Behind Enemy Lines

[Babylon]

I know this doesn't make sense, but mods please leave it. A Newcastle fan wants to ask some questions about the upcoming game and couldn't create a thread. He will post here shortly... or at least I hope he will.

[ken_nufc]

Cheers Babylon...

We are the unofficial toon site Talk Of The Tyne and have just started a new section for the season called Behind Enemy Lines?

I'd appreciate any answers for the few questions I have, they'll be posted on site over the next day, I'll pick from one of you and the rest will go on the forum section. Hope you dont mind but Ive added you as the official fans site on my site, so you might get a few visitors, most of them are OK...anyway, here's the quick questions...

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

7) What do you know about NUFC?

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

9) Any team news?

10) Finally a score prediction?

Cheers lads

[davieG]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

He's doing great and seems to have an excellent team behind him, our hope is that Mandaric keeps clear of him. Oh and he's a gentleman with integrity in the Bobby Robson mould

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Happy, probably better than expected with the added bonus that we are a playing a better quality of entertaining football

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

I think Wellen's will be making a big difference but our main strength is teamwork

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Realistically somewhere between 6th and 10th, optimistically the play-offs, in my dreams top two.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

I don't think we have an out and out star in that sense but the key players are probably Brown & Wellens

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Probably whilst you've still got the bulk of your premiership squad, many were expecting them to lie down and die on you but they seem to be putting in a good shift. Might have been better to play you after the transfer window closes and on a Saturday at 3:00pm.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

'Massive' but won nothing in most people lifetime on here.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

With your resources it should be top two same as we were expected to do and did last year

9) Any team news?

Howard and Waghorn on loan from The Mackems out

10) Finally a score prediction?

So many games have ended 4-3 between us in recent years it would be great for all the fans if there was a repeat obviously in our favour but it'll probably be 1-0 to you.

[Babylon]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Fantastic... I don't think we could have asked or wished for any more than he has done. Finally after too many years of being a mess on the field and off it (which you probably know a bit about yourselves at the minute).

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

I'm chuffed to be where we are at the minute. On paper our start to the season was a difficult one and we have come through with more points than any of us expected.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Ritchie Wellens has been the stand out so far for me. Strong on the ball, strong in the tackle and a killer final ball to split the defence. An absolute steal for £1 ish.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

I think injuries could play a part, so 9th.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

See 3)

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Yes

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Too much.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

If you don't finish top three someone needs shooting.

9) Any team news?

Howard and Waghorn are out injured.

10) Finally a score prediction?

1-2 Leicester

[markbsac]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

ans....pearson seems to have a steady head on his shoulders and knows who he wants and i think how to get the best out of people...he does not suffer fools gladly and gets rid of bad apples quick (joe mattock)

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

ans.... more than happy with this we had a reality check when we got relegated last season lets hope the dark days are behind us

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

ans.. Yes Danny N'guessan and Nicky Adams

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

10th

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Danny N'Guessan

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

So Far yes

7) What do you know about NUFC?

To be honest i think you are a club in a large catchment area,so will always command a big crowd, most of your fans seem deluded by thinking the only way forward is with geordie staff and owners, for example why do you always want ex players as managers like shearer...he was the man in charge when you got relegated and he has no managerial experience....most of your supporters think you are a massive club..hate to tell you most of the football world know you are not..last winning a trophy in 1969 and a domestic one in 1956..even we have won trophys in the last 10 years !

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

3rd

9) Any team news?

not yet

10) Finally a score prediction?

3-1 to you lot

[Dr The Singh]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Very professional and very assured, I have been very impressed

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Better then expected, but it's too early to judge

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Maybe Wellens OR Fryatt

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Too early to tell, but on what I have seen, around 10th

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Unfortunately i'm not athe game, otherwise I would say me. Wellens and Nicky Adams, both inform

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Yes, you still have a premiership side and your on form, but i'm hoping you guys become arrogant and complacent against us

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Big club that hasn't matched it's potential intems of success

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

Top 2, playoffs would be a minimum

9) Any team news?

Howard and Waghorn are injured

10) Finally a score prediction?

I would go for 2 - 1. I think if Newcastle score first and early, city will struggle!

