I still feel like we missed a trick not trying to attract some more proven talent in the summer before CL, and instead now we'll be trying to negotiate off the back of an underwhelming season. Thinking of some of the alleged first choices that slipped by - Diaby, Szoboszlai, Maddison, MacAllister, ...

Sad to see him go, but I don't blame him. When I changed jobs I didn't notify my previous employer until I had the offer agreed and signed, then gave my notice period. In terms of effective change - there's a lot of room for improvement and investment at Man Utd. They'll be offering a significant sa...

He's the clubs loan manager I believe.

This is the house of cards again though. We can just about put a side out with Gordon, Murphy and Almiron as the front 3 and no impact sub other than Ritchie. One of them gets an injury (or Gordon's suspension) and you're potentially playing Murphy up top, Tino as a winger and a series of unfancied...

Hence the signings of Kuol (~£350k), Heffernan, Minteh (~£7m), Ashby (~£3.4m), Harrison, etc...

With Yankuba Minteh coming back, he's demonstrated he can play at CL level, and within 3 years will qualify as HG. Garang Kuol needs development time, but will also qualify. There's also Cathal Heffernan who will qualify. Until they qualify, they don't take a registration place for Europe being unde...

Hendrick I have a soft spot on FM for, but I don't think either him or Hayden will plug the gap. Plus, I think it's fairer for them to let them keep their current loans to give them the best chance of finding a new club at the end of the season - as players come back from injury it's unlikely warmin...

Aye. Truth is while squad depth has improved, having 11+ first team players injured for half a season is going to be a setback. Now, I think challenging some decisions like playing Murphy with a dislocated shoulder, not giving Trippier a break when he's been flagging and a reluctance in using substi...

Any news on Nick Pope's shoulder?

Last time he took a shoulder injury he was out for most of the season if I recall.

He's admitted to betting on games he was involved in (for his team to win). That makes it more serious than Toney (who bet for/against his team in matches where he was not selected). Fagioli approached the authorities before being brought in for questioning; Tonali confessed and cooperated when appr...

I recall being confused that Lascelles was still club captain this season after barely featuring last season.
I was surprised to see him captain this match.
I think I understand now.

I know it was not the strongest City side...but can we appreciate a clean sheet with a centre back pairing of Lascelles and Dummett?

Rafa didn’t half sign some **** <laugh> I'd say generally, the club did quite well with transfers under him. Sels, Lazaar, Atsu and Muto are the only ones I can think of as particularly bad value in hindsight. For reference - the players signed under Rafas tenure (bold still at the club): Ritchie (...

Surprised with that. If anyone I was expecting a Cucurella loan from Chelsea, but Lewis Hall on a permanent is better business. The fee feels steep (he's not even had 10 Football League games to his name yet!) but he helps with depth and development at LB. Plus at 18 he doesn't require registration ...

He is good on the ball, but not in a way that suits how Newcastle play.
His weakness is when he plays in a high defensive line or with his back to play. He's better when he can see the pitch.

Think West Ham is a better fit for him.

Would've liked to see Anderson get a few minutes with the lead as it is...

originallad wrote: ↑

Sat Aug 12, 2023 6:04 pm

Have to say that Bruno has had a bit of a stinker today.

Yet Newcastle are 3-1 up.
Could you say that last season?

Tbf, it looked a pretty bad injury for Tyrone Mings.
Added 10 minutes was warranted.

As for Martinez, only thing I can think of is - if that was an outfield player would it be a red?
On the by-line...probably not in all honesty.

Last year of his contract, 31 years old, with Isak and possibly even Gordon ready to pick up going forwards...I'd like him to stay, but I think the club would be daft to turn down anything over £45m given the circumstances.

He'd be tough to replace before January mind...

I reckon: 1) Understudy/Cover left back. Targett was out a chunk of last season with fitness issues, and while Burn did a solid job, there's going to be a lot of games next season - he can't cover CB and LB all season on his own. 2) Understudy CB. Schar and Botman are a great pair, but I worry whene...