Shola...

I would have like Cisse to start and think he should from now on. Shola is like Simpson in my view; I am happy to have him in the squad but I do want better for a starting striker.

My comments were in response to the torrent of Shola slating which preceded them, and which in my view were unwarranted.

 

He tried for me and in a certain way I can see what Pards thought. He does like to step up when we need it. It just didn't work out but whereas I don't see him as a starter I do think he has finally found a niche role in the squad. I'm not sure why but the lad just doesn't move much when he starts games and it can pass him by. I do think most of the his own poor performance is down to him but I do think some is down to our fecking defenders/keeper deciding 60 yard bombs are going to be effective! He is a threat aerially but it's just not the way to go.

As always despite my misgivings about him, I'll continue to back him vociferously once he is in the shirt.

 

I was on the stadium tour yesterday and from what I have gathered, the game plan had been completed when Ba took himself off to London. AP took the decision not to change the system at the eleventh hour but simply replace like for like with Strolla taking up the position as a poor man's Demba.

Today Pardew has confirmed that Cisse will be playing through the middle from now on, which is welcome news.

BTW did anyone hear Graham Courtney, the so called North East football expert, tell Talk ****e today how much the fans love Shola. I can tell you the people around me in the Leazes End last night weren't loving him very much. He also said that we were unlucky when Perch hit the CROSSBAR!!

 

great news that Cisse is to play through the middle. I often knock him but Steve Wraith called this one just before kick off last night.

 

I watched the game , and didn't find Shola doing anything that much wrong, except his stupid silly fouls which are well documented. I'm ok with him for 30 or so minutes, and to start when we're in a bad injury-hit patch but definitely not as a first option.

In short, we need a new striker.