| News - October 2006 |
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Un-Luque
October 30th 2006
Albert Luque’s fall from grace has been quite impressive, certainly on par if not better than, the likes of Marcelino and Guivarch. On Saturday against Charlton he made it to the bench, granted only because Martins, Ameobi and Sibierski were all injured but even then, with the game heading to a goal-less conclusion, Roeder didn’t feel the need to put him on. With the club clearly short on forwards and with the investment already made, it seems a strange decision for Roeder not to at least give him the opportunity to see what he can do. Two cracking goals for the reserves lately and a few in pre-season and Europe appeared to push him into first-team contention but it seems the bench is the nearest he’ll get to playing. To be fair he’s hardly shone while playing for the first team and only has one goal to his name but what is there to lose? It was clear with 20 minutes to go that the goal we so desperately needed to kick-start our season wasn’t going to come, especially from the makeshift strike force of Rossi and Duff. On Thursday we’ll play Palermo away (with Rossi cup-tied) so unless one of our injured trio makes it off the physio table Luque may have a rare opportunity to show that he can still offer something for our club. Everything and the kitchen sink
October 28th 2006
Final score from St. James Park: Newcastle United 0 - 0 Charlton Athletic On a day when all that mattered was three points, United again came up short at home and continued their winless streak in the league, despite dominating proceedings against Charlton. Newcastle completely dominated the first half and were unlucky not to be ahead when Guiseppe Rossi deflected Damien Duffs goal-bound effort onto the crossbar. However, despite the dominance and raining shots on Scott Carson’s goal there was no break through at half-time. The second half started much like the first had ended, with United again in complete control but this time Duff was the main culprit, missing three chances to put United ahead. Rossi and Duff then started to tire as our chances of getting something out of the game started to slip away. In fact it was Charlton who came closest to scoring in the final stages with Hughes and Bent both having good chances in what would have been a classic 'smash and grab.' So another two points dropped at home against a team not only bottom of the league but also with one of the worst away records in the Premiership. While our defense has been to blame recently, it’s time to turn our attention to our forward line. Granted, Ameobi, Martins and Sibierski were all missing but the quality of our midfield AND the chances we created should have been enough. What Luque must have thought, sitting through 90 minutes of that on the bench and what Shearer would have given to have had just one of Duff’s second half chances… Why AYE man
October 27th 2006
30 minutes was the answer. The question: "How long would Dyer play for before he was injured again?" Apparently a freak training ground accident has put pay to Dyer's participation in the Charlton game, with the club admitting he may be out for more than two weeks. While you have to laugh at his misfortune you have to question the truth of the story. Eye injury or relapse? Carling Cup Draw
October 25th 2006
Newcastle will play Watford (a) in the next round of the Carling Cup. Ties will be played week commencing 11/6. Portsmouth - Result
October 25th 2006
Final score from St. James Park: Newcastle United 3 (Rossi 48, Solano 53, 90) - Portsmouth 0 Rain for several hours on Tyneside had turned this League Cup game into a farce, with heavy water on the pitch surface making passing the ball even 10 yards almost impossible. It was because of the weather that the first half brought almost no action, with only one decent chance per side, LuaLua having an effort saved by Harper while Martins saw his lob clear the cross-bar. The second half was a different story though, with United bringing on Duff for Martins and he had an almost instant impact,supplying Rossi who turned his man and fired his first United goal into the bottom corner. 5 minutes later and it was 2-0, Duff supplying an excellent cross for Solano who couldn't miss his header. On the hour, Dyer replaced Butt and looked sharp despite a long absence, going close on a number of occasions after some mazy-runs. With 7 minutes to go, LuaLua thought he had pulled one back, only to see his goal chalked off for offside when team mate Primus took an unecessary final touch on the goal line and with almost the last kick of the game, Solano grabbed his second goal of the game to secure our passage into the next round. ToonArmyUSA - Event
October 24th 2006
Calling all Newcastle United fans on the east coast! ToonArmyUSA will be gathering on November 4th at Nevada Smiths in New York City to watch the Sheffield United game (12:15pm EST - live on FSC). With lads coming from Canada, Boston and Washington, in addition to the New York regulars, it is guaranteed to be a good day out. If you're in the area (and even if you're not!) feel free to join us and meet some fellow Newcastle United fans! For more information, please contact Mike or for information on Nevada Smiths, click here. Dyer the savior?
