Q7: Will the team be playing Premier League football next season?

Oct 30 2009 By The Journal

Will the team be playing Premier League football next season?

Yes 47%

No 53%

Your comments:

1 Oct 28, 2009 12:06 PM I can't be optimistic. Everything Ashley has touched has turned to poo. Our squad is pathetically weak and will be exposed by continued injuries once the winter bites.
2 Oct 28, 2009 12:09 PM Have to be positive, the club are doing well but I wonder for how long, because of the paper thin squad. The players are putting their hearts into the club and working together.
3 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM The championship is so poor i believe we are good enough to get promoted! we should already be 10 points or so clear!!
4 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM On the basis of player performance and little else
5 Oct 28, 2009 12:10 PM I hope so, but we will need to invest to stay in the Premier League
6 Oct 28, 2009 12:11 PM By sheer luck, I think the fat shop keeper will sell more players in Jan and take more loan signings
7 Oct 28, 2009 12:12 PM I hope.
8 Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM the championship is that bad even a poor newcastle team (and thats what we have) can win promotion
9 Oct 28, 2009 12:13 PM Maybe yes, maybe no. Until MA goes, however, we will remain a yo-yo club. Assuming we do go up a foresee another painful summer whilst he trys to sell followed by a season when we struggle an ultimately come back down
10 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM Not with the petulant, greedy oaf running the club
11 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM its a poor league
12 Oct 28, 2009 12:14 PM on our present performance and if hughton can keep it up we should be back again
13 Oct 28, 2009 12:15 PM Even if we do miraculously go up, we'll be straight back down again, we have no premier league quality players, or staff now.
14 Oct 28, 2009 12:15 PM I believe the players have shown great spirit this season. In the end they dont need to listen to what is going on around them and they haven't, credit to them. They will carry on just playing football. We need to invest in january though.
15 Oct 28, 2009 12:16 PM I think we'll finish in top 2; but will struggle next year.
16 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM Not now Ashley is staying in charge
17 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM I desperately hope so. However I don't believe we will have any money to spend in January and we need players in ASAP. We lack creativity in CM.
18 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM Probably, because we have the least weak squad in a weak division. We'll get destroyed in the EPL next season though, as he won't spend a penny again, and will no doubt stick us on the market immediately following promotion.
19 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM Ashley will probably sell half the first team in January.
20 Oct 28, 2009 12:17 PM i hope so, but i also hope that hughton isn't in charge by then otherwise we will be straight back down
21 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM With stability and new players yes.
22 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM Hughton will come undone sooner or later. We're in a false position.
23 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM Not sure!!
24 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM we are in a false position, performances have been awful all season and fear of who we used to be helped us bully our way through the first few games but once teams realised that Hughton had no plan B other than the long ball they started to come at us and expose us for what we are, slow with no ball players and a defence with no confidence in each other.
25 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM Come January more book-balancing will be done and we'll lose quality players and still be saddled with high earners.
26 Oct 28, 2009 12:18 PM This I beleive will deflate the players, the usual poor performance associated with a caretaker becoming permanent boss will follow and Chris isn't good enough to change that. I really hope I am proved wrong.
27 Oct 28, 2009 12:19 PM as poor as we are i still believe we are better than 90% of the league we are in
28 Oct 28, 2009 12:19 PM There is no chance this current squad can sustain a long season in the championship. We're only 4 points above tenth place, by xmas we could be in the bottom half if our current form continues.
29 Oct 28, 2009 12:20 PM Theres not enough strength in depth, as proved against forest and scunthorpe and the lucky win against doncaster. Unless hughton is allowed to bring 6 of his own players in (not players ashley chooses) we might stand a chance. A horrible feeling comes across that we will get in the playoffs and lose, then alot more of our better players will move on and we will be in worse position than we are now. We need to get promoted.
30 Oct 28, 2009 12:21 PM I bloody well hope so but with this buffoon owning the club we should be prepared for a Derby / Sunderland type season of relegation next year
31 Oct 28, 2009 12:21 PM Simply because the league is so poor
32 Oct 28, 2009 12:22 PM Without investment in the team I fear that our challenge will simply dislove.
33 Oct 28, 2009 12:22 PM Hope I'm wrong, but he will need to put more than £20 million for players
34 Oct 28, 2009 12:23 PM I hope so but cant see it , by the time january comes to an end we will have lost S Taylor and A Carroll at the least and any other player that shows to be worth more than a tenner!!
35 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM With the players we have YES
36 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM Unlikely, injuries and Chris Houghtons ability or lack of it will find us out. Then guess what the club will be up for sale again
37 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM The only erason is that the league is very poor.
38 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM If we spend the extra money properly and the players continue to give off their best when fit.
39 Oct 28, 2009 12:24 PM Sorry not good enough to go up yet
40 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM We won't even make the play offs with the size of squad we have
41 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM But it will be touch and go.
42 Oct 28, 2009 12:25 PM We were relegated last season because we were not good enough. Since then we have sold a whole team. All the problems remain - no pace, no creativity whatsoever in midfield, no width, defence is a shambles, squad is too small etc.etc. etc.
