MAGnificent

Newcastle United Football Club has delivered a season packed with everything the footballing world loves:

Goals, underdog victories, charisma, star players, team spirit, controversy, surprises and becoming somewhat a likeable club to neutral football fans.

As a NUFC supporter, I would prefer the club to be successful and disliked rather than unsuccessful and liked, however the 2011/12 campaign churned out an acceptable compromise for the Toon Army faithful.

With only Manchester City, Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur resting on us in the league table, great pleasure can be taken and the team can be proud to have finished above Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool and notably S*nd*rl*nd.

Predatory Senegalese pair Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse have been the talk of the town and further afield for the right reasons after scoring 29 Premier League goals between them. What joy it’s been to see true goal getters once again spearheading the attack.

Fabricio Coloccini, Yohan Cabaye, Tim Krul, Cheick Tiote and Jonas Gutierrez have had season-long performances worthy of a standing ovation, whereas the return of Hatem Ben Arfa served up the ‘get off your seat’ factor for fans throughout the second-half of the season.

The transfer triangle team of Manager Alan Pardew, Chief Scout Graham Carr and the cash of owner Mike Ashley can be thanked for a big part of the team’s successes but in particular Pardew, who waded through the aftermath of the disappointment from Chris Hughton’s departure to win over all his doubters.

An articulate man with a vision.

AP can coach, motivate players, speak to the media and tell the truth – four things that are rarely combined within a club never mind one individual.

The club’s hierarchy has been better received over the last nine months despite the near criminal blip that saw the North East’s most popular church renamed as the Sports Direct Arena @ St. James’ Park.

Although this will never be forgiven, I can allow for some Ashley breathing space since learning the business model he has so far deployed for the good of the club.

Ploughing millions of hard earned pounds into the club clearing debts also clears the way for shoehorning his advertising venture (that said I’m disappointed that the club shop has been revamped and now mirrors that of the Sports Direct chain). 

From mixing in with the fans sporting his ‘Smith 14’ replica shirt in the Gallowgate End to sitting in the Corporate Area for games, Mr. Sports Direct has been forced to stay off-the-radar, a journey that led Cashley to frantically putting the club up for sale two years ago.

But in fairness to the plastic Geordie, he screened every potential buyer, their intentions and future plans for the club - a job that should have been processed by the Premier League was undertaken from within and for one reason or another Ashley felt it inappropriate to pass on the baton, something I have no problem with.

And no I haven’t been paid off by the man himself to write the above. If I had been, there’d be a hyperlink to his online shop here.

The biggest highlight of the season is a toss-up between the terror enforced on Manchester United in the 3-0 home win back in January or the witnessing of Mackem Slayer Shola Ameobi equalizing in the 92^nd minute to deny Sunderland a win behind enemy lines.

NUFC’s goal of the season is unanimously Papiss Cisse’s unexpected and unconventional half-volley that flew off the outside of his right boot from wide left at Stamford Bridge, an execution that left Petr Cech rooted to the spot as it swerved above him into the far top right-hand corner.

HBA’s two wonder goals scored after driving dribbles, creativity, trickery and a touch of magic would win any competition in normal circumstances but Cisse’s meteoric rise to the top was matched by his worldy strike.

So what for next term? Well we’re back in Europe albeit having to play Thursday then Sunday every week to be on Channel 5 and analysed by John Barnes but…

…as told by Pardew himself today, “This year, I’m sure we’ll say something like, 'We’re looking for a top-eight finish, hopefully attack one of the cups and have a great run in Europe.'"

The Battle Of Barton

Everyone knows the way but very few walk it… was the strapline attached to Joey Barton’s Twitter account last week.

It’s fitting that on the same day that everyone involved with Newcastle United Football Club could celebrate a successful season, ex-Magpie Barton had what would be the most shameful day in the life of every professional footballer other than he himself.

Although I have dedicated some page space to the unworthy Scouser in a blog that at this time of year should be 100% about NUFC, I must tell you I found it very difficult not to highlight this latest episode in his self-starring series of comedy gold.

To paint just a small picture of what happened on the closing day of the season, Mr. Barton took to a physical off-the-ball tussle with the equally loved Carlos Tevez in a fixture which would ultimately determine the league title for Manchester City and/or relegation for Queens Park Rangers.

This led to the QPR captain retaliating in typical fashion with the execution of a high elbow smash into the face of the Argentinean.

