Coming Home Newcastle: FanPosts

New Director of Football

2013-06-16T16:07:52Z

News is breaking that we have offered a 3 year contract as director of Football to....... joe Kinnear - the same guy who had to step down as caretaker manager due to ill health. It is a staggering appointment and shows nothing but contempt for the fans and is another of the London mafia coming to ruin our club. I predict that it will hasten the departure of players and probably the manager who can't be too impressed by this. Absolutely staggering and depressing news

Scouting From All The Way in LA

2013-06-15T15:35:31Z

Finding quality talent that the Sky 4 (or is it 5 now?) haven't gobbled up or priced in to oblivion is becoming more and more difficult. Buying/scouting talent from the EPL is a good way to go broke. Clubs must be active in seeking out and developing young players from all over Europe.

Knowing this, NUFC's scouting department has done well recently mining some of the 'lesser' leagues in Europe for PL ready (or at least young/cheap enough to take a shot) players. Here's a couple of players that I've scouted out from the comfort of my living room in LA that could do a job for a bargain price...

Imoh Ezekiel - Standard Liege - Belgium

19 years old

Imoh Ezekiel started to blow up in Belgium this year, netting 16 goals and 10 assists in 34 matches. Nigerian born, his international status is up in the air as Belgium want to call him up, but the player is reported to prefer playing for the Super Eagles.

Watching Youtube highlights in my living room, Ezekial reminds me a bit of Jermaine Defoe or Papiss Cisse. Very good finisher, confident in front of goal. Makes good runs in to space, much like Cisse (when Papiss isnt offsides, that is). Ezekiel will score with service. Quick as a greased squirrel, he shows the opportunistic streak needed in any good scorer (see: Defoe). In the video below, you'll see Ezekiel is quick to exploit and punish defensive lapses.

transfermarkt.com values him at €3.0 million. Lille is rumored to be making an offer, so the player can be had...

Imoh Ezekiel | Standard Liege | Skills, Goals, Assists | 2013 HD (via Scoutworld10)

Wissam Ben Yedder - Tolouse - France

22 Years Old

In his first full season with TFC, Wissam Ben Yedder shined scoring 16 in 47 matches and assisting on another 5.

Playing as a CF, he's less of a target man than Ezekiel. Showing impressive ball skills developed playing futsal, Ben Yedder has flair similar to our own Hatem Ben Arfa. He can create space to get a shot off and is confident in front of goal. Played well with Moussa Sissoko at TFC, so he would not be an entirely unknown player to NUFC. Rumors have him catching the eye of Everton.

transfermarkt.com values him at €4.5 million

Wissam Ben Yedder | Toulouse | All Goals 2013 (via 95PMTM)

Imoh Ezekiel - Standard Liege - Belgium

19 years old

transfermarkt.com values him at €3.0 million. Lille is rumored to be making an offer, so the player can be had...

Imoh Ezekiel | Standard Liege | Skills, Goals, Assists | 2013 HD (via Scoutworld10)

Wissam Ben Yedder - Tolouse - France

22 Years Old

In his first full season with TFC, Wissam Ben Yedder shined scoring 16 in 47 matches and assisting on another 5.

transfermarkt.com values him at €4.5 million

Wissam Ben Yedder | Toulouse | All Goals 2013 (via 95PMTM)

Newcastle United Talking to Potential Tiote Replacement?

2013-06-02T17:56:39Z

According to Newcastle's The Evening Chronicle, Newcastle United seem to already be talking to 21 year old Kenyan international Victor Wanyama, a defensive midfielder. He would be a fantastic addition to the club if he comes for the reported £8 million. If he is signed, this would give Tiote much needed competition and potentially could mean that Tiote's time at NUFC might be limited. It is still early so this could fizzle out quickly as well.

Here are aome of Wanyama's highlights, the level of competition in the Scottish Premier League has to be taken into account though. Here are highlights of his game against Barcelona in the Champions League.

Poll

If Newcastle United bring in Victor Wanyama, do you see him as a replacement for Tiote?