October 24th 2006
Under-fire boss Glenn Roeder appears to be pinning his hopes of turning things around on one of Newcastle’s most injury prone players ever – Kieron Dyer. Dyer is expected to play today against Darlington following his 90-minute run out against Gretna last week and should things go well, put himself in contention for the Charlton game on Saturday. From Sportinglife.com "Kieron will have another 90 minutes on Tuesday and I would have thought that if he comes through it he will be in the frame for the Charlton game," said Roeder. While it’s exciting to see a player of Dyer’s potential return to the first-team, even the optimist must be thinking it’s only a matter of time before the midfielder breaks down again. Who should play up front? – Poll results
October 23rd 2006
The latest poll asked our members “who would you pair up front for Newcastle against Middlebrough on Sunday?” And you answered: Martins & Sibierski 34% Roeder went for the popular vote too as he chose Martins and Sibierski although the latter limped off after only 30 minutes in the 1-0 defeat. Stay tuned to the Yahoo! Groups for our next poll. Karma?
October 23rd 2006
The former Assistant Manager to Sir Bobby Robson – John Carver is expected to be axed from his position as caretaker at Leeds. Having taken over from Kevin Blackwell, Carver has managed just one win in 5 and is likely to be replaced by Dennis Wise and perennial scorer-against-the-toon Gus Poyet. Why karma you ask? Well about 20 years ago, Carver constantly over-looked one of the ToonArmyUSA editors while he was managing St. Bedes Primary School in Denton Burn… Honeymoon Period Over – Official
October 23rd 2006
Final score from the Riverside: Middlesbrough 1 (Yakubu 85) – Newcastle United 0 Glenn Roeder’s position as Newcastle United manager is under severe pressure following another defeat in the Premiership. United were unable to build momentum following their win mid-week and despite spurning a host of chances to take the lead, were punished when Nigerian striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu headed in a Stewart Downing corner with only minutes remaining to give the home side all three points. Despite having the lions share of possession, Martins hitting the bar and Duff and Milner missing good chances, United just couldn’t put the ball in the net, a problem which is almost becoming almost more evident than the weak defense. That said, a Bramble-less back four looked a lot more solid (for the second game running) with Moore and Taylor making some good interventions and Harper some decent saves. Over the last few years our away record has been pretty awful but the worrying factor with this season is that we’ve lost at grounds we usually do well at (Villa & Boro) which doesn’t bode well for trips to harder opposition. Coming up, two Premiership games against opposition currently below United in the table. Anything less than 6 points could see Glenn’s honeymoon period turn into a quick divorce. NUFC: Harper, Carr, Moore, Taylor, Ramage, Parker, Butt, Duff, Milner (N'Zogbia 89mins), Martins, Sibierski (Ameobi 30mins) Subs n/u: Srnicek, Rossi, Bramble. MFC: Schwarzer, Davies, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Taylor (Huth 46mins), Cattermole, Boateng, Euell (Maccarone 77mins), Downing, Yakubu, Viduka (Rochemback 46mins). Subs n/u: Turnbull, Arca. United Appoint number 2
October 21st 2006
Newcastle United appointed former Middlesbrough and West Brom Assistant Manager Nigel Pearson as Glenn Roeder's new number 2. Pearson who enjoyed a long playing career for Shrewsbury Town, Sheffield Wednesday and Middlesbrough, managed Carlisle for one season before joining the FA in a coaching capacity. He then joined Bryan Robson at West Brom and took over as Caretaker Manager following Robson’s sacking earlier this season. Pearson also left a few weeks later. Depending on how results go, Pearson may again soon find himself in a Caretaker’s Manager position... Morale Boost
October 19th 2006
Final Score from St. James Park: Newcastle United 1 (Sibierski) – Fenerbahce 0 Deadline day transfer Antoine Sibierski popped up with 11 minutes remaining to secure all three points for Newcastle in their first game in the UEFA group stages. After the disappointment of throwing another 3 points away at home on Sunday this game represented a chance to reverse fortunes and get our season back on track. While the performance wasn’t outstanding it was 1000 times better than what was witnessed in the second half against Bolton and Sibierski's goal was just reward for a determined performance. Palermo’s victory at Frankfurt puts them ahead on goal-difference, the Italian team being our next opposition. NUFC: Harper, Carr, Taylor, Ramage, Duff, Milner, Parker, Emre (Butt 54), N'Zogbia (Solano 64), Sibierski, Martins (Ameobi 75) Subs n/u: Luque, Moore, Bramble, Krul Fenerbahce: Rustu, Turaci, Lugano,, Edu Dracena, Ozat (Deivid 81), Yozgatli (Borat 69), Appiah, Aurelio, Sanli, Kezman, Alex Subs n/u: Demirel, Metin, Arat, Baris, Balci ToonArmyUSA stayed at home, watched it on the telly
October 17th 2006
