It was certainly an afternoon to forget for us as we completed an uninspiring pre-season with a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City.
Not to read too much into a pre-season friendly, but there were certainly some worrying signs and re-occurring patterns of last season on show at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
It was certainly an injury-stricken line up. Karl Darlow came in for the sidelined Martin Dubravka and Isaac Hayden was forced to start at centre-back, with Lascelles suspended and Dummett, Lejeune, Clark and Schar all absent.
Andy Carroll once again started up top, with Brazilian Joelinton only deemed fit enough for the bench after linking up with the senior squad for the first time in pre-season on Thursday.
Notably, Matt Ritchie was not involved – which may have something to do with his proposed return to Bournemouth – while Jonjo Shelvey’s absence from the entire matchday was a concern just one week away from the new season
NUFC XI (4-2-3-1): Darlow – Yedlin Fernandez, Hayden, Manquillo – Barlaser, Sean Longstaff – Murphy, Almiron, Saint-Maximin – Carroll.
Players subbed on: Atsu, Saivet, Joelinton, Muto (Gillespie did not feature).
Players absent: Dubravka, Gayle, Ritchie, Shelvey, Schar, Clark, Dummett, Lejeune, Hendrick, Krafth, Lascelles (suspended), M Longstaff.
The game itself started without much to write home about until Stoke grasped the initiative, with Sam Clucas heading home from a cross to give the visitors the lead.
Manquillo didn’t do enough to close down the cross and, not for the first time in his NUFC career, DeAndre Yedlin was ball watching at the back post and allowed Clucas to head home.
For the remainder of the match, it appeared to be all us based on the highlights arriving from the club’s official feed. There seemed to be missed chance after missed chance and flashbacks of last season’s desperation for goals meant we were unable to equalise.
Carroll dragged a shot wide before half time after some good work from Almiron, Fernandez headed over a dangerous Barlaser corner, Saint-Maximin had a stinging effort palmed wide and Murphy was denied by Butland on either side of half time.
Butland had a good game but their goal was a poor one to concede and they arguably had the biggest chance of the second half too, with Gregory hitting the post front six-yards out on 55 minutes.
Saint-Maximin did go on a brilliant run soon after and picked out Sean Longstaff with a clever cutback, but he too fired over in a game full of poor finishing for those in our new yellow away kit!
There were definitely some positives to take from the game, however, with this stunning pass from Dan Barlaser being perhaps the moment of the match and something we’d all be talking about had Murphy applied the finish.
There’s been talk of another loan move away from the club for Barlaser, but this eye of the needle ball to set up Murphy in the 62nd minute proves why I think he deserves to stay at the club this season:
As for Murphy, Bruce stated after the game that he too caught the eye – nearly getting himself on the scoresheet on two occasions – however he should have done better (see above) after being put clean through by Barlaser.
Alarm bells certainly rang this afternoon though, and our performance in front of goal cannot be ignored, with us losing back-to-back games to average Championship sides by an aggregate scoreline of 6-1 in our final two friendlies.
But, it’s certainly not doomsday – yet. If we can secure the signings of Fraser and Wilson over the line, Lewis in at left-back and get our centre-backs fit again, you’d imagine that our output at both ends of the pitch could be completely transformed.
Moreover, we were missing several first-team players, and arguably the spine of our team in Dubravka, Lascelles, Shelvey and Gayle.
Let’s hope there’s some more positive news in the next few days, and deals can be agreed for Lewis, Wilson and Fraser
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Pointless friendlies and gave no real insight into fringe players.
Barlaser and Murphy seem to have done ok – but who have they really faced?? Stoke were the highest finishing club last season and they were bottom half of the championship.
Is either player ready for the first team squad or PL?
Sharpy17(Quote)
That said – Murphy would be ahead of Atsu, so yeah I would keep him in the squad.
If we can sell Atsu then I would – he offers little to nothing that I’ve seen and I’d have no issue moving him on.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looks like we might have a little bit of money after all. I always thought there was about 20 mil based on the accounts but wasnt sure Fatty would release it and might prefer to wait and see until Jan with frees and loans. We also should have had a little bit in the bank from last year.
Anyway, I said Gayle would be out til Xmas. It was just the way the club were acting and this always seems to happen.
Dont know if Wilson is the answer, but we need somebody.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: Murphy only has 1 year left on his contract. It would be madness to loan him out.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I didn’t realise that mate. **** or bust now then. We either give him a new contract, sell him or use him as part of a deal.
