It wasn't pretty but we'll take it!

Firstly let me just say on a happy note, congratulations to a man who allowed Newcastle the chance to better themselves and gave us a fresh start a few years ago, last night on the BBC, he was honoured for services to football with a career spanning the length and breadth of Europe, PSV, Barcelona, Sporting, Ipswich, England and our very own Newcastle United-

-Sir Bobby Robson.

In the meantime- It’s hardly revolutionary tactics from Allardyce is it? It’s not like Birmingham were any great shakes.

Yet at the back we still looked venerable, time and time again, after many an attack from Birmingham, our defence was carved open.

Once again I don’t want to put a dampener on things, but I fear this may be Allardyce’s level, ‘nicking tight games against moderate opposition and maybe snatching the odd famous draw against one or two of the big boy’s- all this being at home, lets just forget about picking anything other than a couple of draw’s away from home.

N’Zogbia, Milner (IN THEIR CORRECT POSITIONS PLEASE!!) flying down both wings, is what is needed, against Birmingham, when Nicky Butt retired to his sick bed, we saw both flying down the flanks and causing all sorts of havoc, but this crazy idea of having a right footer crossing from the left or cutting inside to get a shot in, is absolutely ridiculous.

For two reason’s- The first being that N’Zogbia and Milner are BOTH fairly ambidextrous so can cross or shoot with BOTH feet, and the second being that putting a cross in with your right foot, from the LEFT, always favours the ‘keeper, whereas if you get closer to the byline and cross with your left foot from the LEFT the ball will be swirling away from the ‘keeper, causing all sorts of problems and favouring good headers of the ball- Ferdinand, Shearer, Ferguson, Viduka etc.

Now that were all a bit dizzy with all that left a bit right a bit, twisting and turning manoeuvres, it’s time to address the future- is this really going to get us anywhere, (Personally, I don’t think so) like I said I think Allardyce has just simply failed to step up to the level of Newcastle United,- Don’t take that as an arrogant statement- just merely pointing out that Newcastle United should be finishing higher in the table, than Portsmouth and not simply aspiring to ‘contain’ them and the likes of Birmingham.

I hope Allardyce has been stung over the last two weeks and that things change, I called him a ‘tactical fool’ three weeks ago for his bizarre and inept decisions from the dug-out-

-This still stands!!

Paul.

When there was stony silence in the dressing room after the Liverpool game, I wondered if Sam had the support of the players. The last three games have unequivocally shown the players have great spirit, and do support their new manager. That is by far the most important element of a successful club. No, we didn't win those three games, but you couldn't fault the spirit and effort of the players. The new manager, players, and important back room staff are bedding into place. They need stability and support. I don't think many of us feel that Sam has fully shaped his team yet, or that players are all playing in their best positions. The positive that has come out of the "inquest" into Newcastle's poor form, and provocative comments like Joey Barton's, is a resurging bond between the most patriotic fans and the players. The importance of the cheers was evident when Habib Beye, urged the crowd to raise the volume, before making his determined effort to win the game. The fans responded, and so did Habib. With the team spirit in place, I think it won't be long before Sam has the players "in place" too. Patience is needed - Sam, like everyone else - is learning as he goes.