Pardew's Comments - Ominous?

Sammy, Gosling and Obertan have had their chance and failed miserably.

And what about Campbell? Last year he was coming on at the end of games; now he's out on loan at St Mirren and fallen behind Armstrong in the pecking order? What must that do to the young lad's confidence?

 

Once we are a few points past 40 I agree, within reason. Blooding too many at once would just be a negative and confidence damaging experience for the younger players. Oh, and Obertan doesn't deserve any more chances - he really looks so disinterested and sulky when he plays, it's just too infuriating.

I'd like to see more of Marveaux - I think he has what it takes for the number 10 role. Ben Arfa needs to be played on the right side if he is chosen. Haidara deserves a run in the team and with Gouffran injured I don't see why Santon couldn't be pushed up. Bigirimana and Armstrong I also agree with. Certainly if we suffer and injury to one of our midfielders I'd prefer to see Bigi selected than Gosling.

 

He's on the bench today for St Mirren, so maybe he's not quite there yet.

 

Is Armstrong?

 

Who knows? But I disagree that having been loaned out means he's below Armstrong in the pecking order. NUFC want him to develop into a first team player and have sent him to a club that did a good job with Ferguson. Campbell himself has spoken in the past about being happy to go on loan and just wanting to play and learn from the experience. I doubt the fact that Armstrong is now doing well in the reserves and has gotten a place on the bench as a reward (due also to numerous striker injuries and bans) is going to be a blow to Campbells confidence at all.

 

Behind Armstrong? Campbell is being primed for next (or the following) season. You don't send a 16 year old out on loan, you give him some matchday experience of sitting on the bench whilst still getting games for the academy. Campbell has been through that stage, he's just turned 19 which is the perfect time to go out and get pro games under your belt. St Mirren is becoming a bit of a proving ground for the Newcastle lads, I'd say Campbell's confidence is sky high right now, especially given the fact he's hit the ground running in the SPL.

He's a current England international, has already had a taste of European football and appeared in the EPL, impressed in pre-season friendlies this year and has been sent out to play regular senior football across the border with a familiar face, Newton. Over 8 years at his boyhood club and his career is progressing well, I'd say he's happier than a pig in **** mate.

 

I get what you're saying but Jesus mate anything is better than Shola. I just worry he won't be given a chance.

I honestly think now is the best time to prime Campbell if he has a long-term future here. We can blood him for 20, 25 mins here and there. The pressure's off now since we're (virtually) safe.

 

If we had kept him around for the rest of the season we may not have even bothered signing De Jong, think about that

 

You might be right. I suppose it depends on whether Pardew plans to play Remy and De Jong together.