United Again

Newcastle didn't let us down on a night of high tension for the north east. Widely predicted to go down, both teams put on a show that didn't fail to entertain the neutral. However to a Middlesbrough or Newcastle fan, it was indeed a painful game to watch for most of the time. Some big performances from some big players won the game on the night but it could have gone either way. I feel we were the worthy winners in the end. The bookies have now slashed the odds for us to go down as Hull City replaced us in the drop zone with many predicting they will go down along with Middlesbrough and West Brom. Nothing is set in stone yet with only two games to go and with the opposition still vying for the league title or a European place, no team down the wrong end can be assured of an easy game. While the future of Newcastle is now held in our own hands, we must be united again as before to create an atmosphere like that against Pompey and Middlesbrough. St James' park full and boiling over with passion must be a daunting place to go for even top professional players, so to create an atmosphere against Fulham could go along way to guaranteeing our premier status for next year. It's going to be tough but I believe we will do it with the players we have. On the night we saw some football that was a little desperate at times, lots of luck, hesitation, plenty of sloppy passing and some tired legs. At least we saw spirit and endeavour from every single Newcastle player and after going one down after 3 Mins we needed it. Fortunately Newcastle got an early equaliser and pushed hard until we got the next two. The substitutions were good as Gutierrez looked tired as he was being knocked off the ball too easily. I think everyone wanted Obafemi on the pitch but not at the expense of Michael Owen as he put in a good shift, but the change proved to be pivotal as Martins fired us into ecstasy. St James' went mad as Martins leapt on Shearer who was as animated as the rest of his fellow Geordies. Peter Lovenkrands, a lucky player in my eyes after his goal against Manchester Utd, got the final goal which put the game beyond doubt and enabled the Toon army all over the world to actually sit back, smile and enjoy 5 minutes of football. What a game, what a night but the hard work has just begun. Howay the lads. pic

sourced from: http://www.zimbio.com/

Playing with pride

Newcastle United never cease to amaze. Just when we think we will get a good thrashing, the depleted team put in an inspired effort and feel unlucky to come away with nothing against the league leaders. The fact that Smith has not played for a very long time, Oba out for weeks and players played out of position, says a great deal about the team and their ability. However as we have said before we need to build on this, its no good putting in a performance like that then go to Hull and roll over. We all know what that's like as it happens far to often.
Full credit goes to the caretaker and his assistant for the Manchester Utd game but we still need to get someone in before the end of the season and I believe Joe isn't the man.
Joe has done his best and obviously loves the game but he should quit football or at least take a lower pressure job. The Newcastle job comes with too much baggage but hopefully one day we will have our success.
Maybe Lee Clark will be ready for the job in a couple of years. A Geordie at the helm makes a big difference at St James' Park