Benwell Lad

In what must have been Ashley's darkest NUFC hour, just after relegation, himself almost universally unpopular and unwanted, a big squad on top Premier league salaries, a legendary hero manager he'd publically backed but probably realised wasn't up to the job and the club sale going nowhere, I wonder how close he did come to just walking and letting the whole thing crumble. I'm sure even his dogmatic self must have sought advice from people close to him - did they talk him in to continuing ? If I'd been him I'd have walked - after all he probably has no real emotional connection to the club or region - and the finances involved - although large - are not unheard of as written off amounts after risky business moves go wrong. He certainly wasn't wanted around here. As it happens he stayed - possibly by default as there were no buyers - he appointed Hughton - a lucky break, although who's to say Ipswich appointing Bobby Robson and Liverpool Shankly weren't just lucky breaks as well (not that I'd compare Hughton to those two of course, well not yet anyway) and when the time came he backed his manager in the market and ensured the squad was right to finish the job of being promoted successfully. Back in the Premier league more modest but sensible investment and so far so good. Only a fool would try to second guess Ashley and football is a very fickle business nowadays, however if he sticks to his original plan of nurturing our own talent, financial self sustainability, modest extra investment (£20M pa) from himself and sets up a management team who continue to engender the pride and commitment we're seeing right now, then it's probably fair to say he's steering us in the right direction. With a little bit more luck who knows ? We'll see.

Who did spot him ? Like you say, credit to whoever was responsible for getting him to our club.

The return of HBA and Gosling to the squad will have a similar impact to two good signings. Taylor's return will also strengthen the squad and with Shola looking vastly improved and Ranger progressing nicely, another "sensible" transfer window will be best. More of the Williamson and Tiote type signings would be perfect. Fuck trophy signings - we want to avoid going back down that road. Forming a decent PR team, tying Hughton down and bringing in a good No 2 would be Ashley's smartest moves.

It's amazing how being part of a winning team which is enjoying it's football repels fatigue and cures niggling little injuries.

Don't seem to remember Saint Niall criticising the vile Sir Bobby chants at the time - phoney git. I've always liked Kevin Ball, despite his association to them, seems like a decent honest guy. What exactly did he say to Glenn Roeder - anyone know ?

Pinched from another thread (thanks bigfella)- this will have them in another rabid rage. Must say I thought last Sunday's 5-1 was a fluke result. i.e. the only one they've had where the performance merited the actual result. This potty analysis seems to verify that opinion. http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/blogs/mirror-football-blog/Will-Arsenal-be-Premier-League-champions-in-May-Will-West-Ham-Sunderland-and-Blackpool-be-relegated-Maths-boffins-give-you-an-idea-with-their-Performance-League-predictor-article623411.html

I expect a very tough game against a packed midfield and a team looking to spoil the game. It's the type of game we've struggled with to date - i.e. ones we're expected to win. I'd settle for any win by any means - pretty much as I would have done against Sundlund.

Perhaps thread title etc could be updated to "top three". Yours sincerely Duhlooshinal Bastad.

Out of interest, are there any other PL managers who's contracts expire at the end of the season, who's clubs will not be starting renewal negotiations until January ? If so are there likely to be hysterical media campaigns about them or is this an exclusively Newcastle United thing ?

Another great team performance. Everyone played well. Tiote, Carroll and Colo deservedly getting special mentions but also have to mention Williamson - another great game - he really does look like a very good defender. I've always thought that Colocinni must be a great partner to play alongside as a central defender and Williamson certainly seems to be enjoying it. I wish Shearer would say something about Colocinni because he really savaged him at every opportunity previously. Also, ironically, Danny Simpson has looked much better in his Premier League starts than he did in the Championship. Finally great to see Smith and Lovenkrands on the pitch at the end congratulating their team mates and celebrating the victory. Says a lot about what is happening at the club.

I'm sure when contract renewal time comes Hughton will get the deal he deserves. I certainly hope so, because if we don't pin him down I don't think he'd be short of potential employers. Right now priority has to be bringing in the right man to be his assistant.

Love that thread about 'class' - they say their club has always been run with 'class' by Quinn and Murray before him??!! That'll be Bob Murray, who once quoted that their new stadium would have "one more seat in it than Newcastle's". Hmmm, that worked out well!!! Remember that 'Lets all Laugh at Sunderland' special that was sold a few years ago - was full of those kind of 'class' pearls of Wisdom from Mr Murray! Macums assuming the moral high ground - whatever next LOL. They're so classy - one smacked a woman in the face in Sundlund station after the match, pitch invasions every time they score against us - even attacking Shay Given and who can forget the macum charva granny in the mob "trying" to get at the Newcastle fans at the end of the game down there. Now that's class ! ;D

Superb. Sums the bipolar bastads up perfectly.

I've heard them referring to "schools games" - wondered what they meant. So it's to fill up the empty stadium with free tickets. Apparently loads of macum kids have opted for detention instead.

I normally cringe when I our lot singing "your support is fuckin shit" cos it normally isn't. However on Sunday it has never been truer than when directed at their (remaining) fans.

What team did they play last night ? Did they pick up any niggles ? Were they unduly held up by Ukranian immigration ? Any crumbs of comfort from their European trip ?

We did allow them to win the last 15 minures 1-0. I hope Hughton has addressed this in training this week.

Cheers. And I was serious, I didn't know that. I've never seen anyone wearing a poppy in my country so I was asking myself this. I was at a trade show in London in November a few years ago. As is the custom they had one minutes silence at 11 o clock to remember those who lost their lives. It is a very British thing, but at the time I was standing next to a German guy who although slightly bemused observed the silence impeccably. At the end he turned to me and said "This is something to do with the war eh" ? I replied "Yes we do it every Thursday morning at 11 o'clock" - you should have seen the look he gave me.

On the basis of the 2 games I had seen them play before Sunday, Arsenal home and Blackburn away, I thought they looked a poor side. No real threat and very little quality. Someone yesterday posted about how lucky results (Man City and Villa - their only wins, very much against the run of play) have somewhat distorted their true form and league position. They got a point off Liverpool when Liverpool were at their most vulnerable for decades and against a makeshift ManU side who had had a terrible journey home from Europe midweek and raw sewage dumped on them just before kick off. They don't seem to be able to score and on Sunday's evidence they're not much good in defence either. Anyway I thought maybe I'm wrong and missing the point - a lot of people are saying they've got a decent squad, they're improving, top ten etc etc, but yesterday I spoke to a macum who has a season ticket, actually quite a savvy level headed bloke and certainly not the knee jerk type. He virtually said everything I've said above, said they've been awful to watch, had false results and that Cattermole is nothing but a liability. Will be interesting to see how their season pans out.

Top top player. Williamson too, has to be one of the shrewdest buys this club has made in a long time. BTW has Shearer said anything good about Colo yet ? He used to savage him at every opportunity.

How'd you manage to get your avatar dancing in tune to it ? Pure genius

Going to the Women's Institute fayre on Saturday, in light of Sugar Puffs, Northern Rock etc are we officially boycotting Tombola stands ?

The way they deserted their club on Sunday I don't think we'll see a worse set of away supporters.

Supporting Newcastle comes with a fair share of grief but glad that you could join us for one of the great occasions. Hope you enjoy your next visit as much !

Did Lee Clark play much in that side or become an international ? I never remember Clark being a top player for us.