This summer has seem a remarkable change on Tyneside.
The bleak mood induced by the spectre of relegation has been replaced by a sparkling optimism over promotion. Absent is any sign of arrogance; supporters know promotion is not a God-given right but requires hard work, yet they are confident of achieving that aim.
What a difference three months makes.
At the heart of it all is Rafa Benitez. His decision to stay at St James Park may yet prove to be the best signing of the summer. The Spaniard has set about remodelling the squad, signing a mixture of youth and experience, and imbuing those players who remain with a sense of purpose.
This morning sees talk that the Magpies have triggered the release clause for Aston Villa’s Ciaran Clark. Landing the Northern Ireland captain would be a major coup for the club, particularly with many seeing parallels between Benitez’s tenure and the arrival of Roberto Di Matteo at Villa Park.
Coming twenty-four hours after Newcastle employed the same tactic with Hulls’ Mohammed Diame and there’s a sense of purpose building in the days leading up to the opening game at Fulham.
It’s not a one-way street. Georginio Wijnaldum moved to Liverpool, Andros Townsend to Crystal Palace whilst the experience of Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini left holes in the defence. Benitez addressed these departures with Grant Hanley, Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle. He may yet lose Tim Krull but Matz Sels is already on board to cover that eventuality.
The transfer ethos has been underpinned by the requirement for Championship experience. Even Isaac Hayden, £2.5m from Arsenal, spent last year on loan at Hull City. Everything is geared toward promotion.
Translating that momentum onto the pitch is a different matter. For the first time in two decades, Newcastle United were undefeated in pre-season. That has to be tempered by the standard of the opposition but some useful sides in Vitesse Arnhem and KSC Lokeren, were also beaten as well as the chaff.
The one black cloud hanging over the club remains the future of Moussa Sissoko. The French international was issuing ‘come and get me’ pleas even before moving centre stage at Euro 2016. Newcastle’s board weren’t slow to try and capitalise on his performances for his country, upping his valuation to £35m.
Interested clubs from Europe’s elite have steadfastly refused to meet that price tag – or come even close to it – which suggests that Benitez’s biggest task may be motivating a player who doesn’t want to be at the club.
Sections of the travelling support made their views clear at Doncaster and Sissoko won’t be the most popular player in black and white this season. A few goals and good performances may change that view…
Crucially for Newcastle, Rafa has prepared the squad for his absence and with the club still active in the transfer market, could emerge even stronger.
The bookmakers are rarely wrong on these matters and Newcastle are overwhelming favourites with most, head and shoulders clear of the field with 15/8 at Paddy Power the most generous through to 7/4 at Skybet. For those looking to have a bet, make sure to check out SaferGaming for tips on how to stay responsible whilst gambling.
Yep we released a few kids didn’t we.
Kimtoon(Quote)
transfers in
August 16: Mohamed Diame – Hull City (undisclosed)
August 16: Ciaran Clark – Aston Villa (undisclosed)
July 16: Grant Hanley – Blackburn Rovers (undisclosed)
July 16: Isaac Hayden – Arsenal (undisclosed)
July 16: Yasin Ben El-Mhanni – Lewes (undisclosed)
July 16: Stuart Findlay – Celtic (free)
July 16: Jesus Gamez – Atletico Madrid (undisclosed)
July 16: Matt Ritchie – AFC Bournemouth (undisclosed)
July 16: Dwight Gayle – Crystal Palace (undisclosed)
June 16: Matz Sels – Gent (undisclosed
transfers out
August 16: Florian Thauvin – Marseille (season-long loan)
July 16: Macaulay Gillesphey – Carlisle United (loan until January)
July 16: Georginio Wijnaldum – Liverpool (undisclosed)
July 16: Liam Smith – Crewe Alexandra (loan until January)
July 16: Papiss Cisse – Shandong Luneng (undisclosed)
July 16: Fabricio Coloccini – San Lorenzo (free)
July 16: Andros Townsend – Crystal Palace (undisclosed)
June 16: Steven Taylor – released
June 16: Jamie Cobain – Kilmarnock (free)
May 16: Gabriel Obertan – released
May 16: Sylvain Marveaux – released
Kimtoon(Quote)
That’s 11 out Ice
Kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – You say we will probably need 90 goals to go up automatically and you don’t see them in our squad, who’s squad do you think has 90 goals in them in the Championship? If you’re getting chased by a shark, you don’t have to out swim the shark, you only need to out swim the other swimmers…
Stuart79(Quote)
cheers for that mate,four to find lol
icedog(Quote)
X
Munich Mag(Quote)
Stu, that’s a very good point, I’m just going on previous seasons tally’s for playoffs and winning positions mate. I guess it all comes down to who has the most prolific scorers really. I can see McCormack doing well if he stays injury free but do they have goals elsewhere. I cannot see Gayle getting say 20 unless we get very good service to him.