Yes

13 votes

No, he would be a back up for Tiote

5 votes

18 votes | Poll has closed

CHN Book Club: 50 Years of Hurt

2013-05-30T14:04:17Z

It was a close vote, but in a 3-2 decision, blog readers have selected "Newcastle United: 50 Years of Hurt" to be our first book for the CHN Book Club. The book, by Ged Clarke, recounts the history of Newcastle United. The book is described as "humerous", and though I bought in February, I haven't cracked it open yet.

The book is available on Amazon. It seems like the Kindle edition is the way to go. Don't have a Kindle? Not a problem. Kindle apps are free from computers, tablets and even phones (I've read a novel on my phone before. It's a bit odd at first, but you get used to it). There also seem to be some used copies for sale as well.

I look forward to delving into the history of our club with all of you, and this may be the future English teacher in me coming out, but I'm also really looking forward to discussing the book with you.

Hi guys

2013-05-30T10:05:56Z

Hi everyone,

I am a new poster who came across your site yesterday whilst looking at the excellent www.newsnow.co.uk site which collates newspaper stories about nufc.

I am a long time (suffering) toon fan who has like everyone else become addicted to the rollercoaster that supporting Newcastle is.

Ever since 1974--5 season when Supermac and John Tudor played up front, I have been hooked. I remember sitting in front of the TV for the 74 FA Cup Final trying to spot my dad in the crowd.

I have experienced the lows of relegations and players like Bobby Shinton,to the highs of beating Barcelona in the Champions League.

Whatever happens, you can never say life is boring watching Newcastle.

I am 45 (hence 67 in my username!!) and live in Newcastle, and look forward to some intelligent posts and debate and some 'canny crack' on here.

I will try and filter out the rubbish when it comes to transfer talk - don't believe the press. The local paper sells because of the rumours it prints on the back. The national press do not like us and keep trying to flog our star assets. The owner, Mr Ashley is a shrewd businessman who keeps his mouth shut when it comes to business dealings including transfers.

Looking forward to 'meeting' you

Paul Burton

Hi everyone,

I am a new poster who came across your site yesterday whilst looking at the excellent www.newsnow.co.uk site which collates newspaper stories about nufc.

I am a long time (suffering) toon fan who has like everyone else become addicted to the rollercoaster that supporting Newcastle is.

Ever since 1974--5 season when Supermac and John Tudor played up front, I have been hooked. I remember sitting in front of the TV for the 74 FA Cup Final trying to spot my dad in the crowd.

I have experienced the lows of relegations and players like Bobby Shinton,to the highs of beating Barcelona in the Champions League.

Whatever happens, you can never say life is boring watching Newcastle.

I am 45 (hence 67 in my username!!) and live in Newcastle, and look forward to some intelligent posts and debate and some 'canny crack' on here.

Looking forward to 'meeting' you

Paul Burton

Newcastle United Anonymous – 2012/2013

2013-05-21T13:49:14Z

Hello, my name is GodZeller, and I am a Newcastle fan.

Ever since the dawn of footballing time (1992 if Sky Sources are to be believed), I have supported Newcastle United. As a kid growing up in the grassy refuge of Somerset, I had no real reason to do this to myself. Nothing forced me into it, if anything I resisted peer pressure from playground favourites Manchester United and Liverpool to chase my own footballing destiny. It’s a decision I have long since pondered – did I make a mistake? Was a life celebrating the smallest win worthwhile? Was Rob Lee really the next Glenn Hoddle? It’s been 20 years since I first saw Gavin Peacock absent mindedly pass to an opponent under no pressure, and once again, I find myself asking the same question.

When I was fortunate to meet Rob Lee and John Beresford, I asked them 'Why didn't we win the title in 96?' They both responded at precisely the same time, 'Gavin Peacock'. I wish I was joking.

The season itself has been one of disappointment mixed with perspective-driven acceptance. We all knew that last year was too good to be true, hell, did we expect to keep Demba, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Colo, Krul and Tiote come opening day? No chance. I lost 20 quid in bets because I was sure at least 2 of them were gone. Young talent was scouted and the slim midfield thickened up by Anita and Amalfitano, all was well in the North East. The sun shined on opening day, and a 2-1 victory against a strong Spurs side left fans thinking – Could Al Pardiola have finally accomplished what all before him could not, and actually brought stable winning football to St James’ Sports Direct Arena Park?

