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This past week started out nicely enough, and hopes were high that the Toon would be able to extend their unbeaten run in all competitions to 15 matches on Wednesday. Unfortunately it was not to be as we fell 4-3 (aet)-- although by all accounts we won in the stands. Most estimates had around 4500 Newcastle fans at Ewood Park for the Carling Cup clash. There is a reason that Newcastle is what it is and the supporters have the reputation that they do.
We've got a decent set of links here today- some reactions from mid-week, new transfer rumors, and another light on a slow fuse that is going to get me Marvin the Martian-type angry if there are too many more touches on said fuse. So, without further ado, links!
Reaction from Newcastle v. Blackburn
Tearful Fabricio Coloccini sorry for NUFC fans - NUFC Latest News - Newcastle United - ChronicleLive
In all fairness, even through the worst of times the Toon Army have stood faithfully beside their club, so it can't be a surprise that, as the team are on a decided up-tick, support is as good as it's ever been. The symbiosis between squad and support is perhaps one of the greatest assets that Newcastle United Football Club have going for them at this point.
Current Squad Stories
This Man Can Be Newcastle’s Very Own Geordie Xavi | Football & Sport | Sabotage Times
Two things from this one:
1. This is gold.
Given, Bassong, Bramble, Duff, Enrique, N’Zogbia, Barton, Jenas, and a certain Mr Carroll. They all left Newcastle United in the hope of bigger and better things, and today they’re all staring up at us in the table. Most of them from a bench.
and 2.
I was only able to track the Carling Cup tie through Twitter, on which Robert dropped this brilliant hashtag: #CABAYEISLEGEND -- if you have a twitter, I implore you that you use this judiciously. Also, is Yohan Cabaye a good bit of business from the summer, or the best bit of business?
Sammy Ameobi eager to have a big future - NUFC News - NUFC - JournalLive
I like Sammy Ameobi. I like Shola Ameobi. I managed to lose on track of the specific article that I am recollecting, but I did read one not too very long ago about Sammy and his love for Newcastle United. As a supporter, there is nothing I crave more than a player that at least appears as emotionally invested in the club as we are.
Tiote will be fit to make quick comeback (From The Northern Echo)
This is pretty good news. If we can have Cheik Tiote back for Stoke this weekend, it would be a tremendous boost.
BBC Sport - Danny Guthrie ready for Newcastle United chance
So Guthrie's goal v. Blackburn was really nice-- I'm still not sure that he's in my top 16, but I think he's got a deserved spot on the squad. I mean, it's not like he's on £60,000 per week.
Transfer Rumors!
Alan Smith wanted by West Ham in bid to solve injury crisis | Mail Online
Signed by Allardyce from Old Trafford for £6million in 2007, Smith is in the final year of his lucrative £60,000-a-week contract at St James' Park.
So-- I've always had a bit of fondness for Alan Smith, and he's had 83 appearances for the club since 2007, but he's frankly not too much higher on the squad than Danny Guthrie, he's 30 and on £60,000 a week. I'm not going to be surprised if we see him move on in January.
Newcastle Face Fierce Rivals in Pursuit of £12m Senegal Striker
I'm not sure where we're really at on this one. If we really have agreed a fee for Modibo Maiga, I'm would be surprised if we do spend a further £12m on another striker (although I would be glad to see it happen, just to spite the mackems)
This has absolutely got to be a joke. I understand that in the media's eyes we are inexplicably flying high and inevitable to come crashing down, so why not start rumors? This is the second player in the last week who I would consider untouchable from our squad that has been linked with a move away from St. James'. Having finally gained a little footing with the supporters, I really don't see #FCB making a move like this... but many of his moves have been made in consideration of his pockets, so I guess nothing is out of the question. On a personal note, in the unlikely event that Captain Colo is shifted to Liverpool, I will personally fly over to England and join in whatever supporter protests follow such a crap move.
The Young Ones
Newcastle United reserves get win over Leeds - NUFC Latest News - Newcastle United - ChronicleLive
This was another match that doesn't count in the Reserve League standings, but another win is another win. It's quite encouraging that the Academy and the Reserves are riding as high on the wave as the senior squad. If we can develop and keep excellent young talent, then it follows that we'd be more likely to pay them if and when they explode on the senior team, having not had to spend a transfer fee to get them on the team.
No end in sight to Wallsend production line - Telegraph
Shearer, Beardsley and Carrick. Not too shabby a lineage coming out of this program.