Ronaldo

Course I didn't say that about Shola, then again he's been completely shite for 9 years.

Not in the first team he hasn't. Definetly one for the future but not ready, it's as simple as that.

Digital Dave, why was it he told the the three musketeers that he wanted to stay then?

That's kind of the reason many of us were so happy when Colo signed. Last season he wasn't really asserting himself as he could have been yet he literally looked like he wanted to do the rest of the defence's duties for them yesterday. He has pace, two brilliant feet and an excellent standing tackle. He was playing against championship players but i'm very encouraged by his attitude. As with monday night he celebrated the first goal like a madman.

I like the fact he doesn't run around the pitch looking for scraps to feed on. Believe it or not, goalscorers don't do that. He's rusty as fuck and doesn't look in fantastic physical nick either. But i'd keep him all season, he'll get goals for us.

He's been poor overall but there's something I like about him.

Clearly.

why do you say that? I don't think he hates it here. Surely too extreme a statement? I don't see a player celebrating goals and seemingly enjoying his football is all.

If I could find a negative, that game pretty much confirmed what we knew about Smith and Nolan as a partnership and their premiership potential.

Harper 7 Simspon 7 Taylor 7.5 Coloccini 9 Enrique 7 Guthrie 6 Smith 5.5 Nolan 6 Jonas 7 Harewood 7 Lovenkrands 7.5 Krul 7 Ranger 6 Pancrate 6

Fucking hell is that the time? Offski. Harewood first or last scorer.

Where else would the pride be? It certainly wasn't the team, Ashley or Shearer I was clapping after the game at Villa Park.

If wasn't even comparing Guthrie and Taylor, if you all bother to read the thread.

Harewood as opposed to who?

Harper Geremi Kadar Taylor El Buffalo Lovenkrands Coloccini Smith Guthrie Nolan Pancrate

Not ready to start unless absolutely essential imo, but personally I would have started him against Sheff Utd and said so. Problem is, he was ready 2 months ago in Hughton's eyes even with Harewood, Lovenkrands, Nolan and Carroll available. Now he barely gets 10 minutes, Monday aside.

Why does he always bang on about his youth in interviews then? He's clearly physically capable. Must be something behind the scenes then eh? You're so quick to rubbish any other argument but you haven't got a clue yourself about what's going on otherwise you wouldn't be saying it must be 'something behind the scenes.' Nile doesn't give me the impression that he needs any protecting 'mentally'. And tbh, no 18 year old should be protected from the ever so horrifc and painful world of professional football.

That'd probably be a plan, Elma's actually the famous 'mole' that made Bobby consider resigning.

Protecting him mentally, aye that'll be it.

Protecting him from what, the big bad defenders of Preston North End and Swansea? It's complete bullshit.

Something clearly going on behind the scenes with Ranger.

I'm 25 and he's my favourite Newcastle player ever. He is underrated by many though, you're right - mad really as he was a regular for England for many years but that was slightly before my time so I don't know how he performed. Best player I've ever seen for us and I only have experience of him under KK. He must have been utterly brilliant in his prime, what a talent. Criminally underrated. My sentiments exactly, would loved to have seen him in the 80's. Started going to the games just in time to see all of his second spell.

'Those' ahead of him?

Butt's injured, right? Please?

Expecting to see 3,000 kilts today, given that the sheep now recognize the sound of a zip.