Meulensteen who had a successful coaching role at Manchester United before managing Fulham and Russian side Anzhi has been brought in by new manager Paul Clement to help aid with the attacking side of the coaching.
This announcement comes as Clement's first staff change at Newcastle United.
Good News
Ahead of our opening match against Leicester we have no new injury concerns but are instead greeted by the promising news that Cheick Tioté and Siem de Jong have returned to full training after recovering from pre-season injuries.
Rochdale who previously overcame Championship side Leeds United will be looking to cause a big cup-upset in front of their home fans but with expectations of reaching the Quarter-Finals we will do everything in our power to stop them from succeeding.
There's a big match on opening day Saturday as Tottenham take on Arsenal in a North London derby, the first derby match of the season!
But my attention is on our home fixture against Leicester, a win here should definitely be on the cards and will be a great start to the season following our successful pre-season.
"I can see Newcastle edging this game. It'll be tough and Leicester won't roll over but the Magpies get my vote. Marcin Wasilewski and Riyad Mahrez will be big misses for Leicester." - Jamie Redknapp
St. James' Park is rocking and the atmosphere is electric, let's game this game underway!
The clock hits 15:00, phweeep!
Leicester City get the game started.
...
First Half:
30th Minute: Sammy Ameobi runs down the wing before cutting inside with some quick foot work, but Danny Simpson flies in with a reckless challenge to the back of his left calf and he's forced off, on comes Yoan Gouffran.
35th Minute: Cambiasso picks the ball up in midfield before chipping a ball over the top of the Newcastle defence, Ulloa who was played onside by Dummett races onto the ball and fires the ball low to Krul's left but it cannons off the post, close scare!
42nd Minute: Janmaat plays the ball down the wing to Riviere, the young Frenchman cuts inside before cutting back outside with some lovely footwork, however a clumsy challenge from former Palace winger Yannick Bolasie results in a penalty, Phil Dowd points to the spot!
...
On-Loan Argentine Facundo Ferreyra puts the ball down and looks to the hopeful fans high in the stands, Phil Dowd blows his whistle and the young striker steps up.. GOAL!
Ferreyra sends Schmeichel the wrong way with a brilliant penalty, great composure from the striker. Second Half:
64th minute: Danny Drinkwater stands over a free-kick about 30 yards from Tim Krul's goal, he steps forward and hits it but it'***** at Krul, who spills the ball due to the pace on the shot..
De Laet is quickest to react and converts into the back of the net, GOAL..It's 1-1!
87th minute: Leicester go with the route one Football with David Nugent cushioning the ball with his chest, he goes to take another touch but is upended by Steven Taylor, a clumsy tackle by the experienced defender and Phil Dowd once again points to the spot!
David Nugent dusts himself off and places the ball on the spot..He takes a quick run up before hitting the ball..
GOAL! It's 2-1 to Leicester City and against the odds the newly promoted side lok set to secure the away win, Newcastle fans look devastated and Phil Clement throws a water bottle down in furstration.
You can see here that despite having plenty of chances and possession we failed to make it count in-front of goal and slumped to a defeat.
Tim Krul's parry on the equaliser summed up my fears, his poor handling and decision making causing him to spill the ball straight to an opposing player.
Loving the attention to detail mate. IRL, Newcastle are a bag of tricks so it can be tough to know what to expect out of them. Definitely top 4 potential with the right leadership. Looking forward to following this.
Loving the attention to detail mate. IRL, Newcastle are a bag of tricks so it can be tough to know what to expect out of them. Definitely top 4 potential with the right leadership. Looking forward to following this.
Thanks! Big fan of your story with Liverpool and felt inspired enough to make one of my own. Hoping it goes well but my record in the BPL this year isn't great. (Leicester save went horrible!)
August had proved to be a pretty poor month for us, only securing 1 point from 3 games was definitely not the start I was looking for and have been disappointed with our finishing, which has cost us in at least two of the three league games.
Losing 1-0 to City wasn't a bad scoreline at all, we can't complain much as you can see by the stats that they dominated us in every aspect of the game. Although I was disappointed with Riviere as he missed a 1 on 1 late in the match that could have seen us take home a point, albeit an undeserved one.
Off the back of two losses I was always nervous when we had to travel League Two Rochdale, a game I could definitely visualise us losing.
We didn't perform well in this game at all despite our domination throughout the 90 minutes and ended up winning the game on penalties, I was particularly frustrated that while we were 2-1 up Gouffran received an injury and had to be taken off, in which time Rochdale managed a late equaliser.
