Steve Bennett, The FA, Jermaine Jenas, Freddy Shepherd, Douglas Hall, Graeme Souness, the squad and Newcastle-Online.com all come in for some stick in the first of our mailbag feature of the 2005-06 season. With Newcastle-Online.com providing the ammo with our articles and the club as ever generating many talking points, our readers have responded with a flurry of e-mails and we’ve published them. N.B These were all sent in before Owen and Nobby’s signing.

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card”

If Bennett made the decision “blind” and on the recommendation of his cohort on the line, why wasn’t there any discussion between the 2 of them before he flashed his red card? Rob Brown

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” In my opinion if Bennett didn’t see it how could he have sent Jenas off? Ben Porter

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card”

A fair analysis by Mosley. How much ever referees are demonized in all parts of the world , I think they have the toughest job on the pitch - they not only have to follow the rule book, but also decide on “malicious intent” which is just impossible to fathom sometimes. Hopefully luck will be on Souness’ side for the rest of the season! S.Dutt

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” I think this article is brilliant because it allows for the fans to have access to a writer whom I take it has refereeing experience and can explain the incidents in a level headed manner. Well done and I hope to read this man’s views of all our matches. Or as many as he can anyway. Bravo. Ben Hanks

Ed: Yes Ben, Paul Mosley has refereeing experience and is in fact fully qualified!

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” Spot on. Too many supporters think they understand the Laws of the Game, and go on about referees and their decisions, but cannot back up their comments. Paul Mosley has properly applied his experience, the Laws and IAFB decisions to produce a well-reasoned article. Toon supporters will feel hard done by, and will refer to Bennett’s dubious record whilst officiating Newcastle, but in this instance, his Assistant Referee has let us all down. Full credit to Bennett for rescinding the sending off; shame it can’t be fully un-done, but that’s football. Mark

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” Did you see the challenge from Ljungberg on Emre, which involved a kick on his ankle from behind? Emre was down for a little while and needed treatment on the sideline. The referee didn’t do anything. Tommy

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” If he couldn’t see, why would he give him an automatic red card? Why not a yellow card or a verbal warning. It was a joke! Shane

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” Rubbish, if he was in the wrong place then it’s his fault. He should have been in a suitable place to see the ball and the player on it (in this case that would have included JJ). Toon fan

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” Fair Play to you mate. I completely agree with everything you say there. Bennett didn’t have the chance to replay the incidents at every angle at slow motion speed. That’s why technology must play it’s part in future, for the benefit of everyone. Jonny Hall

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” To hear an unbiased review of these decisions by a professional ref is excellent. Whilst it can never bring back the game, at least Bennett has been big enough to admit his mistake - let’s give him some credit for that - and save JJ from 3 games on the sidelines. All in all, a far better performance than I expected but we still have no goal threat. Mark E

RE: “Steve Bennett Not To Blame For JJ’s Red Card” Surely it is now time for real time video evidence to be used - as is done very successfully in Rugby and Cricket. At the end of the season, a point gained or lost can make the difference between winning the league, securing a place in Europe worth millions or avoiding relegation; costing millions. I’d be interested to see how many decisions are taken for and against the “big” clubs. The refereeing decisions to me were shambolic and smacked of favouritism. Let us hope it becomes a wake up call to the FA because poor refereeing is ruining the game. Paul Burr

RE: “Referees: Technology Must Be Introduced” 100% behind the idea. No reason for the game to be stopped even, the referee need only warn the player that a card was pending subject to video scrutiny by the 4th official, play restarts, once the decision was made and at the next break in play, the ref issues a card, red or yellow, whatever there shouldn’t be any arguments from players. Lets take it a step further, any dissent to a decision called by the 4th official is an automatic fine to the player and club, this might ensure even less time is wasted by the ref having to listen to and react to what ultimately turn out to be pointless appeals. George

Ed: Some good ideas in there George, but far too forward thinking for the FA… sadly!

