Ericz

Hope: Jose Mourinho (He's one of the brightest sparks in football today) Most Likely: Frank Rijkaard Worst Appointment: Grame Souness

Most people here seems to have the idea of changing the majority of the current squad we have. My thoughts are that if we make wholesale drastic changes, will the players be able to gel in time for the start of next season? Maybe we should just look forward to changing a few of the first team players, get rid of a few black sheeps, bring in a few more squad players for depth and build on the current momentum we have. After all, it takes a while to build up team spirit, bonding and understanding.

Our squad isn't exactly very big at the moment, coupled with the fact that several might be shipped out come the close season. Like what most before me have mentioned, it all depends on ( 1 ) Transfer Price + ( 2 ) Salary

Barcelona clearly is better... sigh Although I do admit that Schole's goal was a beauty to behold. Just got a bad feeling that Barcelona will end up like Arsenal, playing beautifully and lose sigh. Regards, Ericz

I must say, based on the first few minutes... I missed a Barcelona vs Arsenal final. It will be exciting, I'm sure. Regards, Ericz

On the contrary, I do see the benefit of that formation. Ronaldo, Nani, Park, Tevez are the players good for counter-attacking play and raiding down the flanks. I am guessing they are going to soak up the pressure and waits for an opportunity to counter-attack. I would think Vidic deserves a spot however, I believe that he is not match fit at the moment. The rest of the squad pretty much picks itself. Indeed Andersen may well have deserved a spot in place of Carrick. It could very well be a tactical move for the 2nd half. Regards, Ericz

I do see where you are coming from. I don't disagree with you, neither do I agree. In today's world, ideally football should be seen as a sport or/and a passion. Some people do see it that way still. I don't doubt that is the correct way. However, there are others who sees it as a business. I am sure footballers themselves see it as a money-making opportunity. I am sure young children aspires to be footballers to be able to earn that sort of money. Likewise goes for investors. Anything that is efficient pertaining to profit making = worth going into. They are not wrong either. Of course there are others who adopts both philosophies and it depends on which side of the scale they are at. This is the state of football today I guess. I apologise if I am being too skeptical about the whole affair. Regards, Ericz

I think he lost his passion for football and it is a bread and butter for him now. I might if I were in his position. Were he highly regarded in Newcastle after so many years? Not really... Lost of motivation and passion = yucks sigh Nonetheless it is a good deal. It is weird that they agree to such an agreement, simply not a good piece of business from a business point of view. Regards, Ericz

Thaksin is a very shrewd economist and businessman. It could be his high expectations and of course, being a shrewd economist and businessman, efficiency (profits perhaps) matters. I don't doubt Thaksin though. There's probably more to the whole affair. Credits to Sven though, Manchester City has never been better for the past few seasons before Sven arrives. The good thing, players may leave and Newcastle may be able to nick a few from there. I'm a fan of Micah Richards. Regards, Ericz

Out of curiosity, why is Rooney a good player? Mmmm personally, I don't see him as a good player, rather a player who just bulldoze his way through and of course his physique may intimidate the opposition I guess. What else? Maybe I'm missing something here? Regards, Ericz

Personally, I think Alan Smith is one of the worst performers this season. As a striker, he can neither score nor assist. As a midfielder, I didn't see him making crucial interceptions or brilliant assists. He is guilty of giving the ball away alot both from passes and fouls. Based on his recent performance alone, it is amazing that he is wanted by Rangers. However... of course that doesn't that he won't improve in the near future or his recent slump in form could be due to private matters unknown... but based on current form, it really doesn't seem justifiable that any team would want to sign him. While his workrate is commendable, it is really offset by the mistakes and inefficiency he brings to the side at the present moment. Regards, Ericz

I hope it will be a match that will 'wow' us with attacking football. May the best team wins. On a bias note, I hope for a Barcelona victory. Anybody thinks that Manchester United whines too much at times? and their players are guilty of the things they whine about? (Like I said, it's on a bias note) Barcelona reminds me of Arsenal, 'Just can't score in the final 3rd'. Regards, Ericz

It is a different form of expression I would say. Incidentally, I do agree with some of the points he mentioned. A Question to all: Would you rather ( 1 ) Win a match in a boring way or ( 2 ) Lose a match in an exciting way? You only got 2 choices to choose from. Some people just like winning regardless of the methods used to win it. The end-product is more important than the process. Regards, Ericz

Fernando Torres for the reasons above. Regards, Ericz

Anybody thinks Walcott has the potential to play the part Henry plays for Arsenal in the past? (And no, it's not because of one mere goal) I think the reason Henry was good in the past was because the position suits his style of play. Walcott seems to be (1) shaped in that mould + (2) he's just 18. Regards, Ericz

Sentiments shared. Bentley. Regards, Ericz

I'm happy that the club is doing fantastic for the past few matches (especially with the wins, honestly which Newcastle fan isn't). Certainly, I'm not jinxing the club here but this thread/discussion here will perhaps allow us to observe/assess (hopefully) what are the priorities for player purchases next season. So, according to the recent lineups, an injury to which player will probably change/effect the flow of our game? I think it's Mark Viduka. (I may be wrong, it's just an opinion because I don't see anybody who can replace him at the present moment) He's an intelligent player, holds the ball up well and fantastic for us whenever he plays. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Results: (till reply #48) Steve Harper ** Faye * Beye **** Jose Enrique ** Nicky Butt * Michael Owen © ******* Mark Viduka ********* Obafemi Martins ************* -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regards, Ericz

Keywords: Six years ago But seriously, isn't Henry the type of player who wants to be in a big club playing Champions League matches (Afterall, that's the only trophy he hasn't win) week in and week out? Additionally, would his first-choice not be Arsenal, given the proximity to his home (London) and the familiarity (His previous club). Arsenal's striking department seems to be called into question lately too, would he not be a fantastic (or maybe nostalgic) addition to them as well? Food for thoughts. Regards, Ericz

