Tomorrow night will bring about the dawn of a new era. A new era for Rafa Benitez, a new era for the players, a new era for how the club is run and a well deserved new era for the Toon Army…..If the club can avoid the drop…
If you are still pinching yourself and asking: ‘Is Rafa really the Gaffer or am I just dreaming?’ Take a look at the proof by watching his first Newcastle press conference below.
Rafa confirms 3 things in this interview. First, he has a get out clause in the event of relegation. Second, his title is manager, not head coach. It is so important we stay up now. If we drop, we will probably be tied to the old model of Carr and Charnley running things with some cheap head coach in place. But if we stay up, Rafa stays – as manager, which means a total about-turn from Mike Ashley and a world class manager making the footballing decisions for the first time at this club since Sir Bobby Robson. Third thing he said, was several players ‘injured’ on the Thursday were miraculously fit to train on the Friday. This shows the players are ready to graft for this man during the season’s finale. This Leicester game is an audition for the players to prove their worth to the only manager in history to have won the UEFA Cup, UEFA Super Cup, UEFA Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup.
Newcastle team news:
Tim Krul is out for the season with a knee injury. Massaido Haidara is also absent with the same complaint. This game should come too soon for Chancel Mbemba (ankle) but Gabriel Obertan (hamstring) and Fabricio Coloccini (calf) were apparently seen in training this weekend… Andros Townsend should make the squad having shaken off his hamstring tweak and Kevin Mbabu (hip) has a chance of making the bench. The game may well come too soon for Paul Dummett (also hamstring). Papiss Cisse has been struggling with a groin injury whilst Cheick Tiote is lacking match fitness. I have a feeling most of those players will have been desperately trying to prove they are fit this weekend though.
Leicester currently enjoy a 5 point lead over the other suprise title contenders Tottenham Hotspur. A win on Monday night could see them go 8 points clear. Amazing stuff for a team nailed on for relegation last winter.
A word from Claudio Ranieri:
It must be stressed these were his words before Rafa Benitez was appointed. No doubt he would have a bit more to say now but he still acknowledges us as a tough side with good players. No doubt he will have been telling his players to stay focused and not take anybody for granted – and not much will have changed since our new manager! came in. The only difference now is he will be telling his players the task just got tougher so try even harder.
Leicester City team news:
Sly Fox Riyad Mahrez has recovered from a cramped hamstring, which is very bad news for the Toon as he is arguably this season’s Premier League midfielder of the year. Matty James is in contention following a long lay off with a knee complaint. Otherwise it’s a clean bill of health for this season’s suprise package.
Shamrock’s Stats and Facts:
• Newcastle have not won at Leicester since 1999.
• Leicester beat Newcastle 3-0 in each of the last 2 games between the sides.
• Daryl Janmaat and Mike Williamson both got sent off in this fixture last season, with John Carver publicy claiming Willo was dismissed intentionally.
• Until the last 2 losses against the Foxes, the Magpies had gone 7 games unbeaten against them (won 3, drew 4).
• Leicester have lost only once in their last 17 home fixtures in the league.
• Newcastle have lost 17 of their last 21 away league games. Ouch.
• Newcastle United have lost their last eight Premier League matches played on a Monday and have failed to score in the last five of these. All eight of these have been away from home.
• Riyad Mahrez has 15 goals and 11 assists this season. He is the only player to be in double figures for both goals and assists.
• Leonardo Ulloa has scored 3 times against the Toon in his last 3 games.
• Matchday referee Craig Pawson has taken charge of 3 Foxes games and 3 Toon games this season, with neither side recording a win. With that in mind, get your money on a draw!
Final Thoughts:
Leicester are doing very well this season and despite every pundit tipping them to lose momentum at some stage, they just keep producing results. It’s hard to see past a Foxes win even with a new manager ‘bounce’, but I can’t see many Toon fans expecting anything else.
Let’s just get behind the team and show the squad and manager our full support. You never know, we might get lucky but I’m sure most will settle for simply seeing Rafa in the dugout making sound team selections and sound tactical changes mid-game. Something Steve McClaren seemed incapable of. It will also be good to see Rafa hold any prima donna’s to account. That, combined with the full backing of the Toon Army should be enough to eventually see this team move away from the dreaded drop zone.
OK Sharpy. You scored 1 point out of 10.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am sure the players will be part loving and part hating this. Part loving that they have an actual manager with a brain now but part hating that now fan fury will be solely at them.