RE: “Titus Bramble - Has He Cracked It?” You are very right in everything that you have said, and I believe the reason he did so well last season was because of the fact that are strikers were not doing their job, but Bramble did his, and in the end all we got were draws, but Bramble did his job. Boumsong did his job too, but the problem was that one of them was always injured. However, after last sunday’s performance at Highbury, it appears that a place in the starting XI will be harder for Bramble to obtain, because Steven Taylor looks to be a star. Steven is young, but he is by far the best 19 year-old I have seen in the league in terms of defensive talent. We can now say that have the unimaginable on Tyneside, quality defenders competing for places! Michael Haddrick

RE: “Referees: Technology Must Be Introduced” Just a slight correction, the assistant referee was Azeri not Russian. Just nitpicking, a well written article I think though. Disagree with a few points, but it’s convincing. Good stuff Gaz. Aphrodite

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” That is the most ridiculous article I have ever read in my whole life. Can you not see that sometimes Jenas hides because it is mindless idiots such as yourself who get on his back the second he does something wrong. If he misplaces a pass he gets abused , If Shearer does it he’s unlucky. I watched every Newcastle and England game last season and it was no coincidence to me that JJ was normally excellent away from home when he hasn’t got plonkers who know nothing about football getting on his back. And as for JJ passing backwards could you not see that all he had to pass to last season was Ameobi, Shearer or Kluivert who all who lack movement and pace and rarely gave JJ anything to pass to. It would be a massive mistake to sell JJ and I can’t believe you are saying that he should follow Dyer’s example. what has he ever done for our club apart from let us down time and again, fight with his team mates, and rarely gives 100%. JJ never lets us down, doesn’t fight with team mates and always works his socks off so as far as I’m concerned you are criticising the wrong man. this article should have had Dyer’s name on the top not Jenas’. Aaron Gales

Ed: There is an old saying; ‘if you can’t stand the heat…’ Jenas is a big boy, gets paid thousands a week, if he can’t handle a bit of justified criticism, he should take up joinery or something instead. Shearer at that age was being told he’d flop as the British record transfer fee holder. PS Jenas was far from excellent away from home last season. You must have watched the edited version…

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” Excellent article. I think Newcastle should take the money (if it’s offered) and run. I am not a member of the Toon Army but I know quite a few and I have never known them to be so pessimistic at the start of the season. Though I suppose being knocked out of Europe in August instead of April doesn’t help. I believe NUFC are in for a hard season and they can’t afford any passengers. If JJ isn’t 100% committed to the club then sell him and let somebody else pay good wages to a 22 year old living off past glories. Barry Fitzgerald

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” I totally agree, in fact I think he could still be invisible inside a real goldfish bowl, but I do think he should stay and show what he can do, because Newcastle don’t need another ex player scoring against them. Mick G.

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” Totally agree, even if your frustration shown is more for what we as a team never achieved last season, bloody terrible. But I’m with you, and it’s quite understandable. My opinion, flog him for the best price. Sure he will shine for any London club (bloody shame if that happens). If we get Owen, we might need this money to settle the books like. Eddie

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” He’s a big boy now, its time to behave like one, as long as Sven picks him for England he thinks he’s made it. If we get 10m plus get rid. Thaitoon

Dear N.OWe need a striker badly, Owen would be the perfect buy for us since Big Al, but we haven’t heard any convincing news about that other than what Souey said on Friday. I think Anelka is a has-been and wouldn’t fit into Newcastle well. Luis Boa Morte isn’t the right buy for us either. We need a ‘20 goal a season’ striker which is not Luis Boa Morte. Also, Boa Morte can play left midfield but we are already fine in that area with N’Zogbia, Milner (can play left midfield too), Hugo Viana (if Souey would give him a chance.) We don’t need any more midfielders now but we seriously need a left back because Celestine Babayaro is not good enough and Robbie Elliot cannot play that role. Coco would have been perfect but things aren’t looking promising with us buying/loaning him now. Luke

Ed: Michael Owen? It will never happen…

RE: “Titus Bramble - Has He Cracked It?” Very good article, something I’ve been saying to my friends for a season now. Titus has all the physical attributes to be a monster of the Premiership. His stature is similar to Sol Campbell, his actual technical skills aren’t too shabby either. Its just his ability to stay focused for 90mins. This I believe (even at xmas time where his performances improved) has not changed, but his luck has. Instead of being punished for every mistake, he got away with a few slips, a few gaffs, and sometimes used his brute strength and determination to gain ground and recover.

His relationship with the fans reminds me a lot of Darren Peacock, I for one thought someone was having a laugh when I saw this long haired lop-sided man in our defence creating havoc for our keepers and fellow defenders at the time. But his luck turned and finally he started getting the response from the crowd which almost made him a favourite at SJP, and IMO if he had more time would of.

