Benwell Lad

In terms of being "effective" for their side then Bale and arguably Suarez, RVP, Rooney, Lampard or Michu can claim to be this season's best. For pure spine tingling, god given ability and excitement when's he's on the ball, then Hatem is the top player in the league.

The whole ethos of Newcastle United has changed in the last few years with regard to business plan and management appointments. Under the present regime the plan is for long term appointments, managerial stability and most likely groomed promotion from within when change is needed. The days of whimsical appointments and buckling to external pressures (fans, media etc) have gone. In some ways it's a bit like the way Liverpool used to operate. Those who advocate getting rid of Pardew may as well forget it and save their energy, he's very much part of the present ownership's plans and won't be leaving for quite some time.

Hatts for me like.

Quick look at page 1 on RTG. 3 Alan Pardew threads, 2 SJP "slide" threads, yet another one about away trips in the 80's, and of course the inevitable one about why 95% of people in North West Durham support the Mags, although of course mackematics decrees that none of them ever attend matches. It may be predictable but it's never less than funny.

How much were you flights? Just marry some Russian tart off the internet. Might be cheaper in the long run.

Carroll, Nolan, Shola. 5-1.

The obvious prejudice some have against him dilutes what might otherwise be valid criticisms. A lot of guff is spouted about tactics/formations etc on here. The late, great Bill Shankly said that the way to become a top class manager was to get yourself eleven top class players, and Pardew is certainly moving towards that. (More than eleven needed nowadays of course) Whatever we may or may not think, it does appear that our players are very commited to Pardew and have a strong belief in him. Dekka's programme notes were quite enlightening yesterday and worth a read if anyone gets the chance. Any chance of giving us the gist of them? Essentially about the relationship between Pardew and Graham Carr, how they work together regarding recruitment and complement each other.

The obvious prejudice some have against him dilutes what might otherwise be valid criticisms. A lot of guff is spouted about tactics/formations etc on here. The late, great Bill Shankly said that the way to become a top class manager was to get yourself eleven top class players, and Pardew is certainly moving towards that. (More than eleven needed nowadays of course) Whatever we may or may not think, it does appear that our players are very commited to Pardew and have a strong belief in him. Dekka's programme notes were quite enlightening yesterday and worth a read if anyone gets the chance.

His first touch is sublime.

Pards reckons he'll be alright, although last time he said that the player ended up being out for a month so who knows. Heard a rumour he was actually ok and was only subbed to warm up the can-can girls before their half time routine.

I normally hate derbies and can't stand the pre-match nervousness. I wish this one was tomorrow.

Over 90 minutes I think we just about deserved the win but at 2-2 it was on a knife edge and I thought they looked more likely to go on and win it, fearing that we may have tired after playing Thursday. I took Alex Ferguson's remarks about Soton being the best team they've played this season with a pinch of salt, but they do look very good and move the ball around very quickly and efficiently.

His second half throw out to Cisse (I think) on the left wing was quite amazing. Heard that he's a very good cricketer and maybe that helps his throwing accuracy.

See the owner has spent an estimated $300M on the team so far, including making Samuel Eto'o the worlds highest paid player and buying Roberto Carlos a $3M Bugatti Veyron for a birthday present.

In to 10-1 for relegation. Get on quick while a sneaky ton will still pay for a luxury holiday.

Love him as a player. So pleased (now) that we missed out on R€my.

Sell out crowd. Everyone paid to get in. Scored 4 goals. Class players and great movement. Woops... sorry ..wrong thread......

Awesome. Potential legend.

Had a great game under debut pressure. Thanks Rob.

I've still never seen the other goal McReery scored at Spurs. Wasn't it a 30 yard screamer or something ? Seem to recall it was a great long range shot. really cant recall it at all, is that all he scored 2? always liked him as a player- had an horendous injury right in front of me in the paddock. THe most "audible" injury I can ever recall at SJP.

Sunderland top of the league The league table for most empty seats in the stadium per game that is, according to a survey by BDRC Continental. They're almost as far ahead of the rest as ManU are in the real table

Aye, with the exception of Mignolet, Fletcher and possibly Sessegnon, player for player they probably have the worst squad in the league, and certainly one which bears no relation to the transfer outlay, contract benefits or wage bill.

Watched an ice hockey game in a bar in Canada many years ago and at one point they were hoying tables around and bottling each other. Only calmed down when Canada's other national passion, the striptease, started.

How much are they paying O'Shit ? Please, please, please, him and Titus for the derby match.

Very likeable lad and popular with the crowd because of his uncompromising style. Seem to remember he worked at the airport as a baggage handler during his non league days prior to signing for NUFC. Don't suppose that will ever happen again. Good luck and all the best Stevie lad !!