43 Oct 28, 2009 12:26 PM but only if we avoid long term injuries
44 Oct 28, 2009 12:27 PM not now
45 Oct 28, 2009 12:28 PM Much as it pains me to say it. Middlesbrough's decision to appoint a proven manager to replace Southgate is a big threat to our chances of automatic promotion and I think we would struggle with the pressure of the play-offs. It is a miracle that we have been able to limp along as we have been doing.
46 Oct 28, 2009 12:29 PM and chamnpionship football the season after as long as this continues in the same vein
47 Oct 28, 2009 12:29 PM If Mike Ashley is going to be running this club, then no. If we do claim promotion, then we will go straight down. The class in the Premier League right now is second to none.
48 Oct 28, 2009 12:30 PM lets be positive and say yes! BUT we need investment in players you cannot asset strip a club, get temporary loan players in and expect it to thrive!!If Ashley is serious then he MUST invest money in players, Simpson would be a good acquisition for a start!!
49 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM Probably/possibly!
50 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM Only if investment in the January transfer window is there, and non of the current players are sold.
51 Oct 28, 2009 12:31 PM The squad is too small to allow for both injury cover and means of altering tactics.
52 Oct 28, 2009 12:32 PM A threadbare squad, short of pace and creativity will eventually fall short, perhaps in the play offs as other teams find some form. The season is barely a quarter through.
53 Oct 28, 2009 12:32 PM I believe so, but what a scary prospect with the current set-up!!!
54 Oct 28, 2009 12:33 PM a few injuries and we will struggle. im not convinced by our performances
55 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM Not with the current squad we need more strength and depth, and unless after promotion there was massive investment on the pitch we would just come straight back down again anyway.
56 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM i pray that we will, but i can see things going pearshaped come the january transfer window - like the £20m funding going missing and selling our young stars
57 Oct 28, 2009 12:34 PM I think the standard in the Championship is crap....but IF we go up we need a whole new squad and with the fat cockney bastard still there we will become one of the yo-yo clubs.
58 Oct 28, 2009 12:35 PM The squad do not look strong enough
59 Oct 28, 2009 12:36 PM Maybe but it will be a waste of time under Ashleys ownership anyway.
60 Oct 28, 2009 12:36 PM See above comment.
61 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM Hopefully
62 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM The players are simply not good enough. We are playing the wimbledon style, long ball downfield and charge.
63 Oct 28, 2009 12:37 PM Long season, but started better then expected, team are one of many that could make it
64 Oct 28, 2009 12:38 PM I dont care, aslong as he is in charge, i will not put a penny into it.
65 Oct 28, 2009 12:39 PM but not as a result of ashleys backing or Chris Houghtons managerial skills. it will be the players desire to increase their wage packets for a season before we sink back into the championship.
66 Oct 28, 2009 12:40 PM not when we get beaten off footballing giants like Blackpool, Notts Forest and Scunthorpe.
67 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM Provided none of the better players are sold, and a few additions are made in January. Although with a few bad results the fans could turn on Hughton and again on Ashley!!
68 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM But only if Ashley makes funds available and allows people who know about football make the decisions
69 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM With the unholy trinity of Ashley - Lambias - Hughton I doubt it. The fools will no doubt be selling more players when the transfer window opens.
70 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM The way the Toon have played lately, God knows!
71 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM providing the funds are there and decent quality players are purchased.
72 Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM Come January everything will go pear-shaped.
73 Oct 28, 2009 12:42 PM The football is appalling. Losses against Blackpool, Forest, Scunthorpe, home draws against QPR, Bristol City, and a very lucky and undeserved win against Doncaster. Plenty more defeats, poor tactics, and poor play on the horizon I'm afraid.
74 Oct 28, 2009 12:44 PM Not with the stadium name being up for sale and houghton in charge. Who will we have sponsoring us? He buys players over you tube and asks people to contact him via info@newcastle...... to offer him £100 million. The way he lied to us and treat Keegan is unforgivable. I HATE him
75 Oct 28, 2009 12:45 PM Hard to say.
76 Oct 28, 2009 12:46 PM Not if Ashley stays.
77 Oct 28, 2009 12:47 PM we need to strengthen the team and i don't think that will happen with Ashley still here
78 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM yes but need more players in the team wafer thin at the moment
79 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM Because the rest of the Championship are depressingly worse than us
80 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM Not with Llambias, Ashely and Hughton at the club no.
81 Oct 28, 2009 12:48 PM I think we'll end up in the play-offs and miss out. We will falter due to suspensions and injuries in a squad much lacking in numbers.
82 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM Not at this rate, Chris Houghton will be found out after christmas.
83 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM If it is possible to keep up morale, and a fit squad ,which looks like it is possible under Chris Hughton
84 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM The football is unispiring and I think even though we've had a good start it will be derailed by lack of numbers and quality. All Cashleys fault!
85 Oct 28, 2009 12:49 PM I've said Yes, but it's more like a "maybe". I definitely don't believe that we have the quality to stay up next season if we keep the squad we've got.
