Key areas to strengthen this summer.....

Priorities for me are:

1. (If Collo goes which I assume he will) A proven centre-back with the ability to keep the whole defence organised and calm, and another good quality centre-back to make a group of 4 who can be used in the first team (with Saylor and Mbiwa). (If Collo stays) we need a high quality centre-back to add to the group used.

2. Real investment in the medical/training side of the facilities to help cut out unnecessary injuries.

3. A 'new' Peter Beardsley. Someone who can come into the team (straight away) and work with the lead striker to carve out real chances while still being a 15-20 goals a season player himself.

4. A proven goalscorer to cover/rotate with Cisse

5. Improved coaching - especially on set pieces.

6. High Quality full-back cover (both sides)

So pretty much agreeing with you ACS!

 

the entire team (except Cabs)

 

He too has been shocking of late

 

He's definitely not a defensive midfield player. He's basically a deeper lying midfielder that makes runs from the back.

The guy isn't precise enough in the tackle and doesn't read the game well enough to be classed as a defensive mid IMO.

 

Based on what? He played defensive midfield for his last club and has admitted his best position is DM/ADM in interviews.

 

Right, so number 3

a. probably doesn't exist

b. would cost £30m if he did.

No problem there then

 

I admit I don't know who it could be. But the question was where do we feel the team needs strengthening, so I presume what sort of player should Carr and Pardew be looking for. I know we can't go out and get a £30 mill player, but there must be gems out there who could fill this role for us.

 

And regardless of what you would call his position, he should be playing in place of our DM tiote. He definitely shouldn't be playing so advanced which is the fundamental problem with the system.

 

I can't think of anyone in the Prem, regardless of price, who ticks those boxes (except maybe Fellaini - - not beardsley-esque but maybe performs the same function

 

Its more the function I was thinking about. Not for one second dreaming we could get him, but I think Hernandez would be similar too. I know we wouldn't get either of those, but I feel a player to try and fill that role would be a great asset.

 

What was I thinking ?

Suarez.

Sorted

 

If we could afford him I'd have him in a heartbeat. Horrible individual but great player. We took Barton and learned to love him!

 

The 'old' Beardsley would do me for now. I bet he can still run rings around half of our lot.

 

Pedro's still keeping his eye in by all accounts.

Full time at the Abbey Stadium: Cambridge United 1 Newcastle U21s 2


Wearing the number 8 shirt, Peter Beardsley then made his entrance on 63 minutes. Technically speaking, he's an over-age player for the U21s, at the age of 52.... Just slightly.

Pedro showed some deft touches but it was Cambridge who threatened a winner, their most impressive performer Tom Shaw turning and firing narrowly over the crossbar in the 81st minute.

Should call him Peter Pan.

 

If only Pedro could transfer half of his old skill levels into Obertan. With that pace he'd be amazing.

 

Ober is amazing, mostly for the wrong things though.

 

You'd think if any player was going t have a football brain it would be him!

I could see Pardew using him as a striker if Cisse is out

 

Shola's target man flick-ons for Ober to run on to - excellent. I can see it working.







My God how low have we fallen to even be thinking this? We should have bloody kept Leon Best. Even e was better than those two.

 

16th

 

Thanks for reminding me you miserable git!