morpeth mag

Cracking player - beyond us at the moment though - if Russia hadn't beaten Greece it could have been so diiferent - ce la vie

also renewed with the three year deal

Just you I'm afraid.

Thought that Emre looked a decent player; especially in a three man midfield. Might be worth a shout.

maths check please - those wages are per week - £9m pa

Over in Turkey now and all the Gala fans know of Newcastle's interest - nothing firm though.

Does the time he did over Xmas awaiting trial count towards the six months?

The problem I have with what was said wasn't the target of 5th for next season (5th to 8th for me) but the negative view that we can't break into the top four in three years. It will not be possible to win the league in three years as this would involve overtaking all four teams in years two and three assuming we get to 5th next year. BUT I do think we MAY be able to catch one of the four on the basis that sh*t happens. So have if Arsenal lose not lose Flamini and Hleb but Fabregas and Abelayour in a year. What happens if Gerrard and Torres get injured or the ownership issue hits Liverpool? So we need to spend £40m a year, every year, to just compete at a top 8 level; more to catch up with the top four. Targeting fifth is realistic in the short term but don't look too far ahead please KK as none of us know the future that well and the likes of Modric et al aint coming to play for 5th place - the players; fans; owner and management need to have dreams.

Agree; I thought Taylor had his best game for a while - nothing fancy and no mistakes.

Yep Ashley looked like an owner about to sell.

Optimist; I thought we'd shade it 1.5 - 1

Saw the line ups and bet on 2.5+ goals in the game. Double yippee

I think what is worrying me the most is that KK picked the wrong side and then didn't change it (substantially). Still believe he can get the right players in the summer but right now he needs to quickly realise that Faye is Kevin Kilcline and get him on the pitch. I'll forgive him Carr today as he's had a decent couple of games but whilst Butt was OK in the first half he was missing in the second again - time up Nicky. Worried about his positive comments about Smith in the postmatch. I do think Owen is coming good but it needs to be with Martins/Viduka. No pace, no movement, no strength - we're in the sheet without leaving those five on the bench. A wise man would play for a draw against ManYoo and hope to catch them on the break.....over to you Kevin

We have to stop conceding soft goals - for me that is playing Faye every game - initially in midfield to help protect the CB.

I don't know who should be picked and in what formation but it seems to be that anyone watching can see: Carr and Butt are past it Smith is no goal threat at all Faye has to play if fit (defence or midfield) there are other things wrong but we get into areas of opinion - KK needs to address the above immediatly

I think it is the end for Owen as this type of system (451/433) does not suit him as he cannot play the central role nor the wide one up front. In fact KK/NUFC might be the only home for him as most top teams don't play 442 (Liverpool do but don't want him). If Mort had the courage he should offer Owen a contract extension on less money!

I sit low down in the Leazers and there was a definite hint of booing at HT though I didn't see anyone specifically. Agree it has to stop but also think it's 3 to 4 years frustration still coming out and a few who perhaps don't realise the task ahead of KK.

I like Le Zog but he has no positional sense at LB and will always be exposed by good teams

edgar could play LB with the Zog into midfield. Later Shola for Smith; Barton for Butt/Duff.

think Milner could play CM?

I was surprised he didn't come out onto the pitch or that there wasn'y a press conference - presume that will be today. Also can't remember when we last scored 4 - credit to Pearson/Round for sticking with two strikers after the sending off.

At least Keegan will hunt for the next Peter Beardsley - the role we've missed most. I'd offer silly money for Diego and build from there but at least KK will address this gap.

Pros: Nobody else wants it Cons: He may prefer MotD

If he can blow that amount of money going nowhere there might be a job for him at...........

SSN have now droped the bit about next manager being British - club emphasising 'experienced' anyone but Shearer it would seem