It is a FACT that the Newcastle United is a mess from top to bottom. It is a FACT that Lee Charnley does not know what he is doing when it comes to the footballing side of running a club. It is a FACT that Graham Carr has failed in his recent, expensive recruitment drives. It is a FACT that Lee Charnley and Graham Carr were wrong to hire Steve McLaren. It is FACT that we hovered around the relegation zone all season whilst the board dithered. It is a FACT that Steve McLaren should have been sacked before the January transfer window. It is a FACT that the Academy is not keeping up with its rivals. It is FACT that the transfer strategy in place for the last few years has failed.
It is FACT that Rafa Benitez is the first world class manager to grace our club with his presence in our dugout since the late Great Sir Bobby Robson. It is FACT that Rafa Benitez has taken us on a 6 game unbeaten run. It is FACT that Rafa Benitez just orchestrated a 5-1 demolition of a Top 3 side that still had something to play for, even though we did not. It is a FACT that Rafa Benitez represents genuine hope for Newcastle United’s future should he stay.
It is a FACT that Rafa Benitez wants to stay so long as his conditions are met. It is a FACT that his demands are reasonable and logical given the club’s long standing failed footballing and transfer strategy. It is FACT that keeping Rafa Benitez represents more than just signing the first manager more than worth his salt in 12 years. Retaining Benitez represents a change in the structure and strategy of the club from top to bottom. He represents hope and provides a silver lining to a very big storm cloud. Rafa Benitez represents a viable, enjoyable and successful future for Newcastle United.
No other name will do. That is a FACT.
[poll id=”94″]
unless we’re a man city or a chelsea who can afford superstar players that can fit into an already top team, our policy will never work.
What can managers achieve with the likes of Goof, Riviere, Cabella, Saviet, etc etc.. the list is huge.
Total shambles.
I can see our coach asking for a rightback and Goofran turns up!?!
Rip it up and go back to having a transfer kitty that Rafa can control not Charnley and Carr
Gashley(Quote)
It’s certainly not dull supporting NUFC is it…? 🙂
Thought we were great today and that was bitter sweet to be honest. Just shows what a complete shambles McClaren made of this season.
Thought the atmosphere was fantastic and if that doesn’t make Rafa stay then nothing will.
Stuart79(Quote)
Hats off to the fans today Stu. They did a terrific job reaching out to Rafa.
Shamrock(Quote)
http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11678/10283524/rafa-benitez-admits-his-heart-is-telling-him-to-stay-at-newcastle-united
Gashley(Quote)
Sham, it’s a Fact that’s a good read and I totally agree. 😀
Kimtoon(Quote)
the way he’s talking on Sky it looks like he wants to be here nxt season…IF he doesnt its down to another monumental f**kup by the chiefs at St James’
Gashley(Quote)
As Fans they did all they could to convince him today, now it’s down to Mike to do the right thing. If Rafa walks away because we don’t give assurances on football matters, then it will get very , very toxic very quickly and then I genuinely fear for our clubs future.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Rafa making it very hard for the club to NOT offer him everything he’s asking for. If they do, he decides against it and leaves on good terms, that’s one thing. If they don’t…there will be hell to pay from the fans!
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
He said ‘ they know ‘ when asked by sky what he needs to stay. So he has obviously told them what he needs to build a strong team for next year, but will Jabba concede a bit of ground to the manager.
Kimtoon(Quote)
he’s got to kim, simple as that or we can do a few seasons in the championship going from the warnocks, bruces to the Clarkies… its a no-brainer but I could honestly see Mike messing it up…
Gashley(Quote)
For me it’s about what Ashley is prepared to do. Will Ashley allow him to run the club as he wants? If he does and he gives him the tools he will stay.
Stuart79(Quote)
Ashley doesn’t have a single card to play. Rafa will get what he wants or leave. Ashley can’t afford to let that happen. Mike will have one chance to get this right.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Judging by Rafa’s comments to Sky it’s clear he’s wanting assurances on money for next season and whether he can keep or sell who he wants.
Stuart79(Quote)
Let’s not misunderstand the situation. This is a tough decision for Ashley. There are many owners and chairmen who run a club this way, so this is basically asking him to abandon the model he believes in to run this club. But this is also a golden opportunity to get our first truly top manager since SBR (as has been said).
