The Newcastle United 'Let's have a repeat of the 2009/10 season' Thread

by Guest Thu 12 May 2016, 5:58 pm

So, here we're again, back in the Championship. How depressing. Thanks to the incompetence of the ownership & management hierarchy, we now enter a new era for the club. Hopefully this will be the beginning of something positive, by starting with the exodus of some incompetent staff & players, this summer.

There can only be one aim & that must be promotion.

Manager - Possibly, Rafael Benitez. I think he can be the difference between becoming Champions or not. Rumours are that we're currently throwing money at him, to entice him to stay. Back-up options will possibly start with Nigel Pearson.

Player Exodus
- Moussa Sissoko - An utter disgrace this season. Sold to Serie A, no doubt
- Gini Wijnaldum - Played until January, then went on holiday. Had no fight, no desire & 0 goals away from home.....embarrassing
- Daryl Janmaat - Guess we will bag £5m for him, whoever buys him, don't expect many clean sheets
- Fabricio Coloccini - Terrible decision by the hierachy to renew his contract. Off to Argentina you go.
- Andros Townsend - Terrific player, performed fantastically since he arrived. Reputation enhanced & doubters proved wrong. £8m to the PL
- Papiss Cisse - One way ticket to Turkey, China or the Middle-East
- Steven Taylor - Released
- Ayoze Perez - Questionable as to his future, if Rafa stays, could possibly see Perez staying, knowing his fellow countryman could help develop him
- Emmanuel Riviere - Ligue 1
- Yoan Gouffran - Ligue 1
- Siem De Jong - Terrible signing by the club, knowing he was injury prone. They then gave him a six-year contract. Embarrassing. Hopefully, if De Boer is appointed Everton manager, then Siem can go to Goodison.
- Florian Thauvin - Interesting one, as no deal with Marseille has been agreed, so he's coming back.
- Cheick Tiote - Bound to be sold, destination unknown

We will be left with a squad consisting of

GK - Krul/Elliott/Darlow
DEF - Anita/Dummett/Mbemba/Lascelles/Good/Sterry/Haidara/Mbabu
MID - Colback/Shelvey/Saivet/Aarons/Vuckic/Sammy Ameobi/De Jong?/Thauvin?/Gouffran?
ATT - Perez?/Mitrovic/Armstrong/Riviere?

Possible Incomings
Too early to judge, we need strengthening with experienced Championship players, but until our manager is confirmed, it's all up in the air. Heavily linked with Lewis Dunk, Tom Ince & Will Hughes in previous seasons though.

by Guest Fri 13 May 2016, 12:21 pm

Agree about Benitez being the difference between things clicking, becoming champions or possibly struggling to a play-off spot under someone else. If you don't get him, the natives might turn & be underwhelmed at whoever comes in & things could get tricky. Heard that Benitez has had 'positive talks' with the club & that key factors for Benitez have been about recruitment & who has control over incoming and outgoing transfers. I would just give him full control - it's a no-brainer.

by Guest Sat 14 May 2016, 12:55 pm

Rafael Benitez to make announcement on his future, within the next two weeks

Daryl Janmaat looks to be heading out of the club, rumours that he's in negotiations with two Serie A clubs.

by Geordie Mon 16 May 2016, 10:25 am

Yeah ive heard the Italy rumour to John.

No loss - lets find a couple of strong British full backs.

Mitrovic is banned for the first four games. That's a good start.

On a side note:
Do we have any young academy lads who might be worth a look for a few games in the league cup etc?

by Geordie Tue 17 May 2016, 10:03 am

Who would you have as Captain next season JOhn?

Laschelles?

Unless we sign a potential captain , I cant think of anyone in the squad who is suitable bar the young centre back who seems vocal and doesn't mix his words.

by Guest Tue 17 May 2016, 10:59 am

Looks more & more certain, that Rafael Benitez will stay on & manage us in the Championship. Unbelievable coup, if this does happen. Rumour is, that Graham Carr will be departing. I think we may see some surprising names staying this summer, who will want to be part of this new era, albeit in the Championship. Mitrovic has apparently stated he wants to stay, along with Ayoze Perez.

As for Captain, a total unknown. Lascelles has been very vocal, but still young & inexperienced. Colback, as a geordie, should really be stepping up to the plate, if he stays.

by Geordie Tue 17 May 2016, 3:58 pm

Yes, it does seem that he'll stay on which I absolutely brilliant. It means Ashley is giving what he wants...and that's full control of the football side. And Mr Carr is on his way...again not a bad thing, he's lived off Tiote and Cabaye's signings!

