Pardew Speaks!!!

Our weakness in positions are well documented. We've needed a 3rd CB and a backup/starting striker since the beginning of time.
I'm sorry for you, but there is no way Shola ****s off as we hope for. We can only hope that the club get another striker in for competition, and we get a CB.
Not sure what to think about Jonas(****e), but not sure if the club is going to look into someone for the winger positions before CB and striker

 

Rather than start a new thread, and yet another dedicated to Darren Bent, turns out that Pardew has openly admitted his interest in him?!??!?!?

Him and Remy are said to be of interest, which somewhat supports some media claims and poo-poos others (as in, we've "turned down" the chance to sign Remy). Nothing new there. That said, if it were between the two of them, French or not surely it's Remy every, single time?

Sounds like at the very least we might be cranking the rusty wheels in motion around transfers. Joe is apparently doing all he can - according to Pards - which I find slightly hard to believe given he's in Sardinia. But maybe we'll make some breakthroughs soon.

 

I think Pards has it bang on. Our problem is not so much numbers now following the January influx, its the balance of the squad, We have too much of some and not enough of others. I can see why he is busy offloading Gosling for instance (apart from being ****e). We have more than enough central midfielders. If Willo departs, and young Streete is not ready to make the grade, we'll be a centre back short. We have three quality centre backs for next season, the next one will need to be happy to play a bit part role. Streete could be that guy. Obviously the concern is Saylor and Colo's fitness. We lack competition in the wide areas and I think we are a full back short. If we signed a left back, a wide man and two strikers I'd be over the moon personally. I think we'd have a well balanced squad. If Willo, Simpson, Obertan and Shola were the 4 to be swapped out then great. Even if we only got one striker I think we'd be fine. Not what fans would want but I personally wouldn't be overly concerned.

 

Actually, I have another suggestion to refute the need for a CB - what about Curtis Good? Really solid season of development last year, perhaps he's ready to be given that 4th choice slot? Certainly we don't seem to hear that there's any urgency in terms of signing a CB. And Streete is apparently a real talent; certainly stepping out regularly for the reserves at 17 is a good sign. The only concern, really, is the reliability of Saylor; but then, now, if he goes down we have MYM who's had 6 months in the deep end. And with Colo now being committed to the cause, I expect we'll see at least 30 games from him (convinced myself that the back injury was more of a cover for his state of mind). The more I think about it, the less bothered I am by seeing a CB. I'm not sure I'd be that bothered if Willo stays, as I'm certain Colo will get back to being an ever-present. Maybe even in World Cup year, he'll have his best season? Not out of the question that he could head for Brazil.

As for other players, like I said, it really depends on if we have a clear game plan. I think we did well finishing 5th because we just adapted to the opponents gameplan every week; we'd spend literally 5 days preparing for the next game and not looking past that. When the European football came in, that luxury disappeared and we were changing too much - that's the difference between sides in Europe and those not; those in Europe come with their game and it's up to the opponents to do something about it. The also-rans like us have to adapt. So our transition season last year needs to be just that - moving from a disruptive model of game-by-game tactics to a progressive identity of consistent football. I'd like to see us experiment with some 3-4-2-1 type formations, or just get fully to grips with the 4-3-3 we've tried and failed with previously. I don't want us to keep reverting to 4-4-2 just because it suits. Point being we pretty much HAVE two decent players per position, except up front. We should not hinder Campbell, but we just need someone extra to work as an alternative to, or a foil to, Cisse. I completely disagree with Pardew that Bent is that man. He's similar, except less of a team player and more disruptive. He cannot be the answer. I would only hope that Bent > Ameobi and we were still after a "1st choice", so Remy + Bent is acceptable.

I also think there's something in Sinclair and Ince rumour. Jonas comes out this week saying he's pretty much on the slide, and that's one area of penetration we lack in. HBA is unreliable (injury) so we need to support him with goals from midfield. Maybe Gouff can add this, but he was a bit hot and cold and never really shone. I think and Ince or Sinclair can then work out well from the left side of a front 3, with Jonas being more useful on the left side of a 5 man midf. (I'd still put Santon further up the pitch, mind you, and give Haidara a run).

All in all very, very positive soundbytes from a manager I'd have paid good money to be shot of. I still might, come October, but for the moment it looks an awful lot rosier with someone "in charge".

 

He also stated that we need two new strikers bringing in. Remy and Bent? Very hopeful stuff.

 

Kinnear has made Pardew seen a much better prospect than he did a month or so ago. If he can get the team playing the sort of football we did in patches the season before last all will be well.

 

I knew all you doubters would come round to Warm Pouch and my views on St Alan, oh yes.... you all mocked without giving due consideration to the one one indisputable fact behind our support for the manager.........we're right and you're all wrong....

 

I really don't want Bent. Mind all he has said is he can talk about him, and then went on not to! I think we have to assume he is on the list. Hopefully there are better options on there with a more all round game.

 

I can see Bent arriving on deadline day on a cut price deal, some kind of low-rent bidding war with Stoke, or someone. And I wouldn't be disheartened, as long as someone like Remy had already made a couple of appearances in the black n whites by 1st September.

However, if I've had to watch Shola being brought on in the 60th minute of a drubbing vs Man City, and THEN we sign no-one but Bent on the 31st August, it's back to "Pardew Out" I'm afraid!!!

 

Remy would be a different story and would make Bent instantly more acceptable. If we had Remy, Cisse, Bent, Campbell I'd be surprised if anyone was unhappy. The fact he mentioned Shola in the mix was worrying but I think offloading Shola will be problematic.

 

I did grimace at that. Though , politically, he can't ignore him. He's a senior squad member, whether utter sh!t or not.

 

Remy, Cisse, HBA as the front three (Gouff and Marveaux as back up for injuty/suspension).

Bent on the bench to be brought on to goal poach as necessary - - ok I suppose. Still would rather not have him, and let Campbell have the late minute appearances

 

If Shola ever loved Newcastle he knows he must **** off in the coming weeks. Anywhere will do as long as he isn't here next season. I wouldn't wish his ****ness on most teams and Christ knows who would put in a bid in but he must go. He can't be here for another season, he just can't be!

 

Aye you're right there, he can't just not mention him I suppose. His departure is long overdue, time to move on. And its like a girl who you've been with for a long time but no longer love, flirting with the odd shag for selfish needs is not helpful. We can't keep him hanging around the place in some sort of pity move, we need a clean break!