Toon Toon, Black & White Army - Newcastle United

27th July 2020

Breaking news coming out of Newcastle today is that Steve Bruce has walked out of the club after only 12 months in charge of the North East club. After only four wins in the 2nd half of last season, a quarter final exit at the hands to Manchester City in the FA Cup wasn't enough to save Bruce who is said to have had enough of the Geordie faithful who have been disgruntled with their recent performances.

Bryan Swanson has been speaking to some Newcastle fans outside the ground this afternoon:

Dan:

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I'm glad that dinosaur is out of our club. Now we just need to get rid of Mike Ashley but one at a time. Last season wasn't good enough and our loyal fans deserve a lot more up here. I'm excited for a new beginning and hopefully onwards and upwards next season.

Ant:

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We had some good results last year beating United, Chelsea and Tottenham but that's as good as it gets really. Lets bring the exciting football back to Newcastle. The defensive football we play at times is a joke, I don't pay good money to sit 11 men behind the ball trying not to concede goals when we don't offer anything going forward ourselves. I'd love to see Rafa Benitez come back to the club, he did a great job with the resources he was given but I don't think he'd come back with Ashley still at the club. I have no idea who Mike Ashley has in mind to come to this club, he has completely ruined it but we will see.

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A name who escaped everyone at the ground this afternoon on who they wanted to take over their club was Alan Shearer who Sky Sports are hearing has agreed to take over his hometown club. The 50 year old Newcastle legend scored 148 goals for the club in total and, although couldn't save Newcastle from relegation to the Championship in 2009, is said to have signed a 2 year contract at the North-East club. This could be the start of something very special for the Newcastle fans. Something they have deserved for a long time.

Alan Shearer:

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I love this club. I am absolutely delighted to be back in some way here, hopefully for a lot longer than the 2 years I have a contract for but I need to make a good impression first. I've spent long enough talking the talk on Match of the Day analysing these games, now it's time to put my own stamp on the club this whole city loves and I am determined to bring the good times to these fantastic supporters.

Shearer's Newcastle welcome in 1996.

With £16.5 million still in the transfer budget and £60k p/w in the wage budget, it's going to be an interesting few weeks before the season starts for Shearer. £35 million has already been put into the squad this summer with Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Jeff Hendrick, Jamal Lewis joining the squad alongside a few other names. Will Shearer look to make further changes to his squad during the rest of this transfer window?

An interesting appointment. Let's hope he fairs better than he did in his first spell and that he doesn't tarnish his reputation in the North-East.

28th July 2020

Alan Shearer's first couple of days in the job at his beloved club mean he takes a look at the squad and has some difficult decisions to make in the upcoming weeks. How will Shearer put his feelings and thoughts for each of these players to one side as a fan of the club to see the areas where he needs to improve? During Shearer's unveiling in front of the Zoom press conference, he made it clear on his initial thoughts on the squad:

Alan Shearer:

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Listen. I'm here to do a job. I want to do the best for this club and I will have to make some difficult, but necessary decisions. The business we have done so far in the window has been impressive and I'm happy with our main attackers. Any team with players such as Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Miguel Almiron and Allan Saint-Maximin is very lucky. There is a lot of talent going forward there. There's going to be have to be some work done, especially in defence. We have quite a few long term injuries with Martin Dubravka out for between 2 and 3 months, and Fabian Schar also another 2 months away from returning to training. The players we have aren't of the calibre I want here so there will be some transfer business in the coming weeks.

The squad shows 32 players currently in the first team squad which obviously needs trimming down for starters. With £16.5 million in the transfer kitty, there is already room to improve the squad if the right player comes along but there needs to be outgoings first.

Currently, Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett, DeAndre Yedlin, Emil Krafth, Achraf Lazar, Isaac Hayden, Henri Saivet, Rolando Aarons and Dwight Gayle have all been told they have no future at the club by Alan Shearer.
Players such as Christian Atsu and Jacob Murphy have remained on the transfer list from Steve Bruce's tenure.
Meanwhile, Matt Ritchie and Miguel Almiron are drawing interest from Wolves and Tottenham respectively. Almiron will not be sold unless a substantial bid comes in for him of around £45 million.

