TRon

I would agree with the OP almost word for word, in fact the reason why I reckon we can aim for a top 10 place is solely down to the chemistry of the current first 11. Obviously any injuries would knock that all into a cocked hat, but as it is, it looks mighty effective with almost every man playing a key role. Barton was the major doubt but he has took what should have been a difficult role and made it into his own.

I would be ok with Ashley staying if he showed a bit more enthusiasm but he still gives the impression he wants out which means there is never likely to be any long term investment or planning for the club.

It's not as simple as that though. IMO we'll get beat off Arsenal because they'll pass us off the park, but there are only a couple of teams in this league who can do that to us. Everyone else we have a fair chance of getting 3 points off so why settle for 17th? BTW I'm not being swayed by one result either, it was more the manner of performance and the effectiveness of the formation we adopted which gives me optimism. I think we'll give a lot of teams a hard time.

We still need a sale of the club IMO as Ashley's heart isn't in it. Shepherd is the wrong buyer though. It's not a criticism of Shearer as a manager but the fact he would have walked into a job as soon as Shepherd took the reins tells you everything you need to know about Shepherd's judgement. We need an owner who can take off the regional specs and make decisions based on earned merit.

They were both gutted and their banter was shite.

That miserable bastard was on skunkers last night spouting shite about how beating Sunderland was showing no ambition etc etc. Priceless

His crossing would be mint for Shola and Carroll to get on the end of. Unfortunately he can't defend to save his life.

I'm still in bed nursing the mother of all hangovers, what better way to spend my day? What did you think? should've just posted the exec summary instead of the full document man. Summary is: We've got some very good players Sunderland have done really poorly with their money Some of their players are shocking I vastly underrated Nolan, and probably will continue to do so Hughton should get a new contract Sky is the limit this season (well, maybe 8th or so is the real limit) We need to keep players fit I'm a sad bastard It was long read but a damn sight better than anyone at the Chronicle. Although tbf even lee Ryder seemed to get carried away yesterday.

I would have been happy with staying up before yesterday but I think we can challenge for a top 10 place. Yes we will get beat a few times but I think a lot of sides will have problems playing against Carroll and Shola, and we finally seem to have got a functional midfield behind them.

What a fucking prick. Fair play to Dowd, he's not backing off despite Twattermole's minging breath.

I didn't think Mondays could get any better but that did the job.

I don't think Nolan has lost weight or is any fitter. Just that the make up of the team since we changed to 4-4-2 has suited his game a lot more. Having Tiote in the middle has given both him and Barton a massive boost, and we shouldn't under-estimate Shola's impact up alongside Carroll. Both of them have been holding the ball up brilliantly allowing Nolan to get into the box at will.

I think the Tiote signing will more than cover any pay rise.

Someone should post that on RTG. The place would go into meltdown. Although it pretty much already has tbf.

That's the thing though, we didn't just outplay them - comprehensively - we absolutely kicked seven colours of shit out of them all over the park.

What I love about this is that he'll never be forgiven by the Mackem faithful, which means he'll more than likely play shite for them in every game from this day onwards.

There was a bit of that before the West Ham game where he looked to be back to his best. Today I don't think there was many crosses he could have come for that he failed to. He's done fine as a stand-in. You only have to look at England's goalkeepers to appreciate that it's not easy for a young lad to be flawless every game, the main thing is he is getting good experience and will hopefully gain confidence.

Barton really isn't quick enough to be playing so well out wide. The fact he is is a testament to his football intelligence, he is absolutely making 100% best use of his ability to dominate a game in what is an unnatural position for him.

Never missed a competitive penalty. Two of those against the Scumderland which takes real balls. No one should ever doubt him again. Ever.

Yeah I've given him as much flak as anyone but I will hold my hands up and say he's justified Hughton's faith. Not pretty football but with Carroll and Shola up front he's mighty dangerous coming in on the blind side.

I still think his crossing is weak, but it's not that important with Barton on the right to wing them in.

That reminds me, I really will have to tune in to the Three Legends tomorrow. I don't think I've listened to it for a year but should be a right laugh after this.

IF... there's any truth in that... The club are already on record saying they will only appoint from within. Maybe they aren't holding rigidly to that line but it was a daft thing to say in that case. I remember them talking in general terms about appointing from within. I don't remember them saying they would ONLY do that. The actual statement was 'The Board will concentrate on Newcastle United's stability by promoting from within where possible.'. Ok that's clearer, my bad. I actually think it's perfectly reasonable to wait until the new year and then re-negotiate, it might prove a problem to hiring a no 2 though if Hughton's future is still in doubt.