Coffee_Johnny

Swap deal, him and Alvarez for Bruno ?

Stands out how poorly we’ve done against teams we’d be expected to beat when compare to how other’s have done. Tier is based on where the opponents finished last year (so Tier 4 is three promoted sides plus NF and Eve). We’ve only taken 11 points from 8 games against supposedly worst sides in the league. Man Utd have 24 from 9, Villa 23 from 10, and Spurs 16 from 6 games.

Just had a close look at our results this season and where the hotspots were in terms of lost points. December was the critical month.We played 8 games. Two important cup defeats (AC Milan at home and Chelsea LCQF), and losses to Forest and Luton (remaining results decent/or as expected). An extra four points in that month and we’d still be confident of a European place next season. We lost Pope in the first game of that month and we only used 17 players. Details/minutiae hidden.

Masochism? Really don’t want to get those two mixed-up!

I retain a bit of optimism with the thought of a fully match fit trio of Isak, Gordon and Barnes. They can individually and collectively create and finish to win us games. We’ll need Anderson and Hall to stay fit and step-up, plus Tino and Miggy back and we just might nick enough points.

Yep, was comical at times. But suspect Dan could (did) teach him a thing or two about that side of the game.

Not much on the bench was key. Four young uns, a couple of oldies, two keepers and Joe W. Feel sure we would have won if able to add quality & energy in last 30 mins.

Barnes was absolutely shattered. Felt sure he would be replaced, with JW going on the left side. Can’t recall much involvement by Barnes in last third of the match.

A true black and white rollercoaster of a season!

Birth of my favourite football joke! Well that and why does Cantona (the crooner…) wear his collar up?

Gameweek 31 Newcastle 2-1 Everton Forest 1-2 Fulham Bournemouth 2-1 Palace Burnley 0-2 Wolves West Ham 3-2 Spurs Arsenal 3-1 Luton Brentford 2-1 Brighton Man City 1-0 Villa Liverpool 4-1 Sheff United Chelsea 3-1 Man United

I reckon that team might beat who we can put out against Everton!

If we’re clinging on to aspirations (and sod it why not, we can get 19-20 points from the 27 available) we’d need to beat Man Utd. I reckon 14 points gives us a reasonable chance of 7th, which wouldn’t necessarily be such an entertaining run in.

Everton at home?

Just worked it out and the average points total required for 7th, over last 31 seasons, is 58 (57.51). 8th place average is 54. If we do manage 60 points that would almost guarantee 7th.

End of March comparison against expected points total for sixth; taking into account relative difficulty of fixtures. We sit three points below where we should be for average PL season sixth place finish. We need to find 19 points from 9 games (2.1 ppg, which is pretty much what we amassed in the 36 games in 2022 calendar year) to be in with a shout of sixth. We'd also need Man Utd to drop below 1.6 ppg (can't see it...) plus West Ham and Brighton (also Wolves and Chelsea) to continue pretty much as as they have been/not mirror, or better, our upturn in form.

Just caught the result…

Selfless; and admirably so. But also a bit depressing regarding the reality of our ‘pull’ and financial clout in the current climate. At the realistic end of ideal scenarios he is the epitome of the kind of player/person who would just dig in, commit and accept he is here for the ride. Here to help make the best of his best years and, in a Sheareresque way, dare to dream of what we could become with his significant assistance.

I bet he’s winning the cost per game comp!

Every good team needs a big squad. A couple of favourites from the, errr, Director of Football’s early supporting days may have sneaked in.

Boro Beardsley, but with a statue.

Gameweek 30 Newcastle 2-1 West Ham Bournemouth 1-1 Everton Chelsea 1-1 Burnley Forest 2-1 Palace Sheff United 1-2 Fulham Spurs 2-3 Luton Villa 1-2 Wolves Brentford 2-3 Man United Liverpool 2-2 Brighton Man City 2-1 Arsenal

First team NE 11 (internationals, status in era, style of play): Pickford Todd Hunter Woodgate Robson Bell Gascoigne Charlton Mannion Milburn Shearer Manager: Bob Paisley

My squad for best ever North East (born) 11. Goalkeepers Pickford Carr (Kevin) Harper Montgomery Defenders Todd (Colin) Kennedy (Alan) Hunter Hardwick (George) Howey Venison Charlton (Jack) Nattrass Wharton Midfielders Charlton (Bobby) Bell (Colin) Robson (Bryan) Gascoigne Carrick Clark (Lee) Wide/forwards Waddle Robson (Bobby) Steven Forwards Shearer Milburn Mortensen Tueart Beardsley Robson (Bryan ‘Pop’) Carter (Raich) Mannion (Wilf) Manager: Bob Paisley Brian Clough Bobby Robson Don Revie