Team News:
Newcastle United:
It’s fair to say that the fans have been calling out for quality defensive reinforcements for several transfer windows now and yet again the club failed to address the area in January. As a result, we were one injury away from crisis and hey presto! Chancel Mbemba has now been ruled out for several weeks with an ankle injury. His replacement Jamaal Lascelles got himself sent off so misses out today leaving only Captain Fabricio Coloccini and an injury prone hot and cold running Steven Taylor available, who will be lacking match sharpness. At left back Paul Dummett has aggravated his hamstring and sits out for a while whilst Massaido Heidara remains absent until mid March with a knee complaint. Kevin Mbabu returns to the squad carrying a knock and may have to fill in again. Jack Colback (hamstring) is out until next week at the earliest whilst Vurnon Anita and Gabriel Obertan are carrying the same injury. Siem De Jong (eye) may or may not return to the squad today. Tim Krul and Curtis Good are out for the season. Seydou Doumbia is not fit enough to start according to McClaren, but Cheick Tiote returns to the squad following his collapsed move to China. Youngsters Callum Williams, Liam Gibson and Dan Barlaser have all been training with the first team this week.
West Bromwich Albion:
Jonny Evans and James Morrison (both hamstring) are out for 3 and 5 weeks respectively. Callum McManaman has been ruled out by an ankle injury until the beginning of March whilst Chris Brunt (calf strain) is expected back next week. Otherwise it’s a clean bill of health for the Baggies even though Tony Pullis has hinted that Newcastle transfer target Saido Berahino is unlikely to start as he gathers match fitness. Expect him to come off the bench and put us to the sword then….
Shamrock’s stats and facts:
1) The first ever game between these sides took place in 1898, finishing 3-0 to to the Magpies.
2) West Brom have failed to win on the road in the last 6 attempts.
3) Newcastle have won 6 of their 9 home Premier League games in this fixture.
4) Victor Anichebe has scored more times against the Toon than any other PL side (5).
5) West Bromwich Albion have scored 39% of their goals from headers this season, a PL high.
6) Newcastle have filed to keep a clean sheet for 9 games.
Referee:
Officiating today is 44-year-old Lee Mason from Bolton. Of the 19 Toon games he has officiated since 2010, Newcastle have won only 6. He has taken only one Magpies fixture against the Baggies, which took place at the Hawthorns and finished 1-0 to West Brom. Lee Mason caused controversy when he failed to award Newcastle a stone-wall penalty when we were 1 goal down against Liverpool in April 2015. Lovren hacked down Perez and Liverpool went on to win 2-0. Overall though, he is a steady and experienced referee that generally gets the big calls right. He’s just not a lucky omen for us!
Kick off at 15:00, St. James’ Park.
Lineups:
Toon: 21 Elliot, 22 Janmaat, 27 Taylor, 2 Coloccini, 16 Aarons, 12 Shelvey, 24 Tioté, 7 Sissoko, 5 Wijnaldum, 25 Townsend, 45 Mitrovic. Substitutes: 17 Pérez, 23 Saivet, 26 Darlow, 28 Doumbia, 35 Gibson, 40 Williams, 47 Barlaser.
Baggies: 1 Foster, 25 Dawson, 23 McAuley, 3 Olsson, 4 Chester, 5 Yacob, 30 Sandro, 8 Gardner, 24 Fletcher, 14 McClean, 10 Anichebe. Substitutes: 13 Myhill, 15 Pocognoli, 17 Lambert, 18 Berahino, 20 Pritchard, 29 Sessegnon, 33 Rondón.
