Manchester United never seem to give us an easy rude and I’m sure that will be the case again this evening.
However the need for Newcastle to pull off an unlikely result is massive and doing it in a game where we’re essentially expected to get nothing would be a very welcome bonus. But then we’ll have to see what happens.
At the time of writing the match preview (which you can see here) we hadn’t signed Henri Saivet and the deal was still at the medical stage. Subsequently he signed and it appears that we’re also close to completing the signing of Jonjo Shelvey from Swansea.
A welcome boost but neither will be able to assist us this evening anyway so instead we turn to the ‘older’ heads.
For the team news check out the bottom of this article. I’ll try and publish it one hour prior to kick-off but I have a poorly boy at home to sort out so may be delayed.
In terms of broadcasting we are live on BT Sport which is generally good news if you’re looking for a stream. You can normally find a link in the ‘comments’ section below.
Howay the lads!
Newcastle: Rob Elliot, Daryl Janmaat, Chancel Mbemba, Fabricio Coloccini, Paul Dummett, Jack Colback, Cheik Tiote, Moussa Sissoko, Georginio Wijnaldum, Ayoze Perez, Aleksandar Mitrovic
Subs: Karl Darlow, Jamie Sterry Jamaal Lascelles, Yoan Gouffran, Sylvain Marveaux, Siem De Jong, Ivan Toney
Man Utd: David De Gea, Ashley Young, Chris Smalling, Daley Blind, Matteo Darmian, Morgan Schneiderlin, Marouane Fellaini, Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera, Anthony Martial, Wayne Rooney
Subs: Sergio Romero, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Paddy McNair, James Weir, Juan Mata, Andreas Pereira, Memphis Depay
I remember the days when we would see leaders all throughout the team. Given in goal the likes of Barton, Watson and Howey in defence, Speedo in the middle and obviously the big man up front. When we had all those kinds of players, we could allow the likes of Robert, Ginola and Asprilla to do their things sometimes.
I think some fans underestimate the value of a club stalwart. The likes of Ameobi and Taylor may not be the greatest players (even though they got/get paid like it!) but they add a lot to the club. The likes of Barton, Watson and Howey weren’t exactly great either…
Taylor, Willo, Colback and others do seem to try their hearts out even if they’re not the greatest. Hopefully they can inspire others.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
STUART
You need to open your mind and take the blinkers off mate. I laid it on really simple for you.
I don’t give a **** stuff what is happening to his contract in this situation! It completely distorts his value! If we bought him for £7m this January, but his market value instantly became £15m, then why wouldn’t we just have paid £15m for him last summer? I’m not saying those figures are accurate or I agree with them…
It doesn’t matter what you think he’s worth. It matters what NUFC and QPR think he’s worth for a transfer value. And if we just end up spending £12m on an inferior striker rather than £15m on Austin, just because his contract was running down, then that’s moronic.
Open your mind and consider things from all angles. Remember that car example I gave you? Read it properly…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Regards your stupid car analogy, that would assume other buyers are prepared to pay full whack when they never ever do that under these circumstances.
Stuart79(Quote)
Sham@562 – Exactly, amazed if he comes for that kind of money, it oculd defo be spent better elsewhere IMO.
Sharpy – perhaps he does, and debateable whether he’d get into the Spurs first side, but the flip side is he moght look even better in a good side like them, rather than just playing alongside Arnautovic the part timer 😉
If we get a winger I want someone who is pacey and who can whip balls into the box – people keep complaining whenever I mention an old school winger, but the fact is that Mitro and Gini especially will thrive in that environment, and presumably they are going to score the goals to save us… The player also need to be able to take a tasty free kick/corner. Townsend is quick but the others, i’m not so sure…he’d defo get in the side on the left, so Gini can play centrally, I guess that would mean dropping Perez for Mitro up front with Shelvey and Colback in the middle. I think Sissoko is generally alright on the right, he just needs the motivation to play. Maybe competition would increase that though?
Newkie(Quote)
STUART un-like you to try and **** in the wind mate your better than that
icedog(Quote)
ToonDarnSarf
January 15, 2016 at 16:24
Then please give me an example of when a player with 6 months of his contract left goes for his full value? Just one example would be great…
Seriously, you’re having a laugh! You really think it’s good to pay £15m for a player who’s worth £7m because after you’ve signed him for £15m he’s worth £15m? That means you’ve wasted £7m in cash terms and only really have an asset that isn’t appreciating at all. 🙄 😯 🙂
Stuart79(Quote)
Ice – It is incredible! TDS is even arguing Black is White!
Stuart79(Quote)
Every player you buy in football is a risk but Austin has proved he can score 18 goals with a relegated team. We also have cover if he get’s injured. I think 6 million is better than nothing for him, maybe loan Riviere to help there promotion push.