Pleasing to see that Shearer isn't messing about. Now to find clubs for these surplus players.

8th September 2020

With 3 weeks still left of the transfer window, Alan Shearer has had no problem making quick moves in the transfer market. Shearer has only been in the job for 6 weeks and has made no fewer seven signings as he looks to make his own stamp on the squad. Insistent that he was still happy with his attacking options, Shearer made moves to improve the midfield and defensive areas of the squad.



First through the door at St. James Park was Jack Wilshere on a free transfer. With 34 caps to his name, Wilshere has international pedigree but has been struck by injuries throughout his career. Wilshere isn't expected to play every week but has been brought in with the hope he can keep injury free and provide some quality to the Newcastle midfield.

Shearer:

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It's been a tough career for Jack so far with numerous injuries but it was too good an opportunity to pass up on when he is a free agent. Hopefully we can keep him fit and off the treatment table for long periods.

Second through the door was a familiar face in Yohan Cabaye on a 1 year deal. On only 7k p/w, it is said Newcastle fans are delighted at the return of one of their fan favourites from his time at the club. Cabaye won't be expected to play major parts of the season but will be used in cup games and he could potentially move onto the coaching team in the future.


The first unknown player through the door at St. James Park is Leandro Cabrera from Espanyol for £10 million. The centre back couldn't help save Espanyol from relegation in La Liga but Shearer has seen something in him in order to bring him to the club for a hefty portion of the available transfer budget.

Shearer:

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I know the signing of Leandro will shock a few people but he is versatile. He can play centre back and can fill in at left back for Jamal Lewis if needed. His work rate is second to none, he is very determined and has shown incredible bravery. Not only this, I wanted to bring something to Newcastle we haven't really seen before: a long throw. Think Rory Delap. Those days are back and I'm sure our fans are going to love him.

This one was a no brainer. Viktor Fischer has arrived for £2.7 million from FC Kobenhavn. Another versatile player who can play on the left wing, in the centre and down the middle if absolutely necessary. The availability of Fischer was not something to be sniffed at even though the attacking part of the team was not expected to be strengthened. With the departures of some players, Fischer only adds quality to the team.


Another unknown quantity arrived through the door in Silvan Widmer. The right back has signed at the club to take over Javi Manquillo and with the expected departure of DeAndre Yedlin, it was only right to bring in another right back. Widmer is another player who has a long throw and will be expected to utilise this down the right hand side of the pitch.


Karamoko Dembele has arrived from north of the border for £3 million from Celtic. The right winger, at only 17 years old, isn't expected to be tearing the Premier League up just yet and can be seen as one for the future. He is currently being offered out for a loan but the temptation to keep him in and around the first team giving him game time here and there when the chance arrives is tempting.


The final player through the entrance door at St. James Park is Marcos Rojo. Finding himself on the transfer list at Manchester United, this was potentially the toughest acquisition of them all. We have halved his wages from Manchester United but we are aware of his reputation for being a temperamental player but hopefully he can keep a lid on his emotions during his time here.
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Outgoings
The expected sales of players didn't disappoint and Shearer was brutal in his approach in his first few weeks in charge making wholesale changes to the squad.
17 year old Joe White was first to leave; he is going to spend the year on loan at Kidderminster Harriers.
Yannick Toure and recent arrival Rodrigo Vilca were next to leave on loan to Colchester and Orlando City respectively. Who got the short straw there?!
Christian Atsu will spend the final year of his Newcastle contract on loan at Bristol City who have agreed to pay half of his wages before he is released from the club.
Matt Ritchie has also left the club on loan to Burnley who agreed to pay 16k p/w of his wages after some heavy negotiating. Should Ritchie play 10 games for Burnley, they will pay £7 million for his services.
DeAndre Yedlin and Paul Dummett shared a flight to Russia and will ply their trade at Dynamo Moscow this season for a combined fee of £15.5 million.
Federico Fernandez and Emil Krafth packed their bags for Brighton for a combined fee of £8.8 million.
Former FM favourite Henri Saivet joined Nottingham Forest for £2.6 million.
Achraf Lazaar left for Reggina in Italy for a measly £115,000.
The final departure before the season started was Isaac Hayden for £5 million to Alaves.

