If we can’t win that, you have to wonder what games we are going to win this season…
We dominated the first half, had 20 shots and a chance to win it late on when Jacob Murphy burst through on goal, but it’s Ismaila Sarr’s 72nd minute leveller that’s denied us all three points.
Sean Longstaff opened the scoring midway through the first 45 after smashing into the top corner from 25 yards. It was an impressive display in many respects, with us benefiting from a return to a back four, however our failure to finish off a second best Watford side has cost us dearly.
Bruce made one change for this one, bringing in Federico Fernandez for the injured Jamaal Lascelles. Many expected Joe Willock to be missing with a toe injury, so it was a welcome bonus to see his name in the starting 11.
The first half was a brilliant watch from a Newcastle United perspective. We were first to loose balls, had a real sense of purpose to our play, looked organised – having good shape at both ends of the field – and were creating chances.
Darlow helped us through an early scare, with him saving twice to deny former Toon target Dennis just 60 seconds in, however we took a deserved lead through Sean Longstaff on the 23rd minute mark.
After the typically elusive Saint-Maximin laid the ball back, the midfielder whipped 25-yard strike into the top corner. It was via a deflection from who else but Moussa Sissoko and went through Foster in the end, but it was a goal both his and our first half display deserved.
That said, the big complaint going into the break was the fact we were only 1-0 up.
We had ASM clean through after an awful back pass from Cathcart – a chance that fizzled out after the Frenchman opted to take on Foster before Longstaff blazed over – saw Clark head over from close range, Willock hit the side netting after more good running and ASM see a shot blocked after dancing past the Watford defence just minutes before the break.
More of the same in the second half and we’d win this comfortably. They couldn’t cope with our intensity in midfield, Willock’s running and ASM, so we had to keep at it – NOT sit deep and hope to hold onto this 1-0 lead.
The new system was working. Hayden was mopping up in front of a flat back four, Longstaff and Willock were constant pests with their non-stop pressing, Almiron and Joelinton were outlets out wide but defending well and ASM was causing chaos in that free role up top.
One concern heading into the second half was the fact Matt Ritchie was on a yellow card and up against one the league’s quickest wide men in Ismaila Sarr, with Manquillo also cautioned and walking a tightrope.
10 minutes into the second half, there was an anxious feel about where this game was heading. Watford, without creating any big chances, upped their intensity and we were enjoying less controlled spells of possession, giving the home crowd hope that there were going to get back into a game that could’ve been over at half time.
Thankfully, our composure returned just after the hour mark and more chances came our way – not that we were able to take any.
First Almiron saw an effort from range parried by Foster. Joelinton almost converted the rebound, but the Brazilian’s shot was blocked.
Then it was Willock. After being slipped in behind brilliantly by ASM, our £25m man saw a shot saved by Foster. Yet another big chance spurned and soon we would be punished.
After Almiron gave away a cheap corner from a flicked pass that went wrong, a front post flick on from Josh King saw an unmarked Ismaila Sarr head home at the back post. 72 minutes played and it was 1-1.
A head in hands moment, yet entirely predictable when you miss your chances, gradually sit deeper and give a previously battered opponent a glimmer of hope.
One change that made little sense seven minutes on from their equaliser was Bruce’s decision to take off Almiron – one of our best players on the day. Murphy may have had the fresh legs to hurt an ageing Danny Rose, but it left many scratching their heads.
As we edged closer to a frustrating draw, it could’ve actually got much worse. With minutes to spare, Moussa Sissoko’s low shot was tipped out by Darlow and turned home by King.
Vicarage Road went wild and the away end couldn’t believe their eyes, however a roar from the travelling Toon Army soon erupted as VAR confirmed that goal had been disallowed for offside.
Just as we were recovering from that scare, Jacob Murphy was through on goal.
The winger was put in behind by ASM and only had Foster to beat, with the entire away end waiting to go wild, but he never looked convincing and ended up scuffing an attempted chip straight at the Watford stopper.
1-1. Game over and a really frustrating day.
We played well in large spells and should be sticking with this system, yet it’s another game where we’ve failed to beat a struggling side who were there for the taking.
If we can’t win games like today or last week, when are we going to win?
STARTING 11: Darlow – Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Ritchie – Hayden – Almiron, S Longstaff, Willock Joelinton – Saint-Maximin.
SUBS: Gillespie, Schar, Lewis, Krafth, Hendrick, Murphy (79), Fraser, Anderson, Gayle (83).
STATS:
What is the point of such late substitutions?
