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In this week’s edition of Premier League Tactics Corner, we dive into Newcastle’s use of Emmanuel Riviere and Queens Park Rangers’ three-back system.
Holding It Up
Aston Villa did not put a shot on target in Saturday’s early game against Newcastle United, and the Magpies should have walked away victorious had their finishing been clinical. But as seen in this t-shirt, <a href="http:\/\/www.theblizzard.co.uk/product/beauty-in-the-struggle/)">‘the beauty is in the struggle’</a>.
We often look at goals and comment or rave about a player’s technical ability. There are articles aplenty across the Internet that gouge at the lovely skill of strikers, and critics always take to social media to nag one if it’s in the midst of a drought. Forwards have one job that is not appreciated as much, simply because it is not sexy, and that is hold up play.
Newcastle’s summer signing Emmanuel Riviere is the most important piece of its build up play.
For some quick background on him, Riviere played for Monaco last season and scored 10 goals in 19 appearances coupled with a pair of assists. That isn’t too bad for a player that came on as a sub 11 of those 19 times. Assuming he stays clear of the medical treatment room, this will be the first season since 2010-11, where he’ll be one of the main men. In addition, he is not going to get off many shots. Pre-Newcastle, the most shots per game he averaged was 1.9, which also came in 2010-11, his last season with Saint Etienne. So aside from that, what drew Alan Pardew to him?
It’s this…
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RivierevVilla21.gif"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RivierevVilla21.gif"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-114984" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140826_WST_114981_RivierevVilla21.webp&amp;width=518&amp;height=331" alt="RivierevVilla21" width="518" height="331"></a></figure></div>
Riviere is excellent at finding space where he can get on the ball and deliver a short lay-off pass to a teammate. When analysts talk about getting others involved in the buildup, the above and below clips are exactly what they’re talking about. Riviere is an outlet for the defense and that is what makes him so interesting. Think of Newcastle’s attacking movement as a ladder. He is a rung on it and once he gets the ball and lays it off, everyone else can climb up it with him.
Here’s an example. Newcastle start an attack in the GIF below when Riviere holds off Philippe Senderos.
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RivierevVilla25.gif"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RivierevVilla25.gif"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-114985" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140826_WST_114981_RivierevVilla25.webp&amp;width=513&amp;height=308" alt="RivierevVilla25" width="513" height="308"></a></figure></div>
By the end of that minute, he is used as a pivot for Darryl Janmaat at the top of the 18-yard box. He can hold up and lay-off anywhere on the pitch.
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RivierevVilla25.2.gif"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/RivierevVilla25.2.gif"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-114986" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140826_WST_114981_RivierevVilla25.2.webp&amp;width=513&amp;height=335" alt="RivierevVilla25.2" width="513" height="335"></a></figure></div>
It’s textbook stuff, but once the new signings start to gel with Riviere, especially Remy Cabella, Newcastle will have a solid attack. Riviere only found Cabella once against Villa, though he did hit five sideways passes to Yoan Gouffran.
Winless in its first two, Pardew’s men will rue the points dropped against Villa, but the club seems to be headed in the right direction.
Redknapp’s Regret
Three Premier League teams have adopted a back three this season. One is familiar with the system, as Steve Bruce has worked with it for a few years at Hull City, while the other two are not. There has been a lot of scrutiny of Louis van Gaal’s system at Manchester United, even though Harry Redknapp is employing his own version of the three-back formation at <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/08/16/queens-park-rangers-201415-season-preview/">Queens Park Rangers</a>.
After a disastrous first half against Tottenham, in which his side went down 3-0, he opted for a four-back system. The reason was <a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/2014/08/19/premier-league-tactics-corner-man-utd-swansea-liverpool-southampton-leicester-everton/#comments">different from van Gaal’s switch last week</a>, though, as Spurs’ attacking four were interchanging and QPR often had a line of five marking one person at most. In transition, the defense was atrocious and the effort and communication was not there.
Before we look at the goals though, QPR can make this system work. The most important piece of the system is the wing-backs, and Redknapp has those. He signed Mauricio Isla to play on the right and has Armand Traore for the left. The former is perfect for the system, while the latter has experience playing at both left-back and left wing, so one would think he could become a good fit.
