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Newcastle fans can dream of trophies again
Tagged: Newcastle United
Written by Ed Harrison
Posted on February 20th, 2007
Newcastle are currently in ninth spot in the Premiership with 36 points from 27 games – exactly the same return they had at this time last season – when Glenn Roeder had been in charge for four league games.
So why should Newcastle fans be looking up?
For one thing the injuries this season are probably the worst ever suffered by a Premiership club – and at the time of writing Newcastle still have eight players out injured (Owen, Ameobi, Given, Carr, Ramage, Moore, Emre, N’Zogbia). With so many players unavailable it has been a blessing in disguise for the youngsters and other players who have had a chance to shine.
Of the youngsters brought through the Newcastle youth academy Ramage, Taylor, Huntington, Pattison and Edgar have all played and looked the part in the first team.
This has also been a wonderful season for Kieron Dyer – not only does he look to have put his hamstring problems behind him but he has shown scintillating pace in his performances. Kieron couldn’t have wished for a better season since coming back from injury and much credit has to be given to Roeder and the coaching staff for allowing him to come back slowly – and never losing the faith.
Hopefully Kieron’s problems are behind him and we can look forward to essentially having a new great player in the team – certainly his pace makes a huge difference to the Newcastle team.
Also - Glenn Roeder’s first big signing - Obafemi Martins - has come through big time during the last few months – after admittedly a slow start - and he currently has 13 goals to his credit – 10 in the Premiership. Martins has impressed with his skill, tenacity and work-rate – and his goal at Tottenham (87 mph) was an amazing goal that I’ll never forget.
Also free agent Antoine Sibierski has been an excellent acquisition from Manchester City and has scored some very important cup goals for Newcastle and has generally looked a technically gifted player who can score goals when it matters (he currently has 8 goals).
We have also finally sorted out the future of James Milner. It looked like he would be moving to Aston Villa on August 31st but at the last moment he was recalled when Mark Viduka’s transfer broke down. James seems to take the whole episode in his stride and shown a level of maturity way above his 21 years. He has turned in some great performances this season and has played almost every game for Newcastle and scored four excellent goals of late.
James is negotiating a new improved contract at Newcastle which will keep him here at least for the next five years.
Finally we may be fixing some of the problems we have had for many years in defense. Nolberto Solano is one of the most popular players at Newcastle and he has been a revelation at right back since he was switched there as cover for Stephen Carr. Of course he started his career at right back and when Dalgleish bought him in 1997 he was right back for Boca Juniors. Dalgleish started to play him at right wing because of his tremendous skill and crossing ability.
I can see Nobby holding the right back spot at Newcastle for the next three years – and hope he can get a contract extension that his play this season fully deserves.
The signing of Oguchi Onyewu (Gooch) from Standard Leige on loan could turn out to be one of our best signings. I have followed Gooch over the last three years here in the USA and he has gained in experience and skill such that he was USA’s best player during the recent world cup. He had a particularly excellent game against Italy. He is a no-nonsense old fashioned center half who makes few mistakes and at 6ft 4 in is dominant in the air.
While it’s hard to judge too quickly after only two games he has looked very good in both his games for Newcastle and he can form a lasting partnership with young Stephen Taylor at the heart of Newcastle’s defense for years to come.
So things are looking up for Newcastle after a very tough season so far – we should be able to push up the league and it looks like 7th place will clinch a place in the UEFA cup this year.
On Thursday we should also be able to make it to the quarter finals of the UEFA cup (for the third time).
Who knows – maybe we can win the UEFA cup this year and end a period of 38 years without a trophy – why not – miracles are possible – just ask Kieron Dyer.
