The Fish

We got 2.22PpG in our last season in the Championship and we weren't being lead by Captain Marvel

in other words, back it up or shut it down.

Avg. 93 for Champions, 87 for 2nd, 73 for 6th place. We'd need to average 2.07pts a game to get 9, but that was always going to be the case.

Best striker at the club last season, probably best striker at the club this season too, and popping a winky face doesn't make you look less wrong.

Cover for Mitro, surely.

What're you on about man? We're going to do the treble this year!

On it.

No, I don't think we're going to buy a new CB, but I reckon the ones we've got will be good enough to get out of the Championship. I mean, we got promoted with Colo, Taylor, Williamson, Khizanishvili, Fitz Hall and Kadar! Mbemba will get used to the league, Lascelles, Hanley and Clark are all much of a muchness, though the former has the potential to improve beyond the latter two imo. I think having an actual Left Back will make a massive difference. As will a midfield and attack that keep the ball and thus lessen the pressure the defence endures.

dat hair tho

Yes, because I'm anticipating the new additions to provide a balance that has thus far been lacking. Most teams won't try and play a possession game at St James' and I trust that if we dominate the ball Aarons, Armstrong, Gayle, Perez and Ritchie will create enough opportunities between them, to pry open most Championship defences. Even if it's just winning a freekick or corner. I'm hoping we're going to add another striker in a similar mould to Mitrovic so that when he's missing through injury or suspension we aren't faced with Gayle and Perez trying to out-muscle Lewis Dunk. I'm also hoping we're going to sign a proper Left back as I think that, while Dummett had a decent game there vs Reading we need a specialist to provide balance to the side and free Ritchie up more. A Right Winger would be the icing on the cake. I don't think 3 signings is unfeasible and Benitez said as much earlier this week.

Grew up in the North East, but was born in Ireland if you believe IMDB, he moved South when he was about 12-13. Stevie would be losing his shit; 92-er, OOT Irish/mackem, into hip-hop and American sports and the theatre and yet he's the host of a popular(ish) Newcastle United podcast. *he wasn't really born in Ireland and I'm sure he wasn't born in Sunderland, but I'll have to check.

What this result has shown is that, despite concerns prior to it, there are goals in the team. Much of the complaints of the previous fixtures were a lack of confidence and decisiveness in front of goal. The brace for Gayle will do wonders for his self-belief and the decent performances for Shelvey and Hayden will help them too. I'm confident we'll take momentum from this (flattering) win and, with the addition of a couple of players and the return ofDiame and Mitrovic etc. we'll see an improvement throughout the squad.

I think Diame will add a lot to our dynamism, but I'd like to see a Jonjo Shelvey Mk II. One who uses the skills that ours has, but isn't always looking for the Hollywood ball, who doesn't go missing in away games and who isn't petulant.

Decent gap between his predicted and the actual score line too. @yoursevice is the best predictor so far; 2 correct results, 1 correct scoreline and only a few goals out. Mind you he's chosen a username that knackers the tagging feature, so he can get fucked.

Leaving London end of August so I'll be on for at least one more. Also probably do a few more, whenever I'm visiting mates in London. No idea. There's one that sounds like Jeremy Hardy? That's Fergus Craig, who you might remember from such shows as Jonathan Creek, Extras, or Hoff the Record.

Should have put some money on it.

You massive fanny, as has been said, the standard of the league is shit, these players (plus the ones we're yet to sign) under this manager, we'll not only get promoted but we'll likely get an automatic spot. Don't know what you mean... This.

is that 4-1 or 5-1?

Hoo, Tubs, get your vote in!

I'd guess it'd be Meev? Edit- So close.

Jokic did well at Forest last year, but dunno if Villareal would loan him out again and he's getting on a bit. Joe Bryan from Bristol is young and exciting, but I dunno.

I agree, but I dunno if Galloway would be keen and I don't know if Galloway is the right man for the job. He's not a specialised LB by all accounts and we may be just getting a Dummett with a bit more pedigree.

I think that's a good shield, but we need a good sword to actually win games. Be it a rapier or a fucking claymore.