Ashley will deserve great credit if he does what is required to get Rafa to stay. Will take a big man to do that. Won’t make us forget all of the stupid mistakes and **** seasons, but I still think he would deserve a lot of credit if he pulls of this coup. Pretty much unheard of.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Charnley can stay and clean the teapots. But that’s all. Rafa will want somebody he can work with properly. If Rafa thinks Carr is worth keeping he’ll stay. If it doesn’t work this way and Ashley tries to impose his own conditions it’s all over and we’ll be left looking for another mediocre or worse manager.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Any model Ashley believes in has long since died in the test of the Prem TDS. It’s very Darwinian. You either succeed or you get pushed aside as we’ve just been for the second time in seven years. Ashley should deal with that within himself and just get on with doing what Rafa tells him to as far as football is concerned.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Stu I was listening to 5live news this morning and they played a little of what he said when asked if money was the issue. This was before the sky interview and he said ‘ it’s not about money it’s the structure of things’.
Kimtoon(Quote)
How many of the scorers today will be here next season? 1,2?? Maybe mitro and Aarons? The rest will be off. We’ll have Toney and Armstrong back
I’m sure if Rafa stays he’ll be after a proven scorer
Gashley(Quote)
G2
You’re completely wrong. The Swans manager spoke a few weeks ago about how he doesn’t sign players. I think Spurs have worked that way for years, so have Chelsea and several others. At many clubs the ‘manager’ is actually a coach. But then it’s crucial that the person responsible for running the club is highly skilled and experienced. Charnley certainly hasn’t shown he’s highly skilled and has limited experience.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Charnley doesn’t know how to build a successful football club. He hasn’t experience doing it anywhere else. Rafa does.
Thinking about it…Ashley actually already moved slightly in the right direction by giving McClaren more power…although it was the wrong person. If he gave it to him, surely he could do it for Rafa??
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Even Ashley must see his way of doing it isn’t working. Christ, he’s not blind or stupid! I don’t even think it’s a case of admitting he’s wrong. It’s just so clear the policy isn’t working so it needs to change.
Kim, I think Rafa was referring to his own remuneration when he said that. I read somewhere that Rafa wants assurances that he has the option of who stays and who goes from this squad to give us the best chance of staying up.
Stuart79(Quote)
Seeing that his way of doing things isn’t working is one thing. Handing over control to Rafa is something else.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
He’s handed over control to Charnley. A man with no experience or record of running a club let alone turning a club into a success.
Stuart79(Quote)
Agreed, but he’s cut from the same cloth as Ashley. Rafa is a different animal.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Either way I can’t imagine Ashley can’t see the pluses in giving Rafa control. Even if he allowed him to keep all the players and it cost him a few mil, if it got us back up it would be worth it. I think the days of false economics are over!
Stuart79(Quote)
Just wondered what people thought of the sub. today? I said to guys next to me when Townsends number came up, he got the standing ovation that was always going to happen, then of course it was a mistake and told to stay on. Was that Rafa doing this so he relelised how much he is loved by the fans, so maybe he will stay on next season and not put in for a transfer. After all, he can go to Euro finals in the summer, maybe sit out 1st year of world cup qualifiers while in championship, then back in preamier league for second year of qualifiers and the world cup.
Simon(Quote)
So I saw Mitro’s challenge.
It was a disgrace. I can see what Le Tissier meant with a 10 game ban.
He actively moved away from the ball to get the leg.
He’s a thug.
funkyjesus(Quote)
I agree funky. If spitting is 7 games then a deliberate nasty foul like that is 10. No question he knew exactly what he was doing there. He actively moved in the opposite direction of the ball, which was under his control – in order to try to properly hurt the opposition player.
When we were winning too and we were under no pressure. Completly uncalled for. Not just ethically, but by throwing our chances of winning right up in the air.
Shamrock(Quote)
Barton gave a warning a few days ago about him and today confirmed it.
I’d trust Barton’s judgement here as he clearly sees a bit of himself in Mitro.
http://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2016/05/14/joey-barton-has-a-warning-for-aleksandar-mitrovic/
funkyjesus(Quote)
The challenge was appalling. Happened right in front of me and I missed it, saw the reports on line and heard it sounded bad, then saw it on match of the day, he should have a 10 game ban, totally shocking and as said, knew exactly what he was doing
Simon(Quote)
People will compare Mitro to Barton but there is a difference. Barton is an intelligent guy (especially for a footballer) who has moments where you see red mist descend then pass.