86 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM Not without further investment in players
87 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM Best players yes. Inadequate owner. Puppet manager. Play offs maybe.
88 Oct 28, 2009 12:50 PM They are good enough
89 Oct 28, 2009 12:51 PM Possible???
90 Oct 28, 2009 12:52 PM With Houghton in charge , no chance .
91 Oct 28, 2009 12:52 PM No thanks to MA though
92 Oct 28, 2009 12:53 PM Hope so. but considerable investment will be required before then.
93 Oct 28, 2009 12:54 PM This can depend on injuries, for which we are never short at any time.
94 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM Not without significant investment and this will not be forthcoming. NUFC are top of the league currently be default. At the moment the teams around them are showing no consistency, this will not last.
95 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM I don't think a return to the Premier League is at all certain. The standard of the Championship is poor, but then so are we these days. Any team that watches videos of us this season will see how to stop us fairly quickly, and we have no depth at all combined with a manager with a lack of tactical knowledge. What happens when the loan players all go home in January? Do we get more loan players in and start learning how to play together again? A process that takes time and costs points.
96 Oct 28, 2009 12:55 PM ...but if we do, it'll be a minor miracle. Fingers crossed!
97 Oct 28, 2009 12:56 PM If by some miracle we are we will be going straight back down, given the fact that Ashley is not prepared to invest in the squad. As for selling us again for a higher price, dont make me laugh.
98 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM i think with our squads, we will. But we will relegate again in the first year.
99 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM Not if Ashley carries on with his selling players and not buying policies
100 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM On current form it is looking promising.
101 Oct 28, 2009 12:57 PM Being the "Ever optimist" I think we will, however my main concern is we need to be Ashley Free before or VERY shortly after this happens.
102 Oct 28, 2009 12:59 PM Unless investment is made on the pitch
103 Oct 28, 2009 1:01 PM The cracks are starting to show already with our paper-thin squad
104 Oct 28, 2009 1:03 PM Possibly, if investment in the squad happens and Hughton turns out to have enough tactical and motivational nouse.
105 Oct 28, 2009 1:05 PM I remain a believer. We've a strong spine - a good goalkeeper, experienced central defenders (for the Championship), experience in the middle of the park and strikers who will trouble any Championship defence in Ameobi and Carroll. I thought that back in May (Ameobi did really well for Stoke on-loan) and remain convinced today that we should be extremely difficult to beat at this level.
106 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM Injuries/suspensions will take their toll on this paper-thin squad which, let's face it, has not been playing brilliantly anyway. The standard of the Championship is light years away from the upper reaches of the Premier League.
107 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM The team we have been left with is still the strongest in the division, only injuries and suspensions can hinder our promotion chances, as it's the depth of the squad which is where we might be found wanting. I think we will have enough to see us get there.
108 Oct 28, 2009 1:07 PM Will be lucky to get into the playoffs.
109 Oct 28, 2009 1:08 PM Not this team. Or should I say that with this team even if we got promoted we won't be in the premiership long.
110 Oct 28, 2009 1:08 PM I am not confident that we will be promoted unless Ashley seriously invests in the team in January nor am I confident of Hughton's managerial ability.
111 Oct 28, 2009 1:09 PM I would like to thinks so, and current form suggests we will. But remembering this is Newcastle United, with a mad man in charge, we could end up in leagie 1 yet!
112 Oct 28, 2009 1:11 PM The squad is too small and Hughton has struggled tactically since we have been able to accomodate 2 (fit) strikers
113 Oct 28, 2009 1:11 PM I sincerely hope we are, however without investment in the team I don't think we will go up as we lack depth. The current first team have the ability to achieve that goal, but once a few injuries become apparent the performances wane, hence the last 4-5 games.
114 Oct 28, 2009 1:12 PM Without investment we'll fall into the playoffs at best and other teams will be far hungrier than ours.
115 Oct 28, 2009 1:13 PM But I aint betting!!!
116 Oct 28, 2009 1:13 PM The squad is so poor they wouldcome straight back down.
117 Oct 28, 2009 1:14 PM because hughton is a coach not a manager and i wonder about that at the moment the way we are playing
118 Oct 28, 2009 1:14 PM The league position is slightly flattering as we have had the run of green in many games so far. As the season progresses with injuries mounting up, we don't have the squad to maintain this position (and I don't hold much hope of this changing in January).
119 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM I would like to think so but Ashley will need to invest in January and to be honest i very much doubt that.There are some tough challanges ahead and with Boro appointing Strachan it dosent make it eny easier.
120 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM We'll be lucky to be playing championship football next season. If we did get promoted then we'd go down with less points than any other club as Ashley refuses to spend money
121 Oct 28, 2009 1:15 PM its a poor league and we should be able to get out off it with a couple of signings even loan players
122 Oct 28, 2009 1:18 PM Not if we stay with the set up we have now. Ashley has to go.
123 Oct 28, 2009 1:18 PM If we continue as we are doing, and bring in a few more players in January to strengthen the starting eleven and provide some strong backup, then I am adamant that we will be promoted back to our rightful place, most likely through one of the automatic promotion places.
