Ups & Downs

Newcastle United confirmed Champions of the championship last night as Plymouth Argyle were going in the opposite direction. Die hard Geordie's and Argyle fans made the Monday night trip to Home Park. Newcastle players and fans were forced to board buses and cars for this 1000mile round trip but its was worth the travelling as the toon clinched the the title but sadly Argyle were relegated in the process. The south coast team sent out a banner at the beginning of the match congratulating us on our promotion even though they knew anything less than a win would see them back down to the 1st division. It was a difficult evening for the home fans as they had to watch the jubilant Geordie's race onto the pitch after the game celebrate the success along with players. the celebrations were well mannered and the result made the long trip home a much more enjoyable occasion.

We go into our last home game against ex- mackem and Big Al's biggest fans Ipswitch Town but the bookies wont be taking bets on Keano hanging around for the post match presentation of the championship trophy. 98 points with 2 games remaining keeps us in the hunt for the 100 points Tally. With no new injuries we should carry on and take down the tractor boys to help us fulfill our unbeaten home season while capturing them final 2 points needed for that 100 point tally.

Good luck boys don't give up now.

After match Celebration

video by LeazesEnd (uploader) @nufosfcok

Away to the Royals

Newcastle travelled to Reading for the long awaited postponed match. Kevin Nolan has been excellent for the toon this season and it was he who put this game beyond the Royals even though we put the ball in our own net late on. We fought for the final 30 mins with reading hoping for a goal that which spark a revival for vital points for there own promotion charge. However Newcastle proved to be the better team as we have proved on so many occasions this season. Only four defeats this season and eleven draws has seen us stay top of the table and dominate many teams week in week out. Reading being no different so Newcastle now need only 1 point to secure the title and that may come away to Plymouth on Monday the 19th while it looks increasingly likely to see Argyle being relegated to the 3rd tier of English football.

Seasiders swept aside

Newcastle United Back in the premiership for next season swept a Blackpool team in good form to one side as a wave of euphoria hits Tyne side. Newcastle looked like a team in a different league against Blackpool and the goals came in through Gutierrez, Carroll, Nolan and Routledge.

The seasiders did reply with a goal from Brett Ormerod but a consolation at that however it must have felt good to score a goal at St James' Park to the newly promoted Geordie's.

Good on ya Brett hope you enjoyed it.

Newcastle kept up the winning run and now look likely to grabbing a home record of zero defeats this season. Other record being chased are 100 point and 100 goals. Good luck lads lets go on and secure the championship title.

Gutierrez Goal

On the edge of success against the Blades

Before the game kicked off Newcastle were officially back in the prem for next season as other results meant Forest or any other team except West Brom could no longer catch us.

We went down a goal from in the 22 minute from Creswell but We battled on kept our heads and ended the evening with our home record still in-tact. Sheffield United came to take the points and did play well as they have done most of the season. They came into this game with a good solid and well organised team especially in defence. We were lucky enough to get a decision on the stroke of half time when lovenkrands went down in the Sheffield box. A penalty was awarded and duly put into the back of the net by Lovenkrands. The goal gave us the impetus to come out in the second half a take the points. The 73rd minute saw Kevin Nolan score a quality strike to win the game and ensure promotion celebrations were not dampened on the night.

Highlights

Peterborough Away

Newcastle went into this game with tails in the air after giving Forest a good old game at St James' Park. The Game however saw more goals and the home side were unlucky to finish on the loosing side. 2-3 the game ended with Barton netting on his return to first team action.

Nolan and Ameobi adding to there totals at London road and its now likely that we will not be playing in the championship next season, a win in our next fixture at home to Sheffield United would seal a spot back in the premiership for next season.