Mitro is a total loony. I’ve never seen him not in a psycho rage. He was death staring the ref at one point and gonna but him but a team mate stopped him.
Mitro is worse than Barton – he just hasn’t broke the law yet.
funkyjesus(Quote)
YET 👿
can’t stand seeing stuff like that these days. I reckon he’ll get more than a 3 match ban, and got no sympathy from me.
small dicked little ****** who can’t control himself.
Won’t be disappointed if he leaves.
Same goes for the Sissoko dive for the penalty.
Everyone but the ref knew it was a dive, as we rarely get awarded genuine pens.
another one that can walk the plank imho
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
is there any extra punishment for a 2nd red card in a season ?
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
It seems to me that the appointment of Rafa will hinge on whether Ashley is willing to give him extra cash (another loan to the club?).
Mitrovic was stupid. I don’t know about a 10 game ban, but he deserves everything he gets. I noticed Rafa deliberately snubbed Mitro when he was going about congratulating the lads after the game.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Can’t see Ashley giving in to Benitez’s demands so a long descent into a deep black hole is on the cards .
Pity like
Munich Mag(Quote)
Rafa’s political comments don’t help. You can simultaneously read he is both staying and leaving from them. The doubt creates a negative atmosphere.
funkyjesus(Quote)
Fantasy Football Blog Cup (Known as the Toonsy Trophy) won by TDS’s Shteves Shcitty
Still the ManU game to play but I’m calling it now. Alestars can’t win, despite naming 15 starters (though riotously enough a third of them didn’t play).
Would’ve thrashed them both, myself, like. Like Newcastle, my moment of defiance comes when all is lost.
Well played, guys.
Brisvegas(Quote)
I agree the Mitrovic tackle was bad but has anybody been suspended for more than 3 games for a bad challenge before? I have seen hundreds of bad challenges but I think they all only got the regular ban. Fallaini tried to break Huth’s cheek bone and only got 3 games. I remember Shawcross trying to put Haidara in hospital a few years ago and getting nothing.
If everybody talks up a 10 game ban he might just get it but he is not the first to make a challenge like that by any means.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kim – he also say, I want what the fans want ‘a strong team’. That suggests to me that any sticking point will be player recruitment, change of policy and the possible presence of Graham Carr.
Maybe that’s why Ashley has to be involved. Maybe Charnley doesn’t have the clout to oust another board member.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bris – thanks again for running the FF mate.
Congrats to Newkie & TDS 😉
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t Rafa will be expecting a big transfer kitty & he’ll know his budget will be limited.
He’ll want assurances he will get to keep certain players – regardless of bids from other clubs.
After that it will be bringing in the players HE wants – regardless of age.
I don’t think it’s too much to ask. But it will go against the sell for a profit & probably mean the end of Carr.
Sharpy17(Quote)
It’s clear Rafa wants assurances that he will have the resources to almost guarantee is coming back up next year. That means being allowed to keep whoever he wants from the current squad and add to it if he wants. It will need some money from Ashley I reckon. But it would certainly be worth it if we got straight back up.
So in short he will want;
1) Full control on transfers in and out
2) Money to be made available to improve the squad
3) Complete control of all football affairs at the club from Academy upwards.
If Charnley was entrusted with that responsibility then he shouldn’t have an issue with Rafa as he’s more experienced and has a brilliant track record.
It’s got to be Ashley’s last chance to build a successful football club – even he must know this.
There’s something about this football club of ours. How many others could have a chance of Rafa in the Championship…
Stuart79(Quote)
Well I have done some digging and the likely outcome for Mitro is a 4 game ban.
Shamrock(Quote)
Next season we can expect Armstrong back home continuing his development in the next league up. I’m looking forward to seeing how he does. We will have Mitro, Armstrong and Perez up front. Let Riviere and Cisse go, send Doumbia packing and maybe we need 1 more striker to come in with a bit of presence – as we can expect Mitro to miss a few games on and off. Maybe De Jong could play up front next season then we don’t need a striker?
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham: It is a 4 game ban because of 2 sendings off, right? The extra game is not for “violent conduct” or anything like that?
