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Kinnear: Owen all ready to start against Chelsea

November 20th, 2008

According to Joe Kinnear, England International Michael Owen is fit and all set to get a berth in the starting lineup of Newcastle United.

Newcastle will be taking on current leaders in the Premier League table, Chelsea, on Saturday. Kinnear feels that it will not be just a case of a ‘damage limitation’ while playing against the Blues.

Magpies Boss Kinnear believes that Owen, who scored his season’s 6th goal against Wigan after coming off the bench during a 2-2 draw at St James’s Park, is all ready to make his first start since the early part of October. Since October, he has been out with a groin niggle.

28-year-old’s wait for a start will finally come at a stadium where his club has failed to win for 22 years.

Kinnear said, ‘I’ll say he’s getting close to being 100% fit.’

‘Michael has been frustrated recently, as he was getting close to perfect fitness level. But, now he’s better and sharper.’

‘He has got his own private coach with whom he’s been doing special work prior to the start of the training. This shows his professionalism and love of the game.’

Sunderland, Newcastle’s derby rivals, has already been thrashed 5-0 by Luiz Felipe Scolari’s Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the season. However, Kinnear is not seeing the game as forgone conclusion.

‘What Chelsea did to Sunderland was frightening. But, I’ve never backed away from any challenge, and I won’t go into this match with damage limitation in my mind.’

‘I’ll be going there for getting decent results. Newcastle has never won in 22 years at Stamford Bridge. But, records are meant to be broken.’

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Newcastle United Vs Aston Villa: First back-to-back win for Magpies in six months

November 4th, 2008

Newcastle United’s Obafemi Martins played wonderfully, as he blasted his side out of the relegation zone of Barclays Premier League.

Battlers of Joe Kinnear claimed their second successive victory by defeating Aston Villa 2-0 at St. James Park.

It was the second time in 6 days that Obafemi, Nigerian International, scored for the Magpies. His 2 goals in the 2-0 win allowed Newcastle to lift to the 14th place ahead of arch-rival Sunderland (goal difference).

This was the first time that Newcastle recorded back-to-back league victories since April.

These six points, which they got of visits from West Brom & Villa (midlands duo) within a span of one week, represented a major boost in the side. Again, it was the first clean sheet for the Magpies since August 23.

In the game, Kinnear’s side survived the stern test of their own resolve against an emerging side of the Premier League.

Magpies were able to fend of the challenges thrown at them by Villa persistently in the first half.

In the second half, the home side came up with a renewed spirit, which has been common feature to them after the arrival of Kinnear and through Martins’ 2 goals sealed the game.

What would have impressed Newcastle’s interim manager even more was that his side won the game in absence of star striker Michael Owen, who came on the pitch during the final stages of the game.

Now, he would be hoping that this rejuvenated showing keeps on improving and they retain the position in the league, which they are accustomed to.

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Newcastle United Vs West Brom: Barton architects Newcastle’s second win

October 29th, 2008

Bad Boy of Newcastle United, Joey Barton, commenced the process of repaying his club for the faith, which they had shown in him, by scoring a goal at St. James Park.

Barton helped Magpies to score their first victory in Barclays Premier League after eight games, as they defeated West Brom 2-1.

26-year-old midfielder, who made his first start for Newcastle after getting released from jail, was able to convert a 9th minute penalty for setting Magpies up for only their 2nd win of the season in the league and the first for manager Joe Kinnear.

Barton, who got pelted with bottles and coins when he was warming up for the Saturday derby against Sunderland, was the one starting the healing process for the home side.

However, ultimately it was header from Obafemi Martins in the 42nd minute, which won the game and allowed his side to come out of relegation zone.

A crowd of 45,801 gathered at St. James Park endured an anxious finish, after Magpies failed to make most of the 2nd half chances that came along the way. Things got even tougher when Baggies substitute, Ishmael Miller, pulled one back for the visitors with 25 minutes still to go.

Newcastle might not have got the full points, if it wasn’t for keeper Shay Given. Given kept out a shot from James Morrison before half time. Again, a vital block from defender Miller saved the home side from losing an important point.

Now, Kinnear will be hoping that his side continues to play the way they did today and get them as close to the top Premier League positions as possible.

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Newcastle United Vs Manchester City: Ireland saves City from a humiliating loss

October 21st, 2008

A late goal from Stephen Ireland denied Newcastle United to score an elusive victory in the Barclays Premier League at St. James Park.

Magpies were reduced to 10 men as early as the 12th minute, when Habib Beye got sent off for recklessly challenging Robinho.

Although game looked in the hands of the Eastlands club, Joe Kinnear’s men showed great character, which was also visible in the game against Everton.

Even with 10 men, Newcastle remarkably made a comeback and could have won the game too, if Ireland wouldn’t have scored four minutes from time.

