Wil

A major miss when he's not playing it seems. Brings us some guile. Think we better get him signed up.

Yes, the way I've been looking at it... The bottom teams have been going along at roughly a point a game for three quarters of the season. It would be surprising if that changes much in the final run in. Meaning 38 points approx at the end. We're well ahead of that particular formula at the moment.

Need plenty of height to counteract their game. I'd consider a back three of Taylor, Williamson and Colocinni for this.

Sounds like it could have been a lot worse. As others have said, just not enough quality to keep getting results in this league.

Come on lads! Unbearable pressure needed now 'til the end.

played very well there in the past. he just looked miles off the pace today. not surprising with his injury problems and the fact he's not played regularly in god knows how long. Agree with that. Up against Arteta, as well.

Ferguson coming on - good.

Cheik on set pieces - like it!

I'd agree with finding a spot for Guthrie, we need every opportunity to get back into the game, including set pieces.

Actually, pleased Shola's out there in this situation. Should think him and Best can work a few openings 2nd half.

Find myself hoping for a point... again.

He doesn't have the pace... no-one could disagree. But he has goals, in the penalty box he is very skilfull at finding space. He's a good captain, and is important in galvanising team spirit. Lately, he has also noticebly done well defensively, with last ditch tackles/interceptions etc. His game is obviously enhanced by Tiote, but who wouldn't be? The positives outweigh the negatives, and for me he deserves to be a fixture in the team; I would say there is no-one in the current squad more worthy of his midfield spot. Next season will be different, and will be a big challenge for him if we get new midfielders in. But he has done a lot for our club, last year and this.

One thing about Keegan for me, above all else, is his honesty. I'll always believe he was, and is, totally honest with Newcastle fans - as he sees it. For that reason I'll always have the utmost respect for the man. He had his weaknesses as a manager, sure - who doesn't? But, for me, I have never, ever, heard what I would call self-serving comments about his time at the club. In my opinion he always says as he finds it. He's history now, but he'll always have a special place in my heart - as one of the best managers we've ever had. He loves the club, like we all do, and like Sir Bobby did. And no-one could deny that is the case. So that's good enough for me. Anyone who loves what I love is just fine by me.

Yes, and he's absolutely going to be asked! Am expecting him to handle it, though it'll be a test of his diplomatic skills! On a general point, he's actually impressed me in his positive approach to the media so far.

I'd be surprised if Keegan wasn't just exaggerating to make a point. His contempt for the regime obviously still lingers. Good insight into what it must be like to be the manager at our club when the deadline deals land on the table.

Pretty clear he's not in Pardew's plans. As others have said we need an upgrade going forward, with Gosling and Ireland being the most likely. Always quite liked him, was excellent at times in the centre last season. But he's been nowhere near this year. Similar to Routledge in that he's never quite going to be a top player.

Pleased for McLeish, always struck me as a good bloke.

Excellent point, considering.... Shame we didn't do them 1st half. Sounded well on top then.

Come on you lads. Let's see plenty of that lovely spirit.

Tayls not a bad move to shore things up. Point will do me. Ranger to run them ragged also. Agree with that.

Just been on Radio Newcastle (6.50ish) A really very positive interview. He is absolutely sold on the vision of the club and is excited about the future. Also saying the spirit among the players and staff is the best he has ever known. He is as straight as a die that man, and would be a difficult guy to bullshit. So the fact he's bought it all, has made me, for one, feel much more confident about the future.

Well, a real good news day. Can't say we don't bloody deserve it. Great stuff!

In this particular case the club could have done no more, really. So credit to them. Just can't see anyone having success trying to tap Tiote up in the immediate future. I wouldn't be surprised if there's actually quite a few disappointed directors of football/wheeler-dealers out there today, because of this news.

Iker Casillas signed a 10 year contract IIRC. Fabregas signed for 8 Record for us?

I'm just pleased to see him here next season, which I think he will be now.