[Flynny]

Ritchie Wellens has been the stand out so far for me. Strong on the ball, strong in the tackle and a killer final ball to split the defence. An absolute steal for £1 ish.

Seems cheap.

[MC Prussian]

1) First of all, how's Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Pearson was appointed by Mandaric after several chaotic managerial episodes, with Pearson's predecessor, Holloway, seeing us demoted to League One for the first time in club history. It was quite a blow, but Pearson, who was more like an unwritten page when he came in and facing some traditional scepticism, won everyone over by sorting out the deadwood (a plague that had lasted for several seasons since we last played the Premier League), establishing a good atmosphere, a positive, professional approach to football and a willingness to work on something longer-lasting. He's gotten out the best out of (almost) everyone and that's seen us winning League One rather convincingly. With Leicester not being able to dish out enormeous transfer fees, Pearson and his staff have done a really good job at bargain-hunting so far.

2) You're sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Unbeaten in four is quite an achievement so far. I was fairly optimistic about at the beginning of this season, but I'd never have thought we'd get a point each at Portman Road and against the Blades away. Looks like the enthusiasm from last season is still evident and keeping the players motivated to a large extent. We've got a really solid back four and an established midfield that can create chances. Provided everyone gets back to fitness, we've got a really good season ahead of us.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

I hope Fryatt can finally live up to the expectations and compensate for his bad Championship scoring record. Last season's League One adventure should've probably done him some good. Scored twice in the league already, looking sharper than before.

4) Where about do you think you'll finish this season?

Wishful thinking wants a top six finish, realistically, with such a depth in squad, ending up as one of the ten best teams in the Championship is a doable task. I've just had it with floating in mid-table and/or flirting with relegation, really.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Either Wellens, Gallagher or Kermorgant (provided he's fit enough to play). Wellens is a great source of inspiration in midfield (alongside Oakley), recently acquired Gallagher I can see going on the scoring sheet soon and Kermorgant, who showed some class against Preston, is some kind of secret weapon for free-kick situations.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Besides the other two fellow relegated teams, Middlesbrough and West Brom, yes.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Long-time Premiership force for more than a decade; gave a good show in the 90ies under Keegan and Robson; slow, but steady decline in the past few years. Have won nothing for several decades, somewhat deluded fans and a pretty, historic stadium. And we don't like Alan Shearer.

8) Where do you think we'll finish?

Top 6, but more likely a contender for automatic promotion.

9) Any team news?

Strikers Waghorn and Howard are both out for another couple of weeks with hamstring injuries.

10) Finally a score prediction?

I'd really love to see us pull a surprise and win at St. James, but a draw I'd be more than happy with. If you lot score early, yes, it's probably going to be difficult. But seeing that we have the fighting spirit needed, don't underestimate Leicester City 2009/2010.

[markbsac]

And we don't like Alan Shearer.

WE ALL AGREE WITH THAT !

[Father Ted]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Fantastic manager. Not too involved in the media like Holloway, he's strict, gets involved with the fans aswell and always brings the best out of the team.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Yes, I would say that is what we would have been expecting, keeping up the momentum from last year. I'm delighted with our start to the campaign and hopefully we can push for the play-offs.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Not particularly, but the centre-back partnership (Hobbs and Brown) and centre-midfield partnerships (Wellens and Oakley) are looking very strong.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

My heart says 5th but my brain thinks we will just miss out on the play-off - 9th

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

If Dany N'guessan turns up then Enrique could have an embarrasing night. Also watch out for Wayne Brown sticking Ameobi in the stands.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Well, we have played Sheff Utd away already and nicked a point but yes, biggest challenge so far.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Their shit and that 'I would love, I would love it if...

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

3rd

9) Any team news?

Howard and Waghorn out, Tunchev not fully fit.

10) Finally a score prediction?

2-1 suprise win for the City!

[ken_nufc]

Pearson was well liked at our gaff too, thanks for the answers lads, keep em coming, will be publishing a pub and map guide if your interested, and if you want to stay over for a dirty weekend I know some cheap digs if you need em.