HWTL
One more thing and then I will shut up as everyone breathes a huge sigh of relief. What Ryder is saying/intimating/suggesting is that he and the Chron have been behind Steve and the team whilst the doubting Thomases/naysayers have not. That is pure unadulterated **** and is in writing from him and his colleagues. And he always writes this sort of stuff in a smug, told-you-so-way when he didn’t. It is easy to be wise after the fact Lee.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Vegas, do you know where Newkie is? He has gone into hiding since my lads gave him a colonial style flogging 😆 The reason I am asking you is that you have the same teams so you must stay in touch 😛
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Wow, Carver can breath a sigh of relief now that Eric has set his sights on Ryder! 😯
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Taylor is just too injury prone to renew his contract. He will play well and then get injured. What’s the point in that?
Problem is that in the summer, providing we stay up we will need another half dozen players to make us competitive. Centre Back, Left Back, Right Back (Janmaat will be sold I think), Right wing (Sissoko will be sold), and striker.
Stuart79(Quote)
Oz @ 377. I think he may have access to my fantasy account; he’s been shadowing my every move since the start of the season.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Ryder must get all his ideas about Newcastle fans from coming on this blog.
Brisvegas(Quote)
AMF: That is not my first Ryder rant. Someone has even gone so far as to set up a website to quote his f-ups, condescensions, over-simplifications and half truths. You didn’t say if you disagree though.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The reason I put Taylor in my squad is a) I don’t see the board getting rid. Think they’ll offer him a short term contract because of his experience and influence in the dressing room… And b) they will be letting go of 10 plus players already. They need to draw the line somewhere or it will take too long to get the new squad to gel. Got no issues if he goes, but highly doubt he will.
Shamrock(Quote)
Vegas, watch out, he might even move back to Oz to be closer to you 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Why do we have to bring that ******** Ryder time on this blog talk about jobs for the boys must be the only way he’s got that job,the guy that used to write for the locals that now writes for the People newspaper (Oliver) lives in our village I often chat to him,I didn’t rate him like but you can listen to his voice,it’s sickening to here Ryder talking,when I mention Ryder to him he just smirks and walks away.
Ime blaming ERIC for bringing this ******** on here
Icedog(Quote)
Eric, not sure what you are talking about, I don’t read the garbage that Ryder and co print.. so…. your rants have gone unread by me.. If they mentioned Ryder in the first sentence, I skipped them..
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
I’m with Ice. If I wanted to read the chrons **** then I would do so via newsnow. If I just want to read comments on **** in the papers then I can always go to Eds. This blog is a discussion, occasionally about football, but often just a fun friends slanging match.
Premandup(Quote)
BRISVEGAS
I’m quoting a rule because that’s the rule that the ref referred to to make his decision.
Tiote’s show swerved, seemingly around our players and if you see his reaction, he looks like he doesn’t see it until really late. It’s not about whether he couldn’t see Tiote at all, it’s about whether the 2 offside players were “clearly obstructing the opponent’s line of vision”. Just reverse the situation…I’d be furious if that was given against us!
So it’s not to say the goalkeeper was unsighted, just that his view was obstructed. It’s not the case that the ref has to be sure the goalie couldn’t see the ball at all, just that his vision was hampered by two players in an offside position.
Totally agree that the rule is inconsistently applied. I posted Tiote’s similarly disallowed goal against Man City, but by the letter of the law I believe that goal should have been given.
I’m all for video referrals on certain decisions. Let the ref refer some if he’s not sure and give each team 2 or 3 per match to appeal if the ref doesn’t see it (e.g. Henry being over the sideline against Ireland). But they won’t do that. Because they like the column inches generated by controversy….
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
SHAMROCK
The problem is, what you seem to be suggesting is signing players into already competitive areas.
Look at Everton’s defence for example:
Oviedo is essentially a winger playing at left back. Baines is 31 now and been injured a lot recently.
Coleman is the right back with an average but Everton Stalwart in Hibbert as backup
Stones and Funes Mori are probably first choice when fit. Jagielka is an aging 3rd choice I’d say.
Beyond that, they have promising players in Browning, Galloway and Pennington.
We’re not in a dissimilar position really. I’d say Haidara needs to be seriously assessed and probably replaced. At centre back I think it massively depends on Colo’s fitness/desire, whether Dummett is happy to stay as a backup utility players and multiple questions about Taylor.
