On 12th January 2016 Newcastle United announced the signature of Jonjo Shelvley for £12 Million from Swansea. A midfielder with natural talent and ability, but questionable attitude from every club in which he has played for. On his debut, a 2-1 win over West Ham 4 days later, he showed only the positives about his play which ended in him being named Man of the Match for his involvement in the build up play to both Newcastle goals.
Now we are in July 2016 and it is fair to say the last 6 months have been a rollercoaster for him at the club from rising to stand in Captain to being left on the bench the last few games of the season. While his attitude has never been questionable since joining some of his performances towards the end of the season were. But with the likes of Wijnaldum, Sissoko, De Jong and Tiote’s future very questionable at the club it gives Shelvey a chance to kick start his career in the beautiful Black and White Jersey!
Even if the 4 named above do depart the club there will still be strong competition for Shelvey to go up against to keep a starting place in the middle of the park this season. Antia, Saivet, Colback and our latest signing from Arsenal on a 5 year deal; Isaac Hayden – a 21 year old Central Defence Midfielder who helped guide Hull City back to the Premiership last season when he was out there on loan.
I personally believe that Shelvey can get back to his best and become a regular in the starting 11. A number of good performances in Pre Season, as a boost of confidence, could very well see him start on our first game of the season against Fulham on 5th August. Rafa may have only dropped him to the bench for a tactical purpose, to try all he could to keep us in the Premiership, but either way I would like to see him make the most of Shelvey’s talents which has gained him 6 International Caps for England.
In Rafa Benitez we trust – the Rafalution is here!
Sharpy, no I don’t believe we do have a 20 goals a season forward, possibly Gayle but unlikely imo. What we do have though is plenty that can score now so hopefully between them we can get enough goals. I do think we need another forward though.
Kimtoon(Quote)
I don’t want to be the bearer of bad news but we still have Thauvin, Carbella and Sammy Ameobi returning from loan’s spell’s. I know some of your views on Sammy but is it possible that Rafa can get the best out of Carbella or Thauvin. They too have potential like Shelvey or do we write them off or give them a second chance with a better manager ?
Terry(Quote)
Terry, I don’t think Thauvin has the right mentality for English football though I would like to be proven wrong.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Thauvin and Cabella – yes. They can go swivel. Couple of softies more concerned with their image than their football or their club.
Shamrock(Quote)
As for Carr who got the club relegated and waisted million’s on duds why does he still have a job ? I feel much better know with Rafa buying players.
Terry(Quote)
Sham did you see my post ?
Kimtoon(Quote)
Kim I was proven wrong about Lascalles last season and it was good feeling. Then I asked myself could anyone be any worse than Colocini ? My answer was No. A chimpanzee would have done a better job in defense and as captain.
Terry(Quote)
Terry, Thing is Carr may well of suggested better players but not allowed to go for them for all we know. He did seem hung up on the French market though which sometimes worked but often hasn’t. Rafa has definitely changed things for the better.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Yeah sorry Kim. I think a new guy is doing an article today. Shall I put it up tomorrow? I’m home from 5.
Shamrock(Quote)
Me too Terry, it’s been a nice surprise his form.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Shamrock most of Carrs signing’s are softies. No wonder the club got relegated. I’m still waiting to be proved wrong on Saviet and Riviere as well.
Terry(Quote)
Yep, that’s fine it’s only time sensitive if we sign more today 😆 I will send you it now then Sham
Kimtoon(Quote)
Ok mate ?
Shamrock(Quote)
Terry – Cabella has already gone mate. If Thauvin could be the answer to that left side then all for giving the lad a chance, but I’ve seen little from him to suggest he is.
Sammy couldn’t get a game at Cardiff mate, not even Rafa is that good!! 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy I never thought Sammy was that bad when he was here mate. Its most probably because we had Obertan, Carbella, Gouffran, Williamson, Colocini and Riviere to take my attention off him. Out of that list mate it’s like who’s the worst player out of the bunch. 9 times out of 10 it was always poor Williamson. Like you said he wasn’t the best player but he always gave 100 percent. I think Colocini was 100 times worse myself. But Sammy never stood out as the weakest link to me. As for Thauvin yes his terrible and very expensive but I’m willing to give him a second chance if Benitez can get him playing again. I trust Benitez more than McClaren or Pardew to get the best out of players.
Terry(Quote)
Sharpy I’m really looking forward to this season mate. Benitez is here and we might get a cup run as well.