[Asha]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

So far he's been fantastic, bought in some great players, has got the best out of them, and looks like he can steer us to a very good finish this season. Top, top manager.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

To be honest no, looking at the initial away fixtures we had...Ipswich, Sheffield United and then Newcastle, three teams who were tipped to finish very high up in the table, made me think we'd struggle a bit up to now. But 4 games in and still unbeaten in the league is a fantastic start.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Matt Fryatt seems to be continuing his good scoring form from last year, and new signing Wellens has made the midfield look very solid. Nicky Adams has looked very good every game he's played in this season. If he gets a bit more game time, he could be very impressive this season.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Play-offs would be brilliant, but I think we'll just fall short. 8th.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Wayne Brown. Has formed a fantastic partnership with Jack Hobbs, and will hopefully keep Ameobi out the game.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Yes. Also unbeaten, and with undoubtably some premiership quality players in your ranks, you're surely the favourites for automatic promotion.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

The fans come across as being extremely passionate about their football. Relegation will have hit hard up there, but with some very good players staying they should enjoy a good season this year. I have a couple of Newcastle supporting mates who will be going to the game in the home end, so getting a result would be very nice.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

2nd. Automatic promotion almost definately. But I think West Brom will just edge it and take the title.

9) Any team news?

Strikers Steve Howard, and Martyn Waghorn (on loan from sunderland) are both out.

10) Finally a score prediction?

2-0 Toon. Will be a difficult game and I think we'll struggle to get a result. Ameobi and Ryan Taylor to score.

[Bryn]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Seems like the real deal to me, although that could just be because we truly have had some clowns. Tactically astute, a bit of a genius in the transfer market at times, disciplined and as said before, comes with integrity. His supporting cast, particularly Craig Shakespeare and Steve Walsh (note not to be added - many national journals have made the error of saying this is our ex player, this is not the case!) are also both excellent.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Win at home and draw away, I think it just about meets the demands of even the most impatient fans. Most teams seem to have been impressed with us and if we continue in this vein I'm sure we'll have a very satisfying season.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

The team has a good spine. Jack Hobbs looks an absolute steal at £400k, capable of reaching a high level in my opinion. Ritchie Wellens seems to be the cultured midfielder we've been lacking and has been bossing the midfield alongside Matt Oakley. And Matty Fryatt has a lot to prove to us this year, after previous poor Championship seasons, but he's started well despite not having much of a preseason. But our real selling point is our team ethic and organisation.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Possibly about where we are now. I think sneaking into the playoffs is not beyond us but I think a top ten finish would be fantastic for most of us.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

I'd expect you to have a lot of the game, so keep an eye on the defence which is looking excellent, and try not to let the ball fall to Fryatt in the box too often.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Undoubtedly, the widespread writing-off of Newcastle now appears incredibly premature and foolish. We'll be looking to give a good account of ourselves though.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Um not much, I don't think you're a club whose name resonates amongst the fans

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

I think anything outside the top 2 would be a severe disappointment for you. It remains to be seen if your coach can keep the players motivation alive though. Or whether your squad will still be complete enough come May.

9) Any team news?

Think Howard and Waghorn might still be out? And Tunchev isn't match fit.

10) Finally a score prediction?

2-1 Newcastle.

[The Doctor]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Pearson is well on course to become god here and the set up seems to be working wonders

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

In all honesty i was expecting us to be sat in lower mid table, optomistic of play-off challange but never really beliving it to be possible so i'm as chuffed as a badger during mating season at our start to the season.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Wellens and Brown should do very well this year

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

With the start we've made, about 10th

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Shouldn't really tell you, element of suprise and all that, but N'guessan and Adams could suprise a few this year.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

In a way yes but sheff U will be up there as well with the way they ended last season

7) What do you know about NUFC?

you never win anything, haven't had a successful manager since Sir Bobby and ,no matter how impossible it seems, you will always successfully cock things up.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

Play-offs

9) Any team news?

Super Stevie Howard and Waghorn are both out for a couple of weeks

10) Finally a score prediction?

2-1 to the foxes.