One thing Titus has on his side is time. He’s still young. Granted he’s about one to two years behind where he should be but this I believe is down to a combination of bad coaching, lack of intelligence and ability to learn. I hear footballers do an interview and some, even though young, impress with their knowledge and ability to communicate with the media, but Titus reminds me of a schoolboy, and that’s what’s holding him back.

The best thing that could ever happen to him is the departure of Bobby Robson, a manager who stood up for him, cared for him and defended him so much better than the player was actually doing on the pitch. This protection has now gone and he has to grow up, and he has. He was unlucky with injury last season, really stopping him in the form of his life, but I feel a much better and more improved Titus Bramble will return to the fold, and its what we need.

Boumsong has helped him, just as Woody did, but in my honest opinion Titus on his day has more impact on a game than these two put together. He can hurt and frighten attackers, scare them to death with his stature, something I’m looking forward to alongside the calmness and more thoughtful Boumsong this season. Steven Docking, Whitley Bay

Ed: A well thought out response there Steven, some valid points and not a lot to disagree with. A fair summary of Bramble.

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” Aye mate, well said. Before reading your little, oops, huge article about Jenas I have changed my opinion, I liked the lad and really didn’t want to see him go, although I still would like to see him stay at Newcastle, I just wouldn’t be too bothered should he head out of the exit door. I think he is just being greedy, realised his place is under threat with Dyer, Milner, Emre and Parker to name but a few fighting for a midfield place, he maybe sees success away from St. James’ Park, he maybe thinks his international career is under threat, but surely that means sticking to a HUGE club like ourselves, getting your head down and making sure Greame and Sven cannot leave you out? Anyways, should he leave, good luck to him, should he stay, even better luck to him. I really have lost interest and faith in him, only he can win that back. Gilly

RE: “Titus Bramble - Has He Cracked It?” Not only did he perform well last season, but we could see how good he could be when paired with Woodgate. Steve S

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” Great article and I could not agree more. It is a sad but true fact that only a few players seem to be able to deal with the hype and wealth that they get (Henry, Lampard, Terry for example) and the rest of them including Jenas seem to think the sun shines out of there own arse. I just think it is a symptom of the modern game to be honest and unfortunately at Newcastle we seem to have had more than our fair share For what he has given this club over the past 2 years I would snatch there hand off for 10 million and prey to god he ends up at Spurs just so we all know that it was the bright lights that turned his head and nothing to do with NUFC or football. Darren Hilton

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” Spot on, Jenas has a huge amount of talent but like many footballers these days life is so easy any little set back is blown out of all proportion and they try and run away instead of fighting hard for their place. Jenas is a spoiled brat, and needs a clip round the ear. Steve Craddock

RE: “Titus Bramble - Has He Cracked It?”Yes I think he has cracked it. Having seen him at home matches and also on the telly last year it was obvious to see that he was improving, although slowly with every game. But we need to remember that even the best defenders in the world sometimes do stupid things and allow crazy goals to be scored. With this in mind we should watch his career and though it may pain us, we should sometimes just accept that the odd lapse in concentration doesn’t mean that the Titus Bramble of old has returned. Watch his career with interest and hopefully it will blossom . Steve S

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” You are a twat, do you think for one second that this article is anything but counter productive? We have an opportunity to watch Jenas develop alongside two quality midfielders for the first time since he has come to SJP. The only thing this stupid irresponsible article does is incite idiots booing him on the pitch. He is young and was unsettled because one of the best footballing sides in the Premiership if not the world expressed an interest in him… but he never publicly expressed a desire to leave as people of his age tend to do (Defoe?).

Even Steven Gerrard was unsettled and asked to leave when Chelsea expressed an interest. He handed in a transfer request, but he was never jeered or booed (Ed: No they just burnt his shirt outside of Anfield), instead his fans expressed how much he meant to them. Free speech is all well and good but I find your article to be an abuse of status and irresponsible. We will have idiots reading this and they will start chanting and hurling abuse at Jenas giving him further reason/excuses to want to leave.