Kimtoon(Quote)
Stuart: it is a bear. Where did the sharks come into it? It has always been if you are being chased by a bear you don’t have to outrun the bear, just the other campers. No swimming, no sharks.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric its simpel really ,take a shot gun when you go camping and only swim in a swimming pool both problems solved.
Life is Black and White(Quote)
You see, sharks don’t really care about people. They bite them by mistake. Now a bear, on the other hand….
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Stu, look at the last 4 seasons winning goals tally and playoff tally, then tell me why this season should be any different? We have to assume we’ll need around 90 goals for and no more than 45 against I reckon.
http://www.skysports.com/championship-table/2012
http://www.skysports.com/championship-table/2013
http://www.fulhamfc.com/first-team/2014_2015/league/table
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/tables/9484389/Football-League-Championship-table-2015-16.html
Kimtoon(Quote)
Stu, I’m not saying we won’t do it, just wondering who will get most of the goals we need.
Kimtoon(Quote)
ime of same mind mate only hope a couple of them go on a run
icedog(Quote)
Often when Pardew, McClaren or Carver spoke I would shudder at what they said. I wonder if the players felt the same. When Rafa speaks I am full of admiration for the way he conducts himself. I suspect the players feel the same.
Groucho(Quote)
Oh we’re definitely going to do it Kimtoon lass. And then we’ll do it again. And then we’ll really do it. And so on…..
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Eric i suppose it depends on what type of bear Grizzly , polar or koala . The first 2 are big buggers and you see them coming and are easy too shoot . The last are smaller and sneak up on you .
Life is Black and White(Quote)
Yes and then they eat all your eucalyptus leaves Life is Black mate……..
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Groucho I couldn’t stand McClaren or his excuses or that grin. Terrible manager and I hope he never gets another job in football again.
Terry(Quote)
Eric as long as you can out run Mike Ashley your be fine mate. The bear will eat him instead. You don’t need a gun.
Terry(Quote)
I seem to remember your really liked his Tufty though Terry mate. 😀
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Stuart as long as you can out swim Mike Ashley you’re be fine mate. The shark will eat him instead.
Terry(Quote)
As I’ve said previously if we don’t get at least 50 goals from the Magnificent Three (Gayle, Mitro, Perez) we may be in trouble. Don’t worry though. They’ll be very good at this level. And they complement each other nicely.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
G2 I hope Ashley has learned from his mistakes mate but I’m still waiting for his next catastrophe where Newcastle concerned. I’m used to doom and gloom under Ashley not everyone being positive.
Terry(Quote)
I think it is a given that it would be some big, fckn nasty bear chasing you and not like a gummy bear. Similarly, I doubt Stuart was thinking he was swimming away from a basking shark or a dogfish.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The Magnificent Three will get most of the goals we need Kimtoon mate. 😀
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Ashley will stay under deep cover for quite a while now Terry mate. He was found out badly with that last relegation. Classic pinhead. Now he’ll keep his tiny head at home and leave the rest to Rafa.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Alreet Pogs, Pogba, Paul. Just get it done. Leave!!! shave “Man U” into the side of your head or “Juve”, but please, please, please just get it over with FFS.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Here here
Icedog(Quote)
So Thauvin if finally off to Marseilles. Excellent.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Thauvin was a massive waste of space. Same as Cabella. Could see it from the day he walked in strutting like a proud peacock making it all about him. Could see the need to feel adored came before earning the right to be. What a Pillock.
Shamrock(Quote)
Amen to that Sham
Kimtoon(Quote)
Eric – I first heard the saying when I was in Australia about 15 years. I’m not sure they get many bears over there…
As for the actually point about 90 goals, I’m not saying it won’t be any different this season and the teams who go up won’t score 90 goals but I’m just interested to know which teams people think will have them 90 goals in them? Based on squads and first teams we have the best – there’s no doubt. So I that basis if anyone is going to do it, we will! Let’s not judge the likes of Mitro, Perez or Gayle on their PL form – it’s a big step down for them and on that basis I will be staggered of we don’t get 65 goals at least between them three alone.
