I have taken out the the usual established Top 5 as well as those that were relegated or promoted, focusing on where we expect to finish – somewhere from 6th (on a good season) down to roughly 15th. It will not be a surprise to learn that Newcastle conceded at least 10 more goals last term than the likes of Aston Villa, Sunderland, West Brom, West Ham and several other mid table sides. The reason for this appears to be a deep rooted problem that links into a significant issue for us at the other end of the pitch – scoring. Outside of the 3 relegated sides, we only outscored Villa, Sunderland and West Brom.
Outside of the To 10, there are obvious failings from certain teams that explains why they finished where they did. West Ham’s Sam Allardyce you will remember, was given a mandate of having his side be more exciting. To be fair the Hammers created (367) chances at goal, more than anybody else in this group other than Spurs (407) and Southampton (382), however they struggled to keep the ball (47% average possession), whilst Villa did not create enough chances (288), explaining their poor return of 30 league goals. Crystal Palace on the other hand could only keep the ball for 45% of the time – but managed a respectable 10th place finish thanks largely to a staggering 24 goals scored from set pieces as opposed to Newcastle’s lowly 8. Palace also worked as a team to help keep the number of conceded goals down – by undertaking 56 defensive actions per game – which is the 3rd highest outside the Top 5.
I am one of many who highlighted our lack of cutting edge when it came to set pieces – and 8 goals all season is amongst the lowest in the league – but it does not paint the whole picture. Southampton for example also only managed 8, however they excelled in keeping the ball, creating chances, scoring from free play and keeping clean sheets.
If we are honest with ourselves, then we are not content sitting in the bottom haf. So lets compare notes with Spurs, Southampton, Stoke, Swansea, Palace and Everton – who were all there or thereabouts in the Top 10… The Magpies scored less than all of those teams and conceded significantly more. Almost all of those teams managed to have a speciality over their competitors; Everton (11th in the table) had the highest shot accuracy out of the group and the joint-highest passing accuracy (83%). Southampton conceded less than everybody else (30 goals less than us), Spurs created more chances (407), scored more goals (58), won more average duels for the ball (50%) and kept possession (54%) more than anybody else. Swansea were joint-top dogs at average passing accuracy (83%) and Palace knew how to score from set pieces. Stoke were impressively consistent amongst several fields, finishing in the Top 3 of this group in chances created, average duels won and goals conceded.
So we must have something we are good at, right? Erm no, not really. Granted we did not finish in the Top 10 or 11, so we are not going to compare favorably against these sides – but surely we pushed the Top 3 or 4 in some fields at least? Nope…We were poor in every field so no need to list them. I know you want a positive – so I’ll give you one. I heard many people criticise the team for playing hoof ball. However, our average length of pass was 19 meters, which is bang on average. In fact it’s slightly above average with no other team having a shorter average passing length – the biggest being 21 meters and the guilty team being Aston Villa.
In my opinion our problem comes from possession – and what we do with the ball. Its obvious to say as much but bear with me! Every team in the Top 10 had possession over 50% per game. Spurs finished 5th. Southampton 7th and they had better possession than anybody outside the usual Top 5 with 54% and 52% respectively. We managed 49% – it does not seem like a lot of difference but we are talking about fine margins at the very top of the professional game – so small margins make big differences. Once we manage to retain the ball, we need to get into key areas and start producing opportunities. We only created 332 chances last season. Again Spurs and Southampton lead the field with 407 and 382 respectively. When we create those chances, we need to execute them better. We only managed a 43% shooting accuracy which is worse than all of the other 6 sides listed above except Stoke. I suspect this is because we lacked the cutting edge in our passing game to get close enough to goal. Too often when in possession last term, we passed sideways or backwards – partly because we had no real width in our game and no real catalyst in the middle to burst forward and open up space. Sissoko is the best we currently have in that regard, but too often he did not seem to really bust a gut or show enough desire and interest. This is why I hope the Wijnaldum rumor is true – he is exactly what we need.
In terms of goals conceded, it is no coincidence that Spurs top the bill again with 50% of their duels won. We only managed 47%. This means we lack bite in midfield as well as at the back. We have Anita, Colback, Sissoko etc on the books but do any of them have a specific position that they excel at? Tiote has been a big miss and if we had his influence in front of the back 4 then I believe we would have conceded far less. If he is leaving, we need to employ someone like Colback to just sit there putting the tackles in and keeping his passing game simple so that we have a foundation to work off and build up momentum. Again, take out the relegated sides and the Top 5 and Newcastle as a unit had the lowest defensive actions per game (48) than almost everybody else. Most of the Top 10 had somewhere in the mid to high 50’s – so what’s going on there?
