A win see’s Newcastle pull 3 points clear of the drop zone with a game in hand over Norwich City and local rivals Sunderland. With Swansea away to Title chasers Arsenal today – and their manager having been taken ill – the Magpies also have the chance to match them for points, again with a game in hand. The importance of this game cannot be underestimated, as our other game in hand is against Manchester City in a game we have no right or expectation of getting anything from. Ordinarily a game away to Stoke should be feared, but their home form is inconsistent of late and our lads should by now be worrying about their form in the lead up to the Euro’s – as well as their long term futures and pay packets at the highest level. They have had an 18-day break and there is no excuse for not showing fight and application tonight.
Shearer’s right foot did an excellent preview, which you can read here. It’s full of injury news, interesting stats and key battles. Since that article, news has come out that January signing Andros Townsend has been laid off with a hamstring injury – which has seemingly gifted Yoan Gouffran a starting berth tonight.
Stoke City: Butland; Bardsley, Cameron, Wollscheid, Pieters; Whelan, Imbula, Shaqiri, Afellay, Arnautovic; Walters. Subs: Haugaard, Muniesa, Ireland, Joselu, Diouf, Crouch, Bojan.
Newcastle United: Elliot; Janmaat, Taylor, Lascelles, Dummett; Shelvey, Colback, Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Gouffran; Mitrovic. Subs: Darlow, Sterry, Saivet, Aarons, Perez, Riviere, Doumbia.
As you can see the Toon have gone with 3 strikers from the bench. Does Steve McClaren anticipates Aleksander Mitrovic not to last the full game following his recent injury? Or he is planning a full scale assault for the last half hour should things not go to plan? Lets find out…
HWTL
Well said Malcolm
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-arent-unlucky-just-10990494
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: I did write one article in the summer. I headlined it “An Idiot Abroad”. Unfortunately, everyone seemed to agree 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, I remember it, I enjoyed it too. It’s nice to see articles from different bloggers, it brings a variety. I will write one now and then but I can’t do it on demand, I have to have a feel for it as it doesn’t come naturally as you can probably tell 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: I can never think of a subject that would fill a whole article and I have a limited attention span 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Shamrock: I do have another idea for an article but it will not be for 2 weeks. There is this NUFC bar in Chicago where about 15-20 fans turn up for each game. It is not segregated so the Chelsea fans will be mixing with the Spurs fans etc. I have never met a Mackem in Chicago but I am guessing there may be a few there for The Derby. There are really only 2 “soccer bars” here so it might be interesting.
I will think of a title that is a play on “Have you ever seen a Mackem in Milan”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Although I don’t think we will be seeing Milan anytime soon.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well if we dont start with Perez / Doumbia or both, I think we’ll get beat.
We beat then at their ground but we were very lucky.
They’ll come here to keep it tight and with Mitro playing our play is very predictable to defend against.
Start with Pace, the team is full of it but seems to slow down a bit relying on the big lad..
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley, They will be desperate to beat us after we robbed them at their place. Gonna get some karma tomorrow I reckon unless we play with purpose.
kimtoon(Quote)
More on the press conference bust-up. You can take the view that it is about time Steve showed some passion or that it was about time he was questioned aggressively for our **** results:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3476997/Newcastle-United-boss-Steve-McClaren-unedifying-bust-Sportsmail-s-Craig-Hope-heated-press-conference.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490
Eric Sykes(Quote)
@kim
exactly
if we start like we did at Stoke the crowd will get edgy early on. we need to penetrate them from the off. not sure how many shots we had on Wed but McClaren seemed miffed we lost 😳
Perez and doumbia livened things up instantly. Get the goals early and bring Mitro on 2nd half to defend the lead..
Gashley(Quote)
Eric, interesting exchange between them.
kimtoon(Quote)
Shamrock: I have an idea about articles as well. If, as you say the new owners will pay for articles, how about donating the fee to the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation? 10 or 20 quid goes nowhere, but it might add up over a year.
They could keep a running total of the amount contributed on the blog so that everyone can see their efforts are for a good cause, and also take a charitable deduction (I am a financial planner in real life 🙂 ).