He’s never going to be more than a back up squad player for us, so sell or swap would be my thinking.
Sharpy17(Quote)
pointless friendlies, never give a true reflection of what’s to come. Our injury list though, that’s another matter.
kimtoon(Quote)
I am slightly more upbeat now that it looks like we are signing decent players and not just on frees. I really thought the Fatman would not release funds, even though that was in his own best interest. Maybe he realises now there is no chance of a sale if we are relegated. Just look at Sunderland if you need proof of how bad things can get.
Even with the NOW expected additions we are still in the bottom 6 in terms of squad depth. Mainly because of Dwight and Dubs’ injuries but also that Dummett and Lejeune are injury prone. You take them 4 out and replace them with who we are said to be getting in and you are pretty much even. Still going to be a struggle.
Been listening to Wraith and Pals and they are still harping on about an imminent sale. That really has to be a longshot.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Trying to look on the bright side. When Wilson and Fraser were fit they really did play well together. Fraser was a real handful in the season before last and there were obvious problems last year with Howe and his contract. With these 2 on the field I think Bournemouth would have stayed up so hopefully they can do that for us.
Robbie Savage has us at 17th so we are certs to survive. Not sure if the “homeless guy” is a good look for you Robbie.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
A little bit more on Wraith’s Youtube… He has SuperMac on once a week who can be a bit ornery at times but is entertaining. He hates Joelinton. Thinks he will never be a goalscorer and echoes some of the things that Olly put up in his interview with the Bundesliga journalist. Mal just says he is not a natural goalscorer and I tend to believe him. Says he is afraid. His mantra is that a natural goalscorer will score one, miss one but will not be afraid when the next chance comes along. Where am I going with this except Joe should not be our number 9?
Callum Wilson!!! from what I have seen, he is not afraid to take a chance and if he misses he will try again. A Malcolm McDonald type of player but obviously not as good. If we can get him and if he stays fit, it may even relieve some of the pressure off Joe. Big ifs.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Villa offer £21m for Wilson which is accepted but so is our £20m bid according to press. Villa have made a break through in negotiations for Olly Watkins too keeping two irons in the fire.
I would prefer Watkins as am really worried about Wilson staying fit, better still lets get both in. That would really show intent.
Still think Ashleys hand has been forced by injuries, no way we’d be in for so many if all fully firing .
kimtoon(Quote)
Pre season going about as well as expected…
So our offer for Wilson has been accepted – £20m for a 28 year old. That’s a change in tack. Wonder if Jabba is thinking he doesn’t cRe as he doesn’t see himself here medium to long term?
If we get Wilson, Holding, Fraser and the lad from Norwich, with the addition of Hendrick I suppose it would be a good window given the circumstances.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – I think a really good window would be those lads + a loaned CF – then I’d have real confidence we will be ok this season.
Sharpy17(Quote)
KIm – ive mentioned Watkins quite a bit. I really like the lad – but, he’s untested at PL level.
We know with Gayle that just coz you can score goals in the championship doesn’t mean you will in the PL. Hes got loads of potential and I think he and ASM could be a real good partnership – but do we really want to be in a similar position as last season with Joelinton. Pinning all of our hopes on young inexperienced shoulders.
Wilson, when fit is a proven PL goal scorer. It’s keeping him fit that’s the risk with him. But Saints did it with Ings and got 22 goals out of him last season. It’s on Bruce to manage Wilson’s fitness – which may prove difficult when the other forwards are Gayle & Carroll who are regularly injured themselves. That’s why I’d like to loan another so Wilson can be rested when needed.
But signing Fraser as well could be perfect for Wilson – they will know each other’s game already, and that could be vital for a fast start.
I’m quite excited by the prospect of a frontline of ASM, Wilson & Fraser.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, yeh, he’s a good player for sure, i’m just having nightmares of him , Gayle and Carrol all in the treatment room for months on end. I don’t include Joe cause he don’t score anyway 🙄
We really should of signed Rondon and let WB have Gayle when Rafa was here.
