Match Preview

Newcastle v Birmingham preview Thursday, 05 May 2011 12:39 Michael Weightman The Magpies will be hoping for some home comforts when they welcome the Carling Cup holders to St James’ for its penultimate game of the season. After the disappointment of Anfield and with Chelsea on the horizon, the Toon will be hoping for maximum points in this one to rubber stamp their Premier League status. Much like the hosts, the visitors too are just about safe from the drop. But with only a four point buffer, any sort of return from this game would help ease the slight relegation worries. Were McLeish’s men to take all three points they’d go ahead of the Newcastle in the table, which would ensure a sweet return to the North East for a number of former players in the Blues’ Side. Last Meeting- 15th Feb 2011- Birmingham 0-2 Newcastle The day after Valentine’s Day, there was plenty of love in the air for the Geordie following as the Magpies notched up their first win in six matches. Goals in each half from Peter Lovenkrands and Leon Best ensured all 3 points for Pardew’s men and even had some quarters talking about Europe. Jonas Gutierrez was the star man of the evening in a game which Birmingham never really got going. Since then Newcastle have dropped out of European contention, whereas Birmingham have their tickets booked after cup success. Form With only 5 home victories to their name, Newcastle have one of the worst home winning ratios in the league; only Blackpool & Wigan have been less victorious. However impressive home performances against Man Utd and Wolves should help inspire confidence- providing the dreadful away displays at Liverpool, Villa & Blackpool are quickly forgotten about Birmingham have only managed two victories on the road this season (versus Blackpool & West Ham) and with only 16 goals on their travels- don’t expect Barcelona style beauty. They did have a decent April though, picking up 7 points out of a possible 15; with their only two losses coming against in-form Chelsea & Liverpool and they grabbed a valuable point against Wolves last time out. Head to Head Newcastle have the edge over Birmingham with 40 wins in the 105 meetings between the two sides, with the Brummies notching up 33. They've met 11 times in the Premier League with Birmingham only managing one win over the Toon in that time, which came courtesy of a David Dunn goal in the 2003-2004 season. Despite being unbeaten in 8 league games against their visitors, Newcastle were on the wrong end on a 5-1 cup thumping in between and will be hoping to avoid a repeat performance come Saturday. Team News Newcastle With the likes on Ben Arfa, Gosling, Guthrie, Smith & Best all long term causalities- the Magpies will more than likely be unchanged from the side that faced Liverpool. Steven Taylor will be pushing for a starting berth after Mike Williamson’s injury during training (broken arm) and either Krul or Harper could end up between the sticks. It may well be the last time Cheik Tiote plays this season with the Ivorian precariously placed on 13 yellow cards. If he does reach 15 before the end of the campaign he’d be in line for a 3 game suspension which would carry on into next season, and so Pardew may well withdraw him from the firing line if he picks up a card on Saturday. Birmingham Former Striker Obafemi Martins underwent surgery on a stress fracture of his shin last week and will miss the game, as will Nikola Zigic who is still struggling with a hip injury. This will probably mean a starting role for ex-Sunderland man Kevin Phillips. Influential midfielder Craig Gardner was sent off against Wolves and will be banned on Saturday with either Keith Fahey or Alexander Hleb likely replacements.  Even though McLeish has played down the rift, there’s no confirmation of whether or not David Bentley will feature this time around after his exclusion from the matchday squad for the Wolves game. Key Players Kevin Nolan- With a real lack of cutting edge in the past few weeks, the Scouse skipper still remains Newcastle’s biggest goal threat. 12 league goals already this season makes him far and away the Toon’s leading scorer and his side will be heavily reliant on him once more. He played in the centre of the park against Liverpool and it’s up to Pardew to decide if he will be more effective there or as a second striker. Seb Larsson- The man who nearly joined United in January has been excellent in the last few weeks and scored the equaliser in the last Sunday’s Midlands’ derby. Deadly with set pieces, Larsson offers a genuine creative outlet- something the home side seem to be sorely lacking. Referee Chris Foy will take charge of his fifth Newcastle match of the season and worryingly the Magpies have only won once while he was in charge. Last time the Scouser officiated on Tyneside he dismissed Ryan Taylor for a reckless tackle on Bolton’s Johan Elmander as the game finished up all square. Taylor’s dismissal was one of 3 red cards he has dished out this season and with 82 yellow cards in 25 matches; don’t expect this match to be a booking free affair. Probable Line Ups Newcastle-(4-4-2) Krul, Simpson, Williamson, Coloccini, Enrique, Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Gutierrez, Ameobi, Lovenkrands. Birmingham- (4-4-2) Foster, Carr, Johnson, Jiranek, Ridgewell, Bowyer, Ferguson, Fahey, Larsson, Phillips, Jerome.