Groucho(Quote)
Bruce is a complete NUMPTY – yes we did play well but any fool understand that if you don’t take your chances you’re not going to win!
Look this clown let 2 strikers go and didn’t want to get any others and JUST wanted more average midfielder’s
Talk about mismanagement
KK(Quote)
Great to see us playing with 11 men rather than 8:
Good that Woodman is out. He always looked nervous to me.
Donkey’s 1st touch was actually OK. Will be good if he gets some confidence because Bruce is intent on playing him.
I had almost written Longstaff off but despite his misses he had his best game for a while today.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Super Bruce says Newcastle were sloppy, well what are you doing about it Steve?
How long are you going to put up with it?
Stop treating the players like your mates and be a proper manager, try being a right B*****D!
You never know they might start to take notice of you, because you’ve been bleating on like this for two seasons and the performances have remained the same.
Joseph(Quote)
I am leaning towards keeping longstaff now as it looks like he is finally getting over his injury. It doesnt hurt that he is also being played in his correct position. He is NOT a defensive midfielder Brucie-Boy, he is too slow for that role.
It is amazing what happens when you put players in their correct positions. The only one that was sort of square peg in round hole today was Ritchie, but he did OK.
Still not sure what Bruce will do with Fraser but converting him to a number 8 this late in his career will likely not work.
We need Wilson back to convert some of these chances we are suddently creating and to stop the opposition putting 3 men on ASM.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
In fairness we played well today – could have and should have been going in 2 or 3 nil up … but we didn’t.
It’s not about who we are playing, it’s about picking up wins and getting points on the board – converting those good performances into wins.
He keeps putting out a team that struggles to score goals. We know Joelinton & Almiron are not clinical enough in their finishing – and yet he keeps going with the same players every week – it’s hope over good judgment.
He needs to be giving Gayle a decent run of games to see if he can nick us those goals that will give us some wins.
Don’t get me wrong, I’m not sold on Gayle at all – but what he’s doing week on week is not working.
I would drop Almiron and adjust things to get Gayle up front.
Joelinton offers more physically, wins headers and does his defensive duties well. ASM seems to play well off him & Gayle may well benefit too.
It may work, it may not – but just keep putting the same 11 out and hoping it comes off is going to see us cut adrift and facing relegation far sooner than we imagined I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve never seen so many missed chances as that. A pity because we deserved to win. Murphy FFS!
georgio(Quote)
I seen numerous comments having a pop at Bruce (surprise, surprise) after his comments questioning Murphys decision to try the chip at the end – my response to that is – why the hell aren’t they???
In fairness to Murphy, the game should have been won long before his last minute effort.
But as it wasn’t, Murphy should have had the composure to do so much better than he did. I’m not saying score necessary because I don’t think it was as straightforward as that – Foster was closing him down and a defender hot on his heels. But he should have either hit a low hard shot either side of Foster or try to round him – again no guarantees of a goal, but percentage wise, a far greater chance of that chip.
ASM made the wrong choice for Longstaffs skyed effort – and Longstaff made the wrong choice hitting it first time to sky it.
We are a team of poor decisions & lack of composure. That can be improved on the training ground, but it’s also the standard of player and why they play for NUFC and not a higher level.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: I think the decision making will improve with a few goals. THey are cnatching at chances and a few goals will give them that bit of confidence to take their time more.
I watched Alex Hurst of NUST with a youtube reaction to the game. He was very much glass half empty saying if we cant beat Watford who can we beat? I was actually encouraged. WE created chances, didnt sit back and the formation seemed to work. The midfield actually provided a transition game instead of sitting in front of the back 4. Above all, Sean Longstaff showed there might still be a player there. As I have said, I almost wrote him off.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I dont really blame Bruce for criticising Murphy, As Sharpy said there were 3 options and he took the most difficult to pull off. He must have been watching too much Lionel Messi.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Was it also addition by subtraction yesterday. I have seen a lot of people say we play 5 at the back because Lascelles needs the protection. Playing only 4, even though Clark is not the most mobile, allowed us to play 3 in midfield which seems to suit the players we have, especially as Miggy and Donkey help out defensively.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If Donkey scores at least 2 goals or 3 assists before Xmas I will stop calling him Donkey.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
He’s got more chance of carrying Mary to Bethlehem mate ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
He does that every year doesn’t he.. It’s the only job he’s ever had
georgio(Quote)
You look at the table and any of 14th on down could be relegated. You can also add Watford so that is 8 teams.We have picked up lately so there is hope. I know Bruce is fond of excuses but he is right that we played well in spells in the other games like West Ham or Villa. It is stll not good enough but there are signs of life as long as we get away from 8-1-1 because that means we tire in the latter stages and really now is only a system to suit Lascelles.
