Swansea 0-1 Newcastle: Captain fantastic rallies a Rafa-less NUFC to a precious three points

Feels good doesn’t it! An organised and energetic display has earned us a precious three points and 1-0 win at Swansea this afternoon, with a thumping Jamaal Lascelles header being enough to hand us our first top flight victory on the road since December 2015.

Swansea started the game with a considerable amount of possession, however we kept our shape well and rarely looked like giving them any opportunities, even if we looked equally unlike scoring ourselves in the opening stages.

We remained organised, but grew into the game offensively however, with Joselu coming unbearably close to opening the scoring with a glanced header superbly saved by Fabianski.

It’s fair to say the eagerly anticipated debut of Swansea’s Renato Sanches did not go well, with the Portuguese sensation appearing way off the pace. The commentator alluded to the fact he’d surrendered possession on 14 occasions at one point, and it was still only the first half. In contrast, opposing midfielder Mikel Merino was sensational once again, showing his quality on the ball and effectiveness off it, winning back possession several times.

 

Collectively we looked organised and combative, rarely losing grip on a game we controlled without dominating. There were several positive displays, with Gamez, Clark, Merino and Joselu deserving mentions, however it was Lascelles who proved to be the key man.

Tammy Abraham looked all set to score having rounded the keeper after latching onto a clever Leroy Fer through ball, but Lascelles had not given up hope, recovering superbly to clear from a certain goal.

At the other end, less than 15 minutes later, he met a Matt Ritchie corner to emphatically head us into a 1-0 lead, and one we’d hold onto for another huge victory.

Events off the pitch may have hampered our momentum and the feel good factor created from the West Ham win, but that’s back to back wins and clean sheets, a victory over potential rivals and a precious away win that takes us up to 10th.

A great shift from the lads whose efforts and discipline would have pleased the absent Rafa Benitez.

Next stop, Stoke at St. James’ on Saturday!

 

NUFC XI: Elliot; Manquillo, Lascelles, Clark, Gamez; Merino, Hayden; Ritchie, Perez, Murphy; Joselu

Swansea XI: Fabianski; Naughton, Fernandes, Mawson, Olsson; Clucas, Sanches, Carroll, Fer; Ayew, Abraham.

(Fancy writing for us? Send any articles/ideas over to us at [email protected] & we’ll get back to you!)

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

114 thoughts on “Swansea 0-1 Newcastle: Captain fantastic rallies a Rafa-less NUFC to a precious three points

  1. I said a while back that I see Lascelles in the England set up & I stand by that. But it would be easy to give him all the credit today – I think Clark was equally solid alongside him. That lad just goes about his business so calmly and his positioning is generally excellent.

    Ritchie never stopped again, but I think Perez was bang average & Murphy struggled in the first half – Atsu looked far more effective down that wing.

    I’m not going to mention about Bony, Sanches and Abrahams because it’s early days for Swansea.

    I’m only arsed about Newcastle and how we get on, and with Lejeune, Gayle, Shelvey and Mitro all still to get going, it’s not looking too bad.

    My biggest issue today was Diame. That lad looks like a total carthorse and completely out his depth in the PL. I hate to say it, but I’d rather Colback or Saivet ahead of him – that’s saying something!!.

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  2. 16 shots and 8 on target!

    Watching the game it didn’t seem like that. We are a decent team. I just wish we had a star player to finish things off.

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  3. Sharpy17
    You forgot Yedlin ,those you mentioned plus yedlin and all of a sudden we dont look that weak , i reckon its the best balanced PL Squad we have had in a very long time . Considering Rafa never plays 2 strikers i reckon we have enough untill january . Depends on Gayle getting his head sorted though .Great win today ,never expected it i thought a draw at best before kickoff.

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  4. Also, great credit most go to Miguel & Paco for keeping the boys calm & focused today. Rafa is a big presence to be missing & as far as I’m aware, those 2 don’t have previous for taking the lead.

