Unlikely lad:
Eagles and Throstles hunting ex-Magpie

Having returned to Tyneside barely halfway through his first season in Turkey, former Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is reported to have been offered a short-term contract in England by two of his former managers.

Premier League clubs Crystal Palace and West Bromwich Albion are the two clubs in question, Alan Pardew keen to be reunited with his number 23 from Gallowgate.  

Tony Pulis meanwhile is seeking to increase his squad at the Hawthorns and has been linked with Shola, a player who spent time on loan at Stoke City in 2008 while Pulis was in charge at the Britannia. 

Both sides made it through to the Fifth Round of the FA Cup on Saturday - a competition Ameobi would be eligible to appear in.

Were a deal to be done, Ameobi could come up against Newcastle for the first time in his career in February (away at Palace) or May (at home to West Brom).

U18s:
Deja vu?

Although their Fifth Round tie against the mackems is still to be played, Newcastle's U18 side now know the identity of their possible opponents in the Quarter Finals, after the Sixth Round draw was conducted on Friday.

Dave Watson's side would enjoy home advantage against either Swansea City or Chelsea, who meet in a Fifth Round tie at Aldershot this coming Wednesday evening. 

The West Londoners are the current cup holders and ended Newcastle's interest in this competition at the Sixth Round stage last season, winning 3-2 at SJP.

United will face their red and white counterparts at the stadium of plight on Wednesday February 4th at 7pm.

Travelling fans will be accommodated in the South Stand. Access is via turnstiles 61 and 62 and admission costs £3 adults and £1 U16s & over-65s. 

A result must be achieved on the night, via extra time and penalties if needs be. 

FA Youth Cup Fifth Round draw:

27.01.2015 Nottingham Forest v Burnley
28.01.2015 Chelsea v Swansea City
30.01.2015 Liverpool v Birmingham City
30.01.2015 Manchester City v Stoke City
02.02.2015 Arsenal v Crewe Alexandra
04.02.2015 mackems v Newcastle United
date tbc Southampton v Leicester City
date tbc Spurs v Manchester United

FA Youth Cup Sixth Round draw:

Southampton or Leicester v Liverpool or Birmingham
mackems or Newcastle v Chelsea or Swansea
Man City or Stoke City v Arsenal or Crewe Alexandra
Nottingham Forest or Burnley v Spurs or Man Utd

U21s:
Reserves' Royals reverse

Reading U21s  4  Newcastle U21s  3

Newcastle U21s returned to league action on Saturday afternoon, losing a thrilling encounter at Reading's Hogwood Park training ground by the odd goal in seven.

Making six changes to the starting lineup that exited from the U21 Cup in midweek, youngster Adam Laider retained his place in defence for his league debut at this level. 

Remie Streete returned from injury and there was a first competitive club outing in almost a year for Curtis Good, having recovered from a long-standing hip problem. 

Tom Heardman put the Magpies ahead when the Royals' 'keeper dallied and the striker nipped in,  took the ball off him and tapped it home with just five minutes gone.

But the home side levelled a minute later with a curled effort from 22-yards from Jack Stacey.

The Royals went ahead in the 16th minute when Pierce Sweeney headed in a right wing corner which hit Streete on the way in.

But back came United, Haris Vuckic cutting in from the left and hit a shot that hit a defender and looped over the 'keeper and into the net as Heardman followed up twelve minutes before the interval.

The Royals regained the lead in the 58th minute when the visitors' defence failed to clear and Ryan Edwards played in Stacey who fired powerfully from ten yards left-footed.

Ten minutes later it was all-square again when Alex Gilliead's mazy run left three defenders trailing and his cross was side-footed in by Adam Armstrong via the underside of the bar - his sixth goal in just four starts.

Reading went in front again on 82 minutes when Edward's shot was parried by Freddie Woodman only for Dominic Samuel to fire the rebound into the corner.

Despite this defeat Peter Beardsley's side retained pole position in Division Two on goal difference - but anything other than a defeat for their Boro counterparts at Brighton on Monday will see the Smoggies go top. 

Thanks to GW for the report.

Team: Woodman, Barlaser, Laidler, Williams, Streete (Bigirimana 46), Good, Gilliead, Smith, Heardman, Armstrong, Vuckic.
Subs n/u: Gillesphey, Broccoli, Ward, Quinn.