QPR has a healthy mix in midfield, as Leroy Fer is capable of providing a bit of creativity and Joey Barton, as volatile and reckless as he may be, is willing to run like a mad man across the pitch to win back possession – see the nine turnovers he created on Sunday. Up front Loic Remy is the only piece of attack with value though, as Matthew Phillips is still a raw talent.
While the pieces seem to be there, going forward, the decision-making needs to be faster. The 3-5-2 is not a system for tiki-taka, but one for rapid attacks. The ball needs to be worked into the feet of the wing-back or the forward players immediately, otherwise, the team is forced to fire long balls forward.
QPR can be successful though, and they showed it here. With seven players pushed up so high, it gives the team an opportunity to win the ball higher up the field and frustrate the opposition in possession. If an opposing player can work his way into the middle, one of the midfielders can cut out play, as Barton does below.
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/QPRvSpurs11.gif"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/QPRvSpurs11.gif"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-114987" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140826_WST_114981_QPRvSpurs11.webp&amp;width=521&amp;height=301" alt="QPRvSpurs11" width="521" height="301"></a></figure></div>
It works again later in the match, as Jordan Mutch wins the ball, before slipping in attack.
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/QPRvSpurs27.gif"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/QPRvSpurs27.gif"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-114988" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140826_WST_114981_QPRvSpurs27.webp&amp;width=526&amp;height=319" alt="QPRvSpurs27" width="526" height="319"></a></figure></div>
And here too, when Isla is sent down the right.
<a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/QPRvSpurs28.gif"></a><div><figure class="image"><a href="https:\/\/worldsoccertalk.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/QPRvSpurs28.gif"><img loading="lazy" class="alignnone wp-image-114989" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20140826_WST_114981_QPRvSpurs28.webp&amp;width=524&amp;height=334" alt="QPRvSpurs28" width="524" height="334"></a></figure></div>
Redknapp’s biggest problem is that the back three though, because they look out of sorts, especially when the game is in transition, as seen in this sequence leading to Nacer Chadli’s first of the game.
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As Spurs rush down the pitch, Chadli and Nabil Bentaleb make direct forward runs as Emmanuel Adebayor strolls down the left. Steven Caulker and Rio Ferdinand communicate, though the latter calls the former off the ball too late. Nevertheless, the two can get into position, but Richard Dunne looks lost. Not only does he look lost in the system, but just abandoned in general, as if he can’t even believe he’s playing in a Premier League match. His hands are by his side too, but the defending is even more shocking, because this attack is not developing at breakneck speed. When Chadli gets near the six-yard box, Dunne is too deep and his desperate kick misses the Belgian, allowing the Spurs man to finish with ease.
Here’s Dunne again, a couple of minutes after the goal. He juts into the GIF tracking a Christian Eriksen run. After the Dane gets into the box though, just watch Dunne get sucked too deep. He then switches off and tries to figure out where he is supposed to be.
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A similar sequence happens on the third Spurs goal. To be fair, there is a lot going on in the transition from attack to defense and Tottenham’s interchanging movement is really clever and of course, the ball from Erik Lamela sublime.
To start the sequence, Dunne has stepped forward. It’s not a bad decision from him, until he’s wrong-sided by a clever roll from the Argentine. Once he is beaten though, Dunne follows Lamela and does not get back into position. Now, if he is shoulder to shoulder with Lamela, he should stay with him, but because he has lost the man and has cover, Dunne should head back to mark a runner, while Ferdinand or Caulker challenge the dribbler. Instead, Dunne ball-watches, as Chadli slips Isla to get on the end of the lofted cross.
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Redknapp removed Dunne at the break, whether that was out of punishment, or because Nedum Onuoha is his preferred right-back and the manager panicked to change the system, is unclear.
QPR should have turned the match into a training exercise, though, instead of abandoning the system. There was no way the team was going to avenge the deficit, so it makes little sense to go into damage control mode. Playing shadow football in training is one thing, but there is no better way for players to learn a system than in a match.

