Jermaine Beckford pushes for Leeds exit

Riding the crest from the shocking victory over Manchester United, Jermaine Beckford has formally requested a transfer from Leeds. The twenty-six year-old striker is without a contract at seasons end and sought after by a numbers of clubs, including Newcastle.

As per Leeds formal statement:

"Leeds United can confirm that Jermaine Beckford has handed in a transfer request. The transfer request was handed in on Dec 30. By handing in a transfer request it clearly indicates that the player wants to leave Leeds United."

With Newcastle the apparent front-runner, though still well off Leeds rumoured asking price of £3m, Mr. Bates and company are making it known that the striker will not come cheap, further adding in the statement:

"However, that will only be allowed to happen in the event that it is decided to be in the best interests of Leeds United. The best interests of Leeds United involve receiving both an acceptable transfer fee and securing a suitable replacement to ensure his departure does not have an adverse effect on the club's overall aim of securing promotion back to the Championship."

For Leeds, the situation is both a troublesome predicament as well as being inevitable. Jermaine Beckford has been under the looking glass for the last three campaigns and Sunday's performance against Manchester United where he not only scored the matches lone goal but consistently out duelled Wes Brown, reaffirmed the strikers desire to move to the higher ranks. Whilst speculative in nature, one could assume that he is looking ahead with his sights towards Newcastle's successful promotional bid, thus jettisoning him to the Premier League. That aside many will question whether the move on his part is shortsighted and like youngster Fabian Delph, who has rarely seen the pitch since moving to Aston Villa, he would do better staying the course with Leeds.

prepared by J.Davies

Newcastle's relegation woes continue

Week two of relegation purgatory started with of-course Mike Ashley's rather public announcement that he was targeting a quick-sale of the club for £100m. Unfortunately prior to the rather obvious strategic use of the media, banking groups considered to orchestrate the sale, Seymour Pierce and NM Rothschild hadn't informed the owner that his asking price is roughly £10-20m over the best valuation and in the summer of 2009 investment opportunities of faltering sports teams with massive payrolls are not very attractive. That warm piece of information aside the real problem that is looming large for Newcastle is the £40m working-capital facility from Barclays Bank that Newcastle uses to manage operations is under review by the financial institution. While Mike Ashley has requested the facility be extended, Newcastle will need to satisfy some very difficult financial tests to have it extended including having a positive transfer cash flow. All this spells out further problems for the Magpies as not only is a move to retain Alan Shearer as manager delayed but plans for the upcoming campaign are well on the back-burner.

The first step in solving this problem is for the present owner to sit down and listen to a financial management team as they go through a possible acquisition. His announcement of yearning for a "quick sale" and the public knowledge has done little to assist the sale and I presume he is aware hitting the "panic button" will not garner you top price but instead attract more vultures to pick the last traces of flesh. Secondly internal financing is necessary, albeit a difficult one to digest for Mike Ashley, as they go through the crucial third step; selling off unwanted players reduce salary concerns by roughly fifty per-cent. The most challenging decision will be the need for strategic transfer sales in order to raise funds with notable players such as Oba Martins and Sébastien Bassong possibly involved. This final point will depend on the second point and should be avoided if possible.

Once this abbreviated action plan is instituted, the more typical plan, including hiring of Alan Shearer can turn towards more traditional Football related matters.

Newcastle slices 120 jobs

As Newcastle continues to deal with relegation fallout, an entire new round of cutbacks have come to volition in day six, that is a great deal more sobering. While management and pundits mull over a list of players salaries amassing £887k per week, the club eliminated 120 administrative positions today.

There isn't a single player anywhere that can ease the sorrow of a family when a member loses their job. I care little of the little darlings who make a annual salary and more each week, regardless of their ability on the pitch, when men and women lose their jobs. The economic downturn in the area has been a painful one but this cuts like a razor and should any player, one single player debate why he shouldn't take a massive pay cut, I suggest they visit the families who will have difficulty putting food before their loved ones.

Whilst management and fans review the salary list, including players they want to keep on the squad, remember the families who know face a more challenging financial future.

Newcastle's chopping block

The dawn of Day 5 of the post-relegation world is still a few short hours away, yet a greater nightmare is on the horizon for Newcastle. The first course of action is trimming the fat from the bloated payroll whilst bringing in some needed funds.