Booked: Armstrong.

RFC: Henly, Long, Griffin, Kuhl, Hyam, Sweeney, Stacey, Fridjonsson, Samuel, Edwards, Fosu.
Subs: McLennan, Ward, Shaughnessy, Kelly, Cardwell.

Referee: S.Yianni.

 
Academy:
Derby defeat

Derby U18s  3  Newcastle U18s  1



Goals online here (you tube)

Dave Watson's U18s side lost to their Derby counterparts on Saturday afternoon, despite taking the lead in a bruising encounter at the Rams' Oakwood Academy.

Jamie Cobain burst into the box to fire the yellow-clad Magpies ahead after 25 minutes but the Rams equalised just eight minutes later through Charles Vernam.

A defensive lapse then allowed the Rams to go ahead just five minutes into the second half through Kellan Gordon, Alex Babos wrapping up the points late on.

Full details to follow.

Thanks to Malc h for the images

Latest:
League Cup fiasco: Spurs say sorry



Tottenham Hotspur statement, Friday:

"We aim to deliver a great experience for all supporters at White Hart Lane and we would like to apologise to those Newcastle United supporters who experienced congestion at the turnstiles prior to our Capital One Cup tie on December 17th. 

"We are always pleased to work with the FSF (Football Supporters Federation) to resolve any issues and in this case we are pleased that we have been able to do so. 

"The safety of supporters is paramount and we will always seek to optimise our procedures to deliver the best experience for all fans attending matches at White Hart Lane."

This move follows contact between the FSF and Spurs regarding the events prompted by the detonation of a smoke canister in the away section of White Hart Lane.

That resulted in delayed entry for hundreds of blameless Toon fans - whose orderly reaction outside the ground prevented what was an inconvenience becoming a far more dangerous incident.

Many of those involved subsequently reported their observations and those accounts have played a part in Spurs altering their entrance procedure for away fans - thanks to everyone who bothered to make contact.

PS: the smoke bomber was identified and arrested.

Find more details online here

Fundraiser:
The Writer, the Fighter - and Malcolm

If you're at a loose end this Monday (26th) there's an evening of music, comedy and chat for a good cause taking place at the Stand Comedy Club in Newcastle.

£10 admission gets you conversation from Chronicle scribe John Gibson, former boxer Glenn McCrory and ex-Magpie Malcolm Macdonald, plus gags from John Scott and songs from Brian Kennedy.

All monies raised go towards providing equipment and support for Tyneside-born athlete Drew Graham who was paralysed from the neck down following a diving accident in the USA last year. 

Reserve tickets via 0191 3009700 info here

Internationals:
Tiote draws again,
Cisse watches

Midfielder Cheick Tiote started the game for Ivory Coast as they drew 1-1 with Mali on Saturday. He received a second caution in as many games, completing 90 minutes.

Having won their opening group stage match against Ghana without fielding striker Papiss Cisse, Senegal drew 1-1 with South Africa on Friday. Once again Cisse was among the substitutes and remained on the bench, despite his side using all three permitted replacements.

Groups: 

A: E. Guinea, Congo, Gabon, Burkina Faso
B: Zambia, DR Congo, Cape Verde, Tunisia
C: Ghana, Senegal, South Africa, Algeria
D: Ivory Coast, Guinea, Cameroon, Mali

Papiss Cisse (Senegal)
Mon 19.01.2015 Ghana won 2-1 (unused sub)
Fri 23.01.2015 South Africa drew 1-1 (unused sub)
Tue 27.01.2015 Algeria (5.45pm British Eurosport*)  

Cheick Tiote (Ivory Coast)
Tue 20.01.2014 Guinea drew 1-1 (played full game)

Sat 24.01.2014 Mali drew 1-1 (played full game)
Wed 28.01.2014 Cameroon (5.45pm British Eurosport*) 

* only shown live if qualification is at stake

Premier League:
Hull City (a)

The Magpies return to action this Saturday when they visit the KC Stadium for a Premier League fixture that is televised live on BT Sport.

Kick-off is at 12.45pm and all 2,500 away tickets have been sold. Note that since our last visit, travelling fans are now housed in the North East corner of the stadium rather than behind the goal as in previous seasons.  

