So, that’s it – the latest Premier League season is over for another year.
Most of it was spent on the edge of another avoidable relegation battle and fearing the worst in parts, but a surprise run of form over the run-in saw us finish 12th following our final-day win at Fulham last Sunday.
Here, our writers – myself, Charlie Bennett, Jake Jackman, Jeff King, Jamie Elliot and Jonny Dawson – give our awards for the 2020/21 season, covering everything from player of the year, to unsung hero, most improved, top team performance and best goal – as well as a mark out of 10 for Steve Bruce.
Without further ado, here’s our picks in full…
Olly Hawkins
1. Player of the season – Callum Wilson
Involved in 17 goals in 23 starts in his debut season (12 goals / 5 assists), which is outstanding in a struggling NUFC side, but he’s offered so much more than just that. He’s been a constant handful, has showed razor sharp movement, brings others into play and has that ice-cool confidence you need from your talisman. What a signing at £20m. He’s exactly what we needed and without him we’d be in big trouble.
2. Unsung hero – Karl Darlow
An alternative choice here as he’s not been on the scene for several months now, but what he did over the first half of 2020/21 was vital. I feared for us when Dubravka was ruled out, but he stepped up admirably, making some stunning saves, improving his all round game and keeping us in several matches we ended up picking up results in. Oh, and those 11 saves at Spurs were something else – the highest in a single PL game since 2013!
3. Most improved – Jacob Murphy
He’s gone from a rabbit in the headlights who’d found his level in the Championship to a first-team regular who looks a completely new man. Making the right wing-back slot his own, looking far more confident on the ball and scored a few crucial goals at Wolves and Burnley. Chuffed to bits for him.
4. Best individual performance – Miguel Almiron (Newcastle 3-2 Southampton)
Almost went for Wilson for his all round masterclass in that 2-0 win at Everton, but Almiron just edged him for his stunning display in that heroic 3-2 win over Southampton – a game we ended up winning with just 9 men! Not only did he take his two goals well – tearing the Saints apart with his pace on the break – his pressing forced errors, his link up play was outstanding and his work rate at both ends absolutely incredible. I remember giving him a fully deserved 10/10 in my player ratings that day, with him shining as a No.10 in that 4312 formation Jones introduced. A stunning display in every sense.
5. Best team performance – Leicester 2-4 Newcastle
Not just the win to make sure of Premier League survival but an emphatic one over a side who were 3rd in the table at the time and in good form. We found the perfect balance between attack and defence, cut through a top side like a knife through butter and took some of our goals brilliantly, too. A night that reminded us all what these players are capable of when set up correctly and scoreline that flattered the Foxes in the end!
6. Goal of the season – Allan Saint-Maximin (Burnley 1-2 Newcastle)
Not only was it a huge moment, handing us a monumental win over fellow relegation contenders, it was a moment of sheer brilliance from our game-changing Frenchman. After carrying the ball from his own to half to the edge of the Burnley box, he left Mee and Tarkwoski on the deck with a brilliant piece of footwork and fired a left-footed shot into the bottom corner. Absolute magic; and the celebration wasn’t bad either!
7. Steve Bruce – 5/10
The way I see it, he’s put out a fire he started in the first place. Had it not been for our end of season surge to 12th, this would’ve been a three at best, however Bruce does deserve some credit. Wilson was a superb signing, the loan move for Willock was an inspired one and his move to get help in the form of Graeme Jones was much needed – even if it’s a clear indication of his own limitations! Staying up and finishing 12th was way better than I expected a few months ago, but that’s only because Bruce set the bar so unacceptably low via an awful brand of football and ever-changing ‘tactics’ for 75% of the season. He’s done what Ashley asked of him and proven some wrong (me included) who said we’d go down, but it’s still a season that has season a talented squad. Tempted to say 4/10, but I’ll go with a 5 as injuries, COVID and an unprecedented year for football managers hasn’t helped.
Jake Jackman
1. Player of the season – Callum Wilson
Not a difficult one for me. It has to be Callum Wilson. The team always looks more threatening when he is fit and available. His return of 12 goals and five assists isn’t to be sniffed at, especially as he earned key points with those returns. Wilson averages a goal involvement every 122.7 minutes. If we keep him fit next season, I’d expect even better numbers and a more comfortable season for the team.
2. Unsung hero – Jacob Murphy
Jacob Murphy has to win this award. He has contributed key goals and assists throughout the season. The assist for Dwight Gayle’s winner against West Brom was important. He scored pivotal goals against Wolves and Burnley. Murphy looks to be a player that stands up when it matters. Those that watched his loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday won’t be surprised to see the improvement in his game. Towards the end of the season, he made the wing-back role his own with contributions in both halves of the pitch. He has to be a starter next season.