That is easier said then done and will not simply require a stern series hatchet man decisions but a number of concessions. Looking quickly at the salary budget, with asterisks marking free-agents the following list represents a stunning £875k per week salary line item:

Michael Owen, £115k*
Mark Viduka, £80k*
Joey Barton, £65k
Oba Martin, £65k
Fabricio Coloccini, £60k
Geremi, £60k*
Alan Smith, £60k
Habib Beye, £50k
Nicky Butt, £50k
Damien Duff, £50*
José Enrique, £50k
Jonás Gutiérrez, £50k
Xisco, £40k
Ignacio González, £40k
Kevin Nolan £40k

There is no bailout in this business world and with owner Mike Ashley's fortune plummeting the liklihood of a further capital investment seems to be a trying decision. While it is entirely possible that he may choose to make a limited investment, partially financed by his recent £4.7m sale JJB Sports shares, the bigger problem is off-loading many of these. Excluding Kevin Nolan, Nicky Butt and Damien Duff, the balance will be shopped for the best price possible or in the worst case scenario loaned-out. This of-course assumes that other clubs are willing to accepts over-paid players into their squad and undoubtedly Newcastle will need to make a series of concessions. Naturally standing out in the group is Oba Martins who was by far the most dependable striker during the campaign and the club will consider whether it can retain him outright in the promotion fight, need to sell off to bring in funds or loan out.

All this leaves a devilish mix because even assuming they can cleanup wage expenses and that is a very big assumption, they still haven't raised sufficient funds and made need to sell talented younger players such as Sébastien Bassong to finance purchases.

Newcastle's first days of relegation

It is only a few days since Newcastle went down the dark and lonely streets of relegation. While much of the public sat oblivious to repercussions during the campaign and for that matter sat on their collective hands in protest during a number of engagements at St James' Park, only now is the impact being discussed openly.

A victim of massive mismanagement and gross under capitalization, Newcastle's tumble to the Championship is not a simple open and shout case where rebound promotion is guaranteed. This is something far beyond recent situations such as Charlton Athletic and Leeds and within an entirely different economic climate. Far beyond a moment on the pitch, Newcastle first needs to desperately pare down what is one highest salaries budgets in the Premier to Championship revenue streams. This means putting more than a dozen players on the chopping block in an effort to sever upwards of £40m from annual budget while targeting £30m plus in transfer revenue. Unfortunately given the worlds financial situation, it is a "buyers market" and whomever is leading Newcastle must deal with highly treacherous terrain.

Regardless if there is a well financed "white knight" waiting in the horizon to make an offer on the club, one of the first steps is cleansing the roster and getting it in-line with the new cash flow.

Newcastle relegated

The pain of the 2008 / 2009 campaign for Newcastle supporters ended with the hellish drop the Championship following their 1-0 loss to Aston Villa. Decided with a unfortunate own goal by Damien Duff, the Magpies lacked the fire and venom need to succeed and will look back on the sad date in history with the knowledge that a draw would have saved them.

To review the match is a pointless stroll in the dark of night. Newcastle had few noteworthy opportunities to score and for the most part seemed not to understand the repercussions of lost. However the dye is now cast and Newcastle must now face a very difficult and murky road back up to the Premier League.

The challenges that they will face is a lengthy one, starting with plunging cash flows and asset value, coupled with salaries that need a mass overhaul. The solutions are not-so-simple as Newcastle has the mark as the first major club derailed by the worlds financial meltdown. In the coming days there will be much speculation on the value of "Newcastle, the Championship side" and while there will be public glaze in the positive from management, the financial issues the club will now face places them on the shakiest of ground. Despite well intended commentary from management regarding player changes and fire and brimstone speeches, the day-to-day grind of Football management, will now have to marry between the Premier League budget and a Championship revenue stream, while being under-capitalized. This adds up to a series of difficult choices as Newcastle must now balance its budget within significantly tighter constraints and equally plan the quickest route possible to the Premier League or suffer the same fate as Charlton Athletic and Leeds.

Now more than ever Newcastle, the Toon Army must grow together and support the club with passion.

