Well that was a little to close too comfort wasn’t it? Of course it’s easy to see the lighter side of it now that the dust has settled and we can look forward to Premier League football again next season.
An intriguing and anguishing day featuring rare words in the form of a seemingly scripted yet somehow surprising TV interview from the much maligned Mike Ashley has threatened to dominate things, but I’ll dissect that on another occasion.
What I want to do now, more than anything else, is to pay homage to a guy who has faced all the odds and been dealt some of the toughest deals a person will ever likely face – a guy who has turned all of that negativity, all of that uncertainty into a positive and has become a legend in his own right. Step forward Jonas Gutierrez.
Whatever your thoughts on him as a player it can’t be denied that in our hour of need he came up trumps and delivered. A man who often struggled with producing an end product on the pitch stepped up to the plate and mustered a goal and an assist in amongst the hard graft for which Jonas has become synonymous with.
This is a guy who faced his own personal battle with cancer not less than 18 months ago, and there he was giving everything on the field when a less fortunate roll of the dice may have meant he might not have even been on it at all. That in itself speaks volumes of the man.
I, for one, will be sad to see him to go. IN actual fact I’d give him another contract even if it was just for a year because he’s seldom let us down and, if we’re being honest, there are players on our books who we could lose way before him.
This isn’t just about yesterday. The challenges for Jonas have been greater than that, and I think that deep down that is why this remarkable, almost fairytale, story has touched the hearts of many. Because I’m sure that many of us have been touched in our lives by someone who has never had the opportunity to return from cancer.
This is about a good news story.
A season that started off with the tragic loss of John Alder and Liam Sweeney, tainted by the poor performances on the pitch and antics, or lack of them, in the boardroom which plummeted us towards relegation, has signed off with a heartwarming, romantic tale.
I personally wish to thank Jonas Gutierrez, and I’m sure you guys do to. Whatever happens now from here on in I can bet your bottom dollar that Jonas will find himself in friendly company on Tyneside, wether he and the club decide to continue their partnership or not.
Muchas gracias Jonas Gutierrez
Great to see you back mate,how much did he save the club??surely give him a little back with a contract for a year
icedog(Quote)
Give him a 1 YEAR deal. He can be our dressing room Shola, but more effective as a player! Nice to see you back in the seat Toonsey, hope to see you around a bit more often and hope all is well with you and yours. On the last thread premandup said he had written a piece. Could you help him get it set up for publishing? 🙂
Shamrock(Quote)
Yeah man no probs.
I need to find out what’s been going on around here 😆
toonsy(Quote)
What a way to sign off!!. I hope he doesn’t sign an extension personally coz he’ll probably never have another day like that in a black & white shirt again. He should however be given the freedom of the City & the freedom of SJP. If he heads back to Argie I’d make him a scout or ambassador for the club out there to recruit us some young Argie talent
Sharpy17(Quote)
Written in the stars.
Stuart79(Quote)
Belated congratulations to Dave. Grandchildren bring unbelievable joy.
Not all the players can leave and be replaced in one window. Keep Jonas, maybe only as a sub or back up player but at least you know what you’re gonna get from him. Sell Taylor, Obertan, Gouffran even Cabella before Jonad
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
Great to see you again Toonsy.
Know what you mean Sharpy about him never having another day like that, but do think he needs to be giving something, even if its a pay as you play deal along with a coaching role. He is the type of person we need to help the players along. Be great to have him and Harper as coaches, people who care about the club, have passion and can do all of that without sounding stupid like a fan who does have a position at the club
Simon(Quote)
Nice one Toonsy, great to have you back. 😎
Yes, Jonas needs to get the opening notes to local hero tattooed , would look good with his others 🙂
Emoticons have been subjected to gamma rays I think, they’re huge 😯
kimtoon(Quote)
So now George Caulkin things were back to square one with the coach search. Oh dear… This has the capacity to drag on and on and on, culminating in the appointment of a certain John Carver!
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart – Ancelotti has just been axed by Real Madrid 😉
toonsy(Quote)
More chance of Carlo Gambino!
Stuart79(Quote)
TOONSY aye but says he’s taking a year out of the game,so square one for some
icedog(Quote)
The worry here is it will just drag on and on. They are already under pressure and need to get the coach sorted ASAP.
Stuart79(Quote)
What happened to that French fella we were recently linked with ?
Boots(Quote)
Karanka, laudrup or Rodgers for me. all play the right way and the toon fans would love them
No to Bruce, SM
Not sure about Jonas, As much as he had a blinder, its another squad number we could do with filling with consistent quality. It would be nice he left on a high as a Toon ledgend
Gashley(Quote)
Boots, If you’re on about Garde, he’s supposed to of cooled his interest in us by all accounts.
kimtoon(Quote)
reme Garde? he’s still on vacation.