Brazilian International Robinho scored the opener in the 13th minute for City when referee Rob Styles gave a penalty and at the same time, sent off Beye for an irresponsible challenge in the box.

Shola Amoebi, who didn’t score for Newcastle since October 15, 2006, became the hero for the home side, as he came up with a much needed equalizer in the 43rd minute.

Newcastle was in the driver’s seat, once Manchester City Captain Richard Dunne sent a ball in his own net in the 63rd minute making it 2-1 much to the delight of the home fans.

However, Ireland’s goal in the end became a decisive factor in the end and saved Mark Hughes’ side from an embarrassing loss.

With this 2-2 draw, Joe Kinnear will be hoping that his side continues to perform well and get that elusive win, which has evaded them for a long time now.

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Jones: Kinnear is going to be the best thing to happen for Newcastle

October 7th, 2008

Former players, who played under Joe Kinnear, have backed Newcastle United’s interim manager. He has been under a lot of pressure since taking over the job vacated by Kevin Keegan.

Mike Ashley, Newcastle’s owner, surprised everyone by handing the job to Kinnear, who is yet to be involved in managing a side since leaving Nottingham Forest in 2004. Ashley has given the job on a short term basis, as he has begun the process of selling Magpies.

The brief tenure of Kinnear has already been quite eventful after press conference at St James Park where he used over 50 expletives to criticize journalists.

His appointment has met criticism from a large section of the club’s supporters and press. However, members of his Wimbledon’s ‘Crazy Gang’ spoke in support for him.

Former Dons Captain, Vinnie Jones, who played under Kinnear, urged the Toon Army for giving him a chance.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jones said ‘It’s tough for me to understand why people are slaughtering him. They should look at his overall record.’

‘When I moved back to Wimbledon, we finished in Premier League’s top half each season under him. We even reached semifinals of League Cup and FA Cup in 1997.’

‘The thing I found commendable about the man was that he did it all without a ground available to him. We used Crystal Palace’s ground during his reign at the club.’

Adding to his comments, Jones said ‘I am sure that adding Kinnear to the crew is the best thing that Ashley could have done for the Newcastle. Although they might not finish as the Champions of the League, still there is every possibility of ending up at a commendable position.’

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Newcastle United Vs Everton: Newcastle breaks losing streak with 2-2 draw

October 6th, 2008

After five successive defeats in the Barclays Premier League, Newcastle United finally managed to salvage a point from the game against Everton at Goodison Park.

Everton took a 2-0 lead in the first half and almost looked like running away with the game. However, Newcastle had a roaring comeback making it 2-2 at the end, as they scored in both the half of the game.

First goal for Everton came in the form of a penalty after Nicky Butt got penalized for a sliding tackle on Baines. Mike Arteta’s had no difficulty while converting the spot-kick in the 17th minute of the game.

Marouane Fellaini scored the second goal for Toffees in the 35th minute of the game, as he crashed home a Baines’ cross.

Although Owen and Duff made constant effort at Everton’s goal, Tim Howard made valiant saves to deny Newcastle from opening their account.

However in the extra time of the first half, Steven Taylor headed home a ball to make it 2-1 for the Magpies.

Taylor was again instrumental in the second goal for the away side, as his pass caught Damien Duff in his way. Duff guided the ball into the net for making it 2-2 in the 47th minute, which was the final score in the end.

This draw was relief not only for Newcastle, but also for David Moyes’ Everton, who finally ended their losing streak at home.

Meanwhile, it was another miserable day for the Spurs, as they kept their bottom position intact after losing 1-0 to an in-form Hull City. Hull, who got promoted in this season, has now moved to the 3rd position on the Premier League table.

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Moyes: Everton requires 90 minutes of strong character at Goodison Park

October 2nd, 2008

Everton Boss, David Moyes, feels that his side is just 90 minutes from getting good times rolling again at Goodison Park.

Toffees are currently having an unpredictable season. They have lost all the three games in front of their home fans.

Last Wednesday in the Carling Cup, Everton was shown the door by Blackburn Rovers and today, there is an equal chance of them seeing an early exit in the UEFA Cup.

Everton will be facing Standard Liege, Belgian Champions, in an away fixture.

Standard Liege has an edge in this game, as they were able to manage a 2-2 draw at Goodison Park. There is a great possibility that the Belgian side might snatch a place in the next round based on away goal difference.

However, Everton boss said in a pre-match interview ‘Any club is only a game away from getting back into the habit of winning and we are no different.’

‘If players like Yakubu, Saha, Cahill and Neville can play at their best, we can easily win games, whoever be the opponent.’

‘We are currently having a bad run at Goodison Park, but it will change. Fans have been great to us in terms of support during these tough times.’

