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The first international break of a Premier League season is always obnoxious. The season is just building momentum, only for an empty weekend to slow the progress.
Not that we don’t enjoy watching international games. But the lack of Newcastle United action or news is a drag. So what to do? We’ve already podcasted, so why not debut a new feature?
Throughout this season, we’ll ask Newcastle fans from all over to discuss anything and everything concerning the club.
For our first round table discussion, Bob and I asked Rob Moyer (@yanknufc) from Toon Army Philly and Jared Stimson (@jaredstimson) from Toon Army America to talk potential American recruits, this year's jersey, Yohan Cabaye and the season thus far.
Join the debate — leave a comment with your answers, and we just might ask you to participate in the future.
The U.S. hosts Mexico for a World Cup qualifier tonight. We'd all love to see Newcastle sign an American player (other than Oguchi Onyewu). If you were in charge, which American would you sign?
Rob: While he would not address a real need, Michael Bradley would be my choice. A terrific box-to-box midfielder who does not mind doing the dirty work. He is about to enter the prime of his career and has a work rate that would make him a fan favorite.
Jared: Bradley has the greatest long-term potential, but it's the one position where Newcastle has enough depth. Jozy Altidore would be great considering our striker needs, but I'm still worried his form won't carry over into the Premier League. My second-tier picks would be Graham Zusi and Brek Shea, but they aren't good enough yet for our first team.
Bob: I would've signed Altidore if a certain group of a-holes hadn't beaten us to him; he's exactly the sort of physical presence up front that NUFC has been lacking. With Jozy spoken for, I'd pick Zusi. His skill stands out every time you watch him, and his set-piece and corner ability would be a boon for Newcastle right now.
Tom: I love Zusi — I'm stunned no Premier League club has made a move for him yet. I think he's got the perfect nose-to-the-grindstone attitude for an American coming into a major European league and he possesses a versatile skill set that allows him to play all across the midfield. I'll echo Rob and Jared’s thoughts on Michael Bradley, and also toss out Omar Gonzalez’s name as a dominant aerial option at center back.
Have you bought this year's jersey? Are you planning to? Why or why not?
Rob: I have purchased this season’s home shirt, but I am, admittedly, a kit addict. I got Davide Santon’s name and number on the back of the shirt, so expect him to be gone from the club between now and this time next year.
Jared: I haven't yet, but not because of any Wonga-related angst. I wanted the members' halves kit, but didn't pull the trigger when the link was leaked and still regret it.
Bob: As I blogged back when the sponsorship deal was announced, I won't wear the Wonga logo. As an American I don't presume to know or understand some of the native fans' feelings about that company, but I've decided to err on the side of caution and solidarity. Also, I think that logo is ugly. I'm tinkering with the idea of getting the new home jersey but trying to block out the Wonga patch with a Northern Rock patch. If anyone has ideas on how to do that, I'm all ears.
Tom: I'll admit the whole Wonga issue makes me a bit uneasy. Beyond that, though, I don't really feel like supporting the current regime monetarily. Not buying a jersey is one of the few things I can do to express my frustration with the way the club is being run.
What will your feelings be toward Yohan Cabaye for the rest of the season?
Rob: I'm fickle. If he plays the way he did in the 2011-12 season, then I will jump back on the bandwagon. If he continues his form from last season, however, I will be quick to throw him under the bus. With it being a World Cup year, he certainly has enough incentive to go out and play well.
Jared: Our squad needs discipline and Cabaye is the place to start. Vurnon Anita should continue start if his good form continues and Cabaye only gets into the team through rotation, injury, or an attitude change. If Cabaye works his way back into the squad and actually plays up to his potential, I'll get over his transfer shenanigans.
Bob: My only personalized NUFC shirt thus far has Cabaye's name and number and I'll be fine with wearing it so long as he's in the squad. All professional athletes are mercenaries; club loyalty above a local or college level is mostly a mirage. I wish he'd handled it better, but I don't blame him for wanting to be on a bigger club. I expect he'll perform up to standard for Newcastle now that he's back to reality. Not supporting him doesn't help anyone.
Tom: I'm pretty disappointed with the way he handled the transfer saga. That said, I think the club's hierarchy badly wanted to sell him for a big profit, so it’s hard to definitively place 100 percent of the blame on Cabaye. I certainly haven't written him off, but I want to see him play his way back into the lineup and show the same mentality he did two seasons ago.
Are you encouraged or discouraged by the first three Premier League games?
Rob: Mixed. We have been absolutely non-existent in the attacking third thus far minus the #HatemBomb against Fulham. Still, we have four points through three matches and sit firmly in the middle of the table. There is room to improve for sure, but I am not yet convinced that it will happen.
Jared: Mostly discouraged. We look generally uninterested everywhere and completely lost in the final third. Our biggest issue is Hatem Ben Arfa is the Allen Iverson of the Premier League; one pretty goal in 13 shots (mostly from 20-30 yards out) doesn't make up for his wasteful play. The only bright spots have been some decent minutes from Sammy Ameobi, Loic Remy, and our defense has only completely given up once so far.
