The Toon Army Thread

[NUFC Tiger]

Some nice words from Ernie Merrick following our game on the weekend and the tour overall.


Merrick had dinner with Alan Pardew and West Ham boss Sam Allardyce on Friday night and had nothing but praise for the two managers.

However, he feels the Magpies were the best team of the tournament.

He told the Chronicle: “I thought they were very impressive.

“I thought West Ham were as well but Newcastle just seem to have really speedy players and technically they are really talented around the park.

“When they had the two strikers up front they were brilliant.

“They had slick inter-changing passes in the final third.

“The two strikers in and around the box were very good.

“Our defence was outstanding in holding them off.

“With fire power like that they will make the difference.

“With Riviere in their ranks they will do well.”

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spor...ewcastle-united-tour-talented-magpies-7517330

 

[NUFC Tiger]

1-0 win for us at Sheffield Wednesday overnight, our third in 8 days and third clean sheet. New youngster Perez with the goal courtesy of a threaded pass from Obertan (yet Ben Arfa didn't make the squad).

NEWCASTLE UNITED: Elliot, Haidara (Bigirimana 60), Dummett, Yanga-Mbiwa, Satka (Anita 46), Abeid, Tiote (Vuckic 60), Obertan, Perez (Campbell 73), Armstrong (Gilliead 85), Riviere (Streete 55).

Subs not used: Alnwick.

Goal: Perez (66).

Match report:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...e-sinks-Sheffield-Wednesday-Hillsborough.html

Goal:



Saw this gem from one of our academy players, Callum Roberts as well - another promising kid for the future if this is anything to go by!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

3-1 loss for us vs Malaga overnight. Slack defending costing us 3 goals in the first half with Obertan scoring our consolation. Hopefully Pardew will remove Steven Taylor from our back 4. Staggering to think Williamson only got his first few mins of this preseason late in the game given he was probably our most reliable CB last season.

Debut for Cabella and first run out for Sissoko.

Team:
NEWCASTLE: Elliot, Yanga-Mbiwa, Coloccini (Williamson 74), S Taylor, Haidara (Dummett 67), Sissoko (Aarons 46), Abeid, Colback (Anita 67), Cabella (Obertan 46), Perez (Riviere 46), Armstrong (Gouffran 46).

Highlights - nice goal by Obertan in all fairness but woeful defending...

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Also, though the club have yet to confirm it, it seems widely reported we have signed young Argentine striker Facundo Ferreyra on a season's loan from Shakhtar due to the political climate in Ukraine currently.

http://www.thejournal.co.uk/sport/f...newcastle-united-swooped-land-facundo-7551761

 

[Brad Goodman]

Aarons scored a pearler today against Schalke, watch the video if you can find it.

 

[robertg22]

Goals to Cabella and Riviere also!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Aarons scored a pearler today against Schalke, watch the video if you can find it.

Yeah saw that Abba Lonie! Though I'm not sure if he meant it or it was a misplaced cross

He also got the assist for Riviere I believe for the opening goal? Not sure how much game time he will get this coming season but the kid can definitely play!

Cabella scored and new boy Facundo Ferreyra got an assist for Cabella's goal I think?

Much better performance following the Malaga game.

Goals to Cabella and Riviere also!

Thanks rob! Much appreciated mate! Are you a Toon fan (certainly the black and white stripes might be something you'd like)

 

[NUFC Tiger]

7th (loan with option to buy) signing - I think its fair to say someone has stolen Mike Ashley's cheque book this summer!

 

[robertg22]

Thanks rob! Much appreciated mate! Are you a Toon fan (certainly the black and white stripes might be something you'd like)

Sure am, have been following for about the last 18 years, loved Shearer at Euro 96 and then he signed for the black & white team, so it made it pretty easy for me!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Sure am, have been following for about the last 18 years, loved Shearer at Euro 96 and then he signed for the black & white team, so it made it pretty easy for me!

Wow! Good stuff mate! Always nice to see more supporters of the Toon Army posting in here!

What are your feelings for the coming season? Do you think we can have a good season with all these new signings?

 

[robertg22]

Wow! Good stuff mate! Always nice to see more supporters of the Toon Army posting in here!

What are your feelings for the coming season? Do you think we can have a good season with all these new signings?

I'm feeling good about this year. Am still a bit concerned about our centre backs, not a fan of Steven Taylor really these days, so hopefully he's not given much of a role. Would have liked to see us sign someone to help out there.

Janmaat will be a great signing, I loved Debuchy but I don't think we will miss him too much.

Our new attacking options are pretty exciting - Cabella, De Jong, Riviere etc - I think we're going to be more exciting to watch this season for sure.

Expectations are a top 10 finish & possibly pushing for Europa.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Transfer news:

Looks like the dream of Aubameyang won't be realised this window - he has no intentions of wanting to leave Dortmund (which is fair enough) and maybe thinks he can get more game time with Lewandowski out of the picture.