Rather than shamelessly adding Google links all over our site, we've decided to actually find a sponsor that you guys and gals might be interested in. ITVN is a company that supplies Setanta to your homes (among other channels) for a low price. We know from personal experience that a lot of satellite and cable companies don't carry Setanta while many bars charge $$ on the door to show Setanta games. To eliminate these problems, ITVN allow you to watch the games from the comfort of you own home by subscribing to their monthly plan (for a rather low $15 we may add). If you're interested, click on one of our banners or click here and check out their offerings. They do offer a free trial so you can test it in your own home! People signing up from our site will add a few quid in the coffers so we can save up for prizes and ToonArmyUSA events. Game of two halves
October 16th 2006
Final score from St. James Park: Newcastle United 1 (Ameobi 19) - Bolton 2 (Diouf 55,57) It's a wonder what half-time team talks can do for the final result, and that appeared to be the difference between Newcastle and Bolton yesterday as United again took the lead but failed to get anything against a team who hadn't won at St. James Park for over 30 years. A positive start from the lads was rewarded on 19 minutes when Faye was adjudged to have handled the ball in the penalty area, allowing Ameobi to calmly slot the penalty away. United could have added a second but Ramage (who quite frankly had a stinker) fired over the bar from 10 yards out when it was easier to score. Even the second half started positively with Martins forcing a good save from Jaaskelainen but that was as good as it got from the home side. Bolton they stepped it up a gear and United simply appeared to give up as two quick goals from Diouf turned the game on its head. It could have been more for Bolton had the woodwork not come to our rescue from a Davies header. To say our defense is a joke is an understatement. Lapses of concentration from Carr, Bramble and Ramage cost us dearly yesterday while Ameobi and Martins looked totally uninterested in dropping into midfield to start the attacks. It's going to be a long season... Newcastle: Harper, Carr, Bramble, Moore, Ramage, Parker, Duff, Emre (Rossi 84mins), Solano (N'Zogbia 67mins), Ameobi, Martins. Subs n/u: Srnicek, Sibierski, Taylor. BWFC: Jaaskelainen, Hunt, Meite, Faye, Ben Haim, Nolan, Campo, Speed, Davies, Anelka, Diouf (Giannakopoulos 87mins). Subs n/u: Walker, Fortune, Vaz Te, Tal. News Round-Up
October 11th 2006
Scott Parker is expected to start for England this afternoon as they take on Croatia in a crucial European Championship Qualifier. Parker, who hasn’t played for the England team in over two and a half years is expected to fit into a new 3-5-2 formation, with England boss Steve McClaren making a number of changes from the side who put in a disappointing performance on Saturday against Macedonia. Steven Taylor was sent off, but that didn’t affect England under-21s successfully qualifying for the European Championships next year. Taylor conceded a soft penalty (which was saved) and was then booked in the second half in a 3-0 aggregate victory for England. Albert Luque scored two crackers against Liverpool reserves which should put him back into contention for the first team. He may have to compete against Alex Ferguson though, the Man Utd. boss complaining his teenage prodigy Guiseppe Rossi isn’t being given enough first-team experience. Pavel Srnicek made a string of excellent saves as his first game for Newcastle United in 8 years ended in a clean sheet as Newcastle reserves drew 0-0 with Wigan reserves. Meanwhile, Michael Chopra was awarded Championship Player of the month for the excellent start he has made at his new club. Chopra who is averaging more than a goal a game has fired Cardiff to the top of the league. Billy Furious in NYC
October 10th 2006
Frequent writer for "The Mag" (an independent magazine written by and for the supporters of Newcastle United), Billy Furious joined the lads and lasses of NYC to watch the Everton game last month. As expected, Billy had a great time at Nevada Smiths with the ToonArmy regulars. Billy's rant and rave of his big day out in the Big Apple can be read here. Man Utd Photos Online
October 9th 2006
Big thanks to Keith Carlaw from Nova Scotia, Canada for sending us his pictures of the ToonArmy gathering in Nevada Smiths for the Manchester United game at the start of the month. As always there was a great turnout to support the lads, made even louder with the introduction of Duncan's Drum!!! To view the pictures, please click here. Harry's England Rant
October 8th 2006
This two week break has allowed Newcastle fans to turn their attention to England and the nations qualification for the 2008 European Championships in Austria/Switzerland. Despite two wins to get the group off to a flyer, a disappointing 0-0 draw against Macedonia has brought everybody back down to earth. This however, is the topic of Harry's rant as he gives his two cents of Steve McClaren and Scotty Parker. Read Harry's latest rant and those from previous months here. Group of Death?
