junkhead

I still believe Riviere can be a decent foil for another striker. Maybe in the Championship his strength and pace will be enough to trouble defenders. He really is hopeless in front of goal though - to my knowledge, he's yet to have a shot without falling to the ground since coming here.

Where can we see the training photos? edit: just seen - Snapchat

Sissoko won't be motivated to perform here anymore imo. Playing him would only cause more frustration in the stands and that's the last thing this fragile team needs atm.

I was so disappointed with the defeat, that I couldn't even be arsed to check how the campaign went. Just saw some clips and pictures - it is fucking gorgeous! Huge thanks to everybody involved in the initiative. Winning or losing, premiership or League 1, as long as there are fans like this at SJP, I'm relaxed about the club's future. Brilliant effort!

Crouch can't move man. We're not creating 20 chances a game to be able to afford a strictly penalty box striker with no movement. I doubt he's even strong enough to challenge effectively in the air anymore.

Riviere has just started proper training. I doubt he's fit enough

My guess is that Rafa doesn't like the general attitude and application of the 'french clique'. Judging only on nufcTV's pathetic content - it felt like Cisse, Saivet, Mbemba, Thauvin were only communicating between themselves in preseason (in French). It seems that Rafa is open to offers for all our French speakers - starting with Sissoko and Tiote, obviously.

Rafa has never played two strikers from the start throughout his career, do you think he will be willing to now? I may be wrong but I think he switched to 4-4-2 / 4-2-4 at Madrid after some similar criticism. I don't think it's a question of formation anyway. The most worrying thing for me is how we crumbled under the pressure of these two games. We're not even at the stage to worry about tactics and player qualities. The whole team is playing paralised by fear, it's pathetic. I've seen enough in only the Fulham game to know that we're in for a very hard season. Winning games will bring confidence but I don't think we have enough character to maintain the confidence.

There's no confidence in this squad. A few wins will improve the mentality but it looks more likely that we'll lose the 'title race' in August. And then scramble for a play-off place all season.

Forestieri isn't particularly creative or technical. He seems more of a withdrawn forward, who relies on his off the ball movement and strength. We need a player like this but we need flair and creativity more.

Fuck that shit

If I remember correctly, Insigne was booed by his own fans for a while and Rafa kept on playing him. Might have been the following season though..

Insigne was key for Rafa at Napoli. I remember he originally signed Dries Mertens to play LW but didn't really give him a chance. He'd always persist with the inconsistent Insigne despite Mertens' lively sub appearances. The Napoli Ultras were actually 'violently booing' Insigne for a while that season, the player was struggling to cope with it and Rafa still didn't drop him. Of course signing him is a massive long shot.

Was expecting a slightly higher caliber of player at LB tbh. Galloway impressed me last season but I wouldn't say he's better than Haidara (rip) going forward. Surprised he's considered as a CB primarily, he seems pretty lightweight.

I've said it before but I don't like the guy at all. He acts like a spoilt child. Can't see him being the best influence in the dressing room, especially if he's on the drink. Shelvey's only quality is his great passing technique but it's as if he's only focused on displaying that. Audacious long balls with the outside of the foot, as if he has to constantly prove how world class he is on that shit. Zero thought about the receiver's position, the opposition, the tempo of the attack etc.. I dislike him almost as much as Colback, although I'd obviously prefer Shelvey. He's also one of our highest earners (80k and no relegation clause) if the media are to be believed. We're stuck with him unless some miracle deadline day loan bid comes in.

Must be sold if we can get a decent offer. A new attacking left back is a must.

It's no exaggeration to say that some of our players completely lost it mentally. Pathetic stuff. Just how hard is it to play for Newcastle? To create, to play with confidence.. Matt Ritchie made the rest of the team look like they're playing another sport. The new players were the only ones who performed well. The others were once again paralysed by fear of failure. Maybe we have to get rid of as much of last season's team as possible.

Not very good. Can't see us winning this now

Shitting it! Come onnn lads!

Great job! Massive thanks to everyone involved.

Well done Jamaal!

I rate him. He has limitations - slow and prone to the odd costly mistake but he's very strong and aggressive in marking and set pieces. Which is obviously a weakness right now. Brummie hates him right?

No, he said they're THE BIGGEST In the Balkans, Zenga has a reputation for being the go-to guy when owners plan dodgy things for their clubs. A bit like hiring Joe Kinnear to "oversee" no spending and the sale of a popular player. Slavisa Jokanovic is another manager that seems to always sign for teams with suspect owners.

I remember Knockaert had a good season for Leicester a couple of seasons ago in the Championship. Scored some cracking goals. I was surprised they sold him after promotion and assumed he had stagnated after moving to Belgium. Turns out he has developed further at Brighton and I would be happy with him. Imo, we must buy at least two more 'flair' players, ideally left-footed wingers with either good crossing ability or pace. Knockaert and Ince would do just fine. Although they've played more on the right, cutting inside, they're both quick enough to play as more orthodox wingers on the left.