Our fit fitness guru starting to make an inpression?

A bonny lass to boot.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/spor.../pardew-heaps-praise-arrival-fitness-5373233?

The introduction of fitness consultant Faye Downey to Newcastle United has seen Alan Pardew's side work harder than any other he has managed

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Alan Pardew says that the introduction of fitness consultant Faye Downey has resulted in Newcastle United working harder than any team he’s ever managed.

The Magpies sustained almost 100 injuries last term – and Pardew has reacted by bringing in the former England Rugby Union performance director Downey to help prepare his team.

Downey has been working with the United squad since the Magpies returned for pre-season training.

The fitness expert has also worked with French playmaker Hatem Ben Arfa and Argentinian skipper Fabricio Coloccini on an individual basis during the club’s tour of Portugal.

Downey worked with England for the last two rugby World Cups, Leicester Tigers and London Irish, and has coached British tennis player Oliver Golding.

Pardew told the Chronicle: “Faye’s come in to oversee us as a performance director, and we’ve worked harder than we have under my management anywhere. We’re really pushing the boundaries here.

“She’s making sure that we do it in the right manner.”

United are yet to suffer any muscle or hamstring problems in their opening three friendly games against Motherwell, Rio Ave and Pacos de Ferreira.

The only knocks sustained in pre-season have been an arm injury to Shola Ameobi picked up against Rio Ave, which he quickly recovered from, and slight knocks for Sammy Ameobi and Yoan Gouffran.

Pardew said: “I’m very pleased with what she’s added so far.

“It’s for the whole season.”

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace co-chairman Steve Parish says that the club will not go back to Dan Gosling to revisit his proposed transfer from Newcastle.

Palace – who have also been linked with out of contract former West Ham United striker Carlton Cole – said: “It’s very unlikely Dan and Carlton will be signing, we have decided to move on.

“We are now looking at alternative targets.”

Gosling is now expected to return to training with the Magpies after being told only last week he can leave the club.

 

When you read about her, she is well respected as a fitness coach.
You don't become a England RU Coach unless you've got something about you.

Said it before, she could turn out to be one of the best signings club have made in a long time.
Hopefully, she can HBA fit and raring to go.

 

Even such a great piece of news such as this has to be ruined by the terrible news that Gosling is still here. Oh well, I guess we can't have all good news...

 

Shouldn't someone like this, this qualified, be on the staff on a full time permanent basis then?

Sure makes more sense than trying to bring in pointless assistants for JFK...

With this we might see some benefit on the pitch at least!

 

It's to balance the Force Darth, how many times do I need to teach you the basics?

 

If she has already made an impact this is great news. One area we seemed to really lack last season was fitness. Working for each other to find space when we had the ball and equally working our socks to close down space when we weren't in possession.

Whatever you say about the individual skills the league winning teams have had in recent years, it's the box-to-box work ethic that they've also had in common. Look at the likes of Man U, City and Arsenal (when they were dominant). They could always break quickly in fives and sixes to turn defensive situations into attacking options, but also had good shape and got everyone behind the ball when needed. They hussle and don't let teams have time on the ball.

Last season we seemed happy to get everyone behind the ball, but not actually work to close the space. Then if we were fortunate enough to win the ball, there were very few options up front.

Hoping she will knock them into shape. As others have said, this could well be our best signing this season.

 

I just hope she can find an old video of skinny Hatem working his magic, and then look at fat Hatem last season and in the preseason, and put two and two together and conclude that bulking up is only going to be bad for his playing style and put him on a diet. It would not only do the team but also my heart some good.

 

These Sith bastards never learn

 

I think this could be massive in terms of getting the best from the squad. I'm personally really disappointed by HBA. To come back in the shape he has again is pretty unprofessional. They can't even the required game time into. It is almost certain he won't be fit enough to start the season now and to me that is unacceptable. If as expected this is the case, I think it is time to dispense with the cotton wool treatment and make him play some reserve games. Tough love might be needed here because he is not looking after himself.

 

It is a big step in the right direction