Not only were we not attacking with any kind of purpose, we were also not chasing back or getting into defensive positions when we should have been. Is the whole squad lazy? I doubt it. I reckon it’s a case of poor coaching and players not knowing what the hell to do due to a bad system in place. A new coaching team with experience of football on the Continent combined with experience of winning things here at home should see a big improvement from our current squad. Step forwards Steve McClaren and his team. Add a couple of well planned additions to the playing staff (Matip, Austin/Mitrovic, Wijnaldum anyone?) and we should achieve a few small percentage increases in the above fields, which in turn will yield big results come the end of the season.
Ice – It does seem that Austin isn’t overly ****. The good thing is that we don’t seem to be flogging a dead horse this window and are pushing through the Mitrovic deal instead.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Reading between the lines we’ve only offered £11m for GW. PSV want £15m.. Is Charnley up to this kind of game?
georgio(Quote)
How are we looking English or homegrown player wise at the minute?. Just thinking it’s entirely possible we could get Wijnaldum, Mitrovic and Matip – but where will that leave us numbers wise for homesters
Sharpy17(Quote)
It makes you wonder at times what the hell goes on inside some football clubs with players the case of Santon,Milan pushed and pushed to sign him a few months there has been no change at Milan management wise so why are they now trying to get rid of him to anybody they can Watford are the latest club they are trying to push him too
icedog(Quote)
Looks like we might be playing a high pressing game next season. Cathro is drilling the attackers on pressing high according to the people at the training ground.
Stuart79(Quote)
Nice info Stuart. That’s what we want, some urgency and intent for a change. I’d not be suprised if a few of our non performers suddenly look like ‘new’ players. Sharply we have 11 or 12 home grown from a squad of 27 – so there are a few names to ship out and I reckon 3 or 4 of those will be home grown such as Bigi, Ferguson, Willo and Good or Vuckic. Either way we should be ok with maybe 1 or 2 max home grown signings.
Shamrock(Quote)
Lee’s suffering from jet lag and will be unable to complete the deals this week. You heard it here first.
Terry(Quote)
Stu – I like the sound of that mate!!. And if Cathro can keep Cabella on his feet, then what a coach he would turn out to be!!.
Sham – I thought there were a few of the young uns coming of again for the squad. I think there’s still a chance we could get Sam Byram, Lewis Dunk or James Chester – maybe Jesse Lingard or Patrick Bamford on loan to add to that English contingent.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Interesting fans forum minutes. McClaren comes out of it well.
Stuart79(Quote)
We have needed a clean out of the coaching staff for a long time,even the players needed a shake up,,ime sure I read somewhere that training was going to be increased and players brought back in on the afternoon hope that’s the case,this 10am till 12.30 is a joke imo
icedog(Quote)
McClaren said “I’m very chilled about transfers as I know what’s going on behind the scenes. If I was a fan and knew what I know I’d be very excited. I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think we’d be improving.”
Stuart79(Quote)
Apparently McClarens been a big draw for a number of players world wide were talking to… They’re easily pleased!
Stuart79(Quote)
Club also stated its now in a position to buy players for a higher transfer fee than in the past.
Stuart79(Quote)
Somebody just sign Austin for God’s sake, just to get him off our list of targets.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu – if that’s true about McClaren being the draw then that’s really interesting I think. A lot of fans see him as the wholly with the brolly, or the bloke that failed to promote Derby. But a lot of footballers who worked with him spoke very highly of his coaching ability – and if he is attracting players now as well, the bloke clearly must have something about him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Oh and just to confirm what I told everybody on Tuesday – the training ground has been postponed.
Stuart79(Quote)
OK – I have made the mistake of reading the Chronicle board and there are fans saying we should get rid of Sissoko, Tiote, Cisse to make room for new additions. Why? These are some of our better players, and why can’t we keep them and get players to give them competition or compliment them. Next year we will have 40 million extra in revenue so we can afford to keep this lot and add Wij, Mitrovic and Matep, plus a couple more.
Get rid of the marginal players like Bigi, Fergi and Williamson. If they can’t be the best player in the Scottish 2nd division then they have no place at NUFC. Keep the decent players, Cisse may not have any sell on value but he can be a fantastic sub when we need something different.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I agree with that, Eric. I really hope we don’t just replace the players that leave as we had a inadequate squad last season.
Stuart79(Quote)
Have we signed anyone yet?