124 Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM THe championship is poor, really poor. If our first 11 stick with it we should go up in the first two spaces
125 Oct 28, 2009 1:19 PM We have a team capable of winning promotion but the squad is midtable at best - if we rely on the squad because of injuries/suspension we'll stay where we are.
126 Oct 28, 2009 1:20 PM No money, No players, and Ashley still in charge
127 Oct 28, 2009 1:20 PM I do truly believe we will, this is a poor devision of which I do believe we have the strongest team( if not squad). There is a reason nearly every team thats gets promoted gets relegated soon after and that is because this league is poor. West Brom have been up and down like a Benwell lass' Knickers and we seem every bit a strong as them. Do I believe we will be playing Premier League football next seaon? Happily Yes, Do I believe we will be playing championship football the season? Unfortunately Yes
128 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM But we will be humiliated in the PL
129 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM I think there is a long way to go and it depends if the squad is strengthen in January.
130 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM i think we should be in the top 4 come end of season and could win it if allowed to but players com january
131 Oct 28, 2009 1:21 PM Highly unlikely as there are other much better run clubs who have much more chance of promotion.
132 Oct 28, 2009 1:22 PM Due to the paucity of the division we are in I believe that we will be promoted, if we hold on to the players we currently have. i do fear however that January may see several of the current squad sold and replacements not bought which would seriously harm our chabces
133 Oct 28, 2009 1:22 PM As much as i want us to be back there. I think that things will only get worse of the field and eventuly this will have an effect on the pitch. God hope im proved wrong!
134 Oct 28, 2009 1:23 PM I bloody well hope so
135 Oct 28, 2009 1:24 PM We will fail through lack of skill, numbers of players and quality.
136 Oct 28, 2009 1:24 PM Of course, being optimistic, this is also the answer that Ashley is hoping for...
137 Oct 28, 2009 1:25 PM If we get in 3 or 4 reinforcements in the right positions.
138 Oct 28, 2009 1:29 PM No strength in depth, no trust in owner. Cardiff have the experience, Forest have the best manager (for promotion) Boro' have the best owner - there's your three for promotion.
139 Oct 28, 2009 1:29 PM I honestly think we will be promoted, however I do not think that we will be in good shape to stay there unless there is a serious cash injection. So relegation scrap would be on the cards yet again.
140 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM See answers 2&6. Recent results have reflected performances since the start of the season. The squad is too thin.
141 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM I fall into the category of 'dilusional'!
142 Oct 28, 2009 1:30 PM I would rather see the club remain in the championship than be promoted with the current owner, manager and group of players. This season should have been about re-building, however it seems as if were being patched together. If we go up this season I wouldn't be suprised if we came straight back down again, with more than a few humiliating defeats on the way.
143 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM We don't do things that simply. Newcastle United (if that's still what we are called by then) would not be able to resist the opportunity to inflict playoff misery on us.
144 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM More in hope than a real belief as the squad is far too thin and lacks creativity
145 Oct 28, 2009 1:31 PM Perhaps but no one fans will be at the games.
146 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM Only because of the lack of quality opposition and only if we can improve our discipline and injury situation.
147 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM I think the team have done very well to be where we are at the moment, but I think there is still a long way to go. I don't think we are playing that well and our squad is not big enough to deal with injuries. We lack a quality forward and a playmaker, without these I can't see us maintaining our top position. Even if we did go up, there's no way we would survive if things remained in this mess.
148 Oct 28, 2009 1:32 PM Not enough players, managers not good enough and would be dubious of any signings Hughton makes (Ashley has already said he has the final say)
149 Oct 28, 2009 1:33 PM If, and it stands as a big if now, we get investment in the team and the correct people are bought to take us up. I would like to see younger people bought who would not only help us to get up, but could also be there to keep us up. If we thought this season was hard, wait until we get back up.
150 Oct 28, 2009 1:34 PM Scraping through in the playoffs. And probably be back down the season after.
151 Oct 28, 2009 1:34 PM Heart over head.
152 Oct 28, 2009 1:35 PM Not unless we get 11 new players and a new Manager
153 Oct 28, 2009 1:38 PM But it will depend on a large slice of luck given the size of our squad and the short comings in cover in certain areas. We need more players with enough quality to give us the edge needed to stay ahead of the rest.
154 Oct 28, 2009 1:39 PM The squad is too small and we need an experienced striker.
155 Oct 28, 2009 1:40 PM the performances so far have been poor, there is little inspiration in the ream, little pace, creativity. It's largely a team of solid pro's who can do a job but as we have seen in the likes of the Blackpool, Scunthorpe games, there is an element of quality missing - ball retentiona nd quality in the final third, delivery etc.
156 Oct 28, 2009 1:42 PM With the current squad we will be lucky if we finish in the top 5 by come Christmas. The loanees we have now, if I am not mistaken, are due to leave then too. I can only predict a downward spiral after that.