The answer, of course, is no. Ever since that beautiful day at the home of football, it’s been a slow, painful regression back to the place we are all so familiar – a few places above the drop zone. What went wrong? Was it Pards’ insistence on subbing on Shola for no reason at 65 minutes? Was it the Europa League’s fault? Was it Ba’s fault for jumping ship? Did the injuries expose the fact our squad players were not of the standard required to fill the enormous responsibility Cabaye, Tiote and Colo deal with every week? Was it just too damn cold for too damn long?

It’s easy to take these excuses and repeat them ad nauseum to whoever will listen, but the way I see it is ‘It was just one of those years’. Every team has them. Everton had it, Spurs had it, Liverpool had it – and these are the teams I want to compete with. We are a Europa League team, it was clear when we were playing in the competition, the players are good enough. The key difference between this team and the team that went down is that this team didn’t go down, and let’s be honest, the way they played, they really should have done.

The Europa gave us an inkling of what we can achieve. Imagine Papiss scoring ‘That Anzhi Goal’ at the San Siro, or Tiote losing the plot in a battle with Pepe. In the summer, I would like us to focus on a new striker and some defensive back up (both are pretty obvious), and I’d like Pardew to get to grips with the idea that rotation is not always a bad thing. Yanga, Debuchy, Anita, Gouffran, Vuckic, Marveaux, Bigirimana – these are all very good players who improve every time they stick on the shirt. This preseason marks the first time these players will all be together for a summer, and gives Pardew time to experiment in games that, for once, don’t have to be treated like Cup Finals. Why bring on a patently past it Shola or ‘Mr Reliable’ James Perch (I still have my doubts) when Bigi can do the job, needs it more AND has a whole year of experience in the team to back him up? Add to that Dummett and Abeid, both of which have only enhanced their reputations since their loan moves, a couple more attacking options and I truly believe you have the makings of a fully-fledged top 6 squad.

Is there ever a bad time to post this gif?

If you asked all 20 teams in the Premier League for a complete first XI swap with NUFC, by my money 14 would take it. Another stat is that we have the 4th youngest squad in the league on average, behind Southampton, Arsenal and Liverpool. The club is in a good position financially for once, we still have the most passionate fanbase going, our team is excellent, our youth system is showing promise and we have several 15million+ players. We’re not stuck with ridiculous contracts for over the hump players and we aren’t jacking prices through the arse in search of solvency. It’s so easy for us all to complain and lament, but I’m just happy this year is all over.

I am looking forward to 2013/2014 in the same way I looked forward to 2012/2013 – with trepidation and anticipation. Personally, I think the squad are doing the same. I get the feeling they know they are a better team than they displayed in the final few months of the season, and are eager to prove us wrong. At least I bloody hope so.

After all, it was just one of those years…

Hello, my name is GodZeller, and I am a Newcastle fan.

When I was fortunate to meet Rob Lee and John Beresford, I asked them 'Why didn't we win the title in 96?' They both responded at precisely the same time, 'Gavin Peacock'. I wish I was joking.

Is there ever a bad time to post this gif?

After all, it was just one of those years…

CHN Book Club: Selecting a Book

2013-05-20T14:42:09Z

I tried this last off-season with not so great results. But, I figure we can always try it again! It's the CHN Book Club. We'll select a soccer book and talk about it. The first part? Selecting the book. For your consideration...

1. Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Soccer Tactics. Considered to be the "gold standard" for books on soccer tactics, it's one I definitely want to read. That said, it looks like an updated version is coming out in the fall. Something to keep in mind.

2. Newcastle United: Fifty Years of Hurt. Looks to be a great history of the club with some humor as well.

3. Soccernomics. I think this is the book I chose last summer, but would read it again. It's a fascinating look at how soccer has evolved and where it's headed.

4. How Soccer Explains the World. Another fantastic read that views world issues through a soccer lens.

5. Amongst the Thugs: this book takes an insider's look at hooliganism in English soccer in the 80's.

If you want to take part, vote in the poll below with your selection for a book. Or, add another that you'd like. We'll settle on one to begin the summer and head from there.

