Talk of the Toon

I love a NUFC story, good luck mate! I have a NUFC save running aswell, will be my last save until fm14

Good enough month, hoping you get UCL qualification by the end of the season, a tough challenge but I believe you can do it

Cheers for comments guys
Another update of a few months up tomorrow!

Excited to see them Dean

The months leading to Christmas were eventful for Newcastle, who managed to do very well in the league but at the expense of their European participation.

The decisive game in Europe came at home to Fenerbache which was a most win game. However only taking a point all but ended their hopes of qualification, despite winning both their remaining group games.

Pardew's men recored their first home defeat of the season against a physical Stoke City side. That followed a battling 3-1 defeat to Chelsea, and the back to back defeats may have looked as though it would derail the magpies high hopes.

The Magpies were thrased 5-0 to Reading away which Pardew labelled as "A disgraceful performance" before losing to Arsenal by 2 goals in additional time. The poor run of form had put some pressure on Alan Pardew and he demanded a response.

A remarkable run of form then followed which shows how important momentum is in football. After a hard fought 2-1 victory over Everton, Newcastle some how managed to sneak a backs to the wall 1-0 win over league leaders Man City. Further wins against Q.P.R, Aston Villa and Swansea have seen the magpies rise incredibly to 2nd in the table past the halfway point.

Alan Pardew has claimed that his Newcastle side are "Mentally Stronger" than the group of players he had for the 2011/2012 season where they finished 5th.

Newcastle had were positioned in the Champions League spots for the majority of the season but a poor run of form towards the end of the season resulted in finishing outside the qualification places.

Currently Newcastle sit in 2nd position and although acknowledging that there is a long way to go, Pardew believes his side can do it.

" Listen we have had a great start so far, but there is so much still to play for. Realistically at the beginning of the year myself and the Chairman had targeted a top half finish with the view of playing in Europe. We could never have imagined we'd be here right now."

"The group we had a few seasons back were extremely talented and most of them are still here. We have brought in a few extra players who have a mental toughness about them and I think that's the difference. This group can achieve a lot, but It's not going to be easy"

Pardew was speaking ahead of the Tyne - Wear derby against Sunderland at St.James Park. The Magpies won the fixture earlier in the season 1-0.

Sunderland manager Roberto Martinez has launched a out of character attack on city Rivals Newcaslte's Premier League season so far.

The former Wigan boss was speaking in his pre-match conference ahead of the game against Newcastle. The Magpies are currently 2nd in the league after a very impressive run of form.

However Martinez does not view Newcastle as genuine contenders, explaining that they were "Very Lucky to be in the position they are.

"In my own opinion, They (Newcastle) have had a lot of luck so far this year. When you compare them to the big teams, they don't pose any threat."

"I respect Alan (Pardew) as a person, but I don't think he is a good manager. Sunderland is a bigger club than Newcastle and we will show that at the weekend"

"To beat Newcastle, you have to stop (Moussa) Sow. He is their only good striker and gets all their goals. You are joking if you say that Papiss Cisse or Shola Ameobi would get into our side"

Newcastle won the game at The Stadium of Light 1-0 earlier in the year, with a debut goal for Debuchy. This will be Roberto Martinez first Tyne-Wear derby, having taking charge earlier in the month.

Roberto Martinez is obviously stupid educationally challenged then.

Newcastle have today announced the signing of Thiago Alcantara on loan from Barcelona and the permanent signing of teenager Will Hughes from Derby for a reported £5,000,000



The spanish 21 year old was a suprise departure at the Camp Nou, as he just had managed to break into the first team. Playing with the the likes of Xavi, Iniesta and Cesc Fabergas, Thiago has had limited opportunities and is determined to prove himself at the highest level.

It is believed Alan Pardew had contacted the Catalan giants more out of hope than expectation and admits he was shocked that they agreed to the deal.

"Thiago has the potential to be a world class player. The set up at Barcelona is second to none and he will add so much to our make up. We hope we can aid his development because he really is a fantastic footballer"



17 teen year old Wonderkid Will Hughes has signed for Newcastle for around £5,000,000. The former Derby attacking midfielder has been highly rated by many across the country and is billed to have a bright future ahead of him. Newcastle have loaned him straight back out to affiliates, St.Mirren in Scotland.

"Will is a magnificent young talent. I have been watching him for the past few months and you would honestly think he was 10 years older than what he is. He's a great footballing brain. We decided to send him to our affiliates St.Mirren to give him some first team opportunities and to aid his development."

Nice to have loaned in Thiago.. but does he have a clause so that you can buy him? I'd use him for as a CM, as he excels that role.. Will Hughes, is a great talent and I'm relatively surprised you got him on such a low fee! Hope that those two get you 1st in the Premier League and help you in other competitions

2013-10-05 15:53#136853 Pauker : Nice to have loaned in Thiago.. but does he have a clause so that you can buy him? I'd use him for as a CM, as he excels that role.. Will Hughes, is a great talent and I'm relatively surprised you got him on such a low fee! Hope that those two get you 1st in the Premier League and help you in other competitions

Cheers for the comment mate!

Yeah Thiago will be used in a CM role but unfortunately I didn't put that clause in his contract, Barca are more looking at giving him experience rather than getting rid of him.

The goal for the season now is to try finish in the top 4, anything else is a bonus!

Update up tomorrow, been a bit hectic with school commitments. This will more than likely become a weekend story

Great start, keep it up!

Thiago and Hughes are great moves.