Ive been really impressed with Laschelles maturity. He's performed on the pitch but he's always been very clear and vocal about how everyone is playing...and hasn't shyed away from telling "the senior players" what he thinks. Not to mention he's got the physical size to him aswell.
We shall see I guess. Hopefully him and Mbemba will make a very good partnership.

Im happy Mitrovic wants to stay. I think he could be very good. He just has that dark / wreckless side to him that needs to be controlled. But not stopped...he still needs a bit of fire as I think that's part of his game.

Talk is that if Benitez stays so would Townsend...which on is recent performances would be another cracking move.

Whilst I hate being relegated it could be the start of the club finally sorting itself out.

Plus we'll have Armstrong back - a young Geordie lad...and one played against Spurs awell Jamie Sterry. And there are a few more in the pipeline

Aarons has also said he is definitely staying.

by Geordie Wed 18 May 2016, 9:14 pm

Looks like he's staying John.

That's MASSIVE!!!

by Guest Wed 25 May 2016, 12:39 pm

Rafael Benitez has agreed a three-year contract to remain Newcastle United manager

by Guest Wed 25 May 2016, 1:20 pm

It looks like all the worlds best (or best known) managers are heading to the Premiership. It seems that Benitez has been given the assurance that he will be in charge of all the transfer dealings. It seems that Mike Ashley over the past year or two has been stepping back and yielding control to footballing people - of course it turned out that Steve McCLaren was a mistake and not getting rid of him earlier a bigger mistake. Benitez would only stay if he had the confidence he had the tools and resources to get Newcastle back into the Premiership. Only time will tell how successful he will be. It is easy to underestimate how difficult the championship can be.

by **Crimey** Wed 25 May 2016, 1:28 pm

Same contract he originally had surely? Just hasn't used his break clause.

by Guest Wed 25 May 2016, 2:19 pm

Still the same contract as I understand, just finer details have been included, most notably, the Spaniard has written guarantees regarding the budget & areas of control, including recruitment into it.

by Geordie Thu 26 May 2016, 2:23 pm

Well very good news.

Now lets get rid of some of the deadwood. Bring in some good strong players and lets hope we turn up this season in the championship.

Who are you expecting to go. Rumours that Townsend is now on his way also.

So far id say

------------------Any of the keepers (All good)-----------

Anita---------Laschelles------Mbemba--------Mbabu

??------------Colback--------??Shelvey??------Aarons

-----------Mitrovic---------Armstrong--------

by **Crimey** Thu 26 May 2016, 2:35 pm

First thing Rafa did after confirming he was staying was go to the Disabled Supporter's party. He's a class act. Glad he's found fans that appreciate him.

by Marky Thu 26 May 2016, 3:04 pm

Crimey wrote:First thing Rafa did after confirming he was staying was go to the Disabled Supporter's party. He's a class act. Glad he's found fans that appreciate him.

AKA a home game king

by Guest Tue 31 May 2016, 7:26 pm

Fabio Pecchia, one of Rafael Benitez' assistants, will leave Newcastle to take charge of Hellas Verona in Serie B

Fabricio Coloccini is close to agreeing a move to San Lorenzo. Steven Taylor will be released & Kevin Mbabu has signed a new contract.

by Geordie Fri 03 Jun 2016, 8:48 pm

Have you heard any rumours of incomings John.

Any that you'd particularly like to see?

by Guest Fri 03 Jun 2016, 9:31 pm

Still early. Think we might be selling Mitrovic & Ross McCormack has been constantly linked this week, has a release clause & would probably score 20+ goals for us. Not totally convinced on him, he's a short-term option to fire us back up, but then I wouldn't want him leading the line back in the PL. Will Hughes has been linked previously, so could just be lazy journalism, along with Alvaro Arbeloa, who would link up with Benitez again. I saw today that we've been linked with WHU defender, Reece Burke, but that doesn't really excite me. To be honest, Benitez will have so many contacts abroad, unlikely to really know who's being targeted & we will need to first begin the clear-out. I see Wijnaldum is being linked with joining Koeman at Everton, which would make sense.

by Geordie Mon 06 Jun 2016, 10:09 am

Yeah it is still early.

I saw one report that Townsends clause had been activated by a premiership team at £8m. But I thought his clause was nearer £15m.

Id be quite disappointed to see Mitrovic go. Think he could be developed in to a good strong forward, and could work well with Armstrong.