2. Newcastle United: Fifty Years of Hurt. Looks to be a great history of the club with some humor as well.

3. Soccernomics. I think this is the book I chose last summer, but would read it again. It's a fascinating look at how soccer has evolved and where it's headed.

4. How Soccer Explains the World. Another fantastic read that views world issues through a soccer lens.

5. Amongst the Thugs: this book takes an insider's look at hooliganism in English soccer in the 80's.

If you want to take part, vote in the poll below with your selection for a book. Or, add another that you'd like. We'll settle on one to begin the summer and head from there.

Poll

What book do you want to read first for CHN's Book Club?

Inverting the Pyramid

2 votes

Newcastle United: 50 years of Hurt

3 votes

Soccernomics

0 votes

How Soccer Explains the World

0 votes

Amongst the Thugs

0 votes

Other (leave in comments)

0 votes

5 votes | Poll has closed

Get In On The Ground Floor Of The Movement

2013-05-04T00:38:18Z

Join @CallumKane_ and @CHNOSotP in the movement to #FreeRomain. If you listened to the podcast, you may have heard some of the affection I have for the player - at least what he showed in the preseason. Every one of the starting midfielders are either injured or completely exhausted... so why not now? Alan Pardew. Newcastle United Football Club. I demand that you take swift and decisive action and #FreeRomain. Now is the time. Be firm. Be brave.

Get in on the ground floor of the movement. #FreeRomain CC: @cominghomenufc @iwantcurlyhair2 @de_facto_phil @alanhoffmann @cognoscentinovo
— Jim McMeachin (@CHNOSotP) May 4, 2013

He's sharp in the attack - has a good eye for a pass. He may just be the fresh body that will put Newcastle United over the hump in this most desperate of times. Rest Yohan. Rest Moussa. However you work it, just work it. We're all depending on you. #FreeRomain

Get in on the ground floor of the movement. #FreeRomain CC: @cominghomenufc @iwantcurlyhair2 @de_facto_phil @alanhoffmann @cognoscentinovo
— Jim McMeachin (@CHNOSotP) May 4, 2013

Response to Gary Neville's "Analysis" of Newcastle

2013-04-30T04:47:04Z

Hello, Coming Home Newcastle. I'm not an actual follower of the Magpies (Arsenal man), however, I saw this this video, where Gary Neville tries to explain why you guys have had a poor season. He argues that it's because there are so few English players actually getting playing time. Normally, he's a good analyst, but I had to call "rubbish" this time. I did some research on Wikipedia and this is the response that I came up with. I swear, I'm not trying to troll. I also understand that I am probably wrong with a number of statements. However, I really felt the need to show that this poor season didn't happen just because the squad isn't playing a lot of English players.

Dear Gary Neville,

Sorry, but you are wrong. The reason why Newcastle has been doing poorly is because, in the first half of the season, they were racked with injury problems. Unfortunately, Wikipedia does not list injuries, however, we can check how many times each player has played. Largely thanks to an extended run in the Europa League, Newcastle has played 51 games. Papiss Cissé is the only player to have played in at least 40 of them (43). Tim Krul has only 31 appearances, with 7 in European competition. The captain, Coloccini, has a grand total of 27 appearances. In fact, Newcastle have had 6 different captains so far this season. None of the four mentioned English players, all starters, reach 40 starts in all competitions and only 1 exceeds 35 (approximately 2/3). Perch has 36, Taylor-30, Simpson-25, Williamson-27. That means that the English player who made the most appearances still missed 3/10 of the games played. Hatem Ben Arfa hasn't even made it to 20 appearances (he's on 18). Mind you, these are appearances, not starts. Those will be even lower.

What makes this an even bigger deal is the fact that Newcastle didn't do a very good job building their squad for 50 + games at the start of the season. In the summer, they brought in 4 players that, together, cost the club £8,200,000. 21 players left the club for a gain of £5,000,000 mostly youth players. That's a loss of 3 million pounds, despite having 5 times as many players leaving. So, basically, they have very little depth in the form of youth players. It is also clear that there is not a whole lot of faith on these youngsters. Yet, because of injury, these players have to play (or depth players of perhaps a slightly better quality). And, thus, the team suffers.

