Beren

On reflection, AZ are the better side. They have the quality and technique to not dominate a game, but to continue rattling goals past the opposition, all the same - seemingly from nowhere(!) Fener would present a lesser challenge, football-wise, but going to Turkey would be mildly intimidating, I would imagine. AZ would definitely be a tougher test, so personally, I want AZ. We'll need a difficult test to prepare us for Werder Bremen/Sevilla, should we progress.

A bit of compliment tennis going on, but not unwarranted, in all fairness. People do forget what Souness left old Roeder with. It was very much a case of stabilzing the club.

Glancing further down, they've added the Intertoto to our list of honours \o/

"Some notable Newcastle United fans include Prime Minister Tony Blair, TV 'comedy' duo Ant and Dec, the Emmerdale and former Byker Grove actress Charlie Hardwick, AC/DC singer Brian Johnson, television presenter Gabby Logan, "Auf Wiedersehen Pet" stars Tim Healy and Jimmy Nail, singer Sting, actor Robson Green, Jack Ryder, who played Jamie Mitchell in EastEnders, the late Peter Taylor, author of the Taylor Report into the safety of football stadia, England fast bowler Steve Harmison, actress Honor Blackman, comedian Ross Noble, former "Blue Peter" presenter Katy Hill, sports commentators Brendan Foster (athletics), Iron Maiden gutiarist Jannick Gers, Sid Waddell (darts), John McCririck (horse racing) and the late Basil Cardinal Hume, Archbishop of Westminster from 1976 until his death in 1999." ~ Lifted off wiki

Would anyone lump a vast quantity of money on Newcastle progressing to the next round?

I have to say, I disagree. People were delighted at his signing - even if were concerned about N'Zogbia's future. It provided strength in depth. He had the full support of the crowd, and the onus was on him to perform. If and when he starts performing, people will lay off him. It's a tough deal, but it's a tough profession! I'm not talking about general assessments. I mean I really can't recall anyone on here during a match/post-match thread or anything like that saying anything positive about his play. I'm talking single passes, decent runs etc. Not a single thing. Ah! Well, let me be the first He made a great run into the box ... but then he disgraced the club by diving. Following that he made another jinking run out wide and whipped in a decent ball. In being fair, I must say that his improved second half performance was not coincidental. Everyone was tired, and fitness was no longer an issue. His technique therefore allowed him to fare much better. He hasn't had much match practice, but if he does get into shape, he has a good shot of establishing himself as a decent member of the squad.

I have to say, I disagree. People were delighted at his signing - even if were concerned about N'Zogbia's future. It provided strength in depth. He had the full support of the crowd, and the onus was on him to perform. If and when he starts performing, people will lay off him. It's a tough deal, but it's a tough profession!

I thought Duff was disgusting. Not only did he dive for the penalty, but he just doesn't look like a professional athlete. He irrefutably has technique and skill, but Ian Harte could beat him for pace at the minute. He was never tremendously speedy, and I wonder if he will ever be quick enough to beat people and still have time to put in a ball/shoot. Looking forward to getting N'Zogbia back. Disappointed in Sibierski too, despite his goal. He was just a beanpole for the whole match. That said, there were many bright spots from the game - notably the performances of Bramble, Nobby and Dyer. I hate it that we've dived for two penalties in as many games. Very un-Newcastle.

I'd rather AZ win, personally. And Bayer, naturally.

The last time we had a chance to win it we didn't bottle it. The shithead manager threw it away to feed his ego. I agree. That night I felt horrible. Souness' dismantling of such a good squad still was not enough to stop us getting as far as we did - but then his selection policy interfered, and he greeted Robert's Sheareresque rally cry with contempt!! 4 injuries during the game meant that fans saw Newcastle saw their best chance of winning anything disappear for a long, long time.

He's a determined bruiser, and no more.

L, W, D, W, L? Wigan - Loss 'Boro - Win Charlton - Loss Man City - Win Sheff Utd - Draw Newcastle have issues, I know.

I see 7 points from that.

:dance: :dance: Well done. Apologise for doubting you earlier. [like you care!!]

With who?

I think you got a bit greedy with that last one, mate!

It would be nice to give old Edgar a run out. Maybe Duff too, let him gain some confidence back. And of course, the big Sib.

Whassat? Just being generally pally and joking around. They did it during matchplay, too.

Just my two cents: Excellent second-half performance. Following the nature of the first two goals, I thought it was well-advised and acceptable that both sides resorted to long-ball tactics for various spells of the match. I thought that Milner might have had a few more pops at goal given how wet and windy it was. Both sides did really well, all things considered, and hosted a fantastic game. Playing out of defence was never really an option in those conditions with Bellamy and Martins at either end. Bramble really imposed himself on the game in the second-half and looks to be getting to match fitness. No one had a shocker really - and this was against top-class opposition too in awful conditions. I thought our midfield was highly industrious and our attack penetrative. It was quite funny to see the new Liverpool owner freezing his ass off at half-time. You could tell from his face he no longer cared about the match and he just wanted to survive the cold. Also heartening, was Nobby and Bellers at half-time. I was quite disappointed with some of the diving, and from what I saw, I don't think it was a penalty [but once again, I'm not 100% sure about that]. Good game though, tough on Liverpool.

Scholes or Gerrard. Scholes' one-touch play has made Man Utd dominate over the years. Absolutely sublime. I can't think of any Premiership player with more vision. In his pomp, I'd definitely have him over Gerrard as he really knows what attacking play is about. Gerrard is pretty great too, mind! Especially in terms of infuence to the side.

You should post that on the main site Well considered and entertaining read.

Aye,he is dutch international he is 20 years old and he is very talented I also think that not so long ago Roeder said that he looked at some players from Ajax and these players were Emanuelson and Huntelaar But i dont think Ajax want to sell him and i dont think that Roeder is after him HE would be class here though Ajax are a selling club to be fair. It would only take a four or five million, in my opinion. I don't rate Huntelaar so highly, good though he is. Does anyone happen to have a link to Roeder expressing interest in Ajax players?

There's a cracking left-back who plays for Ajax called Emanuelson who would be great at Newcastle. Crucially, he can attack and defend, and would at long long long long last provide the athlete we need at full-back. Given that he plays in a league that is essentially a cattle market, he would not be too hard to bring over either. That's who I'd get, but I'm sure Roeder & co. have never heard of him! I really do think we should shop abroad though. The English divisions have practically been sucked dry of what limited talent they bear already.

Great news - with Oba, Dyer, Milner, Shola, Solano and Emre our attack will be banging in goals left, right and centre \o/ Now if only we had new full-backs and decent cover at centre-back...