If the final game of last season is anything to go by then Newcastle fans can be optimistic for 2015-16. They put five past Tottenham Hotspur and while the man who scored two of those goals, Georginio Wijnaldum, has left the club, the Magpies undoubtedly have options up front.
Aleksandar Mitrovic scored 9 in the Premier League last season which is pretty good for a 21 year old in his first campaign. The last time Newcastle were relegated they were fired back into the top flight by a tall and powerful forward who sometimes lost his cool. Newcastle who are favourites to win the English second tier in this year’s championship betting will be hoping Mitrovic becomes the new Andy Carroll so they can sell him to Liverpool for something like £60 million next year. The Serbian will undoubtedly lead the line for the Toon next season on the occasions when he isn’t suspended.
If Mitrovic loses his cool and starts punching players from Rotherham United and Burton Albion, Newcastle have players waiting in the reserves. The signing of Dwight Gayle could prove inspiring. The Englishman is undoubtedly a lethal finisher and scored 7 goals in 9 matches during a loan spell in the Championship for Peterborough United in 2012. The price tag was large but Gayle wasn’t really given consistent first team football by former club Crystal Palace to show what he can do.
Aside from the big two, it’s easy to forget about Ayoze Perez. The 22 year-old is far too good to be sat on the bench and will need game time in order to further his career. The club also has youngster Adam Armstrong as well as Emmanuel Riviere who, despite popular opinion, is still actually a Newcastle United player.
It’s quite a task for Rafael Benitez to actually get all of these attacking players into the same starting line-up. The Spaniard played a 4-4-1-1 formation for much of his time at Liverpool but switched to a 4-2-3-1 at Napoli and Real Madrid. Benitez could well start with Rolando Aarons and Matt Ritchie out wide with Ayoze Perez in the attacking midfield position behind either Mitrovic or Gayle.
Failing that, he could go for a simple 4-4-2, a formation which is far more popular in the Championship than the Premier League, and play Mitrovic and Gayle together. Mitrovic/Gayle has something of a big man/little man pairing around it, somewhat similar to the Sam Vokes/Andre Gray pairing which brought Burnley so much success last season. That could be an example for Newcastle to follow in 2016-17.
Newcastle United go into the coming season full of confidence in their attacking options but should heed caution. The Championship is an incredibly difficult league to get out of; just ask Blackburn, Bolton, Fulham, or Wolves. As the biggest side in the division, every club will want to get a result against Newcastle, and add to the fact that most of the players – and the manager – have no experience at this level and it could prove challenging. That aside, the quality of the attacking players the club has should be more than enough to fire the Magpies to automatic promotion.
Ice-
From one report I saw, they were guessing the agent may have been connected to Fernando Forestieri. Italian, 26, scored 15 goals for Wednesday last year. But that was pure speculation.
Sham and G2-
I think what you’re suggesting makes the most sense – trust the four STs we have, then buy in January if necessary. If we’re going to fill the CAM position, that’s where I’d really like to see someone proven come in, especially because that could really unlock things for the STs.
On a related note, what formation are we going to play? It seems like Rafa prefers a 4-2-3-1, but if you’re talking about Gayle and Mitrovic opening space for Perez and Armstrong, that seems more like a 4-4-2 or 4-4-1-1. In a 4-2-3-1, I’m not sure there’s room for any more than 2 of our STs, and that’s really only if one of them is comfortable as a No. 10 or on the wing.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
Maybe you have better brain power than us mate lol?
Icedog(Quote)
CP I think Rafa may play three at the back at times
Icedog(Quote)
Re; articles. If in doubt go to the homepage. Only comment enabled articles appear as featured in the homepage, so the story at the top of the page will be the latest article that you can comment on. The new owners have ensured ‘clickbait’ articles do not have comments or appear on the homepage as featured.
It is pretty straight forward once you get used to it. At the end of the day they spent a fair bit in buying the place and need traffic and exposure to ads ro capitalise on their investment – but they are trying to keep the old guard happy by putting the above mentioned measures into place and I believe it is now working well. Just need to keep on top of putting a link to new comment enabled articles at the bottom of threads.
Shamrock(Quote)
For what it’s worth, Ryder has us lining up in a 4-4-2 against Fulham. The only spots in question would be RM (due to Ritchie’s fitness) and possibly GK.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-would-newcastle-line-up-11677187?
