Gallowgate Toon

Unfortunately, you're bang on. There is a slight positive to Barton not playing though, if Gervinho starts on the left we all know what Simpson will do. If Jonas starts on the right, I'll feel more comfortable with that extra defensive protection. Rather our best players just played but that's just typically us.

Too right. I still had some hope for him there last season but it quickly faded, shadow of a central player now and spent most of the time in Tiote's way. He won't leave anyway, not for a club that would most likely be considered a downward step.

As if Derdiyok would come here, simply too good for where we are.

Jose Enrique is a pretty tall full back, that worked out well. Dickhead. You're a tough one Ron, being so adept at sarcasm, I just can't tell when you're being a moron

Jose Enrique is a pretty tall full back, that worked out well.

Noticed he's fairly tall at 6'1, does he have any pace at all? Glad he's got height, we're looking a bit short (no pun intended) for corners.

Completely agree, he just has that feel about him that he's got what it takes.

This is going to be the most interesting Newcastle game I've seen in a while. Everything feels like a bit of a mystery, I have no idea how we'll line up and there are so many unknowns with our new players etc. I think we'll be the better team, either 2-1 to us or 1-1.

I think he could still get a fair few goals if he's used in the same attacking way Lille used him 2 seasons ago. He won't get double figures but 6 or 7 wouldn't be out the question. Really excited about him, looks a fantastic player.

Also, if he is used as an auxiliary striker, he might be a speed merchant but I reckon he's a better bet than our current one. Still want to see another striker coming in but just saying 'n all that.

He's better than our other back up wing and forward options, so why not? People want to fill the squad out but then complain when a talented youngster is brought in to beef up numbers. He might not have done the business at Man I but that could be down to numerous reasons, look at the likes of Forlan. It can happen.

Basically yeah, just Dan Gosling. Didn't see him in the photos.

If you don't call him the Gosinator nobody knows who you are talking about. Sorry. Gosinator? Who? Everyone knows the Goose.

If you don't call him the Gosinator nobody knows who you are talking about. Sorry. Gosinator?

Gosling?

CM is a bit different, they don't really need the same level of understanding between each other than say strikers or centre backs. I'm more concerned that our main deep creative outlet, Cabaye, hasn't played with our forwards that much.

I actually hope Smith plays this one, I want to see Cabaye pulling the strings not holding. Against Leeds, Ba made some great little runs but Gosling wasn't anywhere near quick enough in releasing the ball, hopefully he can get a bit of an understanding going with Cabaye.

If 40k is 'ridiculous' how much difference is 10k going to make? That is our supposed ceiling after all. Surely the agent knows we won't be able to really up the offer that much but they're still talking with us or at least were until today, possible mileage left in this for me. Does this also mean we had a bid accepted if we were discussing personal terms?

Probably trying to bypass on agent's fees tbh.

Yep, the only hope I have of a forward, is a loan. Really can't think of anyone who fits our bill though.

He's a pretty good player, great right peg on him. Nothing like Barton though, he's far more direct and physical and doesn't play as deep. He can play on the right, he'd be best switching wings with Jonas/Marveaux during the match.

We have a great chance of getting him. Cabaye and Ben Arfa are better players who were also at Champions League clubs, if they can come here, I don't see why we don't have just as good a chance of getting this one.

Imagine if we have Jonas on the right when we play them. That'll be an interesting experience for them both.

It's obvious that Mike Ashley has a strategy to get what he wants. Money. We've scorned him, he doesn't think he owes a penny to NUFC and wants to sell, it's clear. Right now, he's plumping us up, so someone will come and buy us. Reducing the wage bill but bringing indecent quality to fill in gaps. He won't add to the squad, just fill in holes that have disappeared. Ba for Carroll, Cabaye for Nolan with perhaps the odd bargain thrown in. It's a shit situation, he's covering his own back and we have to put up with it.