Paddy Power match betting is online here
 
Newcastle to win @ 17/10

(NB: quoted odds were accurate at the time of writing, but subject to fluctuation - click on the link above to display current live odds). 

Squad: Steven Taylor and Rolando Aarons remain out, while Siem de Jong, Rob Elliot, Gabriel Obertan and Ryan Taylor are back in training. Cheick Tiote and Papiss Cisse are on international duty at the African Nations Cup. 

HCFC: To follow. 

Robert Snodgrass, Mohamed Diame, Liam Rosenior, Abel Hernandez, Nikica Jelavic and James Chester all miss out due to injury, while there are doubts over Alex Bruce, Sone Aluko, Andy Robertson and Gaston Ramirez.

Like Newcastle, The Tigers also have a two week break ahead of this game, as a result of their FA Cup Third Round defeat at Arsenal.

Winning just two of their ten Premier League home games this season (2-0 against Crystal Palace and Everton), draws were achieved against Stoke (1-1), West Ham (2-2) and West Bromwich Albion (0-0).

Five teams have left Humberside with maximum points to date: Manchester City (2-4), Southampton (0-1), Spurs (1-2), Swansea (0-1) and Leicester (0-1). 

Referee: tbc

Travel: To follow 

UK TV: Live on BT Sport

Overseas TV: To follow

UK Radio: tbc

NE Radio: Live commentary on BBC Newcastle

Overseas Radio: Live commentary on talkSPORT

Other Premier League fixtures
(3pm unless specified): 

Sat 31.01.2015:
Crystal Palace v Everton
Liverpool v West Ham
Manchester United v Leicester City
Stoke City v QPR
mackems v Burnley Stadium of Light
West Bromwich Albion v Spurs
Chelsea v Manchester City (5.30pm) Sky

Sun 01.02.2015:
Arsenal v Aston Villa (1.30pm) Sky
Southampton v Swansea City (4pm) Sky

Stats: 

Toon @ Tigers - competitive games:

2013/14 won 4-1 Sissoko 2, Remy, Anita
2008/09 drew 1-1 (PL) S.Taylor
2008/09 drew 0-0 (FAC)
1990/91 lost 1-2 (Div 2) McGhee*
1989/90 won 1-0 (FAC) O'Brien*
1989/90 won 3-1 (Div 2) McGhee, Anderson, Brazil*
1976/77 drew 0-0 (ASC)*
1935/36 won 3-2 (Div 2) Pearson, Smith, Imrie+
1934/35 won 5-1 (FAC) Bott 2, Cairns, Pearson, og+
1934/35 drew 1-1 (Div 2) Pearson+
1929/30 lost 0-1 (FAC)+
1912/13 drew 0-0 (FAC)+

At KC Stadium unless specified
* At Boothferry Park
+ At Anlaby Road

Money balls:
The only league table that really counts.... 



While headlines have been grabbed by news that United have returned to Deloitte's Top 20 Football Rich List, one line is enough to make the toon followers choke:

"Newcastle United are commercially in the strongest position in their history"

Never mind enjoyment or credibility, never mind winning or trying to win things, never mind that commercially weaker clubs like Swansea, Stoke, Southampton and West Ham are above us in the Premier League, as long as the figures add up, everything's tickety boo eh?

Deloitte's verdict on the Magpies:  

"Newcastle United return to the Money League in 19th place after increasing revenues by 35% to £129.7 million.

"On the pitch the Magpies endured a frustrating season; exiting both cup competitions in the early rounds, and suffering home and away defeats to arch rivals Sunderland before finally finishing in 10th place in the Premier League.

"Newcastle’s broadcast revenue, much like the other English clubs, increased significantly by £27.2 million (53%) to £78.2 million thanks to the new Premier League broadcast deals.

"This offset the loss of UEFA distributions (€5.3 million) as a result of Newcastle’s run to the quarter-final stages of the UEFA Europa League the previous season.

"Newcastle’s lack of European football in 2013/2014 resulted in four fewer home matches being played at St James’ Park, which decreased match-day revenue by 7% to £25.9 million.

"The St James’ Park average attendance of 50,688 for the Premier League season was the third highest in the division.

