Newcastle United | 2012/13 Season

[Geordie Ahmed]

Pre-Season fixtures

Chemnitzer (a) - Friday, 13th July

Olympiakos (a) - Friday, 27th July

FC Porto (a) - Saturday, 28th July

Cardiff (a) - Saturday, 11th August

[SempreSami]

Optimistic for the new season, or cautious about expectations given how last season was a surprise to most people?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by SempreSami Optimistic for the new season, or cautious about expectations given how last season was a surprise to most people?

If we can keep our key players (Krul, Tiote, Cabaye, Cisse and Ben Arfa) then I am quietly optimistic

I doubt we will finish 5th again BUT if we can challenge for 6th and have a decent run in Europe and I will be fairly content

It is important we get a decent right back in, that will improve our side so much

Our starting XI is very good, plenty of quality in the side, we just need to improve the right back and beef the squad up

[SempreSami]

There's always Shola.

[Geordie Ahmed]

I watched that the other day, well proud

Used to hate Shola BUT it went so far beyond the point that I now love the guy

[Geordie Ahmed]

Some very good news today for us is that Ivory Coast will face Senegal in the final round of qualifying for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations

This means that we won't lose all 3 of our players (providing we haven't sold them this summer) to the ACN in January/February. Ivory Coast are the stronger side and I hope they win so that we can have both Cisse and Ba remain here

[Pakistaniboy]

I read somewhere that Liverpool is considering Ba after reading through the clause in his contract.

Can he really leave for £ 8 Mill?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Pakistaniboy I read somewhere that Liverpool is considering Ba after reading through the clause in his contract. Can he really leave for £ 8 Mill?

£7mill is the fee being mentioned, reportedly the clause is valid until 31st July

I would be disappointed if he left, especially to join someone like Liverpool BUT ultimately as long as we keep Cisse I will be happy

[Geordie Ahmed]

Newcastle United have confirmed the signing of 18-year-old midfielder Gael Bigirimana from Coventry City. The Burundian-born youngster has signed a five-year contract after the Magpies agreed an undisclosed fee with the Sky Blues. Bigirimana played 26 times in the Championship last season and won the divison's Apprentice of the Year award. He had been with Coventry since 2004 and is expected to link up with Willie Donachie and Peter Beardsley's Development Squad at the beginning of his Tyneside career.

from http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20120...281670_2834165

[Geordie Ahmed]

We lost our first friendly to some lowly German side, mainly fringe/young players playing

Later today (on ESPN) we take on Monaco, hopefully the side will have more first teamers

[desijazba]

wait, are we getting Debuchy or not? Also, Cabaye to Barcelona?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba wait, are we getting Debuchy or not? Also, Cabaye to Barcelona?

The reports seem to suggest we have agreed a fee for Debuchy, also Lille have signed a new RB so hopefully something can be sorted soon

Cabaye is a good player BUT not Barcelona standard so that is extremely unlikely

[Chicharito14Hernandez]

Newcastle are after Carrol. Don't know why they want him, Ba and Cisse are doing top.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by Chicharito14Hernandez Newcastle are after Carrol. Don't know why they want him, Ba and Cisse are doing top.

Their Board Is Just Trolling





My 3000 Post.

[desijazba]

Can't make up my mind about Carroll . On the one hand, with him it's too easy to revert to just playing long balls. On the other hand, he does hold play up well/bring others into play. Also very useful with his feet.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba Can't make up my mind about Carroll . On the one hand, with him it's too easy to revert to just playing long balls. On the other hand, he does hold play up well/bring others into play. Also very useful with his feet.

I am also unsure, really liked Carroll when he was here, was gutted when he left BUT we have moved on a lot since he left, our play has changed and I would like to see a more passing game as opposed to hoof ball

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by desijazba wait, are we getting Debuchy or not? Also, Cabaye to Barcelona?

Just an option if we fail to sign any of our other targets.

