A Peculiar Sense Of Justice

jac mills wrote...

Agree with you on Barton, Luke. He has some talent, but the lad is not in control. He is immature. For some, it takes a little longer to grow.

Watched the Arsenal/Milan game yesterday, and I thought it was a great display of fast, exciting football, the likes of which we do not see as often as we should in the EPL. The game brought to mind that only a few teams in the EPL could justify a place in the Champions League: Arsenal, Man U., Chelsea, Liverpool, Everton, and maybe Aston Villa and possibly Blackburn, if those two latter could produce their best form regularly. Arsenal deserved to win and, if I were a betting man, I would put your house on The Gunners dominating the EPL in a year or two. They have great youngsters brimming with talent and what seems to be a love for the game and the way it should be played. A joy to watch. Even Paulo Maldini, that wise old defender who has consistently been one of the world's best players for a couple of decades, gave a stellar performance. Sad to say he will not be around much longer, I suspect. When I think of the bundles of talent and the class of the players I saw yesterday then segue to Newcastle's current crop of prima donnas with their sense of entitlement, it is easy to turn off. But I won't. And neither will you, or the local fans, Luke. And therein lies the dilemma: As long as the organisation is allowed to field inferior teams without recourse from the fans, they will do it. It's all about the money, mate. As was said so eloquently by the Godfather: "It's not personal. It's business."

Note From Luke
Indeed it is Jac

Posted by: jac mills  | March 5, 2008 11:37 AM

phil matues wrote...

Luke,sorry mate but you might have had a point before last saturday.I have just watched a rerun of the blackburn game and counted 3 killer passes for owen from barton!Generally it was his best game in a BW shirt,so what is the point of knocking him now?
Do you not have a story today?
Sorry but on this one you are wrong!
Over to you for your thoughts

Note From Luke
Funnily enough, someone said the same thing to me when I was having a rant about it in the pub. Still think it's good news he won't be available as it will force KK to try something else in that department, but I take your point about it being his best game in a black and white shirt. I'd be interested to know what other people think.

Posted by: phil matues  | March 5, 2008 12:11 PM

sue wrote...

Barton has had plenty to say for himself since he joined the club, but his performances have not matched his rhetoric. I think it would be a pity to lose Charles N'Zogbia, so give him a chance to enjoy himself in midfield. His homesickness seems to coincide with Duff playing on the left wing, but Duff has improved under Keegan. Give N'Zogbia a chance, his pace together with Martins will give Hyppia something to think about.

Note From Luke
Yes Sue, I'd like to see a bit more pace in the side. Barton looks far slower than I thought when he signed. However, i think N'Zogbia's homesickness is a convenient ploy to get a move, but I might be wrong.

Posted by: sue  | March 5, 2008 12:16 PM

John wrote...

Hi Luke

im abit on the fence on this one. he has been very disappointing all season (as have quite a few) but although he got hammered by the people around me on saturday, i thought actually had one of his better games... not saying much i know but he did put owen clean through on goal twice with decent passes. so although poor this season, the replacements aren't exactly jumping out at you at the minute.

emre is just as disappointing, as i thought he would really come through under keegan, he said all the right things, then a 3 match ban followed by his usually niggling injuries, which is a shame as i thought last leason him and butt were a good balance in the games they played together.

as for saturday i really think we need a target man at anfield, our defence can't handle pressure at the best of times, so no one holding the ball up doesnt spells danger, viduka's the obvious choice but if he's not fit (physically/mentally) then throw in carrol, he's wanting to get involved, and he's can't do any worse than smith...of course unless he doesn't score for the next 28 games as well!

everything crossed for saturday!!

Posted by: John  | March 5, 2008 12:29 PM

Ronnie Lambert wrote...

Great subject Luke, it's got my juices of imagination gushing. Wow, can you find out which Macdonald's in Newcastle Smith, Barton, Butt and Duff go to? Then I could be there after closing time on the Quayside and insult them by asking for their autographs, tell them they were great in Aladdin last xmas and which panto's they'll be doing next. That should warrant a good kicking from at least Barton. Then maybe change tack with Duff and get relligious or political, that might work. Then chant taxi for London to Butt, and ,' score in a brothel, you couldn't score in a brothel to Smudge. It might put me in hospital for a year but the resulting exclusion from city limits for the quartet would keep them out of the team until we can get four better reserves in. If this is deemed as inflammatory in any way, I got the idea from Liverpool's judiciary.

