Big Geordie

He's not in charge' of Newcastle United, he's the first team manager. As most managers generally are these days. Think most managers in England still have the final say (or at least some say) on transfers. Pards clearly doesn't. Carr has come out and said emphatically that all he and the scouts do is put names forward, then organise trips for the manager to see the players play. That's as far as their involvement goes, it is then up to the money men, with the final say going to Pardew. Is Carr now also part of your imagined cabal of liars at the club? If you think Pardew has a say in who comes and goes then you are indeed wearing rose tinted spectacles!

Why? When has Ashley bowed to fan pressure recently? If things go badly and attendances drop, then you will see some action. Attendances won't drop that much, even if we're struggling. Look at the 08/09 attendances. Not as many s/t's will have been sold this time as there was no lie to build around sales as there was in 08/09. I don't think the club have even released details of how many s/t's have been shifted. I wonder why that is?!

Why? When has Ashley bowed to fan pressure recently? If things go badly and attendances drop, then you will see some action.

Don't be pedantic BottledDog - you knew what I meant. If the crowd turn on Pardew, he'll be on borrowed time even with Ashley in charge.

With every day that passes the bigger a joke Alan Pardew being 'in charge' of Newcastle United, becomes. Lose to the mackems (which I believe we will) then there will be no hiding place for him. Any amount of meaningless wafffle won't save him.

Another sicknote then eh? Still, at least Pardew will be able to roll out the 'like a new signing' line when he eventually returns. If Ben Arfa's not careful, he's gonna have a rep like Michael Owen.

Can't believe we would let Jose go with no replacement lined up. Bad timing though to not have it sorted for the Arsenal game - typical shoddy NUFC.

So who is gonna play left back v Arsenal? Awful timing from NUFC (Enrique leaving), but then again we shouldn't be surprised.

I'd take Bendtner - have said it before.

Used to go to school (same year and was reasonable mates) with Dave Walton (ex Shrewsbury, Crewe and Derby centre-back) Was once Crewe's record signing for £500000. I also know Ray Hankin (ex Burnley and Leeds striker during the 1970's) through work.

Agreed. From what I've read today, it would seem that the ambition is to preserve our PL status and nothing more. It will of course be interesting to see just where the Carroll cash has gone when the accounts are due, next year. As has been said by some, the club is in real danger of losing many supporters through apathy, the recent trickle that jack it in (which has been substantial) may well become something of a deluge. Such fans may well be hard to win back in the future after years of being sold empty promises and lies.

I'm not sure that lad would be signing to predominantly sit on the bench because isn't that what he's been doing for the Mancs?

Did he happen to mention if we are signing a forward from him to provide? Nothing on that whatsoever. Also said that he would be sitting down with Barton this week and as it stands, Enrique is staying at the moment (I assume no bids as yet)

Pardew saying that Obertan will give us more pace, specifically away from from home. The deal is 'almost done'.

Pardew has just said on Radio Newcastle that he expects Tiote to be back some time this week.

Been a long time. I remember a couple from the early 90's. First was v Oxford that was called off at HT due to rain and an FA Cup tie v Bournemouth due to fog (I went to both)

Game called off to boos from St James. Probs the right decision given the conditions. An even bigger rip off for those who went and paid £20 to go.

Looks like the game is gonna be called off in 5mins. Halsey been talking to both coaches.

Krul denies Gamberini. Great save apparently.

Keeper saves from Leon Best (1 on 1) after a through ball by Jonas.

10,000 according to the commentator. Scandalous pricing, probably knocked 20,000 off the gate. It's why I and my mates didn't go. Refuse to pay that for a friendly.

Many there today? I'd wager not at £20 a go.

A bit :: about this one. I'd just hope he doesn't turn out to be a David Bellion.

Wayne Rooney - was what he did not just as bad?