[Geordie Ahmed]

"Newcastle United have today completed the signing of Australian youngster Curtis Good.

The 19-year-old defender has signed a six-year deal with the Magpies following a successful trial.

Good, a highly-rated centre-back, will join up with his team-mates when they return from their tour to Portugal this week.

The former Melbourne Heart player has represented his country at under-19 level and has also been tipped for full international honours.

The Club wish to thank Melbourne Heart for its professionalism and cooperation throughout the transfer."

from http://www.nufc.co.uk/

[Geordie Ahmed]

A 6 year contract, guess he really impressed the club during the trial

He made his debut for the reserves last night

[Geordie Ahmed]

A 6 year contract, guess he really impressed the club during the trial

He made his debut for the reserves last night

[desijazba]

now if only we can beat out Inter for Debuchy...

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba now if only we can beat out Inter for Debuchy...

Cabaye mentioned the other day that he spoke with Debuchy (they are best friends) and that he wants to come here, I am not concerned about Inter's interest, he would be daft to go there ahead of us

We are playing hardball over the fee, hopefully we can agree something asap and get him signed because Debuchy would improve us immensely

[PakFan2010]

He really would be daft to reject Inter Milan for Newcastle

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by PakFan2010 He really would be daft to reject Inter Milan for Newcastle

Not sure why are laughing

Unlike you I am not deluded when it comes to my club BUT let's look at it objectively

1) Both clubs offer Europa League so they don't have the lure of CL
2) The Premiership is better than Serie (both in terms of ability and exposure)
3) Serie A is an absolute mess, especially with the recent corruption cases, why on earth would you play in a league which has serious issues?
4) His best friend is here, plus other French players (and French speakers) so would settle easily
5) He would walk into our starting XI and would play every week, at Inter there is a certain chap called Maicon, also Jonathan and Zanetti/Nagatomo (though he mainly plays LB)

So yeah I do think he would be daft picking them over us when you take the above into account

[PakFan2010]

Inter Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the word.

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by PakFan2010 Inter Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the word.

They are struggling for the past seasons..

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by PakFan2010 Inter Milan is one of the biggest clubs in the word.

I know that, they are comfortably bigger than us BUT they are playing in a mess of a league which makes it less attractive

[Geordie Ahmed]

In any case our bid for Debuchy has been rejected, not sure if we will go in for him again

If not then I hope we target someone else because Danny Simpson is rubbish

[Pakistaniboy]

Bad news for you guys Geordie.

http://www1.skysports.com/football/n...o-keep-Debuchy

I think Lille wants more money.

[desijazba]

I've read that the transfer is still possible despite Lille's posturing. On the other hand, I can understand the desire to play hardball for a 27-year old who won't have that much resale value. Goes against Ashley's apparent Transfer Window philosophy.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba I've read that the transfer is still possible despite Lille's posturing. On the other hand, I can understand the desire to play hardball for a 27-year old who won't have that much resale value. Goes against Ashley's apparent Transfer Window philosophy.

The thing we have in our favor is the player wants to leave, though how badly will determine if the move happens. I can't see us upping our bid much more, Llambias said that usually what we offer for players is the final bid, we don't budge from that

If the deal doesn't happen then I hope the backup option isn't to keep Danny Simpson

[desijazba]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed The thing we have in our favor is the player wants to leave, though how badly will determine if the move happens. I can't see us upping our bid much more, Llambias said that usually what we offer for players is the final bid, we don't budge from that If the deal doesn't happen then I hope the backup option isn't to keep Danny Simpson

how does van der wiel at right, santon on left sound?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba how does van der wiel at right, santon on left sound?

Van der Wiel has had an average season and he was poor at the Euro's BUT he is a good player, would not be too disappointed with that

According to some reports we have been offered Van der Wiel since he only has 12 months left on his contract

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Van der Wiel has had an average season and he was poor at the Euro's BUT he is a good player, would not be too disappointed with that According to some reports we have been offered Van der Wiel since he only has 12 months left on his contract

I think Van der Wiel would do well at Newcastle, but of course Debuchy is your primary target.