If Woodman was not in goal I think we would have a couple more points as well.
Yes, I am getting on Lascelles’ back now. Longstaff has picked up a bit and even Donkey has not been such a liability so I need someone to rant about 🙂
Arsenal only have 6 points before the North London Derby and Spurs have lost their last 2 games 3 nil. I have no idea what will happen with that but their entitled fans need another **** season. They finished 7th and 8th last year. Another season like that would be a disaster. Imaging if you were Harry Kane!!!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – you are bang on mate. My worry is when Lascelles and Shelvey are back fit – does he put them back in?. – I know I wouldn’t.
Wilson obviously walks back into the team for me – Almiron makes way if it were my call. But he is the only player out at the moment that would go straight back in – and I include Dubravka in that. I think Darlow has be really good & think it would be unfair to drop him.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Let’s all laugh at Danoel Levy and Tottenham.
I dont care how this finishes but this is the 3rd game in a row they have been down 3 nil.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: Woodman and Lascelles have been our worst players. I think Longstaff had one bad game but has been OK in the rest. If he could have kept the ball down on his shots yesterday he would have been MOTM.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy, I said yesterday that our decision making has to improve if we are gonna get any points on the board.
Murphy had me blowing a fuse with that chip, why just why. Having thought on it, we shouldn’t place the blame on him for the many previous missed chances. That game should of been out of sight at half time by rights, we also need to give credit to foster for some good saves .
KIMTOON(Quote)
If Longstaff really has got his act togather again we have quite a good midfield with him, Hayden and Willock. Not a relegation midfield. And not a relegation attack, when fit – Wilson, ASM and MIggy. Not relegation goalies with Dubs and Darlow. Not relegation fullbacks if fit – Dummett and Manquillo.
Weak link is centre half and Steve Bruce.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The commentators over here in the US (they are English BTW) were saying Kane looks a shadow of himself. He usually starts slowly and scores in batches, but you have to believe he is not happy.
Then there is Nuno. I think he was 8th choice. I am not kidding, I am pretty sure he was 8th.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I never had anything against Spurs until the papers started showing stadium construction progress every week, like anybody outside of North London gave a fck. To this day, the commentators’ first observations are about how great this stadium is. It is mentioed before team news or current form.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
This is a report on the North London Derby but the 1st 5 points on Nuno’s tactics are the perfect description of Bruce-ball.
https://www.football365.com/news/16-conclusions-arsenal-3-1-tottenham-arteta-nuno-aubemeyang-saka-kane
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – Nuno needs to do with Kane what Robson did with Shearer – you play within the width of the box and if you drop too deep I’ll have you benched. Let the likes of Son and Moura be his legs but he has to stay on the CBs.
His other dilemma is Dele Ali. He’s a passenger and the passion seems all but gone in that lad. He should be played behind Kane with Son left and Moura right. But that would mean 2 in midfield and 4 at the back & they don’t have 2 solid CBs so tend to go with 3.
He only became a defensive manager when he lost Jota & Jimenez was out injured. I think if he can get the right balance at Spurs he could have them scoring freely.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I look at the league from 12th down – I reckon Leicester will climb out of it & Brentford will drop – I don’t expect them to struggle with relegation coz they seem to have that promotion momentum.
But from 12th down, I don’t think there will be much between the teams (other than Norwich, who I expect will stay rock bottom throughout).
Where we finish will depend largely on how long we can get Wilson on the pitch.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: I reckon a lot of our end position will depend on Longstaff’s form. I dont care what Bruce says but for 2 years he was played as a defensive midfielder and he is not a DM. The game passed him by, and he is too slow to keep up with quick forwards. His confidence was shot and he would misplace even short passes.
Further up the pitch he can be involved in transition and shoot. If he makes a mistake it is not as critical as the opposition have to go farther to capitalize on it.
Just like almost everybody else, Bruce played him out of position and he suffered for it. I dont know if his current uptick in form will continue but it will be critical for our season.