They could choose who to accept, if the articles are good enough, whatever their stipulations. I just think it might encourage more people to get involved because a tenner for themselves won’t do it but a Grand or more all told over a year to the SBR foundation might?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
There’s an idea for an article as well. Explain the way the new site will be contributing to a good cause as well as keeping us all up on everything NUFC.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think the site will die with disinterested owners but if you can align their hope for new hits with contributors charitable inclinations I think there could be a win/win. I don’t care if the new owners make money on advertising or whatever as long as payments go to a good cause. And I cannot think of a better cause than the SBR foundation and the link with The Toon is just so obvious.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I mean. If it is a tenner an article, one a day for 365 days is 3,650 quid.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If it assists I can negotiate my post from 15p to 10p. 😯
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy: aren’t I on the hook for 10p every time I mention your name? Or is it Pards’ name?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Gashley
Hilarious. 😆
From a previous post where I was ridiculing Gashley about his dithering he comes up with this poor response.
Troy
Whether I dither or not its not me that can change the fortunes of our season, its Fatty.
you point the finger at people on here as if we can actually do something about it.
********************************
Wow! How weak was that ? You were very adamant and condescending after 10 games when I predicted you would be dithering at this point in the season and the point would hit home. The best you come up with now is that nobody can change anything other than fatty?
Haha ! Where’s your stance gone, where you scoffed at my viewpoint that McLaren wasn’t up to the job and even replacing McLaren with an iterim manager had less risk than sticking with him.
Let’s clarify your position now. Today. Before the result tomorrow. Do you stick by McLaren or try a name like Stuart Pearce until the end of the season ?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Di Matteo Troysta. A perfect solution. I would sack Schteve whatever the result. As I said earlier. We could assume Leicester as a throwaway game but still have 2 weeks to the Mackems.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Actually: the press conference spat is obscuring the accusations:
1. That the team do not believe in Schteve’s methods
2. That there is in-fighting among the staff
3. That the team believe he is close to the sack
4. That they have allowed cliques to develop
5. That Sharpy’s friend Blackie is fckin useless
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Psychs
Hello. 😯
I haven’t been on much since the new owners took over. Are you ok? I was thinking I should private message them and warn them about your madness.
All of a sudden I got an email from them asking about you.
Wow! I actually defended you and told them you were insane but harmless.
I couldn’t tell them the truth that you were clueless about football.
I had so much to say and mentioned the history of the blog.
The Clueless Crew, the nighty night club, Stardusts Red Bus, I had to reveal warts and all.
It even came to the point where I felt compelled to tell them about Aussies ultimate Hissy Fits! 😯
What could I do? I was negotiating my fees and they wanted to know who I had upset by telling the truth.
Anyway, I think the new owners appreciate my honesty and it looks like they are going to ask me to be officially known as the Honarary Blog President. 😎
Anyway, as part of the negations, The Reality Train will now be sponsored by nufcblog.co.UK
😉
That’s a nice compliment lads and much appreciated. Onwards and upwards. Thanks for your support. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troysta: you didn’t mention your own hissy fit, or your banning 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Anyway: I am sure the new owners will figure out for themselves who is mainly out for wind up, eh Troy.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I mean who is not having fun for 99% of the time unless he is winding somebody up (or trying to).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric all your article ideas sound good to me mate, especially the SBR bit 🙂
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham: you would have to reach out to the owners about payment for articles/donations because I have no idea who they are. I don’t really want to get that involved either, I just thought I would offer up an idea. I WILL write articles for a good cause though.
I will also limit my posts so I actually have something to write an article about : ) 🙂 🙂
Have to drag myself to the Pub for a 9am start and it will be full of the remnants from Spurs-****. It a hard knock life.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I know I monopolised the blog but I just found the McClaren breakdown too good to ignore.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’ll try and be out of bed for kick off time. Yeah I’ll email Andy the magpie with the donation idea mate. I though the mail journalist was a bit of a child to be honest. He blew it up and put words in schteves mouth then openly states he accepted mcclarens apology (which I don’t feel was necessary) before doing a printed character assassination of the bloke. Scteve maybe should have just not brought it up in the first place but the reaction from the journalist smelt like a guy looking for his 15 minutes of fame.
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock: I also have another idea if you want to bear with me? Again it would not be from me. Someone living in Newcastle and watching games should write a “view from the stands/streets” type diary once a week and tell us what is really gannin’ on.
NUFC.com are very informative but they don’t interact and Ed Harrison lives in Virginia or somewhere. True Faith are once a month and much more in depth. It doesn’t have to be anti-chronicle either, just “telling it like it is on the streets, man”. A diary and a narrative.
It seems like there are a lot of ex-pats on here and it might be good to get a view from home.