Newcastle's last fight

Newcastle, long since past the crossroads, has its back against the wall it the ultimate of last gasp opportunities. A point behind Hull City, Newcastle travels to face Aston Villa with no room for error in the final match of the campaign as they try to avoid relegation.

Defeat will end any chance of Alan Shearer's side being cast into the Championship, possibly the first great victim of the economic woes that have befallen many. Despite the brave front, since the fall of 2008 Newcastle has been unable to effectively maneuver in the transfer market and quickly spiraled downward.

While the great hero Allan Shearer rode in to save the day, Newcastle needs one more miracle from the number 9. Newcastle is far from a full side as Sébastien Bassong and Habib Beye are not available. Oba Martins, who awaits a date with the scalpel after the campaign, is likely to gut it once more.

However this is not the time or the place to discuss tactics or player availability. Newcastle is fighting for its life and now must rise up for a performance beyond their recent play with fire, venom and the spirit to defend the crest.

Newcastle falls closer to relegation losing to Fulham

Newcastle's hopes to avoid relegation took a dastardly turn as they fell 1-0 to Fulham at St James' Park. The loss, in conjunction with Hull City's draw to Aston Villa casts the Magpies into the relegation zone a point behind Phil Brown's side. With this in-mind the Magpies are now forced to venture into next weeks encounter at Villa Park needing points and hopeful that Manchester United do not slip up in the final week of the campaign.

While the match was decided with Diomansy Kamara's winning strike and Fulham 'keeper Mark Schwarzer consistently thwarted the many Magpie efforts as if to give his former side Middlesbrough another chance to avoid the drop it will be remembered in a long line of Howard Webb's dreadful calls. Additionally beyond the run of play, in-which Newcastle was not shy of intent or work-rate was the shockingly quiet grounds. In complete contrast to Monday evenings congregation, St James' Park was far from "cauldron" and should Newcastle be dropped, those who attended need to ask why they sat on their hands and kept their voices quiet. With the clubs Premier League life on a razors edge, the lack of support was simply shameful.

As the match commenced, Newcastle showed strong initiative and at the quarter-hour came close and Kevin Nolan played Oba Martins through only to see his close range shop from the six-yard box careen off the post. Disaster struck for Newcastle six minutes prior the break as Danny Murphy played in Erik Nevland, who then squared to Kamara for a professional finish, although many he certainly appeared in an offside position. Opportunities flourished as Newcastle came pouring back but still the match went to break with Fulham maintaining its lead. However five minutes after the break the match the match appeared to be level as Mark Viduka powerfully headed in a corner before referee Howard Webb pulled the goal back citing Kevin Nolan for a foul on Mark Schwarzer. The call was simply dreadful and further questions the referee's ability to operate at this level and in this case it very well might play a part in Newcastle's drop. On the hour Sébastien Bassong was shown a straight red for upending Kamara and Newcastle was forced to play a man down. Still they went forward but as the skies grew dark in a torrential downpour late attempts by Oba Martins and Nicky Butt were denied by Mark Schwarzer and the elusive goal could not be found.

There are many questions related to this match which naturally include Howard Webb's refereeing decisions but more than all, where was the home support when needed the most?

Newcastle's hunt for survival continues against Fulham

Following Monday evenings triumphant victory over Middlesbrough at St James' Park, Newcastle has edged itself out of the relegation zone, albeit with the narrowest of margins. Saturday afternoons affair with Fulham is very possibly the ultimate decider if Newcastle is to survive the relegation or be cast into the purgatory of the lower division.

While the media feeding frenzy in overdrive discussing over all things Newcastle, the task at hand is on the pitch. Issues concerning Michael Owen's contract, Mark Viduka's and a number of important issues, the "here and now" is the only thing important. Newcastle must show greater confidence defending than it against 'Boro or Roy Hodgson's side will slice and dice them apart. Despite being victorious against Middlesbrough, Newcastle rarely looked confident defending and each touch by Gareth Southgate's in the final third exposed their weakness.

For the match Newcastle are without the services of José Enrique as well as Joey Barton who remains suspended by the club. Oba Martins and Alan Smith are highly questionable, further complicated Mr. Shearer's choices.

As it was on Monday the advantage of St. James' voracious support could hold the balance of power. Saturday afternoon the flags will wave and every voice must rise in support of the Magpies.