The MCFC man fell to the floor before referee Mike Dean went straight for his back pocket brandishing the shiniest of red cards for Barton, who then blew a head gasket by kneeing the disgruntled Sergio Aguero to the deck and pressing the self destruct button by trying to head butt Vincent Kompany on his drawn out exit from the field.

Brilliant scenes were to commence as the ever-reliable Mario Balotelli flew off the substitutes bench to confront his ‘Village Idiot’ title contender but muscle man Micah Richards continued his Joey frog march down the tunnel to prevent a sight for sore eyes.

The above led to @joey7barton publically attacking Alan Shearer following his nothing more than expected comments on Match of the Day which provoked a tweeted defence delivered by Gary Lineker who was later labeled by Barton as an ‘odious toad’.

Just to clarify AS9 has a Premier League winner’s medal, 260 PL goals and an OBE. Joey Barton has a Twitter account, dodgy hair cut and record of imprisonment.

End of chapter.

European Eureka

The answer to my last blog has proved to be 'Second Wind' and I say that with as much pleasure as expectation.

Having done my utmost best to not raise expectations beyond those from the start of the season, Alan Pardew and his underrated squad have left myself and the rest of the Toon Army faithful with no option other than to expect a top 5 finish.

With ability sparsely present in the Newcastle United roster, I anticipated end-of-the-season injuries to be the downfall of the team's respectable league position.

However where there is ability, it is in abundance and where there isn't, there is determination and endeavor - a formula that Pardew has compounded to sustain the hope, dream and possibility of St. James' Park staging  European football next season in the Europa League or dare I say it, the Champions League.

A mention has to lend itself to Hatem Ben Arfa who has been the marquee player and difference maker in securing 3 points as opposed to just 1 or even 0 in the team's current five game win streak. It appears that the Frenchman's bit-part role has now retired whatever the reasons, be it a maturity boost from HBA's part or a man management masterstroke from the Gaffer.

There has been premature likenings to Leo Messi and these come at no surprise in the current climate which frequently sees the term 'Legend' labelled to anything positive that lasts for more than five minutes. HBA is however inundated with attributes of skill and has the 'get off your seat' factor when he receives the ball so as a supporter I'm pleased to see this development.

After digesting comments regarding the current Senegalese front pairing that spearheads the NUFC attack, I would like verify that Demba Ba is still every bit the same player he was before his fellow countryman arrived. I say this because there has been questions marks instigated over Ba's form because the goals have recently belonged to Papiss Cisse and not the club's pre-Christmas goal machine.

As a frontman myself, I can identify, analyse and appreciate the balance that Ba brings to the starting XI, his link-up play and on-the-ball contributions cannot be faltered and while his positional role has changed only slightly his peformances should not be overlooked, especially when a shortage of team goals could not be further away!

Looking ahead, this weekend will see no NUFC fixture take place giving the Magpies the opportunity to reenergise for the upcoming WWE match with Stoke City on 21 April. I will be there to witness the wrestling match between the two sides and I expect it won't be a pretty contest given the Potters' philosophy of how to play football.

That said, I'm confident that the long ball signature move of Tony Pulis' wrestlers will give the Toon Army no problems and that NUFC will move just one game away from equalling the club's current record of 7 consecutive Premier League wins which has stood since 1994.

Second Wind? or Gone With The Wind?

After salvaging a late draw at home to S*nd*rl*nd and falling to defeat away to Arsenal, the season is Newcastle United's to throw away now.

Promising results have been consistent yet surprising for the Magpies this term and the current league position reflects that rate of performance.

However with the likes of Liverpool, S*nd*rl*nd, Everton and Fulham all sitting just below in the standings and finding more momentum in picking up points than the Geordies, I for one am beginning to worry.

A sexy sixth spot could very easily transform into a tenth or even bottom half finish if heads drop and a 4-5-1 timewasting and defensive show is continued to be put on between now and mid-May.

It appears that things are turning stale in Alan Pardew's camp and there was little entertainment for a Newcastle fan watching the dour gamplan enforced by the Toon Army and I was falling into the belief that the black stripes were actually red and it was Stoke City playing and not the exuberant team I've watched all season.

The Gunners' 21 shots to the Magpies sparse 5 tell the obvious story and as a result kept an in-form and fired up Tim Krul busy. Unfortunately because of that, I cannot sit here full of excitement and will be antipaticing a very nervous finale to the campaign.