Rafa says the squad is good, Carr built the squad, Ashley has spent to put it all together, Charnley finally did what was needed and fans will back Rafa.
Any failure will now be solely held to players not trying. They HAVE to perform. There is no scapegoat anymore.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Troy thinks we should have hired Lee Clark and Sharpy thinks that Blackie was good at NUFC. Has there been a mule hired to kick NUFC bloggers in the head or did they both swim in the same vat of glue as children?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
FJ good comment mate and the last part very very true
Icedog(Quote)
Good point FJ.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Snap Icedog 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – wow you really are doing a great job of coming across as a total **** today like aren’t you.
Ok mate, off you go and paste the comments where I have said Black did a good job at NUFC.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This motivational guru stuff tends to wear off after a while. It really is like the stone facing that your grandmother was sold. After a year they think , who was that c2nt that conned me and can I get my money back. The answer is it was Blackie and his like, and no you cannot get your money back.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I think I have made very cogent arguments.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: you should maybe get some balls and some sense.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Also, I am considering a 2-0 or 3-0 loss tomorrow as a good result considering under McClaren, we’d be looking at 5 goals + against us away to Leicester. Tomorrow really is a write-off.
Rafa’s reign really starts with the derby.
funkyjesus(Quote)
But, I will allow others to choose, just like they did on Troy’s Lee Clark choice for manager.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Totally agree again FJ. Them Leicester players are fast.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
ERIC aye they are quite fast but as my old manager used to say to us if we faced that much pace as we were leaving the dressing room,remember they cannot be that fast limping 😉
Icedog(Quote)
Why do you have such a hard on for Blackie? He did nothing for NUFC except fight with the fitness coach and has done nothing for McClaren either because Schteve has failed at every job in the last 6 years.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Vardy’s pace shouldn’t hurt us if we sit back a little and defend in a organised manner. Try to hit them on the break. The longer we keep it at nil the more they will panic and commit men forward. Townsend and Aarons on the break in the second half.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric – get some balls?!, who do you think you are you clown.
So because I don’t want to enter into a conversation about a bloke you’ve never met and know nothing about, you keep going and going.
When have I tried to force upon you that he did a good job, or that your opinion of him is wrong and mine is right? – never. Yet you keep going because I’m not prepared to share your opinion of the man. A man who you openly admit having never met. A man who you base your opinion on off the back of other motivational speakers you’ve experienced through the financial or insurance world.
The fact is he is not just a motivational speaker, but why let fact get in the way of slagging someone off.
I have said that I found him a nice guy to speak to. I have also said that a number of top sports professionals hold him in high regard.
I never said he did a good job at NUFC. I don’t know what impact he had during his short time there – neither do you. Nor do you know if he did clash with fitness or medical staff, coz you weren’t there … but again, why let that get in the way.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stu – youre doing a good job at convincing yourself we can win at Leicester.
Vardy’s pace will hurt our back 2 of Taylor and Lascelles.. if they play. We saw Lascelles get spun v B’mouth, wasnt pretty.
But keep talking im all for a win. 😀 Leicester have to be stopped by someone. If we get a draw, I’d be well chuffed
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Not sure anybody can convince anybody on here we will win, Clarkie. In just trying to think of the tactics Rafa might try and employ.
West Ham looking a decent side. We made them look average for 45 mins at SJP. That gives me hope we can beat most sides at home.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric has certainly been letting Troy rub off on him.
Stuart79(Quote)
West Ham beating Man Utd 1-0.
Could be no top 4 side in the semi finals of the FA Cup this season. It’s been a while since that has been the case.
Palace, Everton, Watford, West Ham as it stands.
Sharpy17(Quote)
@Troy.
Your point about Clarky coming here to make a difference is bordering insane.
He went to Killy and they havent won since he joined, only drawing one 😯
What made you honestly think players like Colo, Sissoko, Janmaat etc would listen to Geordie Lee straight from the dole queue 😆 😳
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Sharpy said above.