The legend continues to lead

With their hopes and dreams packaged neatly in the hands of the incomparable number 9, Mr Alan Shearer rode into the storm and once again, the magic in the thirty-eight year-old heart shone through. Now six weeks into accepting the role to lead Newcastle through the stormiest of storms, Mr. Shearer's side responded with a hearty 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough. Remember it for what you will but with the flags waving and voices singing out for ninety minutes the Toon Army came together as a congregation and propelling their side to victory.

The die was cast before the match; lose and relegation is in the cards. Amongst the stars of Monday evening, tactics would be cast aside as each man would need to summon from his heart the spirit of relentless champion. Like a war horse ready for battle, Newcastle came out storming done the pitch. This was their night and damn looking back, the call was to attack, attack, attack. Surging forward Newcastle bristled the 'Boro net early but at three minutes the visitors took the lead as Tuncay Şanlı's effort was sent in by Habib Beye. Yet something had changed from prior matches because this time instead of the pall of defeat a deafening roar went up from the congregation as voice rang out in unison, attack, attack, attack. And so Newcastle did, channeling the courage of the legend and propelled large in-part by the work Mark Viduka damning injury and time. Six minutes later the match was knotted up as Danny Guthrie's corner was headed in by Steven Taylor fearlessly surging into the box.

As the match waned on past the hour mark still deadlocked Mr Shearer didn't hesitate with his next move. Three points was Newcastle's tonight but it would not come to the faint of heart. Be bold and attack and after bringing in Peter Lövenkrands for Jonás Gutiérrez, he called upon Oba Martins for Michael Owen with twenty minutes remaining. Controversial to some, yet faith in the legend never waned as the Nigerian striker pushed aside the pain of an injury that waits the surgeon's scalpel at seasons end. Only a minute later he someone managed to stroke the ball into the net whilst falling via Mark Viduka's provision and yes, Newcastle had the lead. The congregation at St James' rang out in praise and the ground shook as Oba pushed aside his normal celebration and made a straight line towards Mr. Shearer. If there was concern of giving back the lead Peter Lövenkrands sealed it with four minutes remaining as he sent Kevin Nolan's cross in.

The victory squeezes Newcastle out of the drop zone but the narrowest of margins and as the sun rose the next day the realization is that there is considerable work still to be done. Tough tests against Fulham and Aston Villa await and once again Newcastle will need to summon the strength that resides in the crest. It is neither given or easy work but through the heart and soul of what teems through the club now, it can be done.

Newcastle and Middlesbrough battle for survival

On Monday evening St James' Park is the backdrop for Newcastle and Middlesbrough fight for Premier League survival. With both clubs locked in the final three points below Hull City a victory could provide them the needed spur in the "great escape".

To call the campaign "difficult" for both sides is a grand understatement to say the least, ranking with those reports in early 2008 that referred to the worlds financial fortune "slowing". Few would have expected Newcastle's fortune to have fallen so fast and the same should be said of 'Boro, led by the superb young manager Gareth Southgate. However as these things often go, fortunes have turned and both clubs are faced with very dark days without a victory.

For Newcastle, the hazy lazy days of August brought a quick start but as the clubs financial underpinnings began to shake the spiral down accelerated. The loss of James Milner to Aston Villa heralded the on-going problems and soon Kevin Keegan handed his resignation. Whilst demonstrations waged on by supporters in the fall of 2008, few recognized the collapsing asset value of owner Mike Ashley that was later acknowledged six months later. Though the owner bellowed of selling the club, truth be told the debauchery in the worlds financial markets derailed these efforts as the underlying value, like the play, spiraled down. With every home encounter looking as a setting for a mutiny Joe Kinnear was summoned to calm the storm. The fiery Irishman did a solid job instilling a siege mentality but without the financial resources the club was unable to make the necessary moves during the January transfer window effectively forcing them to simply reshuffle the deck for the last half of the campaign. Time, this dreaded foe that awaits us all, played a nasty turn on the former Wimbledon leader and as heart grew weak, it was time to adjourn his managerial role. Stumbling through the caretaker leadership of Chris Hughton, Newcastle made one last-ditch effort with number 9 riding-in from the horizon as the sun went down.