On another note,

Media in Brazil is suggesting that Santos would let Neymar go to Barca after the Olympics.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Pakistaniboy I think Van der Wiel would do well at Newcastle, but of course Debuchy is your primary target. On another note, Media in Brazil is suggesting that Santos would let Neymar go to Barca after the Olympics.

Why is that in this thread? Is he coming to Newcastle?

[Pakistaniboy]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Why is that in this thread? Is he coming to Newcastle?

Because We`ll Loan him out to Newcastle to gain exp.

[desijazba]

Originally Posted by Pakistaniboy Because We`ll Loan him out to Newcastle to gain exp.

haha I can't wait to see Neymar on a cold, rainy Tuesday night in Stoke.



No, but actually

[Geordie Ahmed]

Newcastle United can today confirm the signing of Vurnon Anita from Ajax.

The 23-year-old Dutch international midfielder, who can also play as a full-back, has put pen to paper on a five-year-deal at the St James' Park, and will wear the number eight shirt.

Anita joined the renowned Ajax youth set-up in 1999 and progressed through the ranks at the Amsterdam Arena before making his debut in March 2006.

His European debut arrived the following season and Anita went on to establish himself as a key member of Ajax's squad, as they won back-to-back Eredivisie titles in 2010/11 and 2011/12.

Born on the island of Curaçao, part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the Caribbean Sea, Anita has been capped three times for Holland since his international bow in May 2010.

"We are delighted to secure the services of Vurnon," said United manager Alan Pardew.

"He is an exceptionally talented footballer with great technical ability, which is exactly what I'm looking at in a player. And, at 23-years-old, we hope his best years are at Newcastle.

"He has come through the Ajax youth system which is world renowned for bringing up players the right way, and I am sure he will fit seamlessly into the squad of players we have here.

"Vurnon has done his pre-season, and indeed already played one competitive game, so he's up to speed and ready to play when I need him."

[Geordie Ahmed]

Not seen a lot of him, especially in midfield BUT the reaction of the Ajax fans leads me to think we have got ourselves a decent player

[Theo_14]

A decent player? He's more then a decent player.

A very good midfielder - very energetic - tirless midfielder, doesn't stop running. A pacey midfielder, with quick feet. Also versatile, can play as a fullback.

A huge loss for Ajax - has helped them win trophies for the past 7-8 years, question is whether he has the ability to adapt at Premiership level.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Well I haven't seen enough of him so can't say how good he is, Ajax fans seem to be gutted so I do think we have signed well

[desijazba]

I only highlights and I hope I'm not reading too much into but what was the deal with Ben Arfa and Ba during the penalty...I think Ray Wilkins was saying it's a clash of big egos? I personally don't agree, I think Ba isn't like that but what do you think?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba I only highlights and I hope I'm not reading too much into but what was the deal with Ben Arfa and Ba during the penalty...I think Ray Wilkins was saying it's a clash of big egos? I personally don't agree, I think Ba isn't like that but what do you think?

Ray Wilkins is an idiot, I guess Ba is the designated penalty taker BUT Ben Arfa won the penalty and was adamant he was going to take it, Ba didn't make an issue out of it

[amateurdentist]

Ba is a legend. What a finish that was last night.
Ben Arfa is a bit like nani, very inconsistent. i think if he improves this season and ba,cabaye,tiote ,cisse and colocini remain fit newcastle may finish in the top 4. would be brilliant if that happens

[James]

Great win for Newcastle. I predict top four.

[Geordie Ahmed]

I would love it (keegan) BUT top 4 is not going to happen, especially with us having to deal with Europa League

The 2 Manchester clubs and Chelsea have top 3 sorted and I think Arsenal will get 4th

The majority of us would be happy with 7th and good run in the Europa League

I think the myth that we as fans are deluded and unrealistic has well and truly been debunked. Those tags are for Liverpool fans

[James]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed I think the myth that we as fans are deluded and unrealistic has well and truly been debunked.

