Keegan's Corner
Now that the joys and relaxation of a fortnight away seem somewhat like a distant memory, and a week in isolation did it's best to dampen me spirits once again, I'm back - this time with more from "Keegan's Corner" after last edition's "Pillar to Post".
Yet after that week of isolation, it was back to relatively usual business. Football with the boys ⚽, food with the Mrs 🍖* and back to work for the usual...wey... 😅
Anyway, I spent the first night of normality at a best pals, after going to watch Dunston UTS play in a well attended, nicely contested, pre-season friendly against Morpeth Town.
The buzz for football was back.
Not only was the buzz finally back, after around 15 months of relative boredom following my own side, but somehow, the game seemed a little like an away day - only a little like...a feeling I've hugely missed for a couple of years now.
For those that haven't experienced an away day following 'their' club, it's somewhat hard to describe. Maybe it's not for everyone as well? But for me it's those days that live long in the memory. The tribalism, the camaraderie, singing songs for your home town, your city, your people and on the other hand having that feeling and that sense of anxiety, uncertainty and excitement. Ultimately, those days are an adventure into the unknown, wey as long as yi haven't done the place 3 or 4 times like just to get your loyalty points up!
I had hoped to never have had to go to back to Wigan or Blackburn again, but me stance against the ownership of Newcastle United forced me hand. Maybe I miss those places...?
Beers along a different local route, led us to a new ground (for me), and back to 'proper' football. Football, where you have to be willing to tackle, where you shoot on sight (nee tiki-taka nonsense) and where you have to earn the money you're paid. Perhaps it was that lack of glitz and glamour that has helped put things in perspective for is with regards to the potential takeover of the Toon?
For those who regularly read or listen, yi'll kna that I'd happily rant on aboot that absolute farce of a scenario, but I think it's best I simply say it's aboot time that all parties simply stop fucking us about. It's absolutely absurd that governing bodies within the game haven't stepped in at this stage and demanded clarity, deadlines and progress.
This takeover bid has become like the smell of the auld breweries. Yi kna - where it starts lush then it lingers, before you grow sick and just wish it would hurry up and piss off?
And so it's in to the 2020/2021 football season that Sky, BT and beIN will all tell you is eagerly anticipated, but in reality, has never been so unappealing to watch, or at least for neutral fixtures for the average Newcastle United fan. Do we really want to sit and watch the product of those whom many deem to be fucking us over? I think the excuse reason people gave about doing the very same with their match tickets was out of loyalty and dedication to the club - I can, to some degree, understand that, but what is our loyalty to those whom simply broadcast the league? Unless you want to form an orderly beoutQ...?
It's almost impossible to assess our transfer window without addressing the misleading nature of our conduct and the aforementioned takeover. For one, we've spent. Secondly, we've spent similar amounts to what you'd now expect of Premier League sides, and thirdly we seem to be signing players who'd improve us irrespective of their age or sell on value. Is this the club of Mike Ashley's custodianship?
'That' question mark will remain just 'that' for the weeks and months to come, inevitably. As journo's, fanzines and Joe Blogg all continue to speculate. However, all Steve Bruce can do is his very best, as always, and attempt to get the best out of his squad. Irrespective of what you think of him or his players, I think it's fair to say you will always, at least, get that.
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| Image courtesy of nufc.co.uk |
I'd assume Darlow in that instance. Nonetheless, for all people may complain, I think the 'Goalkeeper' position has been well addressed by us for a long, long time, many a year now at the Toon and we have nowt to worry aboot here, especially with Dubravka as number one.
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| image courtesy of the mirror |
Controversial as it may be, I'd have had Lazaro back in, or an equivalent like. I don't feel he really got a chance, and with him and Lewis flanking a strong, central, defensive 2 (or more than likely - 3) this increased level of athleticism at left and right back would have enabled the team to convert defence into attack with greater intensity.
I believe there has been talk of Lejuene going out on loan in recent days and for me that'd only be a wise move if we keep the remainder of our defence, keep them fit and have a recall option. Lejeune is comfortably our best ball-playing centre half and needs to be in there once he's back up to match fitness. Another rumour was Schar - we cannot allow him to go. Granted he had a poor season last season, but if we're to not bolster central midfield I'm of the view he can do a job there.