Newkie(Quote)
On Sissoko, why get rid? He hasn’t played well enough to warrant a move to the English top 6. He has shown he can break quickly and with better players might actually be able to deliver a final pass. He has done OK on the wing as well so if we get another central midfielder then put Sissoko there. It will serve the purpose of keeping Obertan off the field as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This is not rocket surgery people. If the TV Gods give you a gift of an extra 40 mil a year you can afford to get better players in and keep the good ones you have (we have been given money the Dutch and French teams can only dream of). The financial landscape has changed meaning the likes of Crystal Palace can now compete but we have to make a move this window because prices will only increase. Of course, we can add in future windows but this one is critical.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I agree, unless we get a bloody good offer and we intend to replace them. But I don’t really see anyone offering big for any of those players based on the past 2 seasons. Sissoko has been excellent in very short spells & Cisse has scored goals but neither have warranted big money moves. Keep them and they along with the newbies can get us back up the league. Sissoko gets regular football which helps his chances with France.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t really see why we should even consider sell on value now. The value of staying in the league is so much more than selling Cabaye for 20 mil. Everything has changed with this new TV deal.
Of course, if you get a stupid offer like 50 mil for Sterling you would take it. But that cannot be part of the business/football plan any longer. I hope Fatty has realised this.
The numbers are getting silly now. Do you know that the price of every televised PL game is now 11 million and the prize money for WINNING the FA Cup is only 3.5 million. The economics of football are dictating that we stay in the PL and I only hope that Charnley is up to the task.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Rocket surgery! That’s a new one… 😯
Stuart79(Quote)
Oh, and don’t get me wrong about McClaren. Even though I called him a failed Derby manager, I am much happier that he is here than Carver or Pardew. He has proved that given the right players he can succeed. Even the Wally with a Brolly stuff is unfair. If you look at his choices for the European qualifiers that year it was probably the worst set of players in a generation – totally overrated “Golden Generation” without a striker after Shearer retired. And no manager ever figured out how to play Stevie Me and Lampard together.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is not new, it is used very often as a combination of how we refer to smart people. Maybe it is a US thing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
no sign of a signing yet then ❓
kimtoon(Quote)
This is a very funny story. I think he may have snuck into Charney’s office and did the same thing:
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/world-news/man-fined-for-sedating-girlfriend-so-he-could-keep-playing-video-games-31364186.html?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – if we were offered £10m for Cisse or Tiote I’d take it mate. I would want more for Sissoko though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stu – just for you mate 😉
http://mobile.newsnow.co.uk/A/782015325?-11058:809
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy – I told everyone in here on Tuesday that it had been postponed. Lionel didn’t believe me, but my info was correct.
Stuart79(Quote)
@Eric 621 @Stu 624 Bloody Funny.
Are you sure, Eric? They are funny bunch those yanks! What exactly is rocket survey, Eric?
Lionel Speed(Quote)
It gets worse… rocket surgery.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Here is one for you, Stu, from Ed’s of the Forum minutes:
And when asked in the Fans Forum meeting on Monday night about the status of the training grounds this is how the club responded:
The club outlined that planning has been approved, tenders had been out and prices had been supplied. In order to proceed, contracts needed to be signed well in advance but because of the position the club found itself in towards the end of the season, the decision was taken not to commit at that time.
Along with the head coach, the club is now identifying the best time to start work and is mindful of disruptions mid-season.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
A combination of Rocket Science and Brain Surgery.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
There is every chance that Sissoko has pushed for a move, so it may not be a case of wanting to sell him and more of ‘we will need to’ replace him
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Stu – sorry mate was at graft all day Tues and didn’t get on here. But that’s backs you up anyway.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I believed you, Stu, i was just interested and was looking for more info.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Our man Mclaren is particularly positive about our transfer ‘potential’:
“My first job at the training ground is to create that culture of professionalism. That has to be the first success, then we’re building on that with recruitment – which is being worked on day and night relentlessly. Despite what you may read or hear, that’s what has been happening.¨
“Through the years, I’ve learned through experience that things will happen. That’s football. They don’t always happen when you want them to happen but if you hold your nerve, they happen how you want them to happen.¨
“I’m very chilled about it because I know what’s going on behind the scenes. Eventually, we’ll get there. I wouldn’t have come here if that hadn’t been the case. I know what we can do and what we intend to do. ¨
Lionel Speed(Quote)
One of the things that McClaren seems to be addressing is communication. I can totally understand that Wendy Taylor would restrict access to idiots like Pards and Carvs but McClaren seems quite articulate. And from the Fan Forum, McClaren said he had talked to the Dr.s at NUFC to try to get an idea of what the F they are doing as we had the most injured players/injury days of any PL team past year.
Here’s an example of what should not happen any more. Seim de Jong gets an injury in the 2nd game of the season and the club say he “has a thigh”. A week later he is seen on crutches. 5 weeks after that, Seim tweets that the surgery in London went will. We had heard no a dicky bird from the club in the meantime. And don’t mention Jonas’ *******. Communication and medical treatment need addressing.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Jonas’ *******… 🙂
Anyway, McClaren comes across well and I am happy that he’s already picked up on the problems the club have had recently with the fans. But as he said, it’s only words and if the club don’t back him up he’s going to be seen as just another Pardew puppet and we will be back to square one.