Ameobi song after his goal

Toon take down the Forest

Newcastle came up against Nottingham Forest in what was to be one of there greatest tests this season. Socks pulled and sleeves rolled Newcastle took the game to forest who barely tested our goal for the 90 minutes. Ameobi grabbed the first to set us on our way to victory and in the final minutes Enrique scored his first goal for the toon in front of the home fans. So Newcastle took the hurdle well and wiped any remaining hopes for the reds to finish the season in an automatic promotion place leaving them to scrap out a place in the play-offs for that final promotion place.

Highlights

Donny Put Up a Fight

Doncaster Rovers put a show on at the KeepMoat Stadium on Tuesday night but could not keep the Geordie's out. The match saw early chances kept out by the toon keeper, while it was another goal from Andy Carroll that won the game and surely another claim for the much publicised vacant number 9 shirt at St James'. Good work from winger Routledge fed the ball down the right for Carrolls goal which won all three points although Donny did keep battling throughout the match and did get the ball in the back of the net only for it to be ruled offside.

United now sit 2 points ahead of WBA and 10 points above Forest just before the latter visit St James' on Monday evening, we also have a game in hand over both these teams which will be away at reading on the 13th of April.

Highlights of the game

Bristol Away

Bristol City took an early lead in this away fixture and deservedly doubled the lead on the stroke of Half time, a poor first half from United but lots of possession gave the away contingent nothing to shout about.

However the second half saw Newcastle take the game to Bristol and snatch a couple of goals within 4 minutes of each other for us to seal another vital promotion point leaving us almost certain of at least a place in the play-offs. A Big mistake from the full-back and goal keeper gave us a massive boost as Gutierrez took advantage of the blunder to put in his second of the season.

That goal gave us the impetus to really go for it as up until then it looked like another goal draught away from home. Up and coming local lad Andy Carroll stepped up again and secured the point. We could have and should have then gone on to win the game but it wasn't to be and the point was not to be sniffed at. Bristol saw there highest attendance of the season while the Geordie's again sold out the away section.

Photo sourced from:- http://www.teamtalk.com/

Newcastle v Scunny

Newcastle Took revenge on Scunthorpe for the 2-1 defeat early on in the season by putting 3 past them at st James' park this evening. Back to 4 points clear and a game in hand over West Brom and Forest Newcastle now have a possible of 30 points from 10 game to compete for but its looking increasingly likely we will gain automatic promotion before then as we go 12 points ahead of 3rd place forest with a game in hand. With Forest coming to St James' park this month Newcastle will be looking to maximise points before then.
Goals for Andy Carroll and Lovenkrands gave Newcastle the points on the night which brings there totals up to 13 and 11 respectively, now Carroll shares top goal scorer with Kevin Nolan and Lovenkrands sits 2 behind.

Smoggies Cant See a Way Out

Boro led Newcastle only for Geordie boy Carrol to snatch a vital late goal to extend our unbeaten record and give us another push towards promotion. A hectic derby that could have seen either team pick up the point Newcastle did however fell lucky to get the late equaliser in the last minute. While Carroll got the one that secured the point Lovenkrands was again on the score sheet and seems to be mounting pressure on to Kevin Nolan for top goalscorer this season.

After the game there was some trouble outside the ground where local police took out there batons and used them on some Newcastle fans. what happened is not known but many complaints have been lodged.

So 2-2 the final score and Newcastle still hold a lead at the top all be it a slender one but with a game in hand still.

Highlights

Tykes Hit for Six

Toon take out the Tykes and to boost our goal difference. Newcastle United received an early penalty that effectively knocked the stuffing out of Barnsley. Six goals followed to send Us 8 points clear at the top of the championship. More doubles this time from Lovenkrands and Guthrie while Nolan and believe it or not yes Spiderman got in on the act too with a fine strike from outside the box, it was one worth waiting for but it would be nice to see more like that from the Argie.