    I mentioned the importance of a captain either yesterday or the day before, and I think Lascelles is growing into that captain. But the presence of Clark in the team I think helps hugely as well. He’s a real calming influence in the team.

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  5. A excellent away performance and result.

    Whisper it but I think Rafa has us organised at the back. We looked solid against Spurs u too we went to ten men and today we looked very organised. Can clearly see the work on the training ground. Amazing what a brilliant coach can achieve.

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  6. Life is Black and White:
    Sharpy17
    You forgot Yedlin ,those you mentioned plus yedlin and all of a sudden we dont look that weak , i reckon its the best balanced PL Squad we have had in a very long time . Considering Rafa never plays 2 strikers i reckon we have enough untill january . Depends on Gayle getting his head sorted though .Great win today ,never expected it i thought a draw at best before kickoff.

    Yes mate, you’re right, I forgot about Yedlin – is Dummett pushing my luck? ??. Mbemba out today as well & he looked decent against WH. I think he’ll be back up like but will likely play his part.

    I don’t still think that if Rafa is adamant on playing 4-2-3-1 then 10 is a big weakness for me.

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  7. Eric Sykes:
    16 shots and 8 on target!

    Watching the game it didn’t seem like that. We are a decent team. I just wish we had a star player to finish things off.

    Eric – watching on SKY they put up a stat and I’m sure that Swansea have had less shots on target that that all season so far.

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  8. Stuart79:
    A excellent away performance and result.

    Whisper it but I think Rafa has us organised at the back. We looked solid against Spurs u too we went to ten men and today we looked very organised. Can clearly see the work on the training ground. Amazing what a brilliant coach can achieve.

    Stu – yeah mate, 2 excellent pieces of attack by Spurs out did us. The only real decent chance Huddersfield had beat us – both in the main for both those games we looked solid at the back. A clean sheet against WH and Swansea today – and we haven’t had our first choice back 4 out there yet you’d think with all the injuries so far.

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  9. Remember when Berahino was linked to us? I think he has nor scored for Stoke yet in 17 games. Another Francis Jeffers.

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  10. I watched Man U against Stoke yesterday and Man U absolutely killed them in the first half and yet Stoke went a goal up. What’s my point? That even if we do not have superstars we do have pace, commitment and guts. I don’t think we will go down.

    How are you doing Mackems? Any planes you want to hire?

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  11. Well that was a good result all in all they never really bothered us and when you consider imo we played with 9 men as Perez and Murphy were very poor.Kim was right that Agnew was a right pain in the ****

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  12. We’re going to need to be good defensively because Im not too sure we have a massive number of goals in us. Rafa probably knows that so concentrates on defence.

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  13. Ice: I didn’t think Perez was great but he wasn’t a passenger either and a didn’t give 5 free kicks away on the edge of our box – guess who I am referring to 🙂

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  14. Apparently we have more shots on target away from home than anybody except Manure this season..

    A lot of comments on BBC saying todays game was awful to watch. I thought at least 60 mins of it was very interesting?! End to end, lots of hard challenges. Quite competitive. Maybe I am biased…

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  15. Eric Sykes:
    Ice: I didn’t think Perez was great but he wasn’t a passenger either and a didn’t give 5 free kicks away on the edge of our box – guess who I am referring to

    I could make a good guess,lthought Clement was very humble and honest in defeat

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  16. shamrock:
    Apparently we have more shots on target away from home than anybody except Manure this season..

    A lot of comments on BBC saying todays game was awful to watch. I thought at least 60 mins of it was very interesting?! End to end, lots of hard challenges. Quite competitive. Maybe I am biased…

    It is because the hammers are *****. Football isn’t football at the BBC and Southern Papers when West Ham are *****.

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  17. shamrock:
    Apparently we have more shots on target away from home than anybody except Manure this season..

