Saint Garrett

Exactly my point!

It's bloody depressing how shit Newcastle have been all season.

More the fact they could offer us a bit of experience and they’d be “free” and we’re skint.

Got to say that's a very sensible approach SC, and the majority I probably agree with. We're not going to be replacing 15 players like some are suggesting, we already have a relatively small squad. I wouldn't be against losing one of the keepers and bringing in someone who is more suited, but that would cost money and we have to prioritise. It's a really tough one, because when everyone is fit and on song, we are bloody brilliant, so we know we are capable. Last night first half we were excellent, proper aggressive and at it, then we fell to pieces with one change. I'd like Salisu to be starting next season, think he has the attributes to be an excellent player, and given he'll have a full pre season under his belt, I think that's a massive positive. Wouldn't surprise me to see Vestergaard sold to raise funds, and Salisu to take his place alongside Bednarek. I'd like to see an older head brought in in the middle of the park, which I'm not normally a fan of, but feel we need a bit more experience in the squad. Maybe not to play every week, but an alternative to Romeu assuming Jankewitz isn't going to be nurtured into that position. It's a really difficult one, I don't think the players are "that bad", but the results suggest otherwise. Palace have this lot out of contract, not sure if any of them could offer us anything... Full list of expiring contracts here: https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/premier-league/endendevertraege/wettbewerb/GB1

Thats a silly idea tbf, cos it means the oppo can crowd the goal, due to the offside being moved back...

Mark Hughes?

In 2024, two #UCL places will be given to the clubs with the HIGHEST club coefficient that weren't able to qualify to the #UCL through their domestic leagues. For example, if a club like Manchester United ends up ranked 6th in the Premier League, they would still qualify. Furthermore, if, for example, a club like West Ham ends up 5th in the Premier League, and Manchester United ends up 6th, West Ham would qualify for the Europa League and Manchester United would qualify for the Champions League. With an additional £5bn private equity investment...so it sounds ever so similar to the super league! Shambles https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/0268-12157d69ce2d-9f011c70f6fa-1000--new-champions-league-format-explained/?utm_campaign=ucl-editorial-ongoin&utm_content=_&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

Lets be honest, these "investment groups" where owners own multiple clubs across the world, should not be allowed.

Well - firstly he's played for England against terrible opposition which means he has way less defensive responsibility. Secondly, the system are different, he's 1 of 2 defensive midfielders in our side, and the 2 wide players are a long way forward. He didn't have a good game, and probably needs a rest, but there is no-one else to play there, and he's been pretty decent all season. (excellent in parts)

Very odd feeling. FA Cup semi final tomorrow, and feels just like another premier league game. I hate not being able to go.

5/6 points.

Without a doubt he's improved a lot of our players, there aren't any that have got worse under his watch, other than those who might be getting towards the end of their careers, i.e Bertrand

You can't tell because of the other player is in the way. If he'd not given it as offside on the pitch, I'd be fine with it staying as onside too. But I think they made the right decision based on the fact they would have had to guess where his body was to determine he was offside. Doesn't change my opinion that it would be better off not existing at all.

Think they have learnt their lesson after the "Stop the Count" nonsense.

It's also incredibly unlikely a club our size with our owner, will be finishing top 10... You have the traditional "top 6", plus West Ham, Everton and Leicester who have cash to burn. You then have Wolves and Leeds who will spend money...that's 11. Could we sneak into the top 10 if one of those falters? Yes absolutely...is it likely? No not really... Let's be honest, our "level" as a club is probably somewhere between 12th - 16th.

I said a lot of this after the first ten minutes, and that's the most frustrating thing. We we being massively overrun and the way we had setup was not working, and we did not change it once. Adams may not be the best finisher, but I do believe we are a way better side when he is in it. He gives us an outlet, and can take pressure off our terrible defence. Obviously we are missing Romeu, but we still should have enough to be competitive. I'm firmly in the "Ralph In" camp, but he has to learn to adapt when it is not working. We were being bullied in midfield and every time they went forward they were getting in that huge gap between CB's and CM's. Why do we just wait until half time and then see what the score is, rather than trying to stem the flow whilst it is happening. We could have been 5 or 6 down by HT. Armstrong should have made it a 3 in midfield and Diallo should have just sat in front of the CB's to combat Periera.

We missed his physicality up front last night massively, the ball just didn't stick. I also think Ings is a better player when Adams plays.

Although we got away with one last night, I actually don't have much wrong with the decision in the end. If they cannot 100% prove the on field officials are wrong, then they should stick with the on field decision. But - its highly likely he was onside.

Supposedly one of those was on the cusp of joining Inter Miami, but chose to stay at saints instead.

Need a big improvement from last night (obviously) Personally think that Walcott Bednarek and Redmond played themselves out of contention last night. Don't think the CM partnership of Diallo & JWP really seems to work, but there are no alternatives Forster; KWP Vestergaard Salisu Bertrand; Diallo JWP; Armstrong Djenepo; Ings Adams.

Thats because they were reviewing a possible red card, they wouldnt have rescinded the yellow card had it not been a foul, (I think) But you're right, its stupidly confusing.

Don't think they can use VAR for yellow cards, I might be wrong though.

A fair point...my point was more about the league season, after having 30 points in January, and only being sat on 36 now, is a massive disappointment. But yes, of course if you said at the start of the season would I be happy with a cup semi final and staying up, then yes of course. But I was more focusing on the league performance after eing where we were...

Great stuff. Hopefully Ings stays this summer, and our younger players will have another years experience. Ralph needs to learn from his mistakes, because this season has turned into a massive disappointment but I do think he is the right person for the job, and I 100% back him.