Interestingly, we were linked to Scumberland's Connor Wickham over the weekend. Poyet has said he either signs a new deal this window or they will sell him (as he has 1 year left on his deal). Reportedly available for $6m ($2m less than what the scum paid for him). Not a bad option for $6m and the premium on English talent!

Finally, Mirror reporting we are set to raid the Championship for young CB Jamaal Lascelles from Forest for $3m and young GK Karl Darlow (who might be loaned straight back to Forest). Not sure how much truth is in either of those (haven't previously been linked to either) and we already have an abundance of young keepers at the club (Alnwick and Woodman), not to mention Krul isn't exactly an 'old' GK either!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

I'm feeling good about this year. Am still a bit concerned about our centre backs, not a fan of Steven Taylor really these days, so hopefully he's not given much of a role. Would have liked to see us sign someone to help out there.

Janmaat will be a great signing, I loved Debuchy but I don't think we will miss him too much.

Our new attacking options are pretty exciting - Cabella, De Jong, Riviere etc - I think we're going to be more exciting to watch this season for sure.

Expectations are a top 10 finish & possibly pushing for Europa.

Agree on Taylor (and our CB options). For mine, Williamson should be partnering Colo as our first choice pairing. I still have high hopes for Mbiwa though and reckon he can find the form that made him a French international and helped lead Montpellier to the French title a few years back. Some media reporting we are close to signing a young English CB called Jamaal Lascelles from Nottingham Forest. Don't know a great deal about him but apparently QPR and Spurs are also keen on him. Maybe he's one for the future - not sure if he'd be ready to come in and start games just yet.

 

[robertg22]

Agree on Taylor (and our CB options). For mine, Williamson should be partnering Colo as our first choice pairing. I still have high hopes for Mbiwa though and reckon he can find the form that made him a French international and helped lead Montpellier to the French title a few years back. Some media reporting we are close to signing a young English CB called Jamaal Lascelles from Nottingham Forest. Don't know a great deal about him but apparently QPR and Spurs are also keen on him. Maybe he's one for the future - not sure if he'd be ready to come in and start games just yet.

Yeah agree with Williamson/Colo combination, but both are getting on a bit in age. Not sold on MYM yet, but he did show a bit later in the season last year.

 

[Brad Goodman]

Wickham would be a good get, the SMB's would have been relegated without his performances from the last few weeks of the season.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Yeah agree with Williamson/Colo combination, but both are getting on a bit in age. Not sold on MYM yet, but he did show a bit later in the season last year.

Yeah, someone will really need to step up for Colo in the next season or two for sure. I like Williamson as well but he is a limited defender (which isn't necessarily a bad thing) but as you pointed out, he's no spring chicken either. Mbiwa has looked not bad this preseason though Pardew had been playing him at RB (and surely Janmaat will be taking that spot off him anyway). I'd like to see him get a proper run next to Colo (or Williamson) to see what he can do - he's got the pace and strength, he just needs a more composed partner to cover him IMO.

Wickham would be a good get, the SMB's would have been relegated without his performances from the last few weeks of the season.

Agree on Wickham - I'd have him just to piss off the mackems! He's young and with Armstrong, Perez and Campbell, could really give us a few decent young prospects. He's big and strong too. I've read he already lives in Newcastle though some have suggested he has a bit of an attitude on him (not as bad as someone like Nile Ranger thankfully).

 

[NUFC Tiger]

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spor...ewcastle-uniteds-double-signing-shows-7559459

Looks like the rumours of Lascelles and Darlow from Forest are gathering pace - though with both players likely to be loaned back to Forest to continue their development for the coming season.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Decent article about our new striker Ferreyra. Interestingly, has scored hat tricks over the Argentine and Ukrainian 'Arsenal' sides, perhaps he will complete a hat trick of hatricks with another one against the Gooners!

http://www.theguardian.com/football...do-ferreyra-quality-needs-confidence-football

 

[robertg22]

Decent article about our new striker Ferreyra. Interestingly, has scored hat tricks over the Argentine and Ukrainian 'Arsenal' sides, perhaps he will complete a hat trick of hatricks with another one against the Gooners!

http://www.theguardian.com/football...do-ferreyra-quality-needs-confidence-football

Good article, we've had a bit of success from Argentine players over the last few years, hopefully it continues with Chucky!

 

[tige19]

Howay the lads!!!

Wow, how's about this business that Graham Carr is doing! Surely he is giving fat Mike some manly rubs for him to allow us to spend all this cash, it's no coincidence the money we are spending coincides with Sports Directs biggest year in the history of the business. Great news for NUFC and all geordies.

Concerns short term in our Centre Backs but long term we are going to be great. Good and Lascelles will be the cornerstones for the next decade if we can hold onto them, make no mistake about it Lascelles is a future International and captain, very highly rated and if he continues to develop as he did last season at Forrest we may just see him in the PL sooner than we think.

