Big Geordie

Not good news, but not unexpected. At least it brings a sort of end to the farce that has existed at the club since the day we were relegated. Near enough of six months being 'for sale' no players coming in, players leaving and also not having a permanent manager for well over a year. I'd like to think that the future is bright under Ashley, but it most certainly is not. The club will be up for sale again next summer (whether we get promoted or not) and the farce will begin again. Even if we are sold, it'll be yet another transfer window passing and wasted. Can you imagine this squad trying to exist in the PL if we do get promoted? Doesn't even bear thinking about. As for the re-branding of St James Park - says everything you need to know about Ashley and his intentions. He's intent on milking the cow until there's nout left.

If the Telegraph is to be believed, then Ashley is playing hardball with Moat. I remain unconvinced, however. At the risk of repeating myself for the n'th time, for a man who is desperate to get shot of us (by all accounts), he's not half hanging on for dear life. C**t.

I'm still not convinced Ashley really wants to sell, sadly. This farce has some way to run yet.

Younger players will always be inconsistent and have shockers. I remember Gazza having a few rotten games when he was with us as a kid. You have to keep faith with them and they'll come good. Carroll to me looks like he's got some ability, but if he's also got the big time charlie attitude then he'll never be the player that he could end up being.

The 'attack' by fans at Scunthorpe has to be bullshit, because this is the first mention of it anywhere. Nothing to do with a mate of yours writing for the NotW then Mike? Wanker.

The lads on Radio Newcastle were commenting on Harewood's lack of effort today, and not for the first time since he's joined us. His body language speaks volumes and if he's not prepared to put it in on the pitch, then why should he be immune from criticism? I'd have thought him coming here would be a great opportunity for him. It doesn't look that way however.

Zurab sent off - straight red card. Butt booked as well, and Sharp from Doncaster.

Does sound like the tempo and movement is much better since Ranger came on. Hope you are watching, Hughton. Lovenkrands getting ready to come on.

Still reckon it'll end as a draw.

Woods.... misses! Wide.

Christ - Doncaster get a pen. Hand ball by Ryan Taylor. Thought it was too good to be true.

Carroll equalises with a cracker! Left foot volley from Guthrie's cross.

43949 there today. Brilliant, all things considered.

Sure is - 39 years young.

Ranger on for Harewood. At last. Crowd showing displeasure at Harewood as he leaves the field.

Ranger getting ready to come on. Whats the betting Harewood stays on? Enrique sounds our best attacker yet again.

Carroll misses an absolute sitter. Not going to be our day. Puts it wide of the post from 6 yards after being set up by Harewood.

Look, he's not, and never has been a good or even moderate manager. Even allowing for that, the PLAYERS are MASSIVELY underperforming. The blame lies with THEM more than Hughton. I accept players are as thick as pig sh*t and greedy as Croesus, but they should accept responsibility, and put 100% in, but what they are doing, is what they can get away with at best, or hiding (like so many are) at worst. Hey - I'm not letting the players off the hook, but ultimately Hughton picks the side and the same players who consistently under perform. Some are in their safety zone and know it only too well.

The thing is, if Ashley decides to not appoint Hughton should we lose today, it'll mean either O'Leary (if he would take it) or more probably Joe Kinnear. Again - which self respecting manager would come and work for Mike Ashley, only to be his patsy?

Enrique shoots - deflected behind for a corner. Sunderland 2-0 down now.

No changes at HT. Hughton bottling it again.

You can keep supporting the team, but what do you do when some of the players give nothing back as they have done over the last 4/5 games? There's still players at this club who don't want to be here (and don't care) and yet they are still making the side.

Hughton has to kick them up the backside at HT and if he fails to do that and get a response, then why the hell is he going to be full time manager? I'd take Harewood off at HT and also consider replacing Jonas. Both are playing like they couldn't give a f**k.

Carroll heads a chance wide - half chance maybe?

Jonas misses a sitter from about 6 yards. Over the bar.