End of Season Report

[Gemmill 44539]

Gemmill, you said that Christmas Tree's expectations were low.

In 1996-97, Ginola was with us and we finished second. But he only made 24 appearances and only scored once. You can't argue he deserved it more than Zola. And as much of Toon supporter as I am, surely you're not suggesting he sould have gotten it over Cantona in '95-96? .)

 

and then you said this.

, people allow their expectation levels to sneak back up. Christmas Tree for instance, was adamant that Carroll was going nowhere in January (one prediction he doesn't like to bring up) and was sick when we sold him. But now he's bouncing again and it's simply because he's allowed a bit of silence from the idiots in charge to reset his expectations. Some people aren't that forgetful.

 

Okay, you use the word 'expectations' in 2 different ways, I can see that.

But regarding the use of the word 'expectations' in the FIRST way, what should our expectations be?

We should expect to challenge for Europe. We should expect to challenge for the two domestic cups. We should expect to fight to keep our best players and to sign players that demonstrate an ambition to improve.

 

None of this is rocket science.

[Christmas Tree 4711]

A person's rating of the outlook for the club depends entirely on their expectations. CT's A rating reflects the fact that his expectations are low. He's happy with also-ran, top 10/top half of the bottom 10, plucky performances against the top teams, variable performances against everyone else and mediocre signings. And the fact that we are now a selling club.

 

That's the only explanation for rating the current outlook for the club as A grade. Well, that or he's on the wind-up. Or he's just stupid.

 

Apart from some more dramatic tones, that's not a bad appraisal.

 

Some fans realise that success at Newcastle is a very rare commodity and has been for the main in 70 years. Our ride under KK was a blip not the norm. Those who see it as the norm or "our right" or however you want to describe it, are the ones who will constantly have this negative outlook.

 

Those who accept it was indeed a blip can more easily return to being an also ran yet still get enjoyment out of following Newcastle.

 

Unless the new financial regulations have a big impact (which I think they may) or a sheik buys us out, then there is no prospect us really competing with the Top four anytime soon.

 

I would also note that my outlook A is a 12 month outlook and I do expect us to start next year stronger than this and perform better than this.

 

Newcastle fans should know better than most that it is all about the "team", not individual stars.

 

So how is any of that A grade. You're predicting a C grade future and ranking it as A grade.

 

 

I suppose my scale was like this....

 

 

D = relegation

 

C = relegation scrap

 

B = mid table mediocrity

 

A = notable improvement all round from this year.

[Irrelevant Nick KP 0]

We aren't that far away from challenging for Europe.

The the domestic cups can be won with a bit of luck.

But I do think we should make an effort in each cup match, and not field a weakened team or anything like that.

[Christmas Tree 4711]

Gemmill, you said that Christmas Tree's expectations were low.

In 1996-97, Ginola was with us and we finished second. But he only made 24 appearances and only scored once. You can't argue he deserved it more than Zola. And as much of Toon supporter as I am, surely you're not suggesting he sould have gotten it over Cantona in '95-96? .)

 

and then you said this.

, people allow their expectation levels to sneak back up. Christmas Tree for instance, was adamant that Carroll was going nowhere in January (one prediction he doesn't like to bring up) and was sick when we sold him. But now he's bouncing again and it's simply because he's allowed a bit of silence from the idiots in charge to reset his ex

pectations. Some people aren't that forgetful.

 

Okay, you use the word 'expectations' in 2 different ways, I can see that.

But regarding the use of the word 'expectations' in the FIRST way, what should our expectations be?

We should expect to challenge for Europe. We should expect to challenge for the two domestic cups. We should expect to fight to keep our best players and to sign players that demonstrate an ambition to improve.

 

None of this is rocket science.

 

As none of the above has happened regularly in yours, your parents or your grand parents lifetime, why should we expect it?

[Gemmill 44539]

Oh, I see. You think we should be challenging to win the Champions League, do you?

How do you propose we get into that position?

Is that what I said like? Stop talking to me you annoying prick.

[Irrelevant Nick KP 0]

I made a mistake, which is why I deleted it.

[Gemmill 44539]

Gemmill, you said that Christmas Tree's expectations were low.

In 1996-97, Ginola was with us and we finished second. But he only made 24 appearances and only scored once. You can't argue he deserved it more than Zola. And as much of Toon supporter as I am, surely you're not suggesting he sould have gotten it over Cantona in '95-96? .)

 

and then you said this.

, people allow their expectation levels to sneak back up. Christmas Tree for instance, was adamant that Carroll was going nowhere in January (one prediction he doesn't like to bring up) and was sick when we sold him. But now he's bouncing again and it's simply because he's allowed a bit of silence from the idiots in charge to reset his ex

pectations. Some people aren't that forgetful.

 

Okay, you use the word 'expectations' in 2 different ways, I can see that.

