An outstanding performance, incredible effort and yet another superb atmosphere at St James’ Park – all that was missing was three points and that bit of luck we’ve been lacking in recent weeks.
After Allan Saint-Maximin gave us the lead just seven minutes in, we looked to be edging closer to a 1-0 win before Edinson Cavani equalised for the visitors.
Late chances came our way, with Murphy striking the post, Almiron having a shot superbly saved by De Gea and Joelinton almost latching onto cut back, however it wasn’t to be in the end.
There was a mixture of hope, pride and frustration swirling around St James’ Park soon after the full time whistle. While it felt like a missed opportunity to get another all important win, there’s now more belief that they will come in droves if we continue to play like that AND bring in a few quality additions in January.
Eddie Howe made SIX changes from the defeat to Man City, seeing Krafth, Schär, Manquillo, Longstaff, Shelvey and Saint-Maximin come in for Clark, Hayden, Murphy, Ritchie, Willock and Almiron.
There were also concerns about the COVID situation at the club before the game, with several players absent from the matchday squad (Darlow, Clark, Willock and Ritchie) and Howe admitting afterwards that we are now ‘dangerously close’ to having Thursday’s trip to Everton called off is more positive tests come back.
Back to tonight’s game, Joelinton was outstanding and the best player on the pitch once again. Every single player in a black and white shirt did their bit, with Krafth much improved, Fraser a constant pest, Longstaff combative and the two centre-backs at it all night, however the big Brazilian was monstrous in the middle of the pitch.
The bad news is that both Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin were forced off with injuries either side of the break, meaning they look almost certain to miss our next two games against Everton and Southampton…providing they go ahead!
Javier Manquillo – another player who barely put a foot wrong – will also be missing for our next game, having picked up his fifth yellow of the season for time-wasting late on.
A superb display, another great atmosphere and plenty reasons to be hopeful, just a real shame we couldn’t come away with the three points our level of performance warranted.
Next up, a trip to Goodison Park on Thursday…if COVID allows it!
Beginning to think Rashford was massively overhyped. They are also doing it for Greenwood as well. I am also getting a bit worried for England’s chances at the WC because McGuire, Shaw and Sancho will also be on the plane.
The overhype of Man U academy players is not new. 1992 is almost 30 years ago and they still bang on about it as in “class of”. Only 2 great players came through that year – Beckham and Scholes. Giggs had aleady been playing for 2 years and the Nevilles and **** were never really that good. **** and Phil were often subs if you want proof that they werent worldbeaters.
I know I am going on about Man U but I like to see them fail because of all of their ex-players in the media now. Even Robbie Savage was there. How the hell they have 31 points I have no idea.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Gabon will most likely be out in the Group Stage. I would have to watch a few more recent games to see if Aubamayang has lost his pace. I am sure an obsessive like Eddie will know. I think it is more a falling out with Arteta.
I am not sure if he is the solution but he did score 22 goals in the PL 2 years running. I dont see much risk in a loan deal. He even has 4 goals in 10 games this year.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy: I still think we will spend 100 million. Let’s talk on Feb 1 and see who is right 🙂
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – oh no, Trippier fee now thought to be £12m rather than £25m (1 nil me!!) ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
Joking apart mate, I think the fact we are still very much in the thick end of a relegation battle – which despite me feeling more confident of survival, I’m still only around 60/40.
So spending £100m with such uncertainty is a risk.
I see the summer as being a big squad rebuild as we have numerous players are out of contract – that’s when to spend big imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The Trippier deal is a no brainer really – especially if we can get him for as little as £12m.
I think another is Aaron Ramsey – I know I’ve mentioned him before but Juve want rid of him & apparently they are in conversation to end his contract. If they can do that and he’s prepared to take a contract of around £150k a week (which I don’t think is unrealistic tbh) then I think we get him – there may be an inflated sign on fee – £10-15m or something like that, but he’s still a possibility I reckon.
Beyond those 2, the fact we have to money to pay the wages now means our loan options are pretty limitless now – and we can take 3.
Barca have just signed Torres for £55m, but apparently can’t register him because of their huge wage bill.