    A lot of comments on BBC saying todays game was awful to watch. I thought at least 60 mins of it was very interesting?! End to end, lots of hard challenges. Quite competitive. Maybe I am biased…

    No agree mate,I like the technical side of the game it doesn’t always have to be blood and thunder for me I enjoy the tactical side of the game,not everyone’s cup of tea

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  18. shamrock:
    Apparently we have more shots on target away from home than anybody except Manure this season..

    A lot of comments on BBC saying todays game was awful to watch. I thought at least 60 mins of it was very interesting?! End to end, lots of hard challenges. Quite competitive. Maybe I am biased…

    Sham – I think it was 2 well organised teams with very decent defences. Both teams lacked creativity in the final 3rd with Perez & Fer.
    It was a better 1-0 watch then Burnley v Palace – but that isn’t saying much like.

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  19. I thought Murphy had a reasonable game in the first half.

    Manquillo steadied in the end but was lucky not to give away a penalty bear hugging Tammy. Made another couple of pointless fouls and lacked end product.

    My ratings:
    Elliott – 8. Distribution better and good save.
    Manquillo – 6 – see above.
    Clarke – 8. Steady as usual.
    Lascelles – 9. Saved us, scored and cleared with his belly!
    Gamez – 8. Chipped in offensively, steady defensively and some intelligent throw ins. Impressed.
    Murphy – 6. Did some good work first half but faded badly. Like Kim said, needs to bulk up.
    Hayden – 6. Not the best shift today. Usually very steady.
    Merino – 7. Had a bit of bite. Tried and failed to do a Shelvey Hollywood pass but stitches play together well. Shocking dive. Hope he is punished by Rafa. No place for it in the game.
    Ritchie -7. Got an assist..industrious but deserved a red. No doubt about it. He needs to calm himself down a bit because he has come close a few times already. Difficult because he plays on the edge but needs to find that balance.
    Perez – 5. Anonymous for most of game. Gave away a silly free kick.
    Joselu – 7. Tried hard, tracked back. Held up ball and almost scored but for brilliance of Swans keeper.

    Subs:
    Diame – 4. Useless.
    Atsu – 5. Could have cost us the game in injury time. Twice.
    Gayle – 5. Got booked and did sod all else.

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  20. Icedog: I could make a good guess,lthought Clement was very humble and honest in defeat

    Yes he was. Rook it on the chin. Nice to see. We need more honesty in the game. Take note Merino.

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  21. Honestly we do a good job and all ian wright on 606 can go on about is that Ritchie should of been red carded and how Liverpool should use what he did to get Sanes red recinded. Oh and Merino should be banned too apparently. They don’t even try to hide their hatred of us anymore.

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  22. shamrock:
    I thought Murphy had a reasonable game in the first half.

    Manquillo steadied in the end but was lucky not to give away a penalty bear hugging Tammy. Made another couple of pointless fouls and lacked end product.

    My ratings:
    Elliott – 8. Distribution better and good save.
    Manquillo – 6 – see above.
    Clarke – 8. Steady as usual.
    Lascelles – 9. Saved us, scored and cleared with his belly!
    Gamez – 8. Chipped in offensively, steady defensively and some intelligent throw ins. Impressed.
    Murphy – 6. Did some good work first half but faded badly. Like Kim said, needs to bulk up.
    Hayden – 6. Not the best shift today. Usually very steady.
    Merino – 7. Had a bit of bite. Tried and failed to do a Shelvey Hollywood pass but stitches play together well. Shocking dive. Hope he is punished by Rafa. No place for it in the game.
    Ritchie -7. Got an assist..industrious but deserved a red. No doubt about it. He needs to calm himself down a bit because he has come close a few times already. Difficult because he plays on the edge but needs to find that balance.
    Perez – 5. Anonymous for most of game. Gave away a silly free kick.
    Joselu – 7. Tried hard, tracked back. Held up ball and almost scored but for brilliance of Swans keeper.

    Subs:
    Diame – 4. Useless.
    Atsu – 5. Could have cost us the game in injury time. Twice.
    Gayle – 5. Got booked and did sod all else.

