The Toon Army Thread

[scon]

The first 35mins of tonight's game the boys are certainly at the races!!
Looking as good as anything,HOWEY THE LADS!!!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

The first 35mins of tonight's game the boys are certainly at the races!!
Looking as good as anything,HOWEY THE LADS!!!

That would be one of the best thing about living in WA scon - the games are televised at a more accessible time - the game was shown at 1am here. Had the game been at 12 like the QPR one, I would have stayed up for it but given the 1am kick off and needing to work today, decided on sleep instead.

Sounds like we at least played a bit better without the shackles of the threat of relegation looming on the players minds. Given we played our third choice keeper, a CB at LB and a winger in CM, not a bad result against a strong team who've been in good form. A win would have been nice or even a draw as we slipped to below Villa and Southampton on GD finishing 16th but at least we finished above our neighbours down the road!

Great touch by the fans to cheer Harper in the 37th min, haven't seen it yet but apparently Harps shed a tear. 20 years at the club for 199 appearances. Really sums up how professional, loyal and dedicated he was to the toon. Great servant to the club. With Simpson also leaving this summer and reports that Colocinni might want to return to Argentina still and even Shola being reported to being considering his future, we may need a fairly heavy recruitment drive to replenish numbers.

All in all, a pretty disappointing year following on last season's impressive 5th placing. Making the quarter finals in the Europa league was a great achievement given the injuries we suffered but poor runs in the league and both domestic cups made it a pretty bleak year. I know a lot of fans want Pardew gone but I personally think we should hold onto him for now. He has had a bad run with injuries for sure and I think he and the club are guilty of not strengthening the team at the start of the season (we only brought in Anita for the first team). Another preseason to let the French players settle in, improve their English and hopefully getting a fit team together and I don't see why this squad can't be aiming for 6th-8th next season.

Howay the lads - we can now enjoy the 3 months of rumours and innuendo that comes with the transfer window and off season.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

We might not have done great in the league this season but here's one where we finished on top!

The injury league

http://injuryleague.com/2013/05/newcastle-the-team-with-most-injuries-over-course-of-the-season/

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Interesting to see West Ham have had a 15m bid for Carroll accepted by Liverpool. Rumours are Carroll is holding off contract talks though to see if Newcastle make any move as though he might make more money at West Ham, he reportedly wants to come home.

I'd have him back in a heartbeat since we scored something like 25-26 goals that we did last season. Not adequately replacing Ba in January really hurt us. Not saying Carroll would score that many but give we also played the most long balls this season and didn't score a single goal from a corner or set piece (not including direct free kicks), Carroll's aerial dominance ans ability to hold up the ball would be a great weapon given we have a bevy of attacking mids in Cabaye, Ben arfa, Goufrann, Sissoko and Marveaux who can all be damaging.

 

[ramastar]

To be honest, I don't it's the right move to bring Carroll back to Newcastle, either for the club or himself.

Carroll needs a strong Manager like Big Sam to encourage him and get him to perform. I can't see Pardew being effective enough to get the most out of Carroll. Also, I think being back home will get to Carroll's head. He'll start to go a bit soft, falling into the trappings of big fish small pond lifestyle, which is what happened to him before Newcastle sold him on.

Carroll is in fine form, pushing for English selection. I just doubt that form will continue at Newcastle. I mean, I would want to it too, I agree, we haven't adequatly replaced Ba, but I just fear that what I said above is what will happen.

If anything, we need more from our attacking mids, to step up and offer goal opportunities when Cisse isn't hot. Sissoko looked like that man in the first few games he played, but he has really dropped off since then. I think he's a bit over rated to be honest. Cabaye has been average this year and I think Marveaux is quick, but not good enough. Goufrann seems good but I question his committment.

Hope I am wrong on all that but. So I really think a Shane Long or Robert Snodgrass type player is what we need, they step up all the time for their respective teams. Plus a bit more depth in the backline, we can't have Gutierrez playing left back!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

To be honest, I don't it's the right move to bring Carroll back to Newcastle, either for the club or himself.

Carroll needs a strong Manager like Big Sam to encourage him and get him to perform. I can't see Pardew being effective enough to get the most out of Carroll. Also, I think being back home will get to Carroll's head. He'll start to go a bit soft, falling into the trappings of big fish small pond lifestyle, which is what happened to him before Newcastle sold him on.

Carroll is in fine form, pushing for English selection. I just doubt that form will continue at Newcastle. I mean, I would want to it too, I agree, we haven't adequatly replaced Ba, but I just fear that what I said above is what will happen.

If anything, we need more from our attacking mids, to step up and offer goal opportunities when Cisse isn't hot. Sissoko looked like that man in the first few games he played, but he has really dropped off since then. I think he's a bit over rated to be honest. Cabaye has been average this year and I think Marveaux is quick, but not good enough. Goufrann seems good but I question his committment.