So, it's December and the club is slipping down the table with an injury crisis. What does the team do? They buy £17,700,000 worth of talent in the form of 7 players. That's basically a whole new team (7/11, or 63% of the starting line up). None of these players came from the same team, so they are not used to each other. They are also not used to the 4 other players slotting in beside them. Oh, might I add that the manager hasn't exactly been very consistent with 1 formation? No wonder they aren't playing well as a team. This is why having capable youth players is important- they know the system. In addition, they will likely stick with the club long term. A lot of the players currently at the club won't. There's not enough playing time with the club out of European competition next year.

Now, in this video, the Invincibles era Arsenal were brought up. Arsenal's success has very little to do with the fact that they are bringing in England players. Any future success they have will have fairly little to do with the fact that their players are English. Arsenal succeeded because they had a squad full of young, fit, players. They played a total of 59 games, with 11 players playing at least 40 games, including a Thierry Henry with 50 games. This does not even include Dennis Bergkamp, who had 37 appearances. Edu was the 11th player, a player who appeared mostly as a substitute. So the reason why Arsenal were able to do so well was because they had a very fit squad, a healthy (and lucky) squad, and fully capable substitutes (6 additional players had at least 20 appearances). The reason why Arsenal now have so many English players is because they have had a youth movement (due to austerity forced by the deal to build Emirates Stadium without accumulating loans with huge interest). Thus, a number of extremely young players have either come through the academy or have joined the team while teenagers. They happen to be British. If you look at the academy now, there are a number of Spanish and Swiss players coming through. It clearly has nothing to do with identity as an English club.

So, let me recap. Newcastle starts off with not enough depth. Gets hit hard by injuries. Basically buys a new team. Quality on pitch suffers. Nothing to do with English players. Why are clubs that once were very heavy in foreign players picking up English players now? Because they are trying to get players from either their academy or other teams' academies and the players happen to be British.

Thank you for putting up with me. Good luck with the rest of your season. I genuinely hope you guys stay up.

Dear Gary Neville,

Thank you for putting up with me. Good luck with the rest of your season. I genuinely hope you guys stay up.

Chronicle of a bad season

2013-04-19T13:01:51Z

After a convincing 2011-2012 campaign, marked by the advent of players like Yohan Cabaye and Demba Ba, the 2012-2013 season leaves a bitter taste in the mouth of many Magpies fans. Indeed, after an awful first part of season, Newcastle encountered a lot of difficulties to win games they would have won without trouble one year ago. How a team used to play for the European spots find itself struggling to stay in the Premier League ?

First of all, injuries. For many observers, it appears like the main reason of the weakening of the Toons this year. Ben Arfa, Coloccini, Cabaye, Taylor or Krul among many others stayed on the sidelines during this season, sometimes on a long-term period. It has been very hard for Alan Pardew to compose a regular starting line up, with all these unavailabilities. Among players who stood out last season, some of them played only a few games this season, like Hatem Ben Arfa who stills spending a lot of time in the infirmary.

Beyond injuries, which can appears like an easy excuse, Newcastle had difficulties to find stability and consistency in its game. Of course, that is partly determined by injuries, but also by a lack of productivity some players offered or a bad use of them. For example, with all due respect to Jonas Gutierrez, it doesn't seems really relevant to me to make him play at left back when Massadio Haidara is on the bench. I know this standpoint will bother some readers, but some choices Pardew made the season where sometimes surprising. Add to this the transfer of Demba Ba, the long-term absence of Hatem Ben Arfa, and the departure of key African players to their continental cup like Cheikh Tioté, and you will obtain a season poor in terms of performance.

Alan De-Pardew have got the good idea this winter to bring in the team French elements like Moussa Sissoko or Mathieu Debuchy to strengthen a squad in difficulty. Despite these moves, the team remained fragile and ineffective in many case. So what to expect for next year ? The best Newcastle can hope is probably its players to stay healthy, which will help the team to built itself up and be consistent. Then, if some players could be added, especially offensive ones to help Papiss Cissé, attacks should be less sketchy and sharper.