Shearer:

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It has been a crazy window so far. I know fans will be disappointed with the departures of Hayden, Fernandez and a few others especially with the fees we struggled to acquire from them. However, I am extremely confident with the players we have brought in that our squad is much stronger now and I can't wait to get going next week against Burnley to kick start a successful season.

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Pre-Season Report



Friendlies saw 9 wins out of 9 which was largely expected. A 4-2-3-1 formation was used throughout with all players getting a good run out. Significant goal contributions from Wilson and Saint-Maximin were a highlight with 4 goals apiece from 5 starts. Jacob Murphy scored 3 goals in 4 appearances and has played his way back into favour at the club. Shelvey also scored 3 goals from centre midfield in 5 appearances.

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@ScottT It was definitely difficult finding clubs for majority of players and I'm not necessarily happy with the fees received for some players but I'm happy overall with the players brought in so happy days! Let's see how the season goes now!

Some good signings. Typically not the type of players we often see brought in by the masses so I'm intrigued by how the likes of Widmer and Cabrera perform. Dembele is a fantastic piece of business for £3M.

September & October update

The start of the season approached and the excitement was building all across Newcastle ready for the first home game under the Alan Shearer era.

Shearer:

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I've been waiting for this day the whole summer. It's the start of an exciting chapter for the club and I expect St. James' Park to be absolutely rocking with 50,000 loyal supporters in the ground on Saturday. We have a lot of new signings to integrate into the squad and I hope they can hit the ground running.

September
Newcastle 1-0 Burnley
St. James' Park was rocking as the teams entered the pitch. 7 minutes in and the Shearer reign started with a bang. Shelvey whipped in a free kick to the far post and Wilson tapped in. Newcastle continued to dominate but couldn't find a 2nd goal. Shelvey had a chance to wrap up in 2nd half stoppage time but he had his penalty saved by Nick Pope.

Newcastle 3-0 Carlisle United
A much changed side - 10 changes - and within 6 minutes, it paid off. Cabrera, who was the only remaining player from the 1st game of the season, moved to left back and he played a 1-2 with Hendrick, whipped a ball in and 17 year old Dembele making his debut bundled in at the far post. Into the 2nd half and Dembele tricked his way down the right, floated a cross in and Carroll powered a header in in true Andy Carroll style. Joelinton wrapped up the game with a hit from the edge of the box to set up another home tie against Barnsley.

West Ham United 1-1 Newcastle
Returning to full strength, a first half in which Newcastle dominated wasn't taken advantage of. Almiron picked up a slight knock just before half-time for a re-jig of the 3 players behind Wilson led to Dembele's first Premier League appearance. Cabrera won a header from a long goal kick from Randolph and it fell to Allan Saint-Maximin who skipped past a couple of players and hammered past Randolph. We still didn't take advantage of the domination and our hard work was undone by a long throw (ironic as I'm trying to take advantage of these myself). Masuaku launched one and Dawson headed in at the far post.

In training for the cup game against Barnsley, I received this message (surprise surprise):

Well I kept him fit for 3 games for him to pick up an injury in training. Hopefully it isn't a sign of things to come.

Newcastle 1-2 Barnsley
An embarrassing cup exit for Shearer as a mad opening 15 minutes with Barnsley's only 2 shots on target of the whole game knocked us out. 7 changes this time and obviously hugely regrettable - I did only miss out on a home tie to Chelsea though. Oduor was a constant threat down the right for Barnsley and set up both goals, the highlight being a Woodrow overhead kick. Joelinton equalised for me after 12 minutes from a Cabaye corner but we couldn't overturn the deficit. Disappointing.

Leicester 5-3 Newcastle
In the final game of the month, a thriller at the King Power Stadium but we were on the wrong end of the result. In the end, we just couldn't handle Jamie Vardy's pace, who scored 4 of Leicester's goals. We took the lead through Wilson who tucked into an empty net after Schmeichel saved from Saint-Maximin. Vardy chipped Darlow 3 minutes before half-time. Saint-Maximin put us back in the lead with a role reversal of the first goal - tucking into an empty net after Wilson had his shot saved. Leicester scored 4 goals without reply - Vardy's pace causing all sorts of problems but Lascelles had a nightmare twice, missing 2 headers that resulted in 2 goals. Saint-Maximin scored a great individual consolation goal dribbling past 3 players before beating Schmeichel.