Magpies still have plenty to play for this season

Magpies still have plenty to play for this season Thursday, 28 April 2011 12:58 Michael Weightman So it seems to be mission accomplished with four games remaining in what has been another anarchic campaign for Newcastle United. The aim at the start of the season was clear; survival at all costs with many a fan prepared to accept finishing 17th on goal difference. But losing first the manager and then the local hero in a matter of months had threatened to blemish the good start to the season. Yet credit where it’s due the new manager and players have stuck together and this must continue right up until the final kick on the final day. There’s still plenty at stake for all concerned; not least those fringe players who could well be culled to make way for new recruits and the current starters entrusted with making sure that the season does not fizzle out. The manager has already stated that he wants a strong finish to the season and there is the small matter of potentially finishing above Sunderland. Performance levels must not drop as all are on trial as the Magpies build for the next season. Splashing the Cash It’s becoming tiresome hearing the same £35 million story being bandied about on a daily basis. Pardew stating he has the cash but the fans still sceptical that it will materialise. Earlier blog about the financial results stated that the loss from the Championship was £33.5million; now even the most optimistic of Newcastle fan would see that the sale of Andy Carroll covers this very difference. It is however imperative we do strengthen as Carroll had helped put a decent amount of points of the board before he left and next season it’s vital that we have a goal-scorer of that ilk. It should also be a motivation for the final few matches to try and finish as high as possible in the league as the extra money per place could come in handy for Pardew’s transfer kitty. Especially after Fulham and Stoke overtook the Toon with wins midweek. Pardew And so we come on to the man himself. Is he the manager that the fans wanted- probably not? But he has achieved his target for this season and now needs to be given the financial means to do his job and the full support of all at the club.  His first task is tying down at least two of his three big hitters. It may be time to admit defeat in the Enrique equation as rumours are rife that he has handed in his tenancy termination. He’ll go with the blessing of most after he stayed and helped the club return to the Prem and of course if he did declare he wanted to stay- then all our smiles would be wider than the Tyne Bridge. Because of this likely departure it becomes even more crucial that he keeps hold of Barton and Nolan.  A source close to Joey Barton stated that he wanted to stay on Tyneside and there won’t be a single Newcastle fan not wanting that outcome.  Nolan’s contract negotiations have apparently begun and it’s just as key that he stays. Andy Blair praised Pardew’s start at Newcastle back in February and his main question at the time was whether or not we would be a Premier League club. Pardew has all but guaranteed this and now has to invest wisely whatever money he is given in the summer. The Players Inconsistent would amply sum up recent games with erratic performances aplenty.  Brilliant home displays in the win against Wolves and the draw with Man Utd, but dreadful away results at Stoke and Villa. There are players in the team who are playing to their level and it’s up to Pardew to decide who can improve our standing; but the likes of Guthrie, R Taylor and Smith should be looking nervously over their shoulder if the manager does get ruthless. It would be unfair to be too critical of the team as who would of thought we’d of been sitting in safely in mid-table with four matches left, but this should not act as an excuse to simply let the season peter out Onwards and Upwards Shola was quoted this week saying that he wants to play in the Champions League again with Newcastle and the team are on the cusp of good things once again. Although this may be slightly ambitious from the big striker- all supporters live in hope that the owner will back the manager and that the right type of player is able to be attracted. The fans have already showed their support by hitting a record high with season tickets sales and now it’s over to the club and its employees to finish this season on a high and start next season with a bang.

Why Tony Pulis should be manager of the year

Written for Sport.co.uk

Why Tony Pulis should be manager of the year

Michael Weightman 
Posted on: 27 April 2011 - 17:39
Football
Comments: 2 Go... 