Terry(Quote)
The Austin thing is not that simple. It appears obvious he is not motivated by sporting achievement , but by earning potential. If he moves now It will be QPR that get the big money. However they will see keeping him and losing him for free in the summer as an acceptable gamble, as his goals could yet see them promoted too the PL TV windfall. Austin and his agent knows that if he moves in the summer, he will get a much more sizeable signing on fee and wage packet than if he moves now.
We will know by the end of the window what makes him tick.
Shamrock(Quote)
scum have bid for Ayew from Swansea cannot see that coming off
icedog(Quote)
If I needed a car and the car I really wanted was £20k but may or may not be discounted later, I’d certainly consider it worthwhile paying the £20k to ensure I get the car I want to ensure nobody else got it.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS – can I please be your middle man for ever purchase you ever make for the rest of your life. I promise you would pay more than the going rate ….. but I’ll make a fecking killing 😉 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHAM
Very true about his earning potential. In the summer he will command a sizable signing on fee and probably a higher package for wages etc. too. And his agent will make a killing…
But is he holding on because of money? Or loyalty? Or the right club to move to? We don’t know…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
SHARPY
Haha! I’ll have you know that I’m an excellent negotiator! And I know that if I really need something then I don’t cut off my nose to spite my face on the off chance that I could get it cheaper elsewhere or another time. If I don’t really need something, then I’m much more willing to bide my time and gamble that I get it for a price that makes it a bargain.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS – ok mate, but what about a house?. What if you were shopping for a house and found the one you really liked, you get the estate agent to show you round & its ticked all your boxes – the the estate agent informs you that it’s leasehold and there would be additional fees to pay.
Who you then not put a lower offer in to counter balance the additional costs?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHARPY
I may well put in a lower offer. But if I still thought it was a good deal, then I might stump up the extra for gain in the medium to long term. I quite like Mitrovic, but if McClaren’s preference was for Austin, then we should have brought in Austin. They’d both be worth about what we paid for them by now, but I bet Austin would have scored more.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Just been reading a Frank DeBoer interview and he says Ajax were thinking about taking Siem DeJong back .Too play him as a CF but Siem told him he only wants too play midfield .So Ajax are looking elsewhere for a Cf .Shame that because its just not working out for Siem with us and we need toomove him on .
Axel(Quote)
TDS – Carver said that the summer transfer were already sorted before McClaren came in – not sure how true that is mind. It was also said that Mc wanted the Thauvin money spent on Austin, but again I’m not sure how true that one is either.
But it does appear that they have learned the errors of their ways and are getting in the players that Mc wants.
Axel – if he wants to play midfield and we’ve just signed Saivet & Shelvey, that might well make his chances more difficult. But SDJ is a gifted player and I wouldn’t want to get rid just yet. Same with Aarons who has suffered with injuries. I’d like to see if they can have an impact when fit.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Axel – if De Boer is so keen to hook back up with De Jong though, then maybe he might fancy the toon job 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
So Sky now reporting we’re in talks with Spurs over Townsend…
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – there was talk yesterday that we have already devised a fitness plan for Townsend – talk about putting the cash cart before the horse!!.
But I shall keep my fingers crossed. I was well pleased with Gini in the summer, but Shelvey & Townsend in would make Sharpy a happy boy.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Still need a striker, Sharpy… If it was between Townsend and a striker is take the striker but of course we want both!
Stuart79(Quote)
SHARPY DeBoer did say in an interview a couple of weeks ago that a job in the EPL would interest him ,got a feeling he did not mean us though . Chelsea me thinks . Als for SDJ i just have a feeling McClaren does not think hè is up too the job , i would of liked him too have got an extended run .As for Aarons its only a matter of time till he is one of the first names on the team sheet . That lad come good once his strength is built up.
Axel(Quote)
I want Siem de Jong to leave this club.
Not because he hasn’t done anything or I think he isn’t good enough or anything – I want him gone for his health.
This may be one of the most jinxed transfers I can ever remember for any club. This guy is allergic to being here. His injuries have been frequent and increasingly more serious and dangerous.
Seriously, just let him go so we can get some money back and he doesn’t have to worry about dying here.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Not convinced at all that Townsend is going to be a good signing if it happens. Hope i’m wrong.
paul(Quote)
reading Spurs fan base quite a lot of fans dont like him because he is very lazy,but not all fans like all players so will wait and see,would still prefer a striker and c/b,Kone is cheap at 5 mil
icedog(Quote)
I wouldn’t judge a transfer based on other fan comments.
I’ve read that Townsend is lazy, has incredible work rate, scores goals, never scores, makes lots of goals and never assists today alone.