RM are wanting Mbappe for free in the summer – but will have similar problems because of their wage bill.
Barca in particular will have players to loan out so they can get Torres registered – so we would be wise to take advantage of those loans for the rest of this season.
That’s based on this suggestion English clubs won’t do business with us. If they will, then of course there are Man Utd players to look at, Chelsea have 3 or 4, Spurs and Arsenal too.
I think we’ll look to bring in up to 5 – 3 could be loan deals & Trippier will only cost £12m. That’s why I don’t think we will (or need to) spend as much as £100m.
Sharpy17(Quote)
So the Saints take over has gone through, didn’t take long did it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Sharpy, I thought they turned down our £20m bid ?, maybe the £12m is his contract ?
kimtoon(Quote)
His release clause is more than £12m isn’t it
kimtoon(Quote)
https://www.nufcblog.com/2022/01/04/report-newcastle-get-bargain-buy-for-kieran-trippier/amp/
Kim – Craig Hope reckons it’s £12m rising to £25m with the add ons (main one being survival I expect).
Even if that’s wrong and it is £25m, I’m ok with that coz I think for what Trippier will bring it’s worth it.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The release clause is about 30 mil but I am not sure if that matters. I am sure that that was negotiated when they bought him when he is 28. Now he is 31 I think his value would be less. Who really knows what our offer is, the papers always like to have the highest figure to create a headline. The Sun love to add wages to any fee for a player so someone with a transfer amount of 25 million The Sun will say he cost 50 mil because they include wages for the full length of the contract.
The problem with a lot of this is that once quoted it sticks with a lot of fans and they believe the headline number and spread it around like the horse manure it is.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
To be clear, I don’t mind if we DO spend £100m – I just don’t think we need to, and we may be wiser holding onto that money until summer when we know where we are (league wise) and we have appointed a DoF and the right structure in place to do a proper rebuild.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Remember a certain FCB used that trick when saying how much NUFC had spent on transfers. That’s why it is hard to believe Joelinton cost 40 mil in a transfer fee. It could easily have been the more rational fee of 20 mil plus 20 in wages.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
If you believe Luke Edwards we are mainly going for purchases. Whatever you think of him he was closest to the truth on the takeover and his friendship with Bruce got him some inside information there. I think the most likely loan is Aubamayang as it seems Arsenal want him out of the club. Of the rest, there are a few in the last year of their contract which could keep the fees down. However it just takes one major buy like the lad from Lille to push our spending through the roof.
I have mentioned this before, but the PIF can put in as much money as they want and the FFP rules are averaged over 3 years. All of these shennanigans from PL clubs about sponsorship deals wont affect us in this window.
If we do spend big then you can bet other clubs’ fans will be on their high horse about it. Get ready for headlines and twitter quotes about blood money.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Cheers lads, all very confusing all these different fees being bandied about.
Looks like the deal is almost done now like.
kimtoon(Quote)
Trippier for £12m plus add one is good business.
Stuart79(Quote)
It’s great business Stu. He’s a quality player firstly, secondly he will give our squad a real lift to see us signing quality players for a change, and thirdly it will show potential transfer targets that a quality player has already gone in there.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t see us signing Botman mind – not for £30m anyway.
Lille are still in the CL and look very likely to secure CL next season as well – Botman helping them with that gets them more than £30m for a kick off – so it would make no sense. Keep him, secure CL and the money that brings, then sell him in the summer for at least £50m would make more sense – as his contract runs til 2025 so they are in a strong position ??♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I still cannot believe how bad Man U were against us, Norwich and Wolves – Watched the full 90 of all 3 games Just shows you that if you do not have a plan you can waste a billion pounds on players that cannot play together. Same at Everton where they have spent 500 mil since their new owner came in. Rafa is getting the flak for this when it had nowt to do with him.
Man U finished 2nd last year which was a mirage because other teams like Liverpool and Chelsea had bad seasons by their standards.
I am not bothered about this window and getting so-called mercenaries but we better get the scouting and DoF right by the summer. Everything is dependent on us staying up of course.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Spanish news outlet AS are reporting that the main reason Tripier is moving to NUFC is because his wife and kids still live in England. Were the English journos asleep? This seems like a big part of the story that would explain his move when he was in the Athletico team and seemingly well liked by Simeone.