Then again, he will proably be benched for Shelvey after the break 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
That’s the other thing. Shelvey is not defensive midfielder either. He suffers from the same faults there as Longstaff does and he is even worse when he tries to be querterback. Him sitting deep and protecting the back 4 is the worst place you could play him.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Remember when Gerrard lost his pace? Liverpool tried to shoehorn him into the side into the role that Bruce had Longstaff and Shelvey in. Even a great player like Gerrard couldnt hack it. He was also **** in LA.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Well stuck at home as have hardly any fuel in car and all the petrol stations are either out of fuel or have massive queues . Stupid, panic buyers ruin it for everyone, it’s bog rolls all over again. 👿
KIMTOON(Quote)
My guess is some idiots are going to hoard petrol in their garage and soon one of them will have a fire. And then BOOM. Not a good idea to store cans of petrol near the house 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Especially when stored near all those toilet rolls as well mate ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Only 15 minutes in but I hope Brucie is watching. Palace are outplaying Brighton by keepin g the ball off them. Watch and learn you fat fck, watch and learn.
It might change, but if you let them have possession like we do, they will look like worldbeaters.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
That’s been our thing with Brighton. We let them have uncontested possession hoping for a quick break.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Maupay looks like he could have been an extra in Trainspotting. He has those dark undercircle eyes, the dyed hair and the blank expression of Sickboy.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
And Walcott just did a Murphy.
Didnt he watch our game 🙂 Steve Bruce will be telling him off soon.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
****, it wasnt Maupay who looks like he should be in Trainspotting, it is Traussard.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I really like Connor Gallagher as a player mind. He caught my eye for WBA last season, but he seems to have matured again this season.
I know Bruce wanted him on loan in the summer & I can see why.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I am going to say definatively that Freddie Woodman will never be a 1st choice PL goalkeeper. I have seen enough of him now. I saw him for England 4 years ago and said he was **** then. He was subsequently dropped to 3rd choice. People bleat on about him playing for England at all age group levels, but so what! How many school boy internationals never make it?
Carrying on the sheep theme, if we can fleece 5 million from some team I would take it.
I think he won the Golden Glove in the Championship but that is based on clean sheets I think.
I was wrong about Darlow but I always thought he had the skills but was a bag of nerves. He matured. I dont think Woodman has the skills.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
What I have noticed even more so this season is that a lot of fans are judging games based upon the whole season and not on the individual games’ merits. This is especially true on The Mag where Bruce cannot do anything right even when he does most things right like against Watford. We played well and were very unlucky but they dont see it like that. They see “same old Steve Bruce”.
It has always been true that the result will sway peoples’ perceptions of a game, but now it seems to me that prior results are colouring peoples’ opinions. I remember a few years ago where we beat Spurs away 1 nil and most fans were happy. Tim Krul made the most saves of any ‘keeper in the history of the PL that day but that was swept under the rug. I think the opposite has happened against Leeds and Watford where far better performances have been ignored because they werent wins and because Bruce is Manager.
I would still take any other Manager in the PL over Bruce but we are doing better.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Does anybody really see the point of the clocks going back anymore? I think it was back in the day for farmers who started their day early. How many farmers are there now FFS. It is depressing to see it get dark at 5 o’ Clock at Xmas.
I am spending a couple of days driving The Blue Ridge Parkway in a couple of weeks. It gets dark at 6.45 but the clocks dont go back until Nov. I would be really p!ssed off it it got dark at 5.45. I know I could get up earlier, but it doesnt work that way, especially as I am going to Ashville, NC which calls itself Beer City so I reckon I will have a few pints at night.
I dont just go galavanting off all of the time. I have air miles that expire and have to use them before the end of the year!
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – you couldn’t have seen him **** 4 yrs ago mate, coz apparently he’s been Bruced and Bruce wasnt here then.
I wholeheartedly agree with you mate.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Bruce may have stumbled on a formation. Our attcking players were always better than our defenders but Bruce chose to play 8-0-2. Not only that, but he played wingers as defenders.
If Hayden and Longstaff can regain the understanding they had under Rafa we should be set. Especially with Willock seeming to be returning to fitness.
The only issue is how to keep Miggy at number 10. That;s where he played in MLS and he would feed Martinez who was a natural goal scorer. Doing this would necessitate dropping Donkey and playing Gayle or Wilson. If we dont score in the 1st half at Villa I would send Gayle on.
With Murphy and Fraser we also have options from the bench.
