OTF

The side is very badly lacking leadership and structure, I guess in some ways to be expected with such an inexperienced side. Shola is isolated, often against two defenders, but rather than utilising the extra space this affords they'll just lump it up to Shola anyway. Abeid in particular has been anonymous, replacing him with Marveaux would make sense if Sammy Ameobi wasn't out there begging to be taken off first. Abeid at least gives the feeling that he has some end product, not sure why.

Good interchange between Santon and Obertan but ultimately the Frenchman wasted it.

Shite defending then, we were lucky they didn't take advantage of it.

Completely pointless yellow for Abeid.

Hopefully snaps us into gear. Bridge has surprisingly looked very dynamic for them... Maybe testament to Obertans defensive contributions.

It was a quality finish.

Down 1-0.

Good clearance off the line from Perchy

Marveaux is on the bench, expect him to be called on if required.

Willie McKay

Don't be ridiculous - Shefki is well past it. Njazi is where it's at.

Given our vast expanse of French players (a number of whom are in the full French national side) you would have to give an advantage from the off to him coming to us. Also, if he watches any of the games of both clubs, he would see that despite our very many shortcomings at this moment in time we are vastly ahead of QPR who look extremely likely to be relegated. It would however be typical of Redknapp to ball-ache about how many of his players are on grossly inflated wages and then bring in a player 'of his own' on grossly inflated wages. There's also a lot to be said for players actually wanting to come to Newcastle, if he doesn't want to come then I don't want to have him - of course this is all just media speculation at the minute time will tell the story. Basically if he decides he wants to go to QPR I won't be bothered at all because a move like that tells me that he isn't the player for us. Edit: And finally you could draw similarities between him and Djibril Cisse in that they're both reknowned for their pace and power.

End of the day you can't expect a player to show loyalty at a club where there is absolutely no chance of it being reciprocated.

...and breath (through your mouth)

You forgot: Funny little hats Cheese

Excellent.

Don't really disagree with any of that. Of course I'd prefer us to have someone more dynamic on our bench, but Shola is not without his merits - as frustrating as he may be on the whole. Starting though, they're having a lend.

Would have been forced into the contract by the agent with just this in mind.

I was thinking more of the impact on sponsorship and other corporate deals. I suppose the fact that we're getting nought from Sports Direct will nullify that somewhat.

No doubt but that would be the same with any player. There's worse players to have sitting on your bench (his brother for one).

More than that I would say, and that's presuming an instant return.

If I was going I'd feel the same (as you). That said, playing a 'full strength' side with the players we have available at the moment is no guarantee of anything.

Except against QPR... and Tottenham... and Sunderland.

Young players all the way where possible, give the rest a break so that hopefully win some additional players it can be a fresh starting point.

Has the rare combination of long limbs and strength, rarely see him get tackled unless he breaks into full stride or he trips himself up.