Hope I am wrong on all that but. So I really think a Shane Long or Robert Snodgrass type player is what we need, they step up all the time for their respective teams. Plus a bit more depth in the backline, we can't have Gutierrez playing left back!

Interesting view ramastar on Carroll. I'd love him back as I think his work rate both defending and going forward are huge strengths to his game. Given we haven't scored from a corner since Dec 2011, he would also be handy in the air. He is known to like the nightlife in Newcastle and coming back, he could fall into those trappings of being too comfortable. I guess most newcastle fans love seeing their own running out in the black and white hence the excitement for young Campbell to hopefully become the next Geordie superstar

In saying that though, we don't appear to be willing to match West Ham's 15m bid (personally think that is still too high anyway). Interestingly, we seem to have a sell on clause in the contract with Carroll so any sale may see a reported 20-25% paid to us (which would surely bring the overall transfer profit closer to 40m...). Cisse is a class finisher but to thrive he needs great support and balls being played to his feet (and not the long balls we did so often this season).

Besides needing 2 strikers (rumours Ameobi may look for a move this coming transfer period), I think our midfield is quite good though might lack 1 or 2 decent crossers. Marveaux and Goufrann are probably going to be 2 of our better wingers but Marveaux is susceptible to injury (a bit like Ben Arfa). Sissoko is a box to box midfielder and Pardew's choice to play him either wide or as an attacking mid (due to his pace) probably didn't help him. With a pre season under his belt and more time having settled in England, can see him being a huge player next season (Spurs wanted him last year and Toulouse reportedly wanted 20m for him - getting him for 2m was a major coup I reckon). Cabaye was definitely down this year and probably struggled with injury/out of form/playing in a makeshift midfield - which ultimately reduce his goals and assists for Cisse.

Think Jonas is past it but luckily we have Santon and Haidara who are both specialist left backs.

I think our biggest objective will be trying to hold onto Colocinni who is again being linked to a return back to Argentina. If he goes, we need a quality CB to take his place - Douglas (free), Lescott (on the outer at city and with a WC coming up, needs to play regularly) or Sahko (similar to Lescott but at money bags PSG) would all be great options if they are open to coming here.

Pardew is definitely going to be in charge next season according to the club's press release so the rumours/uncertainty of him being sacked can probably be put to bed now.

As far as I'm aware Harper and Simpson are the only first team players definitely leaving. Wouldn't mind a few more joining the clean up though.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Read this fan survey earlier today. Always good to see what other fans think.

Also, well done to Bigi who was selected in the England U21 World cup squad. Hopefully he gets some games!

http://tyneandwear.sky.com/newcastl.../newcastle-united-fan-survey-2013-the-results

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Looks like it will be another long winter (european summer) as the transfer window inevitably leads us to have many star players linked with moves elsewhere and players coming in.

Here's a quick summary I made for reports/stories over the weekend that I shared on the transfers thread.


Players linked to coming in over the weekend:

• Victor Wanyama (Celtic)
• Will Hughes (Derby)
• Tom Ince (Blackpool)
• James Tomkins (West Ham)

Players linked to leaving:

• Cabaye - PSG
• Tiote - Lokomotiv Moscow
• Cisse - Anzhi
• Ben Arfa - Monaco

 

[ramastar]

• Cabaye - PSG
• Tiote - Lokomotiv Moscow
• Cisse - Anzhi
• Ben Arfa - Monaco

Cabye - Looks like it could be quite possible unfortunately.
Tiote - Not a big loss. He is a huge fan favourite, but I think overrated because of it. We've got Anita, a Dutch international sitting on the bench who could fill his role.
Cisse - That would be a real loss, but I think it's unlikely. Maybe 80/20 against/for
HBA - Who isn't linked to Monaco this year! Every single big(ish) name is linked to that club. I don't see it happening one bit.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Cabye - Looks like it could be quite possible unfortunately.
Tiote - Not a big loss. He is a huge fan favourite, but I think overrated because of it. We've got Anita, a Dutch international sitting on the bench who could fill his role.
Cisse - That would be a real loss, but I think it's unlikely. Maybe 80/20 against/for
HBA - Who isn't linked to Monaco this year! Every single big(ish) name is linked to that club. I don't see it happening one bit.

Yep, it was the same thing last year after we finished 5th - we have a very talented team but unfortunately the bigger teams would look at us as a club to poach from. A bit like Everton, if we want to push our way into the top clutch of teams, we need to hold onto our key players and keep building our strength and depth.

I think Cabaye or Ben Arfa will both be strong targets for Monaco (hopefully having lots of money, they will look elsewhere). Debuchy also got linked to them this morning but dismissed it.

