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Yeah I think you bring up some good points ToonTillIDie. I think what we need though is stability. We haven't had that for so long. Enrique has been here for three seasons now and his played under something like 5 managers for example. That's just not going to let any player flourish.

I do not think Ashley will splash the cash, but what we then need to do is build on the great team spirit there seems to be this season, and just bring in a few premiership proven players who will compliment that.

I see the glory years coming back as a five step process. Firstly getting promotion, then secondly staying in the premiership, then thirdly trying to finish in the top half, and maybe have a good cup run. That can be done by bringing in some good young players who have the ability to have successful careers. Fourthly then trying to add to the squad so that we can push towards a european place and lastly maintaining that by building a big enough squad to handle european football and the premier league. This of course will take quite a few years, as each step might require a season or two or three, but I'm sure all toon fans crave the glory days and I'm no different.



Wasim's Sport Blog

Toon4life

ashley has spent an eye-watering fortune on our club. john hall took almost as much out of the club as ashley has spent on it.

Canny article TTID and I the idea of it is great but the premiership is a much different monster these days. But I do agree that IF we go up we shouldnt be scared of teams as that is when you get tortured.

Think Wasim's and LMK comments are both spot on in their own ways.

I think we all know that gone are the days of big/massive money getting spent on players and wages, but that will not be a bad thing. If you look back on the players we have spent fortunes on they have added little to the team and by no way have they justified their price tags/ wages. Just a few off the top of my head,

Luque, Cort, Viana, Asprilla, Xisco, Bomsong, Owen, Domi, Pistone, Goma, Dyer, Bramble, Smith, Geremi, Cacapa, Barton, Duff, Colo, Jonas and you could even add Nolan to that as Im to be convinced that he can still be a premiership force and warrant his wages.

I know its not easy but the gems like Solano, Speed, Bellamy (even though he is a tw£$), Ginola, Bassong were the quality you need but not breaking the bank or at least you got a good/great return from them. We cant panic buy or lure players here with the bribe of stupid contracts. I dont want that as it leaves a bad taste in your mouth.

I dont know about anybody else but the feeling of picking up a little bargin or unearthing a gem is better to me than watching the likes of Owen talk sh17 in front of 25,000 fans at St james'. Do you think Man U fans are happier with watching Darren Fletcher progress or watching Berbatov walk around the pitch after paying 30 mill for him.

Newcastle should be made a place for younger hungry players who want to get a game, not warm the bench for a bigger team. They would play in front of 52,000 fans every week in an amazing stadium.

The premiership has changed and no team that goes up will take the league by storm, some teams have a great start and then fall away around Xmas time, and take away a few of the teams not many clubs can spend big and each one is looking for the gem. But if we were managed right at the top and some imiganation was used and the right players were brought in then there is no reason staying in the league and finishing around 10th-13th isn't possible. Below the top 10 there is some teams who have no quality or team spirit, and at the moment we have loads of spirit.

I agree Wasim, that taking steps and progressing and that will take years, and I hope it is not about the club staying up and saying we done what we were trying to do and know it is easy, which so many clubs have done in the past. It is needing regular investment, doesn't have to be the big money men that we have had at the club, and I fully agree with Biffins about unearthing a gem, having players who want to make there name not live of it.

I would just like to see investment in the best youth in this division and around the other leagues, who are not scared going to Arsenal, Man U or the likes of Chelsea

Well done for having a go at writing an article TTID.
Yes, wouldn't we like some of those players in the team now.
You are right about the other supporters, especially Leeds fans who were vitriolic in their sniping at our team and chances of being promoted. No sign of them now we are top of the league.
Good points also, Wasim, lmk and Biffen.

Thought I would give it a go, but it is bl@@dy hard, not exactly the Guardian standard but maybe have a career at The Sun