Usual bollocks. You were constantly saying throughout last season we wouldn't finish in the top 8 despite how well we were doing. You just say we'll fail no matter how stupid your arguments become. Man U and Chelsea are having their worst seasons in decades and apparently they're "on the up", Brighton are way ahead of us despite only being one point better off, and Villa are the next Man City. Wolves are the latest team you've hauled into it to make out they'll finish above us too.
I'll remind you of that when you lose our bet and I supply you with your avy and username for the entire season. You've made your bed haven't you.
It'll be 16 league games thankfully soon Newcastle will probably be outside the top 10 before that game.
When we were a surprise package, as such, the "quarterback" (I loathe the term, reminds me of Bruce/Rafa) Bruno worked. We were able to get the ball, transition quickly and attack at pace. But that's the problem with the PL - evolve, or die. He's now closed down quicker and although he's still easily the best player in the squad, when he's got "runners" like Longstaff, Miley (great talent, but lot to learn), Almiron, Burn, etc. reverting to type, it's just stopped working. When Tonali came I thought we'd see a bit of a shift, Bruno moving out to a bit more space to face the goal, maybe double pivot and convert Gordon to a 10, etc. Hell, back then I had high, heady hopes we might actually be after Maddison rather than Barnes. However, it obviously never happened and we've not been the same since. Other teams simply run around our very slow players - quite why Howe thinks another plodder like Philips, who again isn't really a DM, is the answer is beyond me. What I am mystified about it this "transformative long term transfer plan". That sounds like utter bollocks - so our preferred targets are, what, already agreed for this Summer? So literally on the 1st July we'll have 4 or 5 first team players strolling straight in?! I'd love someone to explain what the **** Douglas is talking about.
Another thing overlooked is the fact Howe plays an intense game but last season Newcastle were allowed to waste time. Newcastle had the lowest ball in play times and they now have to keep it up for much longer because they changed the rules. This is why comparing last season is a waste of time if you excuse the pun and why his huff and puff style isn't a long term option.
Anderson of Crystal Palace is the most likely cb solution. The more underwhelming the more I believe the story. He's a solid player I suppose.
Is he big and has he played in the PL? Crotically is Newcastle the biggest club he’ll ever play for? Then he sounds like the man for Eddie.
Good luck to him if he goes. He’s a very average player but that’s ok. We were a very average club when we needed him.
Yes and less ambitious than we thought I'm sure. Burns etc... Just reading that Fulham and Palace lead race for Philips
Like Edwards saying we won’t be spending much. Just loans. I think he’s right. Maybe one signing possibly and then loans. Which is understandable given how much we have already spent.
I wouldn't be giving Howe any more money.. he's had a role is recruiting the players and I'd like to see how things go once the injury excuses go.
Given how the season's gone, and the Summer recruitment, this makes the most sense. I'm resigned to it anyway, have zero expectations for this month at all. Howe's got no interest in replacing people like Burn, Almiron, Schar, Longstaff and Wilson so we're pissing in the wind moaning about it. Philips might appear, but I'd suspect that would only happen if it meant Bruno was being sold as we'd then simply have too many midfielders. They've got this plan, and I don't think much is going to change til Jan 2025, unless it goes desperately wrong between now and end of season. I hope that this Summer sees an improvement in the recruitment, mind. Can't go in buying yet more British subs and youth players.
See I'd be all over Jadon Sancho on loan. According to reports, Man U just want him offsite and will pick up most of his wages. Of all the positions I htink it's our weakest.
That would be a good call and he’s got something to prove. Is his best position not down the left though?