Newsletter

Get your daily update and weekly newsletter by signing up today!

News

Few Fringe Benefits For Alan Pardew

12 years ago
Share

With Newcastle United failing to strengthen significantly in the summer, it was probably nailed on that Alan Pardew would at some time this season have to heavily rely on his fringe players to fill first team sized gaps, though I’m sure the manager never expected for it to happen so early.

On the plus side, Perch has carried on his impressive form from late last season, Williamson does a job but never convinces, while Ryan Taylor had his radar most definitely switched on with a couple of magnificent free-kicks early doors, only to be hit by injury.

The real negatives though must be Marveaux and Obertan, both failing to deliver when given their chance(s).

Marveaux has shown glimpses of quality in the past when fit but against poor Greek opposition, both home and away, he was average at best, while at Everton he was atrocious and anonymous, if it is possible to be both.

For whatever reason he just doesn’t appear to be up for it, whether it is because he believes he should be automatic first choice or whatever, he should take a look at how his replacement at Goodison reacted to the disappointment of being left out.

As for Obertan, once in a blue moon you see him do something and think if only he could do that more often….but the more I watch him the more convinced I am that he is what he is – somebody who can run quick but just doesn’t have a football brain. No matter often Alan Pardew tries to put a positive spin on the likes of Obertan and maybe inspire a bit of confidence or whatever it is that’s lacking, it isn’t going to work.

I’m guessing that Alan Pardew has probably accepted this as well but as was seen with the likes of Frazer Forster and Leon Best leaving, there was no guarantee that he’d have a replacement delivered, so at least he’s got somebody who fills a shirt.

Romain Amalfitano is another one, good luck to him but when he’s reached the age of twenty three and no half decent French club has picked him up, well he’s not going to be a world beater. I hope he proves me wrong and when he’s on the pitch I’ll be right behind him but all I see is a very average player who will also fill a shirt for a brief period before going out on loan, then eventually sold for a few quid which will probably see the club turning a financial profit.

It isn’t like we have all doom and gloom on the fringes as younger players such as Sammy Ameobi and Gael Bigirimana in particular, have impressed when given their chance.

Reality is though that players Alan Pardew would have been looking to step up are letting him down and I can’t see Sylvain and Gabriel still being at St.James’ Park next season.

Share

If you would like to feature on The Mag, submit your article to contribute@themag.co.uk

Have your say

© 2024 The Mag. All Rights Reserved. Design & Build by Mediaworks