Newcastle v Barnsley Highlights

No Sting in the Hornets Tail

Newcastle went looking for a rare away victory on Saturday as we kicked off at the unusual time of 3pm. The weather did not help the game as we saw sunshine and rainfall on an already greasy pitch, however that did not stop the goals from coming as newcastle won a free kick on the left from what can only be described as a blatant dive from Gutierrez and what should have been a yellow card for the argie gave us the advantage as Guthrie took the free kick only for the ball to be popped around the box on the heads of the Newcastle players but finally the other argie in the mix put the ball in the back of the net. Watford never stopped plugging away but early in the second half Van Aanholt got down the left in his last loan match and won the vital corner that Guthrie sung in for Carroll to steer a quality header in to the near post.

Newcastle did have some defending to do in the second half and word were exchanged between mags Smith and ex Hornet Williamson. Watford did get one back but it did look offside as the shot came in but the deflection off coliccini put the ball into the path of Hoskins to make it an edgy finish but United held out to win and stay top of the championship as Forest lost to Leicester and West brom overcame Derby. So we go 6 points clear of second place West brom and forest lie 8 points behind us in 3rd.

The win gives us the confidence back as we have stumbled on away days the last few weeks. Barnsley up next at St James' on Saturday.


Highlights Watford 1 - 2 Newcastle Utd

Toon steal points

A 3-0 win against preston in front of the home fans took United closer to Premiership football for next season. The win has given the Toon Army and many others plenty to talk about as everyone now believes we will return to the top flight next season. The talk however is all about our manager and the current squad and if they are good enough for a new season amongst the elite in English football. Certainly sitting at the top of the Championship is the right way to start but looking at it it's where we should be; we have players earning £80.000 per week for gods sake. If we were fighting for a play off position I don't think the Toon Army would be so happy and forgetful to fat ash. A couple of decent signings from Houghton has boosted the team to make sure of promotion but if/when we do go up, is he the right man to lead us?
If we look at his history he has done well for us but there have been times this season when we have played negatively or not even shown up - but surely this happens to the best of teams or players alike. Houghton came in as caretaker manager and had games against Arsenal, Man U and Chelsea. Although we did not win anything we certainly took the games to them, something we had not seen too much in the last few years at St James'.

"£80.000 per week"

So when houghton came in again he did well under very difficult circumstances, got on with the job with who he had and produced results. This you cannot take away from the man. There were many who thought we would crumble in the Championship but Houghton has not only steadied the ship but raised the sails and set sail for new horizons. He must be given a crack at the Premiership as he has earned the right but is he the man to lead Newcastle United back to the promised land or are we happy to fight it out for Premiership survival?
Would Ashley back him with cash if they both stay in charge and if no cash is available could we make a decent bid for top flight status?

"Newcastle United back to the promised land"

It certainly looks like Houghton will be given the chance and so he should but I believe in the end he will be shown the door and someone else will come in just as Glen Roeder was given the boot after sealing a 7th spot finish and leading us into Europe. Its hard going in the hot seat at Newcastle and now it's not that clear what the Toon Army make of Mr Cashley. Some are happy for him to stay particularly at a time when other clubs are fighting to stay afloat but others cannot forget what he has done and will be eternally affected by his antics.
I believe a new owner is a must and soon after a new manager with the experience to manage a top club to success. Good luck Chris. We are all behind you and want success for you and the team and may the goals keep coming. Howay the Lads. ..Comments

Back to winning ways

Newcastle went back to the top of the championship last night after an emphatic victory over Coventry City at St James' Park. the 4-1 victory also claws back those much needed goals to help bring our goal up. Goals from Routledge, Lovenkrands, Carroll and Ryan Taylor. The goal from Routledge being his first for the club and a great strike from the winger who received a standing ovation from the home crowd alongside our other winger Gutierrez while the two replacements combined to create our fourth goal Panctrate swinging in a cross for Ryan Taylor to fire in his third goal this season. After the two previous displays this was a very welcome result and result with a home tie against Preston being our next hurdle.

