Ahead of the away trip to the North East this weekend to take on Newcastle United, we had a chat with Jamie Baxter from fan site NUFC Fans. We thank Jamie for his time taking on our questions.
Q. Ahead of the new season, fans always have hopes and dreams for their team. What are yours for Newcastle United this season?
For me, our aim has to be the top six. That is not to say that I expect us to finish there but what is the point of a football club if not to compete for something. It does not matter if you are competing to win the league or competing just to stay in the league, my point is there has to be a real aim. Targeting a top ten finish simply is not good enough. Aside from the extra few quid you get, how is it any different to finishing 17th? So to answer your question, my dream is a top six finish but I imagine that we will finish 7th or 8th.
Q. What do you make of the squad that your manager Alan Pardew has assembled?
We have brought in seven players so far (plus two who have gone straight back on loan) but it still is not enough in my opinion. That might sound like the testament of a spoilt child to non-Newcastle fans, but I do not think that most people quite understand just how much of an overhaul was needed. Over the past eighteen months we have lost Cabaye and Ba, our two best players, and failed to replace either. Debuchy has been sold to Arsenal while Remy has turned down a permanent move to the club.
The departure of a further ten players this summer left us with not one recognised striker for the Manchester City game. That said, the club has done exceptionally so far in the window and have brought in some fantastic players. Janmaat, Cabella and de Jong look top class. Additionally, Colback and Riviere could turn out to be great bits of business. But a top striker is still needed if the club are serious about a European push, while another centre back would be nice too. I would rate Pardew’s squad as the 8th best in the league, which is not bad going.
Q. A lot of criticism was aimed at Pardew last season and more interestingly, in the build up to this season. Do you see your future with or without him?
With him. The man is un-sackable. I genuinely do not believe that there is another manager in the world who would have survived last season. Not only was the team’s form abysmal following the departure of Cabaye, he headbutted a player and called another manager a few choice names on live television. It was like he was trying to get the sack but the owner has no desire to get rid of a manager who will never complain or walk away, no matter how little money he spends. I wanted Pardew gone last year, but now that it is clear that he will not be sacked under any circumstances, there is little point in not getting behind him.
Q. The curious case of Ben Arfa. Does his still have a future at Newcastle?
Zero future whatsoever. He is not even being picked for the reserves anymore, which is quite something. He can be a terrific player on his day, but those days are few and far between and his attitude is poor. Pardew wants players who fight for the side and will get stuck in when necessary, and Ben Arfa does not provide that. If he is not sold by the end of the window I can see him having his contract terminated.
Q. If there was one former player (retired or not) that you would bring back that would make a difference to the current team, who would it be and why?
Alan Shearer, no question about it. I would have him back even if we were winning the league every year, but now that we are lacking up front it is especially apparent how much we are missing a player like him. He is the best player to have ever pulled on a black and white shirt and would grace Real Madrid’s attack today, and that is saying something.
Q. Going into the game against Palace, who do you consider the one player that we should look out for?
Remy Cabella ran rings around Manchester City at times last Sunday, so you should definitely be wary of him, but I would say Siem de Jong is now our best player. The Dutchman just oozes class and would have caused City huge problems had he been fit. I would compare him to a young Gerrard in that he is a fantastic passer of the ball, gets himself into the box and is a quality finisher as well, not least from distance. I would expect him to notch at least ten goals this year, so do not be surprised to see him put one in the top corner from 30 yards on Saturday.
Q. Which player from the Palace line up do consider a threat to Newcastle?
I will say Frazier Campbell. The lad has a bit of pace about him and our defence is not the quickest, so he could cause us a few problems at the back. Google Shane Long against Newcastle. A very good example of how badly we struggle against pacey strikers.
Q. After a successful return to the Premier league last season, how do you see Palace doing this season?
Well I originally had Palace down to finish 13th but I have to confess that I am not so sure about that now Pulis has gone. It all depends on who replaces him and whether he continues with Pulis’ style or tries to change things. I am writing this on the 20th August so I do not know who has been brought in or if any significant signings have been made but I am going to say 16th.
Q. Your prediction for this game?
I am going to have to go for a Newcastle win. Your defence looks pretty solid but I just cannot see how you are going to cope with our midfield, particularly as the away side. I will go with Newcastle 2-1 Palace.
Q. And finally, tell us a little about yourselves and anything that you wish to promote.
You can check out our site online at nufcfans.co.uk and we are on Twitter @NUFCfans and Facebook.