Shearer - on his 1st month in charge:

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Well, it could've been worse, but it could've been better. We started off brilliantly against Burnley, our passing game has been a delight. I was disappointed with the West Ham game because I thought we could've won that but we got undone by a long throw unfortunately after dominating the game. I'm extremely disappointed with the Barnsley game and I can only apologise to the fans but I look forward to giving the FA Cup a much better opportunity to succeed. We all need to gear up for a tough month ahead now with games at home against Chelsea and Tottenham followed by trips to Manchester City and Liverpool to wrap up the month. Who made this fixture list?

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October
Newcastle 0-1 Chelsea
Clearly disappointed from the last result, our players decided to be aggressive and go flying into tackles for the first 30 minutes, picking up 3 yellow cards. Unfortunately, Shelvey picked up a 2nd yellow and effectively ended the contest. We tried to contain but got undone 2 minutes before half-time by Hakim Ziyech scoring his 1st of the season.

As transfer deadline day approached, there were rumours Newcastle were in for another player with rumours of Shearer's disappointment of the goalkeeping situation with Debravka still injured. Leganes came in for Ciaran Clark and he left for £4.7 million. This paved the way for Shearer to sign Mathew Ryan from Brighton on deadline day.

It is believed that Ryan will challenge Dubravka to the first team shirt once he's back from injury with Darlow not impressing.

Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham
The 2nd of 4 tricky games. Saint-Maximin and Shelvey had picked up slight knocks over the international break but Schar, Dubravka and Wilshere were fit to make the bench. We dominated the first half with 63% possession and a 94% pass completion rate and this paid off in 1st half stoppage time. Widmer played in a delightful cross to the back post, Murphy nodded it down to Longstaff on the edge of the box who drilled it into the far corner. We went 2-0 up 7 minutes into the 2nd half through Wilson who tapped into an empty net after 2 blocked shots from Murphy and Hendrick. Dreamland.........or so I thought. 15 minutes before the end, Jamal Lewis missed a header leaving Bergwijn to lift over debutant Mat Ryan to get to 2-1. Son floated in a cross 6 minutes later for Kane to plant a header past Ryan. Disaster. I did think they would go on to win then but we had the final chance but Murphy could only hit straight at Lloris.


Manchester City 2-0 Newcastle
Shearer tried changing formation for the 2 tricky away games to try and contain the attack and then hit them on the counter with Saint-Maximin, Fraser and Wilson but it wasn't to be. City hit the bar and post within the first 30 minutes and Jesus eventually put City ahead in the 38th minute curling in from the edge of the box. De Bruyne scored a penalty in first half stoppage time to wrap up a 2-0 victory.

Liverpool 6-0 Newcastle
The less said about this, the better. The same team that played at the Etihad Stadium but was undone within 7 minutes by Divock Origi of all people and we were 3-0 down after 25 minutes. I made a couple of changes at half time but there was no difference. 2 goals from Origi, and 1 each for Henderson, Alexander-Arnold, Shaqiri and Jota wrapped up a 6-0 win.

Shearer:

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I'm just glad that month is over with to be honest. We gave a great account of ourselves in the Spurs game and arguably should've won that game but I would've taken a point before the game so I can't complain now. The table doesn't look good with 5 points from 7 games but consider the teams we have played in our last 5 games: Chelsea and Spurs at home; Leicester, Man City and Liverpool away. That's a tough run for any team in the Premier League. I'm very hopeful of the next month, it's not going to be easy but I'm confident. Playing West Brom, Sheffield United and Leeds are all very winnable games. Let's take a minute to praise them though as they're sitting 7th, 8th and 9th in the league. Sheffield United are the league's 2nd highest scorers with 17 goals in 7 games so we have to be at the very top of our game.

Shearer looking disappointed after 1 win in the opening 7 games.

Not quite the start he would have had in mind. Let's hope for some improvement else his stint at the club could be as short-lived as his last.