Ron wanted to stay, loved it here, Jabba was just sticking it to Rafa, battle of egos.
kimtoon(Quote)
KIm – I agree. Whether Rafa stayed or not – that was the deal to make regardless. Rondon has proven himself with us and would have been in his element last season with ASM and Almiron buzzing around him. We naive and as you say, probably done more out of spite than good judgment. No winners from that situation from I can see. Both Rafa and Rondon are having stinkers in China and we’ve got Bruce and a £40m Joelinton ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Still talk of the deal being progressed for the Brazilian LB – can’t see us getting 2?!.
Also talk of us looking to loan Brewster from Lpool – exactly to type of loan CF I was thinking. But I don’t see any option to buy with him like.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Just a bunch of tw@ts.
What does Lewis Hamilton gave to do to be the greatest sportsman ever.
They should make up a new category for him.
“Lord Hamilton Esquire with bad hair-do”
That should be his title, and he can pass it down to his kids.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The only one that come close is Shumaker.
But. Dont take this the wrong way.
Shumaker in a coma I know it is serious.
It always reminded me of the Smiths song.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ashley clearly still has some interest in the club – he’s flown both Fraser and Wilson in on his chopper.
I know that might not seem much ordinary, but must seem to think he’s washed his hands – that’s suggests to me he still wants us signing our top targets.
Sharpy17(Quote)
They will be solid additions I reckon.
Ritchie is a good player and there are lots of players I’d see off before him. Atsu and Murphy for a start.
Shamrock(Quote)
I think Wilson is good for 12-13 goals at least. More of we can keep him fit. How we got away with no decent striker last year is beyond me.
I expect ASM and Almiron to chip in with more this season too. Really need another striker though because Carroll is past it, Gayle is a crock and not consistent at this league and Joe is not a PL player. They can all go.
Shamrock(Quote)
Fun fact.
Wor Shola is our 3rd highest Pl goalscorer. Kieron Dyer rounds off the top 15.
Shamrock(Quote)
I am sort of shocked that we are spending money. I thought the Fatman would keep his short arms in his long trouser pockets.
And on players I have seen and are PL quality.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So:
Fraser is a good player from when I watched him at Bmth. Same with Wilson.
Sharpy can tell me more on Lewis, I never paid much attention to Norwich.
THere is a chance we might not be relegated.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – not much to tell really mate. If he was top class then the top 6 would be signing him already. But I think he’s got lots of potential. He’s good offensively and composed defensively – but he’s young so still has a mistake in him.
But he’s a good price and will do us a good job I reckon.
I’d love to get their RB too – Max Aarons. Get rid of Yedlin & Kraft and get that young lad in too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham – I agree mate. I think Fraser could be good for a few goals too.
I can’t understand why we gave Carroll another contract. He was injured a lot last season and score no goals.
I also don’t understand why we didn’t sell Gayle when we had the chance. I’m pretty sure this is the last year of his contract too. He’s 30 now and out til Christmas – and was hardly a key player. Are we really going to offer him a new deal?!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
These are upgrades though!!!!
Fraser > Atsu
Wilson > Muto
Hendick > Bentelab
Lewis > Fat Rose
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Wilson signs ?? That didn’t take long to get done then – he only arrived at 5pm last night.
Good signing that, and great that he’s picked us when he could have easily went to Villa instead.
No offence to Joelinton, but I would give him the no. 9 shirt as well. It’s added pressure Joelinton doesn’t need imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agreed Sharpy. Good signing I reckon. Shame we can’t flog/ release all the other strikers and start over. If we can get a decent loan striker in then we are looking much healthier. Maybe Joe would work well in a 442 for us as a hold up type player
Shamrock(Quote)
Cheered me up no end. I thought the transfer budget was made up.
Wilson is a bloody good player, when fit. Same for Fraser.
I might just take my head out of the gas oven for a couple of days.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Lovely live interview from Callum, really hope he can stay injury free and shine.
Looks like Fraser is almost done too, also he wasn’t looking for a better offer, just waiting to see if we sign his mate . 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Oh and get Shearer signed up as recruitment officer, apparently he was instrumental in getting Wilson to sign up.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sort of interesting that we got Bmths best players. Ake? Not sure. Burnley, Hendrick was their best along with Wood and O’Neil. We could be solidly mid-table when Dubs and Dwight get back.
Going full-on with my alphabetical prediction of 14th now. NOT RELEGATION.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh ****. I was reading Eds and one of their morons said we will get Greenwood from Man U next. I spat my coffee out.