Wouldn't be disappointed to see Wijnaldum go.

by Guest Wed 22 Jun 2016, 9:15 am

And so it begins.......at Craven Cottage, on Friday the 5th August on Sky Sports

August
Fulham (a)
Huddersfield (h)
Reading (h)
Bristol City (a)
Brighton (h)

September
Derby (a)
QPR (a)
Wolves (h)
Aston Villa (a)
Norwich (h)

Gentle opening month, then a tough looking September.

by Guest Tue 28 Jun 2016, 1:19 pm

First signing of the summer is Matz Sels. The Gent goalkeeper starred in their Champions League campaign last season. Fee is around £4m.

by Guest Tue 28 Jun 2016, 10:02 pm

Second signing of the summer is Dwight Gayle. Looks like we will be recouping £13m from the sale of Andros Townsend.

by Geordie Wed 29 Jun 2016, 1:06 pm

Does that goalkeeper signing mean the Krul to Everton rumour is true?

Is Townsend confirmed as going?

by Guest Wed 29 Jun 2016, 1:29 pm

Tim Krul will be sold, been linked with joining Koeman or even going to M'Boro. Not a huge loss, in my opinion. Matz Sels looks a top keeper, was voted player of the year & helped Gent win the Jupiler Pro League title in 2015 & played in the Champions League last season.

Andros Townsend is heading to Crystal Palace, for £13m. It looks like his replacement could be Matt Ritchie, for around £12m. Interesting developments.

by Geordie Wed 29 Jun 2016, 1:35 pm

Ah right, ive been a bit out of the loop. Well that looks interesting. And Gayle is a fast striker coming the other way from Palace?

Does that mean Armstrong will be a bit part player eased in to the system?

by Guest Wed 29 Jun 2016, 1:40 pm

Think Armstrong will be played here & there.

Line-Up:

------------------------Sels------------------------

----Anita-----Lascelles----Mbemba-----Dummett

------------------Colback----Shelvey--------------

-------Ritchie-------------?-----------Aarons/Gayle

------------------- Gayle/Mitrovic-------------------

by Geordie Wed 29 Jun 2016, 2:03 pm

Interesting lineup.

Perez behind Mitrovic?

by westisbest Wed 29 Jun 2016, 3:36 pm

Read you maybe signing Matt Richie.

Good signing if so.

by Geordie Wed 29 Jun 2016, 4:33 pm

That's seems to be the rumours...yeah id be happy with that signing...

by MIG Wed 29 Jun 2016, 4:35 pm

Would be a good signing for Newcastle but not sure about Ritchie. He was probably Bournemouth's stand out player in the PL last season not sure he should be dropping down a league?

by Guest Wed 29 Jun 2016, 5:04 pm

Think it's a cracking signing, given how good he has been for Bournemouth & having the experience of winning the championship previously. Don't really care why he's dropping down a league, we've probably offered him a good contract, but I'd like to think he's been attracted to the potential of the club under Benitez.

by Guest Fri 01 Jul 2016, 2:31 pm

Matt Ritchie & Dwight Gayle confirmed. Andros Townsend has joined Palace & Fabricio Coloccini has left Newcastle & joined San Lorenzo. The departures of Andros & Fabricio, freed up £120k off the wage bill. Apparently, Matt Ritchie will be paid £55k a week in wages.

by MIG Fri 01 Jul 2016, 2:46 pm

£14.3m over the next 5 years then. Maybe I understand a little more now, but still a little surprised.

by Geordie Fri 01 Jul 2016, 8:22 pm

Cracking signing.

Apparently there's about 3 more who are just about done deals or waiting to be announced.

Hopefully we'll also announce getting rid of sissoko, riviere etc etc which will probably free up a decent wedge of salary.

I like the type of players we're signing.

by Guest Sat 02 Jul 2016, 11:41 am

GeordieFalcon wrote:Apparently there's about 3 more who are just about done deals or waiting to be announced

Rumour that it will be Steven Caulker or Grant Hanley. Not a massive fan of Caulker, turning circle of a lorry, but might do a job in the Championship, as decent cover. I'd prefer Hanley.

by Geordie Wed 06 Jul 2016, 11:19 am

I see Rafa is really getting to work on the academy. About bloomin time someone did....I think they've been getting paid for nothing!

He says there should be local representatives in the team / squad. Maybe hes thinking of the Gerrard and Carragher effect on Liverpool.

Regardless we need to start seeing big results as there is so much love of football here...how are we not producing todays Gazza, Waddle, Beardsley, Shearer....etc etc

by Guest Thu 07 Jul 2016, 4:02 pm

We're signing right back Jesus Gamez from Atletico Madrid. Having medical today.

by Geordie Thu 07 Jul 2016, 10:00 pm

Good I was concerned about the full backs. Great to hear.

