Coming Home Newcastle: All Posts by Jim McMeachin

Coming Home Podcastle Episode 11: Joe Kinnear Edition

2013-06-18T18:36:07Z

WELLP. Joe Kinnear.

We were set to resume Wednesday recording this week for Episode 11, but the weather did not cooperate - rain in Texas means that Robert needs to celebrate his preferred method of redneckery tomorrow instead of today. It seemed as good a time as any, though as Joe Kinnear had his TalkSport interview yesterday and all news surrounding the club not involving Joe Kinnear has been shut down (and looks like it will be for a while).

Today, we celebrate some firsts in addition to the normal chat:

I finally got around to getting an intro put together - it features today!
We brought Callum Kane in as our first guest
We talked Joe Kinnear
We talked #JozyForBlackpoolPierWithCallum
We discuss Jonas Gutierrez
Andy Carroll is a Hammer. How does that make you feel?
If not Carroll or Jozy, who?
A compelling discussion was had about world time

I think as a group we largely felt like the majority of Newcastle supporters - LOLWUT?! It's a head scratcher for sure, but we did our best.

Poll

Who would you rather keep?

Coming Home Podcastle Episode 10 Is Finally Here!

2013-06-16T05:20:24Z

So there has been plenty to talk about with regard to rumors of comings, goings and stayings relating to the Toon - we sat down and talked it all through this week. Then half of it hadn't recorded, so we sat down and did part of it again. Ultimately, the format gave a somewhat long end result- nearly 2 hours worth. At any rate, you will hear about much of the following:

Jozy Altidore - to wit, my standing open invitation to meet him anywhere in the country and buy him a cup of coffee or a beer. I mean this.
Darren Bent
Yohan Cabaye - complete with 24 more hours of knowledge and innuendo. The original discussion of Yohan happened pre-Monaco rumor while the re-recorded section happened post-Monaco rumor. Not as awkward as it might sound.
Coloccini
Taylor
Douglas
Tiote
LISTENER MAIL BAG!! We took on all questions submitted this week - keep up the good work, listeners!

Anyway, faced with the podcast ahead of you, the last thing you need is me taking up more of your time ... CONSUME!

Making the Case For: Jozy Altidore

2013-06-11T20:24:15Z

Edit: Yesterday's video highlights of USA v. Panama World Cup Qualifier submitted without comment.

In what must be labelled as the greatest moment in Coming Home Newcastle twitter history, Callum Kane (@callumkane_) not only received a direct response from Jozy himself:

@callumkane__ beautiful club
— Jozy Altidore (@JozyAltidore) June 10, 2013

but we were able to reach out to Jozy's publicist and receive a response from him as well:

@chnosotp @callumkane__ @cominghomenufc @alanhoffmann Thanks for the tag ... lol.
— Jeremy Pond (@JeremyPond) June 10, 2013

@chnosotp @callumkane__ @cominghomenufc @alanhoffmann I appreciate passionate fans ...
— Jeremy Pond (@JeremyPond) June 10, 2013

Internet geekery aside, we as a site seem to be united in our belief that 23-year old American would be a worthwhile investment by the club. However, there is significant also doubt in Newcastle support that the would be a player that Newcastle United should target. Let's take a look at the pros and cons of a Jozy Altidore to Newcastle United move:

The Case For The Prosecution

The case against Jozy Altidore hinges largely upon a perceived laziness in his early USMNT career, failed early stints with clubs after his initial move to Europe with Villarreal and the quality of the Dutch League in general. A lot of this is fair- He scored a sum total of 3 goals for his parent club while not faring much better (1 goal in 16 starts and 12 substitue appearances for Hull City in the Premier League; 1 goal in 5 starts and 6 substitute appearances for Bursaspor in the Turkish Super LIg) out on loan. For many, this time (especially the time with Hull) will be the determining factor in establishing perceived value for Altidore although he was merely 20 years old at the time and had just over 60 competitive appearances at the professional/international level to his name. For some, this is still enough - but it must be considered that recent history is littered with young "phenom" American strikers who have moved across or be signed too early and fallen off the map from what they were supposed to be (see Conor Casey, Eddie Johnson, Freddy Adu, Kenny Cooper or even Landon Donovan's early career to name a few notable recent examples). It's kind of what American attackers do. That or eventually find a Landon Donovan mid-career or Clint Dempsey role as a cut-in type winger or second striker.

Altidore detractors will also point to his apparent fall-outs with legendary Germany striker and current USMNT manager Jürgen Klinsmann during his time in charge thus far.