Everybody has so many what-ifs? What if Allardyce is still around? What if Keegan is given 2 players, can he turn the side into a top 4 side? What if this? What if that?.... ~Period.. things that never happen, we will never know what will eventually happen if it goes the other way or not. What's the point of going through all these? Can Keegan mould the side into a top 4 side? Is Keegan like Bobby? Oh please, only time will tell... If he's not, do you have the ability to sack him? No. Who will believe your words in the first place? + If your analysis is so accurate, there's no longer the need for you to work. The point is just get behind the team and support them... only time will tell really. Regards, Ericz

Give Keegan time. Personally, I'm pleased if Newcastle does not get relegated this season, which I think statistically the probabilities are low. That is the target for me. ~Regards, Ericz.

I'm not sure about Maicon. But I've always rate Evra highly. Quick, strong, fast, decisive, good passing... All you want from a attacking defender. If he plays winger, I'm not surprised. Definitely better than Ashley Cole, Wayne Bridge etc.

You know what I thought was the best match Newcastle has thus far since Keegan's appointment? I thought it was the first half of the FA Cup match with Arsenal. That was the best performance. You can see their confidence. Subsequent matches amounting to losses... I don't know... I feel the players' confidence seems to be dwindling which isn't surprising. As for Smith, I bet that's a joke from you. Smith, I think he's resigned to not scoring for a while, he lost the feeling, motivation, instinct to net in a goal. Things are like, you do more of some things, gets recognition for it.. you want to do more of it (in this case, Alan Smith scoring goals)... However the more you try, the more impossible it seems, even if there's a good chance coming, you (Smith) will probably miss it. Of course, I'm not saying that things are always like that. In life, never say never but the higher probability points to that. Luck plays a great part too. I didn't think Owen's 2 goals were that fantastic. But I'm glad he managed to score because that could come as a great morale booster (hopefully).

Attacking passing football is always a joy to behold but it always leave you short at the back. Psychologically speaking, Arsenal's inability to score first and subsequent attempts fail to yield a goal, Manchester United managed to get a couple in, the morale and of the Arsenal players are somewhat already thwarted. I am of the view that human beings thrive on confidence. No confidence = no adrenaline rush = no win. But I'm still not convinced that Rooney and Fletcher are class acts. Rooney always seems like a bulldozer sorta player to me. My two cents

You know, I've been saying to my mate from the start of the year that Arsenal defense has been very shaky at times and one day some team is definitely going to capitalise on it and here it goes. Arsenal's attack is a joy to behold, great passing, great pushing of man up but they leave the defense empty just like us. The only exceptions are, their passing is more fluid, accurate, deadly, their strikers more clinical, their defense are faster. That's about it. I don't know, I just feel that Arsenal players are all so lightweight and that they will fall with a single light touch. I guess this match proves me right. Arsenal sacrifice strength for pace it seems. They seems to have good teamwork too. Just wondering what everybody think of my thoughts on Arsenal. As for Manchester United, everybody is saying how good Rooney is, how good Ronaldo is... I admit Ronaldo is fantastic but I think what's good about Manchester United is they have a reliable goalkeeper and a fairly good defense. In terms of offensive strength, i don't feel that Manchester United is better than Arsenal, not even after this match. That's just my take on Manchester United.

Given Beye, Taylor, Faye, Enrique Geremi Barton Milner, Zoggy, Duff Martins Substitutes: Harper Cacapa Smith Emre Owen/Viduka Why? Given (GK) - It's a hard time selecting between him and Harper. But I think we should give him a bit of confidence and once we are back to winning ways, hopefully he will be back to his usual best. Faye (DC) - Our best defender in the season so far. Taylor (DC) - Has potential, a Newcastle supporter since young. He can only be better if we give him a stage to relish his potential. Beye (DR) - An automatic choice really. Enrique (DL) - We pretty much got no one in that position except him. And like Taylor, he can only get better if we give him a stage to relish his potential. Geremi (DM/MC) - Butt has been terrible to watch in the past few matches. Barton (DM/MC) - Imo, easily our best center midfielder. Milner (MR/AMR) - Can be our very own David Bentley. His under 21 performances are nice to watch. Duff (ML/AML) - It's a hard time selecting between him and Zoggy. He showed glimpses of brilliance in the past few matches and he lured a few defenders to him too I just hope that if he gets his confidence back, he will be able to replicate his past form. Zoggy (AMC) - It's a hard time selecting between him and Emre too. But I think he deserves to play based on his consistency. Mmmm I would really like to see him play some sort of a role similar to Jenas for Tottenham and England. It would be nice if Zoggy scores a couple of goals I'm sure. Additionally, Zoggy is able to put in a good cross/pass. Also, we need to keep him happy and playing. If we managed to win some games, maybe he will stay. Martins (FC) - He has the pace, more clinical etc. Also, I rate African strikers better than English strikers these days. Substitutes: Harper - Good backup I supposed. Cacapa - He always does fantastic last ditch tackle which is quite nice to watch. I think he's a good backup for the defenders. Smith - We probably needs a combative center midfielder if any of them on the pitch is injured. Besides, he can play striker, if there's no other choices. Emre - Like I said, I had a hard time selective between starting him and Zoggy and Duff. I guess the 3 of them can be used interchangeably for tactical reasons. Owen/Viduka - Credits to Owen for the 2 goals, so I don't think he should be drop entirely. Besides, Owen would be the natural substitute for Martins if Martins is injured in the match (I know the pace is lacking). But Viduka offers more for tactical changes. Tough choice here.