Shadow Puppets

I thought, barring a rough edgy 10 mins, we were REALLY good in all phases apart from the penalty area. Isak and Maxi were both class when they came on. Going to be an electric atmosphere next week, especially if we grab an early goal!

I really think people are vastly overreacting to this. To me, he’s exactly the right kind of fit for a Howe team. Bit raw, but bags of potential.

I’m not disappointed with this at all. Every time I’ve seen him play he looks lively, good technique… a bit raw. Great work rate. Can see why Eddie would want him… adds some good competition for places in the wide areas ?

Not nervous about this at all. Even if Southampton put on a show for their home fans, and we lose 1-0 or 2-0, I’m still incredibly confident of beating them comfortably at home. I’m going for a 2-1 win tonight though.

But do they significantly improve the squad… yes.

Howe pretty much confirmed in his post game press conference yesterday that he's looking for ONE player. Personally think it'll be a versatile forward / attack minded player, someone who can play across the front or at number 10.

Because the backup to Botman and Schar is Lascelles?

What’s our weakest position out wide?

Apart from 1 fluffed chance I thought he played really well yesterday. Always running, always trying to cause trouble.

I mean, “poor” is a bit harsh. I would say a 8/10 performance for defence and midfield, but attack poor.

Willock’s been our best player

Completely controlling it, but it’s a bit laboured in the final third. Would like to see Maxi causing some mayhem going forward.

What’s the price like? I’d say something like £30m would be the going rate.

I’m in the minority, but from what I’ve seen of him I’d say he’s a pretty perfect example of an Eddie Howe signing. Good work rate, solid ability, bags of potential.

Grealish is pants like.

Go listen to his commentary on the Leicester game on Tuesday. If that’s happy, fuck me.

He might be a nice bloke, but I can’t listen to him on the radio. Just comes across as a moaning prick 95% of the time.

He’s an absolute whopper.

What the fuck ?

Just fucking fine him, let the law do it’s job, and move on. I genuinely don’t think the public as a whole will care that much one way or another… certainly no one will boo him. He’s a human being. He’s made a mistake. If he’s guilty he’ll get a driving ban. You don’t drop a player because of something like this. Give your head a shake.

Can’t help but feel people will forgive and forget in about 24 hours like. Not buying into the narrative that other than a slap on the wrist, fine etc, it’s going to cause any effect whatsoever on our season. Howe will handle it well and all will be forgotten in a day or two. He’s stupid for doing it, absolutely, but as has been said multiple times in this thread, for all we know he wasn’t even slightly impaired. I have family members who can easily have 6 pints and not be effected visibly at all, so if he’s had a couple of glasses of wine and is for all intents and purposes fine, then it seems silly to paint him with the same brush as someone who genuinely endangered people. Obviously these are details we don’t know so it’s pointless really speculating.

Obviously a stupid fucking thing to do. Driving ban heading his way. Not sure whether he should really be dropped though? Fined perhaps for bringing the club into disrepute, but dropped?

Where the hell was the goalie going? ?

I did find it interesting tonight just how much stick our players were giving Tielemens. Trippier had a pop at him on a couple of occasions, as did Bruno. Pretty awkward if we sign him next week ?

It was in the press conference immediately after he signed. Not going to spend my night looking for the exact quote, but it’s referenced in this Athletic article… https://theathletic.com/3540297/2022/08/26/alexander-isak-callum-wilson-eddie-howe-newcastle/?amp=1