TOON ARMY

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Newcastle United F.C.

Full Name: Newcastle United Football Club
Nicknames(s): Magpies, Toon, Geordies
Founded: 9 December 1892
Ground: St. James' Park (Capacity: 52,404)
Owner: Mike Ashley
Rivals: Sunderland, Middlesbrough
2011-12: Premier League, 5th

Trophies

First Division/Premier League: Winners (4) – 1904–05, 1906–07, 1908–09, 1926–27
Football League Championship: Winners (3) – 1964–65, 1992–93, 2009–10
FA Cup: Winners (6) – 1910, 1924, 1932, 1951, 1952, 1955
FA Community Shield 1: 1909
FA Youth Cup 2: Winners (2) – 1962, 1985

2012/13 Strips

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Pardew to step down after Successful Season

Newcastle boss, Alan Pardew has announced that, come the end of June, he will no longer be manager at United. He admits that he was 'satisfied' with how he had done, and that he would like to leave on a high. Pardew has been in control of the club for two years and has since done wonders for the Magpies, who will face Europe this season.

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"I want to dispel rumors saying that I was forced out, Mike (Ashley) said that he was very happy with my performance as Head-Coach- he even offered me a new deal, but I declined it, as I'd like to take a short break from management- don't think that I'm done yet, though."

Journalists caught up with Ashley today to find out his plans for the new boss. "I'm looking for two things- experience and fan's support. If we can get someone like Alan (Pardew) that has a reputation within Newcastle, we'll have a lethal combination. Initially, we considered (Alan) Shearer, but I'm aware he wishes to pursue his career in Media."

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Six players, who had agreed to join last season had made their way to the club prior to Pardew's announcement, known to the fans as the 'French Contingent' due to all but one of them originating from a French-speaking country; Massadio Haidara, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Mathieu Debuchy, Moussa Sissoko, Yoan Gouffran and Kevin Mbabu.

At the current time, little is known about Pardew's successor, but there are a hat-full of Promising rumours, including Stuart Pearce, Chris Hughton and, despite Mike Ashley's dismissal, Alan Shearer.

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Harmison takes Hotseat

In a surprising turn of events, ex-cricketer Steve Harmison has took up the job of Manager at Newcastle United. The 34 year old retired from cricket last year, and while public thought he had settled down to retirement, he in fact was studying coaching qualifications. Harmison is a known NUFC fanatic, which leads on from Mike Ashley's previous statement, telling Media he was looking for a fan favorite. However, he evidently lacks experience.

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Harmison met with Journalists today to discuss the details of his 1-year contract, which Ashley announced "will be renewed, if requirements are met." It was revealed that he would be given a relatively small budget of 7 million due to the 6 signings before his appointment.

Journalist: "Morning, Steve, Congratulations on getting the Job."

Harmison: "Thanks, It's been a dream of mine for some years now."

Journalist: "So, what are your short-term plans. Where do you see yourself at the end of the season?"

Harmison: "Well, I'd like to win everything we can, but I'd have to be realistic. We're looking for a top half finish again. I'd love to get either the League cup or the FA cup, but I know that is a big ask. In terms of europe, we're going to go as far as we can. Winning it wouldn't be out of the question."

Journalist: "What about long term? If your contract gets renewed, what are your ambitions."

Harmison: "That's a big if, but I am confident I can bring this club to glory. My real, long term ambition is to become a stable team that finishes in the continental spots in the league and if I can do that, I want to win the Premier League. If I am still there then? Then there is no question, the Champions League would beckon."

Journalist: "Ambitious. What are your plans in the Transfer Window?"

Harmison: "I don't plan to be too active in the transfer window, but there will be a few transactions."

Journalist: "That's about it. Thanks, and good luck."

Harmison: "Cheers."

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SKY SPORTS TRANSFER WINDOW COVERAGE

Newcastle Transfers: IN

Andre Ayew
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The Ghanaian midfielder was signed in early July from Marseille for a swap of Sylvain Marveaux and the sum of 14 million. He is expected to be played as a wide-midfielder in the first team.
Augusto Fernandez
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The wide-midfielder from Argentina joined the Toon from Celta Vigo in early august for a sum of £13,000,000. He is expected to break in to the first team.
Maynor Gigueroa
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The Honduran left-back arrived in Newcastle from Wigan Athletic on transfer deadline day for an undisclosed fee believed to be around 4 million. It is widely suggested that he will be a rotation option.

Newcastle Transfers: OUT

Loaned Players
Jak Alnwick, Adam Campbell, Dan Gosling, Marcus Maddison, Shane Ferguson, Nile Ranger, Rob Elliot, Yven Moyo and Connor Newton went to Bradford, Notts Co, Southampton, Gateshead, Huddersfield, Hull, Portsmouth, Gateshead and Derby on loan respectively.
James Perch
Wolverhampton wanderers purchased the versatile fullback in early July for a reported sum of 3 million.
Chieck Tiote
After weeks of negotiation, in early July, Spurs bagged the Ivorian defensive midfielder for the phenomenal price of £24.5 million, only two years after he had joined Newcastle for £3.3 million. Harmison told press "it was too much to turn down."
Sylvain Marveaux
Marveaux returned to his French homeland as part of a swap deal for Andre Ayew in early July. The wide-midfielder was said to be enthusiastic of the deal.

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August Fixtures

PREMIER:
Wigan 2-3 Newcastle
Cabaye (16,27)
Sissoko (32)

EUROPA:
Newcastle 1-0 D. Moscow
Sh. Ameobi (85)

PREMIER:
Newcastle 3-0 Reading
Gutierrez (38)
Coleman (48)
Cabaye (82)

EUROPA:
D. Moscow 0-0 Newcastle
Ag: D. Moscow 0-1 Newcastle

Player of the Month
Mathieu Debuchy
Top Scorer of the Month
Yohan Cabaye (3)

Newcastle on to Group Stages

Following their 1-0 (on aggregate) win against Dynamo Moscow, Newcastle United have proceeded on to the Group Stages of the Europa League, they were drawn in to Group D along with:
Sporting (Portugal), Lazio (Italy) and Levski (Bulgaria).