Note From Luke
You've spent quite a bit of time thinking about this haven't you!

Posted by: Ronnie Lambert  | March 5, 2008 12:40 PM

TimB wrote...

I really can't bring myself to care about Joey Barton. All the evidence suggests that he's a flawed human being, and he's a mediocre footballer at best. If I were in charge of Newcastle I'd sack him and pay off his contract. What club would want to be associated with someone like him? Only Toon apparently, which I, as a Toon fan, find acutely embarrassing. I wouldn't put him out if he were on fire...

Note From Luke
A little harsh perhaps....

Posted by: TimB  | March 5, 2008 1:02 PM

Ronnie Lambert wrote...

Just got a great idea from the Liverpool judiciary Luke, find out which Macdonald's in Newcastle Barton, Butt and Smith go to after a night on the Quayside. Then start insulting them with e.g. to Barton, " You took my place in the queue ", Butt, " Taxi to London " and to Smith, " Score in a brothel, you couldn't score in a brothel. " That should get me a good kicking which might leave me in hospital for a year, but the city limit's exclusion order would keep them out of the team until at least summer. Well done that scouse judge.

Posted by: Ronnie Lambert  | March 5, 2008 1:11 PM

Paul Patterson wrote...

Mr Alan ‘shot shy’ Smith,- In response to the prosecutions council of some 52,000 Jury members it is now my duty to pass sentence- you are a habitual goal dodger and presumably accepts being dropped to the reserves, in the same casual manner- you will go to the reserves for five games.

Shamelessly stolen from Porridge but used to remarkable effect.

Joey Barton is a case pending- if found guilty, the club must abandon all future plans to retain him as a Newcastle United footballer, (Regardless off finance- we do have a billionaire) and get in a midfielder who actually has the talent and goalscoring ability to do some damage in penalty areas and not Macdonalds restaurants, as alleged.

A friend of mine hated the sight of Gary Speed taking to the field and pulling on the black and white shirt as he saw him as a player who could do nothing but pass to the opposition and hit Row WW and severely destroy any fans Bovril or overpriced pie at St James’ Park.

Personally I didn’t agree- Yes he often did sky a ball and rattle nothing more advertising hoardings, but he had a knack of scoring a few important goals from corners and arriving late into the penalty area.

It’s this, which is what we need back in the engine room, the days of Speed and Lee getting 10+ goals are long gone, and it’s part of our problem (But by no means all)

We need to get players bombing into the penalty area and causing havoc, then the strikers would have the space to do what they do best- How I long for the days of Speed, Robert, Solano, Lee, Bellamy, Shearer- Wow, just mentioning the names gives me a nosebleed.

Even my arch nemesis- One Keiron Courtney Dyer, someone I dislike as a person and think very little of as a player, but he ran and than gave people the licence to print goals.

Who do we have now? Nicky Butt and Alan Smith. . . . Bravo!!

N’Zogbia is a strange one, he wants away, if he were to confirm he is staying (And he won’t until were safe) it’s not worth playing a player who has had his head turned by the bright lights of London and where his family is apparently based.

Personally I’d say - Tough! Your paid thousands upon thousand of pounds a week to live away from your family, so deal with it, it’s not like they live on Mars.

If you gave me a chance to play for the club I love, for thousands of pounds a week, AND to be separated from my family for weeks on end- You just show me where to sign boy!

The midfield is the majority of our problem as the defence don’t trust it to make more than two consecutive passes and the attack. . . . . don’t trust it to make more than two consecutive passes.

‘Nuff Said.

Paul.

Posted by: Paul Patterson  | March 5, 2008 3:20 PM

ian robertson wrote...

Barton is poor. why dont we play:

Harper
Enrique,Taylor, Faye, Baye
Nzogbia,Butt,smith,milner
Owen,Martins

Note From Luke
Certainly worth a try I'd say

Posted by: ian robertson  | March 5, 2008 3:46 PM

Little Lord Fauntleroy wrote...

Very true and the sooner he gets locked up the better. At least then Keegan won't be able to select him!

N'Zogbia in the middle of the park with Grandad Butt for me.

Posted by: Little Lord Fauntleroy  | March 5, 2008 4:01 PM

Mr Chipper wrote...