The fact is no one watches enough of other players outside their own club to make a real comment in a scouting sense. Outside of freaks like Messi and Ronaldo who are almost televised weekly, most never see these other players outside MOTD clip highlights.
funkyjesus(Quote)
That and Tottenham fans are hardly going to big up a guy who is actively trying to leave their club. He was all the rave a while ago now he is terrible.
If he arrives, I’ll back him, if not, whatever. He isn’t my first choice but I don’t even know who my first choice would be outside of Messi anyway.
**** Graham Carr.
funkyjesus(Quote)
http://sportwitness.ning.com/forum/topics/player-contacts-club-boss-directly-to-ask-for-newcastle-transfer
kimtoon(Quote)
Tom Rogic at Celtic.
Young, has Australian demographic for Ashley to make money and very talented and getting better literally every game. Masterclass from him tonight.
Considering I was the one who called Forster, Wanyama and Van Dijk doing well in England, you should all pay attention. I do see Celtic weekly and, as my birth team, I know all about the players there.
Sign him up, Carr. If your fetish for young players can leave France, that is.
funkyjesus(Quote)
FUNKY JESUS the lads injury problems started when he was still at Ajax , he had a collapsed lung there as well and the season before we bought him he missed a lot of games through various injurys. You would think our scout would look into these things before we buy. Then again you would think a scout could see If a player is phyisicaly up too the premiership before buying just like Anita , Cabella or Thauvin 🙄
Axel(Quote)
Axel,
Yeah, we aren’t the only reason his injuries happen but I do remember he actually played at Ajax. Since he arrived here, he has probably played 100 minutes in over one and a half seasons. It is ludicrous.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Stu – it depends on which striker it is I suppose. If we can get Townsend in this week then it leaves plenty time to get that CF.
Axel – I’m not sure DeBoer is a big enough name for Chelsea personally. I’m not sure any of the top 4 would see that he’s done enough yet to warrant a crack. I’d take him in a heartbeat at the toon though – him or Rafa.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy,
Chelsea are stuck in a time warp at the moment. Looking to bring Drogba back again and were linked with De Matteo, Villas Boas and Ancelotti after Mourinho left.
It is like Abramovich will cycle through the same 6 or 7 people in a repeat like he is watching the same DVD again and again. The stupidity is they keep going back but I guess I would too if I got another £12m pay off.
Football – one of the few things in the world where failure = big money and doing your job = less.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Funky – I think he needs someone to try and take the club on a long term journey and try to sort out all of these players they have on their books and loaned out all over Europe. I always thought it would be Terry to be honest but it would seem that Roman fancies Drogba.
The club seems to be in a bit of a mess so needs someone who knows it to tidy it up a bit I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy,
The man was Mourinho. It was fairly obvious but for some reason, Roman has backed player power over a manager who has won everything numerous times. Legitimately have no clue why you’d pick Hazard and Costa over Mourinho.
Not as if they’ve been great this season or since Mourinho left either. It was a joke that I’d expect from Newcastle.
funkyjesus(Quote)
FJ @ 630: Re Rogic. He’s been The Next Harry Kewell for about 4 years now. Still inconsistent for the Socceroos, but capable of flashes of brilliance. Scores some stunning goals.
Brisvegas(Quote)
If you came across Simple Simon while going to the fair, and he offered you some magic beans before their contract was up, would you buy them at the going rate or wait for the stock market futures to reveal a weakness?
Only Stuart would make the right decision – absolutely!
Brisvegas(Quote)
I’ve forgotten how much fun (as in stupid) people’s comments can be. I should come to this site more often.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Funky – I don’t think it was mate. I think Jose will bring clubs success if he’s give money to spend and top players to work with. But his ego is too big and he needs success to massage his ego.
What Chelsea need is a Wenger type manager who puts the needs of the club above his own.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hey, just noticed that Beardsleys Boots tried to usurp my fantasy football role early on.
Nice to see that somebody is interested enough to mention it.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Bris – what do you make of this weeks going ons? – Saviet, Shelvey and this Townsed link?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: They both appear on face value to be decent signings – hopefully they can add some backbone to the defence. I’d take Townsend as well. Hell, I’d take anybody at the moment, in the hope that they’d make a difference.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Maybe more exo-skeleton than backbone.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Great experience today. I was driving along the A1 near Kingston Park when I noticed the international space station in the clear skies above. !!
I pulled over at the lay by and watched Tim Peake doing the space walk! The first British person to do so.
The highlight was when I waved to him and he waved back!
Great times! Great memories! Something to tell my grand kids. !
Respect to him for that cos he could have just pretended he didn’t see me and carried on fixing the space station.
Top bloke Peakey
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy – I think you’ve been watching a John Lewis Christmas advert mate 😕 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bris – I kinda know what we’ll be getting from Shelvey and Townsend if he comes & that excites me coz I think they are good players. But this Saviet signing intrigues me a little bit. What I knew of him, he was an attacking wide man – but it would appear that’s not his game now and he and McClaren have had an in depth conversation about his role in the team.
