Wil

Chelsea right off the boil, well done lads.

Any comments on Long? - just in case he becomes one of ours. Not able to watch. Thanks.

Perhaps Pardew's going to be a bit more adventurous than we think. From the Chronicle.... Pardew added: "It is a chance to have a look at some players ahead of next season, but it is also a chance to try some different formations."

Gazette journo reporting Smith doubtful.... milesstarforth Alan Pardew also revealed that chances of Alan Smith being involved at #chelsea are 'slim' #nufc Last men standing for central midfield - Taylor+Barton? Or start for Richardson maybe?

Fat mike will make them pay though He'll get at least 10 mil off someone How many left backs have gone for 10 mil + 60k a week. That's a big outlay for someone with faults Would like to think if it's Liverpool, they'll be paying an extra premium!

The interview does seem to leave the door open. Just feel he's likely to have already been made a better offer than he'll get from us, and he'll be off. All interested clubs will have let his agent know by now.

Heard Steve McClaren on Sky this morning praising the professionalism of our managerial/coaching set up and attention to detail, which he had observed behind the scenes recently. That's how I've thought Pardew has come across actually. For me he's done a very decent professional job, in some trying circumstances. There's also an honesty about the way he's trying to communicate through the media which I appreciate. Next season though is the big one for him.

Find it difficult to imagine Barton (if he stays) and Nolan not being selected in our midfield, along with Tiote when they're all available. Larsson will know they are big players at the club and will be difficult to shift. He's used to starting, and that might be a problem with any established midfielder who we might see as adding quality to the squad. But if he fancies it, I'd admire him for that and welcome him.

All in all it's got to be a good 1st season back. Some gutsy performances, a sprinkling of big wins and one titanic draw. Specially considering long term injuries and a certain outgoing transfer, which haven't helped. Well done the lads.

Looks like we can rule out Gervinho, wants CL football .... http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11669_6916740,00.html

Actually got quite a lot of confidence that Pardew, Carver and Carr will be doing their best as a team to try and get the right players lined up, within whatever budget they've been given. And that they'll all be pulling in the same direction. Just wish I could feel the same about the competence of Llambias and Ashley to work equally as hard to secure the deals. It's a suspicion and distrust of their own making, and will only be lifted if we have an excellent summer of incoming transfers. Can only hope that by now they've learnt enough of the ropes and have enough desire to try and take the club forward. Guess this will soon start to become clear.

You make some very good points there. The only way I could see the team progressing is to use all the money on two pacy, mobile strikers and play a more fluid style than we were under Carroll. But as you say, whether they're available for £10/15m is another matter. Also, Pardew has already spoken about playing Ben Arfa in the hole, so guess we shouldn't be surprised if there is only one addition up front. A top quality centreback could improve the spine I reckon, but it's unlikely to be a priority. Unfortunately, it's happened now. Here's hoping Graeme Carr has already identified a gem or two. One thing is - you would think there must at least be some kind of pressure now at the club to come up with some quality buys in the summer.

He's so integral to the club at the moment, it's good news that the club have acted - ahead of time in his case. Personally, I just don't think we can afford to let the likes of Nolan or Barton end up anywhere else. We need both of them for the next 2/3 years if we are going to build something.

Not much doubt he'll be desperate for us to come in for him. Can't see he'll be a priority, but it's the kind of deal that might appeal to Ashley.

6 games to impress says Pardew. Starts on the bench v Man U. http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/football/newcastle/8975865.Ireland_gets_a_six_game_ultimatum_from_Pardew/

Expecting us to show plenty of spirit, but be outclassed. The only forward I can see conjuring up anything against Vidic and Ferdinand is Shola, and he seems to be looking highly doubtful. I'd go with Ireland behind the front man in this game, there won't be a bigger stage this season for him to try to impress and get himself a deal.

Heard Pardew in interview with Radio Newcastle after the window shut specifically say about Routledge when questioned something along the lines of "We don't think Wayne has quite the right quality for where we want to go". Was very surprised at the time to hear something so direct as that (and that it wasn't picked up by the papers), but guess it backs up the point about Routledge reckoning he isn't part of Pardew's plans. He also said they thought they had a done deal for a replacement at the time - presumably Larsson.

Incoming, I'd look to buy.... Assuming Enrique goes (8m) - a left back 4/5m. Wouldn't mind if he was better defending than going forward. A new no.9 - almost certainly from abroad, say 12/15m. Pace and technique to benefit from being slipped in by Ben Arfa, and big enough personality to carry the shirt and all the attention he'll be getting. (Wonder if he exists?). A second pacy, versatile forward who can play wide (first team ahead of Jonas) or up front - 8/9m. Again from abroad, likely. So those three as priority. 29m + wages. (Already sounds quite a lot!) Any money available from other sales and I'd look to make the spine as strong as possible and strengthen at centreback with a player a step up from Williamson and Taylor. Say 8m. Anyway, that's probably cloud cuckoo land for this year. Pardew's more likely to be looking at a couple of young squad players. Outgoing... Enrique probably Xisco Campbell Routledge Guthrie (Gosling to take his place next year) Lovenkrands Jonas. I wouldn't sell, but might be a surprise exit depending on how Pardew rates him. Seems we did at least make a phone enquiry for N'Zogbia. Expecting Smith to run his contract down, and for us to hang onto Perch for another year.

Would be interesting to know how well Ireland is integrating into the squad. Think that will be a major factor in the decision on whether or not we'll take a chance with him long term. Pardew and Carver should have him sussed by now. An undoubted talent, but clearly very high maintenance. How much is he willing to put in to resurrect his career, is the question for him. If he does feel comfortable and welcome here, then maybe he will be happy to scrap for a place when one becomes available. But he'll be up against Nolan and Ben Arfa, two guarenteed starters next season.

That Lpool is spending stupid money doesn't necessarily mean that they're more ambitious. They paid over price on Carroll, Johnson and Paulson. Cole flopped. Is this a sound strategy? We're having a more sensible approach, but that's not the same as lack of ambitions. Everybody was satisfied with us staying up this season. The club and players have exceeded our expectations. Is not possible to positive? Can't we wait until after the transfer window before we start criticizing the clubs policy? Wasn't saying Liverpool are great, or that I wasn't pleased with how we've done this season. We've done really well. Just trying to see this from a player's point of view. that's all.

Sad though it is, there can't be much doubt Liverpool would be seen as a more ambitious and powerful club. The new owner has been bullish lately about where he wants to take them, and backed it up with big money and wages spent on Carroll and Suarez. That's the kind of statement top players get their heads turned by. I'm pretty conviced Jose would have been approached months ago. They've got Comolli in there, an experienced operator, doing the deals. As compared to who? Llambias? Their whole set up is much more high powered. Our current "statement" is all about financial stability and self-sufficiency, leading to hard bargaining with agents and high earners over new contracts. As well as constant talk about whether the manager will get all the Carroll money or not. Not something a top footballer trying to maximise his potential in terms of income and playing level is going to want to hear. The wonderful stage of playing for our club should always attract good quality players, but under this regime I reckon the top ones will always want to move on eventually.

Has undeniably been great for us this season, though not today. Not sure it's realistic to expect any changes in the mouth department, it's too much part of his make up. He's an easy target for brainless pundits.

He's won me over this season. Had quite big doubts about him being good enough back in the premiership, but his all round contribution has been vital to the team and the club again this year - and will be in the next year or two I reckon.

Regular games, a few goals out on loan is what he needs. Then we'll see. He'll be down the pecking order here anyway. so no point keeping him around for bit part performances next season.

Raylor time