    Agree with most of what you say. What does Diame do? When I see players like him it always shocks me that I can see he brings nothing but the Manager cannot. Occupy space?

    I am older than you Sham, but there was a player back in the ’70s who I couldn’t fathom either, Graham Oates. And then of course there is Amdy Faye. I was surprised he could actually tie his own shoe laces and yet we bought him!

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  23. For Ian Wright

    Lee Ryder‏Verified account
    @lee_ryder

    Follow

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    Clement on Matt Ritchie’s high foot: “It’s no big deal.” #nufc

    End of

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  24. Just read this Eric:

    While at Newcastle United, Oates scored an own goal in a match against Leeds United directly from the kick-off, lobbing goalkeeper Willie McFaul in the process. McFaul is said to have been well out of position in the execution of the preplanned play.[1]

    Guess that sums him up for you?!

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  25. Rafa says hopefully we are on our way now,imo if Shelvey can keep his heed I think he would fit in at no10 well

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  26. Icedog:
    Rafa says hopefully we are on our way now,imo if Shelvey can keep his heed I think he would fit in at no10 well

    Not sure Ice, I like his long range passing ability, not sure he’s mobile enough for the number 10 role. It’s certainly worth trying though .

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  27. That scum bag Johnston has asked for a move because every time he leaves his cell he gets abused and threatened says his life is hell it has been refused

    I love it it’s mint

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  28. KIMTOON: Not sure Ice, I like his long range passing ability, not sure he’s mobile enough for the number 10 role. It’s certainly worth trying though .

    Got to be better than Perez imo mate

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  29. KIMTOON: fair point ice, Perez has looked poor

    I read a few comments from.Swansea fans that reckon Shelvey played as an advanced midfielder a few times and looked better there than anywhere else. Said he had a questionable temperament but was talented and was unlucky because Sigurdsson played the same position, so he had no chance really.

    Who knows. Maybe its worth a go?…

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  30. Life is Black and White:
    For the no10 position is Ritchie not worth a go ?

    He could be but I think we are weak on the wings if his position is moved. He is also successful from where he is. Is it 3 assists so far this season?

    Merino is making a spot in the middle his own and Shelvey is being displaced, but too talented to have sitting on the sidelines. Perhaps he would slot in well there – and not being involved in as much defensive work might help reduce the likelihood of being sent off!

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  31. shamrock: He could be but I think we are weak on the wings if his position is moved. He is also successful from where he is. Is it 3 assists so far this season?

    Merino is making a spot in the middle his own and Shelvey is being displaced, but too talented to have sitting on the sidelines. Perhaps he would slot in well there – and not being involved in as much defensive work might help reduce the likelihood of being sent off!

    There is that, yep could at least try him there .

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  32. Icedog:
    Why was snake in grass Pardew at the game?? Palace were playing today,I don’t trust that gobshite

    Ice – he was Sky punditing today mate, he’d been there all day with Redknapp & Leon Britton

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  33. Sharpy17: Ice – he was Sky punditing today mate, he’d been there all day with Redknapp & Leon Britton

    Thanks for that mate,I watch Bein sports,find it loads better I just mute tv when Gray and his mate start talking

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  34. Icedog:
    Hayden must be hurt,he’s tweeted bad day at the office for me??

    Nah he just means he knows he was under par compared to his usual standard. Good for him to hold his hands up.

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  35. Olly cant remember if I said thanks for doing the thread. They are coming thick and fast now. Good to see 🙂

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  36. looking forward to a normal kick off time this week, don’t mind the 4pm ones that much but the sunday lunch ones do my head in. So nice to have a Saturday one though.

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  37. Icedog:
    Hayden must be hurt,he’s tweeted bad day at the office for me??

    Hayden can play a lot better than he did yesterday, but to be fair to him Merino didn’t play great yesterday either. Both young players, so I don’t expect that consistency with them yet, but fair play for the self assessment like.