It would be too easy to put the blame of this year unsatisfying results on misfortune, it's clear that some choices have served the team badly. However, next year should be better if bad luck spares the Magpies.

Tyne-Wear derby preview

2013-04-13T22:35:59Z

In less then 13 hours from now (at the time of writing) Newcastle will come up against bitter rivals Sunderland. With both teams seemingly embroiled in a relegation battle this could be the biggest derby in years. More than bragging rights are at stake this time and this match could potentially be worth millions of pounds in TV revenue. Our own relegation fears were eased last week as Papiss Cisse hit home a last minute winner against Fulham, but Sunderland were dragged closer to the relegation chasm as they suffered a defeat at the hands of Chelsea.

Newcastle come into this match on the back of a draw with Portuguese giants Benfica. And although Europa League dreams were put to an end the amazing show of solidarity from the Newcastle fans should provide all the inspiration Shola and co need to get the result tomorrow. After conceding what should have been a morale crushing goal in the 90th minute, Newcastle fans stood and applauded the teams European exploits which must have been inspirational to the players and the boss in the dugout. Must win just doesn't cut it in derby games, a win is essential and will all but secure Newcastle United's Premier League status.

Come kick off, the city of Newcastle will come to a halt and all eyes will be on the opening exchanges at St James' Park. Pubs will be filled with those who unfortunately don't have match tickets, TV's will be focused on whatever channel it is on and no doubt that PC's and the like will be streaming the match around the world. Even non-football fans will be tuned in or exposed to the match in someway. Newcastle is the lifeblood of the city in many ways and on derby day it really shows. Being a Geordie lad I know how important the match is and luckily I haven't had to taste defeat on too many occasions in my relatively young life. And long may that continue. Providing Pardew gets his tactics right and the team respond to the occasion, I think we'll win. Comfortably.

The team I would play is: Krul; Debuchy, Taylor, Yanga-Mbiwa, Haidara; Perch, Cabaye, Sissoko, Marveaux, Jonas; Cisse. That team if set-up correctly should be beating a Sunderland team that has many key players out, either via injury or through suspension.

On derby day eve, I rarely feel confident however this time, I do. My prediction is 3-0 Newcastle and not just because I have money on it! Whatever happens it will be a feisty affair and come 2pm there will be many talking points. Howay the lads.

Newcastle: Perennial Underachievers

2013-03-25T23:27:36Z

With the International break comes a period of reflection. This is mostly of the current season, and with it being Newcastle a time to reflect on the trials and tribulations. But I want to talk about something that every Newcastle fan wants to see and something that only a few have seen.

1969. Man lands on the moon, The Beatles release critically acclaimed album 'Abbey Road', Pele scores his 1000th goal and Newcastle United win their last major trophy. Now, 44 years later Newcastle United's trophy cabinet is very much the same. That for a Newcastle fan is heartbreaking. We've came close a few times, we've reached a handful of finals and a handful of semi finals, but we've never won the trophy that we all crave. So many great names have tried and failed, two most notably being Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby Robson. Both of which are held in high regard by Newcastle fans.

There is no doubt about it, Newcastle United are the most under-achieving football club in the world. Even though we haven't won anything for 44 years the fans remain loyal, and have turned up week in, week out, most of the time just to have their hearts broke and there mentality pushed to the limit. Following Newcastle is a thankless task and the best way I could describe it, is it's a roller coaster.You're there for the ride. The anticipation, the exhilaration and the come down are what Newcastle is all about. Each season we build up our hopes of winning a trophy and we begin to dream. Then we don't.

Newcastle United - 44 Years (via SewellyTV)

I have included a poignant video which will bring up repressed memories for many Newcastle fans and for the die hards, yes, it is a tearjerker. It shows just how close we have come to winning something.

We've had the players to win a trophy. Shearer obviously heads the list. But this squad can do it. We have leaders, passion and most importantly quality. The likes of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Krul and Sissoko can take this club to heights not reached since 1969. It's important for everyone involved with the club. Not just the fans, but the players and the people who sadly won't be around to see the day when we do lift a piece of silverware, the likes of Gary Speed and Sir Bobby Robson, both of which deserved to win a trophy during their time on Tyneside.

