by David Wilson on September 1, 2010
For the first time Premier League teams had to name a 25-man squad for the first half of the EPL season and there was a couple of surprises.
All 20 clubs had to submit a squad of up to 25 players containing no more than 17 players who do not qualify as homegrown. Homegrown players are classed as players who “irrespective of his nationality or age, has been registered with any club affiliated to the Football Association or the Football Association of Wales for a period, continuous or not, of three entire seasons or 36 months prior to his 21st birthday”. Read more... (1279 words, 1 image, estimated 5:07 mins reading time)
by Damian Cooper on August 11, 2010
So we draw ever nearer to the big kick-off and take a look at some more of the sides looking to make a big splash in the EPL this season.
Stoke City – Stoke are always tough to play against and any good fantasy soccer manager usually has a Stoke player or two in their side to boost their chances of a clean sheet. Yet Stoke don’t score lots of goals and so their points total at the end of the season is always modest. The side from the Potteries finished in 11th place last season which is no mean feat, and will hope to establish themselves in the top half this term. Tony Pulis hasn’t brought a striker in yet this off season but rumours are rife that Sunderland’s Kenwyne Jones is on his way to the Brittania Stadium. This could be an excellent signing for City, as Jones would definitely fit the style of play that Pulis has instilled in his team. A twenty-goal a season man could well be the key to improving their league position if they can remain defensively solid. Read more... (511 words, 1 image, estimated 2:03 mins reading time)
by Damian Cooper on June 17, 2010
On the day that the Premier League fixtures were announced, the new boys in the competition will have been reminded (if they needed reminding) of the tough task that lies ahead.
Newcaste United spent just one season in the Championship, and former back room staff member Chris Hughton remains at the helm. West Brom fans will be hoping to stay in one place for a bit longer than usual, as their side continue to bounce between the divisions. As for Blackpool, they must be delirious. Read more... (498 words, 1 image, estimated 1:60 mins reading time)
by David Wilson on May 5, 2009
Great article in the Sun about how Alan Shearer had a massive dressing-room bust-up with Joey Barton after Newcastle’s 3-0 defeat at Liverpool.
Apparently Shearer was steaming at Barton for getting sent off for an ugly late lunge at Reds rival Xabi Alonso. But as the Toon boss tore into the £5.8m player, telling him he had let himself and the club down, Barton replied: “You’re a s*** manager with s*** tactics.”
The pair went head to head and had to be pulled apart just as they were about to come to blows.
A Newcastle insider said: Read more... (250 words, 1 image, estimated 1:00 mins reading time)
by David Wilson on March 31, 2009
Various media outlets in the U.K. are reporting that Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer is set to be appointed as Newcastle manager until the end of the season.
Newcastle, who are without a full-time manager since Joe Kinnear took a leave of absence to undergo heart surgery, have taken a huge gamble on the former striker. Shearer has long been viewed as the choice of some of the more vocal St. James’ fans to lead the Geordie outfit. Having scored in excess of 200 goals for his hometown club in a ten year period, he is regarded as a hero on Tyneside. However, he has no management experience either in the top flight or below. Read more... (197 words, 1 image, estimated 47 secs reading time)
by David Wilson on March 11, 2009
Newcastle caretaker boss Chris Hughton is hoping that a fit Michael Owen can help guide Newcastle to safety with the striker set to return for Saturday’s trip to Hull. Owen, 29, has missed five games with an ankle problem and during that time the Magpies have slipped to one point above the Premier League relegation zone. Read more... (228 words, 1 image, estimated 55 secs reading time)
by The Yank on November 27, 2008
Nickname(s): The Magpies, The Toon
2008/2009 Position: 17th
2007/2008 Finish: 12th
Coach: Joe Kinnear (Ireland)
Stadium: St. James Park (52,387 capacity)
Key Players: Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins, Damien Duff
History:
Newcastle was founded in 1892 as a result of the merger of two clubs, Newcastle East End and Newcastle West End. They have not had any league success since 1927, and have not won any major tournament of note since the 1960s. The team is now mired in financial trouble and looks to be heading towards the back of the Premier League. Read more... (249 words, estimated 60 secs reading time)
by The Yank on November 19, 2008
Less than a week ago, major media outlets were reporting that Mark Cuban, billionaire entrepreneur and owner of the NBA’s Dallas Mavericks, was looking to purchase Newcastle United from unpopular team owner Michael Ashley. The pundits espoused the idea that Cuban’s dedication and personality could be an ideal fit for the squad and its notoriously passionate supporters.
Well, what a difference a week makes. Instead of dropping 225 million pounds on an EPL squad, Cuban will likely be spending boatloads of his money on keeping himself out of jail. Two days ago, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission filed suit against Cuban for insider trading. Read more... (422 words, estimated 1:41 mins reading time)