"I communicated with Jozy that I was not happy about his latest performances with us, maybe even over the last 14 months," Klinsmann said. "I think Jozy can do much, much better, and the reason why he's not coming in is mainly about the performances in Jamaica and at home, also in training. Also certain things that went on through the May-June camp.'' -Jürgen Klinsmann

While a lot of this is based upon a certain amount of early career misunderstanding of what high-level performance and achievement at the striker position entails, it is notable that the worst of the fallout seems to have been exacerbated by AZ by adhering strictly to FIFA regulations regarding release of players for International duty - either giving the appearance or betraying the fact (depending on which side you may be on) that Altidore was not committed to the national team cause. Whatever the ultimate cause of this rocky relationship, it does coincide with a tangible uptick in Jozy's club form. While his switch to AZ Alkmaar occurred in the same general time window as Klinsmann's appointment as USMNT manager, it's not outside of reason that the two variables are independent of each other - and have been assimilated by Altidore to fuel a tremendous growth in on-pitch attitude and skill development.

The third main argument against bringing Jozy to Newcastle is predicated upon the fact that his success has come in the Dutch League, an argument that I find not only hard to believe in but also largely incongruous in the scheme of transfer desires - if you're willing to have the likes of Toby Alderweireld, Douglas or Jan Vertonghen (for instance) in your squad then an argument that the defensive quality in the Eredivisie is suspect at best. Defensive quality is going to vary vastly within divisions and within leagues - any goal compilation is going to feature its fair share of defensive SNAFUs from which the goal scorer benefitted. It is dangerous ground to tread, but I did find this while reading around on Jozy:

Interesting to note:

Jozy had 15 goals in his first season in the Eredivisie at age 22.

Luis Suarez (Ajax) had 17 goals in his first season in the Eredivisie at age 21.

Romario (PSV) had 19 goals in his first season in the Eredivisie at age 23.

Dennis Bergkamp (Ajax) had five goals, 13 goals and eight goals in his first three seasons in the Eredivisie, and had between 25-30 appearances in each of those seasons. (Jozy had 34 appearances this season).

Ruud van Nistelrooy (PSV) had 13 goals in 31 appearances in the Eredivisie at age 22.

John D. Halloran, July 10, 2012

Each of these players made a mark in the Eredivisie at a young age. Each of them went on to be a world-class striker. Numbers are a dangerous thing - the likes of Dirk Kuyt, Salomon Kalou and Bryan Ruiz have all featured in the top-10 scorers list for the Eredivisie and had tepid goal scoring records in the Premier League. There is no guarantee that Jozy will turn into anything like any of the strikers listed above. Is it completely out of the realm of possibility? Certainly not.

The Case For The Defense

So I have managed to self-wreck the way I had this set out (largely) as I can't manage to make the argument against without countering with the argument for in counterpoint. Allow me to present the obligatory Jozy highlight YouTube extrevaganza:

How Could Jozy Fit In At Newcastle

Following the sale of Demba Ba to Chelsea, Newcastle struggled offensively. Without the presence of a target-type front man, Papiss Cissé was employed as a single striker - a role in which he struggled mightily. In addition, the midfield struggled with the tactical ideas of the 4-2-3-1 that Alan Pardew insisted on employing - or at very least with the ideas Pardew had about how the 4-2-3-1 should function. Gone was the fluid passing team and attractive football that we enjoyed during the 2011-12 season. Exaggerated was the tendency to play a long ball either directly from defense or from deep in the midfield. Enter Jozy Altidore.

Jozy can function as a target man - he is strong enough and accomplished enough in the air to control, flick on or hold up play as necessary. If Cissé can go back to playing off of another player (as he was able to in the 4-3-3 following his move in January 2012), it stands to reason that he will be able to play more naturally and instinctively and (hopefully) return to the rich vein of goalscoring that he was playing from prior to this past season. Could it be as easy as "stop asking Cissé to think so much"? I guess we'll find out... but having Jozy to play off of sure couldn't hurt either way.

As I mentioned earlier, Jozy's success has coincided with his move to Alkmaar and their 4-3-3 formation. Interestingly, a Jozy to Newcastle move would effectively preclude a shift back to the 4-3-3 for Newcastle United. Shifting either Cissé or Altidore to the wing would likely be unfruitful (proven in Cissé's case while Altidore has played almost exclusively as the center in the 4-3-3 at AZ). Perhaps a 4-3-1-2 would be more appropriate looking like this:

Krul

Debuchy -- Yanga-Mbiwa -- Coloccini -- Santon

Cabaye -- Tiote -- Sissoko

Ben Arfa

Altidore -- Cissé

This particular lineup is full of attacking potential and could easily morph into a 4-1-3-2 if you were to want to push Cabaye/Sissoko further up the pitch (which I would be a fan of, especially in Cabaye's case). It would mean a little less reliance on Debuchy / Santon pushing forward if you were to do so, but you could certainly make a case that it would be preferable, for sure. A lot of this, of course, depends upon keeping the players involved with the club. It also limits (yet again) the opportunities of players like Sylvain Marveaux and Yoan Gouffran. Frankly, for me, I wouldn't hate Gouffran in the Ben Arfa role with freedom to run off of Altidore/Cissé or provide angled runs from the center.