Cheers lads

[Kilworthfox]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Pearson is doing very well. I like the way he has kept a low profile and never gets carried away. When we walked division 3 the players performances never seemed to lack effort. That has carried on into this season and we have played some excellent football with Ritchie Wellens bossing the midfield, a snip at £1.2 Million. Pearson has brought in new players, in positions that we were weak, most of them have improved the squad. The set up is a championship one, with a good work ethic and some quality.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

I thought that we would struggle for goals this season, this is still a concern! However we play very quick slick passing football, some of the best I have seen from Leicester in the 20 odd years I have watched them. At the start of the season I was very pessimistic; as we have come up with a similar group of players that we went down with, but with less prolific forwards, as we lost Iain Hume who was our top goal scorer with 13 in the season we were relegated. I thought we would be in for a relegation scrap, but after watching Leicester play this season with a very strong midfield which includes Wellens who never seems to put a foot wrong, we play attractive positive football, I believe the playoffs is an ambitious target but an achievable one.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

He already is! Ritchie Wellens, I had heard of him previously, knew of his Manchester United footballing eduction, but looking at the teams he has played for you don't get overly excited about players from Blackpool, Oldham & Doncaster. However Wellens has every ability to play Premiership football, I have no idea how he has not been picked up by a poor premiership side. He can get stuck in and has a wonderful array of passing skills, but his best ability is the time which he creates when receiving the ball. He plays in a different game to most of our players as he is always 1 if not 2 steps ahead.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Being pessimistic 15th, optimistic 6th, more likely around 10th.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Already mentioned Wellens, but Tunchev is also a star who never puts a foot wrong, however the Bulgarian international centre back is coming back from a cruciate knee ligament injury suffered in January against Palace in the league cup, and was not that impressive against Preston in mid week. I expect him to start on the bench, but once fit he is a rock at the heart of our defence.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Yes, Sheffield United were a strong physical outfit, but I expect with the quality of players at Newcastle, that the extra quality will mean a tough test for Leicester.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Newcastle fans self publish themselves as the best in the country, however in my, and many others opinion the weight of their support are often derogatory to the success of the club. I don't know of many other teams fans who make demands on their club because they favour a local over another football person, because of former glory's or just because of where they were born. Newcastle also pay average players obscene amounts of money, and get little in return, Bobby Robson a gentleman of the game, gave Newcaslte Champions League football, only for the club to sack him after 4 games into a new season. Newcastle have the potential to be a power in European Football with the fanbase, stadium and the desirability of players willing to play there however, Newcastle are where they deserve to be at present, because of the mismanagement at high levels, and giving in to the supporters whims.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

Playoffs. This division is very strong, you get nothing that you don't deserve to get. It seems that you have a strong squad, and that you have adapted very well to the speed and physical nature of the Championship. Certain players at Newcastle will have to adapt their game from a Premiership one where believe it or not there is more respect and time given in a better standard of football, but your players Premiership standard speed of mind will destroy a lot of teams, possibly even Leicester on Monday.

9) Any team news?

Howard & Waghorn out, New signings Kergomant, Gallagher may be involved. Expect Tunchev on the bench.

10) Finally a score prediction?

I remember the 5v4 and the 4v5 games in the early 90's, that would be a treat that I would accept this season. I however predict with our good defence and excellent attitude we will turn up with the right mentality, unfortunately i also believe that Newcastle's quality will win the day, Newcastle 2 v Leicester 1.

[Daggers]

7) What do you know about NUFC?

You've returned to your natural level but still retain the daft belief that you should be world champions.

Not as good as Sunderland.

[Bert]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

He's done a fantastic job so far, certainly the best we've had since O'Neill. He doesn't take any crap and just wants to get on with the job, and do what's best for our club.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

It's a fantastic start, if I'm being honest, I would've said we'd have lost by now, we've had to play Swansea who were very good last year, and two tricky away trips at Ipswich and Sheff Utd, where generally we don't do very well, so to be unbeaten and 7th is brilliant.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

After a fantastic season season last year, there were high hopes for Andy King, but after the signing of Richie Wellens (who is brilliant) he's found it hard to get in. Wayne Brown and Jack Hobbs (a bargain £400k signing from Liverpool) have started off really well this season, thus keeping out star defender Aleksander Tunchev out of the team, who has just come back from a career threatening injury.

On the whole we pride ourselves on a team performance, with everyone chipping in to do their bit.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

10-12th.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

As I said earlier, each and every player will give everything they've got. Our top 3 players so far are - Fryatt, Wellens and Brown.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Without a doubt, especially away from home.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Recently relegated from the premiership and in reported turmoil.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

You'll be promoted.

9) Any team news?

