With Newcastle regaining the North East's top dog status after being held by us for the previous three season's its going to be very interesting next season. This will be MoN's first summer in charge of the club and I'm sure he will stamp his authority on the side, he needs to as the current squad let alone first XI does not have enough quality IMO. I wouldn't be surprised if SAFC is one of the most active clubs this transfer window along with the likes of West Ham and QPR. We have quite a few players who are entering the last year of there contracts in Kilgallon, Turner, Bramble, Angeleri, McCartney, Richardson and Campbell (maybe a couple more including Meyler I aint sure but that lot definitely are) so it will be interesting regarding these players, if clubs are interested do we move them on for a fee or let them go for nothing this time next year. As for Newcastle I have to say they certainly have a much superior first XI than us and they have only been back in the premier league 2seasons!!! They certainly have goals in there side with Ba and Cisse and the creativity and variety in midfield with Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Tiote and Gutierrez without forgetting there brilliant captain in Colocinni. Europa League football could be make or brake for Newcastle depending on there squad depth, some squads cope but we seen with Stoke last season after every tie in Europe they seemed to get beat in there next league fixture. Its going to be very exciting next season and we really have our work cut out to reclaim north east top spot but I have to say if there was a manager who could achieve that its MoN, I do think both of us are going to have great season's. I just hope we can bring in players of the quality Newcastle seem likely to in strongly linked targets Anita and Debuchy, both who would be fantastic in our side and are certainly next level players. Obviously hard to predict at the minute with departures and arrivals will start to get underway in the next month or so but I think if we can finish 10th or higher next season it will be a good first full season for MoN.
Think it'll all depend on who MON brings in, for me we need at least 5 new players for the first 11 and, at least another 2/3 for the squad. Talking to the barcodes at work and they seem to think they'll lose at least 2 maybe 3 of their top players before the season starts so it'll also depend on who they bring in as well.
We're way short of the ****ers down the road quality wise right now, undeniable. I will make no predictions until the window takes shape and we see if we have the dollars to press on, in terms of closing the gap, who the Toon lose could be just as important as who we sign. No player sales at the advertising board arena, and we are really struggling to close the gap, even with major investment.
To be honest, its important but after last seasons ups and downs I'm more bothered about us having a good season. If we finish top ten but behind Newcastle I wont lose any sleep.
Trying to remove all bias, we have greater quality but Europa League gives you an advantage. It will be closer than last season.
I would say we have Mclean (who i think will be as good as Bale) Seb (fantastic free kick taker), and Sess, but their europa league run will cost them next season, and if they finish above Chelsea next season i will go to SAFC and wear a black and white top at every home match!, they flucked last season as some teams do, but we better finish above teams like Swansea and Norwich next season. And has Ellis short stated that we need to finish 6th or win the fa cup next season?.
Fluked is unfair. They benefited from a weak Chelsea and Liverpool, but time and time again they performed under pressure. The smelly ****ers.
I don't think you can fluke a season but can have odd over achievements eg Everton 4th then 11th the season after
As it stands mags are light years ahead...bastards This could all change in the coming months but it will need major work..god help us.