It all makes a lot more sense now. I have been to Madrid about 4 times and love that city. Tripier won the league last year so it was a bit hard to fathom why he would want to leave.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Trippier and his wife are both Bury natives I believe .
kimtoon(Quote)
Transfer News
@TransferChecker
Kieran Trippier is not moving for £12million, as some journalists are reporting.
The transfer fee is just shy of £25million. The initial payment is maybe £12million, which would explain their confusion, but the total fee is not. Hope that clears up the conflicting stories. #NUFC
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon, it always seems to happen like this now. Some journo writes a story with the wrong “facts” and then it gets repeated by others and on twitter and somehow becomes fact. It is hard to know what to believe with all this social media. Even this Blog is social media and you or I could easily start spreading rumours and untruths. I try to stay away from that!
I live in a country where Trump repeated so many lies so often that half the nation eventually believed him. I am even more acutely aware of the propaganda process now than when Tony Blair was doing it 20 years ago.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Trippier coming for medical tomorrow. Fee agreed and it’s outrageously good value. He’s amongst the best right backs in Europe and we’re signing him. Can’t believe I actually typed that!
Stuart79(Quote)
https://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/1110502462?-11058:809
I could see this one come off too once Trippier comes in. It’s a no brainer really. Loan til the end of the season paying £150k of his wages – if we stay up an option to buy for £15-20m.
If we go down he goes back to Barca with far more match fitness than he’d get staying there.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looking good for Trippier now. I actually don’t care what we paid for him, just that we appear to be signing him. A statement of intent to be sure, but we are desperate for central defence. Hope that’s next. ???
Gilly Toon(Quote)
There is talk of 5 or 6 new signings. How do we create space in the squad? Here are my 5 out the door:
Woodman – loan him out. I dont think he is good enough anyway.
Ritchie – not a left back and not quick enough anymore to be a winger.
Lascelles – swap him plus cash for, Tarkowski. We need new leaders.
Clark – Championship quality
Longstaff – Championship quality
I doubt we would get much money for any of them. Maybe Longstaff because his wages are not too high.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
And then there are others who might be out the door in the summer if we stay up, but also might be usful if we go down, so we keep em for now:
Gayle – he is our only fit striker.
Dummett – our best defender, but last chance saloon as far as fitness. We have nothing to lose in keeping him for 5 months.
Lewis – he looked OK before he was injured. Pointless to keep him beyond the summer if he is on the bench though. He is still young enough to develop but would need games.
Schar – keep as cover for now. Not good enough in the long run as he has too many mistakes in him and doesnt seem to have the best positional sense.
Fernandez – kicks it out for too many corners but we need cover for now.
Manquillo – decent cover, but not a starter for any team above bottom 6.
But, on the other hand, would there be too many regrets if any of these are sold/given away to make way? They all have their flaws.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I only named 5 who could go. Forgot Hendrick.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric – I’d keep Longstaff for now and move Hendrick first. I think Longstaff in a 3 midfield with the new Joelinton is worth a look before making any decisions.
Mark Gillespie is another who is currently occupying a squad place who would be first off the list.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Well, I am happy now that I will never, ever, ever see another Shelvey direct free kick. I would like him off corners as well. Come on Kieran. We need to score a few from set pieces and between Jonjo, Ritchie and Longstaff their delivery was shyte 90% of the time.
#NoMoreShelveyFloaters
#NoMoreJonjo15FeetOvertheBarFreekicks
#NoMoreLongstaffHittheFirstMan Corners
#RitchiewillbeSold
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
https://www.spotrac.com/epl/newcastle-united-fc/contracts/
There’s quite a lot of players out of contract at the end of next season & more again entering their final year next season – most of who you’d be fine to see the back of really.
