26th August 2004
By
Craig Hope
Winning is a habit. Sadly, the majority of the Newcastle United squad
does not possess this particular trait. On the evidence of the season
thus far there are two solitary players who seem to possess this quality
- namely Craig Bellamy and Nicky Butt. Personally, I am not of the
band of supporters who are raving about Butt's performances so far.
I believe he has played no where near his potential. I have been rather
more impressed by his attitude and evident desire. He is used to winning.
He doesn't want to lose.
Following Norwich's equaliser Nicky Butt hounded the linesman on the
East Stand touchline. I'm not condoning the harassment of officials
but it was evident that Butt was frustrated, he was angered by the
equaliser - compare this to the remaining ten men who walked back
into position heads bowed, void of any ideas as to where a potential
winner could come from. There was no inquest, no discussions, no rallying
call - simply because nobody cares. There is no desire to win, there
is no hunger, there is no camaraderie. There is nothing!
At times during last night's game, most notably with Shay Given, I
witnessed Nicky Butt talking to players, as if he was almost coaching
them. After Given had failed to come and collect a near post corner
it was evident that Butt was telling him that those crosses should
be the goalkeeper's responsibility. Given, it appeared, seemed genuinely
grateful of the advice. What does this say? Just who is coaching our
players?
Bellamy always wants to win. There is something in his genes - something
that makes you love him. His will to win and in your face attitude
are qualities that are sadly lacking amongst his teammates. Speaking
of genes, if only we could clone Bellamy. I'm not suggesting eleven
5ft 8in pacy strikers, but eleven men who share his desire to win
and his obvious anguish towards defeat. I'm not going to talk about
Dyer. Enough has already been said and the thought of him fills me
with rage. All I hope is that the following line is used when talking
about Kieron Dyer in the future, 'Norwich City, 25th August 2004 -
his final game for Newcastle United'.
I believe we should mould our team around the four players we have
who have the aforementioned desire. Players who the opposition don't
like playing against and who have an obvious dislike of defeat; Shearer,
Bellamy, Butt and Bowyer. The latter's reception last night when replacing
Dyer told its own story.
Take a close look, Newcastle players don't smile. Do they enjoy playing
for the club? Sir Bobby, please, get shot of those who quite obviously
don't give a shit! Install some pride and passion back into our team,
give us a team that wants to win, a team that hates losing, a team
who look as if they want to play together and actually enjoy playing
football. Even the St. James' crowd is being drained of its passion
and enthusiasm. Act now Sir Bob otherwise this season could continue
and eventually end just as miserably as it has started!
Craig Hope wants your feedback - If
you have any propositions for Craig or any comments regarding this
or any of his other articles or any matter regarding NUFC he would
love to hear from you so drop
him a line. |
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