Standing at the Putney End with high anticipation that the team go beyond the Carroll saga and find some form to prove to fans that we still have what it takes. It proved a quite fanciful thought where the game ended up 1-0 at the end with bad guy Damien Duff providing the only goal in the second half.

I have to admit that the first half, Newcastle played well and we had the Cottagers in the back foot most of the time. It was really disappointing to see Shola Ameobi pick up a broken cheek bone injury so early on. off he went and on came Nile Ranger who was largely ineffectual for the rest of the match. Let me make it clear we did play well but I couldn’t see where the next goal would come from but I was in for a completely different game in the second half.

Off came the Blues Brothers knock-off act and on came the players after the 15 minute interval. I’m not sure what Pardew had said during half time but the team looked tired and undynamic. Passing slowly became unprecise and Steve Harper had to really keep his wits between the sticks. After a barrage of abuse the Toon fans were giving Duff, it was some rough justice to have him put one past Harper. By then it was game over as Newcastle tried to get the equaliser but with no quality to connect with the ball.

The whistle went and dejected fans trudged out for the long walk through Fulham Palace park. An audible ‘F*ck You Ashley!’ was shouted out by a lone Toon fan and that was all we could muster after a disappointing night. It feels now that we have a real fight for the club to keep it’s head above water with the next fixtures now looking really challenging. In fact, I’m not sure if we can pick up much points if any, from the next three games ahead. By then Pardew’s head may well and truly be on the block knowing how Newcastle operates these days.

Hopefully,Andy Carroll, whose form has dipped since the 6-0 rout of Aston Villa with the pointless talk of making it to the England squad.  If Hughton has any sense, he should be partnered up front with either Ameobi or Lovenkrands. Sol Campbell should make a start as well. Danny Guthrie and Simpson are both in line to return, as is Coloccini.

Wigan have a somewhat bad record at St James’ Park, but that generally means nothing. We have to win and win big this time. At least Lawro predicts a win for us at least but I’ll be happier if the prediction comes true.

No new injury worries for Hughton could see a customised FA Cup line up to help preserve our team’s endurance for a long Premiership promotion push. The lack of Lovenkrands this time round would be well covered with a fully fit front lineup. Krul will probably take duties between the sticks in place of Harper. Danny Simpson will slot in where he’s always been after the completion of his signing midweek.

All credit to Roberto Di Matteo’s team for keeping up with the pace of the Championship. Six points below us in the table is nothing to sniff at but he’s probably got the same vision of Premiership promotion in his head. However, he’s more likely to play the same side that caused us problems on Monday – why change a formula that worked for most part. His only worry would be that five of his players will be on yellow cards.

I only hope that we make sure we don’t repeat the same defensive errors we did on Monday.

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It’s been tough in January with bids for Beckford and Kilgallon fall flat on their faces. Newcastle will not be held to ransom on players when other clubs sniff an opportunity to make a quick dollar. This morning, the Chronicle reports that another bid has failed for James Perch. The midfielder currently in on-fire team of the moment, Nottingham Forest turned down a £1m bid. As Forest boss, Billy Davies, put it: “we are looking to build a squad at the City Ground rather than dismantle one.”

Evening UPDATE: Danny Simpson has now signed 2.5 year contract with Newcastle United!

All in all, Hughton has got some options although limited ones. Right now the squad has been fit for purpose and riding still riding high despite the pressure posed by Nottingham Forest and West Brom. Tonight’s game against the latter will certainly be another test for Hughton and lads, a test that may even show weaknesses in the current line up and urge for more stronger negoiations in the transfer window.

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Update 22/01/10: Nobby Solano hooks up with ex-Caretaker manager Nigel Pearson at Leicester. He’ll eventually line up against us next weekend!

Another free agent, Sol Campbell is also looking to move into St James’ Park but Chris Hughton is sounding a bit lukewarm about the idea. The former England man had finally been freed up from his Notts County duties and so far has not been approached by Newcastle. Personally, I think he’s a seasoned player who will be an asset to the team. In January, it’s possibly looking like defender, Zurab Khizanishvili will move back into Blackburn after completing a disappointing loan spell at Newcastle. This could be where Campbell may come in but as with Robert, age may play a deciding factor.

Finally, negotiations could start in earnest with Manchester United to secure Danny Simpson in 2010.

The success of the team is a double edged sword. Steven Taylor has been alledged earmarked for transfer in January to wayward Everton. Losing any key player in the current team will undoubtedly leave it for worse. Players like Taylor have been instrumental in us  keeping pace with our fight for promotion. But with finances being tighter in the Championship, would Ashley deem it necessary to sell and will Hughton’s growing managerial prestige be enough to sway such decisions from being made?

We are also antcipating French winger, Pancrate debut appearance this weekend and the Chronicle reported Hughton’s thought’s today:

“Pancrate comes into the reckoning for Swansea.

“We only just got his registration through on Monday morning, but he had spent some time before the game getting to the know the lads at the hotel.

“That will do his confidence good because he’s already seen what a close-knit group of lads we’ve got here and he is already becoming part of that.

“We’ve got Saturday’s game with Swansea coming up very quickly, and a lot of games in the next few weeks, so I’m certain he will be involved very soon.

“He’s ready to play now because his all-round fitness was good when he arrived due to the pre-season training he had with Paris St Germain.

“He just needs more match practice, which he’ll get.”

Awesome, looking forward to his debut. Also, let’s hope Gutierrez bags another goal this weekend as the guy has been itching for another.

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