157 Oct 28, 2009 1:43 PM I hope.
158 Oct 28, 2009 1:45 PM I believe so at the moment, if we are lucky with injuries. If not, the lack of investment in players from Ashley will doom us to at least another season in the Championship.
159 Oct 28, 2009 1:47 PM hopefully
160 Oct 28, 2009 1:49 PM I have been surprised by the gulf in class between the Premier league and the championship and assuming we can get some defensive cover in over the next few months I believe we have enough in the locker to finish within the top 2.
161 Oct 28, 2009 1:49 PM I would love to see it but becasue of the lack of depth etc with the club we are trying our luck. Some of our performances have been woeful, admittedly some have been magical too we just need to see where we are come Feb, its too early to say just yet.
162 Oct 28, 2009 1:50 PM I don't think they're good enough. If they go up they'll be straight back down.
163 Oct 28, 2009 1:55 PM Not even if they get promoted
164 Oct 28, 2009 1:58 PM If the twenty million is invested in some good quality players, yes we have a chance
165 Oct 28, 2009 1:59 PM Most probably not, we seem to be riding our luck but I hope im well wrong.
166 Oct 28, 2009 2:01 PM Without investment probably not. I think there is more asset stripping to come and when our notorious injury list begins to grow in the winter months he'll be looking to add the tea lady and club physio to the squad. in the unlikely event that we DO make it over the finish line we'd come straight back down with Hughton as Manager and no money spent on signings.
167 Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM Don't know. No-one can answer that question.
168 Oct 28, 2009 2:04 PM Regardless of the mess this division is very poor and if we are to get key players fit and keep the squad together with a few additions in January (NO SELLING!!!) then I can't see why we won't go up!
169 Oct 28, 2009 2:06 PM i think so but if it stays the same well be straight back down
170 Oct 28, 2009 2:10 PM There's a good chance of promotion if we don't get too many injuries.This is mainly due to the fact the Championship is a poor league, and not because NUFC is a good team or well managed.
171 Oct 28, 2009 2:13 PM He's put in place a formula for failure. Inexperienced manager who won't stand up to him and insufficient funds an commitment in general. He wants promotion on the cheap - it doesn't work that way. Already the commitment and determination the team showed at the season's start has faltered.
172 Oct 28, 2009 2:15 PM I hope so
173 Oct 28, 2009 2:17 PM 50/50. Probably because our team is good enough to get us up, but it would be instant relegation under Hughton with this squad. 100%
174 Oct 28, 2009 2:17 PM There is no evidence so far to say otherwise. Top of the league and doing okay. However, if we sell anymore players and don't replace with the level of quality we require it'll be a different story. It will be a very quick fall through this league considering how tight it is. It's all still up for grabs for most teams. Look what Sunderland did with Roy Keane a couple of years ago. It'd be easy for lower table clubs to put runs together and keep the pressure on the top clubs.
175 Oct 28, 2009 2:21 PM but not for long under these conditions
176 Oct 28, 2009 2:32 PM I believe so. Although injuries and red cards are starting to show. Steven Taylor, Kizinishvilli and so on. We need a full team to play a good game in my eyes.
177 Oct 28, 2009 2:39 PM not unless we purchase better plays of proven quality,not free loaders or journeymen players like harewood
178 Oct 28, 2009 2:43 PM Unless much needed squad strengthening takes place
179 Oct 28, 2009 2:55 PM The squad is very low in numbers and injuries and suspensions will trip us up.
180 Oct 28, 2009 3:08 PM Best case: we'll fade badly and get knocked out at the play offs. Worst case: how low can we go?
181 Oct 28, 2009 3:11 PM I'd be amazed. There's a massive lack of pace in midfield and of quality up front. Our only hope is keeping the 1st choice back 4 fit and Smith to protect them and then grind out wins.
182 Oct 28, 2009 3:15 PM Only if Ashley sells or truly invests in the quality in key positions to give the team strength in depth. It's still a long way until the end of the season. Several teams are edging in towards the top of the league . A mini slide could impact on confidence, leading to a disastrous slide for NUFC. What price Newcastle United then?
183 Oct 28, 2009 3:18 PM Recent form suggests they are faltering badly already. The squad is too small and players get injured and suspended. The performance against Posh in the Carling Cup show's the reserves do not have what it takes to make up the numbers
184 Oct 28, 2009 3:22 PM We need a larger squad with some more quality.
185 Oct 28, 2009 3:26 PM I think that CH will continue to do well in the chapionship, and barring major injury worries and hopefully given some activity in the transfer window in Jan, we should go straight back up!
186 Oct 28, 2009 3:34 PM If MA is deciding who gets bought and who we sell, definitely not.
187 Oct 28, 2009 3:36 PM Despite some poor performances we seem to have just a little to much for the championship although the same could be said for the other 2 relegated teams.
188 Oct 28, 2009 3:36 PM They may be in the premiership, but I very much doubt they will be playing premiership football.
189 Oct 28, 2009 3:37 PM This has to be qualified. We must support, but there seems to be little obvious planning presently.
