Altamullan

Stranger things have happened; particularly at NUFC.

It is not exactly going to inspire anybody, not least given recent injury history. Do think there's a good player in there, though think the same about Siem!

Things like this put petty perceived differences in perspective: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/die-hard-newcastle-united-fan-11722867 Good on the lad, and good luck to the little man. (That said, he could have 'just' swam the channel! )

With the McGoldrick and Crouch links, I wonder whether Rafa is after a particular style striker to cover for and help develop Mitro? Doubt we'll predominantly play two centre forwards, if we do: a target/hold-up man (Mitro and new cover) with a busy Bellamy type off him (Gayle or Perez) may be the plan.

Looks to me like Everyon want Kone in the bag, before letting Stones go. Kone plus around £32m; good business.

David McGoldrick, Ipswich striker? Some link off NewsNow suggesting we're interested. Stats don't look too encouraging. Style of play seems to fit. Was recently interviewed by Kieron Dyer: http://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich_town_striker_david_mcgoldrick_opens_up_during_an_interview_with_former_blue_kieron_dyer_1_4540943

Apparently we haven't lost to these since 1953/54 (13 games ago). Why does that make me anxious....

Really hope it goes well. Bet the organisers are anxious as owt.

Not sure, Janmaat's still our only RB really. Usually wouldn't like a loan but LB is a serious weakness so let's ave it. What about 'son of' Rafa?

Welcome to the world of Gateshead phrases.

It's taken 84 days for this thought to cross my mind but: what a fucking wanker! If this barmy Arab hadn't hoofed Walker, he would have had more game time preseason, probably would have started with Gayle, and possibly would have helped us pick up points. Stupid cunt.

Wasn't familliar with the lad, but Brendan Galloway... (turns out born in St Patrick's Day) was expecting an international colleague of Ciaran Clark. Turns out born in Harare, and an England international (U17-19)!

Not sure how relevant all this shite is to the concept of being a Geordie, but for what it is worth can't see Durham 'overall' being more 'Makem'/Sunderland supporting when the two of the largest towns are Darlington and Hartlepool.

Don't forget the rising numbers in Homebase green

What makes you sure? If the Barca interest is in any way true, which I doubt, he'd be their cheap option to add some depth and I think taking into account the other players we'll have sold we'll be wanting a lot of money for him £15m is the asking price apparently which is pennies to someone like Barca. Many people seem to be thinking that Perez wouldn't want to go there due to the lack of games he'd get but I doubt the thought would cross his mind when he has the chance to join a club of that calibre. Despite not wanting to lose Perez, I can't help chuckle at the thought of two regulars from our feckless relegation squad being linked to Real & Barca.

Maybe, but they're probably all Waddler's relatives

Might have just been the angle you passed at. The wind can be wicked on that stretch of coast, bit like facing significant g-force and all your spare skin and flab flapping behind you like a fleshy sail

Jury's out, or should be, I've seen all his minutes so far and I've not seen anything inspiring. Seems overly tentative and has struggled to control balls that didn't look too challenging. I expect he'll settle, and show more. You don't get to be an International captain without having quality, being a steadying influence, and a leader. (Cue Scotland jokes...).

Yep, I was just thinking that may have been the case. I've only seen clips of him, and I'd checked out his record, which along with the fact he was looking for a final move made it seem (overly) likely.

Really thought that was going to happen; seemed ideal.

No way should Anita be anywhere near the first XI unless it's as a right back. Better option than Colback, and more trustworthy than Shelvey. Best option for mine. Give over man he is absolute crap in midfield and with respect stephen hawkins is a better option than Colback. Who? He's been a star for Oxford and for Cambridge in his time.

Hard luck pal.

We were even relegated in the year he was born: what a Jonah. Why don't you start a Hack Colback campaign, there must be haters with time on their hands now Pardew has done one, and Ashley is half tamed.

I went to a school of over 2000 pupils in that area. There were two Sunderland fans. One because his Dad moved there first from Ireland. The other I didn't know very well; was only on spitting terms.

Not sure about his past behaviour/selections, but his recent interview with Holloway gives lie to the rigidity assertion. He specificity said the opposite.