    One thing he did do good yesterday, and I don’t know if he meant to or not, but he clattered Sanches early on.
    He got booked for it, but it was a good welcome to the PL son, you aren’t gonna get loads of time on the ball here. The kid seemed to rush his passing after that, and didn’t have his best game.

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  38. Still think Sanches should of been carded for kicking Joselu in the crown jewels. That can actually cause serious problems # no laughing matter MOTD.

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  39. Sharpy17: Hayden can play a lot better than he did yesterday, but to be fair to him Merino didn’t play great yesterday either.Both young players, so I don’t expect that consistency with them yet, but fair play for the self assessment like.

    One thing he did do good yesterday, and I don’t know if he meant to or not, but he clattered Sanches early on.
    He got booked for it, but it was a good welcome to the PL son, you aren’t gonna get loads of time on the ball here.The kid seemed to rush his passing after that, and didn’t have his best game.

    Beg to differ mate

    GallowgateShots Retweeted

    Squawka Football‏Verified account @Squawka · 16h16 hours ago

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    Mikel Merino for Newcastle vs. Swansea:

    Most passes completed (37)
    Most tackles won (5)
    Most interceptions (4)
    Most take-ons (2

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  40. KIMTOON: Beg to differ mate

    GallowgateShots Retweeted

    Squawka Football‏Verified account @Squawka · 16h16 hours ago

     More

    Mikel Merino for Newcastle vs. Swansea:

    Most passes completed (37)
    Most tackles won (5)
    Most interceptions (4)
    Most take-ons (2

    Kim – stats don’t tell the whole story though do they?!.

    I’m not saying either had a stinker, and I think Swanseas formation had a lot to do with it. I just don’t think it was either of there best game personally. But they still did ok.

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  41. Sharpy, I thought Merino was great aside from that dive, guess we all see things differently. Ayew was really good for the Swans too, so much stamina that lad has .

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  42. I really rate Merino – future star. He had a good game as did, surprisingly, Gamez. Very composed and hid his weakness (pace and left foot) brilliantly. Don’t know what’s up with Aarons when he can’t get ahead of Murphy.
    Elliott and Perez are our weakest links.

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  43. I don’t get to watch too many games (even on the TV), but I managed to catch this one. Definitely thought we were deserving of the win. A little lucky with Lascelles clearance off the line, Merino not getting booked for a dive and Ritchie could have been sent off on another day, but our overall player merited the win in my view.

    Murphy didn’t do much, but he’s young and will learn. Agree with many on Perez that he’s really not adding much so far this season, but he’s a decent enough squad player and it’s not as if he’s keeping a top international on the bench…

    Can’t help but thing we’d have scored 2 or 3 goals with a clinical striker leading the line. If Mitrovic can sort his head out and not get sent off, I think he could do well for us this season. Big IF though.

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  44. What is the game coming to when a club sack a new manager after 4 games! It’s shambolic!

    Roy Hodgson to take over at Palace… ?

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  45. KIMTOON:
    Sharpy, I thought Merino was great aside from that dive, guess we all see things differently. Ayew was really good for the Swans too, so much stamina that lad has .

    Kim – I’m not slagging the kid off by any means. I said from the start that he could well be my favourite player of this season if he keeps going the way he started – Atsu has it at the mo I think.
    I think the kid is absolute quality & maybe I’m just being overly critical, but I think he can be better than he was yesterday.

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  46. Stuart79:
    What is the game coming to when a club sack a new manager after 4 games! It’s shambolic!

    Roy Hodgson to take over at Palace…

    Stu – I didn’t think De Boer was the right man in the first place, but having got him, I think it’s a joke he’s been give 4 games.
    Hodgson is 70, and a failed England manager – so improvement that like.

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  47. KIMTOON:
    looking forward to a normal kick off time this week, don’t mind the 4pm ones that much but the sunday lunch ones do my head in. So nice to have a Saturday one though.

