Graeme Souness calls it bad luck, Glenn Roeder obviously doesn’t use it as an excuse and Sam Allardyce seems baffled. I’m talking about injuries. We’ve had new training pitches laid, a new club doctor and now a new state of the art pitch installed at St James’ Park, but our players just can’t stop getting injured. From strains to tears and twists to fractures, our players are literally hitting the ground while running.

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When it comes to success, down at Liverpool they are experts. Many people have come to see them as the weakest member of the top four but Liverpool fans over the last 50 years would disagree with that completely. England’s biggest clubs can only look in awe at the 13 league titles, seven FA Cups, five European Cups, three UEFA Cups and three Super Cups that have found their way into the Anfield trophy cabinet since 1960. But I’m not here to blow another club’s trumpet, they do enough of that for themselves, what could we get from Liverpool, realistically, to improve results for Newcastle United?

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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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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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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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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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Amid thoughts of revolution and success, I think we should take the time to remember the club we are dealing with. Change is not always good- even when made with the very finest of intentions and whilst recent changes at Newcastle United have not been on such a scale as are happening now, we have a long way to go to bring success to Tyneside…

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In recent times the stable ship of Stamford Bridge seems to have hit rough waters. The manager they offered a ten year contract just two years ago was in conflict with the board – and they failed to lift the Premiership title. For once, without the continuous service of Captain John Terry at the helm, the boat began to leak.

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