3. Most improved – Joelinton
Joelinton gets unfairly criticised at times. He obviously isn’t a £40 million footballer, but he has started to make some progress towards the end of the season. When he has been used as part of a front two, he has looked a genuine threat. In the home match against Villa, he absolutely destroyed Tyrone Mings on two or three occasions. Finishing the season with three goals in eight matches, I hope we see even more improvement.
4. Best individual performance – Callum Wilson (Everton 0-2 Newcastle)
There are a few notable mentions in this section, with Miguel Almiron causing chaos at home to Southampton, Karl Darlow being excellent away to Spurs and Allan Saint-Maximin destroying Burnley on two occasions. However, Callum Wilson was on another level against Everton away from home. He scored twice, but left the pitch feeling disappointed he didn’t score more. That showed the level he is capable of reaching. I mark it as more impressive than the Leicester performance, as we were in a terrible run of form at the time.
5. Best team performance – Leicester 2-4 Newcastle
The match away to Leicester City has to be considered our best performance. We cut through them early with Saint-Maximin missing a massive chance. Many feared we missed our opportunity, but we continued to cut through them at will and were deserving of our four-goal lead.
6. Goal of the season – Allan Saint-Maximin (Burnley 1-2 Newcastle)
Allan Saint-Maximin’s goal against Burnley was my favourite. He won us that game from the bench and this goal injected belief back into the team. The Frenchman picked the ball up in his own half, before dancing through the Burnley defence. It was a great finish to score too.
7. Steve Bruce rating – 3/10
It was a poor season for the most part and the majority will agree that he is unsuitable to be the coach for the long term. There was improvement towards the back end, but that may have been in spite of Bruce, rather than due to him.
Jeff King
1. Player of the season – Allan Saint-Maximin
Because of his ability to lift players around him. We’re a much better team when he’s in it and fit and actually look dangerous. Plus he’s the only one that gets you off your seat time and time again. A class act.
2. Unsung hero – Paul Dummett
Ritchie, Murphy, ASM and Willock got the most credit for our turnaround but for me Dummett was always so solid and dependable. He understands what it is to play for NUFC and is in today’s game somewhat unique in that he is a defender that knows how to defend and loves doing it.
3. Most improved – Jacob Murphy
Let’s face it there aren’t many that thought he’d make it at NUFC and even less as a right wing-back. He just got better and better as the season progressed and now is someone that is an automatic choice. His defending improved and his attacking play showed more and more confidence as he grew into his role.
4. Best individual performance – Miguel Almiron (Newcastle 3-2 Southampton)
Down to nine men and desperately needing to hold on to the 3-2 he put in an unbelievable shift. Covered every inch of the pitch and then some. As determined a display as I’ve seen and one that spoke volumes about his professionalism and will to win.
5. Best team performance – Everton 0-2 Newcastle.
We actually looked like a top four team! Wilson was clinical in attack, the midfield won the battle convincingly, our back four were all outstanding and Darlow magnificent when called upon. Remember this performance came before Brighton and it was so good I think we all thought that was the potential we had coming finally to the fore. The consummate away performance.
6. Goal of the season – Allan Saint-Maximin (Burnley 1-2 Newcastle)
Not just because it was a brilliantly thrilling dribble and fabulous finish, not just because he only had one thing in his mind when he set off for goal, not because he ignored an unmarked Wilson. No, all of that and his absolute confidence in his own ability. Not forgetting the importance of the goal. I think it was the goal that turned our season around.
7. Steve Bruce rating – 5/10
Massive underachievement with squad he had. Felt we would have been relegated without Jones coming in. Raised it towards the end of the season, but never clear if he had tactics or not, defended far too deeply far too often and always thought he thought opposition was better than us. So negative in pressers too.
Charlie Bennett
1. Player of the season – Joe Willock
Willock’s contribution ultimately saved our season in the short time he spent on Tyneside. His impact was the highlight of our campaign so, even though he only joined in January, he deserves the nod for me. We must resign him.
2. Unsung hero – Karl Darlow
Martin Dubravka’s injury could have crippled us at the start of the season, but Darlow stepped up in our time of need, saving us on multiple occasions. Unlucky to get dropped and should look to move on this summer.
3. Most improved – Jacob Murphy
A year ago, Murphy looked surplus to requirements and was one of Rafa Benitez’s worst signings at NUFC. Fast forward to now and he has made that right wing-back spot his own. One of the few players you could say has improved under Steve Bruce’s coaching.
4. Best individual performance – Allan Saint-Maximin (Newcastle 3-1 Burnley)
An electric performance that showed us everything that Saint-Maximin has at his disposal. A skilful goal and a a pinpoint assist; I could have picked his away performance against Burnley but he played the full 90 minutes in this one.
5. Best team performance – Newcastle 3-2 Southampton
A NINE-man Toon put in a gutsy display to hold on for a vital three points in the pouring rain at St James’ Park. This performance showed exactly what it means to play in those black-and-white colours
6. Goal of the season – Allan Saint-Maximin (Burnley 1-2 Newcastle)
Brought off the bench, at 1-0 down, in a team derived of all confidence, and Saint-Maximin takes on half the Burnley team to score a wonder solo goal. He probably doubled his price tag with this one and cemented his place as our team’s star player.