You can see how a player like Berahino plays when he’s not feeling the love…sensitive souls these millionaire footballers…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS – Your love affair needs to end! He needs replaced next season whether he’s fit and has desire.
Stuart79(Quote)
TDS we need competition if we want to progress. I don’t care about fringe players’ feelings. Either they are good enough or they are not. If they play a season and can’t get a game then they offer nothing to the squad. If they want out because of it, then no problem. Sell them, replace them and move on. It’s a managers job to manage players and get results. I don’t think it’s unreasonable to expect the club to ship out 10 or 11 past it or injury prone or not motivated enough players – and replace them with 4 or 5 quality players that actually improve the squad.
Shamrock(Quote)
STUART
Colo you mean? I can’t see him as a starter next season but I think some fans are too quick to write off older players because of a poor period of form. Let’s just say I would be disappointed if we didn’t have another signing to provide serious competition in that position. But having him as an option for 1 more season wouldn’t be bad at all.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
SHAMROCK
I just simply don’t think that’s realistic. Not to mention that it would sometimes cost millions to pay up their contracts unless other clubs want to match their wages. Why pay up their contract if they can still do a job when required?
What we need is a balanced squad. A certain number of exceptional players who are good enough to be clear starters, then a bunch of competitive players who may be in and out of the squad and finally the fringe players are required. They’re not good enough to play week in, week out when we have a full squad but we **** well need them when we have injuries.
We’re simply not a good enough team for players to join us and sit on the bench rather than join another team and play first team football. And too much competition can actually be a bad thing. Both Wenger and Howe confirmed what I’ve been saying before yesterday’s match.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Competition is a very good thing. If managers were so worried about hurting current players feelings no club would ever improve.
Stuart79(Quote)
STUART
Can you actually read what I wrote and respond to what I wrote? Why do some people have a need to reply like they’re arguing but not actually disagree with a single point that I made?
I said “too much competition can actually be a bad thing. Both Wenger and Howe confirmed what I’ve been saying before yesterday’s match.” Only an idiot would say that competition is a bad thing.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Exactly Stu. TDS I don’t get what you are saying. Our defense has been sub standard for years. It needs a new LB and a top class CB introduced . Are you saying we don’t need a new CB?
I suggested we will need a top striker. Are you suggesting we should make do with just Mitro, Perez and a very inexperienced Armstrong, who has never had a consistent run at Championship level, never mind PL level? Do you think running with those 3 is sufficient over the course of a season?
Sissoko will go, meaning we will have 2 spaces available on the RW. Are you suggesting we don’t sign any wingers and instead play kids from the reserves?
I’m suggesting clearing out 10 or 11 poor players (in terms of contribution to the Toon) and replacing them with only 4 or 5 quality additions. I am flabbergasted that you think that’s a bad idea.
Shamrock(Quote)
SHAMROCK
I’m not saying that at all. I keep saying something, STUART completely ignores what I’m saying and then argues making out I said something completely different.
What I am saying is that McClaren will have to be very careful with managing his squad. Signing a new centre half would be crucial in my opinion, but then he has to manage the expectations of Colo, Taylor, Lascelles and Dummett. All of whom will not be happy to be bumped down the order Every player will have sought assurances from McClaren about his role in the team so he has to manage that.
I’d like a new striker too but it does massively depend on whether we will play with one or two up front. If we play with just one up front, how will Perez feel about being relegated to 3rd choice? A top striker will expect to start right? How will Mitrovic react to being benched? I bet Perez has received assurances after signing his new contract. If we’re going to play 2 up front (at least fairly often), then great. A strikeforce of Mitrovic, Berahino, Perez and Armstrong would be fantastic in my opinion.
Not sure if Sissoko will go. But if he does, he’ll obviously have to be replaced. But again…we can’t sign 2 top right wingers, so it’s obvious that one will be signed with the expectation that he won’t play as many games. Probably one for the future to compete with Aarons, Perez and anyone else.