Agreed with most of your points Luke. I would like to see Charlie in the middle as well. He likes to run at players with pace, has two good feet and can spot a pass. I would also like to see Keegan take a chance and give Carroll a go on Saturday, preferably up front with Oba. This gives us a useful option on the bench in Owen if things don't go to plan.

Note From Luke
Interesting idea, but I can't see it happening. Owen is first name on the teamsheet under KK

Posted by: Mr Chipper  | March 5, 2008 4:15 PM

stevie wrote...

I agree totally with your comments, but it looks like Smith is guaranteed a place so he'll either undermine the midfield or waste a place in attack.
I would love to see Oba or Viduka up front and Zogs or Emre in midfield but I just don't think it will happen. Here's hoping.

Posted by: stevie  | March 5, 2008 7:35 PM

RAY WILSON wrote...

Hi Luke I agree completely with your comments on Barton. I know it does not help us -but I do think his off the field antics have contributed heavily to his form this year-It is incredible to say the least that facing one crown court trial for assualt-he finds himself embedded in another-like you I am not saying he is guilty of anything -but simply stating the obvious-It is sad to think that in the middle of a very well paid and wonderful career he has allowed himself to be dragged into the court systems-again not saying he is guilty of anything except as a professional footballer what was he doing in the city centre during the hours of when he was arrested? He seemed a wonderfully talented player during his days at city and yet as you point out -we have seen none of that talent on Tyneside. I do think if he escapes any of the charges laid out against him Joey Barton needs to take stock of himself and realise he has a wonderful career -but he needs to think carefully about his future -and avoid ending up a lost talent-football is a short career and he needs to make the most of it.

Note From Luke
Couldn't agree with you more

Posted by: RAY WILSON  | March 5, 2008 8:54 PM

Mike Ashburn wrote...

Joey Barton's antics on and off the pitch whilst on NUFC's books have only been of service to a media hungry for column inches to fill.
He did show us flashes(against Blackburn)of what he could,and,without being too unreasonable,should be dishing up every time he pulls a black and white shirt on.
Sadly though,this malaise has run through the team for most of this season,with the result being that we now find ourselves in this quite frankly embarrassing plight.
We are being treated as a joke by a large section of the media,and unless something starts to click for us shortly,we are going to live up to that same sections expectations.
I totally agree with what you are saying about Emre,N'Zogbia,and while I've got the bit between my teeth,why not let Andy Carroll loose at Anfield on Saturday.
Nobody is giving us any hope of a result there,so why not see what he can do?
We've got nothing to lose as far as that situation is concerned.

Note From Luke
My worry about Carroll is that, if he is thrown in at the deep end, he might sink. He went on loan to Preston and did very little. I think a few cameo appearances are what he needs at this stage.

Posted by: Mike Ashburn  | March 5, 2008 11:42 PM

steve Rutherford wrote...

Bartons guilt or whatever apart. Since when did anyone deserve punishment before being found guilty. Since when were all those that create havoc in all the UK get stopped from doing their job by bail conditions. You either remand them or control their leisure activities to limit possible further trouble or crime. This is wrong that he should be summararily punished in this way. He cannot possibly get a fair hearing from unbiased persons due to media coverage. don't know him either. So what does that tell you.

Posted by: steve Rutherford  | March 6, 2008 12:41 PM

Malcolm wrote...

Like you luke I think barton has been absolute rubbish - a complete waste of money. I hope he feels suitably embarrassed when he gets his pay cheque (but I doubt it). To be honest i was surprised and disappointed at KKs team selection last week as i don't understand his perseverance with barton and smith as a striker. No wonder zog is unhappy when barton is selected ahead of him. We need pace in the team (of which neither barton or smith seem to have) and i would like to see martins recalled to put that right. I agree that carroll should be given his chance to start - but not at anfield where he is likely to be fighting a lone battle.
And a last thought. How long are the 'niggling' injuries to viduka, emre and carr going to last - can't one of the many physios we employ sort them out?

Posted by: Malcolm  | March 6, 2008 12:55 PM

Ronnie Lambert wrote...

Aye Luke, it took nearly 3 minutes to write it, but 30 seconds to think it out. Your perception staggers, that's why you're in a high-flying, jet-setting, well-paid job an' I'm not. Anyway kid, I thought my first entry hadn't gone through cos my P.C.'s got a virus, heavy cold I think, so I edited down my second attempt through laziness. To re-iterate...Barton, Smith, Butt out.