Terry(Quote)
So jabba has said he wants to keep Gino and Siko at the club but will leave the final say to Rafa at least he has kept his word to Rafa there’s no way he would have allowed a player of 31 to come to the club in time gone by,at last he has a manager he can trust and leave him to get on with it
Icedog(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/steve-mcclaren-surprisingly-fourth-favourite-11608333
Kimtoon(Quote)
aye Ice, pity both players want out
Kimtoon(Quote)
Terry – To be fair, Sammy always put a shift in and did some decent work on the left. As all wide players under Pardew he did a lot of tracking back, so who knows mate. But I think being the best of that bad bunch, still doesn’t make you a decent player 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim that made me laugh. I hope Sunderland do hire McClaren so I can **** myself laughing.
Terry(Quote)
Ice – A wise move from Jabba I feel. By saying that it stops the theory that Rafa is having his best players sold from under him.
If we get big money for them then fans could say, it’s Ashley cashing in when Rafa wants them to stay. Truth is, Rafa might well see £20m as good money for them – esp if he gets it all to spend.
Jabbas timely statement suggests at least could be on his way.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – oh life would be so sweet if that one happens. I might even look forward to going to work 😯 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
And as I write that there’s SSN saying Everton are interested in Gini – Koeman keeping it Dutch.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy no you’re right mate. His not a descent player but he always gave 100 percent thats all you can ask for. Last season even our best players didn’t give 100 percent. I will wish Sammy all the best if he gets sold like I did with Williamson. I said good riddance when Colocini left. I actually feel more positive with Rafa here and am really looking forward to this season.
Terry(Quote)
Koeman wanted Gini when we signed him so no surprise there. Doubt if he’ll pay over £20m though.
These really are stupid sums now. Could kill football forever!
Georgio(Quote)
Georgio – I think Gini will go for less than Sissoko. Rafa dropped Gini when he came in but made Sissoko his captain. He probably sees Gini as easier to replace than Sissoko so maybe £15-20m will get Gini.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Terry – I agree mate. I would us to get a similar player to Ritchie for the LW though – Robbie Brady or someone like that I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Jose Enrique is still looking for a club – who would have him back?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Not for the wages he would want mate,he said he left for better things than the toon,we’ll get on with it son!!somewhere else,a move for the young S/Hampton left back is a good move,there’s been talk about it
Icedog(Quote)
Ice – I know what you mean mate. He was one of the most accomplished LBs we’ve had in a long time, but left under a bit of a cloud – and his dream move to Lpool didn’t turn out all that well now did it. Funny that, it was a similar story for Cabaye & Debuchy … maybe Sissoko & Gini should be careful what they wish for!!.
Anyway, I was just think the Spanish connection with Rafa & now Gamez, Enrique might settle & at 30 he’d add experience back there.
You’re right though, if there is any truth to the Matt Targett link, I’ve been impressed with what little I’ve seen of him at Saints – and they have a habit of producing good young players.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Still can’t believe it. Big Sam for England and Steve McMuffin as Sunderland boss? This is hilarious. What are they thinking? Not much by the look of it.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
The England job has to be seen in world football as one of the most poison chalice out there!! What job could possibly worse that you’d want to leave it to take that role 😆 😆
Sharpy17(Quote)
Have we sweetened the pot for Hanley again? I think our latest bid is 5M? We must be getting close to getting him now. Badly needed. No depth at CB right now. I would like another CB in who is older and more experienced as well. Here’s hoping….
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I don’t know G2 Colocini leaving has strengthened the defense drastically.
Terry(Quote)
Ahahahahahahaha!!! Good point Terry mate! He was so good for us early on (remember he was one of the Prem starting 11 one season with Parsnip I think). But for at least 2 seasons it has been horrible to watch his decline.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Yep the year we finished 5th he was in the prem starting 11.
Kimtoon(Quote)
G2 It was horrible watching his decline mate. He milked the the club for every penny he could get. As soon as Rafa showed up he vained his injury so he didn’t have to play. He put in some dreadful performance’s and used Williamson as a scapegoat as well. I didn’t like that and when Williamson was gone it was clear Colocini was just as bad. A gutless captain, I really am glad his gone. One good season doesn’t make up for two relegations and two relegation fights. Good riddance. Now Rafa can rebuild the defense and start again. If McClaren and Carr did this last year maybe we would still be in the premiership.
Terry(Quote)
G2 also if you were the Newcastle head coach at one time and said to the board I need a defender you would probably get nothing or a midfielder 🙂
Terry(Quote)
https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2016/07/13/in-rafa-we-trust-a-fans-view-of-benitezs-nufc-tenure-so-far/
New thread from Magpie Marc folks, give him a warm welcome 😛
Andy The Magpie(Quote)