I know you're a mackem, but please at least attempt to engage your brain... Where in there is Pardew quoted as saying we're wanting Champion's League football next season? Thats a tabloid spinning their own story as usual. He HAS actually been quoted as saying the complete opposite on plenty of occasions as no-one, rightly, expects CL football any time soon. Europa itself would be a huge achievement but a very achieveable one now at this stage. He's only quoted as saying we're chasing the team in front of us now. There shouldnt be a single manager in the game that isnt aiming to overtake the team ahead of them. Its not like three points is a huge gap. Get a grip man.
I don't understand this bitter claim dopey. Why does my pointing out that your lot have been lucky most of the season upset you so badly? You have to be honest and admit it's true, Blackburn were kicking your arses till your luck again kicked in. Are you scared your luck will run out soon? Definitely seems I have hit a nerve again, I look forward to your best wishes.
If there was ever a season for a team to sneak past and into those top spots it might be this one. Arsenal are defensively wobbly, Liverpool inconsistent and lacking guile, Chelsea aging and lacking confidence. For the record I doubt they will do it. I think they are in a false position but if you are in February and in with a shot (which they are, sorry fellow Sunderland supporters) then they should bust a guy to try and do it. I am pretty sure the chances of European football are what convinced Ashley to buy another proper striker and refuse to sell any key assets, until the summer at least. He likes a silly gamble after all. Will they fail? My gut feeling odds calculator says 95% but if we were in their position, I would expect us to put our bodies on the line and do whatever we could to make it - those 5% chances do win once in a while. No doubt Toonies will think I belittle their odds but whatever, at least I agree they have a chance. I actually think both Sunderland and Newcastle may emerge in the next year or two as part of a new big 8. All power to it I say - I would die happy watching us stuff em in a European final.
I don't see what's wrong with them targeting it. We should be looking at Arsenal who are the team above us. Very much much doubt we'll overtake them, but if you don't give it a shot...
I say why not! They are where they are because of results end of, you can say they are in a false position and no matter how lucky they have been (especailly with the result against Blackburn) they have defied all odds and are doing really well. It hurts me to say this but we have all heard "they'll drop like a stone without Taylor/Ba/Toite ect ect" but they are still doing the buissiness so someones doing something right and lets be honest they have a decent team. I'm glad that both teams are on the up and hope we can take on the big boys one day with us staying as the tops dogs though! I've only one question though "what is it about Pardrew that I just don't like"? I just can't take to the guy.
Newcastle are where they are because Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool have misfired all season and Newcastle along with Spurs have grabbed their opportunity and have got into the mix for the top four, surprising...very but fair play too them. The other usual protagonists for a top six place, Villa and Everton are also struggling for differing reasons so someone has to fill the places these teams have failed to make there own, so why not the North East teams if we could both finish top six then we would have a lot to be excited about. However there is a third of the season left and a lot will change before the season ends in May all I will say is none of the five teams Ive spoken of are showing any great signs of getting their season back onto the rails. In the meantime if Newcastle do it then good luck to them as for us, can we keep this positive streak going ONLY TIME WILL TELL.
That could be it, he has abit of the Harry Redknap about him in that it's the teams/players fault when they lose but it was his doing when they win?