7. Steve Bruce rating – 6/10
Most of the season was unwatchable and performances against Brighton (twice), Sheff Utd and Brentford were sackable offences alone. However, he brought in Willock and managed to galvanise a divided squad when it mattered most, finishing 12th and playing some decent stuff in the end. He did his job. After all, we finished a huge 17 points above the drop zone, but there is a clear argument to say that our late run of form papered over some huge, undeniable cracks.
Jamie Elliott
1. Player of the season – Callum Wilson
he’s absolutely priceless and our most important player. Even more so than Allan Saint-Maximin, in my opinion. I knew we were buying a goalscorer but I didn’t realise how good his all sound game was.
2. Unsung hero – Federico Fernandez
He’s our best defender, and the importance of his return has been understated I think. I really hope we can tie him down to a new deal, as I don’t think we’ll replace him with like for like quality given the meagre budget we have this summer.
3. Most improved – Jacob Murphy
He’s been a revelation at right wing-back, and has made me eat humble pie. He always seems to make something happen in the final 3rd. Deserves a new deal and more game time next season. His equaliser at Burnley was a huge moment in the season.
4. Best individual performance – Callum Wilson (Everton 0-2 Newcastle)
It wasn’t just his two goals, his all round performance was the best centre forward display I’ve seen in from a Newcastle striker since Demba Ba. Honourable mention for ASM at Burnley, which features more later.
5. Best team performance – Leicester 2-4 Newcastle
Beating Southampton with 9 men, and Everton away also have to be considered, but Leicester pips it for me. To go to a top team, in form, and take the game to them and batter them in the way we did was truly amazing. It’s also the game that made me the saddest there were no fans present to see it, and there haven’t been many of those recently.
6. Goal of the season – Allan Saint-Maximin (Burnley 1-2 Newcastle)
Aesthetically it probably should be Wilson’s away at Leicester, with every player touching the ball and that filthy finish, but for sheer importance, this get my vote. It was a must win game, away at relegation rivals. We were in wretched form, seemingly only heading one way, and our star man came back from injury and won us the game with a brilliant solo goal. It’s proper Roy Of The Rovers stuff.
7. Steve Bruce rating – 4/10
It’s a 4 for me. He’s still underachieving from what he said he wanted to do. A good manager has this squad going for Europa. I struggle to be objective as the bloke has regularly thrown players and fans under the bus, but it’s not been very good on or off the pitch for 75% of the season, has it?
Jonny Dawson
1. Player of the season – Callum Wilson
Without Wilson then I’m convinced our season would have played out in a very different way. His potency and confidence in front of goal is something that we’ve been missing for a while. His injuries have been disappointing but have also shown that we’re a completely different animal when he’s missing.
2. Unsung hero – Paul Dummett
There were a few who I could have placed here because I think we had a few instances of players simply putting their head down and sorting everything out. Dummett, for me, is the player who really just went about his job without much fanfare and improved our form. I’m glad he scored his goal against Leicester because he deserved it.
3. Most improved – Jacob Murphy
One of my picks for the Unsung Hero choice because I think his inclusion into the side was overshadowed by Ritchie’s performances on the other side of the pitch. When he was first picked over Manquillo for the Right Back position, I thought it was ridiculous but he really proved himself and he became invaluable.
4. Best individual performance – Allan Saint-Maximin (Burnley 1-2 Newcastle)
Quite possibly the needed catalyst to saving ourselves from danger at the end of the season. After a spirited draw against Spurs following the awful Brighton loss, if we lost to Burnley then our terrible form would have probably continued right until the end but Saint-Maximin decided that he didn’t want that to happen, so he decided to win the match. The match was going in its usual fashion until Saint-Maximin was deployed and he tore them apart. A fantastic solo performance.
5. Best team performance – Leicester 2-4 Newcastle
Being a Newcastle fan based in Leicester, I have a constant reminder of how much more ambitious they are than us and it’s draining. So, to see us roll up to the King Power Stadium, a few streets away from my house, and absolutely destroy a fantastic team was extremely satisfying.
6. Goal of the season – Callum Wilson (Leicester 2-4 Newcastle)
His second was stunning that night. 11 players touching the ball in the build-up to this goal was absolutely fantastic and hinted at how good we could be if we were allowed to. It was a beautiful goal to watch and it will no doubt be reposted and shown for years to come.
7. Steve Bruce rating – 3/10
Subjected us to some absolute dross but I’ll give him some credit for bringing in the likes of Wilson, Willock and Jones so that everything wasn’t lost. He loses tons of points for the awful run, dreadful tactics and his incendiary comments throughout the season. Still want him gone.
