ExiledGeordie

Ashley having Sports Direct plastered all over St James' is an advertising wet dream because the whole world as well as the country gets to see his brand. I can't see him giving that up easily because financially he probably stands to make more keeping his Sports Direct stuff in place. That seems to add up if as Culkin says Wonga is for the shirt sponsorship only.

No I think many aspects of the financial model that's been set up has to be commended but I doubt whether there really is the committment to take the club forward because that would require more investment than is currently in place. I suppose in reality I've just got used to the hideous cringeworthy acts of Ashley and this latest one is a good'un no doubt.

It really is astonishing isn't it some of the decisions they make. More money in his pocket too, doubt the actual team will see much of this

I think it's total and utter bollocks about a said allegiance towards United, just my 2pence. Football fans get annoyed after defeats and come up with all sorts of theories about refs.

They're very one dimensional with Fletcher. With a fully fit side we have far more weapons to hurt them and the pressure is squarely on them to get a result too. The pressure will be turned up a notch too if we get a result tomorrow.

It is possible to have been really unlucky with serious injuries like the torn achilles and a fractrued jaw while ALSO being generally prone to less serious injuries. The lad has always had trouble with knocks, can't get away from that.

The utter folly of not bringing in another centre half ffs

Solid performance but they were awful. Pretty decent atmosphere down there to be honest. Obertan actually beat someone and put a cross in for a goal Cabaye looked sharper and glad Cisse scored. Hope we have one of Saylor or Colo back for sunday though. Saw the highlights in the Newcastle Arms after. Hate ITV That's my review

cash turnstiles tonight I'm guessing? Will probs head down later and grab a ticket

If ever there was a game to highlight the lack of investment into key areas namely central defence then this is it. Had the chance to strengthen again this summer after the issue became glaringly obvious last season and yet they didn't do so. Articles from Ryder with quotes from Pardew saying "I plan to strengthen in January" just annoy me even more

1st game back now Im living in the Toon again..........christ we made hard work of that. Should've been atleast 2-0 up by half time and were pretty turbo s*** 2nd half. I'm all for team spirit and trying to help teammates out but can we just have a regular pen taker ffs Cisse is all over the shop at the moment. Bloke behind me made teh comment of the day saying "I think Cisse's been left at the airport and we've got the baggage handler on the pitch" Obertan too, dear oh dear.........just doesn't do anythign for me, doesn't take people on, can't cross, doesn't put a tackle in when needed. Absolute s****! That said we played some alright stuff 1st half and should've had the game sown up. Defending a 1-0 lead at home against Norwich though, dear oh dear. I like Perch, does his job properly and doesn't fanny about. What has Tiote doing with his turning again and again on the edge of the area 3 points is 3 points, lets hope we go to Reading a lot sharper and pressure is on them so a result is defo on the cards there. Formation doesn't look right to me but Tiote back is a massive bonus. Enjoyed being back at St James

First game at St James since moving back to study last week. We just need a solid routine win and the 3 points. Looking forward to seeing Ben Arfa legging it about

Bloody tough place to go. Anything less than 100% and it'll be a defeat. Maybe it's the type of place we need to go because we'll get turned over good and proper if we don't turn up as per sunday.

You could see it in the game yesterday, a change was needed up front, something different. Christ Carroll might have had an impact on the game as a "plan B". Rodgers must be spitting blood if he'd lined up Dempsey only for the board to pull the plug. I don't mind Rodgers, I get the impression he's been well and truly shafted by the board in the transfer window.

My Ajax mate said to me he can play LB or RB really well

It's a slap in the face kind of a result but the above highlights the worrying/embarrassing nature of some of the fans. Just wildly booing at anything, fuck off and don't come back.

Anita looks good and composed, Bigirimana (spelling, lol) also very decent. Poor shape, movement, lethargic. Very poor and plenty of work needed. Ah well the season's back proper now

Thankfully I;m moving back from London to study Physiotherapy week after next so I'll be able to go St James more often

What a great signing Gervinho turned out to be

Exactly the start AVB didn't want

Fitness of the players should be getting there by now after a couple of prem games so I'm hoping the likes of Cabaye start looking like they were last season. Takes a few games to get up to speed.

What's this lad like then, I haven't seen anything of him?

8th Lucky with injuries from here on in maybe 6th. We'll still be a good, solid outfit but travelling off to Europe on thursdays and then playing sundays without depth is going to cost us.

Spot on Dave. We're going into this season with the same predicament at centre half as last season and the same situation at striker in terms of lacking bodies. I find that truly baffling.