I don’t trust Charnley at all to make the right decision. 😥
Gashley(Quote)
Great article Toonsy
I just hope it’s not thankyou and goodbye.
But he has already been treated shabbily by the club, so why not again.
It makes sense to keep him 1 more year, so that probably rules it out.
He epitomizes where hard graft and determination can get you. A great example to the other lazy bastads.
HOWAY the LAD
Boots(Quote)
Aye that’s the fella.
I’m sure his interest can be re-kindled with the right ambitions and financial inducements.
The clock is ticking fatty.
Real ambition or just bullshit ❓
Boots(Quote)
Simon – I would give him the freedom of the city and I would offer him a role as an ambassador of the club mate. 6-12mths ago the lad wasn’t sure if he’d ever play football again. He wouldn’t be a starting regular for us next season so why would he take a pay as you play contract?!. I actually think he could still play regularly in America or South America and getting this second chance – I think he’d be a fool to settle as a bit part player for us, after the game he’s just had.
I also get the feeling that he & Colo would like to return to Argie to see their careers out.
The bloke would get a wage from us as an ambassador, whilst still playing regularly for San Lorenzo. I think he’d be happy with that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well young Toonsy good to have you back lad , Very good read , I for one think we should offer Jonas a 1 yr contract and thats not just because he is one of my Fav or because of the stuff he has been through, but because he has the heart of a lion I was going to say balls of steel but maybe not 😆 and he will always give you 100% and lastly I think he is fitter now than he has been over the last few yrs.
Toonsy did you get intouch with Prem ??
Oh and thanks to everyone for all the kind words about the latest Grand Daughter.
Big Dave(Quote)
Surely Klopp will go to Real Madrid?
Speaking on a realistic note for us why don’t we try for Laudrup? He’s available now after leaving Qatar, plays good football and has experience of a degree in the PL. Another realistic option would be Moyes I suppose. Why not him? Finally what about Bilic? He’s leaving Besiktas.
Them three are really realistic options. Two are available and the other I don’t think would need much persuading.
Stuart79(Quote)
Bilic will go to Wet Spam if anywhere.
kimtoon(Quote)
Great read. I for one hope he gets another 1 yr deal.
On a totally different topic, did anyone on here buy the magic weekend Widnes shirt? The one which is B&W and has Bobby Robson foundation on the front. I bought one and just got it today. (Via my parents and a friend who brought to me from UK) The quality is fantastic, so much better than the flimsy football shirts that Puma puts out. It’s a really nice shirt and although it doesn’t have Toon badge it’s very similar. Much better than the Wonga tops.
Dubai-Toon(Quote)
Stu – Zidane was in the running for the Madrid job as well wasn’t he?. If he got that, do you think Benitez would take us on?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I would like to see Jonas back for a year as well. At worst he can help the new lads settle, give the fans a true hero in the squad, and provide cover at a few positions.
MDS(Quote)
New club statement? Anyone reckon there’s truth in this?
http://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/mike-ashleys-new-look-newcastle-target-5761339
MDS(Quote)
Sharpy – I’m sure Benitez would come, providing Madrid don’t want him. But he’s a prickly character and would want control.
Problem we could have is that West Ham are making big noises about paying a top class salary and having a big transfer kitty so that’s who were in competition with.
MDS – We will know if that’s true tomorrow I reckon if other journo’s run with it. That would indicate the club have been briefing the press. As for the English players – they’re very expensive so I’m not too sure it’s a great idea. Maybe one or two if we can get them cheap but more than that would more than likely wipe out our entire budget.
More interesting was the comment about Carver leaving all together. That would be very interesting and would give us some indication of the level of ambition we have.
Stuart79(Quote)
Bilic, Galtier, and Laudrup are the realistic ones Id target
MDS(Quote)
MDS – the last couple paragraphs are sweet music to my ears.
Here’s hoping 😛
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Was almost in tears when jonas put it in, far and away our best player on Sunday, really felt like he was pulling us up away from relegation, knowing what going down would mean to the fans. If anyone deserves an extension (not just on a sympathy basis), for his effort and he showed hes still got it in his locker.
Sharpy on the last thread
Yeah I’ve been thinking theyd be a good pairing for a while, wanted us to sign Fer before we ended up signing Anita. Fer and Tiote were a great partnership for Twente, Tiote should go but would like Fer to be brought in to fill his place.
Andymag(Quote)
Totally off topic but did everybody see this headbutt by a Napoli player on Juve’s Morata?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wokol1cuJnw
Eric Sykes(Quote)
good to see you about mr TOONSY would not give him another contract meself we need to clear the decks in my opion,
ERIC SYKES 32
maybe he could give pards a few tips on how to do a proper headbutt 🙂
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
I hope fans don’t renew going off Mikes promises. I’d give it another season before being won over.
