TRUE GRIT

It's hard not to get caught daydreaming about the future as a Newcastle United fan these days.

This summer figures to be an exciting transfer window for the club, which could certainly use an injection of young talent. But can we all just take a moment to fully appreciate the current squad?

This team has some serious guts. That certainly showed in Saturday's gotta-have-it 4-1 win over Wolves at St. James' Park, a match that was apparently preceded by impassioned speeches by a few of United's veteran players. 

Shola Ameobi, Joey Barton and Kevin Nolan backed up their words on the field, leading the way to a win that should put an end to any lingering relegation fears once and for all. The fact that those three starred says it all about this version of Newcastle. Ameobi is playing with a broken cheekbone; Nolan battled through an illness that kept him out of training the day before; and Barton was once again the target of rough treatment from Mick McCarthy's crew.

United's resolve has repeatedly been tested this season, and yet here it stands in ninth place in the league table with seven games to go. Still, the squad obviously has holes to fill before it can mount a serious European challenge in the coming years.

That may or may not happen, but that's beside the point. For now, take some time to enjoy watching a team that can take a punch and get back up.

Comments

[rob]

This was the kind of NUFC team that attracted me to them originally. Mentally tough football team, best supporters, and a little competency from upper management away from being the force they used to be. Hope to see ya Sunday Tom!