All at SwanSEA

The early saturday morning kick off in south wales took its toll on the geordie following as well as the entire Newcastle team. The game started off badly and finished a little better but only because of a late equaliser and a point secured from a terrible game we deserved nothing from. The Toon army were as quiet as I have ever heard them and didn't go unnoticed from the mags on the pitch. When we did score the celebration was in front of the away section as alan smith threw a fist to the air in persuasion to the Newcastle United fans but that was as forthcoming as the second and winning goal, however we should really have won the game as the final minutes ticked away we were the better and more likely to score.
After the game the toon slunked away with a point in the pocket.

Derby and out

A 3-0 hammering from another midlands club sent Newcastle crashing to there biggest defeat of the season. The display was terrible and one to forget nothing more need to be said.

Toon Toon

Here are some links to Newcastle videos you may or may not have seen .
all video's courtesy of youtube.com



season so far


You Fat Cockney Bast***


Compilation


Worship

Monkey Mackem

Geordie poetry

Silent Cuty

Cardif KO

Cardif's visit to St James' was not one they would like to remember after going 3-0 down after only 15 minutes Newcastle went on to sink the blue birds 5-1 with new boy Routledge picking up the man of the match award for his hard work, endevour and vision. Newcastle Have struggled to score many goals fo a long long time so this result was a welcome suprise for the toon army. Chops came back home and failed again to make an impression in the netting so only one Geordie went home unhappy on friday.

carrol was unlucky not to get his first senior Hat-trick but two goals will do a world of good to his confidence athlough bad news was recieved today in his trail.
Hopefully Carroll will keep his head down and carry on fighting for the number 9 jersey still vacant at St Jamse' Park.

Swansea up next and not a place where goals are easy to come by but lets hope we can give the traveling toon army something to sing about unlike the leicester game although if that fails we should at least be able to luagh at sunderland

Cardiff Visit

Cardiff come to Toon this Friday to play a non-televised league tie at St James' Park. The game has been brought forward from Saturday afternoon due to a certain fixture not that far away.

Nottingham Forrest slipped down a peg last night into 3rd spot as West Brom played there game in hand over Forrest, they beat Blackpool 3-2 which leaves the Baggies 3 points behind us but have played one game more. So its vital that we get all three points on Friday just to keep a small cushion between us and the chasing pack. If we loose to our promotion rivals on Friday it gives great incentive to those playing Saturday, we don't want to be putting ourselves under pressure as we know how Newcastle react to pressure situations.

Best for the Toon

Leon Best joined United a couple of ours before the transfer window closed on Monday evening.
We have picked him up for around £2m for 3 & a half years. Viewed by Houghton as a player with the ability to play at the top level along with all the rest of His winter signings.
But Best comes with a mixed reputation.

What he said:-"I'm definitely coming here in what has been my best season yet. I've been injury free and have played almost every game. I've also got 10 goals now and have had a couple of good little runs where I've scored in successive games."
"This is a huge chance for me to show what I can do in a top team. I feel like I'm in good form and feel confident that I'll be able to score more goals with these players around me."

"I didn't have to think about it (the move), it was unbelievable. It's a dream come true to play for this football club and I'm so excited - over excited really"

"World beater to carpet beater"


What they said (coventry fan)when asked Is Leon Best any good? ...

"yeah but no but yeah but no!!!
World beater to carpet beater on a match by match basis. Will probably end up proving us all wrong like Bothroyd at Cardiff!!
A bit lazy but has a lot of ability and is still young. Don't know what you paid for him but as he was near the end of his contract you probably got him at a bargain price cos we need the money!! It was a gamble worth taking if it was less than 1.5 million in today's market"

So the next few weeks should prove interesting watching how Best copes with a big club but I am not sure about his "top team" comments.

Coventry City fans are unhappy at loosing Best as he has not been replaced but Van Aanholt leaving the club has genuinely upset Coventry fans as they rate him highly. Its a good job we got him in as Enrique has a hamstring injury now and will be out for a few weeks.