Seems to have been a mixed window really with a number of experienced players entering the team. A tough start so far especially those results against Leicester and Liverpool. Still early doors though.

@ScottT Definitely not. The fixture list hasn't been very kind but hopefully he can kick on now. Predicted 19th in the league before the season started so hopefully not too much pressure but some players already moaning at the atmosphere in the dressing room because of the results!!

@TheLFCFan Nice one! Here's to an upturn in fortunes hopefully!

November & December Update

After a tricky opening couple of months in charge for Shearer, getting knocked out of the Carabao Cup at home to Barnsley and ending October 7 games without a win in all competitions, question marks were already being asked about how long Shearer's reign would last. A very tough October resulted in a very welcome November and a decent looking December but how would Shearer's men fare whilst being in such bad form?

November

Newcastle 1-1 West Brom
The first game of a big month in charge. An even first half with a tough midfield battle eventually led to Newcastle breaking the deadlock 2 minutes before half time. Fraser ran at West Brom's Ivan Strinic, beat him and played a lovely ball back to the edge of the box for the onrushing Jack Wilshere to hammer his first goal of the season into the bottom corner. Newcastle started the 2nd half well but were eventually undone by a 72nd minute counter attack when Matheus Pereira ran almost the length of the pitch to shoot past Dubravka who was disappointed at not keeping it out after he got a hand to it. He redeemed himself in stoppage time saving from point blank range from Grant.

Sheffield United 0-1 Newcastle
Arguably the toughest game of the month on paper. Sheffield United were unbeaten in 7 games including draws against away at Man United and at home to Arsenal before scoring 5 goals away at Everton and Brighton. They hadn't won at home all season so I was hoping for that form to continue even though Newcastle were now 8 games without a win. Shearer made 7 changes to the team from the previous game to try and find that winning formula. Rojo should've given Newcastle the lead after he had a free header from a Wilshere corner but he headed inches wide. 15 minutes before the end came the big moment; setting up for a long throw, Cabrera threw it short to Longstaff who curled a cross in and Jacob Murphy headed in off the crossbar!!! Not Shearer's strongest 11 but how can he change a winning side now?

Newcastle 3-1 Leeds United
Shearer was forced to make 1 change to his winning side as Cabrera had picked up 5 yellow cards already and was suspended for 1 game. It took only 7 minutes for Shearer's men to open the scoring; Murphy dribbled down the right, played a through ball to Joelinton with a hint of offside but he ignored the protests of Leeds defenders and hammered a low shot across Meslier into the far corner. It should've been 2-0 but Luke Ayling made a goal line block from a Fischer shot. That proved crucial when Leeds equalised when Mateusz Klich deflected in a Llorente header from 2 yards out from a Hernandez free kick. Newcastle showed character to not let that deter them and eventually took the lead 9 minutes from time when the ball fell to Joelinton after Saint-Maximin dispossessed Ayling; Joelinton squared it to Miguel Almiron and he slotted the ball home calmly. Joelinton wrapped up the game in stoppage time when he rose highest from a Manquillo long throw to head over the onrushing Meslier.


Joelinton finished the game with 2 goals and 1 assist.


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Club Update
Following the victory at home to Leeds, news filtered through that Matt Ritchie has triggered a clause in his loan contract at Burnley by making 10 appearances and will now join them for an initial £7 million in the summer, potentially rising to £10 million. A great deal to say he's not exactly setting the world alight for Burnley.
In the build up for a hectic December, news broke (some would say expected) that Jack Wilshere fell awkwardly in training resulting in torn ankle ligaments which means he will be out of action between 2 and 3 months.

Shearer:

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It's been a hugely successful month. We have stopped the rot and climbed the table to 11th place going into a busy December. I have some big decisions to make with big name players being outperformed by squad players; nobodies place in this team is certain, you have to earn it. I am disappointed for Jack having just scored his 1st of the season and he's been proving to be a brilliant player for us but we will find a way to not let that affect us.

