Match Day Thread Newcastle v Preston - biggest game of the season

Saw a post yesterday from someone (can't remember who - apologies) suggesting some issues in the dressing room over selections/tactics etc - anyone heard anything else about this?

 

I think it was Windy. As I said, this stuff only ever raises its head when results are bad. I think its complete bollocks. I think the players are just down in the dumps because between them and Rafa, they contrived to throw away 2 points against Leeds. Massive disappointment and the realisation that Brighton were probably gonna be champs. With the short turnaround they took it into the Ipswich game and got tanned for it.

Then we have disharmony rumour.

 

Good... Everyone needs to fecking hit everyone!!! They have played ****e for months.!! A few home truths would not go amiss..!!

 

Thought as much myself - but you can see the likes of Ritchie getting a bit pissed off with what's happening behind him

I don't have an issue with the whole rotation thing - IF - you've a decent enough set of squad players, but too many of them have failed to deliver.

Fortunately we've a big enough gap between the last three games to ensure we play the same team without any significant need to rotate. Hopefully adding at least Clarke and possibly Gayle back into the mix

 

No issues with changes, if the mainstays deserve it (they don't) or we vary how we play (we don't). Sat to Mon is a short time I understand why we changed, it was more the attitude and tactics that surprised and angered me.

 

Exactly - especially for the likes of Mbemba who haven't played much lately - too many players simply weren't good enough once given a chance.

The one ray of hope is that - assuming we limp over the infamous "line" - the current performance demonstrate the need to invest heavily.

If we'd strolled it, I reckon Ashley would've taken a gamble on the squad being good enough come the summer

 

So what you are saying is Rafa has mind ****ed Mike with a bit of smoke and mirrors. Clever.

 

Not suggesting he'd be that devious (or would he??) - but, it might end up being a silver lining to the current cloud

 

Aslong as Clarke or Gayle return we're sorted

 

Hello up on Tyneside from deepest Lancashire, doubt whether you'll have much trouble winning on Monday, here's why Baptiste suspended Pearson suspended, Cunningham broke his leg on Monday and Clarke ruptured his Achilles' tendon at Huddersfield and will not play again until 2018. Three of the regular back four injured or suspended and out main ratter in midfield suspended. Hopefully it won't be six again but we have the same ref as that night so decisions wise we'll get sod all. As it is on the box doubt whether we'll bring many apart from the diehards such as me

 

Guess who is our ref for Preston.... Andrew Madely... yes the same one who is from Huddersfield....

Looks like the EFL want to keep us.....

 

We had him sat Villa gave the worst penalty decision against us I've seen in 45 years of watching North End

 

None of this whiter than white from the EFL then. Nice to see they're not kowtowing to the all that PR garbage.

 

Aye it's the refs and EFL fault lads...

 

Glad you agree.

It's primarily Pardew's fault though.

 

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Even without the conspiracy nonsense, how in the name of hell is this impartial?? Wouldn't be surprised if Swarbrick was the 4th official.

 

I'm not sure that exchange with the Sunderland board was a good deal after all.

Fair enough, I can understand giving them Fredor, but why take their Paranoia in return.

 

Don't worry, bud - the EFL's got yer back; next penalty we'll get will be discounted for offside.

You could put seniors out and we'll still be passing it sideways when we kick off vs Cardiff.