View From The Road End Season Preview: Newcastle

We caught up with friendly Geordie James Suggett again to get his views on the forthcoming campaign. Obviously delighted at the prospect of another derby with the Mackems the Newcastle season ticket holder and occasional True Faith fanzine contributor was elated to answer our questions….

Q. Another new season, another new manager? What went wrong with Roeder?

Seemed to be okay at first, did well and kept it simple. I personally think his personality was not big enough for the club. In interviews and media reports he always seemed a touch dour to me. Maybe another yes man for Freddie I suppose. He certainly would not have inspired me as a player though.

Q. Were you happy with Big Sam’s appointment?

I dont agree with his long ball shennanigans but his mentality and no nonsense approach to the game might be just what the doctor ordered for us.

Q. And his signings so far? Seem to be sensible buys?

I am not sure about Barton – him on the Quayside spells danger to me. He (Allardyce) has however seemed to be the first Newcastle manager in many moons to realise our defense is terrible. He has done the same job many geordies would have done about 10 years ago and looked to get a solid defense as a priority.

sibierskiQ. Who where you more disappointed to lose Parker, Bramble or Sibierski?

On last seasons form Sibierski. Might not be Pele, but gave 100% percent everytime he played and in Kuyt style runs for every ball, whether it be after 4 or 89 minutes! Parker – since he had glandular fever I’ve seen 5 year olds with more stamina!

Q. And what if you lose Martins?

Bovril, couldn’t trap a bag of cement. He scores goals although personally I would rather have a gifted player who scores less and creates more. Again Kuyt for me is the man. Wish we had shown interest a season before.

Q. Hopes for the coming season?

Qualify for Europe via league position and not the Intertoto. Perhaps the League Cup – hey it is silverware after all!

Q. How do you think we will fare this coming season?

If you defense has the record it has the last couple of years, and your summer spending spree provides the goals you seemed to have lacked. I think it should be very impressive indeed.

Q. Impressed with our summer spending?

Torres I love. Supporting Spain rather than England – for reasons I won’t go into except to say the old In-ger-lund brigade isn’t for me! – I think he is immense. Great player, not going to score 20 goals but 14 or so and his assists will be big for you. Benayoun solid passer and will score a few. Not seen much to the others you have signed.

Q. Last summer you correctly tipped Steve Sidwell “to come from no-where in a rather Darren Bent-esque fashion” and that Sheff United would get relegated. Unfortunately you had Chelsea down for the title and Everton and Pompey to join Utd for the drop… So, tips for this coming season:
Title: Man Utd.
Top Scorer: Drogba.
Relegated: mackems, West Ham, Boro.
Player to come from no-where: Even though established in Europe I think Torres wil turn heads here.
Liverpool will finish in: 2nd.
Newcastle will finish in: 5th.

  • We’ll be adding more interviews with away fans from the Premiership in the coming weeks.