190 Oct 28, 2009 3:42 PM if we get some new players in but if it is not sold this summer it will be back down next season
191 Oct 28, 2009 3:48 PM I still think we`ll go up
192 Oct 28, 2009 3:53 PM Too many points when the should have won. We dropped too many points that in games that should. for the same we are now playing Chamionship football instead of Premiership
193 Oct 28, 2009 3:53 PM The fans don't respect him and I would doubt that the players do. I would imagine this annoucement to have a direct impact on the mood of the club and success of the team.
194 Oct 28, 2009 4:05 PM But only if we invest in the squad as the last six games has shown what a woefully paper thin squad we have.
195 Oct 28, 2009 4:06 PM I`d like to think so but i feel the squad is too small to sustain a serious challenge this season. I hope to God i`m wrong.
196 Oct 28, 2009 4:10 PM I can only see more players leaving and inferior loan players coming in. Hardly the recipe for premiership preparation
197 Oct 28, 2009 4:11 PM With a little investment in Jan we should do it, but what happens next depends upon how much investment.
198 Oct 28, 2009 4:13 PM Hopefully - though it will be in spite of Ashley, not because of him!
199 Oct 28, 2009 4:17 PM if thetwenty million pounds is to be invested in players,we can be sure that it will be on the usual carthorses,has-beens who will either spend the later part of the season injured or not give a stuff.the heart of the club has been ripped out already,and moral will not improve until ashleys out.
200 Oct 28, 2009 4:17 PM They must. Otherwise it's into the darkness, ala Leeds United.
201 Oct 28, 2009 4:23 PM HOPEFULLY
202 Oct 28, 2009 4:25 PM Despite everything the players at least have grasped the nettle, and seem to be ignoring the nonsense going on all around them. Interestingly I wonder if those who have now (been) moved on would also have risen to the challenge. Step forward Messrs Owen and Martins.
203 Oct 28, 2009 4:28 PM Alas under ashley I doubt it. The team is good enough if we (a) keep the players we've got and (b) spend reasonably heavily in January on reinforcements who should have come in August. There is nothing in Ashley's record to suggest he will do either.By contrast QPR,Boro and WBA will spend.
204 Oct 28, 2009 4:31 PM I can only hope.
205 Oct 28, 2009 4:31 PM But we will come straight back down without the required funding.
206 Oct 28, 2009 4:34 PM but we will be on the way down straight away
207 Oct 28, 2009 4:35 PM I would like tot think so but I cant see it. We are a one dimensional side that is reliant on two or three key players performing, if they dont we lose, if the do we might scrape a result or two.
208 Oct 28, 2009 4:35 PM I bloody hope so, but only if we survive Mad Mike!
209 Oct 28, 2009 4:36 PM The division is so mediocre that I think the present squad with a few additions will probably achieve promotion.
210 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM I've supported the team for 14 yrs and It's with shame I wish they stay in the Championship so that it will coerce MS to sell the club. We can wait.. the geordies are a patient bunch. MS out!!
211 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM Heart says yes.. head says hmmm
212 Oct 28, 2009 4:39 PM I say that more in hope than conviction. We are playing poorly - but getting results, which says everything about this pretty poor league.
213 Oct 28, 2009 4:40 PM Various reasons for this which I won't go into but no proper managerial appointment is the main problem. Even the most experienced bosses would find working with Ashley difficult, and I believe come January we cannot expect to receive any transfer budget and Mike will probably look to cash in on our form players - namely Smith, Nolan and Enrique.
214 Oct 28, 2009 4:45 PM Not if he carries on being cheap. We need more players
215 Oct 28, 2009 4:47 PM Not good enough, we are in a false postion right now
216 Oct 28, 2009 4:48 PM We should have a good enough squad (if majority are kept fit) to climb out of the championship at the first time of asking
217 Oct 28, 2009 4:59 PM I will still be at every match urging them on - unlike many of the people currently slaggoing off the club.
218 Oct 28, 2009 5:01 PM It wont be easy, but I think we have enough talent to get promotion this season provided Ashley does not sell any of our best players in January
219 Oct 28, 2009 5:05 PM They should be well out in front with a good points and goal difference cushion even this early in the season. They have thrown away too many easy points of late and do not look as if even teams such as Doncaster would have too much trouble turning them over. It should be NUFC that has the four goal margins like QPR have been having. When Strachan gets going with Boro look out.
220 Oct 28, 2009 5:22 PM Ashley will continue his asset stripping of the club. I'll be surprised if NUFC end up mid table.
221 Oct 28, 2009 5:26 PM with heart - head says we just might struggle to secure automatic promotion.
222 Oct 28, 2009 5:32 PM I hope I am wrong but I don't think Hughton has the tactical knowledge to get us back up.
223 Oct 28, 2009 5:40 PM Not a chance
224 Oct 28, 2009 5:42 PM Not when he sells more players in january
225 Oct 28, 2009 5:49 PM Very difficult to say I think we will just miss out.
226 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM god help us if we did get promoted if ashleys still in control
227 Oct 28, 2009 5:50 PM I hope and pray so, although a half decent start to the season, the squad is so thin, the winter injuries/suspensions may be the crunch.