I’m just saying that things are a lot more complicated. Not that I don’t like your suggestion, just that it needs to be tweaked to be realistic.
You didn’t actually address my questions in post 296.
I think I’m just sick of expectations being set unrealistically high by fans and then loads whinging when we don’t meet them. It’s impossible for the club to meet the expectations of fans these days! Why don’t we consider what an average transfer window is over the last 10 windows or so and then anything better than that is good???
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS You said – “We’re simply not a good enough team for players to join us and sit on the bench rather than join another team and play first team football.”
Sorry but I just don’t understand your point
We will never be that “good enough team” if we don’t bring in players who can challenge the established players. Who is saying that the good players we bring in will be sitting on the bench? Surely the idea behind having a strong squad is that is will allow the manager to rotate the squad more often? it means the likes of Sissoko, Shelvey or Janmaat don’t have to play every single game and exhaust themselves to the point of injury.
If we bring in better players they will automatically improve the performances of the established players because they will know there are players who can come in an take their place. Sure all players want to improve? The current players will also get a boost because they will see a club wanting to improve and compete.
Stuart79(Quote)
Aussie @ 377 – you must pay as much attention to the blog as you do your team mate, I replied to you @279!
I congratulate your lucky choice of captain, always a bit of a roulette that side of the game 🙂
Bris appears to be making his own moves in the transfer window to take his side away from mine – good on him – it shows too, because he’s starting to lose on a regular basis unlike myself 😛
Newkie(Quote)
WOW! Unrealistic expectations!!!! What are those unrealistic expecations then? Competing as best we can? Appointing the best manager we can? Having the best squad we can?
I would say all them are realistic expectations. UNreal would be wanting us to win the bleeding league and I don’t see anyone saying that.
Stuart79(Quote)
1 – How would Colo feel about being benched? He’ll probably want to go back to Argentina instead
2 – If Colo is benched, how would Taylor and Lascelles feel about only making the bench if there’s an injury? Surely that stunts Lascelles development? He would need to go out on loan if he’s 5th choice surely?
3 – If we sign another big money striker, how does that affect the development of Perez and Armstrong? One on the bench and one not even in the squad? Armstrong would be better off on loan surely?
4 – If we play 1 up front, we don’t need 4 strikers surely?
5 – If we play 2 up front, we surely don’t need two more incoming attacking players? How would Gini, Townsend, Aarons (and possible Perez) fit into those 2 positions along with 2 new players?
———:–:::::————————-
1 – Colo won’t care if he gets benched. He will be in the last year of earning the highest wages he will ever get in his life. At his age, he should not expect to be first choice if he sees a proper player come in.
2 – Taylor has not got through any recent season without some form of significant injury. On top of that, he is not and never has been consistent enough to expect to be in every match squad. I think he will just be grateful to still be here. Lascelles has a LOT to learn and is still very young for that position. I would put him 3rd or 4th choice ahead of Saylor. He will get enough football to aid his development.
3 – I don’t see us saying 4-5-1 every game of the season. Perez and Armstrong will get games from the bench and part of a 4-4-2. Perez will also be used as a wide attacker. Armstrong will not expect to be a regular player if he is not out on loan. Can’t see him kicking off about it! How will they learn if a top class striker comes in? They will still bet game time and meanwhe they will be watching and learning from a top class striker every day….
4 – I don’t think we will play 1 up front all the time. But if we did, then Perez and Armstrong will struggle on their own up front being small strikers.
5 – If it was a 442 on the day then one or two players may be disappointed on the day, but not all of them – as some will be injured. Some will be away, some will be banned and some will accept their form has not been good enough. Also, players will be rotated. I just don’t see what the big deal is and its not unrealistic to ship 10 poor players out and replace them with only 4 or 5 higher ability players.
On that note, let’s stop discussing this because are not going to agree. It’s a managers job to manage squad dynamics. We should never avoid signings players in case we upset players that think they have a divine right to start games every single match. That’s ludicrous.
