AyeDubbleYoo

Lion

Looks a bit like the old Gateshead strip, not right for Newcastle either way - we've got to be stripes.

What Butt did is commonplace, we need players who can do those things in the team... we shouldn't be ashamed of it.

Think it must be everywhere, there's a poster up in JD Sports in Oxford about it.

I don't think it's mental, Owen has always had plenty of self-belief. He is shot to pieces, but physically rather than mentally. You're probably right, he just looked really down to me. Maybe he is finding it hard that his body can't do what he wants it to anymore.

Yeah, I didn't notice him at all, which generally means he was decent. (Although I didn't notice much except the nerve-shredding tension TBH)

Shola hasn't been anywhere near the team since the Stoke game. Shearer obviously doesn't rate him (assuming he's not injured as usual) so I'm sure he'll be trying to sell him in the summer. I hope so. Beyond just Shola though, there are a few players on long contracts that would make Duke less than enthusiastic about not being on one himself.

He looks shot to pieces mentally at the moment... no confidence, no desire and no fight left in him.

I don't think so, that's why I'm amazed when people suggest it. A footballer's career is short, and there's no incentive whatsoever to sign on those kind of terms... unless there is no other club anywhere in the world that would take you. Also, think of the effect on a players morale. In effect you're saying, 'Mark, we think you're a fat, useless bastard who is of very little value to the club, but if you do manage to play superbly and score us some vital goals then we'll go as far as to pay you some wages'. It'll never work. It's strange how the term 'pay as you play' has entered football language when no one has ever signed a contract on those terms. I know, it's mad. And imagine Viduka being on a 'pay as you play' deal while Shola is on a three year contract!

Adequate

I don't think so, that's why I'm amazed when people suggest it. A footballer's career is short, and there's no incentive whatsoever to sign on those kind of terms... unless there is no other club anywhere in the world that would take you. Also, think of the effect on a players morale. In effect you're saying, 'Mark, we think you're a fat, useless bastard who is of very little value to the club, but if you do manage to play superbly and score us some vital goals then we'll go as far as to pay you some wages'. It'll never work.

Have to admit, I'm not a Nicky Butt fan but he's earning his money at the moment. His forward passes still often go astray but he is disciplined and experienced.

I know it's a nightmare, but you could consider the coach for the travel, you could probably still get a ticket for around a tenner. If all else fails obviously.

Don't think he did it, maybe because he's not 100% fit.

You aren't by any chance driving up from London and fancy a companion and some petrol money?! No, sorry, I'm driving from Oxford after work on Friday. You're welcome if that's not out of the question for you, but sure there must be people coming from London?

Their fans are fairly quiet but that doesn't mean they don't care, personally Fulham is by far the most enjoyable game I've been to away from home... really like everything about it.

Can't stay away from the Fulham game after seeing that on telly last night... just bought my ticket and planned my drive up on Friday night.

I suppose one of the main problems with keeping Owen and Viduka is that it might convince the club that we don't need to sign any more forwards... which we clearly do.

Fuck it, just bought 5 tickets for this, I'm driving up from Oxford and taking the my mam, dad, uncle and brother... we'd better not get beat now!

I thought about this after I posted last night, and to be fair to the guy he could have come away from the match with at least two goals to his name... not sure if that makes a difference but he is starting to get a few chances.

Will he want to stay on if it means he has Shearer pushing him hard every week though? He might prefer an easier ride in America or the Middle/Far East.

I've defended him but if we stay up it's time for him to move on. We can't move the club forward paying so much to Michael Owen every week. We just need to make sure the players we bring in are right.

Think half the problem is that he does so much when he gets the ball that he's too knackered to cross it at the end. He just needs to tone down the extravagant dribbling and give a simple ball more often, then he might have some energy left to kick the ball with.

Fair play mate, as I've said in another thread I feel really sorry for any fans who have to see their team relegated (not that it's happened yet obviously). I would much rather see both of us stay up and the stinky mackems go down, no doubt about it... but beggars can't be choosers at the moment. Good luck for the rest of the games, as long as we stay up as well!

Yes, he wouldn't be that expensive and he has done well enough since he arrived. (Edit - as long as we don't make another 7 or 8 brilliant signings in midfield/forward positions!)