Stuart79(Quote)
For the fantasy football managers out there. I have renewed the NUFC Blog fantasy league once again.
Some of you will automatically be invited due to past involvements but.. If you are not a part of it and want to join,here is the code. 883178-235465
Just go to the Barclay PL page and create a team.. and then join this league..
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
We won’t need 90 goals… If we don’t concede too many we will have the cattle to score enough to get promoted. Goal difference will be a bigger factor than our total goal tally.. If we score 75 and concede 20, we will be all good..
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
NUFC.com are saying Coral are offering 10/1 for NUFC to get promoted, but with a Maximum bet of only 5 quid. Still, that sounds like free money to me. It is just to get promoted, not win it.
Not sure how long the bet will be available.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric that’s not the case. It’s 10/1 to beat Fulham or 10/1 for promotion along with Sheffield Utd and Pompy at the same time.
Straight up promotion is 8/13.
Shamrock(Quote)
Rafa interview on SSN – god he loves us Geordie fans like 😛
Sharpy17(Quote)
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/2/843193492?-11058:809:0
Rafa the gaffer
Sharpy17(Quote)
Papers today reckon Saivet to Marsielle and Janmaat to Galatasaray.
Saviet I’m not to fussed about, but I think I’d rather keep Janmaat personally.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m not Sharpy. He’s decent going forward but still not convinced about him defensively. I recall him being out in no man’s land yet again for one of the goals conceded during our last friendly. We have Jesus, Anita, Sterry and Mbabu all able to a good job in that position.
Still think.we need a left back, left winger, striker and AM though – assuming Sissy will go. Would like to.see Heidara shown the door.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sham: I thought it was too good to be true. Obviously, I misread it.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think we should ask Marseilles who their transfer targets are and hoy in a few million. Skip the middle man as our Frenchies end up there anyway. Can they take Gouffy?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham: I looked at NUFC.com againand they are saying Coral do have a promo of 10/1 for NUFC to get promoted. No mention of any other teams. 5 pound max bet they say and I am sure it is to get you to open an account. Still….
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Why would Janmaat even consider Galatasaray? Turkey just almost had a military coup and have had a purge of about 5,000 officers. There is also a very real threat of terrorism. I know that there is everywhere, but Turkey is much closer to Syria and Iraq and is an Islamic country.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sham – yeah Anita did a decent job at RB I suppose. I agree with the additions still needed – I think they probably know who they want but are waiting for other deals to go through that will free up our targets now.
I can’t wait for tonight now though!!. I hate close season!!!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Could be Pl loans incoming. I don’t think we need any more but if Rafa does then who am I to argue!
Georgio(Quote)
Yeah can’t wait for the game. Be great for the season to get under way. I hope nobody has a strop if we get off to a slow start. There has been a lot of change with more to come in next couple of weeks. I expect us to tread water in the top 6 until mid October when we should start to really click and get a strangle hold on the league.
Shamrock(Quote)
Come in ladies and gents. Lots of spaces available. I’m in. https://fantasy.premierleague.com/a/leagues/standings/235465/classic
Is Bris doing the other one again? I do like the H2H league. If not announces in next2 days, I’ll set one up myself for everybody.
Shamrock(Quote)
real good interview 18min with Hollaway
http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle/14665125.WATCH__Ian_Holloway_meets____Newcastle_United_manager_Rafa_Benitez/?
icedog(Quote)
Ice – it’s good that, Holloway is a little star struck there though isn’t he?! ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy great Rafa interview. To me he will be a bobby Robson type manager, adored by fans and players alike – that is unless you are Kieron Dyer! (I know he says that falling out is his single biggest regret so I don’t hold it against him).
Shamrock(Quote)
Guys is anybody doing a match thread for tonight and does anybody know if we will be able to get a link?
Shamrock(Quote)
Quality interview that ice, for some reason a kept on thinkin about what pardew, carver n mcclaren would say to some of the questions. Probs just be loads of bullshi*
NufcDave(Quote)
Sham – I think the best thing he said there was when Holloway said the taxi driver already loves him as much as Keegan – Rafas reply was that Keegan gave him a reason to love him, now he must.