By the way, these nutters in Chicago would read it because they go to some of the home and away games, and I am sure news from the “front line” would appeal to them.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham: it has got to the point where anything to put a rocket up Schteve’s or the players’ arses will be worthwhile. I am off to bed because I want to watch the North London Derby at 6.30 am.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Actually, there’s a title for a diary type narrative “NEWS FROM THE FRONT LINE”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Of course, it would have to be the right person i.e. ANYBODY BUT TROY 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Actually it could be Troy. He is anything but stupid and if he could focus on what is going on instead of his wind ups, he might be very interesting. He also seems to have a few connections. He is not a bad writer either when he focuses.
There, his half term report was :
B, but keeps distracting the rest of the class.
If only he could apply himself.
He is not the class clown but acts like he is.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
@Troy 🙄
We’ve been through this a million times.
We all want Steve gone, that’s a cert, would the players really listen to Lee clark or Pearce? not so sure mate.
We tried Shearer for the last 8 games and got nowhere.
Would Clarky or Pearce be able to come in and assess the situation and have an understanding where the players best positions are? hmmm
Would the players listen to someone like Clark barking out instructions??
A man that get get instant respect is what we need, not some dinosaur or big name who hasnt managed before
Gashley(Quote)
Gashley
The alternative is to stick with McLaren and go down. I would take that risk and change it.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I know we’ve been through it a million times but until you admit you are wrong I will keep on going. 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
we were wrong to appoint Shearer when everyone thought it was a good idea.
If I could borrow your Grans crystal ball I’d love to see where we’d be if Clarky was here now..
If Charnley etc cant see the plight we’re in and get someone who can make a difference, then theres no hope.
I can see SM sticking to the improving team that got beat at stoke. 😳
Gashley(Quote)
Is anyone going to be brave enough to put a score prediction up for todays match ?
I think its impossible to call, as we are so unpredictable really, but I will have a punt at 3-1 😯
I just got a canny feeling a few things are going to click today. Or just deluded.
Keep the faith peeps
Howay the Lads
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
swans to beat Norwich
saints to beat scum
and we all feel much happier 😕
lol
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Apparently Perez isn’t starting because he is inconsistent. I suppose the Grin Reaper sees Sissoko as consistent.
Groucho(Quote)
According to reports Perez isn’t starting because he is inconsistent. I suppose the Grin Reaper sees Sissoko as consistent.
Groucho(Quote)
Having difficulty posting this. Keeps saying duplicate. According to reports Perez isn’t starting because he is inconsistent. I suppose the Grin Reaper sees Sissoko as consistent.
Groucho(Quote)
He’s protecting Perez for a summer sale more like. On orders from above.
Absolutely no logic to play Rivi ahead of him EVER.
The lad may be inconsistent, but he works his socks off and scores goals now and then.
Not playing him will not improve him.
Pure bullshit.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
I would honestly take Joe Kinnear for the rest of the Season over Schteve…how desperate’s that?
richietoon(Quote)
That’s ***** about Perez, how stupid do they think we are. Look how lively he was when he came on. Rather him and the chance of a goal than Rivi and no hope of one. They had 18 days to get Dumdums match fit, if he isn’t ready now then they shouldn’t of loaned him, after all we bought him in because we needed goals did we not. Waste of a loan fee if you ask me.
kimtoon(Quote)
If we lose today I think it will bring about change, it has to, surely jabba’s not that stupid to let things ride on.
kimtoon(Quote)
predictions
Tottenham Hotspur 2
Arsenal 1
Southampton 2
Sunderland 2
Chelsea 3
Stoke City 1
Swansea City 2
Norwich City 1
Manchester City 4
Aston Villa 0
Newcastle United 1
Bournemouth 3
Everton 1
West Ham United 1
Watford 1
Leicester City 2
kimtoon(Quote)
And Sunday’s
Crystal Palace 1
Liverpool 3
West Bromwich Albion 1
Manchester United 2
kimtoon(Quote)
Here’s my prediction – Bournemouth will start like a house on fire and get an early goal. We won’t be able to deal with their first twenty minutes intensity. If he plays Riviere, Gouffran or De jong ( and he’s stupid enough to start all three) I will leave.
Georgio(Quote)
Perez started three matches in the first two months of the season, He’s been distrustful of him from the off. He did get a run in the side but in that farcical 442 with Gini on the left
I don’t think it’s hard to see that in the absence of our injured players the team practically picks itself: Elliot, Janmaat, Taylor, Lascelles, Dummett, Shelvey, Colback, Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Perez & Mitrovic
If he picks Gouffran or Rivière today he deserves everything that’s coming to him
CC(Quote)
Big Dave, have you any idea how I can get rid of my Toonsy tatoo ?
