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Good morning (or afternoon) to you! Sorry the links are a little late today, but they're arriving none the less! Tyneside is still buzzing somewhat with the signing of Papiss Demba Cisse, and rightfully so, I think. Depending on the report, he cost somewhere between £7.5m and £10m... either way he is the most expensive signing since the days of Kevin Keegan's Entertainers sides. With regard to the actual signing, I'm chuffed-- so far as the discussions coming up now about "Maybe Ashley and Llambias are better than we thought", I think we kind of need to tap the brakes on that one a bit. Anyway, we've got plenty of excitement with the new signing, the U18s making a serious run at the FA Youth Cup and lots of other stories, so let's jump and check them out!
NUFC youngsters beat Watford in Youth Cup - NUFC Latest News - Newcastle United - ChronicleLive
GEORDIE pride was the theme at St James’ Park as Newcastle United’s young guns dumped Watford out of the FA Youth Cup to keep their dreams of glory alive and kicking. Goals from Tynesiders Michael Hoganson and Dennis Knight did the damage for the Hornets.
Not only is it exciting that the U18s are making this run in the FA Youth Cup (harkening back to the Toon winners of 1985), local lads are playing a significant part in it-- the emphasis on local talent showing some early dividends.
BBC Sport - Gateshead sign Newcastle United striker Philip Airey
Blue Square Bet Premier side Gateshead sign striker Philip Airey from neighbours Newcastle United on a one-month loan deal.
Phil Airey is going to be an interesting conundrum heading to the end of the season... has he shown enough to earn a new contract?
Alan Pardew pledges to do his bit for Darlington FC - NUFC News - NUFC - JournalLive
The next problem will be putting a side out for tomorrow’s game at home to Fleetwood Town, and Pardew – a former non-League player with Whyteleafe, Epsom and Ewell, Corinthian Casuals, Dulwich Hamlet and Yeovil Town – is willing to do his bit. “Of course we’d try to help them,” he said. “That doesn’t mean we have players who would fit in his team and I can afford to let go. But he only has to pick up the phone to me and I will try to help him.” Darlington’s most pressing need is for a senior goalkeeper after the departure of Sam Russell.
While we're sitting here complaining on who is playing or who has or hasn't been purchased for millions of £, Darlo sits teetering on the verge of extinction. #Perspective. P.S. #RobElliottForDarlo? ;)
Leon Best eager to keep scoring at Fulham - NUFC Latest News - Newcastle United - ChronicleLive
Best has answered his critics in the last 12 months at Newcastle with 10 goals. And he admits while he is sometimes deemed the underdog in the search for first team glory, he is well accustomed to making his point when under pressure. Best said: “I thrive on these chances. “The great thing is playing for Newcastle United. My main is aim is always to get victories for Newcastle, if I score then great. But for me it is all about the team.” With four goals and two assists in 13 starts, Best has already underlined his worth to the United boss Alan Pardew.
AP has shown that he prefers a Best/Ba combination... but in this combo, Best demurrs almost completely. It will be interesting to see what happens when Cisse and Ba come back.
NUFC buoyed by Papiss Cisse coup but Alan Pardew still wary - NUFC News - NUFC - JournalLive
“We all want more income to move the club forward. The Virgin Money (shirt sponsorship) deal was important. Would this (Cissé) deal have happened if we had not secured the Virgin Money deal? Derek, Mike and Lee have had to work very hard to give me the funds to secure someone as important as Cissé.” As Pardew points out, Newcastle are buying at the best time – when in a position of strength. Now his aim is to finish the season with similar freedom.
It is a tangled web, undoubtedly, but the fact remains that there were over £20m left over from the sale of the former number 9 shirt... I think that our heady status in the top-6 of the PL is being used to erase our minds to the actual transfer situation a bit.
Time to show some respect to Ashley and Llambias? (From The Northern Echo)
Twelve months after Newcastle United supporters were heartbroken to see Andy Carroll leaving to join Liverpool on transfer-deadline day, some of the damage was finally repaired by the arrival of Papiss Cisse for £9m. A desperate attempt to curry favour following an ill-advised decision to change the name of St James' Park? The more cynical section of the Magpies support will no doubt see it as something similar. But that would be to do a disservice to Ashley and Derek Llambias, figures who continue to attract derision and suspicion in equal measure, but who surely now merit at least a modicum of respect for the manner in which they have set about turning Newcastle United around.
If I waited 12 months to make good on a business promise I make at my job, I'm not going to be receiving any calls for praise. Also, see above.
Alan Pardew keen to seal deal for Fabricio Coloccini - NUFC News - NUFC - JournalLive
Newcastle have not received an enquiry about him yet, although they know his stellar form has not gone unnoticed. Pardew said: “The priority for me is Coloccini’s new contract and one or two others. We are focused on that because we want to keep our best players. “He is our captain and I want to keep him – negotiations are due to restart shortly.”
I'm not really worried here, but... yes, please.
Danny Guthrie just focused on 40-point mark - NUFC Latest News - Newcastle United - ChronicleLive
Guthrie played schoolboy football for England, but played down recent talk that he was being touted for international honours. He said: “The main aim for me is to stay in this side, and stay fit. “Whenever I’m asked about England, all you say is you’d love to get a call. “If I can carry on the form I had before I got injured to the end of the season, then looking at players who’ve been called up in the past and in squads recently, I’d be hopeful, that’s all.”
Interesting that Guthrie is getting talk for the Englad setup. He has looked good for us when he played, although the pairing of he and Cabaye isn't the most ready made fit. Englad are needing to blood new midfielders, so why not?
JAMES PERCH has shrugged off his “utility man” role with Newcastle United ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Fulham. The Mansfield lad has simply got on with his job this season and made 12 appearances, featuring in five wins and two draws.
Ehm... #WhenPerchPlaysWeDon'tLose ... that is all.