The good thing is that I think he will as well – and I reckon Holloway believes it too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Yeah the Holloway interview was top notch. Welcome NUFC Dave. Not seen you post before?
Shamrock(Quote)
I’m assuming there will be links to streams. It’s on Sky and lots of foreign stations carrying it.
I want an emphatic win tonight and the next two. Put the wind up everybody else who’ll be beaten before they get off the bus at SJP.
Georgio(Quote)
Just read on a Fulham site that the 2 players to depart, Dembele and McCormack, contributed 40 of their goals last season in a rather **** campaign. I don’t want to tempt fate too much but that should help us out somewhat.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Rafa says it will be 442, 4231 and 433 this season. What formation have we been setting out with for the most part during pre season?
Shamrock(Quote)
It is funny that Holloway as a complete novice can get an exclusive interview with Rafa whereas The Chronicle’s chief sports writer of 20 years standing gets f-all and offers f-all of a perspective. I know it probably was that Holloway was representing Skybet, but still, what are these Chronicle writers paid for? All they seem to do is offer an opinion based upon no more knowledge than the man in the street. I would bet that Icedog has better contacts and information than them.
Sorry to flog this dead horse, but really, what do they do? Who have they pissed off that they get absolutely no access anymore? It just pisses me off that the paper that used to offer insight and information now has ****** all to offer and a complete novice like Holloway can do such a great job of getting Rafa to open up and all we get from the Chronicle is uninformed ****.
At least they put up the Holloway interview on their website. Now all they need to do is some actual journalism and not just spouting opinions dressed up as journalism.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric well said mate. Are they afriad of being banned from the stadium again ? They have been utter creeps. Defending this poor regrime and McClaren and the results on the pitch. There stupid break in spain with Lee Ryder.
Terry(Quote)
McClaren was a hopeless case but the cronicle couldn’t see it. Every fan could see McClaren was out of his depth but the cronicle tried to tell the fan’s to be patient and that he could turn things around. Lies and bull ****
Terry(Quote)
Don’t even get me started on that stupid fan’s forum either. The board were forced to get rafa in otherwise they wouldn’t have done it and we would be looking forward to another season with a **** manager. It’s about fucking time they hired a descent manager and supported him in the transfer window.
Terry(Quote)
I am not sure if we will get anymore fullbacks as Gamez can cover both right and leftback. Hayden can also cover leftback and Janmaat looks like he might stay after all. I actually rate Dummett so I think we are OK now, much better than last year anyway.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I’m happy enough with RB, it’s LB that worries me a bit. I like Dummett too, the kid has become a bit of a cult hero of mine to be honest, but if he gets injured I’m not sure we have the cover there. I know Gamez and Mbabu can play there but I think they are RBs really and would be OK for one or two games, but any long term absence and I think we will struggle – unless Rafa sees Clark being the answer to that problem.
In the interviews he only mentioned a forward and winger, so he would appear happy with his defensive options.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Back home in the Toon for a couple of weeks, just arrived and ordered me Mam to get sky sports in for the match tonight.. Do you think there will be tickets available for Huddersfield at home next week?
Knackered like after a long flight and lack of sleep last night.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
DT – welcome back to your native shores mate – and good to see you have your priorities right ?
“Welcome home son”
“Never mind that bollocks mam, get on the blower to sky will ya!!” ?
Not sure about the Hudersfield game mate, apparently there will be 7k travelling Geordies at Fulham tonight tho ? – that’s one hell of a turn out!!!
Sharpy17(Quote)
Great interview with Rafa that, I do like Ollie
Kimtoon(Quote)
Cheers Sharpie mate! 😆 😆
Dubai Toon(Quote)
yes mate i know one two,but lets be fair the guy on the market selling veg wil know more than Ryder,oh i hate the sound of his name 👿 👿 👿
icedog(Quote)
welcome home to the mad house mate
icedog(Quote)
welcome to the nutters home
icedog(Quote)
he looked frightened to death mate lol
icedog(Quote)
well i think it is a dam disgrace the money players are on and now all Leicester players have been given a brand new BMW8i each free,why couldnt they have given their local handicap centre a new mini bus or somthing like that,things like this make me angry 😈 😈 😈
icedog(Quote)
Well said ice. The players can more than afford their own BMW’s. Involvement in the community is far more important.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
Quite Ice, funny world we live in
Kimtoon(Quote)