STM

As long as Bruno and Joelinton start this game, we will give them a good game.

He's like 6ft 3 or something right? I think that's one of the reasons he's standing out so much. He's a man amongst boys. Hopefully his training with the first team is getting him some good experience. One of those you can see out on loan next year.

Pope Trippier Schar Botman Burn Longstaff Joelinton Almiron ASM Isak Wilson

I thought he has a good game. It's a thankless task playing up front alone. Wilson has struggled too. Get both on the pitch, provided Eddie can make it work in terms of defensive responsibilities.

You see this what I mean re hysteria about our form, Man United hardly look amazing here, drew last time out against Leeds. Spurs look shite too. If anything, we just need to keep our heads.

This season has been an absolute success. Everyone gets frustrated in the heat of the moment, during a game when your teams not quite doing it but once the dust settles on a result, it's super important to reflect on the medium and long term. This season is beyond our wildest dreams of even 6 month ago, let alone 18 months. We are in fucking dreamland. A cup final and in the top 4? Madness. Imagine what it's going to be like next season when we add 4 quality players to the ranks? Just lush.

Everything you say is correct apart from one thing.... long term. By keeping Shelvey (who begged to leave) and playing him, we would have triggered a contract extension. He was a player with no future at the club, on high wages and needed moved on. If losing Shelveys 100k? wages gives us even more wriggle room for signings in the summer, it was worth the gamble. Would Shelvey have seen us get top 4? I think it's hard to tell but IMO the owners (Ashworth) aren't going to make decisions based on that point. It wasn't even on the horizon at the start of the season and they won't change their plans and "gamble" on anything. The process is thought through and they won't budge from it, nor should they. We are only going in one direction, a moment of short term discomfort for long term success is well worth it.

It's also worth mentioning how shit Spurs are. Also I'm convinced our form will change post cup final. Towards the end of the season, games always open up. I might be wrong but even on our shit years it felt like we went on good runs at the end of the season. We just need to navigate this tricky spell. Playing against 3/4 "big" sides on the bounce, will help us, not hinder us. The pressure comes off somewhat when you play Liverpool, City, Arsenal and Man United. We can concentrate on being tough to beat, rather than breaking teams down.

Jones....... gone

I'm not one of those "too soon" morons when it comes to champions league football, but what I will say is that Europa/conference is a helluva chance for us to win some silverware. Provided we finish top 7, I'm happy but we are in a great spot for top 4. If this is us "out of form", I'm a pretty content newcastle fan.

I thought we were the better side all half. Don goodmans is just a cunt. They scored from a set piece. We haven't been great but dominated the ball away from home, some short memories IMO. We win this now. Love these players.

Dyer wrong about everything.

In the summer they need another option. Someone young who can play across the front when Isak and Wilson are missing.

To be clear, losing Wilson is a blow but Isak in the team gives me massive confidence we can win. That's probably the most exciting front 3 we have played in ages.

Blessing in disguise IMO.

Fwiw, I don't think he has a long term future. He could have a belting end to the season and I'd still wager that he will be sold in the summer but if he can contribute a few goals and assists before then...

Hes definitely an arm around the shoulder player. Away from home, bit of space on the pitch. Fancy him here.

Any solid leaks from the box office on the ballot from yesterday?

My hotel was 300ish for 2 nights (twin) and 130 for return for me and the laddie Sat-Mon. Booked it before Southampton second leg.

Alright guys don't all jump at once. Fuck sake. I'm honestly alright.

It will have been mentioned but is there a N-O meet up at trafalgar square? If so, I'd love to meet a couple of you guys and share a toast.

Just weighing in on the fairness thing... There is no fair because by having a fairness spectrum you'd really be asking who is the biggest fan? And no such thing exists. If I did exist, virtually everyone on this forum would be going to Wembley. I know ST holders who've had season tickets for 30 years but actually have little interest anymore and barely use their ticket. Should they go? What about some kid in Asia who is newcastle nutty but doesn't really have any chance of going? Or the guy who goes to every away game? Or the guy who wants to go to every away game but can't because he has a wife and kids? If you can't get tickets, your just as much a loyal fan as those who do. Just enjoy the day.

I'd have sat next to Mousilini and bought him a pint if I was eligible for the first pot mind.

Sorry to ask again but anyone have an idea the ticket to ballot entry ratio and the liklihood (estimate/best guess obvs). I've applied for one ticket, if that makes any difference.

The account I was using was for a over 65 but allowed me to apply for an adult. Pretty pleased with that.