So creating that squad space shouldn’t be too difficult really – even if it’s a case of paying contracts off.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I have never really got how Shelvey can hit great passes when the ball is moving but is so shyte when hitting a dead ball.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
well it looks like my mate was right over that medical,thing is hes been told that he must stand bye for the next 10 days hes quite happy as it keeps him from his normal job,the guy that does the medicals likes working with him plus its extra money lol
icedog(Quote)
Juventus actively trying to ship out Ramsey on loan at very least. A no brainer for me. Take him until the end of the season. He would add some class to midfield.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu – totally agree mate, said yesterday he’d be next through the door for me.
It’s suggested us or Everton as his likely destination, but despite our position in the league there is probably more stability & certainty at Newcastle than Everton right now.
I’m not saying they risk going down – but I’m not sure Rafa is overly safe.
He gets rid of Digne and they keep losing games of football & the toffees will go after him hard I reckon.
I’ve also read that Ramsey & Dummett are quite close through the national team.
I’d be buzzing if he can in too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Digne close apparently
Stuart79(Quote)
Ice – you make sure that mate of yours keeps full battery on his mobile phone ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Stu – hells bells can you imagine getting him in as well. Shouldn’t be hard convincing a CF to come in the crosses coming in from Trippier one side, Digne on the other and Ramsey through the middle ?
Track back – no son, there’ll be none of that … we’ve got Joelinton ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
I could honestly see Samuel Umtiti coming in at CB as well on loan.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This window is mad. Ramsey and Digne big time on the radar as are umtiti from Barcelona.
Stuart79(Quote)
This fella we’ve brought in to see us through the January window must think he’s got the cheat for football manager ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t see Chelsea or WHU wanting to spend on Digne who would just cover injuries really – and Digne wouldn’t be getting nailed on football at Chelsea.
I think we are most likely to buy him & could offer similar wages to what he’d get at Chelsea – but guaranteed first team football ahead of Ritchie & Lewis. I’d let Ritchie go and keep Lewis as back up coz I think that lad will improve – especially learning from Digne.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Things are looking up 😀
kimtoon(Quote)
Getting just a tad excited by our transfer business potential now!
Gilly Toon(Quote)
Now reports Digne doesn’t want to come to Newcastle. Think Howe is big on character so only players who want to come will arrive. If he’s not keen move on.
Stuart79(Quote)
Not sure, man. If you score goals you have leverage. I think Digne and Aubamayang have fallen out with very pushy Managers. We can get them on the cheap (relatively).
I work(ed) in sales. It really didnt matter if you were/are a complete pr!ck as long as you brough the money in.
To an extent that is the same as the PL.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Who is this Gabriel Barbosa? He’s getting a few mentions now.
Stuart79(Quote)
Latest young superstar striker from Brazil
Wants to come, if we get quality signings, available for £17m
PremAndUp(Quote)
Given what Howe can do with Brazilians he’d be welcome here
Stuart79(Quote)
Holly **** where’s all you social media folk watching these tweets man!!!
£22.5m plus Longstaff for Luca Digne ????
Are we a proper club now????
Sharpy17(Quote)
I think it’s good that we’re acting like a club who actually wants to improve.
Just want to get to 1st Feb so we know what we have rather than checking Twitter every five mins to see who we’re buying.
Stuart79(Quote)
I would love to see both Longstaff boys moved on. Both are deadset average at best.
If you were playing against Newcastle you would not have to put any plans in place to keep a lid on Sean. He just chases shadows if you ask me. Offers zero threat.
If we can do a part trade then snap happy days.. win win.
Aussie(Quote)
Quick question..
Apart from probably ASM and Wilson, who else do you think opposition managers would have to worry about when setting up to play against Newcastle? I think teams came simply come out and attack us and worry little about what we have to counter with. This transfer window may be one of the most important ever. We need some attacking threats big time. It will ease pressure on our defence and hopefully bring some goals.
Aussie(Quote)
If Ramsey is going for nowt it would be rude not to take him at least until the end of the season.
Stuart79(Quote)
Agreed, but I’d rather have Kamara
PremAndUp(Quote)
Aussie – you’re right mate, but why stop at the Longstaff boys – Shelvey, Hayden, Hendrick and dare I say Willock has drifted into that zero threat category too.
There are huge changes required longer term – but for January and to see our survival, I think we need to be smart. Trippier is smart & I think Ramsey would be too.