Alex Pearce (Reading captain and CB) is being strongly linked to us as a free transfer. Don't know a huge deal about him but he is tall and supposedly a threat from set pieces.

 

[ramastar]

Monaco is an experiment, yeah there is cash, but only a few players will buy into it for just the cash. I bet a lot a weary about going into such an unstable expirment.

Alex Pearce (Reading captain and CB) is being strongly linked to us as a free transfer. Don't know a huge deal about him but he is tall and supposedly a threat from set pieces.

I didn't watch any Reading games this year, unsurprisingly Foxtel didn't priories Reading games. But could Pearce be a replacement for Collo? who seems more and more likely to back to Argentina. It’s often been commented that the backline lacks structure and direction when Collo is out. This could the perfect replacement, former captain, in the backline.

That being said, I’ve also heard Reading are likely to keep most if not all of their current players. It is oft said that hey’re building to something, that they admit it was unfortunate to enter into PL too early, but will build and strengthen in the Championship then come back.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Monaco is an experiment, yeah there is cash, but only a few players will buy into it for just the cash. I bet a lot a weary about going into such an unstable expirment.


I didn't watch any Reading games this year, unsurprisingly Foxtel didn't priories Reading games. But could Pearce be a replacement for Collo? who seems more and more likely to back to Argentina. It’s often been commented that the backline lacks structure and direction when Collo is out. This could the perfect replacement, former captain, in the backline.

That being said, I’ve also heard Reading are likely to keep most if not all of their current players. It is oft said that hey’re building to something, that they admit it was unfortunate to enter into PL too early, but will build and strengthen in the Championship then come back.

You could be right about Monaco though so far, they have made a few big signings (Falcao, Moutinho and Rodriguez for about $110m so far) - seems pretty serious. Not to mention, Monaco is a very luxurious place to live so the money and location could tempt a few players there! They are backed by a Russian billionaire so it's probably more of a play thing/hobby to him than a business investment.

I wouldn't mind Pearce, only 24 and would be free as he is coming off contract. We need depth in CB positions. If Colo leaves (which seems uncertain still), I hope we get 1 big name CB and Pearce - would be confident going into next season with Colo/New CB, Pearce, Taylor and Mbiwa for the CB positions - there is some talk Williamson may be sold to Swansea/another club. Plus we still have young Aussie Curtis Good there too.

 

[Stevi_Tigers]

Best thing about Monaco I think they have no tax or very low rates,heard a rumor us psg and Monaco into cabaye haven't seen alot of him wondering your opinions on him

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Best thing about Monaco I think they have no tax or very low rates,heard a rumor us psg and Monaco into cabaye haven't seen alot of him wondering your opinions on him

Yep have heard that as well so that makes it very attractive for players as most of your salary will stay in your pocket - I think the French FA are trying to address that though by making Monaco have an office set up in France (so they then need to oblige French taxation requirements).

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Some interesting rumours/stories over the long weekend.

Colo looking increasingly likely to stay put.

Cabaye apparently saying he would love to play for Man Utd.

Cisse rumoured to have religious objections to wearing our new kit with our new sponsor Wonga (a money lender) supposedly going against his beliefs. Some speculation he could be sold and money could then be used on Carroll. I believe there was a case a few years ago of a player wearing a modified kit (without sponsor logos) so that may be a compromise.

Ba apparently up for sale from Chelsea - would anyone have him back? Proven goalscorer. Him and Cisse don't really play well together though.

Italian media reporting we may out offer the contract for Brazilian CB Douglas who we wanted last year.

Gervinho apparently up for sale - we originally wanted him but he understandably chose Arsenal and CL + more money.

Sakho - French CB from PSG weighing up his options. Would love him at Newcastle but can't see it happening unless Colo were to leave.

 

[Stevi_Tigers]

What's cabaye like his strengths and weaknesses?

 

[NUFC Tiger]

What's cabaye like his strengths and weaknesses?

I'd say his main strength is his passing and vision - easily the heartbeat of our midfield. Controls the tempo well and his range of passing can bring in other players or give your attackers a chance to score - before he joined us, I believe he created the most goals in ligue 1 the season prior. In 60 appearances for us, he's scored 11 goals and had 9 assists and I believe he had (at one point) scored the most goals from outside the box of any player in the prem. He's a natural box to box midfielder - good work rate and capable of some great killer balls/through balls. With a poacher like RVP to feed, could really pay dividends for you guys if he finds his best form. Had a few injuries this season and suffered from burn out and depression but still chipped in with 6 goals and 2 assists which is handy for a midfielder.

His main weakness I would say is his set piece delivery - he's a great free kick taker going for goal but from corners, he doesn't set the world alight and is probable a part of the reason we haven't directly scored from a corner since Dec 2011 I believe.