Premier League Tactics Corner: Aston Villa-Newcastle United &amp; Tottenham Hotspur-QPR - World Soccer Talk

Premier League Tactics Corner: Aston Villa-Newcastle United & Tottenham Hotspur-QPR

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“Fact Or Fiction” is a series that will be run every Friday. In this series, an assertion will be made regarding an impacting topic in the Premier League. EPL Talk writers Matt Hackenmiller and Earl Reed each offer their views on whether the statement is “Fact or Fiction.”
Fact or Fiction: Outside of the Big Two from Manchester, Newcastle United has been the third best team in the Premier League so far this season.
MH: Fact by default. Newcastle has not lost yet this season and they have played fine football for the most part. They have also showed an ability to get points away from St. James’s Park. But picking the third best team to this point is a very tricky endeavor. Liverpool looked to that team early, but they have struggled of late. Chelsea has been uninspiring in their victories. Arsenal? I won’t go there. It could be Tottenham if they continue to play the way they did last weekend. At this point, I would say Newcastle United are the third best team in the league, although they could be knocked from that pedestal quite soon.
ER: Fiction. The Magpies have been a good team thus far, a surprise given the losses of Andy Carroll, Kevin Nolan, Jose Enrique and Joey Barton over the last 9 months. The players who remain, with a few key additions, have coalesced and found some solid early results this season. But for me, their fixture list has been somewhat kind to start the season. As Matt has said, no team has stood out to clearly be considered third-best. Chelsea hasn’t always looked at ease, which might be expected with a new manager and a haunted forward. Newcastle United and Aston Villa have been draw-happy. Stoke would be a choice, but their dismantling against a reeling Sunderland is a stain on their season thus far. Compared to those teams, Chelsea has been better on a more consistent basis: three wins and their only loss at Old Trafford.
What do you think, is it fact or fiction that Newcastle United has been the third best team in the Premier League so far this season?

Newcastle United: Third Best? - World Soccer Talk

Newcastle United: Third Best?

<div id="attachment_28416" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/toonmackems.jpg"><div><figure class="image"></figure></div></a>The only thing that matters in the North East this weekend</div>
This weekend will see the Wear-Tyne derby as Sunderland and Newcastle look to grab local bragging rights once again. The last derby game, at St. James’ Park, ended up with Sunderland on the end of a 5-1 drubbing and although that was considered one of the most anticipated derby games in recent seasons,&nbsp;Sunday’s game should be just as heated for much different reasons. Newcastle have decided to rock the boat once again this season and Alan Pardew will take control for his first local derby, coming off a terrible 3-1 defeat to League Two Stevenage. Sunderland were just as disappointed at the weekend as they lost 2-1 at home to League One Notts Country and it would appear that for one side the misery is about to carry on that little bit longer. Sunderland will be hungry for revenge after the first derby defeat and Newcastle will hope they can continue their wonderful record of playing Sunderland, with only one defeat in the last 12 against their bitter rivals. The North East had a disappointing week in cup competitions (even Berwick Rangers, from Northumberland, lost in the Scottish cup!), so I thought I’d go some of the great things that the North East has given the game of football (cheer us all up a bit, I guess!).
Sir Bobby &amp; Jack Charlton:
<div id="attachment_28413" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/bobbyjackcharlton.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28413" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-28413" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20110110_WST_28407_bobbyjackcharlton-300x216.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=216" alt="" width="300" height="216"></figure></div></a>The two brothers - pre comb-over...</div>
Born in Ashington Northumberland, the two Charlton brothers are some of the most recognised and celebrated footballers in English football history. Their most notable achievement was winning England’s only World Cup in history, yet both have distinguished playing careers for rival clubs. The younger brother, Bobby, is heralded as a hero at Manchester United and one of their greatest ever players, whereas Jack made his name at Leeds United; at the time some considered him the best centre back England had ever produced. Bobby is the all time leading goalscorer for his country and will forever be remembered for his blistering long range efforts that used to terrify opposition goalkeepers. Jack Charlton is known as a <a href="http:\/\/www.nytimes.com/1993/11/16/sports/16iht-jack.html">hero in the Republic of Ireland</a> after leading them to the World Cup finals and bringing glory to a country that had been known as a footballing minnow previously, with the public forever being grateful for <a href="http:\/\/www.youtube.com/watch?v=wSJVL74OlQk">his no nonsense style</a>. Unfortunately, <a href="http:\/\/www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-478164/The-truth-bitter-feud-Jack-Bobby-Charlton.html">the two brothers are no longer on speaking terms after a falling out</a> that related to family issues as many back in local Ashington champion Jack as a local hero whereas there is a lot of detest for Bobby. When their mother got sick, Bobby never came back to visit her in hospital which angered many in the community, most prominently Jack who became upset at Bobby’s actions. Jack still looks to help the local area where he grew up in; he even recently performed the ribbon cutting for the opening of the new Ashington ASDA supermarket!