No offence but it wasn't a myth. Your lot were atrocious before you got relegated, got a reality check and started playing great football again to come back up. Newcastle fans these days are generally humble and likeable. Before, they had the smug sound and delusional air of a man who had never been chinned.

Agreed that Liverpool fans are a nightmare. Serial victims. Leeds won the league more recently than LFC

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by James No offence but it wasn't a myth. Your lot were atrocious before you got relegated, got a reality check and started playing great football again to come back up. Newcastle fans these days are generally humble and likeable. Before, they had the smug sound and delusional air of a man who had never been chinned. Agreed that Liverpool fans are a nightmare. Serial victims. Leeds won the league more recently than LFC

I obviously disagree, we knew we were awful leading up to relegation (just see my posts the seasons before relegation, i think i represent the average Newcastle fan) and we accepted our relegation with dignity (by and large) despite many people saying we deserved to be in the premiership we accepted that we deserved to go down

I think there is a big difference between fans thinking the club is not performing to its potential (which we felt was the case) and thinking we are better than we actually are (see Liverpool)

[James]

How many football forums and football phone-ins have you experienced lol? pre-2009, Newcastle fans were generally considered by people not from Newcastle to be some of the most irritating and deluded in English football. The "myth" wasn't conjured out of nothing. Obviously you will disagree again but no harm in conceding a now meaningless point...

Nowadays Newcastle and her fans are likeable

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by James How many football forums and football phone-ins have you experienced lol? pre-2009, Newcastle fans were generally considered by people not from Newcastle to be some of the most irritating and deluded in English football. The "myth" wasn't conjured out of nothing. Obviously you will disagree again but no harm in conceding a now meaningless point... Nowadays Newcastle and her fans are likeable

Plenty, I mainly blame Sky and the cockney media for this. Sky love to speak to the nutters outside the ground and ignore the sensible people

Also the media really did love sticking it to us, the whole Keegan messiah thing being a prime example, it was a term coined by the media and it was made out to be something we came up with

Anyhow we are quite liked now so will enjoy it

[King_Rizzy]

A good victory against Spurs. Chelsea coming up, I don't think we'll beat them. First we must ensure we beat Atromitos Athens on Thursday though.

I feel we'll finish 6th this season. We need to win one of the cups.

[Geordie Ahmed]

We drew 1-1 away to Atromitos, a fairly meh performance BUT we didn't lose and we got a crucial away goal

With a stronger side we should win the home leg next week and progress

[King_Rizzy]

Should win the second leg at home. If we lose this tie, we don't deserve to be in Europe League.

[desijazba]

I'm so frustrated with our lack of recent signings. We have Wenger trying to get Cabaye and maybe Tiote, with no Debuchy/Douglas/Carroll coming in.

Last season should have been a stepping stone to something better. At this point, we still have a shoddy defence and concerns about squad depth. After how we did last season, how could we possibly be thinking of selling our best assets like Cabaye???? I see the attraction of Arsenal but surely he can't be too excited about playing with Giroud and Podolski over Ba and Cisse.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba I'm so frustrated with our lack of recent signings. We have Wenger trying to get Cabaye and maybe Tiote, with no Debuchy/Douglas/Carroll coming in. Last season should have been a stepping stone to something better. At this point, we still have a shoddy defence and concerns about squad depth. After how we did last season, how could we possibly be thinking of selling our best assets like Cabaye???? I see the attraction of Arsenal but surely he can't be too excited about playing with Giroud and Podolski over Ba and Cisse.