"Commercially, revenue increased by an impressive 50% to £25.6 million in 2013/2014. This was the first year of the controversial shirt sponsorship agreement with Wonga, as well as the continuation of long term partnerships with Puma and Thomas Cook, and the addition of online gaming brand 138.com.

"With Wonga and Thomas Cook already signed up to long term agreements, and Puma recently announcing a long term contract extension at the start of the 2014/2015 season, Newcastle United are commercially in the strongest position in their history.

"After being an ever present in the Money League until 2007/2008, the new Premier League broadcast deal has helped propel Newcastle United back into the Money League top 20 this year.

"Given the strong commercial performance of the club coupled with the Toon Army’s continuing support in their impressive numbers, Newcastle should be capable of an extended stay in the Money League in future editions."

Lee Charnley's mention of not being easy sellers was obviously referring to the owner, not players. 

There's no reason for Ashley to sell up given these figures - and were he to have a change of heart, the price tag would factoring in losing those revenues, taking it into the stratosphere. 

The City AM website provide their evaluation here

When considering the revenue versus net spend data reproduced though, consider this: Transfer values are based on media reports, as NUFC don't publish that data - leaving the integrity of that data highly questionable.

In plain terms, there's no guarantee as much was spent or recouped as is claimed - or vice versa of course. A flashy graphic and a totaliser on a TV news bulletin is as near as you'll get to knowing just how much the Anitas, Sissokos, Rivieres and Cabellas of this world cost. 

A summary of the latest Deloitte report and links to older reports is online here If you really want to be depressed have a look and look for clubs that remain trophyless. 

One name stands out - one seemingly intent on extending that inglorious record yet further. We are the ennui FC.

Black and white....and red:
Howay the vlads!

The Northern Echo's Scott Wilson has published his take on the Chronicle's Charnley piece, relocating Mike Ashley's HQ to the Kremlin in the process. Worth a read here

Premier League:
TV times etc.

The latest round of TV alterations covering the period until early April have been confirmed and Newcastle's fixture list thankfully remains unchanged - for now.

BT Sport will televise the visit of Manchester United to SJP, but this game goes ahead as originally scheduled on Wednesday March 4th @ 7.45pm.

Arsenal's trip to Tyneside is also now confirmed as an old-fashioned 3pm kick-off on Saturday March 21st, but despite no TV selection, the previous week's trip to Everton is still subject to potential alteration. 

That game would change from a 3pm kick-off on Saturday March 14th should the Toffees win their Europa League Second Round tie against Young Boys on Feb 19th/26th, 

As a consequence they'd be in Third Round first leg action on Thursday March 12th - and entitled to move our visit to Sunday 15th at any agreed kick-off time.

This announcement leaves seven of our final eight games still subject to change, beginning with the mackem away game (the season-closing home fixture against West Ham is already fixed for Sunday May 24th @ 3pm).

Communication:
Talking head

Three weeks into the search for a new Newcastle United manager/coach/scapegoat, club MD Lee Charnley has broken his silence in a question and answer session with the Evening Chronicle that can be read online here

Until this point, Charnley followed a similar path to owner Mike Ashley, with club-published minutes from fans forums the sole output from anyone in an executive role at SJP since Derek Llambias quit in June 2013, save for the statement confirming Charnley as MD online here

Fourteen questions and fourteen answers later though, it's a struggle to find anything new to chew over - with nothing of consequence regarding the vacant position, other than the equivalent of a "work in progress" sign.

Certainly anyone looking to be reinvigorated for the remainder of this season - or for a reason not to post off that direct debit cancellation - will be disappointed. A mere 16 games to go?, why the season's almost over!

An apparent retread of the job description devised for Alan Pardew following the departure of Chris Hughton is aired, while there's no attempt made to communicate on squad specifics eg the status of Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Jonas Gutierrez, Facundo Ferreyra, Papiss Cisse etc.

In that regard, this Q & A differs from the February 2013 Chronicle one with Llambias, when he commented on specific players including Loic Remy and Demba Ba.

"I can’t envisage any player we want to retain leaving" (in January), if as we know, every player is for sale at the right price, then retaining them is the very last thing they'll do if the asking price is met.

