There was much talk of team spirit and togetherness last season, when things were going well. It is now that we need to see some togetherness, fight and a refusal to be beaten.
Wonga have targeted Newcastle for a specific reason. They want to raise the awareness of their business within our region and want to use our club as a way of raising their profile over Europe.
The FA cup is a one I think Pardew will really go for this year. His anger at being knocked out at Brighton was there for all to see last season and I think he will be fielding his strongest team in all FA Cup matches next season.
Imagine Alex Ferguson’s reaction if this same reporter made the claim that he’d ‘ruined’ Wayne Rooney’s chance of Olympic gold by not allowing players who played in the Euros to play in the Olympics.
With clubs recognising Newcastle’s creative transfer policy, the board has a decision to make. Do they pay the asking price for their top targets? Or play hardball and wait it out.
This formation allowed us to get the best out of Hatem Ben Arfa, whose pace, agility and ball control gave opposition defenders something to worry about. Cabaye also seemed to enjoy being in a midfield three which allowed him to move forward with more ease, creating numerous chances for Papiss Cisse.
So, why are we getting fewer and fewer tickets for away matches? Many supporters this season will be disappointed at not being able to get to as many away games as they would like to.
Some of the pictures seen on news channels and the internet have been horrific, the violent attack on stewards after Russia’s opening match was particularly disgraceful.