Really hope you guys look elsewhere - I believe he is Mike Ashley's (our owner) favourite player and have heard some rumours we would slap a 25m price tag on him. Hoping Moyes goes in for Fellani instead haha. Scary stuff with PSG, Monaco and Man U supposedly watching this space...

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Interesting we are now getting linked to Darren Bent from villa for 6m. At 29 and on fairly big wages (plus not doing much this season gone due to being frozen out under Lambert), I'd personally rather look elsewhere. He's a proven PL player but don't see him having much resale value which MA always looks for. Could be a good buy for a club though as he wants to be in the frame for the WC squad and to get there, he is going to need to score goals....

Some rumours we are about to sell Williamson to Cardiff for 2m, would take that if we can get Douglas in.

 

[Stevi_Tigers]

I'd say his main strength is his passing and vision - easily the heartbeat of our midfield. Controls the tempo well and his range of passing can bring in other players or give your attackers a chance to score - before he joined us, I believe he created the most goals in ligue 1 the season prior. In 60 appearances for us, he's scored 11 goals and had 9 assists and I believe he had (at one point) scored the most goals from outside the box of any player in the prem. He's a natural box to box midfielder - good work rate and capable of some great killer balls/through balls. With a poacher like RVP to feed, could really pay dividends for you guys if he finds his best form. Had a few injuries this season and suffered from burn out and depression but still chipped in with 6 goals and 2 assists which is handy for a midfielder.

His main weakness I would say is his set piece delivery - he's a great free kick taker going for goal but from corners, he doesn't set the world alight and is probable a part of the reason we haven't directly scored from a corner since Dec 2011 I believe.

Really hope you guys look elsewhere - I believe he is Mike Ashley's (our owner) favourite player and have heard some rumours we would slap a 25m price tag on him. Hoping Moyes goes in for Fellani instead haha. Scary stuff with PSG, Monaco and Man U supposedly watching this space...

I seriously don't want felliaini think there's better options for that price tho do want moyes to bring over baines,25 million doubt we would pay that for cabaye

 

[NUFC Tiger]

I seriously don't want felliaini think there's better options for that price tho do want moyes to bring over baines,25 million doubt we would pay that for cabaye

Baines would be a great get for you guys and I can see that happening.

Cabaye is still under contract for another 2 or 3 years I believe so we hold most of the cards but obviously if he wants a move, that might force the issue a bit. There are reports that Monaco are about to make a big bid for him...

 

[Stevi_Tigers]

Baines would be a great get for you guys and I can see that happening.

Cabaye is still under contract for another 2 or 3 years I believe so we hold most of the cards but obviously if he wants a move, that might force the issue a bit. There are reports that Monaco are about to make a big bid for him...

Well if they do I hope your owner reinvests the money in the team and gets back to pushing for European spots

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Well if they do I hope your owner reinvests the money in the team and gets back to pushing for European spots

That would be the hope mate though our owner is a businessman first and club owner second. If the deal is too good to turn down, expect him to sell and pocket some of the cash. To his credit, he has done a lot to help strengthen us financially by moving on high wage earners, implementing a wage cap and buying smart in the transfer market but I guess as fans, you want to see your club have ambition to challenge for honours or cups, not just exist and make a profit

Interesting summer and times ahead - things are never black and white at Newcastle despite those being our colours

 

[Stevi_Tigers]

That would be the hope mate though our owner is a businessman first and club owner second. If the deal is too good to turn down, expect him to sell and pocket some of the cash. To his credit, he has done a lot to help strengthen us financially by moving on high wage earners, implementing a wage cap and buying smart in the transfer market but I guess as fans, you want to see your club have ambition to challenge for honours or cups, not just exist and make a profit

Interesting summer and times ahead - things are never black and white at Newcastle despite those being our colours

you must get alot of stick from mates about supporting a team that has collingwood colors lol,goodluck for the season ahead just not against us

 

[NUFC Tiger]

you must get alot of stick from mates about supporting a team that has collingwood colors lol,goodluck for the season ahead just not against us

Haha cheers mate - some scary coincidences Newcastle and Collingwood also share the same founding year and nickname 'magpies'...

On Cabaye, reports in France say he has passed a medical at Monaco - bid rumoured to be 28m

Would hate to see him go but for that price and the fact he isn't going to another Prem team, could live with that as long as the money is reinvested into the team.

 

[Stevi_Tigers]

Haha cheers mate - some scary coincidences Newcastle and Collingwood also share the same founding year and nickname 'magpies'...

On Cabaye, reports in France say he has passed a medical at Monaco - bid rumoured to be 28m

Would hate to see him go but for that price and the fact he isn't going to another Prem team, could live with that as long as the money is reinvested into the team.

i assume thats a fair bit of profit over your original transfer fee for him,so if he leaves at that price who do you want your team to sign?and who do you think they will sign?