    Sunday lunch ones Kimtoon! It is 6am over here and I have to get **** down the pub and start drinking.

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  48. Bit harsh to have a go at Elliott. He had a decent game yesterday. He’s a solid enough keeper.

    If we want to break into the top 10, we need to sign players who are realistically good enough to play regularly in the top 10 in the next couple of years. Maybe Merino and Lascelles are 2 of those. Perhaps Clark and Ritchie could too? Mitrovic and Shelvey if they sorted their heads out? It’s pretty tenuous though…no outstanding candidates really.

    If we can just manage a mid-table finish, we’ll be much more attractive to incoming players.

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  49. Mr. Roy is back. Do we have to wait until January until he signs that potato and lets him run the team?

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  50. Sharpy17: Ice – he was Sky punditing today mate, he’d been there all day with Redknapp & Leon Britton

    Which Redhnapp? Gobshite, steal money and open a bank account in your dog’s name, or tight pants?

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  51. Eric Sykes: Which Redhnapp? Gobshite, steal money and open a bank account in your dog’s name, or tight pants?

    Eric – tight pants, they’re both gobshites

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  52. KIMTOON: Shocking that the money hasn’t been paid back to the charities, I didn’t even know the fund had been raided to build that stadium.

    It’s not West Ham’s fault. The government didn’t seem to do a good deal here. Though the stadium isn’t owned by West Ham so the country does get to use it for lots of other things throughout the year.

    Doesn’t seem unreasonable that some lottery money was used to fund the Olympics, and we did just have another athletics event in that stadium the money paid for right?

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  53. TDS: really!!! It had nothing to do with Karen Brady? Spurs are spending 750 million on a new ground and West Ham pay four farthings and one of their owners’ dildos to stick up the aresehole of taxpayers.

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  54. The council even knew it was a bad deal. They have put a restriction on the two Dave’s saying if they sell the team within 5 years they will have to pay a penalty. That is only lipservice, but they knew it was a gift to the Bongo Bros.

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  55. ToonDarnSarf: It’s not West Ham’s fault. The government didn’t seem to do a good deal here. Though the stadium isn’t owned by West Ham so the country does get to use it for lots of other things throughout the year.

    Doesn’t seem unreasonable that some lottery money was used to fund the Olympics, and we did just have another athletics event in that stadium the money paid for right?

    If you read the article it said that the government agreed that the lottery money should have gone to the cause it was intended for and the Government would pay it back.

    Come back on in 3 years and see if the Bongo Bros have sold West Ham. They have a 99 year lease so the stadium is as good as theirs.

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  56. Did I mention I hate West Ham? I actually think Booby Moore should get a posthumous knighthood because they give them out with cornflakes now so they are pretty meaningless. Just like “Sir” runs a big bank.

    I don’t mean to contradict myself, but if there is any meaning to this honours list then give one to Bob Paisley as well.

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  57. TDS, I got no problem with lottery funding the Olympic stadia but the money they used was ear marked for other charities and they are still waiting for that money with no definite date for payment which means , clubs and help for the genuine needy fall by the wayside.

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  58. That fifty faced Pardew has said Richie tackle was worse than the Liverpool player and should have been sent off,the bloody shithouse

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  59. Icedog:
    That fifty faced Pardew has said Richie tackle was worse than the Liverpool player and should have been sent off,the bloody shithouse

    Pardew said:
    Is he endangering an opponent? Without a shadow of a doubt,” said Pardew. “Not only that, but his standing leg is off the floor as well. I actually think that’s worse than yesterday.

    “To be fair to Mawson, he’s not made a big deal of it, the players haven’t made a big deal of it.

    “My personal opinion is that Mane’s shouldn’t have been a sending off and Ritchie’s shouldn’t be a sending off. I don’t think there’s any intent on it. But the action is very, very similar.”

    Thats a fair observation. He is a ***, but the press and twitter people love to misrepresent people’s actual words.

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