And as for a line about being "difficult sellers", the loss of Yohan Cabaye to PSG was hardly complicated - except for the bit about JFK screwing up the transfer fee....

The issue of how a coach conducts themselves is flagged up as important, yet he claims nothing but total support for Pardew throughout his time in charge - despite the fact he felt it necessary to fine the guy £100K and issue a formal warning over his touchline antics at Hull.

The thorny issue of communication is also revisited, with an admission that the apologist role handed to Pardew affected his chances of winning over the fanbase.

But a vow to look at how the club communicates is in reality no different to comments from his predecessor given to the Chronicle in February 2009 - minus the apology then for failing to keep supporters informed. 

Paranoia over saying anything that can be used against him (remember that Llambias's declared intention in 2009 was to emulate Aston Villa) makes this 2015 attempt mostly meaningless. Speaking but not speaking.

The MD will be judged on the quality of his appointment and whether the managerial structure that he advocates succeeds in the eyes of supporters. 

Everything else - including what publishing the Q & A says about the current relationship between the club and the Chronicle - is window dressing. 

PS: Charnley on Pardew:

"....we moved on significantly as a club during his four years, on and off the field."

December 2010, 11th in the Premier League
January 2015. 11th in the Premier League 

Vase:
Local lads march on

Having made it through six rounds of this season's FA Vase, Northern League side North Shields have home advantage in the last 16 of the competition.

The Robins won the old Amateur Cup at the National Stadium back in 1969 and can move a step closer to achieving a return by overcoming Phoenix Sports at the Daren Persson Stadium on Saturday February 7th.

Their opponents play in the Southern Counties East League and are based in the town of Barnehurst, just inside the M25.

The region's other representatives Dunston UTS must travel to Glossop North End in their Fifth Round tie.

Publications:
Ultimate....updates



Copies of "Newcastle United: The Ultimate Who's Who" are still available, priced at £32.50 from The Back Page shop on St. Andrews Street, via the Evening Chronicle front office and branches of Waterstones bookshop.

They can also be bought from the publisher here

PS: Any owners of "Newcastle United: The Ultimate Record" yet to receive the 2013/14 season update PDF can request it by emailing info@ultimatenewcastle.com

Anyone short of copies of the 2011/12 and 2012/13 season PDFs can also request those via that address.

Latest:
Chucky: Italians 
go elsewhere

Having failed to make progress on a deal to end alleged striker Facundo Ferreyra's loan at SJP, Serie A side Genoa have gone elsewhere to augment their squad.

The 23 year-old Argentinean arrived on a season-long loan from Shaktar Donetsk on the recommendation of Fabricio Coloccini - but is yet to make a competitive appearance for Newcastle.

Reported interest from Genoa earlier this month raised hopes that Ferreyra's loan would be cancelled, allowing him to go to Italy - a country he holds a passport for. 

However the Italian press claim that the departure of Alan Pardew put the matter on hold - a baffling situation given Lee Charnley's comments in the Chronicle on Tuesday about having the maximum 25 players registered.

Genoa have now secured the services of AC Milan forward M'Baye Niang for the remainder of the season - a player United were reportedly interested in acquiring on loan.

PS: we did wonder whether the "three clubs in a season" situation experienced by old boy Hatem Ben Arfa was also afflicting Ferreyra due to his playing for our U21 side - and thus ruining any chance of him going elsewhere. 

Although he was named on the bench for Shaktar's first league game of the season in July, the player nicknamed "chucky" didn't feature against Metalurh Zaporizhya and has only played in friendlies for them this season.

A rational explanation of what looks to the outsider like a total farce will one day surely emerge. For now though, we continue to employ - and pay - a player who isn't injured but playing no part in our season. WTF? 

Premier League:
Elia at the double as United slip to defeat

Newcastle  1  Southampton  2

Match report

Unlikely lads:
Old boys on the move

Former Magpies finding new clubs this month:

David Edgar (loaned to Huddersfield by Birmingham)
Aidan Grant (free agent, joined Lincoln City)
Lewis Guy (left Gateshead, joined Barrow)

James Marwood (left St.Mirren, joined Forest Green)
Brandon Miele (free agent, joined Shamrock Rovers)
James Tavernier (loaned to Bristol City by Wigan)