October 3rd 2006
Newcastle’s best chance of silverwear took a knock this morning when the draw for the UEFA Cup Second Round put us into a tough group stage with Celta Vigo (Spain), Palermo (Italy), Fenebahce (Turkey) and Eintracht Frankfurt (Germany). On the plus side, we will play both Celta Vigo and Fenerbache at St. James Park (the latter are well known for their hostile environment) and while Palmero impressed against West Ham in the first round, Eintracht Frankfurt are the weakest team in the group. We will kick off against Fenerbache at St. James Park on October 19th, then Palermo (A) on 11/2, Celta Vigo (H) 11/23 and finally Eintracht Frankfurt (A) 11/30. Prediction Corner Winner – September
October 2nd 2006
Big congratulations to Sam Young from Birmingham, UK who was top of the Prediction Corner table at the end of September. Sam wins a rare Alan Shearer testimonial programme. Remember, with a possible 6 points available for every game, it is easy to quickly climb up the table. For more information and or to sign-up, please click here. One In, One Out
October 2nd 2006
Newcastle United announced on Saturday that Tommy Craig will leave his position as Reserve Team Coach after eight and a half years at the club. This is the second change to back-room staff within a week following the departure of Assistant Manager, Kevin Bond. However, the club have resigned ex-goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek on a short term deal while Shay Given recovers from injury. Pav, much loved by the Geordies, played for the club between 1990 and 1998 and made 97 Premiership appearances. He takes the number 24 shirt. Old Trafford - Old Story
October 1st 2006
Final score from Old Trafford: Manchester United 2 (Solskjaer 41, 49) – Newcastle United 0 Heartless, weak and unimaginative. Just some of the words which could be used to describe the shambles that was our league trip to Manchester United. No win at Old Trafford since the 1971/72 season and it would be a surprise if we change that statistic in the near future. Our attacking options were literally non-existent, with Newcastle registering just two shots on goal in the entire game. Ameobi lumbered up front by himself and while Milner tried on the right wing, when he did get the ball to Shola he had no support with both Parker and Emre playing too deep. After Solskjaer tapped in his first goal, hopes of keeping it at 1-0 and letting the nerves set in was the plan but Milner was strangely taken off and replaced with N’Zogbia, with Duff switching to an unfamiliar right-midfield role. Minutes after the restart Solskjaer scored a second (with the ball deflecting off Evra) and the game was over. Shooting practice commenced and only poor finishing from Scholes and Ronaldo and the frame of the goal prevented the scoreline from being higher. Why we didn’t make more of the pace in midfield is unclear and to date, we are yet to see a successful 4-5-1 formation. What this game did show is that Roeder still has a lot to prove and it’s going to be a long season. Newcastle: Harper, Carr, Ramage, Moore, Taylor, Milner (N'Zogbia 45), Butt (Martins 62), Emre (Pattison 69), Parker, Duff, Ameobi.Subs n/u: Krul, Luque. Man United: Van der Sar, Neville, Ferdinand, Vidic, Heinze (Evra 31), Fletcher, Carrick, Scholes, Ronaldo, Rooney, Solskjaer.Subs n/u: Kuszczak, Brown, Saha, O'Shea |