12 Aug 2026 23:20:44
Great to see some of the lads gain some confidence tonight. That will do the likes of George, Armstrong & Barry the world of good. Even Dibling when he came on had bright moments and looks a little lighter.
Was good to see Hackney dropping deep to get onto the ball.
Too often would we see the CB's try playing long balls and losing possession. Good to see the likes of Keane and Tarks popping it off to Hackney and letting the players with more technical ability start play.
13 Aug 2026 02:14:11
Just watched the full game. I thought George and Armstrong were outstanding and should start against Palace. The more they play together, the better they will become. George, with his speed and tenacity, and Armstrong, with his passing skills, a great combination.
I know we have all been critical of Barry, and rightly so, but today he was a totally different player, the pouting was gone.
He showed some good footwork, led the line powerfully, and he took his goal very well. We still need a striker, but maybe of the two B's we should keep Barry; he is still young and maybe can improve.
Of the two fullbacks, Patterson was much the better, we still need a new right-back, but I am beginning to feel that we need a new left-back just as much.
{Ed025's Note - i agree with all of that Mike..
13 Aug 2026 08:07:34
Spot on there, Mike. We're not a million miles away from having a team that could compete for 6th/7th place.
Also, think you're right about the LB situation. We do need a RB, but Garner and Rohl can do a job there, and we have more than enough cover in the middle of the pitch.
Myk looks worse every time I see him play, offers nothing going forward, and looks lost defensively.
Definitely keep Barry over Beto, improving and still has potential.
Anyone else think Ndayie looked grumpy?
{Ed025's Note - most of our good stuff came down the left JB with George having a very good game, Illy looked a bit isolated on the right wing but he is just coming back from the WC and holiday so i will give him a walkover for now, Myko was awful though and it looks like we need 2 full backs, Barry played well which is something i never thought i would hear myself saying mate..
13 Aug 2026 09:24:54
Barry actually held the ball up and looked stronger, no doubt something that's been worked on, could actually be a player in there. Beto is just not an option though.
{Ed025's Note - "one swallow does not a summer make" he played well yesterday and fair play to him, but that was a really poor Newcastle side and i would want to see that a hell of a lot more to convince me hes up to the task JB, out of him and Beto you have to pick Barry...but lets not go overboard about 1 good game mate..
13 Aug 2026 10:40:32
He's far from the finished article, Ed, but green shoots. We need a first choice striker to take the pressure off him so he can develop, I had hoped it would be Vlahovic but he's gone elsewhere.
{Ed025's Note - he done well yesterday JB and credit where its due, but 1 good game does not mean he has turned any corners mate, if he keeps it up then fine i could change my mind but im not holding my breath just yet..