Howay the lads!

Cloud Nine

Following on from my previous instalment, the biggest talking point on Tyneside is still the overachievement of Newcastle United and long may it continue.

I was under the impression that recent statements of expectation would come to a halt but it is par for the course as they roll on in parallel to the club’s form guide. I had hoped that it would be Alan Pardew and not me taking to the lectern to tell the world the team need take it ‘game by game’ until the death.

This wasn’t to be.

After an expected three points at home against a struggling Aston Villa side, the spiel of the Europa League continued and dare I say it, a VIP pass into the ‘big four’ was even suggested.

I am no pessimist but the Magpies fly down to White Hart Lane for an evening kick-off on Saturday and I am certainly not alone in fearing that a disappointment at the hands of ‘Arry Redknapp could begin a rolling snowball into a decline from the ecstasy in which the Toon Army have experienced so far this term.

Our remaining fixtures behold contests against Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City as well as an additional four matches to be played away from St. James’ Park. My view is that we have a tough run-in and attaining anything over 20 points will be a success.

Tottenham Hotspur Manager Harry Redknapp

Saturday’s encounter has been made all the more interesting after Fabio Capello relieved himself from the post of England Manager yesterday. The vacancy has already been filled in the eyes of players, supporters and the media as they bizarrely united as one in sounding out ‘Arry as the only desirable candidate to take on the most difficult job in football.

The same day saw Redknapp exonerated from charges attached to him regarding tax evasion, this news paved the way for him to take the reins and at the grand age of 64 it could possibly be his last chance to take on every manager’s dream job.

It is unlikely that the FA will move as quickly as the weekend to replace the Italian but either way, the manic activity surrounding the Spur’s boss has come at a brilliant time for the Toon Army and I hope that victory can be stolen this weekend as the focus of Tottenham personnel lies elsewhere.

I cannot go on without mentioning that Alan Pardew has been promoted by the bookies as the strongest candidate after diamond geezer, wheeler dealer Redknapp for the Three Lions job. No surprise there because the only other English Premier League manager is Woy Hodgson, need I say more?

NUFC did ever so well in the latest transfer window to keep hold of all prized assets and again I won’t be alone in hoping that will be extended in retaining the services of Gaffer.

Cloud Eight

The overachievement of Newcastle United this season has heaped further expectation and pressure onto the team.

It is time that someone, preferably Alan Pardew, takes a step back to highlight the following:

1. Man City (54pts)
2. Man Utd (51pts)
3. Tottenham (46pts)
4. Chelsea (41pts)
5. Arsenal (36pts)
6. Newcastle (36pts)

NUFC prop up only five teams and any level-headed Geordie would not be surprised to see those clubs above us especially at this stage in the season.

The attractive sixth spot comes as a result of a few factors:

• The Premier League adopting a pattern, the same which has run its rule over the Championship in recent years with it becoming so difficult to predict the outcome of any fixture.

• Two or three players at NUFC hitting 'Player of the Year' form to claim points which would ordinarily have been lost.

• Alan Pardew instilling a die-hard ethos into the playing squad as well as doing what he can to eliminate any high maintenance personnel who bring negativity towards the club (the exception is Hatem Ben Arfa who has outspoken about his prolonged bench-warming duty... understandable).

• A pinch of luck.

AP has turned NUFC from a club that is less stable than the coalition government into one that is now the surprise package of the season.

Newcastle United Manager Alan Pardew

AP hasn’t yet seen a campaign through from start to finish with Newcastle and he now speaks of the Europa League but in doing so he is lumping unwanted expectation onto not only the club but himself.

There are many potential hazards that could harm the club's domestic form e.g. the unavailability of Cheik Tiote and Demba Ba as well as The FA Cup padding out the current fixture list.

Last year, Premier League survival was all that any Geordie wanted to achieve and to escalate those targets within one year to qualifying for the Europa League is unrealistic despite current form.

The dangers of sitting on cloud nine are that everything is seen through rose-tinted spectacles and if somebody doesn’t turn down the pressure levels sooner rather than later, I predict that AP’s head will be on the block and once again the club will be back to square one.

It’s no secret that the Geordies have high expectations but there is absolutely no requirement for these expectations to be rocketed.