Most votes:
- Player of the season – Callum Wilson (6)
- Unsung hero – Karl Darlow & Paul Dummett (2)
- Most improved – Jacob Murphy (6)
- Best individual performance – Almiron vs Southampton and Wilson vs Everton (2)
- Best team performance – Leicester 2-4 Newcastle (3)
- Goal of the season – Allan Saint-Maximin at Burnley (5)
- Steve Bruce rating – 5/10 and 3/10 (2)
Let us know your picks for all seven ‘awards’ in the comments below!
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Wilson was our best player, although the goalies also did well. Not sure if it is reflected in the stats but you could see that Darlow and Dubravka made a huge difference in keeping us in some (most?) games. Dummett is always underrated – best tackler in the team.
Eric(Quote)
Alternative Awards Part 1:
Brucie words of the season – pleasing and delighted.
Own goal of the season – talksport interview.
Invisible Man of the Season – Lee Charnley
Most Irrelavant Man of the Season and should be Invisible – Alex Bruce (there’s a lot of comptetion for this one including the Dannies and Sutton).
Eric(Quote)
Part 2:
I can tend to get sarky now and again so some a bit lighter.
Charisma award – St Max. His social media reflects his playing style.
Most likeable when interviewed – tie, Wilson and Willock.
Most improved sports writer – Lille Chrissy Waugh
Best match writeups – another tie, here and NUFC.com
Eric(Quote)
Part 3:
Steve Bruce bent nose award for having so much money and still not fixing it: Stephen Fry.
Eric(Quote)
I struggle to disagree with most, but find it uneasy that Joe Willock doesn’t feature more based on achieving a record only big Al holds in the history of our club.
Unsung hero – doesnt stipulated player, so mind would go to Graham Jones I reckon. I’m not holding him as highly as some do, but I do think our change of formation and subsequent up turn in form coincided with his arrival.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Best name ever in football award:
Paul Canell
Maybe if you combine Christan Fuchs and Stephan Kuntz you would be close.
Yes, that would be Christain Stephan.
Sorry I meant Fuchs Kuntz.
Eric(Quote)
How Bruce gets more than 2 is beyond me!
A message from Charnley to Ashley (Now the big boys are away).
I’ve signed Peirera from WBA, Nunes from Sporting and Edouard from Celtic.
This is my resignation letter.
Lee
PS I’ve also loaned Joelinton and Hendrick to Ashington
georgio(Quote)
😆 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
Anyone that thinks this squad should be pushing for Europe is deluded, regardless of who the manager is.
Dubravkas’s shot stopping is wonderful, the rest of his game is lacking but his distribution is up there with the worst we’ve ever had.
The whole back line needs torn up and started again, we only started to look decent when Ritchie came back in the squad, that’s one of the things I’ll blame Bruce for, I’m sure he wanted to give Lewis a run but it wasn’t working when we needed to tighten up the most.
Midfield is OK at best, Shelvey needs two other midfielders alongside him to be successful, when he doesn’t play we don’t create but he does need others to pick up the fast midfielders, having Hayden out didn’t help.
Up front was grand when everyone was fit, and that doesn’t include Joelington who in theory should be a starter for his price tag, there’s a player in there for sure but he definitely lacks confidence and maybe a bit of effort because of that. He also doesn’t seem to have a position, much like Perez didn’t.
Don’t think Bruce can be blamed for the injuries which didn’t help, we can’t say for sure exactly what influence Jones has had and what he does daily but crediting him for changing the team screams more of “don’t credit Bruce for anything” which is a bit childish.
Bruce, I think, has done “OK” probably a solid 7, given that getting into Europe would surely be considered a 10, it doesn’t matter when you pick up the points, only that you do pick up the points.
Ainm(Quote)
A 7 for Bruce? You’ve been watching a different club mate.
georgio(Quote)
Interesting/ironic article in The Mag asking why the Managerless clubs are not all lining up for Brucie? It is very tongue in cheek but I will add a bit more.
How about Jenas? Why isnt he touting him for Spurs.
Simon Jordan? There is an opening at Palace, so should they not be looking at Bruce? He even hired him once and the always loyal Bruce jumped ship.
Everton, surely Bruce could get them Champions League?
Wolves, 17th? Bruce could do that.
I have not seen any clamour from Bruce’s pundit pals saying Bruce should be considered for any of these jobs. They all know Ashley’s lack of ambition at NUFC so why are they not saying Bruce should be at “more ambitious” clubs if he is so great and has done such a wonderful job in a pleasing and delightful way? Ashley wants out FFS so their hero, Brucie, would be the obvious choice for Spurs, Everton, Palace and Wolves? Right?
Or have they all being blowing smoke up everyone’s @rses and dont really believe what they say and have been on a complete wind up about him all along?
