With recent newspaper reports over the last few days, hinting at some degree of discord between Sam Allardyce and the new regime over a lack of transfer funds, tonight’s Talk-In was going to be interesting, if a little cynical that any difficult questions would be omitted, and perhaps they were, for there was no mention of Sam’s relationship with owner Mike Ashley, or new chairman, Chris Mort. However, despite this, it proved to be quite interesting, as Allardyce shared some of his thoughts on his vision for the club.

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Looking at the team sheets:

Nedved, Iaquinta, Trezeguet, Buffon, Zanetti.

Edgar, Troisi, Pattison, Barnett and Lough.

It’s a no contest, isn’t it? As everyone connected with Newcastle United know very well, football isn’t played on paper. Not the force they once were, but still regarded as European giants, the Old Lady came to town expecting to locals to roll over and fold to their superior skills.

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Sunday 29th July sees Italian giants Juventus travel to St. James’ Park for a pre-season friendly with Newcastle United. At the request of Newcastle-Online here is a little background on the Italian opposition.

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Two first half goals from forgotten man Albert Luque helped Newcastle United to victory over Scottish Champions Celtic in Sam Allardyce’s first home match in charge of the club.

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Our first home game of the 2007/2008 season brings Celtic to St James on Thursday 26th July in a game which will possibly see several of this pre-seasons acquisitions step out on new their home turf. The fixture is likely to be a big affair with Sam and his new boys taking on the Scottish league and cup champions.

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Kick off: 19:45
Referee: Mark Halsey
Live on Setanta Sports 1

As the search for new signings continues, things are looking bright again with Chris Mort and Sam Allardyce both speaking of their desire to bring new faces to St James’ Park.

After fitness trips to Hartlepool and Carlisle our new boss will look to up the tempo a bit with what will be his first home fixture in charge of Newcastle United. For many of us this will be the first chance to see what effect the Allardyce revolution is having on the pitch as we take on the reigning Scottish champions; Glasgow Celtic.

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A youthful United Reserve side kicked off their pre-season campaign with a 3-2 win at Sam Smith’s Park against a hard working and spirited Benfield. After an even half hour, Kazenga LuaLua drove forward down the left, cut inside and shot, with a deflection taking the ball past the Benfield keeper to give United the lead. Just two minutes later the advantage was doubled as James Marwood this time cut in from the right and struck the ball beyond Grainger.

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Freddy Shepherd has been removed from his post by Newcastle Owner Mike Ashley, and has been replaced by the Billionaire’s own man Christopher Mort.

A statement on the club’s Official Site, nufc.co.uk, read:

FOLLOWING completion of the takeover of Newcastle United PLC by St James Holdings Limited, Newcastle United PLC announces today that Chris Mort has replaced Freddy Shepherd as Chairman of the Company.

The change will no doubt be met with delight by the majority of United fans who have been waiting since Ashley first took over the club for Shepherd to be relieved of his duties.

For many, it will be seen as the final remains of the previous regime being removed from the club and the start of a brighter future for the Magpies.

Mort himself said of the change in the Toon ranks:

“I am delighted to become Chairman of such a fabulous club. Since arriving at St. James’ Park I have been hugely encouraged by the warm welcome I have received from so many supporters.

“The strategic review of the Club is going well and, with the new season fast approaching, we feel the time is right to make the change.

“I would like to thank Freddy Shepherd for all he has done for the Club over the last 15 years.”

So what do you think of this further development? Will Shepherd be missed? What were his highlights as Newcastle chairman? What about the future, is this the start of something good?

Tell us this and more, we want to hear from YOU!

Some people are describing it as inevitable, some are saying they can’t wait. In both cases, people are talking about the seemingly imminent departure of England international Kieron Dyer. He might be overpaid and he might have had his problems in the past but letting Dyer go would be a massive step backwards for this club. If he does leave and isn’t replaced then let us hope Allardyce’s proposed revolution includes divine intervention.

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Big Sam’s write up of his Austria trip, straight from our ITK source at the publisher.

Douglas, I’m thinking that this stuff could double as a travel guide. You know Big Sams’ guide to Europe. Show off my cultured side. So how about we call it ‘around the world with Big Sam’? Obviously not being in Europe this season will limit the scope a bit, but I think a section on regional variations in chip butties would have the book flying off the shelves.

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After guiding the club to safety with one game of his Caretaker reign to spare last season, Lawrie Sanchez landed the Fulham job on a full time basis, and the former Northern Ireland manager has already begun a major overhaul of his squad in an attempt to avoid another relegation battle.

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When it comes to success stories, Shola Ameobi hasn’t found one yet. The angular Nigerian-born striker has failed to have the major impact he was tipped to have when Bobby Robson pulled him out of the youth system all those years ago. Now 25, Ameobi should be reaching the peak of his career and playing his best football. But one problem stopping him from proving his worth to the Geordie faithful has been a recurring hip injury of which he has commendably played through at times when other players wouldn’t hesitate to give up - no matter what sort of injury crisis the club may be experiencing.

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Sam Allardyce’s first game in charge of Newcastle United ended in a 3-1 victory away at Vicorage Road to Hartlepool United. James Brown opened the scoring for the Pools before his goal was cancelled out by Shola Ameobi who scored his first of two on the night. This was followed by a Michael Owen’s only goal of the game to take Newcastle ahead and then rounded off by Ameobi’s second to bring a successful second half to a close.

As always we want YOUR views on the match! For those of you that managed to tune into the game or even went, how do you feel United played? Did the Pools give them a run for their money? What about Rozenhal and Barton, did they deliver the goods on their first team debuts? Tell us this and more using the comments function below.

Only ten days have passed since we last signed a player and panic is already settling in. Just last week I warned of complacency and undue optimism, but now I find myself trying to raise the Geordie mood as we await what many people are describing as a statement of intent from new owner Mike Ashley.

We all breathed a sigh of relief when the takeover was completed and the compliments flooded in for our new billionaire benefactor. Mike Ashley is known for being an intensely private man who doesn’t concern himself with public appearances or interviews. More importantly, Ashley is a businessman and his sole aim is to make money. Even more importantly, Ashley is a very successful businessman, who makes a lot of money.
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With many new and exciting features expected for the Match Previews on Newcastle-Online in the new season as well as a new and exciting layout being prepared, for the Pre-Season previews we will be offering only a small snippet of what to expect in the future. We start with Sam Allardyce’s first game as Newcastle manager, away to Hartlepool United.

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