Toon Crier: Silly Season in full swing

Since we're to the point in the summer where seemingly everyone is linked to every team, I'm going to do my best to link articles that don't focus on transfers. This may prove to be harder than it looks, but here it goes...

Mathieu Debuchy says he has something to prove to Newcastle fans. The French International is pledging a return to his form from the last European championships. He tells the Chronicle, "I'll go away this summer, rest up and prepare hard for next season, because on a personal level I want to give more to my team. "

Similarly, Moussa Sissoko says that he's keen on coming back stronger next season. He says, "I'm pretty much happy with everything but next season I hope will be better for me, for the team, for the staff and for the whole city." One might criticize him for being happy with the season, but given how his debut went (2 goals against Chelsea), I can see where he's coming from.

Gael Bigirimana is getting the call-up for International duty, as he's made England's U-20 team. England will take part in next month's U-20 World Cup in Turkey.

Adam Campell did not make that squad, but he is with the English U-19 team. The article features quotes from Alan Pardew that says he expects Campbell to be in the senior team for Newcastle next year and feels that he'll have a good year.

The U-19 team for England beat Scotland 3-0, but will miss out on the finals of the European Championships after finishing second in their group to Georgia.

Newcastle's bad season saw their brand take a hit. 14 of the 20 teams in the Premiership are included in the list. I was a bit surprised to see Newcastle ahead of Everton and Fulham on the list. Outside of a handful of Brazilian clubs, all teams on the list are from Europe.

Stoke City have found their next manager, as Mark Hughes will lead the Potters next season. His last managerial job was at QPR, where he won 8 of 34 matches he managed.

Hughes' appointment isn't going over so well with some Stoke fans.

For bettors though....

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Stoke, Sunderland and Palace to go down, lovely little bet</p>&mdash; Callum Kane (@CallumKane__) <a href="https://twitter.com/CallumKane__/status/339990187474046976">May 30, 2013</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Stateside, The U.S. Open Cup is in full swing and there have been a slew of upsets. Four-time finalists Seattle Sounders FC lost 1-0 to Tampa Bay to bow out of the tournament. Former Newcastle striker Obafemi Martins missed a PK late that would have drawn scores level. Also out early from the MLS: LA Galaxy, Colorado, and San Jose.