This match made me sick to my stomach. Throughout the game we had numerous chances to score before Gabriel Obertan finally found a way past Ben Foster, a magnificent goal by the Frenchman.
The game then went dull and in the 90th minute I was sure we'd secured our first win, a much needed one, however Graham Dorrans scored a 94th minute equaliser despite there only being three minutes of injury time, just my luck... View attachment 317918
Obviously I forgot to screenshot the table..But to let you know, we are currently sitting in 15th place following a poor month, we need to bounce back in September.
Capital One Cup
View attachment 317895
Having overcome Rochdale in the 2nd round of the Capital One Cup we were once again placed into the ball-pit, this time we were drawn against.. Middlesbrough, that's right, Middlesbrough.
Our only signing of the window remains to be Central Defender Virjil van Dijk, however to make the window a bit more exciting, here's the news from around the continent!
Another poor month in September meant that my start to life at Newcastle United is getting worse, however we did manage our first win of the season so that's a kickstarter!
As you can see by the statistics we dominated the ball and created more chances but failed to take any of them, this gave our opposition the confidence and belief which led to them picking up the winner.
We were very slow to start in this match and were quickly punished by Romelu Lukaku's quickfire double inside the first 10 minutes, a very sloppy start and we now had a mountain to climb.
Gabriel Obertan did grab his 2nd goal of the season to get us back in the game but despite multiple chances we failed to find the equaliser, a staple in our season so far.
Following a tactical switch in a bid to get us firing we fell to defeat against Middlesbrough in the 3rd round of the Capital One Cup, the changes clearly having not worked as we once again failed to find the net despite creating chances.
This gives us the chance to focus our efforts elsewhere but I'm disappointed to have been knocked out so early on.
After being knocked out of the Capital One Cup we returned to St. James' Park where we managed to pick up our first league win of the season against Queens Park Rangers, a massive win!
The goals came from Papiss Cisse and Obertan who once again finds himself on the scoresheet, hopefully we can kick on and pick up some winning momentum from here on!
Following our win against QPR we've now managed to move out of the relegation zone up into 15th, which is still pretty shocking but hopefully we can crack on and find the net more often.
Sammy Ameobi picked up a bad injury (Torn Calf) in our final match of the month against QPR and will be out of action likely until the Christmas period, we wish him all the best in his recovery but I'm devastated to have lost a player to injury so early on.
October was certainly a better month than September, this time we managed to pick up a couple of league victories to help get our season back on track, it's not great but it's a start.
We played well for the majority of the first half in this match, knocking the ball about and creating threats on the counter-attack, however Christian Eriksen's goal late in the first half crushed the spirit of the team, there was a lot of frustration at the fact we were behind and this only got worse when Soldado put Spurs 2 up, there was no way back for us in this game.
Returning to St. James' Park we picked up a 3-1 victory over Hull City in what proved to be a thrilling contest, I was very pleased with the prolific nature of our attack as we put the ball in the back of the net three times with Spanish youngster Ayoze Perez picking up a brace.
Our final match of the month saw us travel west to face Welsh side Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium, the Toon Armytravelled in large numbers to support their team with the belief of coming away with back to back victories for the first team this season.
Swansea's poor form showed as they failed to knock the ball about in their usual manner, our team showed high anticipation as we were constantly able to intercept before having an attack of our own which eventually resulted in the breakthrough, French winger Gabriel Obertan who has been out of the picture in previous years grabbing his 4th goal of the season with a fantastic rifled shot which cannoned off the post before nestling in the bottom corner.
The back to back wins over Hull and Swansea see us sitting in 12th place at the end of the month, a couple more wins and we'll soon find ourselves in the top half of the table. The fact that we're putting the ball in the net is much more pleasing as we have played good football all season but haven't been able to pick up the results.
Tony Fernandes today called a press conference to reveal that Manager Harry Redknapp has left the club by mutual consent, stating the club's poor league position as the underlying reason.
"I'm here today to inform you all that as of today Queens Park Rangers will be looking for a new Manager, with the club lying in 19th place we need to move in a different direction and believe the only way to achieve this is to take an alternative approach."
"We wish Harry all the best in his search for a new club and thank him for all that he has done for the Club, but now is the time for change."
Harry Redknapp took over Queens Park Rangers in 2012 prior to the club being relegated from the Premier League. He did however manage to guide them back at the first time of asking but following a poor start to the season has been terminated as Manager of QPR, Reporters caught up with him outside the stadium.