Shamrock(Quote)
STUART
As I said, there is such a thing as too much competition. Every player wants to improve but they also want to play and with no European competition, we have fewer games than the top clubs in the PL.
Assurances are given to each player when he is signed or renews his contract, players need to play and be seen to stay in their national squads, agents drum up moves if they feel their player’s earning potential isn’t being fulfilled. Not simple!!
If we close the door on young players from breaking through to our first team, then young players won’t stay with us. We need to give them the opportunities and that means playing some games.
Look at it simply, if Perez and Armstrong are hot prospects and stay with us next season, then surely we need to play 2 up front to keep 4 strikers happy? More likely we sign another striker and loan out Armstrong to a Championship team but with an option to recall him.
Same goes at centre half. When Colo signed an extension, I’m **** sure he asked for assurances on how often he’d play. Does Dummett want to be 6th choice centre half or 2nd choice left back?
We don’t play enough games to keep that many first team players happy! Really simple! Show me one other team that manages to do that.
Some of you guys have got it in your head that we should have 2 top players in every position (like Chelsea first did over a decade ago) or that we can keep a squad happy that is as big as SBR’s squads when we were in the CL or UEFA Cup. We’re not there. It’s all about gradual growth unless we’re going to spend £200m and then we have to qualify for the CL!
Why do you think things are really simple when these managers get paid big bucks and so many of them failed? If it was so bloody simple, you and I would go and do it. And if it was so bloody simple, there wouldn’t be so many failures.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Newkie sorry mate, missed your earlier post.. I still would have taken the **** anyway.. 😛
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
I’ve not got it into my head we should have 2 top players in every in every position. For example next season our back line would have Janmaat, New LB, New CB and Mbemba as our ‘top’ players for each position. The back up would be Mbabu (prospect) Dummett (prospect still with obvious flaws in his game) Colo ( well past it) Lascelles (prospect) and Saylor (made of glass and inconsistent).
Up front would be new top striker , Mitro (still a prospect with lots to learn, but first choice in a 442), Perez (still lots to learn but 3rd choice and will get lots of game time), Armstrong (just a kid that should be grateful for any exposure he gets at this level).
I’m not saying sign 2 RW’s both as good as the other, but I am saying we will need 2 wingers, as Sissy will go, so will Obertan and I’m not aware of any reserve youths that are anywhere near good enough to be considered for our first team.
Aarons is not a top player. He is a prospect with massive fitness issues. He will be back up to Townsend and he won’t be demanding otherwise. Yes there will be great competition in the middle, but with tactical flexibility, rotation, I juries and other stuff – the problems you suggest will just not happen.
If we assume everybody is fit, available and on form for every game of every season then yes it would cause issues – but that’s simply not reality.
Shamrock(Quote)
Cannot understand some of the points raised about upsetting players not getting game time the modern gam is built with a group of about 25 players which a manager can rotate at any given time and any player with sense knows that’s the name of the game now,yes it’s nice if you can keep a settled team but it’s rare it happens,Leicester have been very lucky with injurys and worked around 13 players I doubt it will happen again
Icedog(Quote)
SHAMROCK
I just don’t think it’s going to happen. Not because Ashley, Charnley of McClaren are useless, but because that’s a monumental ask! I reckon one of Colo, Taylor or Dummett will leave to create space for a new centre half. I also certainly expect Obertan and Goofy to leave too.
In order, I’d like us to target CB, LB, Striker this summer. Obviously replace anyone if they go (like Sissoko) too but for me, the only other signings should be prospects. Young and hungry but not expecting to play too many games just yet. I ALWAYS like to see us signing those.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
This is incredible! So are you saying, TDS that players who sign a contract ext or a new signing are guaranteed a game regardless of how well they’re actually playing?