The new blog owners seem to be pretty hands off ! Not much forthcoming from them …
Munich Mag(Quote)
Strange one MM. I don’t understand the point of being a blog “owner” if you don’t want to write and never comment.
Georgio(Quote)
Maybe they admire the way Ashley does things.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Looks like the journo’s are starting to catch on to The Grin Reaper. He’s starting to get a few bad articles now. Long may it continue…
Stuart79(Quote)
georgio, me either mate.
Munich Mag(Quote)
we hear more from ashley than the new blog owners 🙂
Munich Mag(Quote)
stuart79, if the media are getting on his case then he deserves it.
must be a horror scenario, a whole bunch of millionaires downing tools and giving you the proverbial rubber ear. i blame charnley too, because surely he can see what is going on…?
Munich Mag(Quote)
Bris 😆
Georgio(Quote)
how to alienate your supporters, mcclaren havin a pop at perez with 98% of the chronny resders disagreeing with mcclaren…
he really does deserve all he gets.
he’s had a cake walk compared to the grief that Alan Pardew got !
Munich Mag(Quote)
So perez is inconsistent ? yes he has poor games from time to time but look at Sissoko been mainly poor all season. Gini is terrible on the road. Mitro is young and maturing like Steve says and is also inconsistent.. Actually it may be easier to name the consistent players!
Perez didnt start until the Northampton game when Steve admitted he didnt know he could play up front…. 👿
Gashley(Quote)
maybe the new blog owners are doing an “Ashley” on us. have no real interest in the blog other than making money off advertising 😆
if it stays the same in 2 weeks time I can see a mutiny on board 😯
Gashley(Quote)
MM try useing a grinder mate that should get rid of it 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
big d thanks mate 🙂
Munich Mag(Quote)
What I don’t understand is that if McClaren is to be sacked if we don’t win today then isn’t he a dead man walking? What will one win today do to change things? We will only lose our next game against Leicester and then we’re back to square one only then there will only be 9 games left. He should be sacked regardless of today’s result.
Stuart79(Quote)
Hope the supporters let their feelings known today to The club today about McClaren. If Charnley knows we all want him out then it will add to the pressure he’s already under to act.
Stuart79(Quote)
Articles have been a bit stale of late 😐
Andymag(Quote)
“charnley” and “act” … not a good combination, hes got more wrong than right lately…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Stu I think we’ll win today and all will be rosey for Schteve the clown.
Andymag I agree I thought things would change when the new guys took over, I even thought we would see them on posting regularly, and getting to know the bloggers. I just cant understand why you would take over a blog and not use it.
Big Dave(Quote)
I think Nick and Andy said they were looking to get a couple of regular writers on board. And that they would speak to Toonsy about the post number situation. All gone a bit quiet though I agree.
kimtoon(Quote)
It’s very bizarre Dave. Clearly my namesake was intimidated when he saw the username was taken
Andymag(Quote)
Dave, Don’t think they are hands on, as they want new writers to do 1 or2 articles a day like.
kimtoon(Quote)
Andymag, strange really because there is so much going on at the moment, you would imagine there would be a whole bunch new themes to write up on…
janmaat getting a blob on is a good one imo…. has mcclaren shown is indomitable man management skills again by overlooking both collocini and janmaat with the captains armband .
has shelvey ever captained swansea or liverpool ? Is this mcclaren making a show of power statement ? is he pulling janmaat out of the limelight to allow him to concentrate on his own game, or is he hoping to bring something special out of Shelvey ? Whatever his thinking was, almost all of it failed miserably against Stoke…?
Gouffron starting …bad decision number 1
poor substitutions …as usual…
poor tactics….
shelvey trying so hard he was ineffective…
janmaat trying so little he was ineffective…
a whole series of errors…although this has been the case since mcclaren took over… eeerm…thats why he has been bladdered everywhre he has been… hadn’t any of the legends running the ckub noticed that…?
they should send a big 10 seater bus over to sjp and take mcclaren, his coaches, plus the board with them on a long journey…well away from sjp..
Just call me McWally(Quote)
Dave, I don’t see a win today but hope I’m wrong, what ever the outcome though Steve has to go I think.
kimtoon(Quote)
In April when assignments are out of the way I might take a crack at writing again, it’s been a few years 😕
Andymag(Quote)
the blog doesn’t need 1 or 2 articles a day…
timing is everything…. the new blog owners are ashleyesque when it comes to their reaction time ?
Just call me McWally(Quote)