It has been a rough ride for Mr Shearer as he has learned that Newcastle's cupboard is bare and as much as it pains me to say it, the grit and determination that he played with is a rare breed in today's world. Now after five weeks in his presence, with three match-days remaining in the campaign, somehow the Magpies must dig within their hearts, play above themselves or should I say, play how number 9 did for over three-hundred times for Newcastle.

There are naturally ups and downs of this installment of the Tyne-Tees derby with players lost to injury and suspension but make no mistake, this is a battle that will be won on the measure of claret. A battle where injuries must be shook off and every blade of grass is fought for and no ball left unchallenged.

Newcastle's dark walk towards relegation

Newcastle's dark walk towards relegation was furthered with a 3-0 beating from Liverpool that if anything was a flattering scoreline to the Magpies. While few expected maximal points at Anfield, given that the Magpies Premier League life is on life-support, a more inspired effort was expected. The result leaves Magpies three points below Hull City in their fight for safety with remaining matches against Middlesbrough, Fullham and Aston Villa.

With Michael Owen out of the lineup, the Geordies were under siege quickly in the day as Liverpool came forward with confidence. After a number of opportunities fell short, poor clearances by both Mark Viduka and Alan Smith allowed Liverpool to maintain position in the final third, resulting in Yossi Benayoun redirected Dirk Kuyt's powerful low cross from the bye-line from a few metres out. Whilst an Offside call may have been warranted the goal was forthcoming and only six minutes later it was doubled as Dirk Kuyt was completely unmarked as he surged into the box to head in Steven Gerrard's corner from the left. The match wandered-on, nary a positive note to make in Newcastle's favour and somehow Liverpool avoiding bringing the match to cricket scoreline. With twelve minutes remaining Joey Barton excluded himself the balance of the campaign as he was the recipient of a straight red-card from Philip Dowd on his rash challenge of Xabi Alonso. Stretchered off after Barton's studs first lunge, the Spanish international's replacement, Lucas, made it 3-0 with three minutes remaining as he strolled into the box completely unmarked to nod in Álvaro Arbeloa's free-kick.

Newcastle's next step in survival goes through Anfield

Each year as the relegation battle heats up, one typically team steps-up with a series of top-shelf performance as they look for the "great escape." While there are countless examples across the leagues, the basic similarities are the same as a team rises to the summons their best matches for the year and somehow manages to climb above the drop zone.

Unfortunately at this time that "script" hasn't been followed as the Premier League's bottom table sides, excluding West Brom, are effectively serving up performances that will do little to change their fate. This little oddity has provided Newcastle a morsel of hope as they look to leap over free-falling Hull City and avoid the drop.

With four matches remaining in Newcastle's death struggle, Saturdays test at Anfield is quite obviously the most challenging one but in the throes of needing points they need to utilize a wise tactical approach and look to squeeze out a draw at the very least. While such a task even in the most dowdy of defensive efforts is a great one, the Magpie's need to play with a level of intensity that is befitting of saving the club from relegation and dare I say, deserving of their manager Mr. Allan Shearer. Of course the bigger question is still, do they have it in their claret to play with the level of intensity that number 9 did through his years. While there is little debating that the quality has been lacking and certainly finishing ability seems to have flown the coop what is most alarming is the lack of intensity that has been shown of late. If Newcastle is to avoid the highlight "showdowns" next year between Roy Keane's Ipswich Town, Nottingham Forest or newly promoted Leicester City the level of intensity needs to be amplified exponentially.

Returning to the relegation "battle" of all clubs, it appears to be one in which the combatants, excluding West Brom, are merely looking to "punch the clock" and it is very possible that we might see a side survive relegation with one of the lowest point totals in recent history. In a curious piece of scheduling trivia to add to this concern both Middlesbrough, Hull City and Newcastle face two European destined clubs who, in the midst of the fight for points will not be so forgiving to their woeful colleague's.

If things weren't complicated enough against Liverpool, injuries have reared their ugly head as Oba Martins, Mark Viduka and Jonás Gutiérrez are all questionable with José Enrique out although they will receive a boost with Joey Barton returning to the starting eleven.

shadow of relegation grows for Newcastle

Facing a "must win" situation, Newcastle played Portsmouth to a disappointing nil draw at St James’ Park on Monday evening.