Reporter: "Harry, what are your views on the termination of your contract?"
H.Redknapp: "While I'm upset at the decision I can see where the board are coming from in terms of their perspective, they've invested a lot of money here at Loftus Road and can't afford for the club to see relegation again, and while I tried my best to get us off to a good start it didn't go as planned. I wish them all the best in the future."
Reporter: "Will you be returning to management?"
H.Redknapp: "We'll have to see how it goes, if the right club approaches me with a suitable offer I don't see any reason why not."
...
That's right, only two months in and already a manager has been sacked, Football is more than a game, it's a business and ultimately results cost the club money.
I'll certainly be reading the papers to monitor Harry's situation, I'm interested to see who replaces him and where he goes, if he does.
Sunderland Chairman Ellis Short has today released a statement regarding the termination Manager Gus Poyet's contract.
"There is currently a lot of rumours floating around but I am here today to confirm that Gus Poyet has been removed as Manager of the club, the club have ambitions and expectations that simply weren't being met and with the club's interests in mind I have made the decision to remove Mr. Poyet."
"We thank him for all he has done here at Sunderland and wish him luck in the future."
Following his removal from AFC Sunderland Gus Poyet has taken to the media to express his views on the matter.
"I'm shocked..Having helped the club to Wembley last season while saving them from relegation I cannot believe that they have decided to terminate me as Manager so early into the season. I have tried my utmost best to to do everything for this club but some of the players don't have the ambition or determination to fight."
"While I am upset at the decision, I thank Sunderland for everything and am very glad to have managed them for the past 2 seasons. I will as of now be looking for a new club to manage."
Swift Hiring at the Stadium of Light
View attachment 317765
Within 24 hours of the sacking of Gus Poyet Sunderland have today announced that Former-Fulham and Tottenham manager Martin Jol is the new manager at the Stadium of Light.
E.Short: "I am here today to announce that Martin Jol will be the clubs new manager going forwards and while I know there will be concern over the swift nature of the hiring I believe that the club needs to get back on track immediately and have faith that Martin is the right man for the job, what with his success at both Fulham and Tottenham."
M.Jol: "I'm delighted to have been approached by Sunderland regarding the vacancy at the club and look forward to getting back into the life of a Premier League manager. I believe I can be the catalyst to spark a revival here at the club."
...
We're only 2 months into the season and already there have been two terminations to Premier League managers, I'm certainly glad that we won our matches when we needed to or that could well have been me facing the sack.
Needless to say the Newcastle fans were cheering and laughing when they saw the statement regarding Poyet's sacking and with the club hiring Martin Jol they seem to regard the hiring as a crazy one.
Newcastle Fan: "He's got a history of doing poor in the league, look at Fulham during his final season, 6 losses on the bounce..It's a shambles of a hiring but we don't care, I'd glady see those scummy buggers slide down to the Championship."
Former Newcastle and Norwich City manager Chris Hughton has been unveiled by Tony Fernandes as the new Club Manager of Queens Park Rangers following last month's dismissal of Harry Redknapp.
Tony Fernandes then addressed the media to unveil Hughton's hiring.
T.Fernandes: "I am sat here today with the news that as of today, Chris Hughton will be the new manager of Queens Park Rangers, we have reviewed all of the candidates for the job and believe that Chris Hughton is the best man to lead the club going forwards."
C.Hughton:"As you can guess I'm delighted, I've had a lot of fun managing in this league with Newcastle and Norwich City and believe I am ready to return. This club has a lot of tradition and I will do my best to keep in the Premier League, where they belong."
...
Best of luck to him!
Injury Worries
With the season progressing we've had a few players recover from past injuries, however we do have some fresh ones to worry about.
Remy Cabella was injured on duty with France and is likely to miss the next couple of games, this means we have a weakened attack with our other left midfielder Sammy Ameobi already on the sidelines.
French winger Hatem Ben Arfa is also set to miss the majority of the season after suffering a broken ankle following a horrific tackle during his loan spell at Hull City.
Due to the healthy finances of the club, owner Mike Ashley has invested more money into the club allowing us to have a higher transfer kitty for the Winter window, and with the performance of the club to date I'll certainly be looking to strengthen the key areas.
We've just entered December and it's now time for one of the biggest matches of the season, a derby match against fierce rivals Sunderland, my first experience of a Tyne-Wear derby.