Steve Howard and Martyn Waghorn will be missing due to injury, otherwise I believe there's a clean bill of health. New signing Yann Kermorgant may make his league debut, probably from the bench.

10) Finally a score prediction?

2-0 to you. <_<

All the best for the season, apart from when you play us.

[milan_foxes]

ken_nufc,

whats happening about Ameobi, is he injured?

[dogadug]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Pearson is doing great, by far the best manager we've had since Martin O'neill, he's strict and keeps out of the media, but has a good relationship with the players, and has built a strong squad together.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

I'm very happy with the start to the season, with 2 nice home wins, and 2 points away from home that I was not expecting, and we could have got even more. I am expecting we'll finish about 8th, just missing out on the play-offs.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

If the midfield can perform well, and give the rfight service, I reckon Matty Fryatt could be a real star this season, although he was terrible in the Championship in his previous attempts, Pearson has revitalised him, and he looks like a different player from a few seasons back.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

8th

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Defence pairing of Hobbs and Brown looks rock solid, Wellens has been fantastic this year, the Championships Gerrard!, and like I said, if he's on song, Fryatt could cause a threat.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Yes, and I think you represent our toughest test all season, but with you still not having owners in, getting rid of lots of players, and having a few injuries, we could be in with a chance.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Good fanbase, Had success under Keegan and the late great Bobby Robson, but not won anything in like 40 years

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

2nd

9) Any team news?

Waghorn and Howard are out, so Fryatt and Gallagher look set to start up front.

10) Finally a score prediction?

2-1 to Leicester(I have to be optomistic!)

[Raj]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Just what we needed after the last few managers who were media whores or just time wasters waiting for a bigger club.

Pearson is professional in what he does and seems to have some discipline etched into his wan.ker players.

NP could do a mini O'Neil....

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Brilliant start so far.Very solid and thats just what we needed...most season in the CChip we dont get our first win until November!!

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Yes,could be Danny NG,or Wellens.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Happy with mid table realistically.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

No - Do your own scouting missions!!

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Probably.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

They are in a financial mess thanks to your cockney sportsdirect owner!!

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

Hope you go down again thi season (feel sorry for the fans but you have turned into abit of a joke club,abit like the mighty Leeds united-champions of Europe!!!)

Realistically though i think play offs for you lot...hope you lose in them though!!

9) Any team news?

No.

10) Finally a score prediction?

0-0

[Koke]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up? He's doing a pretty immaculate job. Took over a club in turmoil and we were a nationwide laughing stock. He cleared a lot of deadwood and brought in fresh hungry players - he's a disciplined man and he accepts nothing but 100% from his players. Tactically, he knows his stuff and I can only see us improving under him.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign? Pretty impressive start. We weren't expecting to get anything from Ipswich and Sheffield United, but we did. And two strong solid impressive home wins has made us believe we can have a decent season.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year? We don't have any out-and-out stars, but if I had to pick it'd be Richie Wellens who pulls the strings in midfield. A £1.2m signing from Doncaster and he'll be one our key players. Jack Hobbs at the back is also one to look out for. A £400k signing from Liverpool and he's a monster who'll only get better.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season? Around 8th-10th I reckon

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night? Dany N'Guessan is a strong winger who likes to run at defenders. Wellens & Oakley in midfield are a strong unit who complement each other very well.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far? I think so, yes. Sheffield United away was a tough test, and we owned them for a good 55-60 minutes but only got a draw there. Newcastle away will definitely be our toughest tests thus far.

7) What do you know about NUFC? Big club with a loyal fan base who has so much potential. Shame your club has been run by morons, but hopefully within time you'll be back in the Prem.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish? 1st or 2nd

9) Any team news? Howard and Mackem boy Waghorn are out

10) Finally a score prediction? 1-1 draw me thinks.

[Unabomber]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

Just what we needed after the last few managers who were media whores or just time wasters waiting for a bigger club.

Pearson is professional in what he does and seems to have some discipline etched into his wan.ker players.

NP could do a mini O'Neil....

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Brilliant start so far.Very solid and thats just what we needed...most season in the CChip we dont get our first win until November!!

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Yes,could be Danny NG,or Wellens.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Happy with mid table realistically.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

No - Do your own scouting missions!!

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Probably.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

They are in a financial mess thanks to your cockney sportsdirect owner!!

