Imbula: A midfield General of the future?The first in my mini series on players being followed by Newcastle United’s chief scout Graham Carr is the much fancied 20 year old, Gilbert Imbula from French Ligue 2 side, Guingamp.
Though Imbula is yet another central midfielder, and yet another player from France, he does look like a very talented central midfielder who could well be a top player in the fullness of time, the downside being that Carr isn’t the only scout to realise this, as he has also being watched by Carr’s collegues from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and probably several others too.
Before I proceed further, I must issue a warning that I usually like to watch players in several full matches before I write about them. However, when it comes to the lower leagues overseas, obviously this is much more difficult. Hence, I must admit that I have not seen much more of this player than the videos you can see below, so please bear this in mind! (more…)
Well it was all going so well, though sadly, it wasn’t to be in the end.
Leicester City ended ended Newcastle United’s 11 game winning run in this competition with a 2-0 victory, the same scoreline as Newcastle’s win over Leicester earlier in the competition. It is unsure whether Alan Pardew called them in Hong Kong to gave them a special tactical briefing and pep talk before the final kicked off, though it could be a possibilty after their surprising decline after some very convincing, free scoring performances in the earlier rounds.
Anyway, congratulations to the Foxes.
Coach, Willie Donachie, had this to say after the disappointment:(more…)
A tough climax to a tough season.Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle. Date: Sun 19th May, 2013. Kick off: 4.00pm. Referee: Howard Webb (Sheffield). UK TV: Sky Sports 1.
Hello, good afternoon and welcome to our final match banter of the season!
Of course, this game sees us facing Arsenal at St James’ Park. Thankfully, it will not be a do or die game for Premier League survival against very stiff opposition thanks to our previous 1-2 victory against the not quite so stiff Queens Park Rangers – That would have been just too much to bear. Even so, the fact that we have been teetering on the abyss so close to the end of the season is indicative of what a disappointing season we’ve had.
Before I carry on though, just a quick note to let you know that I will actually be at the game this time. Hence, I might not be posting the team sheets, links to watch the game online etc as I usually do. I will try, though if some of you regulars could help out by posting the teams, that would be most appreciated! Alternatively, they can be found on the club’s official website