Which brings me nicely to the midfield: Once again, positive moves have been made in this department. Hayden signing a new deal just today has to be the most positive news for the midfield, as he will (I hope) continue to be the unsung hero of our side. Keeping the experience and in game shithousery of Shelvey also has to be a plus for someone aiming to achieve what Newcastle United are - mediocrity. An undoubtedly talented individual but without more dynamism in midfield we really are a tale of two sides, rather than one cohesive unit. He needs phasing out by buying a solid box to box midfielder for me.
Let's consider Hendrick as a direct swap for Bentaleb for now, and finally we have added strength in depth to the flanks with Ryan "the little turd" Fraser 😂 Canny rich that isn't it coming from Jordan, a name synonymous with massive tits.
So now for the focal point of last seasons new, stylish, attacking brand of football. 👀 The forwards...
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| Image courtesy of nufc.co.uk |
So now for the focal point of last seasons new, stylish, attacking brand of football. 👀 The forwards...
I kna what you're probably thinking, what aboot Saint-Maximin and Miggy?! Wey they're not really midfielders like are they? Really like, I kna despite spending 99.9% of last season there. I actually rate both quite highly, and think our safety (Heaven forbid😣) will pivot on just how well these are utilised and play. The addition of Wilson should see us pose a much bigger threat, as I believe he is a more natural and suited striker for our current set up. That absolutely has to be seen as a positive move, given 'Centre Forward' is our weakest position. Then Gayle and Carroll are never fit and Joelinton, well...who knows?!
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| Image courtesy of newsreaderboard |
It really is difficult to place a scoring on our transfer window, but given the circumstances, I'll say 7/10 with a view to the fact that it's still open. We kna how that usually gans...
For me, the ball is firmly in Bruce's court now. It's up to him to find the right blend, find how to get the best out of his squad and find a way to give fans something to cheer about. He did better than expected last season, and that saw us finish 13th, 10 points above the drop. If he can achieve better than expected this year, then for me you have to be looking towards 10th and above.
We have to be aiming above 13th this year, even if that means 12th and just being safe sooner - we need to see progression, but my expectancy is that we will finish between 12th and 14th - more than likely, 13th 😂 - but no we're not stagnating. 👀
I was going to do a whole Bruce vs Rafa article but frankly it's pretty bloody tedious isn't it. What I will say though is had we have spent what we have since Rafa left, with Rafa at the helm, I'd have said a minimal of 10th would be my expectancy of next season. We'd have had a better foundation at the club with regards to facilities, the academy and scouting and a better, well drilled squad.
I don't fancy Bruce to have what it takes to transform the way we play. He's a man manager,and a tryer but just not a tactician or project manager (for love of a better term).
Ultimately, irrespective of all that, I hope he does enough to protect the prospect of a takeover. That's the only, likely way we can truly compete for trophies, cause football is fucked.
So hold on tight for another thrilling season...
Simply the Rest
Finally, with regards to the rest of the league - I fancy it to be a season not too dissimilar to last:
- Around 11 of the leagues' teams will be in a relegation fight, until approximately 28 games in
- Around 7 teams will compete for the European spots
- The top two will consist of the same as last season
I'm glad Leeds are back up, and fancy them to stay up, Sheffield United will get a little found out and I fancy some more of the Southern sides to dip towards increased uncertainty. If only our fans could attend games, and away games at that - taking a sidestep to clubs of Northern Soul✊, that are replacing the broken records of the allegedly Beautiful South...
My prediction:
- Man City
- Liverpool
- Chelsea
- Man United
- Wolves
- Everton
- Arsenal
- Leicester
- Spurs
- Leeds
- Southampton
- Burnley
- Newcastle
- Sheffield United
- Crystal Palace
- Aston Villa
- Brighton
- West Ham
- West Brom
- Fulham
But anyways - it all remains to be seen and it will all kick off again tomorrow, with I believe Fulham vs Arsenal. Soooo...don't be too keen to sign up to your Sky's and yi beIN's and all that, if you really want to make a stand - the best way is to do it is by not watching the fuckers (legally).
Anyways...
Ciao for now 😉
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