We’ve been here before! as genuine as he sounded, hes also desperate for fans to renew / stop protesting.
First step will be a decent manager, best step with be quality players & players over 25. This will show a major shift in mikes policies
Gashley(Quote)
GASHLEY
think we will all no by the time next season kicks off meself
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
@TAE
we’ve only got 19days to renew if the same date is similar to last season 14th June,
19 days of promises, big names mentioned to the papers… 😕
Gashley(Quote)
Ice & TAE…. 🙁 😆
richietoon(Quote)
TAE – We already have a lot of ‘clearing the decks’ to do. But there is also a need for continuity too.
It’s going to be a massive rebuilding job already. It wouldn’t do any harm to keep Jonas one more year imho.
I hope the mirror is right and Carver gets the boot today.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Gashley….The new coach/manager should be a big indicator of the way things are going to go…lets hope they sort it out quickly.
richietoon(Quote)
isnt it weird the Chron are saying JC will pitch his case to Charley while the mirror are reporting he’ll be sacked. 🙂
both owned by trinity mirror group. nowt like getting your act together 🙂
Gashley(Quote)
Surely he has had half a season to pitch his case already.
Found wanting in every way.
If he gets the job, there will be riots. 🙁
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Does this statement by Ashley mean he has given up on his plans for Rangers ?
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB – Carver has pitched for the job already and 3 wins out of 19 is complete failure. I just hope during the meeting Charnley tells him he won’t be being considered for the role. Hopefully we will find that out today as he’s off on his jollies tomorrow. Holy Island I here…
Stuart79(Quote)
Just thinking, this supposed announcement from the club could be about a player signed rather than management appointment.
There was talk last week that we’d already sorted a deal for Mitrovic and the lad from Barca.
Sharpy17(Quote)
see theres peeps say jimmy floyd hasslebank could be in the picture he best not be thats for sure lol
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Wishful thinking, Sharpy…
I don’t think there will be an announcement today and I think we could be in for a few weeks waiting on the coach front as the options they had on their short list seem to be vanishing before his eyes…
Stuart79(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< expects swift action over here never mind a few weeks fatboy talked the talk now i expect him to start walking the walk quick smart 🙂
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
TAE – Don’t forget that Ashley has no input into the new manager though… 🙄
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – who do they have on their shortlist like?, and who’s been appointed to vanish from said list?. I agree though, it could be afew weeks because anyone who is currently under contract will be until the beginning of June
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wouldn’t we have to wait for the transfer window to open before we could go ahead and announce any new signings ?
Anyway when is the inquest going to happen. ?
Boots(Quote)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eric_Cantona might have a few quid on him meself only cause he speaks english and french lol
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Sharpy – Well firstly McClaren has been offered it twice so I think it’s hardly likely we will ask again! Howe won’t be leaving Bournemouth. Tuchel joined Dortmund. Bruce has just got his side relegated. Galtier signed a new deal hasn’t he? Something happens with Garde in January and I think that just leaves Carver from the original shortlist.
Personally I would make a new shortlist with Moyes, Bilic and Laudrup but it’s more likely to be guys like Warbuton, Dyche and Lee Clark!
Stuart79(Quote)
moyes i got a 10 quid bet on him
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
got 33 to 1 on moyes when i figure were i put me beting slip for safe keeping lol
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Wouldn’t hold your breath on Moyes.
Stuart79(Quote)
Well it looks like Raga is a shoe in for Madrid and allegedly the bin dippers are Gona stick with Rogers, so why in all.seriousness do we not go full out to get Klopp on board?
Shamrock(Quote)
@ STUART79
wont be bud but will be trashing the gaff looking for it if he dos get it
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Rafa
Shamrock(Quote)
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink looks like he’s on the list also according to reports this morning.
Stuart79(Quote)
BEARDSLEYS BOOTS 38
i did like jonas but even at his peak he never really chiped in with as many goals as i would of expected him 2 time for a new hero to take his place,hopefull left footed free kick expert
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
jonas did play though most of that loseing streak i should also point out did nothing of note then
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
and meself i would rather see him go out on a high which every1 will rember than to sign him for another year and see him go out with peeps slaging him off cause he aint up to it,got to follow ya head not ya heart people
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Agree on Hasselbaink. Poor journalism imo. But I would like to know who everyone genuinely feels we will end up with?
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu I reckon it will be someone who has demonstrated they can work with limited resources. Like a Moyes or Laudrup.
The issue is then would those guys be alright being a head coach and on that I’m not so sure.
Which then leaves us with a shallower pool….
toonsy(Quote)
do think moyes done a good job at everton on a very tight shoestring and felt when man utd sacked him they done it to early meself and a few man utd buds were shocked when he was sacked cause i asked them at the time
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)