228 Oct 28, 2009 6:01 PM I dont think Hughton is good enough nor do we have the squad depth needed to the last the season, i think we will hit another bad run of results and i doubt Hughton will be able to turn it around.
229 Oct 28, 2009 6:06 PM I think Newcastle will struggle during the winter months with more injuries, we are in a false position and we will be found out in the next few months and at best we will get into the play-offs
230 Oct 28, 2009 6:06 PM if the strikers dont keep blazing over or wide from 5 yards out
231 Oct 28, 2009 6:07 PM I say no now because i have no trust in Mr Ashley. If we strengthen the squad we may have a chance.
232 Oct 28, 2009 6:12 PM We wont even finish in the play offs.
233 Oct 28, 2009 6:14 PM I am hoing so.
234 Oct 28, 2009 6:25 PM I think we might just scrape it but it will not be with any thanks to Ashley. He has left us with a severely depleted squad and has done nothing to bolster it. If we get back it will be more through luck (the key players staying fit) rather than good management.
235 Oct 28, 2009 6:27 PM Ashley will sell our best players in Jan
236 Oct 28, 2009 6:28 PM The current squad is already paper thin , over the course of the season it will cost us automatic promotion , maybe scrape the playoffs.
237 Oct 28, 2009 6:49 PM I believe we will go up if the status quo remains the same.
238 Oct 28, 2009 6:52 PM only if we strenghen the squad is too small as the injurys are showing at the moment but we need players for the futur as well as the moment lets forget high priced has beens
239 Oct 28, 2009 6:53 PM I hope they are but suspect the Jan transfer window will prove harmful.
240 Oct 28, 2009 6:59 PM I fear a fans backlash which will inevitably affect on-field performances. Added to that somewhat limited options and a manager in over his head i think play offs is the best we can hope for and then i fully expect the whole lot to crumble under the pressure. There are far better teams in this league waiting for their time.
241 Oct 28, 2009 7:06 PM Probably scrape through, but he would need to invest £80-100 million to stay there; the squad isn't good or big enough.
242 Oct 28, 2009 7:13 PM I think we will go up... But possibly come straight back down!
243 Oct 28, 2009 7:17 PM our squad is not big enough and midfield has no legs or creative players
244 Oct 28, 2009 7:23 PM Hope so, its looked good so far results wise and I do believe they can keep it going
245 Oct 28, 2009 7:29 PM The squad is too thin and prospects for improvement are not bright given Ashley's complete contempt for the club and its supporters.
246 Oct 28, 2009 7:30 PM I'm optimistic. Only because until this season I had no idea that the quality of British football was so poor. The second Division (Let's call it what it is!) is appalling to watch. Cringeworthy stuff. We are currently the best of a rotten bunch.
247 Oct 28, 2009 7:36 PM Depend of Hughton and his investiments in january
248 Oct 28, 2009 7:37 PM If we have £20m to spend, then yes. As currently, I am not sure.
249 Oct 28, 2009 7:54 PM Not with him in the driving seat
250 Oct 28, 2009 8:06 PM No pace. No creativity.
251 Oct 28, 2009 8:08 PM Not now Ashley's decided to "stay". Whilst he claims he intends to "invest", I would be surprised if this didn't turn out to be merely yet another lie. I suspect we'll lose more players in January - and perhaps reinvest some of the money in new players... though I doubt they'll be of the same quality as those who leave.
252 Oct 28, 2009 8:16 PM I hope so but unless we invest in some players for the first team to help us achieve that we have no chance.
253 Oct 28, 2009 8:23 PM Although I hope I am being overly sceptical, for the initial part of the season (although we have represented a big scalp) we have been a relatively unknown quantity, I think even the most die hard fan has been presently surprised by our results. However, I think we will become increasingly figured out as the season develops. This combined with injuries will probably see us gain a playoff position but not automatic promotion
254 Oct 28, 2009 8:27 PM it will take 3 years to climb back we need a new Peter Beardsley
255 Oct 28, 2009 8:28 PM You have to believe they will.
256 Oct 28, 2009 8:31 PM we are best team in championship by far we will win it outright we shouldnt even be in this league
257 Oct 28, 2009 8:43 PM i'd love to see it...but no.
258 Oct 28, 2009 8:43 PM Probably lose out in the play offs
259 Oct 28, 2009 8:51 PM Lets hope so, but to re-establish ourselves we will need a few top name players.
260 Oct 28, 2009 8:57 PM I don't believe he will invest any money in player come the january transfer window and the current team are no way good enough.
261 Oct 28, 2009 9:05 PM Need a goal scorer someone like Beckford at Leeds, also need more cover at centre half maybe Sol Campbell.
262 Oct 28, 2009 9:15 PM As I stated previously, I believe we are top by luck rather than judgement and the last few performances have shown that we can be beaten easily.