St James' Park is rocking, not an empty seat in sight as the fans chant loudly, the atmosphere is electric and the weather is bright. I'm excited but nervous at the same time!
Pre-Match Prediction "Newcastle have got to be favourites for me. They have been impressive at home recently and I expect them to have too much for Sunderland. Sunderland's task will not be made any easier by the absence of Vito Mannone, Emanuele Giaccherini and Ricky Álvarez." - Jamie Redknapp
The ball is on the spot..The referee looks at his watch...
15:00 - Phweeep!
Sunderland get the ball rolling!
...
17th Minute: Both sets of fans stand and begin to applaud, their standing ovation honouring the Newcastle supporters John Alder and Liam Sweeney, who died on board flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine.
Liam Sweeney's Father joins the applause The large screens read 'In Loving Memory' and added: "Special thanks to SAFC supporters and staff for your heartfelt fundraising efforts and support."
A lovely gesture from both sets of fans.
The game then returned to the rivalry it's known to be, lots of tackles flying in resulting in multiple fouls but not many chances were being created. A midfield battle.
...
44th Minute: Jordi Gómez picks up the ball from Van Aanholt before laying it off to Fletcher, Fletcher cuts inside and beats Coloccini, he hits it with power!...But it's a great save by shot-stopped Tim Krul as he springs to his right to deny the Scottish International, wonderful save!
Graham Souness: "So far it's been a good game, majority of the time has been spent in midfield but there have been some great bits of play to spring the odd attack. Wonderful save by Tim Krul to round off the half but I can't help but feel Newcastle will come back into the picture. They've had a lot of possession but just need to keep their composure in the final third, maybe bring on a more attacking striker than Cisse."
...
The players return to the pitch for the 2nd half...
Phweep! Play resumes here at St. James' Park!
...
60th Minute: It's a Sunderland throw-in, Wickham throws it deep to Fletcher..Back to Wickham who picks out the run of Adam Johnson, Johnson swivels and pings a ball into the box, Gómez in space!... GOAL!
Jordi Gómez makes it 1-0 with a thumping effort from close range, beating Tim Krul at his right hand side!
...
65th Minute: Haidara now down the left hand side, he's had a quiet game so far but manages to pick out Sissoko, avoiding a Jones interception. Sissoko turns and threads the ball through to Cisse, Cisse cuts inside Billy Jones with a fantastic turn of pace, he keeps going and hits it...GOAL!
Papiss Cisse with a wonderful change of pace before firing the ball to Pantilimon's right hand side, the Romanian keeper gets a finger to it but can't do anything more than tip the ball into his own net, we're back to level terms!
...
71st Minute: Ayoze Perez who came on for Obertan picks the ball up on the right hand side, he dribbles forwards with pace, a great direct run from the young Spaniard as he races past Patrick Van Aanholt before delivering the ball into the box, Cisse gets a toe on the ball ahead of Sebastian Coates and..GOAL!
Cisse's flick is enough to divert Perez's cross past Pantilimon at his left side, a wonderful poachers finish by Papiss Cisse, Newcastle have turned this game around!
A lovely gesture by the Senegalese forward as he reveals a shirt written to wish luck to teammate Jonas Gutierrez who was recently diagnosed with Testicular Cancer.
90th minute: Is there still time for a Sunderland equaliser? Johnson pumps the ball into the box but there's Krul once again to punch the ball clear, Phweeep!
That's it, Newcastle have won the derby 2-1!
The stadium is bouncing and the fans are ecstatic, Paul Clement has won his first ever Tyne-Wear Derby to keep Sunderland in the bottom three, a wonderful performance from the Magpies and a well deserved victory!
A wonderful performance today and I was very impressed with our fighting spirit to come from a goal down to take the spoils, we dominated the ball and knocked it around nicely while creating numerous opportunities. In reality, we should have put the game to bed easily but once again we didn't manage to take many of our chances, but the win is the main thing, I'm delighted!
We next have games against Liverpool and Chelsea so a win over our fierce rivals gives us the confidence and belief that we can take something from those two matches.
Oh you don't know the half of it, I started writing all of this story (Intro) and then played the actual save and after that horrible start I really did think I was getting the sack..Thank God things are going smoother now, thanks for the comment!
Let me take this moment to enjoy Liverpool being top........okay, I'm ready to return to reality!
Getting European football will be vital this season. Europa League would be a great achievement for you to build on. Titles take years to build towards (assuming you care about your club's future financial stability )
