SEPTEMBER
I decided, to make it even more of a challenge, that Ebi Smolarek would be my only signing in the summer transfer window. I’m continuing to look for players to sign on loan and in January transfer window, but for now the Polish centre forward is enough for me.
Sunday, 13th: Cardiff City 3 : 3 Newcastle United – Kelvin Etuhu (46), Michael Chopra (71), Peter Whittingham (pen 88) :
Shola Ameobi (14, 36), Jonas (54)
With Newcastle hotly tipped to win this match, the only way to be pleased was to take all three points. A disallowed goal for Smolarek within the first 5 minutes of the match was a good sign of attacking football, and on 14 minutes, Shola Ameobi opened the scoring with a close-range header. An injury to Smolarek on 21 minutes gave young Nile Ranger a chance to shine. Before the break Ameobi doubled the lead for the Toon. On 46 minutes, Jose Enrique had to be taken off injured too. Cardiff pulled one back after the restart, and Jonas then scored to make it 3-1 to us. Cardiff still threatened and eventually got a second. They levelled the scores when a penalty was given late on. So a disappointing end to a promising start saw us drop 2 points.
Average rating: 6.83
Man of the Match: Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), 8.4
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Wednesday, 16th: Blackpool 0 : 3 Newcastle United –
Nile Ranger (16), Shola Ameobi (22, 75)
With this game being the second in the space of 4 days, and another in 3, I rested a few ‘important’ players, such as Ryan Taylor, Jonas and Alan Smith. Nile Ranger scores a ‘total fluke’ on 16 minutes, then Ameobi continues to impress by doubling the lead 6 minutes later. Lovenkrands picked up a knock just before half-time, so Jonas is forced to replace him at the break. This is a good decision as he helps set up Ameobi for his second after a great move by the midfield. Blackpool players, staff and fans are furious that the referee failed to send Harper off for a deliberate hand-ball outside the area on 89 minutes. A great performance by all and a very good result.
Average rating: 7.37
Man of the Match: Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), 8.5
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Newcastle face possible takeover
Recently relegated Newcastle United could be about to change hands, according to a fans’ group who wanted to take control of their club.
Sky Sports News is reporting that the supporters’ trust is ready to approach chairman Mike Ashley with a deal which could see the fans take ownership of the club.
Saturday, 19th: Newcastle United 1 : 0 Plymouth Argyle –
Danny Guthrie (63)
With absolutely nothing going on in the first half, and the half-time score being 0-0, I really thought that it was going to be yet another disappointing result for us. But after the break, Danny Guthrie proves himself by scoring the opener from 20 yards. This was the only talking point of the game. Slightly disappointed by the lack of action, but a win’s a win in all situations.
Average rating: 6.99
Man of the Match: Danny Guthrie (Newcastle), 7.6
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Newcastle players named in Team of the Week
Steve Harper, Ryan Taylor and Danny Guthrie were selected in the Coca-Cola Championship Team of the Week first eleven.
Tuesday, 22nd (League Cup): Brentford 0 : 1 Newcastle United –
Nile Ranger (94)
Again, a League Cup match which I really don’t care about. Using a team full of youngsters and reserves is the plan. Nothing in the first half to talk about, or the second to be honest, and as extra-time begins, I tell the players to go out and enjoy the rest of the game. Within 4 minutes, Nile Ranger puts us in the lead with a close-range header. A boring tie, but we’re in the next round.
Average rating: 7.13
Man of the Match: Sam Wood (Brentford), 7.4
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Newcastle to play Stoke in Fourth Round
Newcastle United will play Stoke City in the English League Cup Fourth round.
The game will be played at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday 27th October 2009.
Stoke City won the competition for the only time in their 146-year history back in 1972.
Saturday, 26th: Ipswich Town 2 : 3 Newcastle United – Ryan Taylor O.G. (25), Jamal Campbell-Ryce (62) :
Kevin Nolan (14), Alan Smith (55, 67)
With Middlesbrough losing and Swansea winning 5-1, I had to win by a two-goal margin to go back top of the league, and against Ipswich at Portman Road, it was never going to be easy. With Ebi Smolarek returning from injury and starting on the bench, Shola Ameobi had the chance to prove himself a first-team place in the 4-5-1 formation. Kevin Nolan got us off to a good start within quarter of an hour, but Ryan Taylor put past Harper to make it 1-1. At half-time it remained tied. With some motivation at the break, I also expected more from the lads. Within 10 minutes of the restart, Alan Smith scores a header from a classy move, but 7 minutes later Ipswich equalised again. Alan Smith scores again to make it 3-2 after an incisive breakaway. A good result for us, but we remain second in the league.
Average rating: 7.23
Man of the Match: Alan Smith (Newcastle), 8.7
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Wednesday, 30th: Newcastle United 1 : 1 Queens Park Rangers –
Ebi Smolarek (59) Joey Barton sent off (15) : Danny Simpson O.G. (84)
We really need to start scoring more and conceding less if we want to think about promotion, so going all out attack against QPR. With Swansea losing, I had a great opportunity to go top. Ebi Smolarek gets his first-team place after returning from injury. With Barton getting sent off so early in the match, it was only uphill from that moment. A disappointing half from both sides sees the score level at 0-0 at the break. Right before the hour mark, Smolarek scores on his return. QPR hit Newcastle on the counter attack equalise late on, with the ball deflecting off Danny Simpson. A disappointing end to a disappointing start.
Average rating: 7.02
Man of the Match: Kevin Nolan (Newcastle), 7.5
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At the end of September, we've dropped down to 2nd place.
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, p.s newcastle defence is quality for championship.