Stuart79(Quote)
TDS – I see what you’re saying in some ways, and agree we wouldn’t be able to bring in a full amount of players if we kept everyone possible around. I do think it’s important that our young players get the opportunity to develop as ideally we want a number of youngsters we can build the team around for a few years, as is happening at Spurs. Mitro/Perez/Shelvey/Mbemba is a good start.
But for me, Armstrong would be out on a season long loan for Championship game time, he shouldn’t be considered here at the moment imo. Riv and Cisse would both go, so more than enough room for a striker plus Mitro/Perez.
At the back for CBs, both Tayls and Colo would go, opening space for a quality centre back alongside Mbemba to start. Then I’d pick a versatile left back who can also cover centre back, which leaves Dummett and Lascelles as the CB back up. Mbabu can cover there in a pinch. Then we’ll have a proper first choice left back, and a number of players who can cover both full back positions.
Newkie(Quote)
Mitrovic has only scored 5 goals all season. He needs an older experienced player to carry him for a season or two until he is ready. Saviet is a attacker but plays defensive midfield ? Don’t understand that either because he might actually be better in that position. As for our leaky defence Colo and Taylor need to go in the summer.
Terry(Quote)
Listen to every single manager in the world and they always say “What’s the point in signing a player who isn’t better than what we already have.” That says it all! When we do sign a player he must be good enough to play in the first team and put pressure on the existing players – otherwiae we are buying just for the sake of it and nobody will ever get any better.
Stuart79(Quote)
We need to clear these player’s out in the summer. Mareaux, De Jong, Carbella, Thauvin, Riviere, Taylor, Obertan Colo. Can’t see it happening thou because it to change at one time.
Terry(Quote)
Also surely Curtis Good will be shipped out as well? Another spot there if we want to get another CB.
Newkie(Quote)
Yhe only players whose contracts are up in the summer are Obertan. Saylor & Marv, who should all go. Mbabu is also up but may get an extension. Everybody else would need to be sold if a buyer exists
Premandup(Quote)
We have 28 players in our squad not counting players out on loan or under 21’s.
That means we need to shave at least 3 off plus more if we want under 21’s such as Aaron’s and Mbabu to count as part of the main 25, so let’s say 5 out minimum. We also then need to get rid of those on loan with no future, so Thauvin, Cabella, Vuckic all gone. That’s 8. Then, if we want to actually get players in key positions that add something to the team, we need to make room. Say we sign 4 players that improve the team. That means 12 leave just to achieve the 25 man squad.
It’s necessary and realistic.
4 players are out of contract anyway – Vuckic, Saylor, Obertan and Marv. Thauvin and Cabella won’t be missed as they are not here anyway.
Players like Gouffy, Rivi, Heidara, Cisse, Anita and De Jong rarely feature, are sub standard or injury prone – so their loss will not upset the balance of the squad either.
Shamrock(Quote)
Nice see Mito staying back after training and working for another two hours to improve himself after the rest of players have gone home,good on yer son
Icedog(Quote)
Icedog if Mitrovic wants that big money move his got to earn it. It’s only his first season and I haven’t written him off. Apparently someone mentioned on eds blog that he admitted that he needed to play with a more experienced striker which we don’t have at the moment. Sissoko could also benefit from some extra training if he wants a CL team to come in.
Terry(Quote)
Sham – that’s about right. About 12 need to go. Were either never good enough, are past it or aren’t going to make it. If we’re really serious about progress there’s others who actually get game time now. Improvements mean just that.
georgio(Quote)
Premandup I agree those three player’s need to go. Good also newkie if his not going to get picked.
Terry(Quote)
NEWKIE
Now that’s what I’m talking about! Although I might keep either Taylor or Colo around for the experience. But not both.
