Christmas Tree

Are there many managers who have much more control?

Agreed. Cant see a better front 6 in any teams we supposedly challenging with. Thats even with Shola or Ba upfront. ---Ba--- ---Ben Arfa--- ---Marveaux---Tiote---Cabaye---Barton And then fit Nzogbia and Erdinc into that

Wahey! I see. When did the window open?

Nice to hear the way he talked about Barton as well. Fully hoping and intending to use him as he did last year and hopeful that a contract compromise might be reached at some point. Wouldnt be surprised if he gave Barton the armband. Also interesting that he talked about Barton coming and speaking to him about the teams performances not matching his own and how that was pissing him off.

Managing expectations happy, managing expectations

I get that you like to pluck player signings out of the air at random, but what the fuck is the point in doing transfer fee calculations too? It suggests you think there's an air of inevitability about us landing whoever we go in for-if you do honestly think that I reckon you want to prepare yourself for disappointment. I think its fairly well documented in the press that we have been in for / sniffing about these players, as have the prices bandied around.

Joey Barton to be Captain

I said it was Petty if anyone thought the "interview" was poor. Regardless of what goes on upstairs or behind the scenes, Pardew gave a good interview.

Having just listened to Pardews full interview I must say I am even more excited about the style of play, the players who will take to the field and how we will do next season. Exciting season ahead I think.

I think only the petty or entrenched can complain about Pardews interview tonight. I thought he handled himself very well, was quite frank in his answers and overall talked very positively about all things Newcastle. Whether he was talking about the process for scouting cabaye or the fact that one of the goalkeepers will be gone before the season starts, I though he came across very honest and thoughtful and friendly. Ok he's not a Keegan when it come to speaking but he is a damn sight better than a lot we have had over the years. He genuinely seems very excited about the changes we are making and the style of football we are going to play. Talked well about how he thought we struggled last year and how the players we have brought in address those problems. Also came across to me that he knows who the next signing is and that he is a pacey player. Overall very very good.

Expecting a very creative pacey midfield, dazzling all who come before us while the goals rain in in our favour. Hopefully Enrique will be the only big loss going forward and we managed to find a decent left back to replace him. Think we've got to fancy ourselves for a cup. Viva La Wembley!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/console/p00hmy2y On Iplayer now. Pardew starts 22 mins in

"So Derek, why do you call yourself Colin on Twitter".

Yesterday

Lovely pier in Shields Leazes....

Not that I live there, but having worked in many retail premises across the North East, the good folk of South Shields are the most down to earth people in the North East.

Bede wing?

Dont know about anyone else but it feels good to know that the squad has reported for duty this morning and is back training. Feels almost like the close season is over and we can get back to the proper stuff (if only). Hopefully it will give a good chance for the new players to bed in and even the likes of Ben Arfa and Gosling a proper chance to show the others what they can do. Probably being too optimistic to think it would turn Enriques head towards staying but we can dream. Also just hoping Joeys frustration doesnt boil over and he attacks someone. At least there will be no more mindless holiday tweets.

winner

There will be lots of transfer activity this week.

Now thats funny

There's a few camping site apps that I've downloaded today that bring up all the sites with areas you input.

I'll bet our friend from Boldon is a "talker". Cheeky fuck

When only a will do.

Didn't Pud recommend somewhere that way in this thread? On the iPhone with next to no signal so you'll have to check back.