There is no doubt about it Jenas can only improve alongside Emre and Parker. Other than Liverpool and Chelsea, who has better central midfield than us? (Ed: Err Man Utd & Arsenal maybe?) You should think about your actions instead of trying to get hits on your site. Akin

RE: “Newcastle United - All Eyes Are On You”I totally agree, we are kidding ourselves if we think loyal fans and a big stadium make us a big club. I don’t think there is a true NUFC fan out there who would not be over the moon at winning the League Cup. KF

RE: “Jenas - Grow Up, Shut Up, Stay, Or Go!” What more could anyone add, that’s about as comprehensive a summary of this brat of a player as anyone could have written. Saint

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” Excellent article. Addressed all the issues that are worrying me this season. Should be a long, hard slog. Aphrodite

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”Great piece Wullie… sums it up nicely for me. I was overjoyed when we got rid of Robert, Butt and O’Brien - thinking that the clear out of dead wood was a pre-cursor to some nice signings… but now I am starting to contemplate the ‘R’ word! FS has just over two weeks to save Newcastle United. Grimbo

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”I always enjoy a balanced rant. There’s much in there you cant disagree with but all the same unless we can a) shift the chairman b) coach and manage the team we’ve got what we’ve got. Signed off with Emre and Parker look canny… well lets hope so but I guess two don’t make a team do they. Chipp

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”A well written piece - straight from the heart. I agree with every point raised and suspect that every real fan of Newcastle feels the same way. I am always optimistic (perhaps foolishly so) but this is the lowest I have felt on the eve of a new season that I can remember. A very sad part of me is hoping for back-to-back 4:0 defeats, sack Souness and bring in Hitzfeld or O’Neill. Sad, sad days. Mark E

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”Excellent piece, I agree with every word. Nick

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”Sure, the current situation is worrying as several of the weaknesses in the squad are still to be resolved, but let’s not panic at least for another 2 weeks when the transfer window slams shut.

Ideally we’d all prefer to have got the reinforcements in before now. If we’d done our buying earlier, maybe we’d still be in the Intertoto (then UEFA Cup?), though Deportivo are a class act and didn’t need the help we gave ‘em! We’re also now in danger of dropping points in the Prem, whilst we wait for the new recruits.

Souness, like most of us fans, can see the gaps in the squad. We need a reliable left-back, a left-winger, and at least 1 (but probably 2) proven goal-scorers. We also need at least one “proper” right-winger, as no-one seems to want that role? Yes, I know he doesn’t believe in “wingers”. Souness wants “wide-working midfielders”, but width is still what we lack down both flanks. 4-3-3 can work but we still need the option of playing 4-4-2. A truly balanced squad would enable tactics to be varied according to the opposition and players we have available.

Souness has given his “shopping-list” to the Chairman and is waiting for him to deliver. We know (from Souness’ quotes) some/many of the names on that list but not all. Unfortunately, Shepherd seems to be rather too rigid in his valuations of players. If there’s a 5 million pound buy-out clause in Boa-Morte’s recently-signed contract and we really want him, then pay it. We can’t afford to waste time haggling!

As regards the other “targets” that we know about, then I feel many fans are being too negative. Yes Viduka is rather injury-prone, but he is a quality striker/target-man, with strength and great skill. By all means question his fitness but not his ability. Anelka may/may not be a reformed character but would be too big a gamble, especially at 14 million! Owen will only come if none of the top 4 come in for him.

I don’t blame him for not being rushed-into a hasty decision. He’ll wait until the last minute to weigh-up his options. A move to SJP would be great for us and good for him (regular games + great stage to play on + adoring crowd). Kanoute has been mentioned in a possible swap with Jenas. Spurs fans seem to rate him above Keane. He’s a bit erratic but is a very good target-man and is also big, strong and quick! Beyond these, I personally would go for Saviola, Andy Johnson or Dean Ashton, who is an ideal long-term replacement for Shearer.

In defence, I feel we’re OK apart from left-back. Baba is unreliable and poor old Robbie is a liability now. Coco didn’t impress me that much against Yeading and reminded me of Pistone. Ollie B’s the obvious answer. His positional play and passing are a little dodgy at times but he’s quick, strong and gets stuck-in. Either Souness doesn’t rate him or the Chairman’s being stubborn because Ollie dared to ask for more during previous contract negotiations.

Hughes and O’Brien were no more/less than decent pros. Taylor is a better all-round player and a defender who can cover right across the back-four. Eventually he’ll settle-down in his best position at centre-back (future Toon + England captain?). Moore is a solid, experienced centre-back, who actually talks/communicates with his colleagues! He lacks pace but could well be a good combo with Boum, Bramble or Taylor. Ramage can also provide emergency cover as a “utility” defender, though I’m not sure about him yet.

I really am more optimistic than most fans. Emre and Parker are undoubtedly genuine class/quality players. We also still have a lot of good players left from last season. Given, Harper, Carr, Baba (if and when fit!), Boum, Bramble, Bowyer, Faye(?), Jenas, Dyer, Shearer and even Ameobi (!) are all, I believe, of decent Premiership quality. Milner and N’Zogbia have also shown great potential, though I’m still unconvinced by Chopra. Moore will do OK, providing leadership and experience.