Whilst the result is a painful one to consider, let no-one say Alan Shearer didn't go out with both guns blazing. Never to back down number 9 chose the attacking trident of Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka with the single purpose of scoring. Though the Magpies may have been shy of the needed supporting talent, they made up for a great deal with tactical mindset and should have come out with the three points. Unfortunately "should" means very little and the biggest surprise of the day came from Michael Owen and Oba Martins missing quality chances that I dare say, if only number 9 still had his boots it would have been so very, very different. Sadly the legend can grace the grounds and Gazza can't resist returning but the final touch just isn't there with the present day crew and when the chips are down, they didn't respond. I will leave it at that because I deplore those who can't close and this was the worst example of let opportunities fly by.

Newcastle had its chances and in many ways, more than its fair share as Mike Riley turned a blind-eye to what many considered an obvious penalty call but still couldn't turn the screw. How this match will be remembered is likely to be determined in the final four weeks of the campaign. Should Newcastle tumble to the lower division, many will recall how Michael Owen forgot his shooting boots three minutes past the hour when played in by Mark Viduka or how Oba Martin sent a bar well into the stands from point-blank range, in what could have been a turning point in the great escape. Sadly as the match waned on the hearty Newcastle supporters who sang with pride earlier were forced to watch a toothless assault, venom so drained that Gazza could not watch.

Now the Magpies must rally and find strength in the past and summon a siege mentality lest that succumb the drop that as Leeds and Charleton can state, can be a terrifying slide. Sunday they venture to Anfield and while maybe just a foolish hazy dream, the magic of number 9 will see Newcastle through.

Newcastle's call to arms

With five weeks left in the campaign it's "now or never" for Newcastle if they are to escape relegation. Floundering in the second from the bottom spot they welcome Portsmouth to St James' Park Monday evening in dire need for points. Following the weekends action in-which West Brom took a step towards their great escape efforts by defeating Sunderland, a victory by the Magpies would put them within a point of Hull City.

While the media is ripe with clatter of "having the quality" to avoid the drop and other fine sound bites, the club will need to play with a blood-thirsty attitude and not concern itself with commentaries best served for loyal fans. Harsh, yes but many sides feel they have what it "takes" to avoid relegation but equally find out in final days of the season they just didn't put their claret on the line.

For Newcastle the test will require a more aggressive approach then in the past. While the club has went forward with logical tactic's as you enter the final month with a need to make up considerable points, caution needs to be thrown aside as you entire attacking mode. The route to safety will most likely come through success within the confines of St James' Park as they have three winnable matches, Portsmouth on Monday with both Middlesbrough and Fulham. Certainly not "easy" tests given 'Boro is equally fighting for safety and Fulham is bearing down on European football but it is significantly more appetizing than their visits to Anfield and Villa Park.

All hands are on-deck for Alan Shearer, with the only possible exceptions behind Steven Taylor and Joey Barton. Barring a major injury it is time to grit the teeth and be available if the call is made and equally the Toon Army must rise up in voracious support.

Relegation looming for Newcastle

The dark road of relegation looms large for Newcastle as they lost 1-0 to Tottenham at White Hart Lane on Sunday afternoon. With another of the "must win" matches proving fruitless the Magpies hopes of survival grow weaker each week. At second from the table bottom, Newcastle will need roughly ten points in their remaining matches against Portsmouth, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Aston Villa.

The situation is quite different in north-London is in celebration as they near a berth in the Europa League. The turn of events has been extraordinary in the last six months with the Spurs as Juande Ramos devastated the side that Martin Jol built to the brink of relegation, only to be saved by Harry Redknapp. While Mr. Redknapp was ignored for the position he would have given his heart and soul to, Tottenham has profited from his work.

The start of the match provided little intrigue as both sides seemed overly cautious if not incapable. Newcastle's attacking vision was non-existent in the first forty-five minutes and left traveling supporters agonizing over the possible demise of their club. Six minutes before the half-hour Tottenham 'keeper (Heurelho) Gomes urged on Benoît Assou-Ekotto in a fast counter down the left flank. Quickly threading the ball to Luka Modrić trying to feed the ball through to Robbie Keane but dealt with poorly by Sébastien Bassong and straight to Darren Bent in the left side of the box. The England internationals first attempt was saved mightily by Steve Harper but the rebound was cut in from a tight angle to give the Spurs the one goal margin they would need.