Charlie Prince(Quote)
Prince from what I have seen both Gayle and Perez play we’ll out wide. I think Rafa won’t stick to a particular formation. He likes to adapt games according to the opposition’s weaknesses, so we should.see a lot of formation changes from one game to the next and mid game when things are not going well.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham-
That’s good to hear about Rafa’s tactical flexibility. It will be needed with as many games as we’ll have, especially once injuries and suspensions hit.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
Thanks for clarification Sham… I’ll stick with it as this site is still a good link to home and the Toon, but it’s really gone downhill from what it was with Toonsy and the some of the others running it…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
I’m not sure why we would want Conor Coady anyway? Rumours have it we’re still interested in him. He’s a defensive midfielder. Even if we lose Tiote we have the new lad Hayden, and Saivet, and Colback and Anita. We have far bigger needs than this lad.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Cheers Dubai, it was pretty much Dave then Kim then me running the place for quite some time and if truth be told it needed a new buyer because none of us have the time to keep this place going. It would have fizzled out if the new guys did not come in. At least we are all here (old guard and newcomers alike) and threads are now more regular than ever. Like any change, it just takes time to adapt ?
Shamrock(Quote)
It’s definitely not brain power ice mate. I stumble along and just click on the article at the top left of the home page. I hope nobody leaves the blog because of this.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
And besides all that you have me to continue to annoy you all enormously Sham mate. Especially toonsy. No wonder the poor lad had to pass the baton. 😆
GeordieTwo(Quote)
That’s right G2. I think k he listed you as his main consideration in letting the place go haha.
Shamrock(Quote)
G2 I reckon you’re a canny lad 🙂
The blog is trailing off somewhat, things will pick up though once the season starts though ..
Munich Mag(Quote)
I knew it Sham! I was driving him mad wasn’t I? Ta Munich mate. I’m glad you’re on here. Good craic from you and we need spies everywhere, including Germany! 😀
GeordieTwo(Quote)
I agree that Rafa will chop and change formations this season which is good, it’ll keep opo teams on their toes. I also agree with Rafa about Anita, I have often said what an intelligent player he seems to be. When he first arrived he spent an awful lot of time in the gym bulking up to try and meet the physicality of the PL which he freely admitted he found hard to adapt to. I really like him at RB but we seem well covered there, maybe him at RB and Janmaat RW, can see that being affective .
Kimtoon(Quote)
SJD is another clever player but sadly a sick note, desperately hoping he can get back to full fitness but with that lung set back, I fear he’ll never be what he was.
Kimtoon(Quote)
I think the blog is doing ok, it was a little lost for a while but it will soon be busier once we kick off. Like Sham says we just need to let each other know if a new thread is up. Don’t blame the guys for the adverts, they have to make some money. Much as dirty pics of duchess of Cambridge don’t interest me, I understand why it’s up there.
Kimtoon(Quote)
We’re going to need around 26 wins and some draws to get back up. To dominate the division 30 wins should do it. That would be an incredible season. That’s what I’m hoping for anyway.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Apparently we have had a bid rebuffed for Anthony Knock heart. A lad that plays out wide as an attacker on the right or left and has scored or assisted 40 in 100 Championship games. He did not take to the PL last time out at Leicester, which is a worry bit he certainly has promise. He is a French 24-y-o.
Shamrock(Quote)
aye mate that supporters site i told you about y/day had it on,bid between 6 and 10 mil for him but they wont part with him,site also said Pardew had a 5 mil bid for Dunk knocked back
icedog(Quote)
W/Ham close to signing Ayew for 16 mil from Swansea,he was free last year
icedog(Quote)
Ice – I think Swansea are one of the ones who are likely to struggle next season – I don’t think they have a CF at the moment.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Baggies had a bid of £8m knocked back for Dunk, they are said to want £10m for him
Kimtoon(Quote)
Puils knows a good defender mate,i would have liked him at toon
icedog(Quote)
Ice, Me too mate.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Well another week to go till we get back to normal, jez I hate the summer break.
Big Dave(Quote)
So Cameron Borthwick-Jackson is not required at Man Utd by Jose. He impressed me last season. We need a left back so I’d be in for him. Tyler Blackett also on the not required list – I’d have him too!
