Data Update Poll!
Hello, there is currently an important debate going on regarding how to manage the FM24 Data Update going forward, particularly in the case of modifying the ages and contract dates by 1 year. Please can you vote in the poll and join in the discussion.
Vercoe
Such a loooong way though. And there's a running track around the pitch like the Don Valley. Fuck the Don Valley.
Shola
Vercoe
That was before my time supporting Argyle I'm sad to say.
Number 1
I stand by my earlier thought - while results since Boxing Day have been ludicrously unacceptable, the minimum expectation was top 10 and as he met it, Pardew will be sticking around. Not that this has stopped speculation beginning - Christophe Galtier of St. Etienne has been linked with us by L'Equipe.
Saying that, I'm pretty sure L'Equipe are meant to be hideously unreliable so we can ignore that rumour.
True. Other local newspapers do it as well - Stoke's papers weren't amused after Port Vale banned them for doing a story on where missing overdue replica shirts were, and I seem to recall after Billy Davies and his superiors banned a number of journalists and publications from Nottingham Forest games, some titles seemed to be almost cheering Davies out of the door.
Shola
The 'fans' turned on the local media, for not being anti-Ashley enough. (Turning on the local media seems to be quite common). NCJ then got fucking desperate and started printing as much anti-Ashley bollocks as possible.
NCJ are a joke though, they're completely malleable. They spent most of the past 20 years writing what they were told, by Keegan, Hall and Sheppard. I think their main issue is Ashley doesn't want to use the local media as an unofficial mouthpiece for the club, ergo their sports section is completely redundant, and now they are seemingly attempting to ride the tiger as long as possible.
Also hilariously ironic how the 'fans' protest groups, get annoyed whenever a journalist has an alternative viewpoint. "They don't understand the club, they don't realise how hard it is being 9th etc."
And don't forget the club went hard on the Telegraph when they printed a story about Newcastle fans being anti-semetic. And now they're lying about Pardew saying 'fans are disloyal"
Number 1
I swear fans of every team have some people that say "these journalists don't understand the club". Lower league clubs and even the bottom 10 of the Premier League to an extent frequently seem to fill comment boards with this shit.
To my view, journalists are analysing our season as a whole and the results game over it, which largely paints a reasonable campaign by virtue of a top 10 finish. But that's one way of looking at it, and most fans, or at least the vocal ones, view other ways of seeing the year - either that the second half of the season has been fucking dreadful, or that we're still continuing the mistakes made since blowing the advantage of 5th in 2011-12 by ignoring much-needed investment, or that Ashley is still blundering as he always has done. There's no real way one way of looking at it.
Shola
My mistake.
Poe
Pretty good summary tbf.
Number 1
So... what's next?
I don't think Pardew's going to be shown the door but he has to improve or else next season is going to be unbearable. No matter who is manager, investment has to be made and given we got almost £79M in TV revenue and prize money for a top 10 finish (apparently), plus the profit of transfers, there really is no excuse for not providing a transfer budget this time.
Poe
We need some wingers too, if Pardew wants to play 4-4-2, and we need someone to replace Ben Arfa if he goes. We also need a few squad players, and probably a new centre back.
Number 1
Seeing as we didn't even spend 60 million pennies on permanent signings this season, I doubt it.
Poe
Graham Carr could hopefully work wonders with it.
Shola
In fairness if Norwich/Cardiff/Fulham signed Remy on loan instead of buying VanWolfswinkel/Hooper/Cornelius/Jones/Mitroglou/Bent they would have easily have stayed up.
Seems to be stemming from Luke Edwards in the Telegraph, who iirc is the banned one?, never mentions a figure in the article, but claims first signing will be in the 'next few days'. Almost certainly bullshit imo
Number 1
The Telegraph was banned as a whole, but Edwards was the one who did the article. I think he's been let back in.
I do think we will spend money on permanent signings because if we fail to spend this time, it'll be a problem. But maybe not £60million worth.
EDIT: Edwards has Tweeted saying NUFC themselves have told him to say the budget is not £60million and is rather an "undisclosed" figure. So, nothing then.
KEZ_7
As for the £60 I'd say at best that would include wages and the like so really for the level of wages we'll be paying we're probably looking at £30m cash for players and then big ass wages on top. Rumours that up to 7 players could be released (inc. De Jong and Remy) and so for the amount of players we'd need, that money will be spread very, very thinly
In other news, I'm gracing the pitch of SJP on Saturday morning
Number 1
The exodus is reportedly beginning already - BBC are reporting Dan Gosling is set to conclude a free transfer to Bournemouth. Although given he barely played anyway, he probably won't be missed that much.
I've seen a Tweet Tom Ince should be attempted but given Palace barely played him, maybe not.
Shola
Just fucking hope the twitter rumours list is bullshit. No way Newcastle should be spending stupid money on Shelvey, Delph, Zaha etc.
Number 1
Poe
Not too keen on Zaha mind - Delph and Ince would be good though.
Number 1
Ninja
Shola
Poe
Shelvey is a good player, Gosling is average at the very best.
danwhite89
Gosling is cack.
Anyway, the Dummett red card got overturned. Thoughts on him? I think he's been rather average, with some shocking performances at times. Dunno what's happening with Santon, is he even injured or just out of favour? Haidara seem our best bet for LB at the moment.
Ninja
Yeah, I assume its bollocks then. We only signed him a year ago for about £15m, so I doubt we're keen on letting him go for a price that any sane football team would actually pay for him despite the fact that his attitude looks to be utter shite and a complete barrier on him ever becoming good enough.
KEZ_7
Judging from the rumours, we're still expecting an English influx then? I'd love Grenier but it's highly unlikely, Cabella has been mentioned again but he's similar to HBA who is used incorrectly, what's to say Pards would then know how to use Cabella?
Number 1
We need a lot, no matter what nationality. Its just actually a case of whether or not the incompetent rabble that run the joint actually buy anyone.
Poe
Number 1
Much as I had hoped not, at least it's been confirmed early. But we really have to press on now or we will be up shit creek.
Zog
Might have a bet on us being relegated.