I think loaning Umtiti would be smarter than Botman right now – long term Botman, but I think survival is Umtiti.
Sharpy17(Quote)
With regards to Digne I think the media are getting silly again when they say he does want to come to Newcastle – though I do believe he’d probably favour Chelsea and WHU of his 3 option.
However, I only see Chelsea wanting to loan him for the rest of the season & Everton will want to cash in on him.
WHU may want to buy but will struggle with his wages.
So in Goldlocks style – the Newcastle option may be JUST RIGHT for all parties involved.
Everton get cash plus Longstaff, Digne gets his wages matched – plus another £20-30k on top, and we get our LB.
Once we start moving back up the table, his reservation will long be forgotten.
Sharpy17(Quote)
medical on Sat ??
icedog(Quote)
or could be Mon it just depends,on what i dont know?
?
icedog(Quote)
Too true mate. We are pretty much toothless. I reckon our goal conceded tally is because we are impotent attacking wise. We don’t force teams to sit back and defend.
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie – we’ve had no strengths to play to for a long time now mate – our defence is weak as is our forwards. Yet under both Rafa & Bruce we have sat back and invited teams on to us.
We have criticised the players – I know I certainly have, but how demoralising must it be walking out in front of 52k fans knowing you are just trying not to get beat – surrendering 70% possession in most games and hoping you might nick something.
The players look a different group under Howe – but that doesn’t mean they are good enough.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Aussie – anyway, hope you are well out there mate & had a good Christmas & New Year ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – whether it’s Saturday or Monday mate it’s intriguing – many links but none seem that far down the line that medicals would be getting booked in ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy you are right mate. We are a team that treads water for the most part. I can’t wait until we get dangerous and we put other teams on the back foot. I am hesitant to think it will happen after so much misery but hopefully good times are ahead.
Aussie(Quote)
You too Sharpy. Hope you and yours had a good festive season. From what I can see the Omicron bug is causing a bit of grief over your way, stay safe mate!
Aussie(Quote)
Not really mate – and I say that with 1 Aunty still in hospital due to covid & another sent home with oxygen tanks to help her breathing having suffered covid.
But in the main the virus is no worse than the flu or common cold for those who have been jabbed up. The grief caused is largely down to the management of it again really. Many cases of it over here, but thankfully not resulting in high hospital admission.
This variant should see a lot of natural immunisation though, which can only be a good thing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
its only what he told me mate,i hope hes right hes very happy about the wages lol
icedog(Quote)
Sorry to hear that Sharpy.. unprecedented times mate.
Aussie(Quote)
Aussie – I know the written word can be read the wrong way, so I hope this doesn’t come across as heartless or that I’m not worried about both of them, coz nothing could be further from the truth.
But I’m not ready to jump on the COVID train – one has smoked 40 a day since she was 12 – she’s 76 now, and the other is asthmatic and really overweight. Neither would be where they are now if it wasn’t for COVID, but neither were in good health to start with.
I don’t want that to read like I’m shrugging my shoulders to it, coz I’m really not.
The vaccine programme over here seems to be working well in the main mate, and the world has to find a way of living with this coz on the flip side, my son went back to school this morning and I truly hope that the days of them learning from home is over.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’ve just saw we have sold out for the Cambridge game – 52k Geordies packing the stadium out for a third round fixture against Cambridge.
When you consider it is likely we will give a run out to some of the fringe & youth players – that’s outstanding from our fans.
If our owners want to score a few brownie points, they will make sure Cambridge get more of their fair share of the gate I reckon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
This news about Wilson is not good. If you look at what has been said by the man himself it seems it is his achilles. He is seeing a specialist tomorrow. I probably shouldnt speculate but I will anyway. I reckon this is to see if he needs surgery. Proabably best case is 2 months but more likely longer. Usually when you see achilles in an injury report it means a long layoff.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Eric, Wilson will be missing until March at best I reckon. But even then he’s injury prone so we need a couple of strikers I reckon. One perm and one loan. Maybe Origi permanent and Martial on loan?
Stuart79(Quote)
Wouldn’t be surprised if Wilsons season isn’t over tbh. Lets hope we can get a quality forward in.
kimtoon(Quote)