As the fat lady sits in her dressing room, warming up the voice for the final chorus of the 2010-2011 Premier League campaign - the footballing world have already decided on their leading duet.

Gareth Bale & Scott Parker became the title-holders of the PFA and Football Writer’s awards with more accolade due to follow in the coming weeks as leagues and cups are finally decided.

Although the players have voted on their fellow professionals and the journalists have had their say, the Manager of the Year award is yet to be decided.

In a season with no outstanding candidate, much like the player awards in which it’s been claimed Scott Parker won by two votes, it could well be a very close call.

It’s been a season of the unexpected and because of this there would be no better time to recognise the wonderful work of Tony Pulis.

The Other Guys

However as Manchester United approach their record 19th league title it would take a brave man to bet against Sir Alex Ferguson picking up this award for the ninth time and what would be the fourth time in the last five years. Yet is Fergie truly deserving this year? Or is it more a case of United profiting from other’s inconsistencies.

Prior to the Birmingham and Barcelona games Arsene Wenger could well of been the victor and if it was voted at the end of November, Ancelotti would have scooped the prize. Were it to be awarded on entertainment value then Holloway would win hands down and Alex McLeish should be a strong contender after guiding Birmingham to Carling Cup success.

Nevertheless, if Pulis were to win the FA Cup it would eclipse all other achievements and even if Manchester City did pinch it ahead of them, the job he’s done is nothing short of miraculous.

Mick McCarthy threw his weight behind Pulis this week saying:

“You get to vote for three of them [Manager of the Year] and Tony has got a vote of mine."

"It was a great semi-final victory, but just the job he has done - he has improved the club year-in year- out and they've got better as a team.

"They get much maligned, but never from me because there is more than one way to win a game of football and what he does is get the best out of people,"

Style of Play

Unfortunately for the Stoke gaffer the fact that the thought of praising himself and his footballing philosophy is allegedly blaspheming against the beautiful game often means that he is overlooked. This altered perception, created by Mr Wenger’s Arsenal, would have us believe that there’s only one way of playing football.

This way, which Wenger has been nurturing for the last six years, has proved fruitless so far despite some wonderfully talented footballers to have donned the red jersey.

And forgetting the skill, the flair and intricacies infused through the philosophy, the one thing missing from the theory and ultimately the biggest flaw in Wegner’s side is backbone; something which undeniably the Potters have in abundance.

Arsenal would love the backbone and fighting spirit of Stoke and could do a lot worse than having Robert Huth and Ryan Shawcorss in their side. And this is not an attack on the Gunners but when you recall the games against Newcastle away, Liverpool at home and both derbies against Spurs - you see what difference that grit and determination could have made.

The Barcelona-esque football that the world’s clubs are all apparently trying to emulate is the exact reason the antidote has been employed at Real Madrid; to win trophies and stifle the undoubted creativity of the Catalan side by outmuscling and overpowering them.

Nobody argues with the way Mourinho goes about the things and so why not Pulis? Especially as he can not call on the likes of Ronaldo, Di Maria and Kaka.

Myth Busting

Furthermore in the style criticism, many claim that Rory Delap is the source of the majority of Stoke’s goals this season. However Kenwyne Jones’ header at the weekend was only the third goal this campaign that the Delap throw in has assisted in.

The Potters have also only scored two less goals than Tottenham on their home turf and as many as Bolton away from the Britannia. And staying with Owen Coyle’s men; Stoke’s 5-0 demolition of them in the FA Cup Semi Final was the biggest ever winning margin in an FA Cup tie as Pulis guided the club to their first ever FA Cup final. It’s often easy to forget in football but it was that long ago that Pulis was saving the club from relegation to the third tier of English Football.

Player Rejuvenation

There are a few players plying their trade at the Britannia that are indebted to Pulis for resurrecting and kick starting their careers. Matthew Etherington had practically been written off after spells at Tottenham and West Ham - yet Pulis has reinvigorated him, and his wonder goal at White Hart Lane is evidence of that. Kenwyne Jones and Robert Huth had both gone stale in the North East and yet Jones now looks back to his best and the German defender has been transformed into to one of the most prolific centre halves in the league. However the biggest success story of the current campaign has to be Jonathon Walters. The former Ipswich forward arrived in fairly modest fashion but his consistent performances reached a pinnacle with two fine strikes at Wembley and it backs up McCarthy’s belief that he knows how to get the best out of all his players.

