BLOG

With the end of the season approaching fast, I just want to review our season. Upon reflecting on my optimism before the season had started, I do have to say that im quite disappointed with the way things have turned out for us this campaign.

I do think that many fans would agree that is not the kind of season that we expected. There are those that believe that we over-achieved last season, I don’t think any are Newcastle supporters though as we believe that is where we belong. That being said, even if we did over-achieve last season, no one expected such a dismal showing this season.

There have been some outstanding performances for the team this season, and there have been games where the team just did not show up. Usually in situations where teams over-achieve I like to attribute that to the element of surprise, we were a surprise package last season, but to us Toon fans that is how the team is meant to be performing every campaign.

Newcastle United has progressed to the round of 16 in this season’s edition of the UEFA Europa League, beating Ukrainian’s, Metalist Kharkiv 1-0 on aggregate.

The Magpies travelled to Kharkiv for their 2^nd leg encounter with a stalemate, 0-0 draw, in the first leg at St James’ Park. Alan Pardew fielded a strong starting line-up with key players such as Yohan Cabaye, Moussa Sissoko and Fabricio Coloccini all included. New acquisitions, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and Massadio Haidara, started at centre-back and left back respectively. The latter seemingly replacing Davide Santon who seemed to pick up a knock in training. Cheik Tiote missed out due to a suspected bout of illness.

Nevertheless, NUFC attacked their Ukrainian counterparts with real vigour and force. Papiss Cisse tested the keeper well in the first half, after Sissoko had NUFC’s first chance of the game. But it had to be Geordie Legend, Shola ‘Mackem-Slayer’ Ameobi, to steal the headlines. The big striker calmly disposed of a penalty given away by a defensive mix-up and a foul on Moussa Sissoko. The English outfit were arguably value for their lead. Alan Pardew threw on his reinforcements just a couple of minutes after the opening goal, sending on Jonas Gutierrez and James Perch respectively to defend their one goal advantage.

Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa pictured above.

Newcastle United, last evening, completed their 2^nd signing of this winter’s transfer window. Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa is the latest edition to ‘Le Toon’, with the centre back becoming the 9^th French player to join the Premier League outfit.

Raised, but not born, in Newcastle, by Geordie parents, Steven Taylor celebrates his 27th birthday today.

Born in London to Geordie parents, Steven Taylor moved back to the North East of England as a young boy, and grew up watching his beloved football team from the Gallowgate - and often assumed the role of ball boy. He also played for the famous Wallsend Boys Club, which produced local heroes such as Alan Shearer and Peter Beardsley.