Eric(Quote)
Seriously, if Bruce is so great why isnt he a candidate at Palace or Wolves? Everton and Spurs fans would revolt if he went there as they both have ideas above their station. But isnt that what we NUFC fans are always accused of 🙂
Any of them can have Bruce as far as I am concerned. Remember Palace actually paid to get Alan Pardew 🙂 🙂 🙂 For Gawds Sake Ashley paid comp for Bruce 🙂
Eric(Quote)
Would Jenas, Luke Edwards, the Dannies (Mills and Murphy), Sutton, Savage??? Any of them say Bruce is a serious candidate for Spurs? Our PL record is roughly the same as them despite the self inficted relegations. The Trophy cabinets are about as bare – is the league cup even a trophy anymore because that is all Spurs have won in the last 20 years!
So, why not Brucie to Spurs all of you pundits and journos?
Eric(Quote)
Would Everton take Bruce? Their PL record has been pretty much the same as ours. I think there would be a scouser riot if they appointed Brucie.
Looking at it from the outside you might think Bruce had done a good job, but that ignores the awful football. 12th is a false position as well in my opinion. “The table never lies” is a myth.
Eric(Quote)
As much as I think Bruce is a gobshyte, he is right about one thing though. The Rafa love at NUFC is unwarranted. There are certain blogs (THE MAG) where they spend extraordinary amounts of time loving Rafa and acting like he did ANYTHING at NUFC.
He relagated the best squad ever to be relegated. He had plenty of time to rejig it after the McClaren nightmare and keep us up. Any team with Sissoko, Gini, Jonjo and Townsend should stay up.
Fatboy Fat then gave Rafa more funds than any other Manager in Championship history to get us promoted. Served his own purposes, but a fact is a fact.
On return to the PL we had a below average squad but about lowest mid-table which is where we finished. The difference between 15th and 10th was a couple of points.
But Rafa is God to some on The Mag. He did Fck all for NUFC. Relegated us. Kept us lower mid-table!
It is just so sad that some are so much in love with someone who had obviously lost his touch. They even want him back.
Bruce is a pathetic, gobby loser but Rafa wasnt a lot better.
Eric(Quote)
Been a completely boring season. Not really missed not going and actually quite a few games I didn’t even watch.
Looking forward to the Euros as England should play some good attacking football with the players we have. At least I hope we do.
Stuart79(Quote)
I think Olly has nailed it with Bruce having put out the fires he started.
I still don’t rate our squad too highly and our survival was more down to big performances from individual players. But it is certainly better than 2 wins in 22 or whatever our awful run was.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Anyone watching this England game? It’s Shi.te so far… they play like Newcastle do, lots of back passes and no end product.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
It’s awful mate. I don’t know how people get conned at the start of EVERY tournament???!!.
We have the players, but we need a Venables type manager in charge to allow them to play.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Gilly – I would take Lingard ahead of Rashford or Sterling as well
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well that was 90 mins of my life I won’t get back… I just hope they are a tad more animated when the tournament starts or we are in for an early bath!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
No pre tournament games are ever any good. Players don’t want to get injured and I remember when we use to thrash teams before a tournament and got there and failed miserably.
I’d bring in Ward Prowse for TAA. But how do we get Kane, Grealish, Foden, Mount and Sancho in the same team.
Stuart79(Quote)
Sharpy: the Mackem TRex is the biggest problem. He is the least assured goalkeeper of all time. Always punching wildly and making desperate saves. Screaming at his own players like a 2 year old on a sugar rush. It is not just his short arms either. He is short for a goalie in the modern era.
Pope is injured so “accident waiting to happen” will play. He probably would have anyway.
With Kane, Mount, Grealish, Foden and dare I say it Henderson England should still have a chance.
I still think Rice is overhyped, like a modern day Butch Wilkins. He is OK though and not the worst midfielder out there. He is no Jeff Hendrick that’s for sure.
Eric(Quote)
I am still waiting for a commentator to say Rice overcooked his pass, or is steaming after an own goal. I know, it is my infantile sense of humour. Maybe I should play in goal for Everton and England?
Eric(Quote)
time to vote for best player of the season well i will go for
OLLY for the best blog
ERIC and SHARPY as the best bloggers
Kim as the best female who knows her footy
me as a right part timer blogger
icedog(Quote)
Eric – I don’t disagree, but I’m just not sold on any of the other keepers. Pope would have been my pick but he’s out.
I’m not sold on the CBs either to be honest & can’t understand why Maguire is in the squad when they say he wouldn’t be available until after the group stages anyway.
Henderson shouldn’t be in either if he’s not fit – and apparently they can’t be replaced – only injuries after the 26 was picked.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice: Olly’s stuff is consistently of the highest quality. He doesnt just trot out 200 words of banality like a certain Chronicle “journalist” that I could mention. OK, I will mention him RYDER. I dont understand Wor Lee, he must have contacts but always has no content and just writes rubbish for the most part.
I have to say I enjoy what everybody on here says. Even Stuart 🙂
Kimtoon is exceptional. Sharpy knows his stuff, much more than me about who to buy from overseas or The Championship.