Decisions Decisions

It does seem that it all hinges on the result on May 14th at Wembley; if Stoke beat the City millions then the Welshman should be a shoe in for the title. It may prove a lot trickier if it’s a reverse result in the final but either way his capped head can leave held high.

There’s no stand out candidate in the list, and yet regardless of that he still merits his potential nomination. Much like the fat lady at the opera, he may not be to everyone’s taste but looking past personal preferences - both are giving great performances and hitting all the right notes.

Why is Kevin Nolan constantly overlooked

As the dust settles on the decision to crown Gareth Bale PFA Player of the year, one would not be judged too reckless in predicting that it probably won’t be the Welshman’s last. It’s also fair to say that Scott Parker and Charlie Adam deserved their nominations for standout performances in struggling sides, and Vidic & Nasri have both been excellent for Man Utd & Arsenal. Of course this award is decided by fellow professionals and votes will have been influenced by who has played well against themselves, hence why many a quivering right back would have put a cross next to Mr Bale.

With the Football Writers award just around the corner it would be easy to assume that there won’t be much difference in their list and so it must be considered what attributes command recognition: influence, importance to team, goals, assists, passes made, games won etc... and if this is the case where was the inclusion of Kevin Nolan? The Newcastle captain ticks all the boxes and yet seems to be constantly overlooked.

The Facts

With 12 goals to his name this season Nolan is joint highest scoring midfielder in the league, as Van der Vaart and Malouda drew level with goals in yesterday’s games. He’s also on par with Didier Drogba and has struck more times than Rooney & Asamoah Gyan- not bad for a player in a newly promoted side.

Not known for his creativity, amazingly Nolan has one more assist in the league than Gareth Bale and just an interesting aside fact on the left winger; he has created less goal scoring chances than Welsh compatriot Simon Davies at Fulham.

Many would consider Steven Gerrard the greatest attacking midfielder of a generation and in the course of his Premier league career he has only bettered Nolan’s tally in one season; 2008-2009 when he hit the back of the net 16 times. Unquestionably Gerrard is in a different league to Nolan and you’d be hard pushed to find someone to disagree, but it does highlight the achievement thus far and just how vital Newcastle’s number 4 is to his side.

As well as his memorable hat-trick in the 5-1 demolition of Sunderland, a goal in the 1-1 draw with former side Bolton saw him notch up his 50^th premiership strike. Furthermore, aside from the home game against Stoke, Newcastle have not lost in any of the other games in which he has scored. Undeniably the other nominees are important to their clubs but certainly no more than Nolan is to Newcastle.

Unfashionable Curse

The former Bolton man is not one to go looking for plaudits and was honoured to be named Championship Player of the Year 2009-2010- yet recognition on the highest level has proved more elusive. Let’s not forget the Scouser was a key part of Sam Allardyce’s successful Trotters side, and much like his old boss he’s found it difficult to shake off the ugly label. 10 yellow cards and a recent two game suspension has done little to help matters.

Yet is he any uglier a player than say Scott Parker? Or are they both simply committed, competitive midfielders. Toon fans have witnessed both first hand and if you were to take a poll on the two- the votes would be stacked on the side of the current skipper rather than the previous owner of the armband.

It’s no doubt a frustration to all concerned that this label has followed him; as concentrating on his impact to his team should be the barometer on which he is judged, rather than a misguided and antiquated tag.

What Next?

It’s difficult to know what else the midfield general can do as his performances and influence this campaign have been of the highest calibre.

By no means are the achievements of any other player in the league being diminished as all that have been mentioned are exceptionally good footballers who have earned their praise through consistently good performances.

Yet it remains a puzzle and fuels the need for understanding as to why someone, backed by stats, is being ignored. Whether it’s snobbery or just plain ignorance there’s 52,000 people who appreciate his value every other Saturday; and although this is probably enough for Nolan, the time has come for more to recognise just how good he is.