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December

Crystal Palace 1-2 Newcastle
The first of 6 games in December took place at Selhurst Park. Crystal Palace found themselves fighting for bottom spot with Wolves but dominated the first half but Newcastle opened the scoring against the run of play in first half stoppage time after Cabrera launched a throw into the area and 5 foot 3 Ryan Fraser rose highest to head into the goal. 20 minutes into the 2nd half, Shelvey launched a long diagonal to Fraser on the left wing, he tricked his way down the byline, squared to Saint-Maximin who missed an open net from 2 yards. Palace punished that miss Eze scored a great header past the stranded Dubravka from an Ayew cross. The Crystal Palace right back was the source of many Newcastle attacks this game and Shelvey played another long diagonal to Fraser, he beats his man again and crosses for Joelinton to head in the winning goal.

Newcastle 2-1 Wolves
Now managerless Wolves arrived at St James Park to take on an unchanged Newcastle team who are now unbeaten in 4 games. It took 10 minutes for form to show and Allan Saint-Maximin ran 60 yards down the right wing skipping past 3 defenders, crossed from the byline and Ryan Fraser was there to score his 2nd header in 2 games. Traore used his pace to get behind Cabrera 15 minutes later from a lofted Ruben Neves through ball and he slotted past Dubravka at his near post. Form man Joelinton put Shearer's men back in front with the easiest goal of his career when a through ball from Sean Longstaff caused confusion between Nelson Semedo and Rui Patricio; Semedo slid in and sent the ball towards the vacant goal and Joelinton tapped in for his 4th goal in 3 games.

Newcastle 0-2 Manchester United
Newcastle welcomed unbeaten leaders Manchester United to a cold Wednesday night under the lights at St. James' Park but form and quality shone through as early as 4 minutes in. A cross from the right missed everyone, Telles returned it with interest and Edinson Cavani headed back across the keeper for 1-0. Shearer must have been thinking the worst after remembering the 6-0 loss to Liverpool. But Newcastle fought back well and it was their own downfall that contributed to the 2nd goal. Setting up for a long throw, Cabrera played a short one to Longstaff who wasn't ready, he was easily intercepted by Rashford and he played in Edinson Cavani who ran half the length of the pitch to double their lead.

Fulham 1-2 Newcastle
How would Shearer's men react to their first loss in 5 games? There was early chances for both teams but Newcastle took the lead after 25 minutes after neat interplay between Viktor Fischer, Allan Saint-Maximin and Jamal Lewis down the left. It results in Lewis lofting a cross to Viktor Fischer who headed over the oncoming Areola for his first goal in a Newcastle shirt. 5 minutes into the 2nd half, Leandro Cabrera does launch a long throw into the area this time, learning from his mistake in the previous game, and Matty Longstaff rises highest to head past the oncoming Areola again who seemed to be having a nightmare with any aerial ball. Tom Cairney reduced the deficit 3 minutes from time, curling in a free kick from 25 yards but Newcastle held on for an important win.

Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle
A Boxing Day trip to the Emirates Stadium was a big challenge for Shearer's team. After previous losses to Leicester, Chelsea, Man City, Liverpool and Man United, would they lose again? There was a change in formation to a 4-1-2-2-1 instead of a 4-2-3-1 (replacing a CAM with a CDM to add more defensive solidity). Allan Saint-Maximin sent the away fans into raptures after 7 minutes when he received the ball from Shelvey, skipped past his man and rifled a low shot past Leno at the near post. It should've been 2-0 minutes later when Shelvey played Wilson in on goal but he dragged his shot wide. Newcastle had a let off 5 minutes into the 2nd half when a quickly taken free kick from Arsenal bounced off the bar to safety. Substitutions were made to add to the defensive quality of Newcastle as the game reached its conclusion, moving to 5 at the back. In the 2nd minute of 6 added on minutes, Ozil stole the ball in his own half, he played a ball over the top to Alex Lacazette who didn't disappoint an equalised for Arsenal to take a share of the points. To top off the disappointing stoppage time equaliser, it also resulted in this occurring in stoppage time also:


Callum Wilson fracturing his lower arm and out for up to 4-5 weeks. It is now down to Joelinton to carry on his fine form with support of Dwight Gayle and Andy Carroll.