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

Hope you go down again thi season (feel sorry for the fans but you have turned into abit of a joke club,abit like the mighty Leeds united-champions of Europe!!!)

Realistically though i think play offs for you lot...hope you lose in them though!!

9) Any team news?

No.

10) Finally a score prediction?

0-0

It is very odd reading a sensiblele post off of you.

[Legend_in_blue]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

NP is a great manager. He's set out his team well, we are hard to beat and continue to grow in confidence. We are a more professional set up than previous seasons and the playing staff has a lot of respect for NP.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

I expected us to be top half at the end of the season. To be 7th now suggests we are on course to do that. We've made a solid start. This is to be expected since we have a pretty solid team. I'm happy and always optimistic.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Yes. Closed question. I expect all of them to be real stars.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

7th - 10th. Possibly 6th.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Brown and Wellens. Brown will be looking out for you though.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Away from home you represent the biggest test of the season. This is no different to teams visiting us last season. Expect a tough game, we will not be bowled over easily.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Black and white. Shearer. Keegan - I'll love it, LOVE IT!!! Sir Les.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

This depends on who leaves you before the deadline. You should finish top 6 but should it go wrong, visit WACCOE.

9) Any team news?

We're well up for this. That's all the news you need.

10) Finally a score prediction?

2-2 draw. This fixture always has lots of goals in it.

Cheers lads

Y I the lads.

[Ultra]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

He's done very well for us so far (ta for letting him go). he's created a team that's very tough to beat, as shown by our record of just FOUR defeats in our last 50 league games. The set-up off the pitch is the best it's been for a decade, with analysts and sports scientists recruited to help the squad.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

Given the tough early start, 7th is slightly above where we expected. In the end we were disappointed not to bring 6 points from Portman Road and Bramall Lane rather than 2.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Chris Weale has been very impressive in goal to date. But Pearson has put emphasis more on collective than individual efforts and I expect that to continue.

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Top 10 but not quite top 6.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Fryatt is the obvious goal threat, but there are plenty of others in the side capable of finding the net.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

Given that Sheffield United were a more settled side, probably not.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

As a second-generation geordie, quite a bit! You've not been the most stable of clubs, especially since the current owner took charge. After Manchester City, the biggest under-achievers in English football in the last 20 years.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

That depends on how far Ashley's fire sale goes. If you keep your current squad together, you may scrape into the playoffs.

9) Any team news?

As stated above, both Howard and Waghorn are injured and will be especially gutted to miss out on this game.

10) Finally a score prediction?

Our recent record at your place is not great. 2-1 to you.

[Guest Gist]

1) First of all, how’s Pearson doing, what do you think of the set up?

We and in a good shape at the minute, Pearson has given us alot of optimism and bought in some good players without over spending. The club seems to have more stability now and the players we have are regulars in the side, not so much changing around compared to seasons gone by.

2) You’re sitting in 7th place, is that where you expected, are you happy with the start to the campaign?

I honestly never really considered it. 7th is a good position after 4 games from our point of view and maybe we could be higher up if we'd taken some of our chances in games we maybe should have won. It's a long season and 7th can soon turn to 20th over a couple of games but I'm confident we'll be around the play-offs still.

3) Do you expect one of your players to be a real star this year?

Wellens is a class act, very tidy player. Hobbs has a bright future too. Very consistant, strong in the air and can read the game very well, and still only 20 I think...

4) Where about do you think you’ll finish this season?

Just outside the play-offs. But you never know in this league... Hull and Burnley, no one ever expected them to do it.

5) Is there anyone we should look out for on Monday night?

Wayne Brown is solid, along with Hobbs as I've mentioned. Also give Oakley a mention, he seems to put in alot of hard work but never seems to be praised for it by the fans as much.

6) Do you think we represent your biggest test so far?

I'd say so, but that doesn't count for anything, it's what we do on the day.

7) What do you know about NUFC?

Where do I start?

I'll keep it simple. No stability with fans that expect too much just because they turn out in force.

8) Where do you think we’ll finish?

3rd, just missing out in the play-offs.

9) Any team news?

Dickov has gone Derby, not that you need to worry about that! Super Stevie Howard is out along with Waghorn for a few weeks.

10) Finally a score prediction?

0-0 with you having the better of the chances.