TRon

Aye they got fucking battered. It could have been 12-1 in all honesty.

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.

He's given us back our dignity. The club feels like it's in good hands again, and I wish Ashley would acknowledge it by letting him have the right hand man he wants instead of sticking short-sightedly to this policy of hiring only from within.

He's not bad in the air either. Won a fair few in front of the back four.

think they only had 1 defeat in 8, or even unbeaten in 8 or something, before this match. they're not a bad side which simply makes this achievement even better. What I liked best other than the scoreline was that we played as a team and look dangerous now with the two big lads up front and Barton delivering some great crosses. We might not beat the best but for the first time this season I really feel confident going into games with this 11.

Prophetic words. Worth repeating that the key to his performance was that he didn't sulk at being played out of position like Danny Gutless, but turned in yet another 100% committed performance. Outstanding.

There's some priceless quotes on there tbh

Very classy interview after the game. Really pleased for him. I hope he gets what he needs to stay.

Yeah I always rated Shola's footwork despite the criticism elsewhere but I was really impressed with Carroll on the deck today. He was running at the filth and had them terrified by the end of the first 15 mins.

I don't want to go over the top here but as a pair they look our best partnership by a mile. Said it before the game as well so it's no fluke.

I think the key has been him dropping back into midfield. While he's no Gerrard he's worked hard and crucially he's worked brilliantly off Shola and Carroll.

The only result which will cause waves is a loss. A draw, while not what we want, would probably be grudgingly accepted. Sunderland might not be scoring many but they aren't losing many either.

From the Telegraph. If the lads are truly behind Hughton, and I am 100% certain they are, they'll prove it on the pitch today.

The only possible reason for doing that would be to combat Sunderland's 5 man midfield, but that system suits Sunderland as Bent is an ideal striker to play on his own, whereas Carroll works best with someone alongside IMO. Plus, like I said, I am not sure Sunderland will be able to cope with both Carroll and Shola battering their defence.

I am starting to feel quietly confident about this now. The midfield four of Barton, Nolan, Tiote and Jonas are players you would want in a match like this, and if Hughton goes with Carroll and Shola up front, the prospect of those two battering the Sunderland defence will have their camp secretly terrified, and I include their bastard fans from RTG in that. 4-4-2 attack all the way.

Dalglish was as inspiring as a plate full of boiled sprouts. Even his own players looked sick of their life by the time he was mercifully moved on.

Post of the week.

sorry man, I was almost taking you seriously for a moment.

Can't see why anyone would support the team that came from that shithole - unless of course the devil had farted in your face and you were unfortunate enough to come from that shithole. If that were the case you might, just might, have an excuse.....But honestly, on reflection, even then why would you? Not much in the sides tbh - Bent is way better than what we've got but we might just shade it on the rest of the pitch. It will be all about referee decisions, who gets the "momentum" etc etc etc..... Even Bent was lined up to be a Newcastle player but relegation meant he had to accept going to Sunderland in reluctant fashion. Like Bramble and eventually N'Zogbia once Bruce finishes cleaning up the scraps from our table.

How about a swap deal then?

I know Perch has his critics here but a derby match is the last place someone like Guthrie should be getting a starting role. He's the laziest, most un-motivated player I've seen at Newcastle for a long time. Say what you like about Nolan and Smith but no one could accuse them of not caring.

or which order they'll attack jonas. he was kicked up a height last time by their entire midfield in a manner that was obvious it was a plan with one player kicking him till he got booked, then someone else takes over. it's a tactic they've used before against dyer. Plus Bruce will have seen his little cameo against Arsenal where he looked head and shoulders our most dangerous player so I would imagine Jonas will come in for "special" attention.

It's amazing how this story has snowballed with no basis in reality whatsoever. They don't seem to be talking about anything else on Talksport for the past 48 hrs as far as I can tell there's absolutely no reason to think it's anything more than some daft rumour which has been plucked out of thin air.