MY problem with any extra ban is not that it is not warranted but that it is never assessed without bias. Usually the media will get involved and it is never for their favourites like John Terry or Wayne Rooney who have made many bad tackles in their careers which were never punished.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy and Stu, agree totally. I think he knows there are cash restraints because he said on 5live it was structure not money. He’s not a fool, he will be aware we blew £80m on a lot of **** this season and left the cash cupboard bare.He’ll be wanting total say over who comes and goes and how we build the academy and reserves as that is what I believe he means by structure. He will know certain players have to be sold to raise funds because we’ve dropped but will want to hang on to who he see’s as key to our future. He will have good contacts in Spain and elsewhere so should in theory have the ability to bring in some good players for a reasonable amount and of course his name should tempt players to sign. This will mean Carrs days are numbered but he was on the verge of leaving when JFK came in anyway so given his age as well, maybe it’s time he went anyway.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Re- Mitro I said it was nasty at the time and seeing it again it was awful. As I said, that’s why he doesn’t start imo. I love the guys passion but his temper is too much, he constantly plays on the edge but hasn’t the intelligence to control it. He seemed to be getting better control but yesterday shows he can be a total liability. 10 game ban has never happened that I’m aware of but I do expect it to be longer than normal for sure. Rafa will likely be furious over it too, it’s not something I want to see from any of our players.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah Eric 2nd card. I don’t think the balance of punishments is right. Spitting 7 games but trying to break somebody’s leg 3? Bit like the UK judicial system I guess.it is what it is so he won’t be away too long. I think he will do well next season but needs to work on his anger. I know they say people will wind him up in the Fizzy league, but make no mistake defenders in PL are just as bad so I’m not too concerned to be honest. Mitro and Arma with Townsend zipping around them could be absolutely lethal.
Shamrock(Quote)
I’m not too sure, Kim. I reckon he might want the option of keeping all the current squad and that means selling nobody who he doesn’t want to leave. It won’t be about money for him personally but he will want money to spend on the squad.
Keep this squad together and we will blow the Championship away. Big call for Ashley that.
Stuart79(Quote)
Townsend looked better than any of the Spurs players. It must have been an off day though as Kane didn’t even embarrass Taylor.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu. Possibly, to be honest mate, I want Sissoko and a couple of others gone. I am actually really cross by what I saw yesterday. Certain players have totally let us down this season and the same players were obviously doing a come and get me , look how good I am yesterday. Commentators waxing lyrical about Sissoko and Gini yesterday but have they not seen all our previous games? If they had played like that for just 75% of our games we’d still be in the PL now. No I don’t want them at the club personally.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Shamrock: and if we can keep Aaron fit. He is a game changer.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Yes, certainly rubbed their noses in it. I am very impressed with Andros and really hope he stays with us.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Eric, If Aarons can stay fit he’ll be a fine player, the lad doesn’t get overawed by the big stage either.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Darlow was at fault for their goal yesterday but I have been really pleased at how well he’s done since coming in. To get thrown into a relegation scrap like that and hold your own is great news for us. Lascelles needs to stay too no matter what we are offered.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Well, it seems pretty obvious to me who we should sell to raise money/save wages:
– Those the wrong side of 30: Cisse, Tiote, Taylor, Coloccini
– Those we can get decent fees for Gini, Sissoko
– Those we have a replacement for Janmaat
– Deadwood, Gouffran, Sammy, Vuchic,
That should be enough unless we get really good offers for Krul or Perez.
Hopefully there isn’t the rumoured release clause in Townsend’s contract.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kimtoon: I am happy for the most part with Darlow. He is a decent 2nd keeper but I wouldn’t want him as number 1.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
http://www.thefa.com/football-rules-governance/suspensions/clubdiscipline?league=74&club=10552449
This confirms it is a 4 game ban. I have researched the law and he is guilty of serious violent conduct by using excessive force likely to cause injury on the field of play. Because it will be in the referees match report, I cannot imagine a situation where the FA intervenes and makes the ban longer.
Shamrock(Quote)
Darlow did have me shitting myself with his first game against West Brom. I thought he would get us relegated. Turned out it wasn’t him that got us relegated it was the rest of the team 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’ve just watched the Mitrovic tackle on a recorded MOTD having missed it yesterday.
It’s a nasty challenge, but I think it is clumsy over malicious. It’s not a red mist moment where he’s went in to wipe the lad out. He looked to step across Walker to shield the ball – BUT that’s no excuse.
He made a similar challenge for his red card against Arsenal earlier this season I seem to remember.