In Newcastle the football club is more than that. Its a religion. The cathedral on the hill is something special. Its something most people in the City have in common, the love of Newcastle United. Its very much a cliche but with Newcastle its the feeling of belonging. Its something bigger than anyone could imagine. Whatever corner of the planet you're in its something you have in common with someone who lives by St James' park.

A phrase that is most often associated with Barcelona could just as easily be used with Newcastle: Mes Que Un Club. Newcastle United: More than a club. One day we'll win something, then it won't be the same ever again.

Newcastle United - 44 Years (via SewellyTV)

How to Solve A Problem at Full Back

2013-03-20T03:59:49Z

After a prosperous transfer window, in which Newcastle strengthened in all most all areas, we now once again have an injury crisis. Ryan Taylor has been sidelined for numerous months and we still don't have a return date. Mathieu Debuchy has picked up what appears to be a thigh injury. Massaido Haïdara was on the receiving end of assault, while Davide Santon pulled up during international duty with an injury, which will be assessed today.

Typical Newcastle luck, after we build up our defensive ranks and look to be well prepared in case of injury, we lose three full backs in two days. One of which was totally needless and should never happen on a football pitch, at any level. It's hard not to feel for Alan Pardew who, once again, will have to mastermind a miracle to deal with the current full back situation.

At the time of writing we have one senior full back fit and ready, but he hasn't player since Anzhi Makhachkala away in the Europa League. The other fit full back is James Tavernier who hasn't featured since December. Both of these players have something in common however, both are right backs.

This leaves Alan Pardew with a tricky task on the left flank. He could play Jonas Gutierrez at left back, even though it isn't his natural position. He has had experience at left back though, he predominately played the role for Argentina in the 2010 world cup. Although it is not ideal, it is a temporary solution to what, could end up being a long term issue.

Mathieu Debuchy has been allowed recovery time and has pulled out of the senior French squad for their international matches against Spain and Georgia. Whereas Davide Santon could yet pull out of the Italian under 21 squad. But, even still if they have not returned from injury by the time we have to play Manchester City, Pardew could have a tough decision to make.

Another option could be to play Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa in either full-back position. Although the French star has expressed his desire to play at Centre Half he may well have to take on for the team in this instance. Utility man James Perch may once again have to step in and play in yet another position. Steven Taylor could even step out and even further endear himself to Tyneside by showing he will literally play anywhere for Newcastle. It is still going to be a hard decision as no manager would like to play his players out of position.

Massaido Haïdara however, could be out for a long time after the 'challenge' by Callum McManaman, who won't even face action for his 'attempt at the ball' which could potentially rob young Haïdara of a future in the game. The 20 year old, French under 21 star is highly rated in his country of origin and AS Nancy were understandably reluctant to let the young man leave. In his short time on Tyneside he has already left a mark on the Geordie nation who were delighted with his performances against Metalist Kharkiv and Anzhi Makhachkala. We all wish young Haïdara a speedy recovery and we hope that he can continue to fulfil his undoubted potential with Newcastle United.

Hopefully the players recover from injury and are fit to face Manchester City at the Ethiad Stadium and get the three points. However, if not we can just hope Alan Pardew can perform a tactical miracle and get just something away to City.

Farewell, Michael Owen

2013-03-19T16:15:01Z

Michael Owen is set to hang up his boots at the end of this season. The one-time teenage phenom has had an illustrious career plagued by injuries. The product of the Liverpool academy, Owen was actually the joint top scorer in his first season in the Premier League with 18 goals. He then repeated that feat the following season and his name stands in the history books as the second highest goals scored by a teenager in the Premier League. Fellow Liverpool legend, Robbie Fowler is the only player to have scored more as a teenager with 23 goals. Owen was Liverpool’s top scorer for eight straight seasons (1997-2004). From the moment he made his debut, to the moment he left the club, Owen led his team in scoring every single year. In 264 appearances for Liverpool, Michael Owen found the back of the net 138 times and notched 7 assists in that time as well.* He became the youngest ever player to reach 100 goals in the Premier League. In 2001, the year Liverpool won the FA Cup, UEFA Cup and League Cup, Owen received the Ballon d’Or and become just the fourth English national to win the award and first since Kevin Keegan in 1979. He was also the first Liverpool player to ever receive the award, and still is to this day.