“When have I tried to force upon you that he did a good job, or that your opinion of him is wrong and mine is right? ”
You just said it earlier today. FFS.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Now Now boys calm doon don’t lets get personal,no need for it,everybody has a view let’s respect that
Icedog(Quote)
Eric – show me then!. What did I say?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
On Blackie’s website he expressly says he is a motivational speaker.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
If I said it earlier today it should be easy to find shouldn’t it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
:Sharpy17
cant believe youre biting at Erics windups
and theres you thinking me and Eric chomped at Troys 😆
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
i dont trust motivational speakers. Just like clowns.. I cant believe in life they can always be that positive. I bet behind closed doors theyre right miserable wife beating twats that drink themselves to sleep everynight 😆
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Jesus Christ Sharpy. You are doing the Troy thing now where i would have to look back for 2 months to see yo defending Blackie. I don’t care.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well said Ice.
If you cant take the bait, just ignore it. move on 😉
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Mark;:it is not a windup. I believe what I am saying about Lee Clark and Blackie
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Mark – you stick with ya pal mate, you guys are the humour of this blog for sure 😆 😯
Sharpy17(Quote)
So, it is between Leicester and Spurs for the Title. I would not have predicted that.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
haha stop biting Sharpy.
But thanks, that means a lot 😛
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Leicester under pressure now after Spurs get within 2 of them…
Stuart79(Quote)
Sharpy @17.50: another dig without any backup. C’mon man, you can do better than that.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kane is a very good player.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – brilliant!!. You’re a fucking clown man.
You just said I said it today, so why would you have to go back 2 months?.
Just paste today’s comments and show everyone you’re right.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well I’d be happy to see either Spurs or Leicester to win it. Shoves it up the big boys and theyre expensive toys.
Prefer Leicester like. Not a huge fan of spurs but appreciate the way Pochettino has them playing.
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
@Stu
I dont think Leicester will play any different against us. They play to win but the pressure is defo cranked up a bit. it might work in our favour
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Eric must still be looking through my previous comments from today I take it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I will have a look Sharpy but the new site makes that difficult. Give me some time, but no:
Oh ****, I can’t be bothered. Everybody knows the gist of what you said, so – I CAN’T BE BOTHERED.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The Chron reckon Colo wont make it
Elliot
Janmaat Lascelles Taylor Colback
Saivet or Anita/ Shelvey
Sissoko Wijnaldum Townsend
Mitrovic
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Eric – priceless & pathetic at the same time.
Blaming the new site rather than admit he’s wrong …. Ladies & gentlemen I give you Eric 🙄
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy has always said that Blackie was a valuable resource of NUFC based on the five minutes he coached Jonny Wilkinson and not the 5 years with McClaren.
But Sharpy had a pint with him once and he was a nice guy so he must be brilliant.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
id be tempted to drop Sissoko for being a girl and play Perez but we know Sissoko can make a difference, more so under a new manager
Id pick Saviet to man mark Mhrez
actually I’d drop Mitro for Perez
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Sharpy: you should read your own stuff back.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric! youre sounding like Troy now mate 😳 youve got lock-jaw 😆
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Mark: Blackie has gone mate. He will not enter my mind again apart from today.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Wow Eric. Think you just went after the wrong bloke! I do not ever recall Sharpy saying Blackie did a good job here he merely said he has met the bloke a few times, he comes across (in person) as a nice bloke and he comes highly recommended by Wilko and the Lion’s squad. I believe Sharpy also once said Blackie does fitness or technique coaching of some sort, not just mind wizardry.
I completely agree with your disdain for snake oil salesmen and the like 100%. Same.as fortune readers and clairvoyants . bunch of sick con artists. But I don’t get putting Blackie in the same bracket as them, albeit his football record is poor and perhaps he should never have been hired in the first place. Not sure that makes him scum though and not sure why you make a specific allegation against Sharpie about what he has said today knowing you can’t back it up. That’s not just troyesque but because it’s so easy to call you out on it it’s actually a very poor attempt at being Troy. Must. Try. Harder. 😳 😀
Shamrock(Quote)
God, PLEASE can we drop the Blackie stuff guys 🙁
kimtoon(Quote)
Mark – I reply to your comments mate.
I have no problem with banter, never have. But when banter becomes lies or trolling, why should I ignore it. When someone tells you to get some balls because you choose not to enter into the conversation then continues to openly mock you on a footballing site – something the same person has a pop at other people about – then why should I?.
I knew that Eric wasn’t just bantering – which he has confirmed.