Without a visible pulse, Allan Shearer called up Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka to join Michael Owen in an attacking trident as Newcastle searched for the needed goal. Service from the midfield was still lacking and fortune just didn't seem to fall the Magpies way. A equalizing goal was called back for a handball, albeit a debatable call that many would have left and with seven minutes remaining Obafemi Martins courageous performance nearly concluded again with a goal but is close range effort went over the bar.

As three minutes of stoppage time clicked down in what seemed to take hours, Newcastle now faces the daunting task of somehow fighting for survival. The match can be summed up probably best with a notable effort but shy of quality. While blame for the clubs demise is ready to explode on the scene with many players in the drama being pointed to, Newcastle is in-fact a victim of worlds financial collapse and their ownership being unable to weather the storm. Foreboding by Kevin Keegan's resignation in the fall with the clubs inability to compete in the transfer season, the lack of interested purchasers and further evidenced by lack of movement in the January market, Newcastle's fall stems from poor finances. With five weeks remaining there is "hope" that the Magpies will not be remembered as one of the sports biggest victims of worlds financial collapse.

Newcastle faces must win against Tottenham

Following Saturday's results in the Premier League, Newcastle's "must-win" situation has never been more serious. Wins by Sunderland and Stoke City along with Middlesbrough's hard-earned draw with Fulham leave the Magpies only above West Brom in the Premier League table as the pack moves away from them. That said, the Sunday afternoon visit of White Hart Lane will be met with the toughest of opponents as Tottenham can climb within a point of a Europa League berth with a victory.

The big news for Alan Shearer is that he will have Mark Viduka, although from previous experience his fitness levels have been well below par. Obefami Martins will give it a go despite being less than fully-fit and in this situation, everyone will be forced to gut out the match. Late decisions will be made on Steven Taylor, José Enrique and Fabricio Coloccini and should they not be able to go, Alan Shearer will have considerable issues juggling his lineup. To complicate matters for the Magpies Harry Redknapp is expected to welcome Jermain Defoe back as well as Wilson Palacios from the sin-bin, although Jermaine Jenas and Russian international Roman Pavlyuchenko are likely to miss.

With forty points as the clear target, Newcastle is in dire need of a win against Tottenham. Following Sunday's match they face Portsmouth, Liverpool, Middlesbrough, Fulham and Aston Villa in successive weeks in the battle to avoid relegation.

Andy Carroll saves day for Newcastle

There is something poetic of local legend Alan Shearer coming in to try and rescue Newcastle from demotion only to be rewarded with his first points as manager via the work of Gateshead native Andy Carroll. Such is the case with Newcastle as with their back against the walls young Mr Carroll stepped up the mantle of responsibility and brought their match against Stoke City to its a eventual 1-1 conclusion as he nodded in the equalizer with less than ten minutes remaining. While Newcastle's safety is a fight that won't stop till the last minute of time on 24 May, this was a crucial first step. The result leaves Newcastle in the relegation zone, level with Middlesbrough who beat Hull City and two points behind nearest foes Sunderland.

For Stoke, who are nearing the crucial safety zone of forty points, the match will be a frustrating memory as they controlled much of the run of play but found getting a ball past Magpie 'keeper Steve Harper a near impossibility. Prior to the start of the match number 9, Obafemi Martins that is, was ruled out with a muscle strain thus forcing the hand of Michael Owen and Shola Ameobi up top. After a modest beginning Abdoulaye Faye struck back at his old side as he nodded in Liam Lawrence's corner three minutes past the hour. The goal, came off a highly questionable call that awarded the corner but for the balance of the half it did not look like justice would be served. Stoke came close to adding to the margin but as is the case, close doesn't count as they couldn't find a way through. Finally with twenty minutes remaining Andy Carroll strode on the pitch and with a clear-cut vision of scoring, the Gateshead boy went searching. After his early attempt to head in Jonás Gutiérrez's cross was off-course, he headed on Damien Duff's advance with nine minutes remaining to bring the match to its final 1-1 score.

