The Newcastle United Blog

On reviewing the season that is about to end we all know it has been disappointing for Newcastle fans. The goal was a top six finish but the best we can now do seems to be to finish in the top half of the table. There are some reasons (but reasons are too much like excuses) why we could have done better this season. First of all the injury situation has been even worse than last season - when it was bad enough. There’s something wrong with the training and/or the training facilities we have at Little Benton which causes us to have all these injuries. Let’s hope we can get to the bottom of it - we certainly don’t want to be lamenting injuries again next year at this time - we have had ample warning. There are some good points about the season and there are six players that should be mentioned who have been outstanding for us.

Kieron Dyer

Kieron has had a good season and been almost completely free of injuries - which have plagued him in the past. He has made 24 starts and 3 appearances as substitute and should be congratulated for finally overcoming the injuries he has had during his career. Glenn Roeder has also played this perfectly in keeping Kieron back at the beginning of the season. Kieron also regained his place in the England squad - a good season indeed.

James Milner

After the debacle of having James almost sign for Aston Villa in late August he has shown a maturity way beyond his years. His 50 appearances this season have been crucial to Newcastle and the 4 goals he has scored were spectacular to say the least. Not sure I will ever forget his goal against Manchester United at St. James Park. Well done James - and may you be at the club for many a year.

Nicky Butt

Nicky started the season thinking he may be on his way out - but through determination and hard work he has the fans on his side now. He has played extremely well for us and been rewarded a few times with the captaincy - leading out the team on Sunday to theuir excellent result against Chelsea. It may be time to extend Nicky’s contract at Newcastle - he still has gas in the tank - and he has shown experience and leadership that has been vital for Newcastle in many games this year.

Obafemi Martins

Oba came into the side at the start of the season and struggled a little with the pace and physical nature of the Premiership - having spent the last few years in the Italian league. But he got more used to the play and began to score goals with regularity and now has 17 in this his first season - an excellent return. His spectacular goal against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, shocked everybody, and has to go down as one of the goals of the season. Certainly at the time Newcastle looked dead and buried and then we scored again almost immediately through Nicky Butt. Oba looks good and is probably worth more than the $10M we paid for him in the summer. Well done Oba - and we cannot wait for next season to see how you team up with Michael Owen.

Nobby Solano

Nobby is the most popular South Amercian ever to play for Newcastle - even more popular than the Robledo brothers (Chile) during the 1950s. He literally loves the club and has been a revelation at right back this season - not to mention his play on the wing. Of course Nobby - as he has pointed out - is very experienced at right back. His blocks on the line at the end of the game against Arsenal were amazing. It would be good to have Nobby starting at right back as first choice next season - he should be an automatic choice.

Steven Taylor

If the truth be known Steven struggled at the beginning of the season but has come back strongly and been Newcastle’s outstanding player for the last couple of months. Against Chelsea on Sunday he was magnificent and certainly has played well against Chelsea several times this season. Certainly Mourhino knows all about Steven Taylor - but he is not for sale. There is no doubt that this boy will play for the full England side - sooner rather than later. He has everything and epitomizes the spirit of Newcastle United. Well done Steven - let’s see you pushing for an England place next season - the Newcastle captaincy will also be yours in due time.

Well - those are the six that deserve a special mention and let’s also mention Shay Given (before someone else does) - who has saved us for many a season. The worry with Shay is his bowel injury seems to have weakened his groin and he has missed several games this year. Let’s hope that can be fixed with strength exercises during the summer. Also - finally - lets’ hope next year at this time we can have a column on this site about our first trophy since 1969 - is that too much to ask?