Theregulars

I've tried to take a bit of time to weigh up the merits, ie to convince myself it's a great amount of money, to think that if he wanted to go we should get rid... but I only think one thing, and that's how heartbroken and gutted I am. I really, seriously and honestly believed, like a naive little kid when I loved Alan Shearer and Kevin Keegan, that this guy was the talisman of our rebuilding process, that despite it all, Ashley, the relegation, Michael fucking Owen, Souness, sacking Bobby and all that... at least there was still a Geordie number 9 who would do anything for the shirt and only ever wanted to play for our club. As far as I'm concerned, he could have said no. This is one of my lowest days as a sports fan, and to think Shola Ameobi is to score the goals to save us from relegation frightens me. I'll say it again: gutted and heartbroken.

He wanted games. He's not good enough?

Anyone know what Pardew's record with malcontented yet talented players is like? I've not a clue. Would have been more confident if we signed him under Hughton - reckon he could have had a go at sorting his head out. That said, I'm still pretty excited, as I always am when we sign a player.

"Collymore closing in!!!!! Kevin Keegan hangs his head, he's devastated!!!!" - I cried all night, was only 10. Selling Robert and Bellamy, they reignited my passion for NUFC which had been doused by Dalglish and Gullit. Webb's blatant miss of Thomas Gravesen's pole-axe on Bernard, which knocked us out of the title race to all intents and purposes. 2-1 at Man City this year, for the sheer injustice, the lack of class and self-respect of their side/fans and HBA. Hadn't been so excited about a player for years. Selling Gary Speed really upset me, I thought it was a terribly short-sighted and disrespectful move. Appointing Joe Kinnear. Siging Michael Owen (always hated him).

Not at all.

Not safe yet - we're bound to go through another shit patch. But if the question is do I think we'll go down, then no I don't. Especially with Hatem returning I think we've enough in the squad to consolidate the position we're in/finish around mid-table, which would be a massive achievement.

Yup, for me he's done pretty well so far - the losses at Man City and Spurs were to be expected (although the City one was cruel and horrible after two gifted goals), wins against Wigan and West Ham were good, Stevenage awful, Sunderland great performance, just really, really unlucky. I still think he is a bad manager, but I'm not going to deny that, thus far, he's done pretty well for me. I still expect him to be done within a year/18 months once performances tail off.

Still think he's incompetent.

Spineless, as ever. Anybody who knows anything about football knows that the tackle was a fair one. Moreover, while they are happy to uphold that red card, they were willing to do nothing about De Jong's legbreaking career threatener on Ben Arfa.

I sincerely hope that's the last time Alan Smith ever wears a Newcastle United shirt. He's an absolute disgrace of a footballer.

Their chant is so, so sooooo shit

No less than we deserve.

You'd think non-regulars like Routledge and Smith would be keen to use this opportunity to play well and show the manager why he should pick them regularly.

embarrassing.

Maaaaaaan we miss Enrique and Jonas on the left, so badly.

On this evidence Smith isn't even of a league 2 standard.

I enjoy how Best, his replacement as a transfer, scored more goals in one game than he has done all season.

We seemed to carry the ball up the pitch fine without Jonas against Everton. We had Ben Arfa tbf. Think that's his point. Although I agree with Wullie wholeheartedly.

I smell danger if Llambias stumbles across that.

Looks better in this game than Ameobi has most of the season.

Great finish, good on him.

BEEEST

Unlucky Best, in right position.

One thing's for sure, I reckon Best will put in more effort than Shola does some times. I know it doesn't count for much, mind (see A.Smith), but if he can hopefully get himself in a position to score something might work out. Law of averages says he'll get at least one chance, hopefully it's a tap in, he scores, feels a bit better about himself and we'll see what he do. If he's crap for whole 90 minutes I reserve the right to rescind this optimism and lambast him. Go on Leon, my son.

Smith isn't on the bench, plus point.