The Jozy Toolkit

While he's never likely to be a Big Dunc or a Sir Les, for instance, Jozy is competent in the air. He can score from his head and can provide for other attacking chances from his head. He has exhibited good positioning and decision making with regards to when to pull play back, when to attack the defense and where to be to receive a cross in the most advantageous position. He has speed enough, even if he's not Craig Bellamy fast, strength enough to fight off center backs, the desire and ability to keep improving and the ability to keep fighting when situations become tough. At 23, he has likely not peaked - physically or skill-wise - and if he were able to take some schooling from the likes of Peter Beardsley or (if he would be so willing) the likes of Alan Shearer, I believe you would be dealing with a very very well spent £3.2m.

More: NUFC after Douglas

Poll

Are you on board with #JozyForNUFC?

Coming Home Podcastle Makes Its Triumphant Return - Episode 9 Is Here!

2013-06-07T05:01:55Z

Thank you all for your patience - I have had to move apartments following the expiration of my lease... well, "had" might not be the right word. I could have stayed for the thirteenth month (that we told the apartment complex we needed up front) at twice the regular base rent on a month-to-month basis... but anyway. That's not important right now.

What is important is that you, our loyal listeners, have a new episode of the podcast to consume.. It is a shorter version (about 52 minutes) as Robert and I both had a very limited window in which to record today, but it is here nonetheless. We're considering a potential addendum between here and next week, but we'll see what happens. So this week we talk:

Former manager comments
Just a wee bit of Craig Bellamy
How the Andy Carroll Situation reminds me of a different negotiation situation in recent Toon history
Several other free-floating topics (related and un-)

Consume!

Those Who Do Not Heed History... Changes In Toon Preseason Plans Again?

2013-06-04T06:17:50Z

You may recall that Newcastle United were slated to spend a good portion of their preseason preparation touring South Africa including participation in the so-called Vodacom Challenge. As Wikipedia can tell you, the Vodacom Challenge was cancelled and Newcastle launched on a somewhat ill-fated tour of Germany and Austria which culminated in a preseason ending tournament in Portugal. On top of that, there was significant ill will sowed between the club and its support in the lack of information provided to the fan base who are rabid to support the club in any form they can and any match the club plays (competitive or no). Short notice was the order of the day with regard to the scramble-scheduled "pre-season preparation" that the club attempted to piece together in the aftermath of the Vodacom Challenge Collapse.

It could (and will) easily be argued that the resultant poor prep for the club in the 2012-13 preseason and the hard feelings and compounded distrust consequent to the poor communication to the support both manifested themselves in the most harmful ways possible during Newcastle's abject 2012-13 Premier League/Europa League campaign... which is why it is frustrating to read the following report:

Newcastle United had been scheduled to tour Cape Town to play Ajax Cape Town and fellow Premier League side Everton.

It appears that Newcastle no longer plan to travel to South Africa while Everton will tour America instead.

According to The Journal, Newcastle will look for a European option and more accessible friendlies to prepare for the upcoming Premier League campaign.

--from Sky Sports Tyne and Wear

So... let me check this all off:

Original Plan: Tour South Africa
Result: Cancelled tour of South Africa
Backup Plan: Scramble to schedule "European option"

So far so good. Now we just need to add on:

Give extensive playing time to players you don't intend to allow anywhere near the first team
Manage first team players in such a manner that vital first team players (a la Yohan Cabaye) start the season significantly below 100%
Complete lack of communication to the supporters about preseason scheduling

and we've got the recipe to face exactly the same challenges that we faced last season... except for in exponential form.

Those who do not heed history are doomed to repeat it. (But hey - the preseason *is* the club's only chance for European competition this coming year... so there's that!)

Newcastle United Set to Defend HKFC Soccer Sevens Title This Weekend

2013-05-25T14:36:49Z

Newcastle sent a strong reserve side to Hong Kong to defend their seven-a-side tournament title this weekend.

The Newcastle United reserves, coached by Willie Donachie, have arrived in Hong Kong for the HKFC International Soccer Sevens, an event that bills itself as the world's best seven-a-side tournament. Newcastle won the title last year, led by Adam Campbell and captain James Tavernier, and they have sent a strong side back over to defend their trophy.

The ten players who made the trip are goalkeeper Jak Alnwick, defenders James Tavernier, Remie Streete, Paul Dummett, midfielders Bradden Inman, Michael Richardson, Rolando Aarons, Conor Newton, Steven Logan, and forward Sammy Ameobi. Ameobi and Tavernier have senior experience with Newcastle, and Inman, Newton, and Dummett did loan spells this season - the former at League One club Crewe Alexandra and the latter two at Scottish Premier League side St. Mirren. Aarons and Logan are the only players to make the trip that are listed on the Newcastle Official Site as Academy players.

