By Tyne-Talk
July 17 2010

Newcastle United travel to Carlisle this afternoon for their first pre-season friendly, the game which was sold out last week has been described by Carlisle manager Greg Abbott as a "massive test" for his team.

He told the Carlisle News and Star;

"The players will compete in the right spirit but we don't want too many silly tackles where people run the risk of getting injuries.

That goes for both sides. We just want a game that is played at a good tempo, the ball is passed quickly and we compete.

Newcastle are a Premier League side now, coming to show everyone what they can do, and it's a massive test for us.

It is a big game in terms of the name Newcastle, but it is still a pre-season friendly and it is more about continuing our preparations than winning or losing.

Newcastle are a big club with a massive following. Our fans can come and enjoy themselves and see the new faces we have got. We are going to need the fans next season so it is important to give a good account of ourselves."

Abbott has all but one player available for selection this afternoon, only Danny Livesey is sidelined as he recovers from a groin injury, whilst Craig Curran, Sean McDaid, Frank Simek and James Berrett will all be handed home debuts.

Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton gave a separate interview ahead of the match;

"It's been a really good week and what we did know before we came here is how good the facilities were, which is the reason we came back. The pitches are excellent and the hotel couldn't have done anymore for us.

On the training front, I'm pleased with the way things have gone. All you can ask for is commitment and what we have is a group of lads that have come back in good shape. Now we have to take this week in to the rest of pre-season and, of course, the Carlisle game on Saturday.

Carlisle are probably a little bit more advanced than we are because their season starts a week earlier than ours. But we've certainly done enough to be ready for a game and we'll have had ample training by the time the weekend comes along."

Hughton will be without Danny Simpson, who is injured and Jonas Gutierrez who is resting having returned from International duty. James Perch could make his United debut.

Kick Off 1pm.

Abbott & Hughton - Carlisle v NUFC - Match Preview

Discussion started by TyneTalk (IP Logged), 17/07/2010 12:39

TyneTalk
17/07/2010 12:39

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

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