Newcastle v Stoke City match preview

While the this Saturday's clash is bathed in a survival fight for Newcastle, it would be inappropriate for me not to mention something that is terribly needed to be said.

Now twenty years ago, in a time long before the "Premier League" was conceived, ninety-six individuals lost their lives in the 1989 FA Cup semi-final between Liverpool and Nottingham Forest at Hillsborough. For some, twenty years seems like an eternity and yet for those of us with a few flecks of gray, it seems like only like yesterday when so many lives were lost. I ask each of you to stop for a moment and remember those whose lives were lost that day. No words can express the sorrow or ease the pain those lost their loves ones that day but as always, my thoughts and prayers go out to them

As Alan Shearer leads his Newcastle side against Stoke City this Saturday afternoon,
he knows full well that match could be the deciding fate for his clubs future in the Premier League. With the Magpies three points behind Sunderland, a win is likely to pull them level with their rivals who are faced with the doomsday scenario of facing Manchester United.

The balance of the schedule is a mixture of uphill challenges of clubs fighting on towards European efforts (Liverpool and Aston Villa), those who are free and clear of relegation concerns (Tottenham and Fulham), one too close for comfort (Portsmouth) and still another (Middlesbrough) on life support. The advantage of St James' Park could never be more important, however points are needed on the road against the Potters or it could simply too late.

However the Magpie's need for a victory won't be received warmly by the Potters manager Tony Pulis. After pushing his side into the top division for the first time in nearly a quarter of a century, Stoke City has stubbornly fought valiantly through the year and are nearing a point where safety can be assured. However a loss would pull them back into that "too close for comfort" group as the Magpies would be within three.

For the match Newcastle will be without the services of José Enrique and Steven Taylor but do have former Metz man Sébastien Bassong back. It is time for Newcastle to play United and fight will the might of their supporters, to never surrender and wear the crest with pride.

Chelsea spoils hero's welcome

Alan Shearer's triumphant return started with a flourish but when the curtain came down Newcastle had dropped the match 2-0 to Chelsea. The loss is particularly damaging as both Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City edged closer to safety with victories and now forces the Magpies to make up three points on the nearest side, local rivals Sunderland.

Possibly the greatest clue that the stars were not in align came with the Magpies down 2-0 and Michael Owens effort with seventeen minutes was a metre over the line before Ashley Cole cleared it back in. The goal, a stubborn lifeline was thrown but somehow Rob Styles’ missed the call as 52,112 watched in disbelief. A shot straight to the heart but through the mire, Newcastle pressed on and will continue to do so.

The match started with the expected fan-fare and heavyweight title bout was such a thing was event, with hopes and dreams and haziest of visions of number 9 passing on his magic. There of-course was little doubt of Chelsea's pedigree but through grit determination Newcastle was clawing its way to keeping the high-flying side off the score-sheet as the match went to the half. True at the end of the day the loss is troublesome but if Newcastle can capture the same claret and vinegar elixir, safety is in the horizon. After the restart and a number of tense situations Newcastle gave up the deadly goal via a simple blunder as Damian Duff played the ball to Jonás Gutiérrez and intense of launching the ball forward the Argentine international took one touch to control and invited disaster. Nicolas Anelka quickly pressured him and after the ball skirted free his effort was blocked by Steve Harper to only hit the upper post. Ryan Taylor hurried towards the line as the ball bounded conveniently to Frank Lampard for the kill shot. Down by one, there was no give but another great in concentration lead to Florent Malouda doubling the margin nine minutes later. What appeared to be a routine long ball by Chelsea 'keeper Petr Čech was flicked on by Nicolas Anelka to Frank Lampard, with the English international dissecting absent Newcastle defenders and sending the ball to Florent Malouda for the knife through the heart. If there was hope it ended with the missed call on Michael Owen's "non-goal" but otherwise if it had not been for Steve Harper the scoreline could have been far worse.

Following the match, Allan Shearer expressed hope in the performance, saying:

"Effort-wise - no complaints. Quality-wise we can get better. We can pick up quality but on the other hand we are playing Chelsea and the good thing is that we are not playing them every week.

"We've got to try and get some confidence into the players, and I'm trying to pick out as many positive as I can. They don't want to hear me harping on about negatives."