Stuart79(Quote)
Given all the rantings and ravings on here, it is quite funny to read McClaren say: “I am very chilled about [recruitment].”
Lionel Speed(Quote)
I am told that there’s every chance two new players will be signed before the U.S. trip.
Stuart79(Quote)
That is not a criticism of the rantings and ravings, by the way.
Stu, what’s your view on the training ground, now? That statement was made in front of McClaren and referenced his role in settling when work will start.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
AMF @636: I could be pushing to be President of Burundi but the fact that I can’t speak Kirundi or Swahili might hold me back. Similarly, the fact Sissoko has shown very little end product might stop a move to Arsenal. Liverpool could still be interested at 30 mil though 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu, I hope that is as accurate as your training ground delay info.
Lionel Speed(Quote)
Stuart – where are you getting the info mate? I’m starting to lose patience on everything at NUFC at the moment. 2 new players – fine. Just do it!
georgio(Quote)
Aussie – I don’t have a view on it. I just knew it wasn’t happening as planned.
Georgio – I can’t really tell you that, but they were spot on about the training ground and he’s been told the club are really, really confident about a couple of players very soon.
Stuart79(Quote)
I mean, if they would just be open and let us know what is going on. Not act like the KGB, CIA and NSA. It is Soccer FFS (a partial acronym for Association Football), not rocket science or brain surgery. I am attempting to beat Troysta’s record of the most acronyms in one post. YCMIU.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: will the new players be on the US trip? I am going to the Milwaukee game.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Dunno, Eric.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu, I don’t believe for one second you don’t have a view on it. You have been ranting for days and making digs about it not being built. Anyway, I am just glad you are going to be renewing your season ticket. It is going to all come together. McClaren has chilled me right out again.
LionelSpeed(Quote)
Now Stevie is saying to Radio Ncl that were close on 1 or 2 signings
Stuart79(Quote)
Big Dave, Email for you 🙂
kimtoon(Quote)
Steady on, Lionel. I’m not rushing to the box office just yet.
Stuart79(Quote)
@Stu. 😆 I said a couple of weeks ago that you won’t want to miss out on this new start, our new attacking, pressing game. You’ll be there and I wish I was going to be there, too. I know we need a it more evidence, but I thought it before and I think it again now, this is going to be a new start. And I really think McClaren has really found his club.
LionelSpeed(Quote)
Eric@ 650
I cannot see us playing any new signings on the US trip.
You will likely see a few of our second string players and you will probably be one of the first to see Darlow and Lascelles. So you can tell us if they are any good.
sidekick(Quote)
Now I know why your last name is Speed, Lionel. You’re on it!
Stuart79(Quote)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/11729370/Newcastle-United-news-Club-to-start-summer-business-with-28m-double-signing.html
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – if we can get Matip I reckon that’s going to be around £10m as well so we’d have around £20m left to address the rest of the squads needs – do you reckon that’s enough mate of do you see someone being sold?
Sharpy17(Quote)
SM said one or two deals were close we would also looking at three or four more players
icedog(Quote)
I think we need a another centre half, another striker and a winger. But I also think we will sell Sissoko and Cisse. Who will then need replacing.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stuart you had to give me hope 659.
Terry(Quote)
That’s in addition to GW, Mitrovic and Matip if we got them.
Stuart79(Quote)
Have a look on eds site there’s a canny vid on the toon
icedog(Quote)
Stu – yeah I’d probably agree with that, but the additional I think the lack of RB cover really needs addressing too coz if Janmaat is out for any great length of time, I don’t know who slots in there from our current squad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
That ain’t no normal Telegraph article, if it was I would be excited, that is Luke Edwards , and he writes utter bollocks. He probably got the info. from Ed’s blog.
LionelSpeed(Quote)
Lionel, he has been ultra critical of the club so writing something positive like that isn’t his way. There’s truth in it.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu, Edwards said if we get Wijjy and Austin he’d be filmed giving us a round of applause 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
Koeman tells Wig not to join the toon,wants to keep his nose out
icedog(Quote)
Kim – fortunately for Edwards it looks like it will be Wij & Mitrovic then so so he can keep his grubby little hands in his pockets
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – that to me confirms we are after a good player there then.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY it also shows how much stick he will get seeing their first game is at SJP
icedog(Quote)
Ice – my dislike of Koeman goes back as far as 1993 mate. Pulling David Platt down & stopping a goal scoring opportunity only to get a yellow card – then goes on to score the freekick and stopped us going to the World Cup. Then manager of that same Holland side – **** Advocaat. That ***** house is just down the road as well. Oh how I’d love to put 22yrs of dislike behind me this season with wins against Saints & defo the scum!! 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Can’t believe we haven’t shipped Cisse out the door by now. Pray to God I don’t have to sit and suffer watching him play again next season
Toby le Rhone(Quote)