Can everyone please take one step back on to cloud eight and accept;

‘We are overachieving, enjoy it and build on this form game by game without that reluctance to prematurely rework our targets.’

Tevez, Torres, Iniesta and 'Campbell?'

Carlos Tevez, Fernando Torres, Andres Iniesta and Adam Campbell - a roll call of winners for the Most Valuable Player award at the Nike Premier Cup Tournament.

The U16 competition sees clubs and starlets from all over the world battle it out to lift the prestigious trophy with last summer seeing Newcastle United join Manchester United as the English representatives.

Although the young Magpies were seen off in a penalty shoot-out by Chilean outfit Colo Colo, there were some definite positives for the Geordies to take back to the North East with them.

Adam Campbell

Some may be wondering whether ‘Adam Campbell’ was a typo in the top line but I can confirm that the flame-haired forward did pick up the honour in 2011 along with the campaign’s golden boot sitting in his kitbag too.

There was little positivity to be seen in my previous blog around the club’s striking ranks but I think the just-turned 16 year-old provides everybody with food thought.

He becomes yet another name that the famous Wallsend Boys’ Club can boast amongst their case studies, a list which already includes Alan Shearer, Peter Beardsley, Steve Bruce, Michael Carrick, Lee Clark, Michael Bridges and Steve Watson.

Although the youngster is yet to feature for the first team, he turned out for the reserves last term and has continued to perform well for the stiffs this season.

I was witness to him play thirty minutes against Bolton Wanderers reserves last February and my first thoughts were ‘Who’s that 12 year-old with the baggy shorts hanging over his kneecaps?’

I was left eating my words in admiration after seeing the below:

• Good ball retention.
• Displayed a low centre of gravity.
• Operated in a ‘behind the striker’ position.
• Stealth-like movement in some dangerous areas.
• Made some tidy touches without prolonging his possession.
• Scored with an assertive side footed finish into the bottom corner from 12 yards.

I believe the North Shields-born hopeful could have a great future ahead of him, providing he doesn’t forget what’s got him to where he is now and he receives the right advice from the right personnel with the right motives.

An exciting prospect who will hopefully follow suit of the other engraved names on the MVP trophy.

Blue Monday

It’s ‘Blue Monday’ today, the most depressing day of the year according to experts.

The start of a new working week is upon us with all winter festivities long gone and the realms of summertime far from reach.

However the Toon Army are an exception to the rule this year.

The Sports Direct Arena @ St. James’ Park was witness to the Magpies' collection of three points and in opposition to the traits of the black and white bird - the win was certainly not stolen.

Yesterday’s encounter between NUFC and QPR provided the perfect platform for Alan Pardew to select at team that would expectedly win and win they did, 1-0.

A home tie against a newly-promoted outfit was a no brainer for the bookies, fans or neutrals in backing Newcastle for the victory, ultimately mounting all the pressure onto the Tyneside outfit.

With top-scorer Demba Ba and engine room Cheik Tiote both unavailable, as they flew out in search of lifting the African Nations Cup for Senegal and Ivory Coast respectively, any sceptical Newcastle supporter would have been wary of an unpredictable QPR side.

This was a team in the perfect position to exercise the ‘new-manager-syndrome’ and come up trumps for Mark Hughes, likewise to the Mackem Muffins since Martin O’Neill's arrival.

Leon Best stole the headlines yesterday after his nifty footwork sent Rangers’ defender Luke Young for a custard pie before he slotted home into the bottom bin in collected fashion.

The Gaffer now has a team selection headache in ranking his forwards come the return of big DB. It was quite clear that before yesterday Shola Ameobi was the favoured option over the former Coventry City man but yet another sluggish performance from Ameobi and with the club quite openly seeking a new centre forward, it could be one of his last turn outs.

On the upside though, Danny Guthrie showed once again that he has technique, range of passing and a dynamic style of play that keeps the ball moving in the right areas.

With players like Tiote and Yohan Cabaye fighting for the same position, it is always going to be a losing battle for him to keep his place in the central midfield berth. His efforts are appreciated but his general reward is being stuck out on the flank in the return of the formers, only for one bad game to see him dropped again.

Surprisingly or unsurprisingly, to date the Scouser hasn’t sounded out his displeasure at being overseen, something that is quite an anomaly in football today.

That’s it, my first thoughts splashed straight down onto the page after yesterday’s game.