The Milburn family and Jackie Milburn:
Bobby and Jack Charlton are also part of this unique North East footballing dynasty, yet many within the game are unaware with how well one Ashington family served the early years of the professional game. Jack and Jimmy Milburn, who both played for Leeds United and Bradford, George Milburn, who played for Leeds United and Chesterfield and Stan Milburn who played for Chesterfield, Leicester and Rochdale. Family members were overshadowed however by the softly spoken and modest Jackie Milburn, who became a hero at local Newcastle United. The English football hall of famer played for the Toon between 1943-57, becoming Newcastle’s all time record goal scorer until Alan Shearer recently broke the record. Despite being a prolific goalscorer for Newcastle and leading them to many title successes, he only played 13 times for England, scoring an impressive 10 goals in that time. At one point, Milburn used to play for Newcastle while also keeping his job down the local coal mine. Milburn used to learn greatly from another Newcastle number nine, Hughie Gallacher and the impact he had on the local area is clear to see, with a statue of the man in local Ashington as well as Newcastle itself. The most noticeable sign of his impact however can be seen as the St. James’ Park tribute to the great man, having a stand named in his honour.
Brian Clough:
Although you may hear Newcastle and Sunderland fans chant “you’re just a small town in Yorkshire” to their Middlesbrough counterparts, ‘Boro produced one of the most loved and exciting English managers of the 20th century, who recently had his life dramatised in “The Damned United”. Not many people realise how impressive a footballer Clough was, having a great goal scoring record for both Middlesbrough and Sunderland, although a serious injury meant his career ended prematurely. His efforts as a manager left many to label him as the “greatest English manager that never led his country”, with Clough brining success to Derby Country and Nottingham Forest, even managing to retain the European Cup with Forest; something that has been very rare in the competition’s great history. Clough will always be known as one of the greatest and most interesting characters of the English game and he is sorely missed.
Bob Paisley:
<div id="attachment_28414" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/bob-paisley.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28414" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-28414" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20110110_WST_28407_bob-paisley-300x198.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=198" alt="" width="300" height="198"></figure></div></a>Paisley, with one of his many cups</div>
A name that will be familiar to many Liverpool fans, Bob Paisley was born in Sunderland yet will be remembered as a one the greatest parts of Anfield history. The only manager to ever win three European Cups, Paisley is one of the reasons the trophy cabinet at Liverpool is so full. Under his stewardship, Liverpool became one of the greatest sides in the world and one of the greatest squads World football has ever seen. Much like the previously mentioned Clough, Paisley was somewhat of a character, giving great quotes such as: “Mind you, I’ve been here during the bad times too. One year we came second”. Paisley filled the gap left by Bill Shankly’s retirement and gave Liverpool its most successful spell in history.
Sir Bobby Robson:
<div id="attachment_28410" style="width: 310px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><a href="/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/bobbytribute.jpg"><div><figure class="image"><img aria-describedby="caption-attachment-28410" loading="lazy" class="size-medium wp-image-28410" src="https:\/\/ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https:\/\/images.worldsoccertalk.com/webp/WST_20110110_WST_28407_bobbytribute-300x182.webp&amp;width=300&amp;height=182" alt="" width="300" height="182"></figure></div></a>The tribute to Bobby Robson that lay at St. James park after his death</div>
It goes without saying really. One of the nicest men in football, the day Bobby Robson died was mourned by many across the world of football. Robson gained great respect for his refusal to back down to the English media while he controlled the national side, the comedy movie “Mike Basset: England Manager” is loosely based on his troubles at the time and how the press hounded him to leave. Instead, Robson gave England one of its proudest moments in history, by reaching the Semi Finals of Italia 90, only narrowly missing out on penalties to the Germans. Robson had a successful playing career, but his impact as a manager can be seen across Europe. A statue of Robson stands in Ipswich to mark his success of winning the UEFA cup for the Tractor Boys, with Robson going on to have a wonderful career in other European leagues, winning trophies at PSV in the Netherlands, Porto in Portugal and Barcelona in Spain. Robson fulfilled his boyhood dream however, by managing Newcastle United and leading them to much success, with a memorable Champions League campaign that saw Robson’s Newcastle side become the only ever team to lose their opening three group stage games and still qualify. Some of the world’s greatest players, such as Figo and Ronaldo credit Robson for the impact he had on their career, Ronaldo in particular worshiped the ground Robson walked on, which even saw Robson table a cheeky £18m for the Brazilian to bring him to Newcastle. If you need evidence of how much love there was for Robson in the modern game, after his death Sunderland fans chanted “there’s only one Bobby Robson” at a pre-season friendly against Celtic, being one of the few people in football to bridge such a heated football rivalry. The picture above is only a small section of the tribute fans gave to Robson, as many tributes being give in one stand of St. James’ park, with Barcelona, Porto and PSV fans even making the long journey to show their respect.