Elsewhere, new Newcastle United’s interim manager, Joe Kinnear, is convinced that Magpies are two wins from getting back in form.

‘Newcastle is too good team to be in a position that it is now. With the class available on show at St. James Park, I am sure couple of wins will do it for them.’

With the next game against Everton at Goodison Park, where the home side is in the middle of a terrible run, Newcastle has a great opportunity to come back to winning ways.

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West Ham United Vs Newcastle United: Zola-powered Hammers snubs Magpies 3-1

September 21st, 2008

West Ham United had the best of times in their first league match with new manager Gianfranco Zola, as they defeated a club playing without manager, Newcastle United, 3-1 at Upton Park.

Italian David Di Michele scored two goals and Matthew Etherington netted home once to bag the three goals for the Hammers.

In the seventh minute, Michele was set up by Noble into the box, just for Shay Given to make a trademark reaction save with his head. But the ball went straight back to Michele, who slammed it onto Steven Taylor and a deflection went in.

The other goal from Michele came in the dying stages of the first half, and just after the break, Matthew Etherington scored from an unselfish cross by Michele to make it 3-0 for the Hammers.

The only goal for Newcastle, though nothing more than a consolation, came in the 66th minute from Michael Owen, as he bended a superb effort into the right corner.

Just after this goal, Cacapa almost squeezed one in, but a wonderful save by Green, who had just lost his clean sheet opportunity, made it a disappointment.

He made another save off Damien Duff, keeping out a low range drive from him.

Some great saves by Given proved why he is an asset to Newcastle all the time. Had he not been there for the Magpies, the score line would have been a disaster.

The man of the moment for Hammers was not any player, but the Coach Zola, who impressed in his first match.

Meanwhile, Sunderland scored a convincing 2-0 victory over Middlesbrough at the Stadium of lights. However, Liverpool lost two important points when they were held to a goalless draw by Stoke City.

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Newcastle midfielder Guthrie to apologize to Hull striker Fagan

September 17th, 2008

Newcastle midfielder Danny Guthrie, who just received his first red card with Newcastle in Saturday’s 1-2 loss to Hull City, has revealed that he wants to ‘personally’ apologize to the Tigers’ striker Craig Fagan as soon as possible.

This was Newcastle’s first match since manager Kevin Keegan had left the club.

It was revealed by Hull manager Phil Brown that the striker has got a broken right leg. The tigers revealed on Monday night that Fagan has suffered a fractured right tibia in the bone breaking challenge that earned the red card to Guthrie.

It is still not sure whether Guthrie’s apology will be able to satisfy Hull, as following an X-ray report, Fagan is expected to stay out on the sidelines for at least three months.

Guthrie, after the incident, answered that though the tackle was wrong, it was in part due to the frustration of losing the match. The player stated that it was quite different from his real self.

He also added that Newcastle are in constant touch with Hull to keep themselves updated on the issue, and assured that he wanted to talk to Fagan at the earliest possible.

Meanwhile, another Magpie midfielder, Argentinean Jonas Gutirrez has been injured after a shoulder push in a South America World Cup qualifier against Peru.

The Argentinean Football Association has confirmed that as a result of talks with Newcastle, the midfielder is to stay in Argentina for his rest and rehabilitation.

There’s also news that Mike Ashley has asked for a staggering US$ 860 millions from an investor group of Dubai for selling Newcastle United.

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Ashley puts Newcastle on sale

September 15th, 2008

The situation at St. James Park went from bad to worse, as their billionaire owner, Mike Ashley, has confirmed that he will be selling Newcastle United for the best available price.

Ashley took over the club less than two years back for a US $268 million deal and has been under the hammer along with CEO Dennis Wise in the recent past.

Ashley and Wise were on the receiving ends of furious backlash from Newcastle supporters in a period of 10 days, after Kevin Keegan left his post of managing the club due to differences with the owner over transfer policy.

On Saturday, there was a massive demonstration staged outside St. James Park before the game started and after it ended with a 1-2 defeat at the hands of Hull. All of them had a single demand that Ashley should sell the club and Wise should be removed from his job.

After months of speculation, the owner has finally decided to sell his asset. According to him, fan’s reaction was disappointing.

While speaking to a reporter, Ashley said ‘If they think that I am not dedicated towards the club, they are wrong’.

‘I have always been on the move with the club and with my kids attended all the games at St. James Park sitting alongside passionate fans.’

‘However now, I’m not allowed to do the same by my guards, as they feel that I might be on the receiving end of a hostile response from the fans.’

‘This is primarily the reason behind me selling the club to someone else.’

With such a situation prevailing at St. James Park, Magpies will need a determined performance from all their players to get them through to a respectable position in the BPL table.

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