Newcastle 0-0 Everton
2 days after the Arsenal draw, Shearer and his men welcomed Everton to St. James' Park for the final game of 2020. Shearer made 10 changes which he was hoping would keep everyone fresh rather than Everton taking advantage of so many changes. Newcastle should've taken the lead after 15 minutes when Rojo side footed a shot wide from 7 yards from a Cabaye free kick. The rest of the game was pretty much a non-event and 2020 finished with a dull draw.

Shearer:

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Well, we ended the year with a 0-0 draw which I'm sure won't go down as a great game but I'm delighted with the character the lads have shown after the difficult start we endured. I can see the excitement building each week when these fans turn up week in, week out. The hard work doesn't stop here, this is just the beginning. We are in good form right now and the lads are going to get a couple of days off before coming back into training on 1st Jan to prepare for another busy month. We are dealing with a couple of long-term injuries but I am delighted at the lads who have stepped in and shown why I am right to believe we have such a good squad here.

I think it's safe to say things are looking a lot brighter on Tyneside now - well clear of the relegation zone which was an early concern but it's way too early to dream of anything bigger right now, let's carry on building!!!

A much-improved run over the past couple of months to end the year sitting in a much-improved position in the table. Good work.

January Update

January would see Shearer's men enter the FA Cup hoping for much more success than the Carabao Cup. With a favourable home draw against Sheffield Wednesday, Shearer won't want to make the same mistake as he did against their Yorkshire rivals, Barnsley, earlier in the season. First up is a tricky looking trip to Aston Villa who find themselves up in 6th position compared to 9th for Newcastle.

Aston Villa 3-4 Newcastle
Alan Shearer returned to the ground where Newcastle's fate was sealed in 2009 when he couldn't save his side from relegation. Fans were still entering the ground when Allan Saint-Maximin headed Newcastle ahead from a Fraser cross after 2 minutes. Before the 20th minute, Ross Barkley levelled with a 30 yard thunderbolt. Ross Barkley scored again 10 minutes before half-time when he nutmegged Widmer and slotted into the far corner. It took 3 minutes into the 2nd half for Joelinton to equalise when he looped a header over Martinez from a Shelvey free kick. Ross Barkley beat Widmer again on the Newcastle right hand side and arrowed a shot into the top corner. With 6 minutes to go, Allan Saint-Maximin drove down the right wing and whipped in a delicious cross leaving Joelinton with the easiest of tasks to head in. The scoring wasn't finished there though when Vilca (returned from his loan) laid the ball into the path of Viktor Fischer who hit a fierce shot into the top corner with 2 minutes to go!!!

Shearer:

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What a performance!! I'm delighted for the fans, for the lads, for me. This ground still holds bad memories for me and to come here, put in a performance like this and take the 3 points, I am ecstatic. The lads showed incredible character to come from behind twice to win the game.

Newcastle 2-0 Sheffield Wednesday - FA Cup 3rd Round
It looked like Shearer hadn't learnt his lesson from the Carabao Cup making 9 changes from the Aston Villa game and struggling to break down a resolute Sheffield Wednesday team. It took until just before half-time for Newcastle's domination to pay off when Joelinton (playing at CAM this game) played a through ball to Jacob Murphy who hit his initial shot against the post but the rebound to fell him to tap in. 10 minutes into the 2nd half and Jacob Murphy plays a nice 1-2 with Hendrick to get past Blackett and shoots low past Dawson. It turned into a comfortable win and Shearer and his men can look forward to the 4th round of the FA Cup with a home game against Derby.

Newcastle 1-0 Brighton
Another home game 4 days later with the rested players returning. Brighton were 2nd in the form table coming into this, winning 5 out of the last 6 Premier League games but their last 2 games have been a loss to Burnley and a penalty loss to Bristol City. It turned into a drab affair with the only bit of magic being Allan Saint-Maximin doing his usual tricks down the right, drilling a low cross into the middle and Joelinton popped up in between 2 Brighton defenders to side foot home.