As things stand, we will struggle to score enough goals until we get in at least one proper wide-man (I don’t mean a fatty!) and a goal-scorer. So come on Souey and especially Shepherd, get a move-on! Ollie B for LB; swap Jenas for Kanoute, as we’ve got plenty of centre-midfielders (or get Ashton from the Canaries); if Fulham won’t budge on Boa-Morte, go for Richardson from Man. Utd. Icing on the cake? Owen to the Toon!

Remember lads (and lasses!), there is NEVER a time to panic. We don’t need any more deserters, defeatists or doom and gloom merchants like Corporal Jones or Private Fraser from “Dads Army” (those old enough will know who I mean). Moan if you must, express genuine concerns, make constructive criticisms and with-hold your season-ticket money if you see fit, but when the action on the pitch starts, SUPPORT the team as best you can.

If Shepherd does not deliver the players Souness wants, or if those players do then turn-out to be rubbish, then I too will join the “lynch-mob”. Let’s not rush-to-judgment just yet though. If Souness does fail, Shepherd is still ultimately responsible, either because he didn’t provide the funds in time, or for appointing Souness in the first place!

Unfortunately, we’re stuck with Shepherd for the foreseeable future. It’s not like in the 80’s, when thousands of us organised a boycott to help oust McKeag and Co. In those days there was an alternative, the Halls, who were able and willing to kick-start the “revolution”. They had the ambition and did inject cash, rebuilt SJP (+ later the training facilities/Academy) and also had the vision to appoint Keegan. Newcastle United Football CLUB became Newcastle United Football COMPANY. The Board seem to take out more than they ever put in (what a surprise!). Progress now seems to have ground to a halt, since Shepherd and Hall Junior have been at the helm. We’re still up there with the “big-boys” in financial terms but this isn’t reflected by success on the pitch.

Supporting a football club is largely a matter of blind faith. We support NUFC because they are “OUR” team/club, not because they’re necessarily any good. If not we’d all become Man Utd, Arsenal, Liverpool or Chelsea fans. Sure we’ve got a right to demand effort from the players and a certain level of quality and entertainment. If we don’t get it, they (players, manager and Board) should expect to get stick, but let’s keep things in perspective. I’ve seen a lot worse at SJP in the past.

The main difference now is the prices that we’re charged to watch, in order to get our “fix” of agony and occasional ecstasy! Come to think of it, supporting NUFC is more like a drug-addiction. Bad for your health and your wealth!

Ed: A quite stunning e-mail, Glen. Top marks and a top read, thanks.

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”Agreed with every word, these are bad times. Tom

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”I think you’re spot on with your analysis mate. Another thing I can’t understand is the fact that Mr Souness claims there is no such thing as an out and out winger anymore. I have always thought the beginning of the end for this club was the selling of Solano, next came Robert, obviously not consistent but the amount of goals those two players provided was phenomenal, and now where is the creativity? Emre a lone playmaker? We need to revert to the 4-4-2 we have always relied upon and get a couple of decent wingers. I thought the selling of Ambrose was a joke as he was just starting to show his potential what do you think? El Scorchio

Ed: Yes the Ambrose sale was an odd one, and so was the sale of Nobby. But he’s returned and with the purchase of Luque we should have plenty of width and creativity now.

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” I agree with this opinion. It’s just a pity you might as well be talking to a wall because no-one who can take action will ever see it or take notice of it. John

RE: “Trouble In Paradise”I just can’t help but agree with what you said. It is so very true and even if we try to get the positives out of the current situation, we can’t run away from the facts. And the facts are we are in for a long, hard season. Toon fan

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” What can I say? That article is stunning, it made me laugh, but a lot of it is true and very worrying. Spud

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” Best article I have read in many a month.All your observations are a mirror image of mine and no doubt a lot of true NUFC supporters. If only the powers to be had the same feelings for the faith(club) we might not be in the situation we are in today. I also hope that every newspaper, television and radio reporter reads this and broadcasts it until something is done. HTL! MyToon

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” Fantastic article. I am in agreement with most of the things you say particularly the fact that we need to sell JJ. However I disagree about the Dyer comment as I think he is genuine class and I would love to see him stay fit and have a great season. I feel if we can get Owen and LBM we could be challenging for fifth. If not then I hope Souness is bold enough to gamble on Kuyt or Milito Genoa or even Saviola who is available on loan. Hope Souey gets it right. HOWAY THE LADS! Jake Bernstone

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” Spot on, really enjoyed the article and agree with everything. Luke Denne

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” Great article analysing the new season most of the main points I have seem to be covered, but one of the main problems I feel is at the top. Since Sir John Hall stepped down leaving Douglas and Freddie in control the club has been on that downward spiral. These two have no respect for anybody least of all us the fans. They both know that we have been used and abused in the past and they can carry this on without any repercussions for themselves.