Eric(Quote)
Conte would have to be mad to go to Spurs. They have an aging squad and why would Kane stay? $20 million a year might be a reason 🙂
Eric(Quote)
I think I would have Darlow ahead of TRex. Even his friends in Sunderland think he is a t!t. I have seen things said that he is a bungalow and he he acts like that on the field. But more than a bungalow, an agressive show off shouty look at me bungalow.
Eric(Quote)
Ice – cheers fella. I enjoy this site & the contributions from everyone on it. At a time when it’s all about abuse online – I’ve never seen it on this site in all the time I’ve been on it. Disagreements yes but nothing I’ve thought that got out of hand or crossed the line – imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Morning everyone, only dipped in and out of the England game last night, gotta say it was pretty underwhelming from the bits I saw.
Only been on a couple of times, loads of issues with Bungalow, slowly getting on top of stuff but hate waiting on other people for getting stuff done. Solicitor hasn’t paid me the balance of proceeds from sale of house, I moved on the 12th of may !. He’s off sick apparently, all the same you would think he’d get his partner at other branch to sort it. Virgin have been an utter nightmare too, endless hours on phone to get issues sorted. And title transfer form from bungalow sellers solicitor got lost in post so I’m not listed as owner at Land registry yet 🙄
As Balotelli once said ‘ Why always me ‘.
Ice, kind words, thanks, have always enjoyed our conversations on here mate.
Eric, Exceptional, too kind . After last night what’s our chances at the Euros?, I’m thinking it will be the same as it ever was, all huff and puff but no cigar sadly. Finding it hard to get interested .
kimtoon(Quote)
Eventually huff and puff will win something but I can’t see that lot getting past France. Or Germany or Italy for that matter
georgio(Quote)
A lot of those players last night will not play in the euros. He put some in that are dropped from the euro squad. Not sure why he played them to be honest. Qith our first team I think we have a chance. Small chance, but a chance all the same.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Cheers mate, appreciate that!
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Thank you, very kind! 🙂
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
A quick update of the NUST “Pledge”. It is going pretty much the way I thought it would. I am not trying to disparage them because I think they had good intentions, just didnt think it through. It has 87k in 2 months.
Now that may seem a lot but is it really? Ashley probably wastes that in a casino in one night.
The plan was to buy part of the club and thereby have some influence. As I said from the beginning that aint never gonna happen as they say here in Chicago. It started April 8 and after a month had about 65k. A few thousand had stumped up some initial cash and pledged monthly contributions. Looking at the numbers the debits going forward are about 20k a month. That will dwindle as the pledgers see that the the whole thing was a dead duck from the beginning.
I always thought it would be 3-6 months before the pledgers stopped their debits and I stick by that. The money goes to charity so it is not entirely a waste of time. It was a wrongheaded scheme from the beginning and I dont know how it got some smart people like Warren Barton on board. A statement!?! But you can make a statement without having some gullible people shell out their hard earned cash!!! And it is laudible that the money will go to charity. That was their backstop, to say to their patrons that if it failed the money would go to a good cause. But!!! wasnt that them admitting it was going to fail. From inception?
I dont really care. Just wanted to say “I told you so”. So did Sharpy BTW.
I will check it again in a month to see how they are doing. But I already know what the answer will be.
Eric(Quote)
Just been thinking about our Managers and their gobshytery. How did we manage to corner the market for this? In the past 10 years we have have had Bruce, the Prince of Gobshytery, but also the King Gobshyte himself – Pards! Schteve, and Ugly John Carver were not too far behind. Kinnear was full of it as well.
It must be the Fat Man who gets attracted to BSers? Or Charnley even. He has been the only other constant?
Eric(Quote)
Can anyone explain to me the logic in taking Henderson and Maguire when it’s quite possible they won’t play any games due to fitness ?
Stuart79(Quote)
They increased the squad size from like 23 to 26.
I also think Southgate thinks they are his 1st choices for their positions.
My 1st pick would be Kane, then Grealish, then Mount, then Foden.
I wouldnt play any defenders as they are pretty shyte. I would just stack the team up with midfielders and forwards.
I wouldnt even play if a goalie if the pick was TRex Mackem.
Eric(Quote)
The mentally unfit Mackem will cost England. I have no doubt about that. But Kane can make up for it. He won the golden boot at the WC in 2018 and has the most assists AND goals in the PL this season. Foden is amazing and Grealish is great on or off his feet. If he wins us free kicks then that’s OK with me. I have said he is a cheat for 2 years, but now he is OUR cheat. I wish he would run past people like Gazza rather than through them and fall over. It is what it is though!!! Still a marvelous player.
Eric(Quote)
More on Pickford 🙂 I think he is actually pretty ****. Probably the worst ‘keeper in the PL. Short, impetuous, a screamer at his own players. And those are his good points…
He is a child in a man’s body and an accident waiting to happen.
His distribution isnt even that good and that is supposed to be his best quality.
His bad points vastly outweigh his good point of being a good shot stopper. But he is short!!! He makes easy things look difficult because of his bad positioning and lack of height.