Southampton 3-4 Newcastle
A 644-mile round trip for the Newcastle faithful started in jubilant fashion within 7 minutes when Allan Saint-Maximin robbed Romeu in the middle of the pitch. The ball fell to Joelinton who held the ball up well and played in Allan Saint-Maximin who drilled a low shot past the keeper. 6 minutes later, a Southampton corner set up a rapid Newcastle counter attack. Dubravka launched a clearance to Saint-Maximin, he brought it down, played in Joelinton, and he hit a carbon copy of Saint-Maximin's effort across the keeper. Dreamland!!! In the 25th minute, Southampton were back in the game when a long ball from Bednarek was flicked on by Walcott for Stuart Armstrong to rush on to and hit into the top corner. The 2 goal cushion was restored when Fischer's cut back eventually fell to Sean Longstaff who drilled one into the bottom corner. 2 goals in 3 minutes for Newcastle when Allan Saint-Maximin received the ball from Almiron, turned past 1 defender, glided between another 2 defenders with his strength, shifted the ball onto his left foot inside a 4th defender and then rolled a shot into the far corner - what a goal!!! Marcos Rojo brought down Walcott in the area in first half stoppage time and allowed Danny Ings to score a 2nd. 4-2 at half-time. 10 minutes into the second half and Jordan Amavi dribbled down the left, whipped in a low cross and Theo Walcott bundled home. Newcastle held on to the victory for their 2nd 4-3 win this month.

Newcastle 1-0 Derby - FA Cup 4th Round
Shearer made 4 changes this time round but a change in formation to a 4-2-2-2 meant 2 strikers for the first time this season. Inside 70 seconds, Murphy hit a long cross field pass to Viktor Fischer whose first touch took him past Nathan Byrne and he hit a precise finish into the far corner. A couple of minutes later, Yohan Cabaye dived in 2 footed for a tackle and received a straight red card!! 85 minutes to hold on and it was the end of 2 strikers inside 5 minutes with Joelinton making way for Sean Longstaff but Newcastle were relatively untroubled by Derby.

Shearer:

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Well, we were up against it today weren't we?! I'm just delighted to be through to the next round. We will miss Yohan but we have a quality squad. We have to move on from this win now, and go again against Burnley on Tuesday.

Burnley 1-2 Newcastle
A game we should be winning on paper but both teams were performing well and in good form. A very even first half but Burnley started the 2nd half quicker, opening the scoring through Dale Stephens who headed in his first of the season from a Westwood cross. Newcastle should've equalised 5 minutes later when Fraser robbed Lucas Vasquez but Nick Pope read where Fraser was going with his shot and saved. In the 67th minute, Newcastle should've definitely equalised but Nick Pope pulled off an outrageous save scrambling across his goal from a Saint-Maximin cross saving from Fraser again. Callum Wilson returned from injury coming on as a substitute and equalised 10 minutes after his entrance. Almiron picked up a loose ball from a Burnley corner, ran forward and played it to Wilson; he jinked past his marker and hammered in a low shot. He should've won it for Newcastle 2 minutes from time when he was played in on goal by Shelvey but his shot was high and wide. Newcastle kept pushing and pushing and won it in the 92nd minute when Sean Longstaff headed in a Widmer long throw.

Newcastle 1-0 West Ham
The final game of the month was also a dress rehearsal for the 5th round of the FA Cup and hopefully this was a sign of things to come. Shearer set up with an attacking focus and this paid off inside 8 minutes when Fischer was brought down in area by Ryan Fredericks. Jonjo Shelvey stepped up and sent the keeper the wrong way. Newcastle should've had another penalty in the 25th minute when Saint-Maximin was brought down by Augustinsson, but somehow VAR overturned the decision. A comfortable 1-0 win rounded off a busy January.

Shearer:

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What a month!! Everything that could go our way, went our way. 7 games played and 7 wins, every single one of the team deserves huge credit. We are bringing in the rewards each and every game and I can only hope it continues. We have an incredibly tough February coming up with the return fixtures against Leicester, Chelsea, Man City, Tottenham and Liverpool. I feel like we are in a much better position to pick up points in this month.
On the transfer front, we looked and scoured the transfer market but there was nobody available that would help improve our squad currently. There are numerous players on our radar in the summer whose contracts are running out but we will have to revisit their contract situation in June.

Brilliant. Such a contrast to how Newcastle started the season!

Starting to pick it up now and really fighting for those European places.