With takeover talk taking over and the transfer window coming to an end, there’s been plenty off-field distractions this week, yet today’s game at St James’ Park is a big one.
On the subject of on-field matters, the club released footage of first-team training earlier this week ahead of this weekend’s clash with Norwich.
The clips show NUFC new boy Valentino Lazaro training alongside his new teammates for the first time and Joelinton looking sharp in more ways than one – scoring a few in a training match with new dyed hair that’s hard to miss!
Here’s the footage shared onto the club’s official Youtube page:
Lazaro looks sharp (see him round Dubravka and score at 1:10) and it’s good to see Joelinton rattling in a few (albeit in a training match), with Matt Ritchie heard shouting ‘YESSS, LOVE IT JO! WELL PLAYED!” after the big man beats Schar and blasts home at 2:15.
Elsewhere, U-23 talents Lewis Cass, Yannick Toure, Rosaire Longelo all appear to have been involved in the session. Could they be considered for bench roles ahead of next Tuesday’s FA Cup replay at Oxford?
It’s also good to see both new boys Bentaleb and Lazaro taking part – two players we’ll need to play ASAP after recent injuries to Willems, Shelvey and Manquillo.
Not only is it a winnable game against the league’s bottom side today, it’s a big chance to extend the gap between ourselves and the drop zone – something that could be key to any potential buyers IF a takeover really is on the agenda.
Howay the lads!