I will say it again – he is the worst keeper in the PL.
Eric(Quote)
England could actually win the Euros as well. There is so much talent in that squad that maybe even Southgate cant mess it up. You know, the Southgate that relegated Boro!!!
But – he has Grealish, the best talent since Gazza. Foden, a Beardsley like magician. And Kane, the best English centre forward since Shearer.
I am looking forward to it for those reasons and despite TRex and exBoro boss.
Eric(Quote)
Olly mate, I am not having any of this takeover talk until Ashley has the cheque in his podgy hands. Wraith and Pals have done 2 hr shows on it every friday neet for a year and nothing they have said has panned out. The Geordie Dullard, I mean Dentist, seems to think that since he lives in the mid-east he has the inside track. Nothing he has said in his soused stupor has ever come to pass. I think he was past chairman of NUST which is why I dont give them any credit – if they can elect him, they can elect a drunken monkey. Probably one and the same.
I watched about 5 minutes of it last night as that is all I can take anymore. Mitchell was on the pop again sucking it back like he was nursing on Angelina Jolie’s boobs. I dont believe a word he says.
Eric(Quote)
I dont know if anyone knows what the American term SOL means? It doesnt mean Stadium of Light. It means **** Outta Luck. Could anything be more appropriate for their current state?
Eric(Quote)
Remembering Cheick Tiote, 5 years today . 🙁
kimtoon(Quote)
D-Day tomorrow! That was also my wedding day and my marriage lasted 17 years. I woke up today and thought why do I remember June 6th?
We got divorced on 6-6-06. The Number of the Beast! Quite funny. Married on D-Day and Divorced on the Devil’s day. I havent seen her in 14 years so I am not having any problems, just finding it funny.
Eric(Quote)
as long as you feel better for it mate crack on and good luck
icedog(Quote)
Slow news day if Rob Elliot signing at Watford is the big story 🙂
Eric(Quote)
Group of Death: Germany, France, Portugal.
Just realised that Germany play France in Munich a week next Tuesday. I will be in New Orleans and have to find a sports bar to watch it.
I was working in a Youth Hostel in Munich where I watched one of the top 5 games I have ever seen. 1982 World Cup with Rummenigge and Platini. Extra time and penalties. Commonly accepted as the best game ever at a WC. I might argue 1966 final, but that’s splitting hairs.
Getting drunk in New Orleans and watching France/Germany might be quite fun. New Orleans is about as French as America gets so there may even be other people in the bar.
Eric(Quote)
France v Brazil 1986 was the best ever!
georgio(Quote)
KIM how things change when people want money off you things move fast then ffs
icedog(Quote)
I see Villa have paid big money for Norwich m/f 33mil 🙄 🙄
icedog(Quote)
These friendlies show that it will most likely be the same old England. Squeeking through the group games in tame and boring games. I have no idea what will happen in the quarter finals and beyong because Southgate has some amazing young players, just not sure if he is the right man for the job.
#relegatedboro
Eric(Quote)
Watching England is just like watching Bruceys Newcastle side most this season imo – bl00dy hardwork!!!.
Some good players being shackled by an incompetent manager
Sharpy17(Quote)
I will say it again Sharpy. You have to be an idiot to mess up with this talent:
Harry Kane
Mason Mount
Jack Grealish
Phil Foden
But… BUT… He will play the TRex in goal!!
I would rather have Pep, Klopp, or tuchel as manager ahead of Gareth- never done owt – Southgate though. Relegated Boro and managed the England U-21s. Great!!!!!
Eric(Quote)
So Southgate is taking an injured Henderson for his leadership, ye gods, heaven help us. A place wasted on an injured player.
Just take another fit player ffs, Lingard could have that place, Southgate is a muppet . He could still have Henderson there,just not in the squad, use him in a coaching capacity or something ffs.
This is why England drives me nuts, why do we always do this sort of thing .
Gareth you are meant to be the motivator not Henderson 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
I had another quick look at The Pledge and from June 3rd to now (7th) they have added 80 quid. Seems like the “pledgers” are stopping their debits.
It was never going to go anywhere.
At 20 quid a day which is where they are at now it would take 4,285 years to get to Ashley’s 300 mil asking price. Seriously, it is 7 grand a year “pledged” and he wants 300 mil, so that is 4,285 years at 20 quid a day deposits.
Eric(Quote)
Age of the great pyramid at Giza, Egypt – 4000 years. Stonehenge about the same.
Happy for the charities. Sorry for the pledger suckers. Was it PT Barnum who said there was one born every minute?
I know I am being cynical but this was backed by some smart people like at nufc.com.
Eric(Quote)
Has anyone noticed, whenever an ex player does something bad or wrong, they are alway an Ex-Newcastle player, no matter how long ago they actually played for us? But if they do something great, we never get a mention. Joey Barton in the news for his assault trial and its ex Newcastle player Barton, not ex city player, or ex Fleetwood town manager, or whatever… same with Ranger … the press love to associate us with negativity ??