263 Oct 28, 2009 9:20 PM I really hope so
264 Oct 28, 2009 9:30 PM I think they have showed enough fight for me to believe that at the business end of the season if they are still in the top 4 that they can make a automatic promotion place (thats assuming that Ashley has seen the light and the 20m is indeed for further investment in January AND we dont lose too many first teamers to injury)
265 Oct 28, 2009 9:33 PM It will need a tremendous effort from the limited playing staff and providing they stay clear of injuries and keep playing good attacking football I hope so
266 Oct 28, 2009 9:40 PM I'm still confident that Chris Hughton can do it
267 Oct 28, 2009 9:45 PM Not with the new manager in charge.
268 Oct 28, 2009 9:47 PM Not enough quality in depth for a long season. Unless he proves me wrong at answer 6
269 Oct 28, 2009 10:16 PM Not enough strength in depth
270 Oct 28, 2009 10:31 PM Who can say, it the money is spent wisely, possibly.
271 Oct 28, 2009 10:47 PM Quite probably, but also quite probably just for the one season if Ashley remains. Without quality management and playing staff, they will be straight back down.
272 Oct 28, 2009 11:03 PM Yes - assuming they continue the way they are playing.
273 Oct 28, 2009 11:21 PM What I have seen this season the championship is of poor standard with many average teams who would struggle big time in the premiership - us being one of them. Having said that I still think we are not equipped to sustain a challenge at the top of the league - our last five league games have proved that - and I for one would be delighted with a trip to wembley at the end of the season in the play offs.
274 Oct 28, 2009 11:35 PM You have to believe it will happen and give the team our full support
275 Oct 29, 2009 12:00 AM always hopefull but who knows with that joker in charge
276 Oct 29, 2009 12:22 AM I would like to think so but it appears we are being found out and wins are becoming hard to come by. its worth noting the likes of Cardiff etc seem to score goals easier and regular than we do and that will be our downfall in the run in.
277 Oct 29, 2009 12:32 AM Not sure if we can sustain , we don#t have a big enough squad
278 Oct 29, 2009 12:35 AM My heart hopes they will but bad luck and misfortune has plagued NUFC for many years now.
279 Oct 29, 2009 12:45 AM such a bad league.
280 Oct 29, 2009 1:10 AM Not if Ashley can help it.
281 Oct 29, 2009 4:33 AM Not a big enough squad, poor selection of new players, crap newly appointed manager and basically what little bubble we had has probably had its day, the supposed 20 million even if it was left to the manager to spend, would only encourage him to purchase 40 new players with little or no ability for the job at hand or the future
282 Oct 29, 2009 7:02 AM Hopefully - with a folowing wind & a great deal of luck, but we'll be so unprepared for playing in the Premier League.
283 Oct 29, 2009 7:42 AM dont think we have a big enough squad to cover injuries,the xmas period will be crucial
284 Oct 29, 2009 8:19 AM Squad is too small - injuries ahve already caused problems this season
285 Oct 29, 2009 8:25 AM Recent performances, during which there have been injuries to key players, show we just haven't got the strenghth in depth when it comes to the winter slog.
286 Oct 29, 2009 8:50 AM Neigher team or manager are good enough, on what i have seen this season
287 Oct 29, 2009 8:58 AM What good would it do us with this team management & owner
288 Oct 29, 2009 9:00 AM not with this bunch of clowns in charge no
289 Oct 29, 2009 9:07 AM As the season goes on and injuries mount up unless 3-4 players are brought in I can see the squad just being a bit short - play offs. Might not be a bad thing though do we really want to be back in the Prem with the players we've got?
290 Oct 29, 2009 9:08 AM their only prospect of getting out od this league is for Ashley to spend serious money during the Jbuary transfer window
291 Oct 29, 2009 9:13 AM Dont know, if we aren't hit by worse injury problems and those who are injured return soon theen it is possible.
292 Oct 29, 2009 9:13 AM I belive the fizzy pop league is standard vise far from PL and we will be able to get up. On the other hand what th F*** should we do when we get there? why are Smudger, Nolan, Colloccini even Ameobi giving good performances this year? -Because, the opposition isn´t PL class therefore they have had the chance to shine. Next year if we go up, they are back to being shite as they were last year. If we go up we need reinforcements for about 50m £ and whose going to pay for that? (with ManC:s bidding policies they will probably get all transfer sums to go up with 25 % which means we need over 60 m £ to get a decent PL side that won´t go straight back down.
293 Oct 29, 2009 9:24 AM In spite of Ashley, not because of him.
294 Oct 29, 2009 9:24 AM Heart says yes but the head says no.
295 Oct 29, 2009 9:25 AM yes but we need a striker and a central defender which has been missing for a few years,bring back john mcnamee
296 Oct 29, 2009 9:29 AM not to sure and not very confident
297 Oct 29, 2009 9:31 AM Only for one season.
298 Oct 29, 2009 9:42 AM However, unless Ashley offloads us quickly I fear we are doomed to becoming a yo yo club as he will not invest to build, (after all, he hasn't in the past)
299 Oct 29, 2009 9:46 AM I have my fingers crossed in ticking this box as the team has recently seems to have pressed the self destruct button and needs to get back on track quickly.