Bob: I'm mildly encouraged by the start. After the first match it could've gone even more sour and it didn't, which shows some resilience. And while it's early, there's marked improvement in some areas that have been a bugaboo in recent years: duels, tackles, interceptions. Even the corners are looking more dangerous. Am I convinced it's a trend and not a blip? Not yet. But I'm encouraged.
Tom: I suppose it’s been about what I expected. I still think Newcastle will finish comfortably mid-table … but I just don’t see the potential for this group to surprise anyone, and that realization has left me discouraged. I want to see the team respond to adversity — the way it repeatedly crumbled in crucial moments last season drove me nuts.
Chris Wondolowski, we need a striker and Big Mike can make a fortune selling letters for the backs of shirts, everyone's a winner
Posted by: @caliMagNUFC | 09/10/2013 at 08:37 AM
I was actually at the club store on my first trip and badly wanted something to bring back as a memento. I'm not a big fan of the home kit but probably would have bought one anyway given my situation. I wound up not purchasing and the Wonga thing was playing in the back of my mind. I'm American and only understand the basics of Wonga as a company.
Luckily all of the puma gear, especially with the Wonga logo, is ghastly so that helped to save my wallet too.
Posted by: Brian | 09/10/2013 at 08:37 AM
Top 3 available Americans I would want (if we bought Americans) 1) T Boyd 2) Omar 3) Luis Gill
Posted by: @Lavanglish | 09/10/2013 at 09:30 AM
In terms of players, anyone who can cross. Fabian Johnson/Zusi and I can't not want to sign Bradley, even though we have decent coverage there.
Posted by: @Rake_ | 09/10/2013 at 09:58 AM
American Player--I wouldn't want Newcastle to sign a player just for being a __________. Because few Americans can fulfill the needs we have, I'd say none at the moment. Well correct that would Clint Dempsey count? He'd be a decent impact sub at striker, much better than a Darren Bent or a Carlton Cole, or any of Pardew's other fetishes up front. Does getting USA's manager Klinsy count?
Jersey-- No. I only own one and its brilliant, its the '99 kit with the blue hits and the last Brown Ale logo. Having worked with a huge global sports brand for several years I know the ridiculous margin that the brands and clubs get for such cheaply made, low quality product. Its like becoming a vegetarian after touring a slaughterhouse, once you see how you get your product you will politely decline for your own sake.
Cabaye--Ah Cabaye. If Pardew lets him play more attacking football We'd see the Cabaye of 2012. If Pardew stays negative and forces him into a long ball style of play we will see the Cabaye of the previous late transfer window. I'm a firm believer that its all Pardew's fault that Cabaye went tits up last season and really wanted to leave in August. But that's another question for later...
Encouraged or discouraged?--Well,...
Encouraged IF we are set up to play flowing, attacking football like we did the last 20 minutes against Fulham (but was that Fulham bunkering down and allowing us to do that...? time will tell).
Discouraged because Pardew is still in charge, is stubborn and negative, and has a passive aggressive point to prove with Ashley to save his own ass. Therefore discouraged because we will see more negative tactics and teams; a la Jonas on the wing, Tiote hacking people up in midfield and Cisse running offsides a lot chasing long balls.
Posted by: Beardsley's Love Child | 09/10/2013 at 10:19 AM
I bought the home kit...went with Shearer on the back...every time I get a personalized one with a current squad member, they're sold before end of season or at end of season...I feel better having an established legend on the shirt. As for the Wonga sponsor...are they really worse than any other pay-day loan company? Are they worse than Northern Rock...who ended up needing a bailout to avoid collapse?
I would have liked to see Jozy make the team. Would like Shea or Bradley as well.
I am hoping for a mid-table finish...don't think top 8 is realistic. Can't wait for Saturday to come.
Posted by: Norcal Toonfan | 09/10/2013 at 10:22 AM
My quick answers to the top three questions, though I think I'll also be answering them in posts this week.
Americans: Because I think NUFC's main priority as a number 10-type player, I can't say any USMNT guys really excite me on that front. Someone like Donovan who actually wanted to move to England, and was at least a couple years younger, would be nice.
Jerseys: As we have tweeted, I did buy this year's shirt and am already getting mocked for putting the prolific Yoan Gouffran on the back. I'm in the same boat as Norcal Toonfan as far as Wonga stuff. He mentioned Northern Rock, but the brewers of Newcastle Brown Ale abandoned their Tyneside operations in the last decade, too. Are we cool with a sponsor that probably laid off a bunch of people who go to matches at SJP? Finding a sponsor you're OK with is virtually impossible unless it's a charity, and I'm sure you'll even find people who gripe about UNICEF or Villa's charity sponsor from a couple years back!
Cabaye: I can't get personally wound up about it - just part of professional sports these days. If his teammates are satisfied, and the coaches are satisfied, that's good enough. He should have to earn his way back into the starting XI, though.
Posted by: Matt | 09/10/2013 at 11:12 AM