The elephant in the room is Lascelles. Does he get a chance in a back 4 and will Bruce have the courage to haul him off if it isnt working?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I really cant be bothered to get into it too deeply but isnt this CAT hearing just decide if they will go forward. It will give Keith Patterson, the most boring bloke alive, a chance to ramble on for 15 minutes on Wraith’s show. Actually, he is the joint most boring bloke alive along with The Geordie Drunkard (Dentist). They are both on Wraith’s friday show which I stopped listening to because there was at least an hour of takeover talk each week when buggar all was happening.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Actually, the only one of Wraith’s podcasts worth listening to now is Gibson and McDonald. He has Mick Lowes on who just repeats himself week after week. And the Shield’s Gazette journo (Liam Kenedy) really doesnt have any infprmation that is not already in the public domain.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric, the clock thing drives me nuts, it really effects Lews meds timings , his body takes ages to adjust to new time. Wish we could just stick to one time, there is no need for it any more .
Also agree on Freddy too, he doesn’t look the part to me.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Then there is the True Geordie whose fame has gone to his head. He did a podcast yesterday that I had to turn off. He spent the 1st 15 minutes talking about himself, about a photoshoot he was doing. He tried to talk about it in a self depracating way but he was still loving the attention. He really is up his own **** now. His Shearer interview was great though, but that was 2 years ago before he became a youtube celeb.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think this Keith Patterson character on Wraith is the one who started the CAT case with his own money and then NUFC picked up the ball and ran with it. If it goes anywhere, which is highly doubtful, then he deserves praise. The problem is that he is the worst explainer in the history of explainers. By the time he is finished you are much more confused than when he started.
But we will be hearing about this a lot for the next week especially if it runs for a while into the international break and the papers and blogs have nowt else to talk about.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
It has come out that Graham Potter was not interested in “RISKING HIS REPUTATION” by working for Daniel Levy at Spurs. This is the Brighton Manager whose 2 previous jobs were Swansea and Ostersund. And you know, that massive club Brighton!!!
What do you mean Graham? A shiny new stadium, beer that fills from the bottom of the glass up and a cheese room are not enough? Arnt you impressed I had an Anthony Joshua fight?
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Is anybody really going to watch this CAT case live and will they understand any of it. I am going to wait until there is a legal interpretation and it is only to decide if it is even worth hearing the case anyway. I wonder if Ashley will make a dog’s dinner of the CAT, especially as Keith Patterson was involved.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I watched PSG V City last night & it was football at its absolute best – PSG were brilliant.
The front 3 inevitably get the focus & plaudits – but it was their midfield 3 that impressed me the most – they controlled the game so well.
Pep is unquestionably a brilliant coach – but if he thinks he’s winning the CL without a goalscoring CF, then he’s delusional.
As well as they played last night, they were toothless up front – and it is taking away from De Bryne imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy: I watched it as well. As good as PSG are I still dont want them to win the CL. Mainly because of Neymar. He doesnt do much to help himself does he 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
City should have bought Ings. He may not be a long term solution but he knows where the net is.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
So Arbitration date is 3rd January. That’s been confirmed in the CAT case this morning. That will give Jabba the perfect reason not to spend.
I am really not optimistic about it. Jabba is only interested in losing his money. That’s fair enough but the notion he’s complaining about it being done in private is the most hypocrital thing i’ve heard for a good while.
On the football. Who can we beat? We play bad – we lose. We play well – we draw. Where now?
Stuart79(Quote)
Does anybody really think Bruce will quit? He has had hardly any stick yet, plus performances have picked up a bit lately. He needs to stop saying stupid stuff at press conferences and stop passing on the blame. If he is scared of Lee Ryder he must be the biggest wimp on the planet. In the imortal words of Dennis Healey a grilling from Ryder would be like being mauled by a dead sheep.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: we can beat Wolves and Spurs.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I don’t want them to win either mate. As great as the football was to watch last night – the outrageous expense of both side wasn’t missed ?.
Neymar is a brilliant player – if he just got on and played. But he’s the least likeable footballer out there I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I will take your word for that, Eric. I don’t see us scoring enough goals to win any game without Wilson.
Stuart79(Quote)
I dont see this CAT case going anywhere. They havent said anything material yet according tp the Chronicle summary but I think they would have to prove collusion between the PL and certain member clubs to shut the takeover down. That would be Spurs and Liverpool, but it would be incredibly hard to prove.
My gut says they will throw the case out.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Stuart: Wilson should be back for Spurs and you never know which Wolves team will turn up.
The other thing with Spurs is that most of their players will be away on international duty so Nuno will not be able to work on the obvious problems they have.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
storey coming out of Spurs the players dont rate or like him,thats the way players are nowadays,to much cash in their pockets no respect
icedog(Quote)
Been looking at the CAT case updates, it’s been all the PL legal team talking so far, they suspended the live stream so PL legal team could talk in private, hmm.