But regarding the use of the word 'expectations' in the FIRST way, what should our expectations be?

We should expect to challenge for Europe. We should expect to challenge for the two domestic cups. We should expect to fight to keep our best players and to sign players that demonstrate an ambition to improve.

 

None of this is rocket science.

 

As none of the above has happened regularly in yours, your parents or your grand parents lifetime, why should we expect it?

 

If you can't see a reason for expecting better than has been served up in the past, that's your problem. We've been shown what is possible with this football club and we should aspire to return to that. We shouldn't view a mediocre future as A grade. Even if it's what we are all used to, that doesn't make it A grade.

 

Anyway look, I know you put that in as a wind up, and I'm not here to do a little dance for you and engage in pages of debate about why you're wrong. Thanks for the chat.

[Happy Face 29]

The Boardroom. B+

 

Compared to recent seasons, this one has definitely being an improvement. Most of the time they have just got on with the immediate task at hand which was sorting out the financial mess the club was in. The promise of a break even season this year and a profitable one next, can only be good news for the rebuilding program.

 

 

On the other hand they sacked Hughton who was performing above expectations, replaced him with someone that's performed no better, sold our best player, got into a slagging match with Shearer, failed to sell ANY of the advertising space they claim to just be showcasing with Sports Drect, moved thousands of fans who didn't want to move, jeopardised the atmosphere in the ground going forward, screwed up the renewals process so badly no-one even has a clue if they've received our applications or not and announced massive losses in their accounts.

 

Is my glass half empty?

[Irrelevant Nick KP 0]

The Boardroom. B+

 

Compared to recent seasons, this one has definitely being an improvement. Most of the time they have just got on with the immediate task at hand which was sorting out the financial mess the club was in. The promise of a break even season this year and a profitable one next, can only be good news for the rebuilding program.

 

 

On the other hand they sacked Hughton who was performing above expectations, replaced him with someone that's performed no better, sold our best player, got into a slagging match with Shearer, failed to sell ANY of the advertising space they claim to just be showcasing with Sports Drect, moved thousands of fans who didn't want to move, jeopardised the atmosphere in the ground going forward, screwed up the renewals process so badly no-one even has a clue if they've received our applications or not and announced massive losses in their accounts.

 

Is my glass half empty?

Got into a slagging match with Shearer?

Please, tell us a little bit of detail.

[Happy Face 29]

The Boardroom. B+

 

Compared to recent seasons, this one has definitely being an improvement. Most of the time they have just got on with the immediate task at hand which was sorting out the financial mess the club was in. The promise of a break even season this year and a profitable one next, can only be good news for the rebuilding program.

 

 

On the other hand they sacked Hughton who was performing above expectations, replaced him with someone that's performed no better, sold our best player, got into a slagging match with Shearer, failed to sell ANY of the advertising space they claim to just be showcasing with Sports Drect, moved thousands of fans who didn't want to move, jeopardised the atmosphere in the ground going forward, screwed up the renewals process so badly no-one even has a clue if they've received our applications or not and announced massive losses in their accounts.

 

Is my glass half empty?

Got into a slagging match with Shearer?

Please, tell us a little bit of detail.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/...rroll-sale.html

[Irrelevant Nick KP 0]

Yes, you're right. Shearer and Llambias got into a slagging match.

[Irrelevant Nick KP 0]

May I suggest to Shearer that is was staggering to offer him a new contract worth 100,000 a week, in 2004???

[Christmas Tree 4711]

PMT Gemmil?

[Happy Face 29]

We aren't that far away from challenging for Europe.

 

 

At the moment we'd need another 5 wins. That would mean doubling the number of wins we've managed either home or away.

 

By the end of the season it'll be a wider margin.

 

Not far?

 

Is it still half term or what?

[Irrelevant Nick KP 0]

I don't mean we can qualify this season.

I mean next season we may be able to.

[loonyTOON 10]

Think people are been too hasty in judging Pardew. He came in when most fans were raging over Hughton sacking, took over another manager's players/purchases and had to try and keep us up. He had one transfer window, which was the shortest and the most difficult to bring in quality for a good price. I think judgements should be made around November next season.

 

Its makes me laugh really. Hyperthetically speaking, if he keeps tiote, barton, nolan, enrique etc and brings in 4-5 quality players and we're suddenly competing higher up the table (around europa spot), people will be on here stating their love for the man and how well he's done. All forgeting the slating he's taken on here.

 

Give him time to judge.

[Christmas Tree 4711]

The Boardroom. B+

 

Compared to recent seasons, this one has definitely being an improvement. Most of the time they have just got on with the immediate task at hand which was sorting out the financial mess the club was in. The promise of a break even season this year and a profitable one next, can only be good news for the rebuilding program.

