will miss out once again.
West Ham – Centre-back James Collins is expected to miss out with a calf injury, having been forced off in the first half against Everton last weekend. Fellow defender James Tompkins could return, however, after a spell on the sidelines with a dislocated shoulder. The Hammers will definitely be without striking duo Andy Carrol (knee) and Diafra Sakho (thigh), along with defender Guy Demel (calf).
HOWAY THE LADS
Team sheets
Newcastle United Krul, Janmaat, Coloccini (c), Williamson, Dummett, Sissoko, Anita, Colback, Gutierrez, Rivière, Cissé.
Subs Woodman, R.Taylor, Gouffran, Ameobi, Cabella, de Jong, Perez.
West Ham Adrian, Jenkinson, Burke, Reid, Cresswell, Song, Nolan (c), Kouyate, Downing, Valencia, Cole
Subs Jaaskelainen, O’Brien, Tomkins, Amalfitano, Jarvis, Lee, Nene
UU – lets hope for the latter then eh ?
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Allardyce could be our new manager. 😆
Seriously though, I’m pleased for Jonas, good way to make a hero’s exit from the club. He gave 100% today and the club obviously meant a lot to him. We could do with 11 players who have his work rate next season.
DJG(Quote)
Dave:
Definitely how he came across. Can but hope.
You Yew(Quote)
Words mean nothing. Time for some serious action this summer. Start by announcing a top manager in the next few days.
Shamrock(Quote)
Dave…Agree, like I say though I won’t be holding my breath. Fool me once etc etc
richietoon(Quote)
BB:
Absolutely
You Yew(Quote)
Toonsy – I agree. He almost sounded like he give a **** didn’t he – pity it’s taken 8yrs to open his trap.
The fans more than done there bit today – it’s now down to Ashley and Charnely to convert the words in his interview into actions. The management situation will be the first indication – I would hope an appointment will be made well before the transfer window. Then the signings in the summer.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aye Shamrock.
First things first.
You Yew(Quote)
Must say I had a tear in my eye when that Jonas goal went in.
The bloke showed today that he still has a lot to offer.
Jonas Gutierrez toon legend.
Munich Mag(Quote)
@ BIG DAVE 375
maybe but the proof will be there to be seen by the players we sign this summer, and to start collo williamson and taylor all got to be moved on and 3 proper cb brought in
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Surely to God above, there is no way JC can get the gig permanently.
It just can’t happen.
This one thing needs sorted asap.
Hopefully tomorrow
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
No real excuse, now we know what division we are in, and the reputed homework already done on our top targets
You Yew(Quote)
Thinking about it, I wonder how much of Ashley’s interview was for the benefit of a potential managerial candidate as opposed to the fans?
Cynical? Perhaps.
Once bitten? Absolutely.
You Yew(Quote)
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/video/24811/9863596/celebrations-at-st-james-park
Munich Mag(Quote)
It’s not just about investing. The whole club is rotten and the set up needs complete change.
To be honest Ashley looked like he’d been hit with a bus he was in that much shock at our situation.
We need to start by getting a top class coach and not just the cheapest. But unfortunately I am more convinced than ever that Carver will get the job.
Stuart79(Quote)
………haha!!!! even toonsy returns!! ………what a result man!!!! …….onwards and upwards according to Mike though eh? 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯 😯
geordieqatar(Quote)
Jabba did come across well. Still I take it all with a healthy pinch of salt until actions prove otherwise. If only he’d spoken early on in his tenure, that’s all we ever asked for and a bit of ambition.
kimtoon(Quote)
Here’s one especially for Kimtoon 😉
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/video/24811/9863596/celebrations-at-st-james-park
“I’m specially proud to be a geordie” says the man. Legend.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Stu.
I’m pleased to say, I’m more convinced than ever that he most certainly will not.
You Yew(Quote)
David Moyes to sign tomorrow 😉
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
MM, ta, nice one 🙂
kimtoon(Quote)
I love Jonas 🙂 Give the lad a new contract. He’s more Geordie than me!