So why shouldn’t I react if he try’s to belittle just coz my opinion of someone doesn’t reflect his?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
What we all need now is Blacklie and Brownlie.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Personally I think I would drop Sissoko. Play Aarons and Townsend out wide. They will both track back and both have pace. Shelvey and Saviet holding with Gini behind Mitro. As for the defence, well that just depends who’s fit I suppose!
Stuart79(Quote)
I’d go with that Stu, maybe Perez for Aarons as he’s also a grafter, a creator and will score too. Bit more experience against a top team.
Shamrock(Quote)
I must say I am waiting for Sharpy’s comment today that Eric was going to copy and paste… 😯
I think Shary has said probably only once or twice that he thought Blackie would be a good addition to the staff. Fair enough he got that wrong but people get things wrong. Well obviously people will know on here that I don’t but that’s life I suppose. 😀
Stuart79(Quote)
Shamrock: me and Sharpy have spoken about Blackie before. He seemed to think he was beneficial to the team and I didn’t. That is about all there is to it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
@Sharpy 😉
fair do’s mate. I did say earlier just to ignore it..
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Sham – thanks mate, but I fear you are only saying that coz the new lay out of the site makes it easier for you to say that, than actually prove me wrong 😯 😆 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stuart: I was never even mad at Sharpy. I just thought Blackie was a bad hire and I don’t like the whole Motivational Guru schtick.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yep, Sham. If Perez got the gig instead of Aarons it wouldnt be a problem for me. Interested in who he plays though. He can only take the advice of Cathro, the dvd’s he’s seen and training.
Interesting team selection. He may even drop Gini and play someone more defensively minded. Wouldn’t mind that either for this game.
Stuart79(Quote)
Sissoko deserves the drop but I’d give him the benefit of the doubt with Rafa in charge. He can be a game changer if hes on form
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
I am not trying to wind up Sharpy. I think we have had a mild disagreement and that is about it. I hope he is not that bothered either.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
so my final team
going for a 1-0 defeat or a 1-1
Elliot
Janmaat Lascelles Taylor Colback
Saivet or Anita/ Shelvey
Sissoko Wijnaldum Townsend
Perez
TOON TOON
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Not exactly Eric. The majority of the rest of us have differences of opinion all the time without slinging in post after post inna short period of time trying to make the other bloke look like a chump. Specifically, you accused him of saying today that Blackie did a good job here and now you can’t back it up. That’s what happens when you ‘run your mouth’. D’oh!
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy I thought Blackie was going to be a good man to have, as when we got him there was a lot of twitter msgs wishing him well in the new job and thanking him etc.
And it wasn’t just Wilkinson there was a lot that spoke highly of him.
But none of us know what good he done or didnt do.
Big Dave(Quote)
Sharpy 😆
Shamrock(Quote)
Think I’ll go and watch a P Sellers dvd and leave you lads to it
Icedog(Quote)
swansea arent out of it. we have 30 pts to play for they have 24. Sunderland are the ones to catch. Norwich cant score,
sunderland
Newcastle United v Sunderland
Sunderland v West Bromwich Albion
Sunderland v Leicester City
Norwich City v Sunderland
Sunderland v Arsenal
Stoke City v Sunderland
Sunderland 15:00 Chelsea
i can see Sunderland getting 7/8 pts if they play well
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Eric – I took your advice and I read my comments back.
In one of my earlier comments posted today (I didn’t have the same struggle negating the new site) I did say I was happy to rest my case there.
It was you who continued, but your current back tracking and down playing is duly noted 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
Rafa did the maths. means nowt if our irresponsible shites dont perform but we definitely have the best chance
Newcastle United v Sunderland Sky Sports
Norwich City v Newcastle United
Southampton v Newcastle United
Newcastle United v Swansea City
Liverpool 1v Newcastle United
Newcastle United v Crystal Palace
Aston Villa v Newcastle United
Newcastle United v Tottenham Hotspur
Clarkies Wonderland(Quote)
Dave – a lot like at QPR, I think the rot at NUFC ran deep & the players clearly were not happy.
It would have taken a lot for a team of motivators to do anything positive at the club IMO.
Anyway, the likes of yourself, Sham and Stu have clearly picked up on my stance on the fella so I can live with that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Does it really matter if Sharpy rated Blackie anyway?
Don’t we have bigger and better stuff to debate?
kimtoon(Quote)
WTF!!!! Sharpy rated Blackie????? 😉 😆
richietoon(Quote)