 

 

On the other hand they sacked Hughton who was performing above expectations, replaced him with someone that's performed no better, sold our best player, got into a slagging match with Shearer, failed to sell ANY of the advertising space they claim to just be showcasing with Sports Drect, moved thousands of fans who didn't want to move, jeopardised the atmosphere in the ground going forward, screwed up the renewals process so badly no-one even has a clue if they've received our applications or not and announced massive losses in their accounts.

 

Is my glass half empty?

 

Yes

[Happy Face 29]

I don't mean we can qualify this season.

I mean next season we may be able to.

 

And I may be able to pull Katy Perry.

 

It's always about what we're going to do under Ashley innit. Come back once he's done it, I'll admit I was wrong.

[Kitman 2204]

Think people are been too hasty in judging Pardew. He came in when most fans were raging over Hughton sacking, took over another manager's players/purchases and had to try and keep us up. He had one transfer window, which was the shortest and the most difficult to bring in quality for a good price. I think judgements should be made around November next season.

 

Its makes me laugh really. Hyperthetically speaking, if he keeps tiote, barton, nolan, enrique etc and brings in 4-5 quality players and we're suddenly competing higher up the table (around europa spot), people will be on here stating their love for the man and how well he's done. All forgeting the slating he's taken on here.

 

Give him time to judge.

 

In this thread? Haven't most people just said he's been average but let's judge him on next season?

[McFaul 35]

The Boardroom. B+

 

Compared to recent seasons, this one has definitely being an improvement. Most of the time they have just got on with the immediate task at hand which was sorting out the financial mess the club was in. The promise of a break even season this year and a profitable one next, can only be good news for the rebuilding program.

 

 

On the other hand they sacked Hughton who was performing above expectations, replaced him with someone that's performed no better, sold our best player, got into a slagging match with Shearer, failed to sell ANY of the advertising space they claim to just be showcasing with Sports Drect, moved thousands of fans who didn't want to move, jeopardised the atmosphere in the ground going forward, screwed up the renewals process so badly no-one even has a clue if they've received our applications or not and announced massive losses in their accounts.

 

Is my glass half empty?

 

Yes

Oh dear. Not one other phrase for it. Put yourself in the position of someone who goes to games and has done for years, then read his post again. My glass is 19/20ths empty because I've thrown it in the face of anyone who has ANYTHING positive to say about Ashley.

[scoular 0]

IMO there is only one way to realistically judge our current performance. This is to compare us with clubs who are of a comparative size and history.

These are:

Spurs

Everton

Villa

Everton and Spurs still need to build new stadia, not sure about Villa.

I would suggest that we are now in a much stronger position to move forward, as we are more financially stable, certainly than either Villa or Everton.

Remember that Rednap has a history of leaving clubs on the verge of administration, so it is not easy to assess Spurs current financial position.

I would have put Chelsea and Man City in our bracket, but they both have fairy godfathers.

I am quietly optimistic.

[Dr Gloom 21861]

Oh, I see. You think we should be challenging to win the Champions League, do you?

How do you propose we get into that position?

Is that what I said like? Stop talking to me you annoying prick.

 

 

nick destroyed

[Dr Gloom 21861]

If you can't see a reason for expecting better than has been served up in the past, that's your problem. We've been shown what is possible with this football club and we should aspire to return to that. We shouldn't view a mediocre future as A grade. Even if it's what we are all used to, that doesn't make it A grade.

 

Anyway look, I know you put that in as a wind up, and I'm not here to do a little dance for you and engage in pages of debate about why you're wrong. Thanks for the chat.

 

you're on fire today Gemmill

[Dr Gloom 21861]

for what it's worth:

 

The Boardroom - U

The Manager - C

The Team - B

The Media - D

Outlook - E

[ChezGiven 0]

If you take a neutral view on the board, there are reasons to be optimistic. What i mean by that is that you dont need to expect them to be positive (or act in a way they ought to / we expect them to) for the outlook to be positive.

 

A neutral outlook is 'the minimum you'd expect the board of NUFC to provide the management over the summer'. In this case, the minimum would be a concerted effort to keep Enrique, ensure Tiote stays, replace Carroll and not much more. Obviously we need a couple of extra bodies and if Larsson, a defender and an attacker came in and no-one left, we'd be right to be positive (given clubs closest to us dont massively improve their squads). If you look at the margins between 1 point and 3 points this season and the performances of the team, you know we have been rarely out-played, for the most part are always in the game and have drawn quite a few we should have won.

 

However, the scenario that looks most likely is on the one hand bringing in a player like Mouusa Sow whilst at the same time selling Enrique to Liverpool and not really addressing the squad issues. If this is the case, then as much as luck could have seen us 6 to 9 points better off this season, it could see us 6 to 9 points worse off next season. Thats a real concern until the end of the summer.