Sissoko in the Euro finals....hopefully someone comes in with with a nice bid for him!!!

by Guest Fri 08 Jul 2016, 8:24 pm

Close to signing Grant Hanley & interested in Isaac Hayden, of Arsenal. Very pleased with the signing of Gamez, impressive reports coming out of Spain about him & will be a significant defensive upgrade on Janmaat

----------------------------Sels/Darlow--------------------------------------------

--Gamez/Anita-----Lascelles----Mbemba/Hanley-----Dummett/Haidara/Mbabu

------------------Tiote/Colback----Shelvey/Saivet-------------------------------

------Ritchie---------------Perez/De Jong-------------------Aarons/Gayle-------

-----------------------Gayle/Mitrovic/Armstrong----------------------------------

Still to sell Krul, Janmaat, Sissoko, Wijnaldum, Riviere, Thauvin & Gouffran. Tiote could also be heading out. Still think there is plenty of work to be done with this squad, I wouldn't be confident going into the season the way the squad is above. Hopefully Grant Hanley is signed, but then we need to focus on strengthening that central midfield significantly, as there is little options available & another winger to cover Ritchie, in case of injury. Hoping to see at least three new faces before August. Not sure what else we got, Jamie Sterry, an injured Rob Eliott & then I think we've still got Sammy Ameobi & Haris Vuckic, who are bang average.

by **Dolphin Ziggler** Fri 08 Jul 2016, 9:05 pm

That team should be going for 100 points

by Guest Sat 09 Jul 2016, 11:42 am

Papiss Cisse has joined Shandong Luneng, for £5m. Isaac Hayden having medical at Newcastle according to reports.

by Geordie Sat 09 Jul 2016, 9:08 pm

Glad to see cisse going once and for all.

Hopefully the world class sissoko will command a huge fee also!

by Geordie Sun 10 Jul 2016, 8:45 pm

Think that Isaac hayden could be an interesting signing.

And Hanley looks a very imposing central defender and captain. Owen Coyle says he will not sell him. Guess it comes down to money.

by Geordie Sun 10 Jul 2016, 9:04 pm

And so far Sissoko is playing class in the final. Hope someone comes on for him.

by Guest Tue 12 Jul 2016, 11:37 am

Moussa Sissoko's agent is unhappy with the £35m price tag Laugh

We've been told to stump up £6m for Grant Hanley. He would be second choice, behind Lascelles & Mbemba, so club not overly keen to pay that much.

by Geordie Thu 14 Jul 2016, 11:45 am

Id make it 15-20 and get shot of him. Then look to replace quickly, which Rafa seems to be good at doing.

Im hoping Laschelles continues his commanding peformances at the back end of the season. Him and MBema could be a partnership for years!

by Guest Sat 16 Jul 2016, 5:36 pm

Bohemian 0-6 Newcastle

Matt Ritchie, Dwight Gayle & Mitrovic on the score-sheet today.

by Guest Thu 21 Jul 2016, 8:49 am

Wijnaldum has gone for £25m. Good luck to him, at least he acted professional & didn't constantly mouth off about wanting away, unlike Sissoko. Hopefully we can just get rid of Sissoko now ASAP & start focusing on the challenges ahead.

Doncaster 2-2 Newcastle - Thought we were awful last night, shows that this season won't be plain sailing. Sels made a horrific error & the defensive performance was worryingly bad.

Like to see at least three new faces, including a new LB.

by Geordie Thu 21 Jul 2016, 4:34 pm

Yeah you are right about Wijnaldum being a bit more professional...but I'm still glad to get shot of him! And that's a nice amount for him. Now lets rid of that knacker from France! I'm sure they're working on it behind the scenes.

I seen Grant Hanley has signed. That gives us Mbemba, Laschelles, Hanley and Hayden (who covers the defensive midfield role also) .

Yeah heard the Doncaster game wasn't great. But its early, and with a few new faces in there learning the system. Lets hope its just a bit of rust.

It'll be interesting to see who else will come in. With the money for Winjnaldum and hopefully Sisoko there should be money. Just need to get the right players.

What would your starting 11 be s far John?

by Guest Sun 24 Jul 2016, 3:24 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:What would your starting 11 be s far John?

Still too early really. Even Janmaat has been interviewed stating he could stay & the future of Thauvin is still undecided, he's featured quite heavily during our friendly games. If we can't find a new left back, Gamez might have to play there & Janmaat at RB. Perez has looked sharp during pre season, so has probably locked down the no. 10 role, with Aarons & Ritchie on the wings.

Steven Taylor looks like he going to the MLS.

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