The formal name of the team is Newcastle United Football Club, or Newcastle United FC. They are also referred to by the nicknames of the Magpies, or the Toon. Founded in 1892, the Magpies have their home venue at St James' Park that can hold about 52,000. Owned by Mike Ashley, the Managing Director of the club is Derek Llambias, while Chris Hughton has recently taken charge as manager. The club enjoyed their heyday in the 1950's, and saw some success in top flight English football till the 1970's.
Then began the decline which was arrested coincidentally with the beginning of the Premier league in 1992-93. The Toon were promoted to the Premier League the following year, and did well, finishing runners up in the 95-96 and 96-97 seasons. Then came the shock relegation in 2008-09, which seems to have served as a wake-up call, as the Magpies recovered within the year to get promoted back. In the three matches played in the ongoing season, Newcastle have won one, and drawn one. The solitary loss came against Manchester United. Early Season Preview:
Much credit is due to Chris Hughton, as under his watch, Newcastle have not only got re-promoted to top flight English football, but look likely to stay. By mauling Aston Villa, 6-0, they have justified their re-promotion to the League. After three matches, played this season, Newcastle are 8th in the team rankings. The squad comprise the following players: Harper, Jose Enrique, Harper, Coloccini, Perch, Williamson, Nolan, Barton, Smith, Gutierrez, Routledge, Caroll, Krul, Taylor, Kadar, Vuckic, Lovenkrands, Ameobi, and Ranger.
Andy Caroll is already top scorer, this season, with four of the seven goals, the Magpies have scored in their three matches. Wearing the same number nine jersey, as Milburn, Andy Cole, and Shearer, Caroll is clearly emulating the former legends, in what they are best known for, scoring goals. In signings, Everton's Dan Gosling could be key, after leaving his former club amidst disagreements regarding the renewal of his contract at Goodison Park. Everton's loss is Magpies' gain. Additional to Everton's Gosling, Arsenal's Sol Campbell and Nottingham Forest's James Perch have also bolstered Newcastle's bid for a permanent foothold in the Premiership. The club will not have the services of the departing Fabrice Pancrate, this season.
The Magpies have no dearth of calibre in their squad, with the likes of Jonas, Smith, Nolan and Coloccini, apart from signings such as Gosling and Campbell. Whether the squad fulfill their early promise will depend on the fitness and consistency of the squad's best players.
For the latest sports gossip, including everything else you want to know about the English Premier League, clickhttp://www.cricinfosite.com Suresh Iyer is an avid sports fan and blogger. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Suresh_Iyer |
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