But one issue is finding someone to take those players. We don’t want to have to pay millions to get rid of those players. If we had to, we may as well keep them as a backup option. Unfortunately that restricts or ability to get someone new. Pampered lot these footballers…if you or I weren’t good enough to do the job we were hired for, we’d be sacked…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TERRY nee offence mate but eds blog is full of daft school kids all they do is abuse each other,there is the odd decent one like,not a blog I bother with,this is the best blog going as most bloggers know footy and abuse is very limited,thank god
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – I’ve been surprised at how good Mitro’s control actually is. For such a big bloke he has quick feet and makes some lovely lay offs. Hope he’s practising putting his foot through the ball when he shoots.
georgio(Quote)
I have watched the highlights from Saturday’s game and most of the good things we did Mitro was involved in. I believe next season we will have a much improved striker. He is getting better every match he starts. Although it’s difficult to judge him away as we are always ***** as a team!
Stuart79(Quote)
GEORGIO he does quite a bit of defensive work on free kicks/ corners and headed a few clear from what I see,he works hard,hate slackers mesel
Icedog(Quote)
ICEDOG
I agree with you. Also Ed churns out a new article for every single rumour that appears on NewsNow. I know we could probably do with more articles on this blog, but there are way too many on that one. Anyone care for an entire article on Sturridge to Newcastle rumour? I thought not…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Saw Tiote’s ‘goal’ again on Sky Sports 1 earlier and I stand by my opinion. The ball seems to curl around Mitrovic so Foster couldn’t see the flight of the ball. As Mitrovic was in an offside position, it had to be ruled out.
Totally agree with posters saying the offside rule is pretty complicated though. Which is why I’d like to have television referrals for crucial decisions like that. Just like in cricket and rugby.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
TDS @424 I hope we don’t go anywhere near him to be honest,good goal scorer but likes it his way and doesn’t work back at all when its sometimes you need to in Klopp team everyone has to work,Klopp now seems to think he’s swinging the lead
Icedog(Quote)
I agree we need more articles here but unfortunately we have an extremely narrow pool of people willing to put articles together. If anybody fancies having a go then let me know and I’ll get it published for you. Everybody is welcome and all subjects are open and appreciated.
Shamrock(Quote)
My articles will be too “doom and gloom” for some… Reality is an uncomfortable read.
Stuart79(Quote)
ICEDOG
Exactly. I can’t believe that any knowledgeable fan would think Sturridge would be a good signing. If his attitude and fitness issues are good, then he should be playing for a CL club, no doubt about it. If they’re not, then why would we want a highly paid part-time player who thinks he’s too good for us?
Typical Sunday ****. I bet there’s no truth in the rumour whatsoever. So that’s the last thing I have to say on that…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
SHAMROCK
I keep meaning to write an article. I’m going to actually get it done. Though I can guarantee not everyone is going to like it…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
I have to agree that no player should be guaranteed a starting slot, yes you can sign a player and say he’s in your first 11 plans but if he doesn’t perform then he gets dropped.
kimtoon(Quote)
TDS- Colo needs to go otherwise he’ll be kept as club captain, which will hold us back. He’s wanted to go for years anyway.
Taylor needs to go because he plays 5 good games a season and another 5 average/poor. I would keep him out of the two, but I want players who will contribute regularly, and he just doesn’t do that. I also don’t care about the cheerleader stuff really, ok so he’s a geordie – who cares? Dummett, Colback Armstrong are, and so is Krul really. They’re the future, Taylor is the past.
Re the goal, I’m not really certain. I tend to think along the lines of, would the keeper have saved it anyway? It wasn’t that far from him – but the swerve on it was vicious, and he was already moving the wrong way when he could see it. The fact he couldn’t see it for a second would make you think he could at least gamble on it’s flight, but it was hit with such speed was he even able to? He shifted left and wouldn’t have been able to dive to his right anyway. Blaming the vision is something keepers try every time possible, just as they try to snatch the ball back over the line, in my book.
I just feel bad for Tiote really. He was robbed against Man City when he scored an absolute belter and Hart complained in the same fashion – Goof was in his way. Was he f***. It nestled in the top corner and while Hart might think he’s brilliant not even Buffon would have saved that. Surely that should come into the decision making process?
