Gallowgate Toon

Lovely volley, shocking marking.

We never attempted to go at them, hence the massive gap and 'disjointed' forward play. We didn't take it to them and concentrated on frustrating them and holding our shape. It worked but I think we could definitely have had more of a go.

Will be very effective when he's not shackled. Good to see that he's also disciplined when he needs to be though. Really wish he would just take all the set pieces.

We'll be a lot better for this. We'll actually play football and give it a go.

A disciplined performance and a Pards attempt at a bit of self-preservation. It was a good result but they were there for the taking and it was frustrating that we didn't take it to them more. We were excellent defensively, very organised but we didn't try and impose ourselves on the game offensively. We have the right personnel for an attacking, on the deck style but we bypassed all those options today. Can't say I'm too disappointed with a draw but I felt we could have had a bit more.

Loved the little changes he made as a captain. Was a lot more vocal but really made attempts to push play forward, as a captain should. Phenomenal player.

No Marveaux?

Positive formation, looking forward to that midfield against theirs, reckon we might win that battle. Unfortunately we're a defensive liability.

You just know they'll nick a draw, they're an atrocious side but ridiculously lucky all the time.

They have a better squad, it's full of complete mediocrity but unfortunately, our squad has some very poor players. Our first team has more quality to it though and will be capable of picking up results playing football, rather than getting 2 banks of 4 and grinding out results with scrappy goals. We'll outscore them again, they'll not let in as many. We'll finish in similar positions.

Could Pardew not have meant, 3-4 weeks and he'd be back in training and then 5-6 weeks he'll be starting or in an around the team? He has missed a large chunk of preseason let's not forget, he'll have his work cut out for him when he gets back.

We don't need the cavalier type full back as much now. Our midfield is looking pretty attack minded, a strong and quick defender with solid distribution to keep some balance to the side will do me just fine for the moment.

Twice the player from when he joined, in a massively inflated market, the deal is with this year's big spenders and we still end up getting less cash (allegedly). You couldn't make it up.

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. Simpson is ten times the defender Ryan Taylor is though. Whoever plays left back is going to need more cover. Fair enough. It's all down to weighing up the lesser of 2 evils, either way, we seem to have snookered ourselves even if Pieters comes in.

Debatable imo. Barton not playing means Jonas and Marveaux will play, I don't think Pardew sees Gosling as a wideman at all despite his Everton days. The last time they started together, Jonas was right and Marveaux was left iirc, can see it being the same again. (Sorry, the only time they've ever played together).

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.