Bob Stokoe:
Northumbrian born Bob Stokoe is another that managed to bridge the gap, but unlike Robson he had a direct impact on both Sunderland and Newcastle. A player that made over 250 appearances for Newcastle United, Stokoe’s appointment as Sunderland manager may have surprised many, but he gave the English game one of its greatest ever giant killings as second division Sunderland, with no internationals in their side, beat Leeds United. At the time, Leeds were arguably the biggest club in England and were dominating the league and although many were hopeful that second division Sunderland could get a result in the final, the task of the mighty Leeds may have been one too far for the Black Cats. Sunderland triumphed however and gave one of the great stories of the FA cup that is still remembered today. A statue of Stokoe stands outside the Stadium of Light for all to see, depicting the moment when Sunderland won the cup and there was jubilation all around. Not too sure about the red pants though, Bob…
Alan Shearer:
Alan Shearer is the modern hero for Newcastle United and is one of the greatest strikers the world has ever seen. Shearer broke record after record and dedicated the majority of his career to his hometown club, despite not actually winning any trophies in the process! Shearer’s greatest success was probably in Kenny Dalglish’s (yes, he has experience!) Blackburn side which saw him and Chris Sutton form a lethal partnership, nicknamed ‘SAS’ (Sutton and Shearer). Alan Shearer was always a stubborn character, rejecting the chance to join Man Utd so he could realise his dream of playing for Newcastle, as well as often rejecting the calls for him to reverse his decision to retire from the English national side, where he had a great goal scoring record and was even named in England’s all time greatest XI. If you look at any of the English league scoring records, it is more than likely you’ll see Shearer’s name and it is usually on the top, he was a consistent performer and Newcastle really struggled when he retired. He attempted to save Newcastle from relegation with a brief stint managing the club, but they were instead relegated and when he isn’t watching his home town team play, he is sitting in the Match Of The Day studio admitting he knows nothing about Hatem Ben Arfa.
Paul Gascoigne:
It may be somewhat of a controversial choice for this list, but for those that only know Gazza as that guy who tried to calm down criminal Raoul Moat (or “Moaty” as Gazza knows him by, apparently) with a fishing rod, a few beers and a bag of chicken, should also know that many consider Gascoigne to be one of the most naturally gifted footballers to ever be produced by this country. An exciting player that scored what I consider to be the greatest ever England goal in history (as seen above, against bitter rivals Scotland), the Gateshead born midfielder never did manage to settle down at one club. Sir Alex Ferguson said in an interview once that Man United almost signed Paul Gascoigne, only for Tottenham Hotspur to buy his parents a new house in the North East which swayed Gazza’s decision. F<a href="http:\/\/www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/manchester_united/article4057616.ece">erguson believes that if he had signed for Man Utd, then Gazza would not have the problems he did today</a>, as living in London created many of the problems we see in Gazza today. He gave us many great memories over the years and it upsets me in many ways to see what has happened to him now. A troubled genius, but a great footballer.
The Future? Andy Carroll, Adam Johnson and Jordan Henderson?
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The English national team is going through a bit of a crisis at the moment, but there are three lads from the North East that could be a big part of the nation’s future. If you ignore the ridiculous fees that are banded around for these three players, Sunderland Jordan Henderson, Newcastle’s Andy Carroll and Man City’s Adam Johnson have all caught the eye this season and if nurtured the right way could fantastic players in the future. Carroll has taken the league by storm this season, ever since being handed the Newcastle No.9 shirt he has been a goal scoring prodigy, improving with every game he plays; even <a href="http:\/\/icnewcastle.icnetwork.co.uk/newcastleunited/chroniclesport/tm_headline=buffon-hails-goal-hero-carroll&amp;method=full&amp;objectid=19541924&amp;siteid=50081-name_page.html">being hailed by some of the greats in the European game.</a> Jordan Henderson has been linked with Man Utd recently, but his eye catching displays have seen him become an important part of the Sunderland midfield in their successful season and although he had a difficult England debut, he will only improve and get better. Adam Johnson at Man City has riled many die hard England fans, as he has spent a lot of time on the bench this season despite looking like a livewire on the pitch, an exciting winger that has scored some great goals this season. Only time will tell if they can carry on the North East tradition of producing great footballing icons.
Follow me on Twitter @Clusks.