Just a daft rule for me, go back to the old rule because I have seen goals go against us where the ball passed for a second behind one of their players who happened to be offside and it wasn’t given. All I want is consistency.
Newkie(Quote)
TDS write a thread don’t worry we all know one mans meat is another mans poison,that’s life
Icedog(Quote)
Crack in TDS. Anybody’s efforts are welcome and appreciated.
Shamrock(Quote)
What the hell would we need another sicknote for, we have specialized in them for way too long. Some players are just cursed like that. Our own Steven Taylor has had 2 long term hamstring injuries, a ruptured achilles, 2 dislocated shoulder and a broken jaw – and that’s all off the top of my head. You could look on it that he has been out so long with his various injuries that he doesn’t have much mileage on his clock for a 30 year old 🙂 Nah… he’s a sicknote and something will break again and probably before the end of this season.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Newkie We are keeping Colo and letting Taylor go. We replace him with a top prospect that can start alongside Mbemba. We then have Colo Lescalles and cover.
premandup(Quote)
Kimtoon: they did almost go the route of guaranteeing players a place with their purples philosophy.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Problem is, if we sign another centre back from outside the league and start him alongside Mbemba, we’ll have a very inexperienced backline in terms of PL experience. Unless we can get the 3rd/4th choice from a top club where the player wants to play more games or get the 1st choice from a relegated club. Those would be preferable options.
That’s why I think we need to keep Colo or Taylor.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Prem – so long as Schteve has the spine to bench him and strip him of the captaincy that’s fine with me. I question whether he does despite the fact it’s as clear as a mackem skull to everyone.
Newkie(Quote)
Every player will have asked for how their manager sees their role in the squad. Townsend was desperate to play more to boost his chances of being in the England squad. So I’m pretty sure that McClaren said he was to be signed to be first choice at LW. Obviously every player accepts that they can be dropped due to lack of form.
Same thing goes for Perez. He will have been told that the manager sees him as a crucial part of his plans and he’ll get more games every season. So if he barely plays next season, he’ll have every right to complain and want to leave.
Any goalie, RB, playmaker or LW that is signed would not expect to be first choice because those positions are pretty much tied up. I also would like to see Mitrovic play plenty of games.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Newkie. Just call him Club Captain. Seems to work. God knows what it means
Premandup(Quote)
I noticed during the match that Saylor is going grey as well. Poor lad. He looks about 10 years older than his actual age. Time to hang up the boots Steve.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
“People over-react a lot. I would say four or five times I have genuinely come in after and been honest and said, ‘That’s unacceptable and not good enough’.
Words of wisdom from Steve McCarver. Not good enough 4 or 5 times Steve? You’ve got to be jokin’ man. Four or five times in one month possibly…..
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Leicester are a joy to watch. I hope they go on and win it. I hate to say it but Spurs have become very easy on the eye as well. Beautiful ball movement all over the pitch.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Prem – aye, true enough 🙂
Thing is with Colo, do we really want him as a back up CB on 80k a week? Even though Ashley has opened his wallet, it seems a bit extreme. I’d rather poach someone with a bit of experience from one of the relegated sides I think.
Newkie(Quote)
G2 – Has he said that like 😯 He’s obviously fucking overreacting after one match, where we beat a ***** side 1-0 with a squeaky *** finish! Chill out lad, beat Chelsea and maybe I’ll agree with you 🙄
Newkie(Quote)
Yep, that’s a direct quote Newkie mate. Always thought the man was delusional….
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Newkie yes. The money is now irrelvant
premandup(Quote)
@G2
Barring conceding too many goals and not scoring enough, playing defensive, not winning many home games and totally imploding in some game, I think we’ve been terrific 😆
Gashley(Quote)
TOONDARNSARF
i had another look at the tiote dis allowed goal on football 1st and still think the goal should of been given,i agree about replays for the ref about decisions like that, i think it would of stood if it went to a replay and thats all ive got to say on the matter 😉
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)