It is the Debuchy chase that has annoyed me the most, we badly need him as Simpson is not good enough

Signing Debuchy would improve our starting XI as we would have someone that can exploit the space down the right that Ben Arfa creates

We really need 3 signings, a RB, a CB and a striker BUT that is more for the squad, the priority really is a RB as that means our starting XI is fine

[desijazba]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed It is the Debuchy chase that has annoyed me the most, we badly need him as Simpson is not good enough Signing Debuchy would improve our starting XI as we would have someone that can exploit the space down the right that Ben Arfa creates We really need 3 signings, a RB, a CB and a striker BUT that is more for the squad, the priority really is a RB as that means our starting XI is fine

I heard we're increasing our bid for big andy in excess of 15 million. WHY? AC isn't worth more than 10. Why doesn't MA just increase our bid for Debuchy, someone we ACTUALLY need.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba I heard we're increasing our bid for big andy in excess of 15 million. WHY? AC isn't worth more than 10. Why doesn't MA just increase our bid for Debuchy, someone we ACTUALLY need.

If that is true then I suspect it is all about Mike Ashley's ego, he would get a massive kick out of the fact he sold Carroll for £35mill and then bought him for less than half that 18 months later

If we are going to spend £15mill on a striker then I would much rather it be on someone like Loic Remy, that guy is a bit more versatile

I hope we can sort a deal out for Debuchy because another season of Danny Simpson will be

[Geordie Ahmed]

Big game for us tonight, simply can't afford to slip up

We worked hard last season to get to the EL and we have to get into the group stages now

[Geordie Ahmed]

We win 1-0 on the night, and 2-1 on aggregate to progress

Vuckic with the goal, took a deflection. We dominated first half, unfortunately didn't score more and then the second half was pretty dire. Still we are in the group stages so happy days

[Pakistaniboy]

So no Debuchy deal after all?

Danny Simpson FTW

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Pakistaniboy So no Debuchy deal after all? Danny Simpson FTW

Ryan Taylor got injured so Fat Mike Ashley might just pull out the cheque book . . . . . . .



yeah right

[Pakistaniboy]

Just noticed the word, "might"

[desijazba]

awful result today no? start playing 4-2-3-1 Pards !!!!

[King_Rizzy]

Should really have won today, disappointed that we only got a draw, and we were trailing at that too.

[Geordie Ahmed]

The performance was very flat, really disappointed because I expected us to do better

Pardew admitted we were poor and quite lucky to have gotten a point

What a goal it was by Ben Arfa, has quite comfortably been our best player this season

Danny Simpson with an injury, just highlights how stupid our lack of buying a RB is although Anita looked decent at RB

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba awful result today no? start playing 4-2-3-1 Pards !!!!

Yes, poor result and poor performance BUT in the context of the performance we did well to get a point

4-4-2 doesn't really suit us, especially against the "weaker" sides, I can understand when we play away to Man-U, Chelsea etc BUT at home we should play 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1

[desijazba]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Yes, poor result and poor performance BUT in the context of the performance we did well to get a point 4-4-2 doesn't really suit us, especially against the "weaker" sides, I can understand when we play away to Man-U, Chelsea etc BUT at home we should play 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1

yeah but I think at some point Newcastle need to start putting in a performance though. Bad against spurs, pretty bad against chelsea, and we really should be smashing Villa.
In hindsight, I wish we would have cashed in on Tiote--is he ever actually fit? And exactly what are Cisse and Ba upto? Cisse was pretty poor.

Obertan though. I know it's kind of fashionable to bash him but I really liked his work midweek and today.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by desijazba yeah but I think at some point Newcastle need to start putting in a performance though. Bad against spurs, pretty bad against chelsea, and we really should be smashing Villa. In hindsight, I wish we would have cashed in on Tiote--is he ever actually fit? And exactly what are Cisse and Ba upto? Cisse was pretty poor. Obertan though. I know it's kind of fashionable to bash him but I really liked his work midweek and today.