In 2004, Owen was sold to Real Madrid where he did not find the same success he previously had at Liverpool. His tenure at Madrid did not last long at all, he only made 41 appearances for them and scored 15 goals*. After one season in Madrid, Owen was sold to Newcastle where his injuries really started to take over and we began to see the demise of one of the most clinical strikers of his generation. In his first season with Newcastle he only managed to play 11 games but he scored 7 goals in that short period. Injuries took over and he was sidelined for about 18 months. Upon his return to the field, he was never the same again. His final two seasons at Newcastle he played a total of 57 games and scored 19 goals. Very un-Owen-like as we were used to him scoring about 19 goals per season. In his final year at Newcastle, they were relegated at the end of the season and Owen moved to Manchester United on a free transfer.

At United he was never a major cog in Sir Alex Ferguson’s plans as Owen was now very fragile and was not able to play very much, when he did, it would usually end up in another injury. He managed a total of 52 appearances for United scoring 17 goals*. Now plying his trade at Stoke City, Owen is again spending the majority of his time on the bench. A one-time phenom destroyed by injuries and robbed from becoming an even greater player than what his career will show.

Farewell, Michael. It was a pleasure watching you play in your prime.

*stat from transfermarkt.co.uk

Farewell, Michael. It was a pleasure watching you play in your prime.

*stat from transfermarkt.co.uk

Why England's Loss is Newcastle's Gain

2013-03-19T04:10:24Z

Once again the England squad is announced and once again there is not one Newcastle player. It is undeniable that Newcastle United's squad has a Gallic flair to it, but the driving in force in defence is non-other then an old-fashioned, no nonsense English defender.

Steven Taylor is in the form of his life at the moment. Producing man of the match performances week in, week out is no mean feat. Yet for some time, he has been churning them out. Taylor isn't the most technically brilliant player ever, but what he lacks in ability he more than makes up for with passion. It's fair to say he isn't the ball playing centre-half Gerard Pique is but he is good at what he does. Always there to make a last ditch challenge, always in the air looking to win the first ball, always chasing the ball even if it is a lost cause, he will never give up.

And that's exactly what England need. The golden generation is over! No more of the primadonnas earning their millions and not caring about the three lions, what England need is a player who will give his all, and wear his heart on his (short) sleeve. Taylor now in his prime at 27 years old is trying to do the impossible by winning over Roy Hodgson, even in an injury crisis Taylor doesn't seem to get a look in. Joleon Lescott of Manchester City has been in and out of Roberto Mancini's side, while Steven Caulker hasn't been what you would consider to be a regular for Tottenham Hotspur. It does seem unlikely that Steven Taylor will get a better chance of the elusive first England cap, but whatever happens Taylor can be proud of his exploits in the famous Black and White shirt of United.

Taylor has had his injury problems in the past and is hopefully past them. It is much rumoured around Tyneside that he is 'made of glass' due to the amount of injuries the player has had. But with nearly a fortnight to rest and recuperate it is unlikely that he will pick up an injury from playing games anytime soon.

This season has been a watershed in Taylor's career. He has managed to even further endear himself to the Geordie public and 'the corner' in St James' Park. His tomfoolery in front of Asmir Begovic became an internet sensation and Taylor-mania took off. He has achieved iconic status around Newcastle and is currently one of the citie's favourite sons. His lack of an England call up can allow his to concentrate, on playing for his boyhood team and do what he loves to do. Play for Newcastle United Football Club. Without a doubt when the time to hang up his boots comes to pass, and he is without an England, it would haunt him. But if he carries on in this rich vein of form, he could have a hatful of caps. However, even if he doesn't attain a single England cap he can rest firmly in knowing that he was an icon for children and men all around Newcastle and that he'll never have to pay for a drink on the Quayside again.