Nowt to see here.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Basically the PL saying the Arbitration will last about one week and if the court find that KSA do not have to be director of NUFC then the deal will go ahead.
Stuart79(Quote)
Pl legal is saying no need for a cat case as if arbitration panel agree with PL that KSA be named a director then proves PL did nothing wrong.
However as I understand it, the CAT case if heard would cover events throughout the O&D test that may of been implemented wrongly or been impacted by outside influences, so they are clearly very different. As the CAT say it’s in the public interest that we see if the test was properly carried out.
KIMTOON(Quote)
Trouble is Stu, there are 2 out of the 3 on the arbitration panel who have strong links to PL if i remember correctly.
KIMTOON(Quote)
PL QC says the SJ HOLDINGS are NUFC and that the club signed up to abide by PL rules of confidentiality in O&D test.
KIMTOON(Quote)
I watched Simon Jordan again this morning, I have to say I agree with his take on the situation. He’s bought and sold a football club after all & will have contacts in the game still that will have a far greater understanding of what’s going on.
https://youtu.be/OBq4WgxtWok
Sharpy17(Quote)
So the premier league threatened NUFC with expulsion from the PL if they pursued a CAT case though not carried out.
Can’t beat a bit of old fashioned bullying/blackmail
Other clubs bringing pressure bought up and Beins influence too.
KIMTOON(Quote)
live feed off again while they discuss private stuff.
Would love to be a fly on the wall.
KIMTOON(Quote)
My gut still says this CAT case is going nowhere. I have read the Chronic summary and that is as far as I am going to take it. It seems that they are trying to make the same argumemet that Bin Salman and PIF did that they are separate entities when they say Saint James’ Holdings is separate to NUFC. But they arent really when you look at who has control.
I have alsolutely no doubt there were shananagins from certain PL teams but I dont think that will make a difference and wouldnt even if it could be proved. We know what they are and who they are but they wont be sanctioned.
My guess is that the CAT hearing will determine SJH and NUFC are essentially the same entitity and will throw this out. I think arbitration is binding and NUFC signed up for it. I agree with Simon Jordan for once, this is a train to nowhere.
They havent even considered the piracy which I think will sway the arb panel as well. Hanging your hat on a couple of clubs having a word in Masters’s ear is a pretty weak case.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
We know if Masters denies that certain PL clubs did not want this to happen it is BS.
We know if Masters says he didnt delay hoping for the outcome that eventually happened (that the Saudis walk) then that is also BS
But we also know that saying bin Salmon is separate to the PIF that that is BS.
And we know that the Saudi Govt was aware of the piracy of Bein rights to show PL football and that was probably a 2 fingered salute in their ongoing disputes with Qatar.
I dont care that other nasty people own PL clubs. The arb panel will say they are looking at this on its own merits and I think they will throw it out after 1st the CAT panel throws it out.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
The reason I am pretty sure this CAT will not go anywhere is it was started by Keith Patterson. I am sure Asshley sees this as a shot in the dark and worth the risk of a few million quid spent on lawyers on the off chance that the issues will be made public. Which they wont be in an arb case. But you have to go back to who started this – Keith Patterson – and listening to him explain it is like listening to a five year old child explain the Universe.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Actually I dont think it would have cost Ashley much to bring this case as the same lawyers would have been doing the same prep for the Arb case anyway.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I read a few of the comments on Ed’s blog and quite a few of them seem to have the livestream. They seem impressed by the Ashley argument which is another reason for thinking this will be thrown out. They would have to make a very narrow didticnction in the law to say that Ashley is not in control of St James’ Park Holdings and therefore NUFC. We know who pulls the strings and always has. Saying SJH is not bound by arbitration because it is not NUFC is pretty farcical in real life, but who knows how the lawyers will interpret it.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Kim – it’s thats proven to be true that’s absolutely outrageous!!.
Were the ‘big 6’ threatened with being kick out the league with the Super League nonsense.
Do as we say, not as we allow the big 6 to do!! – absolute disgrace.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The stats on Woodman back up what we saw with our own eyes. They dont tell you the rest of the story though. That he was timid, did not come for crosses and did not organize the defense. Add to this his terrible kicking and it is even worse than the stats show.
Woodman has no future at NUFC unless we drop down to The Championship and need to sell Dubs and Darlow.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)