Newcastle aiming for Europe, and they can do it
What can I say about Newcastle that Ed Harrison hasn’t already said?
They’ve bought well and in Sam Allardyce they have the tactical and motivational leader who can surely do better than he did at Bolton considering the resources available to him.
The two things I’m still concerned with are the injuries, which have hit Newcastle the hardest (again) in pre-season, and the unproven nature of the Newcastle defense.
Until Newcastle solve their injury situation they cannot even think about challenging the top 4 – but they are good enough for a top-8 spot, although they still need some luck with the injuries.
Manager Status: Newcastle fans have high expectations but they are also tolerant and optimistic, so I’d expect Big Sam to be safe this season and the next. The pressure is on him to deliver European football though.
Transfer Analysis: So far I’ve been impressed with Newcastle’s transfer strategy – Big Sam has brought in the right players and offloaded the excess luggage. You’d expect Newcastle to sign at least one more defender but right now they look set for a top-10 finish at the very least, and quite capable of qualifying for the Uefa Cup.
Players to watch: Joey Barton has a lot to prove but I think Milner, Taylor, Owen (if he’s fit) and Rozehnal will have a much greater impact on Newcastle’s season.
August Fixtures: Newcastle United travel to the Reebok to take on Bolton on Saturday, then play Aston Villa at home and Middlesbrough away. 9 points are possible but with Newcastle’s history simply avoiding defeat in the two away games will be an improvement.
Expectations: The fans want a top-6 finish.
Predictions: Top half (5th-8th) – excuse me if I’m caught up in the transfer euphoria, but Newcastle do have a very strong squad and a very astute manager.
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Agree,their strike force fully fit is comparable to the top four…
Midfield is of decent quality what with the likes of Duff, Solano,Barton & Emre etc…
Defense is suspect of lack in depth…
Although Sam proved himself at Bolton,its how he manages the injuries which might determine the level of his success for Newcastle has always suffered because of their poor injury record…
It’s one thing signing players, it’s another thing altogether getting them to play as a team. If ‘Big Mouth’ Sam can pull that off then I agree, Newcastle are looking likely to return to their ‘glory days’ (of constantly coming second best in the league (even with a 12 point advantage at Christmas) and losing in FA Cup Finals!).
Ahmed – that’s a postive assessment
The key to Newcastle’s season and the reason the fans are so upbeat about the team is because of Sam Allardyce. His 7 players signed already are not only quality and experience but 3 free signings in Viduka, Cacapa and Geremi were great. Just think if we could also have captured Sidwell and Tal Ben Haim – who preferred Chelsea instead. But the proof of the pudding is in the eating and we’ll see how we do at the Reebok on Saturday – but the excitment is back on Tyneside – similar to when Bobby Robson took over 8 years ago.
Definately!!! Although Sam Alardyce has been solid in his transfer dealings esp his low cost ones. A little concern over Enrique though – I’m not generalising about Spanish players but Luque also came in from Spain with a big price tag and high expectations!!
I sincerely hope that Sam gets another 2 full back as cover for what we already have. I do expect players from the previous regime to be playing a lot better though under Sam.
Like lots of other Toon supporters I’m guardedly optimistic for this season. The players brought in seem to be quality and some were just what was needed. We’re still short defensively but upfront there are few teams our equal. Midfield is competitive with the tops sides. If we had a similar quality defensive squad then I’d be less guarded in my optimism. I expect top 10 – 8th? Right now I’d settle for UEFA qualification. At best, with some luck regarding injuries etc. probably no higher than 5th. That would be a massive improvement on previous seasons. Onward & upward!
how the hell do you deal with these injuries – you know Ed, if it was the training ground turf and I was the manager I’d dig up the pitch by hand and relay it myself. It’s crazy.
newcastle may be a great team in past but to return the glory days the must reach for big name transfers not free or tranfer listed players , like rafeal van der vaart who plays for hamburg but would be a great player to be brought in premier league and defender like david edgar should be given chance .and at last this season the magpies must focus in defence