thewellander

What's scary to me is that Big Sam appears to have believed that the last two wins were justification for his ridiculous tactics, when in fact, the games were won in spite of his efforts. Like always, we arguably had four players out there playing outside their best positions. There was no reason to not put Jose Enrique out there against Derby and allow N'Zogbia and Milner to play where they're best suited. How hard is it to figure out: ----------------Given ---Beye---Taylor---Cacapa---Enrique --Milner---Emre---Barton----N'Zogbia ---------Viduka---Martins If that team goes out there today and allowed to just play the game at the level they're capable of, Derby would be beaten, imo.

Expecting three points at home to Derby isn't the same thing as expecting 'champagne football.' I've been patient up to this point, but I'm genuinly unhappy about today's performance.

I've definately started to lose faith in Big Sam. When that stat came up in midway through the 2nd half that said Derby had 61% possession...I think that said it all. No more 4-3-3. Grumble.

I would imagine Smith would get it, except that he may not be a guaranteed start when Owen and Viduka are fit.

Derby - Win Wigan - Win Chelsea - Lose Man City - Draw The teams directly above us are playing some tough games, while we have Derby and Wigan. We need to win the next two. After that, it's a tough go, but I think we'll get a point or more from Man City.

I'd go with an attacking side, and hope to put the game to bed by the 60th minute, to safely bring on some recovering players later on in the game - in an ideal world. It's also a good time to reintroduce Jose Enrique. ----------------Given --Beye----Cacapa----Roz----Enrique -Milner---Geremi---Emre----N'Zogbia ---------Smith-----Martins Subs: Harper, Duff (on at 60/70), Viduka, Barton, Faye (if fit)

Yeah, it was quite funny, especially with the pink scarf. I wish he's lose that thing. Someone should explain to him that a Newcastle manager should be wearing a black and white striped scarf.

Milner has been one of our best players all season, even though he's often being played out of his natural position. I think he has a tremendous up side. He has done nothing to warrant losing his place in the starting 11. I really don't get why so many people on these boards thing he isn't good enough.

I was happy with how it went today. We kept a clean sheet and our defenders stood strong against some long bouts of pressure from Fulham. There were some mistakes, but thankfully we got away with it. Emre should be on from the start against Derby next week. I'd also welcome Faye back into the squad over Roz. If we pick up Wes Brown in January, it's hard to imagine that Roz will get many starts, but he'll be a good squad player for us. Even though we've been squeaking out wins as of late, I'm not convinced of the 4-3-3. We were dominated in midfield in the 2nd half, and I think a 4-4-2 would give us more of a presence in the middle that is sadly lacking.

Yeah, I hope we have Faye back for this one. I feel good about it. Emre on for Butt, Faye on for Roz. Otherwise change nothing from the past two games. It'll be on TV in Canada, so I'm pretty well living for the weekend this week. 2-0 Toon. Milner, Smith.

Yeah, it's nice to see the club reaching out to young kids. With most sports, it's too expensive for most parents to bring their children to a game. Good on them.

Two games, two life-saving goals from defenders. If only our strikers were scoring and our defenders were stopping goals. Oh well. I didn't get to see the game, but I'm happy.

I'd take him. I imagine we wouldn't be the only Premiership team looking at him, though. I'm sure the Spuds will take a look as well, for example.

No. Sudbury, Ontario, Canada.

And that we don't concede early, even though the lads handled the pressure well against Arsenal. We've been letting in too many early goals the past few games. Personally, I'm really hoping for a clean sheat against Birmingham. Nothing would make me happier.

Are there any songs/chants for Ashley? I think there should be. With January around the corner, it should be something like "We love you. Give us money."

I agree with everyone who says we keep the same team. They all played with a great deal of dedication and all deserve to be back out there again, barring injury. That being said, if Faye is fit, I would take out Roz and play him in CB.

But he was just being honest, and he was correct in saying that players who have a choice of where they want to go may be turned off by Newcastle fans booing the team. As well, the relationship between fans and clubs is more complex than customer / business. I do agree that fans pay their money and the players should work as hard as they can, but if the fans really want the team to win, pissing the players off is obviously not the way to do it. Barton only said what all the players are probably feeling. It will probably hurt him for saying it, as it will just make the fans dislike him even more, but at least he had the courage to tell the truth - and he had a point.

I just hope they're not going to use the Roeder approach and pick up some unproven players on loan rather than buy quality. I wonder what Onyewu is up to these days?

It's amazing how the players and fans put so much weight into getting into Europe, and then nobody shows up for the games.

no martins? Has Viduka's fitness improved since last weekend? He looked terrible out there. Unless he's 100%, I'd go with Smith / Martins, and maybe put him out for the last 30 minutes, if we need him. I don't understand why Sam would play an unfit striker (Viduka) up front, and then play a fit striker (Smith) in midfield.

The penalty and red card against Blackburn was criminal, and it sunk them. Our defence would never have stood up to the pressure that Blackburn put on Villa in the first half, and it's hard to imagine that Blackburn will lose two straight at home, especially since they'll now have a chip on their shoulder. We can only hope, though. --------------Given --Beye---Roz---Cacapa---Enrique -Milner---Geremi---Emre---Zogs -----------Smith-----Martins

I would imagine that Branson would want the shirt logos to change as soon as possible, if he rebrands Northern Rock. Personally, I don't care who the shirt sponsor is. I won't be buying a new shirt, just because the sponsor changes, nor would I avoid getting a shirt just because it said Virgin.

No doubt. After paying $20 a month, I would like to have half time coverage of some sort on the weekend games, instead of that graphic for 15 minutes. I actually switched to the Broadband service. I find it much better than the North American channel, and it's a tad cheaper than it is here in Canada. Only problem is that you can't seem to go full screen.

I don't see anything wrong with his comments. Whether or not they're true isn't the point. He's showing solidarity and confidence in his teammates.