Greenwood is the next Shearer.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
That kid is a superstar just waiting to explode. I didnt mean Greenwood is coming to us I meant he is the second coming of Shearer in terms of ability and scoring.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
He came across really well didn’t he Kim, love that he’s looking forward to facing WH – hope we smash them!!.
Credit where it’s due – this could have been a really negative & toxic start to the season with the takeover collapse. Many will still be very disappointed but I think most get it was largely down to the PL rather than Ashley or NUFC.
But the signings we have made/making – can’t remember too many better windows under Ashley – who again, credit where it’s due, has stumped up around £40m for these players.
It seems promising that Wilson & Fraser are looking forward to forming that partnership again – that’s got to be good for us.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Greenwood and Foden are in the **** with England mate. Sent home after breaching COVID rules.
Sounds like they have nipped out to meet up with a couple of Icelandic shield maidens and popped the bubble (the COVID bubble – that wasn’t some sexual innuendo ?).
I’m sure Foden has a missus & they’ve just had a kid – so he may have more to worry about than a sore throat & temperature ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Doesn’t look great on Man Utd like does it?!
Harry Maguire getting dropped from England and Greenwood getting kicked out.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I was taliking football ability with Greenwood 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ole needs to kick some a rse me thinks.
I don’t think Southgate is respected enough by the players if they feel they can do that.
kimtoon(Quote)
Callums birthday is the day before mine ! We play Wolves at home on his birthday so maybe he’ll get a couple of goals for both of us. 🙂
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy, it’s just been reported that indeed, Wilson is getting the number 9 shirt. Happy to hear that as Shearer seems to be a bit of a hero to him and it will likely inspire him a bit more. Joelinton isn’t a number 9 anyway… happy with both Wilson and Fraser!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Gilly, i think Santiago Munez is more his hero going off what he said in his tv interview. lol
kimtoon(Quote)
Pleased to hear that mate coz he had the 27 shirt on in his interview – I reckon that would fit Joelinton much better ??.
Just seen Fraser has signed as well now – hats off – that’s a good days business from NUFC. I knock them often enough, so happy to praise when it’s deserved too ??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
KIm – I cant believe he mentioned Goal! – that was mid nineties or something wasn’t it?!.
I liked how he spoke though, didn’t come across as a big time charlie or like he has a chip on his shoulder or anything like that.
I so hope his fitness is managed properly and we can keep him out on the pitch – if so, I’m confident of a top half finish.
Sharpy17(Quote)
SHOCKED.
These are 3 decent platers we got – Fraser, Wilson and Hendrick. The better players on their teams.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have watched Fraser and Wilson and they are good players. Looking forward to seeing them in B and W.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well they say you have to give a manager a few windows to bring his own players in – and I’m certain the players that were brought in last summer were not his. Joelinton was brought in before he was even in post.
I cut Bruce some slack last season coz we lost Rondon & Perez up front and only really had Joelinton – young lad in his first PL season and not really a forward. I think any manager would have struggled.
But he has 3 exciting & very capable forwards in ASM, Wilson and Fraser – with Almiron buzzing round behind them.
He has a very competent midfield now, along with a defence that proved they could do it under Rafa – add to that Jamal Lewis and the defence is good to go.
It’s a shame about Dubravka, but Darlow has been with the club long enough now and should be able to step up and fill in – if not, I’d question why we are keeping hold of him.
Being greedy, I hope we can loan another forward – Batshuyi with an option to buy would be my preference I think. I don’t like the idea of loaning a youngster from a top 6 club only to have no chance of buying them. If we loaned a forward – I think we’d have a very good squad, with lots of PL experience.
I also think we are adding a couple of leaders to the squad in Hendricks & Wilson.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Right this season I am going Chelsea as Champions.
Brighton, Villa, West Ham to drop.
Newcastle 9th or 10th.
Shamrock(Quote)
Albeit elements of the defense/GK worries me and we could do with another decent striker…
Shamrock(Quote)
WOW.
I dont even think we will be relegated now.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Palace, not Wham.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I don’t know Eric. The mood is pretty low at West Spam at the moment. Seems like the place is ready to implode!
Shamrock(Quote)
Well I stuck the NI game on to see how Jamal Lewis got on tonight – only to find out that the manager has decided not to play him.