Stuart79(Quote)
I’m almost enjoying the break this season. Firstly it’s almost positive. We seem to be clearing out ‘stars’ and replacing them with hard-working journeyman pros. Still got a week before kick off and a month til the window closes so lots to go
Premandup(Quote)
Interesting article in the Chron by Douglas – he’s on about the weakest link theory. In team games it’s not your superstar striker who is most important it’s your weakest link. You can string 15 great passes together but one mistake by say Tiote, and all the great work is undone.
Our weakest link was Colo, Taylor, Cisse, Gini, Sissoko, Tiote so I’m not sure but it’s a nice theory. Remember Alnwick? He had more influence on results than the rest of the team together. One **** movement at WBA from Darlow undid everything else.
Georgio(Quote)
Stu – totally agree mate. Either or both would be good signings for us – we need a LB and Borthwick-Jackson plays there. We could use another CB & Blackett would be a good option – that would give good options of Lascelles/Mbemba/Hanley/Blackett.
Jose is getting rid of Wilson & Keane as well – both decent young forwards for the Championship as well I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Another nice thing about a player like Blackett is that he wouldn’t come in expecting significant first team minutes, but could still see time in midweek games and cups.
Would Borthwick-Jackson be a significant upgrade over Dummett at LB? I definitely think we need improvements at LB, but I’m not sure I would want to bring in someone who’s roughly equal to Dummett.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
Prince – he’s certainly an upgrade on Haidara IMO. I think Borthwick-Jackson and Dummett would be decent options at LB in the Championship.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Junasaj or however you spell it is also on the list. I’d take him too personally.
Shamrock(Quote)
Yeah, I don’t think we can even count on Haidara for depth at LB, because who knows when he’ll be healthy? Ideally, we get someone in who’s a clear improvement at that position, but if not, I expect to see Anita and/or Gamez line up on that side a decent amount, especially if Janmaat sticks around. Those three should all be in or right around our top XI, so I’m sure Rafa will find ways to get them involved.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
Sham – in a heartbeat mate, but he might see himself at a higher level than the Championship.
A loan might be possible with an option to buy, but Jose might want to cash in now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Forget about Jasonjazz or whatever his name is. He won’t come to us. Let’s get re-focused people!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
A lot of you have been saying “But G2 we have been selling top, top players and replacing them with English dabblers and lower league piffle….” Absolutely not true lads. These are hard working professionals with some grit in their crops and a desire to win! Harrumph….. Unbelievable….
GeordieTwo(Quote)
You’re right G2 with abit of luck we could become nearly as good as Leicester
Premandup(Quote)
Now you’re really being ambitious mate 😀
Kimtoon(Quote)
I agree mate anyway what have these so called “top stars” done or won for us,nowt let them be stars somewhere else with a pocket full of cash,will take a grafter with heart and a bit of quality any day
Icedog(Quote)
Ice, totally agree mate, we’ve been down the star route and it hasn’t worked, well not in recent years anyway. It hasn’t helped that the club was sold as a stepping stone .
Kimtoon(Quote)
spot on KIM
icedog(Quote)
Here’s the interesting article that Georgio was referring to from the Chronicle:
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/weakest-link-theory-seems-driving-11680526
They come around about as often as biblical floods, world wars or a pretty lass from Mackemland with all of her own teeth.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kimtoon: the star route only works when it is the last piece of the puzzle and even then it didn’t work for us with Aspirilla. Or even Shearer, but that was probably more down to Keegan leaving.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Spot on mates. We’ve had enough of so-called foreign “stars”. Mostly a useless bunch of whiners. Get rid of all of them. Rafa sees it as well. He talks about their quality but that’s just to build up valuations and get us the maximum amount of cash to build a proper club.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Ice: the only one I would argue with you about would be Shearer who was a British transfer record at the time. He even messed up his knees and reinvented himself and was probably still one of the 3 best strikers in the league (Henry and a young Michael Owen were the others).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’m well pleased with the players we’ve signed so far. The other thing for me is that they all seem to have signed because they see Newcastle for the club it is and being able to grow with us – rather than the stepping stone a lot of foreign players have used us as.
I think Shelvey & Townsend probably started that change. I’m still disappointed we couldn’t have kept hold of Townsend like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: who do you think is choosing the players now? Does Carr have any say? One good thing that Schteve did was to refocus on signing players that were not coming just as a stepping stone. Probably the only good thing he did.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric wasn’t it ankle ligaments with Shearer?