Jill(Quote)
http://www.sportinglife.com/football/video/24811/9863596/celebrations-at-st-james-park
Last few seconds, Carver tries to high 5 Williamson, who gives him slightly dirty look and keeps his hands by his side.
This alongside the Jonas snub.
No way is this man Head Coach next season
You Yew(Quote)
52,094
The fans have done their bit as per usual
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Carver ain’t getting the job, nor was he ever going to get it barring something amazing i.e a top 8 finish.
richietoon(Quote)
I reckon Ashley was bricking it today at the thought of a second relegation and losing another £60m minimum or whatever it is. Why else would he make his first speech in 7 years and celebrate the goals like he was praying. 😎
DJG(Quote)
Don’t be surprised if we hear more from Ashley over the next day or two. I think the penny is dropping and season ticket sales must be down.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart79@390, the stream I watched at the end of the game he puffed his cheeks out several times and rolled his eyebrow numerous times. He really was on serious squeaky **** mode.
The issue is probably the disconnect between what Ashley thinks is “enough money” and the reality. Still, time will show.
The unfortunate thing is obviously he intends to leave things in Charnley’s hands to make footballing decisions.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Kimtoon@396, I just showed wor lass the same video of Jonas, and she got all squidgy, she also finds him top totty.
Now I fear I have to buy matching his and hers replica tops with Jonas on the back 🙂
Jonas is a legend…. let’s not forget Sissoko either…
Anita looked shell shocked at the end, probably down to the consequences of his mess up at 1-0 when we were 3 on 1. Pity really because the lad put in a great shift today…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Stuart… I think it really has been a shock for him, lets see if he backs up his words though.
Probably the most annoying thing is he could have been such a good owner, still time to turn it around. Us footy fans are so fickle that if he tries to make us the best we can be then the past is quickly forgotten, well maybe not forgotten but we could all live happily ever after. 😉 😛
richietoon(Quote)
KIMTOON
sissiko got off the deck ok for his header 😯
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
though i thought he was **** the rest of the game giving the ball away all the time
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
I thought Dummet, Collo, Willo and Janmaat also put in a sterling rearguard action today. Not sure what has happened to Timmy, he is really off colour 🙁
Munich Mag(Quote)
As soon as Richietoon reappears then we get the job done… 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Munich…..well I did say @47 😉
richietoon(Quote)
MUNICH MAG
ya cb are like bodyguards to ya keeper and i would be off colour also if i had 3 bodyguards in the mould of collo williams and taylor
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
RT@410, I know mate, I agree with you.
Don’t know what all the fuss was about to be honest 😆 😆
Munich Mag(Quote)
Toonarmyelite@411 you’re onto something there mate, but they did well collectively today…
Munich Mag(Quote)
😆 😆
richietoon(Quote)
MUNICH MAG
agree they were ok today but once in a blue moon just dint really cut it for me
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
I’ve always said I’d go back if the club changed and acted like a football club again. We will see this summer whether they’ve changed.
Stuart79(Quote)
You Yew – Sissoko giving it large to the camera in that clip too, point at the badge on his chest – wonder if it’s gonna be wearing it next season
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stuart… That’s all we all want, if they try their best and fail then fair do’s. It’s the not trying to be the best you can be that pisses everybody off.
richietoon(Quote)
@ SHARPY17 417
yeah i saw that thought he had some neck meself
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Bad luck to Hull my home for the last year. But to be honest, there are TWO Rugby league teams here and football hasn’t even been the no.1 sport traditionally. (They were in league 2 ten years ago) Good luck to ‘Boro tomorrow, hopefully they take Hull’s place for the North East and not the In-breds from Norfolk. 😛
DJG(Quote)
TAE@406, yep I’m still in shock 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Well we survive , Ashley gives an interview and it was a good one apparently and a few of the missing posters including meself came back today . **** me Miracles really do happen 😆 😯 😀
Axel(Quote)
Axel this is the interview that Kim posted earlier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-hBkZLJ_EF0
richietoon(Quote)
My man
https://twitter.com/msidouglas
kimtoon(Quote)
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CFyHVm2WMAEfR79.jpg:large
kimtoon(Quote)
The fat man wouldnt tell lies would he 😆 😆 😆 😆 😆
batty(Quote)
425 should be at 424 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
Batty…Whey no, he’s as honest as you and I 😉
richietoon(Quote)
If Lee appoints JC as head coach I’ll scream
Terry(Quote)
did any notice spiderman run straight past carver when he scored
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
tells it own story in my opion 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
I hope someone can photoshop all those dodgy adverts out of the massive amount of Jonas photos which will be doing the rounds 🙂
Munich Mag(Quote)
@430 I reckon he was so focussed on his celebration that NO-ONE was going to get in his way. In fact he ran past a bunch of players on his way to the dugout….