Posted by: Ronnie Lambert  | March 6, 2008 1:05 PM

Klaus wrote...

I fully agree with your article, but the timing is wrong. Barton actually showed against Blackburn what he can do and why we signed him – unfortunately Barton hasn’t done it more often. Let’s not prejudge people during an ongoing trial - but there are obviously well proven incidents in the past – plenty of them.
The club had other “difficult characters� in the past, but most of them had one thing in common: they were all good players and showed it – at least sometimes. The fans are more forgiving if a “difficult character� plays well – that’s understandable. It annoys me – to say the least – when I buy NUFC strips or other merchandise for my children that any of the money ends up in the already highly inflated wage packets of “difficult characters�.
Anyway –we have got bigger things on our mind – a relegation struggle.

As for the weekend, I don’t care who partners Owen – as long as it isn’t Smith. If N’Zogbia wants to go – let him go (after helping us staying up this season). I think he is a cracking player but why should the Geordie faithful spend their hard earned cash to support the wages of a player who doesn’t want to be there. A Manchester City style overhaul is what we need in the summer and KK will deliver just that. We must hold our nerves now. Let’s not expect too much at the weekend – a point would be fantastic.

We need to win the home games against the fellow strugglers.

Posted by: Klaus  | March 6, 2008 1:24 PM

Commulus wrote...

So the jury has made up its mind, twelve angry men and women slouched around a table in a smoked-out room, the air heavy with indignation, he’s guilty as hell, right…wrong! , ‘open that window, and will someone call for the attendant to get that fan working’ no one is going anywhere until I can prove his innocence! And I don’t care if you have got a ticket for the ball game!

It was around midnight and the dark streets of Liverpool were lit by a small neon light from the hamburger stall, a natural magnet to the multi-millionaire and his…gang of…ehm…oh I’ve just remembered that I was supposed to pick up a jacket from the cleaners’

p.s. congratulations in order for your wedding thing Luke! You slipped that announcement in very delicately, I thought you were going to Cuba for the honeymoon!

Note From Luke
Nah, went off the idea of Cuba. We'll go there on holiday in a couple of years probably once we've paid off the wedding. You do make me chuckle Commulus. Which remidns me, I also have to take my dinner jacket to the dry cleaners. I need it for the Sport Newcastle Dinner next week, it has a strange stain on it after the Durham end of Season Awards bash back in October. I think Liam Plunkett started a food fight the wag that he is!

Posted by: Commulus  | March 6, 2008 2:10 PM

ben wrote...

with players missing team v lpool
HARPER BEYE FAYE TAYLOR ENRIQUE MILNER NZGOBIA BUTT EMRE OWEN VIDUKA!

Note From Luke
Viduka isn't even in the squad for Anfield I'm afraid Ben and neither is Emre, so expect Smith and Martins to play instead

Posted by: ben  | March 6, 2008 4:13 PM

ravi wrote...

Luke, if barton is found guilty, then what?? can we terminate his contract? seriously i dont think there is a club who would pay his wage/transfer fees.

Note From Luke
If Barton is found guilty he could receive a custodial sentence. I have no idea if Newcastle can terminate his contract - I'm sure they can though - but it will be interesting to find out

Posted by: ravi  | March 6, 2008 7:51 PM

Steve R wrote...

But i wholeheartedly agree with Barton out Smith out. Martins/Carrol Zogs in. It is really getting embarrassing being surrounded in other persuasions of supporters just know. We need something to sling back.

Posted by: Steve R  | March 7, 2008 2:21 AM

jac mills wrote...

Luke

Sitting here early on a dark winter morning, waiting for Saturday to unfold, here's a prediction: Liverpool 3 - NU 0. Or worse.

I sincerley hope I am dead wrong.

Note From Luke
You were spot as it happens Jac

Posted by: jac mills  | March 8, 2008 12:01 PM

jac mills wrote...

Luke

Still waiting for the day to start, I read an old story quoting Rafa Benitez on Torres/Michael Owen. He said he chose to get Torres over Owen because Torres is younger, and implied Torres is a total footballer. Wasn't that a no-brainer?

Note From Luke
Erm, yes!

Posted by: jac mills  | March 8, 2008 12:08 PM