That was pleasing to hear coz it suggests that we are getting the players Mc wants in his team. I don’t know much about Saviet in this new role so it could be a real find, or another bad buy from the French league – hopefully he works out.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ah, but, Sharpy, you never know what you’ll be getting. It’s easier to predict a roulette wheel.
Brisvegas(Quote)
apologies Bris – didn’t mean to tread on your toes mate. 😉
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
BB: No problems, mate. It was good to see somebody interested enough to post something. I don’t get here too often these days – actually, usually only to post a fantasy update – so was glad to see it.
Feel free to comment and post as you see fit.
Brisvegas(Quote)
I hope Shelvey doesn’t burst into tears every time somebody criticises him.
Brisvegas(Quote)
I’m looking forward to a long day of football today – 3 live A-league games and then 2 live PL games. Better stock up on pizza and beer. Oh boy, man oh man. Might save up my farts for later and get a dedicated ball scratching device as well.
Brisvegas(Quote)
I’m a bit up-beat today despite the Roar’s 0-4 debacle last night – my Sunderland supporting neighbour is moving house (now I can take mine off the market 😆 ). I’d offer him a helping hand, but that would mean talking to him. I’ll just wave from the front door as he leaves and then dance a jig before settling into the football.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Well i have been reading that Man City are looping too offload Wilfried Bony now there’s a strikter i would love too see in black and white , he is fast strong and scores goals . I think he would link up Well with Mitrovich
AXEL(Quote)
🙄 and he is always injured too, so should fit right in here.
No thanks
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
£4m for Austin suggests we now have someone else in mind or he doesnt want to come as we certainly would have paid more than that.
Strange that West ham or Palace havent looked at him for that price
CC(Quote)
CC – I’ve just Wiki’ed Austin and hes from a place called Hungerford, which is just North of Southampton – so maybe Austin has personal reasons for wanting to stay down that way too. I’m not saying it will be the only reason but likely a factor.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Would be chuffed if we went in for Bony… Bit surprised we didn’t go for Austin… £4m to Southampton is on Sky sports now… 😯
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Bris,
Rogic is only 23, same age as Shelvey. His performance last night was magic for Celtic.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Yup, pretty surprised Austin has gone for just £4m. But he probably had his pick of about half a dozen teams for that price.
SHARPY
That wouldn’t surprise me at all mate. It’s not as if any clubs in Europe would be offering him regular first team football, so why not go back near to his home?
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
I’d be happy with Wilfred Bony!
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Can’t see us going for Bony. Too similar to Mitrovic. I do wonder if we will sign a striker or rely on what we have and see if Arma has what it takes when he comes back in summer. Mitrovic and Arma would be a very good combination I think.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Wow! £4m for Austin to Southampton! That’s a hell of a deal! Although they should have paid £15m for him as per TDS!
Surely that means we have someone better and better value lined up or have we just completely missed the boat?
Stuart79(Quote)
4 million for Austin, good deal. Southampton must been his preferred choice
Terry(Quote)
Makes a complete and utter mockery of QPR’s decision to price him at £15m and refuse offers of £12m in the summer considering he had 1 year left on his contract…
Stuart79(Quote)
QPR accepting £4m for Austin confirms they did not expect to get into the play offs.
I wonder how much that deal really cost Southampton. Austin will have asked for a signing on fee equal to that he would have got in the Summer as a free agent.
sidekick(Quote)
SIDEKICK
You’re right, it will have cost more.
It’s good for Austin too though as it gives him a chance of making the England squad this summer.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
If I was a striker from near Southampton, I know I’d rather join them in mid table than battle against relegation…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Bony too similat to Mitro 😯 😆
apart from ones a beast that’ll score goals and has experience…
some people said Cisse and Ba or Ferdy and Shearer were similar..it still worked
gashley(Quote)
Austin would of received at least 2.5 – 3 mil signing on fee..
cant believe we missed this deal 😳
we’re either confident of another player or Austin had his heart set on the Saints
gashley(Quote)
Today’s game is going to be a tough one. They have a excellent record away from home this season. Liverpool, City, Man Utd, Arsenal and Chelsea all unbeaten I believe.
Stuart79(Quote)
I never thought Cisse and Ba are similar. We don’t have the wingers for a combo like Ferdy and Shearer now either.
Really can’t see Bony coming.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
£4M, Cheap as chips that like, even if he gets injured it’s not a huge loss. Well done Saints.
kimtoon(Quote)
Troy do you think we might get Saurez in ? Or even Messi ? I certainly like your confidence 😀
Terry(Quote)
Sunderland winning 1-0
Stuart79(Quote)