Big Geordie

Remember folks, the Sunday Sun is currently banned from SJP so this is more than likely just speculation. If it is true however, it can be viewed in a number of ways. Firstly, Ashley could intend to keep on running us on the cheap and we return to the day's of the 80's and once more become a feeder club for the big boys. Take that in tandem with becoming a yo-yo club between the Prem and the Championship. However, it's one thing having this youth policy, but you have to buy in the quality first off and be prepared to pay for it. Think we've all had enough of the has beens who view us as an easy meal ticket. It's about finding a balance, but I'm not convinced that this is Ashley's true objective.

What pressing of the ball? I never saw any! I saw us standing off, defending deep and letting them have the ball. Probably down to the manager's instructions.

Absolute garbage today and not for the first time since Xmas (and since his goals have dried up) For a player at his age (27/28) who should be at his peak, he has the legs of a man ten years older than he is. So when he hasn't performed for so long, how is he managing to retain his place in the midfield? Same perhaps can be said of Smith, but to a lesser extent. However, both players have absolutely no pace which is why Swansea were able to pass their way through us with ease today. And that's not been the first time thats happened this season either. Nolan offers the midfield (and team) nothing when he's not getting goals and the side suffers as a result. So have the senior players got too much influence with Hughton? And why can't the manager see what is clear as day to 40000+ Newcastle fans?

Funny how often we are saying this after away games. Too many players go missing. And they seem to be the ones on big bucks, too. Its getting worse, worryingly. I agree. Our away form and performances seem to be getting worse with every game. And yet Hughton leaves the engine room the same every week and that's where the problem is.

As has been said, a completely undeserved point for us. Infact, it's as bad as I've seen us play all season - reminds me very much of the side that went down without a whimper during 08/09. We've got real problems in the middle of midfield and it was only too evident today despite having the extra man. There's no pace whatsoever which is why Swansea were able to pass around us with ease today (and not for the first time this season) Whatever happens in the summer whether we go up or not, we have to move on Smith and Nolan. I can run faster than the pair of them and that's saying something. Was really impressed with how Swansea moved the ball around. Put our so called 'stars' to shame.

No way Hughton will leave out Nolan, regardless of how poor he's been since Xmas. He's one of his blue-eyed boys. Nolan was tremendous for the first few months of the season, but the goals he scored masks the minimal input he has into games, in such an important position. And now the goals have dried up......

We sound all over the place since Hughton's changes. Desperate.

By the sounds of it, we've done a lot better than we did at Leicester. Tonight's not gone our way, but it highlights a problem with the away form, which needs addressing. Not won on the road for 2 months now - hardly promotion form.

3-0 now. Barker. Not our night this.

Christ - pen to Derby Commons....... scores. Game over.

We've made a good start to the 2nd half.

We are still very much in this. Need to get the ball wide a lot quicker - Jonas and Routledge are the key I reckon.

Derby score.... Hulse. Bugger.

Savage could be off? Takes out Routledge. Bet it'll be a yellow.

We've definitely come more into it in the last 5/10mins.

Simpson down and in trouble.....

Sounds like Derby have come out of the blocks very quickly. Have had a couple of chances already....

Available on 1458 MW.

Cardiff surely. Yup. Where did I get Palace from ?

Radio Newcastle also reckon we are unchanged from the Palace game. Hughton going positive away from home (for once!) The right decision and I hope it comes off.

First game was back in 81/82 I think - Shrewsbury rings a bell. My old man is a black and white, though he's always leant towards Arsenal as well for some obscure reason. Became properly hooked when Keegan signed as a player in summer 82, and have never looked back since - good times and bad.

I remember him when he was boss of Northampton. We faced them in the FA Cup, during the late 80's.

Ta for the link for the goals. Carroll's and Lovenkrands' 2nd goals were beauties.

How many pens have West Brom had in their last few games?

Lovenkrands makes it 5! Beauty by all accounts.