Reading between the lines he’s decided not to risk him being injured and affecting a move to us – if that is the reason then that’s brilliant from an International manager with a real understanding of the bigger picture – can’t imagine Southgate doing that.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sham – I would have a bet Moyes is the first PL manager sacked that’s for sure. They have some good players in that squad but seem so divided as a club. I would put all of the promoted clubs in the mix, along with Villa, WH and my surprise would be Sheff Utd. I think teams will have figured them out from last season and they don’t have the quality up front. They struggled a bit after the lockdown and I think their bubble may have burst.
I think if Chelsea’s new boys can hit the ground running, you’re right, they are the front runners for me too mate.
Can Liverpool so consistent for a 3rd season in a row?. Their front 3 weren’t really firing after lockdown – they seem to feed off the crowds & they won’t be there to start with.
City’s defence is still weak & if Aguero is out, who is their scorer?!. They still need to spend for me.
Man U, Arsenal & Spurs are still along way off for me and battle for 4th.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I agree re: Sheffield Utd Sharpy.
Think I had them down for about 12th/13th this time. I reckon Leicester will begin to slide a little and jostle with us for 9th. Wolves should still be strong albeit £35m in a kid with 12 senior games to his name seems crazy to me. Surely this season will see Everton kick on a bit.
Shamrock(Quote)
Sharpy, there was rumours on twitter today that Moyes is on the verge of walking.
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – hope so, I’ve hoyed a bet on it today ?.
I know Dyche isn’t happy with the lack of spends at Burnley either – so if Moyes left, I could see WH going after Dyche.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I had a little chuckle either when the breaking news on SSN was that Arsenal had changed their minds on Holding.
I thought – in previous windows we would have loaned Holding and the Wilson deal would have collapsed ?. Not this day though – this day is a good day for NUFC ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
indeed.
kimtoon(Quote)
So, what will be the team for Wham? Assuming Shelvey and Dummett are not fit and we have to start accident waiting to happen Darlow.
Darlow
Manquillo Lascelles Fernandez Lewis
Hayden Hendrick
Fraser Miggy St Max
Wilson
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – that would be my line up even if Shelvey and Dummettt were fit mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think the pundits will predict we will be relegated. We’re not getting relegated. This squad is good enough for 14th. I am shocked we have spent the so-called budget but now we have I think we will be safe. Even with Brucie.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We’ll probably be ok so long as Callum stays fit Eric.
kimtoon(Quote)
I still think loaning a forward would be a good idea.
I don’t know if Sorensen and Toure are injured, but with all the injuries we’ve had and knowing he doesn’t want Muto – I would have given them a run out pre-season.
Neither have really kicked on. Whether that’s coz they aren’t good enough or just haven’t been developed who knows – but first team and reserves – CF is a position we need to focus on and strengthen badly.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – you were asking about Jamal Lewis mate. Someone has put a welcome to NUFC compilation clip together – bit premature I reckon, but take a look:
https://youtu.be/05IIhDRBoWE
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thanks Sharpy. Always have to be fearful of only youtube clips but it seems like a combo of Lewis and St Max might cause a problem for some sides.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
some very good signings. just need another striking option!
georgio(Quote)
https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/dvkn6c
Fantasy Premier League invite code ?
Shamrock(Quote)
If Wilson is given the No 9 shirt does that mean that Brucie will not be REQUIRED to start Joelinton every game?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Ollie Watkins is costing Villa around £33m – about what it’s cost us for Wilson and Lewis.
Watkins has potential, but I am more than happy with our £33m spend.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have to admit that I have been wrong on transfers. I thought the Covid-19 pandemic would restrict spending and Chelsea are acting like drunken sailors. I also thought our budget would be about 20 mil without moving some players out. Shows what I know, or think I know!!!
I think we have done decent business.
This is what it is to be an NUFC fan under the rule of Ashley.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well that’s Jamal Lewis all signed up as well. What an exceptional 48hrs graft by Charnley and his cronies ??.
Credit where it is due, 3 very good signings there and no hanging around.
Hopefully it’s a busy week clearing players out now – and if we can, get a loan forward in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This is what annoys me about the way the media build up young English players – Kelvin Phillips in playing for England tonight & he might well go on to be a decent player. But right now, the lad couldn’t lace Hayden’s boots.
He’s playing alongside Declan Rice – I’ll leave him to Eric though ?.
Also, if I were an English CF who had just signed for a new club for around ? let’s say £20m. I’d be watching this thinking, if I can stay fit and score a few goals I’m walking back into this team.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well that’s 90mins I’ll never get back.
Sharpy17(Quote)