Gilly Toon(Quote)
And that penalty from the mackem Henderson was shocking.. cannot believe he’s in the squad! Two ***** Mackems.
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Dead right mate. What’s worse is I can’t stand the bloke either!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ashley supposedly is expressing confidence in his duel cases against the PL. I dont think so. He can hire the best lawyers around but the hearings are behind closed doors.
You are not fighting just this case either, you are fighting the PL structure and hierarchy. Masters and Hoffman would have to be fired if NUFC win the arbitration case and there would be consequences for Liverpool and Spurs as well. I just dont see it happening.
I dont care what The Chronic journos or Wraith and his Pals say. This is just not going to go in our favour. We might get a couple of million in compensation as a “settlement” but that will be it. I dont care how smart the lawyers are, the deck is stacked against them and they will not fire Masters and Hoffman after they just got a new PL TV deal done.
It is totally corrupt, which is why Project Big Picture and the European Super League were allowed to happen by the PL.
It is also why NUFC lawsuits will go nowhere, or at best get the Fat Man a few quid.
Eric(Quote)
*dual 🙂
I hope I am wrong because otherwise we are stuck with the the other fat git and no transfer budget.
Eric(Quote)
Gilly – I agree mate. I’m not sure a fit Henderson should really be in the squad. It’s a really sad show for England midfielders really.
I don’t think Ward Prowse is a bad player – but we should be producing better imo.
Bellingham looks a real talent, but who else – Winks, Loftus Cheek, Longstaff? Nope … Willock should be looking at this and thinking ‘I’m not wasting my time at Arsenal any longer’. If he’d been at NUFC all season I think there’s a real chance he’d be in.
Sharpy17(Quote)
In my opinion, NUFC will not win either of these court cases. At best, it will be a draw. But… that doesnt have to be the end of it. If the Saudis are still interested they can resubmit and I think it would be passed as the “Big 6” have been outed as corrupt and the same with Hoffman and Masters.
Anybody who wants to call me dumb if this is not what happens can do so 🙂 And refer back to this.
Eric(Quote)
Transfer rumours reckon Arsenal are looking at Neves from Wolves – would that allow Willock to leave?.
Talk we are looking at Josh King on a free. Take him & sell Gayle to Fulham would raise money to fund the Willock deal ??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: Rice is a decent player as a defensive mid. Not 100 million good like the southern West Ham loving press say, but a good player.
Eric(Quote)
I would look at the Peiera Brazilian from another part of the West Midlands.
But I dont think we will have any money.
Eric(Quote)
Eric – I rate him & Phillips mate. I think the both are very good – but was thinking more of box to box midfielders rather than defensive ones.
Sharpy17(Quote)
He’s a decent player mate but ASM really seemed to form a partnership with Willock & both players were better for it – so he’s an absolute must.
From what Williems is saying he and ASM had a good relationship too. It may well be that we bring him back on a free & sell Ritchie to raise that extra cash for the Willock deal.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I wish someone would just come out and say what Ashley has to prove to win his 2 cases. One is about anti-competition and the other is the arbitration, which I think is about whether bin Salman controls the PIF of Saudi Arabia. I think there is enough grey area in both for the judges to just say they dont have enough information to decide either way.
It is pretty obvious though that there was collusion between Masters and Hoffman and certain clubs against the NUFC takeover but also that Bin Salman is the de facto head of the PIF. That doesnt mean the rulings will come down this way though. I reckon they will waffle.
This has gone on for a year but the more that is written and the more people talk (Wraith’s shows), the less that is said that makes sense. I have no idea anymore what the Fatman has to do to win these cases. Watching Wraith and reading The Chronic has completely confused me.
Eric(Quote)
I stopped watching Wraith and the 3 amigos because they just talk in circles. Ryder puts up a headline about the takeover and then says basically nothing of substance, Can somebody please enlighten me as to what the Fatman has to prove to win his cases?
Eric(Quote)
And since I am on a rant. Why doesnt Rafa get more stick for selling Toney and Armstrong? They put big sell on clauses in both deals so they knew they had talent. I think it is/was 40% for both. But the Rafa Appreciation Blog (The Mag) and The Chronic never really bring it up. There is still this love-in for Rafa even though he did nowt at NUFC. Actually, I might be wrong there. He got us relegated 🙂
Eric(Quote)
Olly mate, you are reporting Ryder stories? I wouldnt believe him even if he was a licensed plummer and told me that the U-bend in the sink was clogged up with lard even though I knew I had poured 8 pounds of lard down the sink that morning.
Eric(Quote)
back to Rafa. All he gets is love. He got us relegated and did about as much as Brucey in terms of where we ended up in the PL after promotion. Everybody (The Mag, Ed’s etc) goes on about the budget. But Brucie was handed a Donkey and told to play him no matter what.
Eric(Quote)