By Tyne-Talk
July 17 2009

Tomorrow Newcastle travel to the Northern Echo Arena to face Darlington in what will be their second pre-season friendly. Assistant/Caretaker manager Chris Hughton, has a number of players available for selection after several returned to training this week from International duty.

Last weekend when Newcastle played Shamrock Rovers in Dublin, a full team substitution took place giving many players an opportunity to play a part, but failing to give the possible starting eleven the opportunity to gel.

Xisco, Geremi, Bassong and Jonas Gutierrez (who looks to be on his way to Roma) all returned this week from their International commitments, whilst Andy Carroll has pencilled in tomorrow's game after missing last week's match through injury.

Obafemi Martins remains sidelined after surgery on his groin at the end of last season

Hughton told The Shields Gazette;

"The internationals are back who didn't join us last week in Dublin. And all three could be involved at some stage.

It's good to see them back. They came back in good shape, and haven't taken long to get into the swing of things. In effect, they're back into full training.

But we have to be careful and build up their pitch time gradually, therefore tomorrow and Huddersfield gives us the chance to do that.

It will be a stiffer test. We'll be rotating the players. We will look to give each player, over the two games, more pitch time."

Darlington, who are in the midst of a takeover and who host Newcastle on the back of a 4-0 defeat against Sunderland last night have been told the Newcastle game with be "a big step up for them".

Darlington manager Colin Todd told The Chronicle ahead of tomorrow's match;

"It will be great to welcome Newcastle to our place. But we've warned the players that this will be a big step up for them.

We have had plenty of young lads on trial who have been with Sunderland and Newcastle. So they will be involved and it will be a good test for them.

The spirit in the squad has been good from the first day back in training, and it's getting better all the time. We have had to put a squad together in a short period of time and in our two games so far we have given a favourable impression.

We have a mix of young and experienced players and what is important for us is that we all pull together in the same direction.

These games will be ideal for working on our team's style and pattern of play, while giving the players the chance to play against quality opposition.

I believe that teams can grow strong out of the sort of adversity we have suffered. It happened when I was at Bradford and before that Middlesbrough, and I'm sure it can happen here."

Pre-Season Match Preview/Thread: Darlington v Newcastle

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 17/07/2009 13:39

TyneTalk
17/07/2009 13:39

What do you think? You can have your say by posting below.
If you do not already have an account Click here to Register.

Reply Quote Report

tunyc
17/07/2009 18:47

The talk-up of the internationals feels absurd. How many of those guys will actually still be in the squad when the season starts? These games are showcases for players to be sold more than anything else.

Reply Quote Report

MissC
18/07/2009 11:46

Completely agree

Bassong has already said he is off

Gutierrez we already throught had said his goodbyes

Geremi - well....

Xisco - likely to leave anyway

Reply Quote Report

MissC
18/07/2009 12:45

1-1 after 9 minutes.

Duff for Newcastle in 6th minute

Darlington Penalty in the 8th

Reply Quote Report

MissC
18/07/2009 12:51

1-2 Newcastle - kevin Nolan 17th minute



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:07:18:13:01:44 by Carys.

Reply Quote Report

MissC
18/07/2009 13:04

Love talking to myself

1-3 Newcastle Ameobi 27th minute

Reply Quote Report

Biffins Bridge
18/07/2009 13:33

4-1 Shola again. I will talk to you Carys.

Sky sports come out with some toilet. Their reporter was saying Shola is a "CULT" figure (think he pronounced that wrong) on Tyneside. Think he is getting confused with sarcastic cheers coming from the crowd. If he stays fit though he will score in the Championship.

Reply Quote Report

MissC
18/07/2009 14:03

73rd minute and 2-6

Windass for Darlington

Guiterrez 47th minute and Steven taylor in the 58th

Reply Quote Report

MissC
18/07/2009 14:03

2- 7 Newcastle

Andy Carroll

Reply Quote Report

Joe
18/07/2009 14:13

Reply Quote Report

CNDShearerFan16
18/07/2009 14:57

Alright give us Darlington all season and we'll be back in the Premiership in no time

Reply Quote Report

annie
18/07/2009 15:03

Great!

Reply Quote Report

TOONTILLIDIE
18/07/2009 15:45

Even against Darlington it a good result, lots of teams in pre season lose games against lower leagues, just a shame we conceded 2.

Reply Quote Report

cappen
18/07/2009 16:03

It seems like some players are starting to remember what to do with the ball... pass and score... pass and score goals = win games...

Reply Quote Report

Omar_786
18/07/2009 16:27

cant believe spiderman scored lol now there is an omen


He's The Next Ronaldo (Sir Bob R.I.P)

Reply Quote Report

i!
18/07/2009 17:10

They start playing now eh


Get regular updates from one of TyneTalk's mintest posters, follow: [www.twitter.com] @adameverett92

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net