These two tossers think that the fans are stupid, they can fob us off with one or two decent buys and claim they tried their best to sign quality players like Rooney, Figo and Owen, when in truth I don’t believe they tried to get any of them seriously. What I find hard to believe is that these two decided to save Blackburn the trouble of sacking Souness and instead took him off their hands gleefully.

Souness is a man that has proved very little as a manager, he’s a hypocritical disciplinarian who picks on weak individuals. He played Bellamy like a fool, pushed all the right buttons and made Bellers look like the bad guy. It’s just a shame Bellers doesn’t engage brain before opening his mouth.

Souness just seems to pick on individuals for personal reasons and constructively dismisses them from there job, its all very damaging for the club and the player, the only winner in these battles is Souness and he believes he can take the moral high ground. what a hypocrite.

As well as this he’s an extremely tactically naive manager, I remember how good a player he was, but he certainly hasn’t applied his playing abilities into the dressing room.

As for the squad, we have some good individuals but as last season highlighted we have no strength in depth. we need 2 wingers, bring Nobby back from Villa I say. Obviously we need a couple of strikers, maybe Ellington at Wigan would be a good panic buy, he’s pacey can score goals, may lack a bit of quality but he’s going to score a hatful if he gets the correct supply, he’d cost about 3million.

I really don’t understand why Chopra hasn’t been given half a dozen first team games before now. I charted his progress through the ranks and he was prolific, he’s been ready for the first team for at least three seasons but hasn’t really been given the chance by Souness or Sir Bobby.

I cant understand why bambi Ameobi has had so many opportunities whilst Chopra has had none. Ameobi doesn’t have the ability in the Premiership, he wants too much time on the ball. This point is highlighted by his performances in Europe where he’s like a different player

Saving the biggest problem for last, the defence, where do we start: lets bring Bernard back and get rid of Babayaro. Carr is decent. just another centre half required to complement Boumsong, easy one really bring back another player we let slip through our fingers, Distin and ditch Titus Shambles. Titus has the ability but not the concentration and he’s always going make critical mistakes, he needs to be offloaded in my opinion.

It all adds up to another eventful season off the pitch I reckon for all the wrong reasons, lets just hope I’m way off the mark and the team fly. Ryan Smith

Ed: Another cracking and heart felt e-mail although, harsh on Bramble I feel.

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” Hey Wullie, I agree with everything you’ve said but I think this will be the Dyer season. I like him very much, although his character is a hard one. Blame Souness for everything - he deserves it. Under Sir Bobby we were also weak in defence but played very attractive and sometimes winning football. Now the team is without his trademark attacking football. Only Shearer up front, or he and Dyer, will be a disaster. Big Al is the one and only but he needs a partner he had in Bellamy - quick and aggressive. I think Bells is better even than Owen. Bells has a big heart - which our players are very short of. So Souness must be sacked as soon as possible and replaced with someone with a Geordie heart who can bring us where we should be. Out - Jenas, Elliot, Ameobi In - Solano, Andrade, Upson, Coco (he is good, deserves a chance), Vassel, Robby Keane. Viktor Vrachev

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” Possibly the best article of the close season, factual, controlled and spoken with sense. I hope FS is reading the column. Jim G

RE: “Trouble In Paradise” I agree with this article completely. I wish it could be investigated more deeply the real reasons why many transfers in football take place but in particular at the moment at Newcastle I can’t help being suspicious. Is there a way of finding out who the agent is for all the players we have bought/sold in last year? In my opinion, Babayaro is not and never has been a Souness type of player. I believe Boumsong has the same agent - I may be wrong. However I think 8.5m was a lot for him. Maybe I am paranoid and what do I know? Anyone from the outside looking in could be forgiven for thinking somebody somewhere has an angle on these transfer dealings. Jamie Spencer

Thanks to everyone who wrote in. Keep them coming.