Yeah the performances have been poor, 2nd half against Spurs was good BUT it has been poor aside from that

Tiote's injuries are a bit worrying, he tends to miss 3-4 games from what appear to be innocuous knocks at times BUT I personally would not be keen on cashing in on him. Obviously if it is a daft enough bid BUT getting a good DM is very difficult

Cisse has not looked sharp, last season he was on fire and burying all chances and now he is barely getting chances and when he does he has not taken advantage. Still early days so not overly concerned BUT Pardew needs to ditch the 4-4-2 for the near future

Obertan had his best game for us against Atromitos BUT he needs to do it more often before I am convinced he is actually a footballer

[kingusama92]

What a strike from Ben Arfa.

Wish we had Andy Gray commentating on that one, "Ohhhhhhhh ya beauty, what a hit son, what a hit!'

[Canistani Hero]

Look at that. Great technique. Massive, massive talent.

[Canistani Hero]

Simpson injured. Ryan Taylor injured. Oh boy.

Santon can play both left and right. Perch too, if needed.

How long is Tiote out for? Noticed he wasn't even on the bench today. It's a pity Amalfiltano hasn't gotten too much of a chance to impress. When Newcastle picked him up for free, I was hoping it was another Pardrew masterclass bit of business.

[Canistani Hero]

Originally Posted by SempreSami There's always Shola.

The background music in this video made me too emotional What is it?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Canistani Hero Simpson injured. Ryan Taylor injured. Oh boy. Santon can play both left and right. Perch too, if needed. How long is Tiote out for? Noticed he wasn't even on the bench today. It's a pity Amalfiltano hasn't gotten too much of a chance to impress. When Newcastle picked him up for free, I was hoping it was another Pardrew masterclass bit of business.

Anita played at RB when Simpson got injured and he played quite well there, if Simpson is out for a while then I think he will carry on playing there

Not sure how long Tiote is out for, not been given any news regarding him. It reminds me of last season when he missed a good 8 or so games, each time we were told he is touch and go BUT then it would carry on and on like that. There is a 2 week international break so hopefully he can be fit in time for the Everton match

I like the look of Amalfitano from the little I have seen of him, was disappointed he didn't start the last Europa League game ahead of Dan Gosling (who has shown nothing of note so far for us) BUT Pardew seems to like to take his time introducing players into the team, doesn't throw them in unless injury forces his hand and with Amalfitano coming from the second division in France it makes sense to be more subtle with him

[Canistani Hero]

[Canistani Hero]

Marveaux seems pretty ordinary to me but Pardrew seems to see something special in him - Time will tell, I guess.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Canistani Hero

Lovely goal BUT that is all he has managed to do in his career, though in his defence he did have a horrific injury to deal with

He seems to have the knack of getting into the box (kinda like Kevin Nolan) BUT the rest of his game is just very meh, personally would loan him out to a Championship side for a year and see what regular football does for him

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Canistani Hero Marveaux seems pretty ordinary to me but Pardrew seems to see something special in him - Time will tell, I guess.

Marveaux is a Graham Carr signing, as are most of the signings that we have done

The only signings that are Pardew's were Ba and Obertan, the rest have been through the recommendation of Graham Carr

I actually like Marveaux, he is another who has had a bad time with injury BUT I think he is decent. He has good technique and his passing is good BUT the issue is that he doesn't really have a set position so not too sure where he would fit in for us

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Canistani Hero Look at that. Great technique. Massive, massive talent.

The guy is quality, our best player and on song he is up there with the best in the league

I can't believe he is ours (and we got him for a bargain) and he seems to like it here, hopefully he can stay for a long time because there are not many players like him

[kingusama92]

Will he stay with Newcastle for the rest of his career?

I am sure he'll be enticed by larger clubs willing to offer him big money.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by kingusama92 Will he stay with Newcastle for the rest of his career? I am sure he'll be enticed by larger clubs willing to offer him big money.

Doubt it very much

The way he has started this season, if he carries it on then bigger clubs will undoubtedly make a move for him and it is just a case of how badly the board want to keep him

I personally would sell Tiote, Cabaye, Cisse etc before I would sell Ben Arfa

Getting a player of his ability for the prices we pay would be extremely difficult and unlikely