We are still weak up front, Alexandre Lacazette will top us of magnificently well and the word is that Lyon are keen to bring back Ben Arfa so a swap deal + cash is very realistic. Lacazette is a 1 in 2 scorer, and that's with a weak Lyon team, considering we are now stacked with capable midfielders you would think with natural progression he could become a real scorer in the PL.

I still feel as though in Pardew we have a Championship manager, some of the positioning of players makes me scratch my head. At one stage he had Cabella at wing back against Malaga, there are also worries about him tactically, we have no definitive style of play and he is very reactive. Going to be interesting how he uses Sissoko,Cabella,Anita,Tiote, De Jong, Gouffran and Colback if all are fit. Good problem to have as a manager, I just doubt he has the nous to use the individuals effectively.

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Good article, we've had a bit of success from Argentine players over the last few years, hopefully it continues with Chucky!

With Colo there (apparently he helped get him to the club), and Jonas still on the books, there's definitely a few Argie friends to help him out!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

Howay the lads!!!

Wow, how's about this business that Graham Carr is doing! Surely he is giving fat Mike some manly rubs for him to allow us to spend all this cash, it's no coincidence the money we are spending coincides with Sports Directs biggest year in the history of the business. Great news for NUFC and all geordies.

Concerns short term in our Centre Backs but long term we are going to be great. Good and Lascelles will be the cornerstones for the next decade if we can hold onto them, make no mistake about it Lascelles is a future International and captain, very highly rated and if he continues to develop as he did last season at Forrest we may just see him in the PL sooner than we think.

We are still weak up front, Alexandre Lacazette will top us of magnificently well and the word is that Lyon are keen to bring back Ben Arfa so a swap deal + cash is very realistic. Lacazette is a 1 in 2 scorer, and that's with a weak Lyon team, considering we are now stacked with capable midfielders you would think with natural progression he could become a real scorer in the PL.

I still feel as though in Pardew we have a Championship manager, some of the positioning of players makes me scratch my head. At one stage he had Cabella at wing back against Malaga, there are also worries about him tactically, we have no definitive style of play and he is very reactive. Going to be interesting how he uses Sissoko,Cabella,Anita,Tiote, De Jong, Gouffran and Colback if all are fit. Good problem to have as a manager, I just doubt he has the nous to use the individuals effectively.

Definitely a big change in our transfer dealings now that Jo(k)e Kinnear has been sent to the glue factory! Carr and the new club secretary, Lee Charnley(?) seem to not be messing around at all! Yeah, I read MA has big plans to expand his empire both in Europe and to Asia (Australia and NZ apparently). If he wants to market 'Sports Direct' globally, surely a strong performing NUFC is in his best interests (better performances in the league mean more press, more televised games, bigger fanbase, more high profile signings etc).

Pretty excited by both Lascelles and Darlow (though I've never seen either play). Both have big wraps on them. Lascelles apparently has a lot of pace and is very good in the air while Darlow has been tipped to become a future England keeper (Fraser Forster anyone?)

Agree on the CB and forwards mate - if we could sign 2 big names and maybe clean out some of the deadwood, that would cap off a huge window for us! I like the look of Riviere from what I've seen. Not sure he would be right to carry the burden by himself but with Ferreyra another option with impressive youngsters like Perez, Armstrong and still Cisse to come back (who might thrive from quality service from De Jong and Cabella), we might have enough firepower to manage (though a few injuries and we'd be in trouble!).

Pardew is probably our weakest link - he'll be under pressure to perform early after our horrendous run home last season and if he doesn't deliver with all the added reinforcements, he could find himself replaced. If we could get a decent manager in, I reckon we could push a serious challenge for the top 6.

Whatever happens, things are shaping up for an exciting season!

 

[NUFC Tiger]

By the way tige19 - your post reminded me of this article mate

http://www.themag.co.uk/the-mag-art...ernationals-handicapped-championship-manager/

 

[tige19]

You're spot on mate. Thing with Pardew is he has no signature, I mean what is his known style of play? We are sorta like Essendon, look good in patches but not really known for a style or structure of play. It's frustrating watching tbh.

We clearly look talented through the midfield, we lack wide players and really have no big centre half capable of dominating in the air or strong enough to hold up play. From the squad we have mustered we should play narrowly and on the carpet, let the creative guys like Cabella and De Jong do what they do best and give Sissoko a partnership with Tiote as holding midfielders ( remember Sissoko was the ligue1 best defensive midfielder before Pardew tried to turn him into an attacking wingman). Throw in Colback and Anita for support and play Rivière and Gouffran up front if we don't get another striker.

Pardew is a nuffy though so who knows.

 

[robertg22]

We have a quality wide player but the coach has alienated him from the team! I am an unashamed Ben Arfa fan, I understand his defensive limitations but Pards has definitely stuffed that one up.

Yeah I'd like to see Tiote and Sissoko deep with Cabella on the right, De Jong in the middle and Gouffran on the left.

Unsure where Colback fits into the equation though TBH.