Groucho(Quote)
That’s a one off mate and Ime sorryto say the last of “loyal” player we will see
Icedog(Quote)
Mind Perez is showing a bit of loyalty,his head wasn’t turned by the Spurs link and nice to see Rafa saying he wants to keep him in view of the Barca link
Icedog(Quote)
Eric – I think Carr probably still has a lot to do with the recruitment mate – only he’s scouting the players that Rafa is suggesting now.
In Carrs defence, the players we’ve brought in havent been terrible – especially when you consider the restrictions he had.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Groucho: I think you are correct. He had the ankle problem first which had him lose some of his pace. The knee ligament injury came later.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I have always thought Carr did a decent job. A C+ or even a B- if we get 35 million for Sissoko 🙂 As you might have guessed by my posts on this website, I always thought our main problem was appointing **** managers, compounded by Fat Man’s obsession with the bottom line.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, He didn’t do too well with Thauvin or Cabella and LDJ and at the moment SDJ either. Sissoko and Gini may have talent but little spine and considering they bragged about researching a players character prior to signing , I would say they were also an epic fail.
Kimtoon(Quote)
The knee kept him out almost all season didn’t it.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Eric, we may well get plenty for them but I would much rather they had pulled their weight and we stayed up like.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Sissoko cost us about 3p, so I’d have to say he is a transfer success story to be fair.
Shamrock(Quote)
we should be looking at signing more foreign players, but only signing the right ones who have their hearts in the right place. we shouldn’t be signing too many bog standard english players just because they are english. we need to give our heads a shake and look at the amount of money available nowadays for journeyman like players. we are where we are now, Ashley will really need to splash the cash over the next years, if he isn’t fully committed then he should get out now because if the truth be told there is a massive amount of money doing the rounds, the epl is the playground of the international billionaires nowadays.
Munich Mag(Quote)
shamrock plus a box of bovril crisps…
Munich Mag(Quote)
That’s right MM ?
I think this season is about building a stronger squad than we had last season. Hungrier, more talented squad players. We are not going to sign stars, because stars don’t play in the second division. We need to have a squad strong in depth ready for promotion – then next season is when Rafa adds a couple of marquee signings to the side.
Shamrock(Quote)
Kim – I’d take Thauvin & Cabella, but LDJ is a decent player – his scoring record is excellent for every other club bar us – that suggests to me it was down to Pards. SDJ is almost impossible to call coz of his injuries.
I hear what you’re saying about Sissoko & Gini, but they aren’t an epic fail for me like – Gini was our top scorer last season wasn’t he?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
That’s the other side of the coin Munich mate. It’s ok to bring in foreign players but we have to get it right more often. I’ve had enough French wingers to last me a lifetime. Look at the amount of money spent on transfers and wages and what did we get? Relegated!
GeordieTwo(Quote)
MM: I have been saying for weeks that eventually Rafa’s contacts in Spain and ITaly have to come through and we can sign a few good players from there. The UK market is bloody insane when you are talking 8-9 million for Pritchard who is 23 and has so far done the square root of f-all.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
G2: we got Ben Arfa who is a fantastic talent. I know Shamrock and Troy disagree with me on this but I am right 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Interesting to look at Ayoze. So far 13 goals in 70 appearances for us. Compare that to the mighty Obertanned. Three in 76.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Sham – I think I remember him forgoing some kind of compo payment in order to join us in that Jan as well.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aye Eric mate. A very controversial player though. I loved him when he first came to us. Then that bloody De Jong did him in. Just a tremendous dribbler and a very good shot on him. Poorly used by Pardew who showed his true colours. Complete w@nker of a manager.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
From what I saw of Luuk De Jong he was not built for the Prem. He had a shot on him like Rivi. Kicking the ball together they might just burst a wet tissue at 10 paces.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Ice – I agree mate. I’ve never once felt like that lad is using us as a stepping stone club.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anyway Benny was a true talent. But what about some of the others? Thauvin and Cabella? Can’t even get into the team? Obertongs? And Saivet as a MF with the jury still out.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Given our woeful bunch that wasn’t a hard task 🙂 Seriously though I’ll take the money they bring in but the pair of them were spineless.
Kimtoon(Quote)
I don’t care what compo he gave up, the guys a ***** imo, ship him out pronto I say
Kimtoon(Quote)
off to watch the Proms on bbc4, Bowie special 😀
Kimtoon(Quote)