Canuck

All of the HBA fanboys denying that the media has picked up on the fact that he is hard to deal with can refer to these. Here's the Journal article and the mention is halfway down the page: http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2011/10/25/settled-side-seen-to-be-the-right-formula-for-alan-pardew-61634-29654843/ Here are links where other "news outlets" picked up on it: http://www.tribalfootball.com/articles/newcastle-boss-pardew-unsure-about-man-managing-ben-arfa-long-term-2003151 http://www.sundaysun.co.uk/sport/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/10/23/ben-arfa-s-swansea-snub-was-simple-misunderstanding-79310-29642106/ Just saying... Reminds me of a certain Welsh Wizard that was either the darling of the supporters or a mad c*nt depending on the day.

The WHU line up looks like a ex-Premier pub crawl.

Sportsnet.ca gave Cabaye "Goal of the Week" and Krul "Save of the week" in their Top5 video recap.

Sick of it, I get the impression that some are expecting him to come in, slay some defenders, score some wonder goals then wander off to the chorus "that's the Ben Arfa we know". The lad's got unbelievable technique, incredible movement and will show it time and again this season. He needs time, he'll get it, within three or four games people will stop all this shit. What, so he doesn't train with the squad? I don't expect him to slay anyone or score wonder goals every time he touches the ball. I do expect him to pass to a teammate instead of back heel to nobody. I expect him to understand that his skill draws THREE defenders which means that his teammates are unmarked. The problem here is that I am an NUFC supporter not an HBA supporter. I think it is woderful that the Gallowgate End stood when he got the ball. They then promptly sat down again when he lost it. Excercise for the masses...

Immense. Creating chances and playing "heads up" football. For me, he has shed the "no end product" tag completely.

Not convinced either way. I am more a proponent of strong team play as opposed to individuals. I enjoy when we have players who understand their roles and complement one another (Tiote/Cabaye Colo/Taylor). We have a back 4 who are widely regarded to be weak at FB and yet they have kept 4 clean sheets from 9. That speaks of teamwork. I am keen to see HBA adopt a role in the team that is complementary. Santon and Marveaux from what I have seen (limited I know) have done this. HBA has not "clicked" yet either because his style does not suit the team or he is unsure of his role. Time will tell but for now I am waiting to be convinced of his value to the team.

Just tuned in and the TV listings for Wolves v Swansea say "English Championship Soccer". Looks like the tech made a few assumptions...

I am another one who disagrees with the "poor first half" comments. I thought he offered enough going forward but in the first 30 minutes or so he did not neglect his defensive duties. I personally rate that. He didn't leave the team exposed. The otehr element that cannot be questioned is his work rate. Exceptional!!

here in Canada Sportsnet runs a commercial for their new branding "Fuelled by Fans" where they show crowd shots at stadia around the world. Newcastle supporters feature prominently. Trying to find the clip to post with no luck.

High entertainment value. At points I forgot we are the away team.

Henry is a f*cking clown - can't stand that type of cynical play.

It is a curious thing that Jonas has remained in the squad after relegation but Colo was dropped. I have looked at the Argentina squad and can't see a reason for him not to be included. Agree that it is for the best that he rests during International breaks; but, on the other hand, it could give his confidence a further boost and aid his training to playat that level.

Sorry if this is a Giggs; but, who is ahead of him in the Argie squad?

And who is that "somebody"? WHHOOOSSSHHH...

Will the heat be a worry? Saw the Whitecaps/Man City match on TV last night and the heat with a boggy pitch made the whole thing look painful.

To whose "original rule of thumb" are you referring? As someone who lives at the very centre of the North American continent, equidistant from the coasts - I think this is unadulterated crap... it's an old joke that i've heard from jimmy tingle, will durst and at least one other stand up i can't quite remember. it's a quite well worn line actually. I just saw the opportunity to use equidistant and unadulterated and jumped at it!

To whose "original rule of thumb" are you referring? As someone who lives at the very centre of the North American continent, equidistant from the coasts - I think this is unadulterated crap...

How is the parity only theoretical? In the same time the Premier League has existed there have been 14 winners of the Superbowl. In the Prem League era there have been Four. WTF man, do you not know what parity is?

So you are suggesting that the so-called "minor leagues" in North America are pointless? Get a grip man. Triple A baseball - the second tier of the most boring sport ever with no hope for promotion outdraws the Championship. So you don't love the sport you love the result.

If the US model is so bad and ridiculed by most, why is it that the NFL can generate US$7.8 Billion while the Premier League only generated US$2.83 billion (based on today's spot exchange). I think it is short sighted to suggest that the FA pyramid is the be all and end all. The parity in the NFL makes the game exciting and there is a reasonable expectation that your team can win the championship. While in the Prem league era there have been only 4 winners with Blackburn winning once so effectively three teams winning it all. While I am not sure I support Gimp's structure - I think it is an interesting idea that encompasses marketing, revenue, parity and of course, a more open style of competition.

Not wanting to re-ignite the argument BUT - the way Valencia played, Barca did not need this mythical "Plan B". Valencia should have had three or four yellow cards by about the 60th minute with his clumsy challenges. Not once did a Barca player over react to his aggression. How does this fit in with the anti-Barca gangs perceptions?

Fine!?! Perhaps this word does not mean what you think it means...

In a nutshell: Win - Williamson is a tidy no nonsense defender - love it. Lose - Williamson is gash, seconds away from a rick, has no place in the team - hate it. Last time I checked NUFC was newly promoted team defying expectations. It is no wonder the stereotype of Newcastle fans being unrealistic exists. For me, he has done well in his first season in the division. Has shown improvement and stayed fit and available. Yes, he has made mistakes (shocker) but so has EVERY SINGLE CB in the division.

Man Utd winning the final in their home town would be hard to take like.

"Williamson shutting the door" great assessment from the commentator...