Newcastle has been placed in Group B along with Southern District Football Club, a team playing in Hong Kong's First Division, co-host HKFC Captain's Select, and Leicester City. Other English and Scottish teams competing include Aston Villa, Manchester City, Sunderland, and Rangers FC. Teams will play each other one time, and the top two will advance to the quarterfinals. Group play will take place on Saturday, with the playoff matches happening on Sunday. Here is Newcastle United's schedule (Note: Hong Kong is UTC+8, currently 7 hours ahead of British Summer Time and 13 hours ahead of US CDT):

Saturday, May 25

Newcastle vs. HKFC Captain's Select, 15:57 local
Newcastle vs. Southern, 17:39 local
Newcastle vs. Leicester City, 19:38 local

Sunday, May 26

Plate Quarterfinal 3 (If Newcastle finish third), 09:12 local
Plate Quarterfinal 4 (If Newcastle finish fourth), 09:30 local
Cup Quarterfinal 3 (If Newcastle finish first), 11:50 local
Cup Quarterfinal 4 (If Newcastle finish second), 12:15 local

Plate Semifinal 1 (from QF3), 13:35 local
Plate Semifinal 2 (from QF4), 14:00 local
Cup Semifinal 1 (from QF3), 16:05 local
Cup Semifinal 2 (from QF4), 16:30 local

Plate Final, 17:30 local
Cup Final, 19:00 local

Games are fast-paced and the halves are only seven minutes long in the beginning stages. To give you an idea of what the game play is like, here's a video of Newcastle's 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in last year's final:

Newcastle Youngsters Advance To Hong Kong Soccer Sevens QF

2013-05-25T14:26:25Z

Newcastle United's squad took a step toward retaining their Hong Kong Sevens crown, winning their first three matches and advancing to the Quarter Finals as group winners. The first three matches have seen two braces from Sammy Ameobi and three clean sheets from Jak Alnwick on the way to a 9-0 aggregate scoreline.

Match 1 (HKFC Captain's Select):

Based upon a somewhat bare bones match report (maybe it's about accurate in length for a match that totals 14 minutes), it seems that Sammy Ameobi was easy choice for man of the match. The starting lineup looked something like: Alnwick | Tavernier, Dummett, Richardson | Newton, Inman | Sa. Ameobi although all 10 players saw time in the match for Willie Donachie and Peter Beardsley.

Match 2 (Southern District):

Goals from Bradden Inman, Sammy Ameobi (two more) and Michael Richardson (two) gave Newcastle a comprehensive victory in their second match. With 4 of the goals scored in the first 7-minute half, Newcastle largely coasted for the second half. Their second victory assured that they would advance to the QF round regardless the result of their third match, it would just be a question of if they advanced as group winners or as runners-up. (match report)

Match 3 (Leicester City):

Sammy Ameobi took a break from the score sheet as Bradden Inman got his second of the competition and James Tavernier bagged his first to lead Newcastle to a 2-0 win and a place in the QF round as group winners. One more goal would have seen Leicester beaten to the QFs by HKFC Captain's Select, but Newcastle were stopped at only the two in what club reporter Dan King described as a physical encounter. (match report)

Newcastle will next face Hong Kong side Citizen on Sunday.

San Lorenzo Chief: "I have the intention of meeting with Fabricio"

2013-05-23T19:32:09Z

On the heels of the statement released by the club ensuring the supporters that Double Manager of the Year Alan Pardew would be staying with the club, it would have been easy to wonder what the Newcastle support would have to talk about. Well, not really... the Alan Pardew complaint wheel is spinning with just as much vigor as it has since the end of the season (and before, honestly)... but there is a new story to lay on the top.

In January, Fabricio Coloccini attempted to orchestrate a move to his hometown club San Lorenzo, reportedly in attempt to save a shattered marriage if you're into needing to know those kind of things. San Lorenzo, for their part, were glad to say that they would welcome Coloccini with open arms, just so long as they didn't have to pay for him. It was a certainty following the close of the January window that the story would return.

Cue today's reports once again linking Newcastle United's captain to the Argentine club. Well... sort of. The exact quote that is bringing this wonderful story back into the public eye is this:

I have the intention of having a meeting with Fabricio and talking about the conditions of his arrival to San Lorenzo," he told La Cicloneta.

--via SkySports.com

While this story may well still hold water (it's unknown what the status of Coloccini's personal life is, for one thing), it is important to note that the story itself admits that no contact has actually been made between San Lorenzo, Newcastle United, Fabriccio Coloccini or Matias Lammens. Welcome to silly season.