What The North East Has Given To Football - World Soccer Talk

What The North East Has Given To Football

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Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has once again angered the clubs supporters after he sacked manager Chris Hughton. Despite Newcastle’s poor run of form, Hughton’s sacking does come as a major shock, and is incredibly disrespectful to the man who has helped bring the club back to the Premier League.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Hughton had been a terrific servant to the club. He looked on as the St James’ Park outfit imploded after years of turmoil working in various roles before finally taking full-time control of the club last year.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Admittedly he was blessed with a squad that was far too strong for the Championship, but Hughton masterminded the clubs revival, and so far this season has produced a solid mid-table side, something that with a general lack of investment from the clubs owners, is an achievement in itself.&nbsp;
&nbsp;There have been some real highs for the Newcastle so far this season. A Carling Cup win at Chelsea, a 1-0 win at Arsenal in the league, and most notably a 5-1 hammering of bitter rivals Sunderland, but yet still Ashley has opted to show Hughton the exit door.&nbsp;
&nbsp;In a statement the club thanked Hughton for his services but claimed they needed a manager with more experience. But the question is; why would an experienced manager want to take on the impossible task of working with Mike Ashley.&nbsp;
&nbsp;Since arriving at the club in the summer of 2007, Ashley has dismissed five managers, why on earth would another manager want to risk the same fate?&nbsp;
&nbsp;Take somebody like Martin O’Neill who has all the managerial capabilities to help take Newcastle to the next level, but in order to succeed would need time. At Newcastle he would never get the opportunity to build sustainable success, and would soon be classed as failure by Ashley.&nbsp;
&nbsp;In general, a lack of patience and over-ambition is something that many owners suffer with, and Ashley is no different. But he must understand that he will never be able to attract a top manager with this attitude, and therefore never be able to take the club forward. You have to feel for whoever takes over the reigns at the club next, because working with Ashley is guaranteed sacking on their managerial CV.

Would You Want To Work For Mike Ashley? - World Soccer Talk

Would You Want To Work For Mike Ashley?

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Newcastle United may have slipped to a disappointing home defeat at the hands of Blackburn Rovers, but their star striker Andy Carroll did manage to enhance is ever-growing reputation with another goal. Carroll’s equaliser was his seventh goal of the season, a tally that will surely be enough to see him named in the England squad for next week’s friendly with France.
But his call-up will not be without controversy. The 21-year-old’s well documented troubles in his private life have seen Carroll fill newspapers throughout the UK for all the wrong reasons. Many are now of the opinion that the Gateshead born forward is not the sort of role-model that an England international should be.
While I do not wish to defend Carroll for his actions, you have to remember that he is only 21. When somebody so young is bombarded with massive wages and fame there is a real recipe for problems. Carroll isn’t the first talented footballer to go off the straight and narrow and he certainly won’t be the last.
However Carroll does seem to have an ability to switch off from his private life when he crosses the white line, something which many other footballers struggle with. For example in the week after his car was torched, Carroll headed Newcastle to victory at West Ham, an achievement which is quite remarkable.
That is a quality which could see the striker become a role model for youngsters, and I have no doubt that as he matures the problems in his personal life will become a thing of the past. If anything, giving Carroll a place in the England squad could only see him mature quicker. Fabio Capello is the ideal man to advise Carroll, and while the Italian will only be around for 2012 he could really focus the forward on making the most of his footballing talent.
His footballing talent will be enough to see Carroll as a permanent fixture in the England squad. He is hard-working and committed, couple this with his obvious ability to score goals and the Three Lions will have a real asset. So while it may be controversial in the short-term, calling Carroll in the England squad will be the best for the country in the long-term and more perhaps more importantly for Carroll’s whole career.

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