I reckon the subject of his ire was Ashley…though there may be no love lost between him and Carver…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Whey in honour of the best coach in the Premier League I’m gonna crack open a bottle of John “Cava” 😛 It’s been a pleasure ladies and gents, hasta luego 😎
richietoon(Quote)
FUCKING GET IN!!!!!!!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
These last few weeks have been just too much for me. I am going to go back to tending for my cattle and chickens and forget about Carvs and the Fatman for a while (wasn’t that a TV show or was that Jake and the Fatman?).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I noticed carver and willo completely ignored each other when carve was congratulating the players.
So glad we survived. 😀 Makes you wonder how Anita was so good after so long
GASHLEY(Quote)
sharpy @ 435 ❓ ❓ ❓ 😕
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Mark: as I said earlier, and others have said, Jonas completely ignored Carvs after he scored. Methinks the rumblings of discontent in the dressing room with Ugly John may have been true.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Boots – delayed reaction mate. I think I was that relieved on the final whistle I didn’t really enjoy it 😳 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wet Spam were absolutely ***** though. Rumours of them having their flip-flops on were validated. Toad of Toad Hall (Fat Sam) wasn’t that interested either so the rumours may be true about him getting sacked. P45s for all NUFC coaches and for Fat Sam and it will be a happy Monday.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
What I found interesting from Ashleys interview was his distancing himself from the appointment of the next manager – nowt like laying the gauntlet down for Charnley is there?!.
I hope Penfold has been busy over the last few months, coz I think as much as the appointment is up to him, I reckon if he goes with JC he might just find Ashley shows him the door instead
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – I thought perhaps you had heard JC had got the boot or something lol
If JC gets the gig permanently, then it will all go to rat **** by xmas. I am quite confident of that.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Sharpy: although today has been a massive relief for us all, we should not let it paper over the cracks. There was talent and fight out there but it wasn’t for Carver, it was despite Carver as seen in the celebrations. Fat Sam and his Butlins Holiday Camp crew helped as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<<<<< will be gutted here if he gives the job to carver though i believes he has the passion for the job he defo aint got the no how to do it full time in my opion and after most of his interviews im left thinking here what a dozy twonk you are mr carver,he has no idea how to handle the media,dudes never heard of no comment 😯
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
you know sometimes you can look at the miserly spending from the club and totally see where they are coming from.
Well compared to the BIG spending of some clubs.
Take Hull for example. Spent £40M this season on various players, and still get relegated.
Much the same for QPR.
Wor lot though have just gone too far the other way.
If we can get that balance right, maybe we can start moving forwards.
That, and keeping the best players for more than a season would go a long way.
I wonder if this new strip is going to be a lucky one. 😛
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Never in doubt. Only one team in it. Jonas had a great game and Anita was very good in the second half. Really good atmosphere as well.
Thoroughly enjoyed my two games. I might have to come back again next year.
brisvegas(Quote)
Lets get aaustin AND Ings in. We need 2 strikers so why not? Need more Brits in the squad. Lovely seeing bin dippers getting stuffed. I wonder if Rogers will get canned?
Come on who’s the next manager? Please not Carver (rubbish) or McLaren – who underperformed for Derby and turned us down in our hour of need. need the new boss in place asap so we can kick on – BUT no point in a new manager if he has no freedom to chose own coaches and players.
Shamrock(Quote)
The only people that think today was a validation will be Ugly John and his cone arrangers. To get to this point is a disgrace and they all need to be sacked.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< still thinks if its not given to carver for cheapness moyes should be given the job
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)