The Newcastle United Blog

The stories today tend towards our important game with West Ham on Sunday afternoon.

It looks like Viduka and Owen will both be fit to start for Newcastle, which is good news for us.

We also have our preview of the game today and think we’ll win 2-1.

• We ran a story late yesterday on Dudley Rogg, Director and Founder of the British Hernia Center, and what we think were rather stupid statements he made on Michael Owen. Rogg basically said we should have Michael operated on immediately so that he’s ready to play for England in October. We suppose we really have to get used to some of these news stories on Michael Owen. Some of them however are just ridiculous.

  Michael Owen - all kinds of stories on Michael in the press

• We currently have 10 players on the injured list but it looks like two of them - Viduka and Owen - will be in the starting line-up on Sunday against West Ham. Also 5 of these will be taken off the list on Sunday so maybe it’s not as bad as we think - hope not.

  Mark Viduka- should start for Newcastle on Sunday - good to have him back

• An interview today with our current starting goalkeeper Steve Harper. Steve thinks we can finish top 6 this season. Before Monday evening quite a few fans would have agreed with Steve - but after Monday we’re not so sure. But there again the players have to do it on the filed and talk is cheap. Hopefully Steve will contribute to a nice win for us on Sunday - where we yet to concede a goal in a competitive game under Big Sam.

  Steve Harper - thinks Newcastle can finish top 6 this season

• We have our preview for our game against West Ham on Sunday. We think we can win the game 2-1 but it will not be easy and we’ll need a much better performance from Newcastle to triumph. But with increases energy and determination than we showed on Monday evening we can certainly win this game. We expect the game to be a good one since West Ham have been playing well this season and are above us in the table.
  You can leave you comments on our Newcastle United Forum about the game.

  Newcastle United vs West Ham - St James’ Park, Sunday 23rd Sep, 2007 KO 1:30 pm

• We finally comment on Sam’s comments about Rafa Benitez, the Liverpool manager, that Sam made earlier in the week. We think Rafa’s done very well at Liverpool since he took over so are surprised at Sam’s somewhat negative comments. Also we’re not really sure why Sam makes these comments about things that have nothing to do with him. But that’s Sam.

  Sam Allardyce - strange comments on Rafa Benitez

• We have comments from Sam today about the game on Sunday and it looks like both Owen and Viduka will be fit to start the game. That’s good news especially about Mark, who Newcastle seemed to miss a lot on Monday night. We really so hope that Newcastle get back to their best on Sunday but Sam says that young Enrique will not be ready for Sunday but may play against Arsenal on Tuesday night at the Emirates in the 3rd round of the Carling Cup.

  Sam Allardyce - Viduka and Owen will start on Sunday

• A very sad story today as Newcastle Academy youngster Jordon Thompson has lost his fight with cancer. The Newcastle players will wear black armbands as a sign of respect to Jordan, during Sunday’s game. His family will be at the game on Sunday and his team-mates will join the team before the game for a minute’s silence in honor of Jordan’s life.
  We are extremely sorry to hear about this and pass on our sincere sympathies to Jordan’s family and those who knew him.

  Jordon Thompson- sadly lost his fight with cancer

• What’s being discussed on our Newcastle United Blog?
  Here’s some of the recent and popular discussions going on:
  • Newcastle vs West Ham United Sunday 23rd September 13:30 KO
  • Carling Cup 3rd Round: Arsenal vs Newcastle Tues 25th Sep 19:45 KO
  • Will Michael Owen be as good as before he was injured?

  

• As you know our site has been nominated for ‘Best Sports Blog’ as part of the Bloggers Choice Awards. If you would like to vote for us you can do so here. You can also browse through other nominations you can vote for.
  SoccerLens was also nominated and you can vote for Ahmed’s Bilal’s site here.
• Here’s some choice football quotes. These hopefully will lighten up the day
  

  “After a goalless first half, the score at halftime is 0-0.” - Brian Moore

  “Newcastle, of course, unbeaten in their last five wins.” - Brian Moore

  “They have won 66 games, and they’ve scored in all of them.” - Brian Moore

  “Luis Figo is totally different to David Beckham, and vice versa.” - Kevin Keegan

Comments Welcome.