He doesn’t help himself with his death stares when a ref gives a decision against him, or his over physical approach sometimes.
Cracking header though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Also, Lloris was like a statue for Janmaat’s goal and he is considered one of the best in the world so it can happen to any keeper, just hopefully not very often.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I thought Mitro was going to plant the Ref.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I am really impressed with Townsend. That shot that hit the post was with his right (wrong) foot.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric to clarify the ban lengths;
Red card equals 3 games unless it’s for spitting, which is 6.
2nd red in a season is 3 +1.
3rd red is 3 +2 etc…
Shamrock(Quote)
Eric – I heard a stat yesterday that Townsend only start 26 times in 8yrs at Spurs. (It was probably told to me when I was saying sign him & some thought he was overpriced & I didn’t pay it any attention).
But it’s hopefully a stat that will not be lost on Townsend himself when it comes to considering his future in the summer.
I am certain that if he’s fit, he’s the first name on the team sheet. He plays at NUFC and he plays in front of 50k adoring fans week in week out.
If he makes Hodgsons England squad later today, why not stick around for at least 1 season to get us straight back up.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Wayne Rooney asking if he can have a midfield role for the Euros. Why? He is a striker. If he’s not good enough to get a game then so be it. Let the midfielder play in midfield.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy: I was slightly skeptical on Townsend because he was in the Spurs reserves but also because there is a website called Football365 that said he only had one move, the cut in from the right and shoot with his left move. I hadn’t really watched many Spurs games where he had played (probably because as you said he had only started 26) so that made me wonder if he was any good or not. He is good though, he has work rate and pace, and can shoot or cross.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham – tail wagging the dog there
Sharpy17(Quote)
Words from Sissoko:
Seems to me a few of our better players may end up staying if Rafa stays. Simple as that. Although in Sissoko case I’m happy to see him go either way.
”It’s difficult to answer [whether I will stay] but I know this team and this club deserves to stay up. But we are in the Championship now so we need to do everything to try and come back for the next season because this club should normally be in the top 10 [of the Premier League].
“This season was hard for everyone but we need to carry on and work hard for the season after.”
“He has a lot of experience as a coach. He has trained with Madrid, Napoli, Liverpool. He knows how to talk with the players, so he changed the tactics and mentality so I think that was good for everyone but maybe he came in a bit too late because we were already in the bottom.
“But I think he did his best and then we need to thank him for everything, and like I said we need to see what happens next season.”
Shamrock(Quote)
Eric I remember me and Sharpy raving about Townsend coming in. Quite a few were saying he was rubbish. I pointed out he is far better than anything we have on the wing and some numpty (can’t remember who) responded by saying he is just an English Obertan. Lol. Whoever said that: Egg on your face?!
Shamrock(Quote)
Eric – I could understand people think £12m was a lot, but I was always sure that all the lad needed was the opportunity to show what he could do. At NUFC he’s getting that chance & under Rafa he is getting to showcase his abilities.
He could walk into a lot of PL teams IMO – but will he get the game time he will with us. Will the fans take to him & apreciate him the way we do.
Ordinarily I would say that wouldn’t matter with a lot of players – but with Townsends past & 8yrs of Spurs exile, then maybe in his case it really does matter.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Woohoo! Thanks Brisvegas! Despite my woeful transfer out of Gini…and then my stupid decision to transfer in the wrong Saints midfielder…still help on! I see Alestars kept the wildcard handy and still couldn’t beat me… 😉
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
Sham: I don’t think it was me that trashed Townsend but I didn’t rave about him because I hadn’t seen that much of him but the fact he had played so few games for Spurs might have been a red flag (I know you weren’t insinuating it was me). I didn’t realise he was only 24 though as he seemed to have been around forever.
On Rooney, if he is admitting he is not up for a striker role then Mr. Roy should not play him there. Let him compete with the other midfielders. He can hit that Hollywood crossfield pass but how often does that really serve any purpose? He can’t tackle, so I am not sure if he would be worth his place. I would like to be proved wrong though as I think he will play as he is the Captain and I want England to do well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham – come on mate, you’re better than that man!!. 😐
Still, they must feel really stupid now though 😆 😎
Sharpy17(Quote)
And Shelvey seems like he has been around forever but just turned 24. He is only 2 months older than Sammi.
Eric Sykes(Quote)