Recently by Lee Ryder
NEWCASTLE United tumbled back down the Premier League table tonight after going down 2-1 to Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Defensive frailties cost United dearly during the game as a first half blunder from Cacapa let in Andy Johnson to open the scores and a rash challenge from Fabricio Coloccini allowed Danny Murphy to win the game from the spot.
IF Newcastle United can continue to carve teams open like they did at Fulham on Sunday and be that little bit more ruthless in front of goal then it's a fair bet they will not be relegated this season.
But if they put in many more disjointed defensive displays against the teams that are battling with them to stay in the Premier League, then fears that United will be playing in the Championship next season will only intensify.
FABRICIO Coloccini goes in against Fulham tomorrow insisting that Newcastle fans haven't seen the best of him yet.
Many Toon fans would have understood had Coloccini vented his frustrations about United's off-the-field turmoil in his first interview since joining in a £10m deal from Deportivo la Coruna in the summer.
But instead the Argentine international revealed his enjoyment of Premier League life and has vowed to keep on improving.
NEWCASTLE United may well be keeping their heads above water without Michael Owen at the moment but with uncertainty surrounding the future of both the club and the out of favour England striker both factors cast huge doubts over the Toon retaining their Premier League status.
Mike Ashley said on September 14: "If I can't sell the club to someone who will give the fans what they want then I shall continue to ensure that Newcastle is run on a business and football model that is sustainable. I care too much about the club merely to abandon it."
In light of those words, surely making sure that Owen is part of the future of the club is vital to the club whether Ashley stays or somebody else comes in and hopefully the Toon tycoon is fully aware that caring for the club is to make sure it keeps our prize asset.
NOBODY will be getting too carried away with it but as far as Newcastle United's recovery is concerned the three points picked up against West Brom represent the moment that the Magpies beat the count and climbed back to their feet again.
Floored by Sunderland in their last game and sent tumbling to the canvas, Newcastle probably threw a few punches as well in the game with the Baggies - and now have the bit between their teeth once more.
And in the middle of it all was the man with so much to prove, Joey Barton.
THE blue Monday feeling on Tyneside ended on somewhat of a positive note at Victoria Park tonight as one for the future in Samuel Ameobi gave evidence that he could follow in the footsteps of his big brother Shola against Hartlepool United.
In the wonderfully named Totesportcasino.com Cup it was 16-year-old Sammy who kept cup hopes alive for the second string with a double blast his big bro would have been proud of.
United had to fight back from behind though to do it after Hartlepool hit back from a goal down.
SO then, perhaps it is now official that directors of football in the Premier League are out of fashion.
How much can you read into Harry Redknapp's arrival at Tottenham Hotspur?
An appointment that was quickly followed by the exit of sporting director Damien Comolli and then the revelation that a traditional management structure is now the way forward.
Where does that leave us?
IF some Toon fans were too young to know what losing a derby was like before the game they certainly know now after it all went pear shaped on Wearside for Newcastle United.
It certainly can't come near to being battered 4-1 on your own ground on your way to the Championship but the reality now is that Newcastle are now in the relegation zone with just six points with November just round the corner.
In a typical derby Sunderland fans partied at the final whistle after Nicky Butt's blunder cost Newcastle dearly.
NEWCASTLE United's mammoth clash with Sunderland has never needed extra spice to hot things up.
But whether you like it or not several factors going into the 140th Tyne-Wear derby could make it one of the most brutal battles in history.
Sunderland fans must surely feel they will never have a better chance of beating United due to the current situation on Barrack Road, and slight concerns on Wearside about Roy Keane's contract are nothing compared to the turbulent season suffered by Newcastle supporters so far.
In all honesty, the whole country has enjoyed a good laugh at Newcastle's expense but the loudest laughs of all have come from Wearside.
Newcastle United fans will hope their side have the bottle to do overcome it all come Saturday.
THE Chronicle is putting together an article on your best memories of Tyne-Wear clashes down the years - and we need your help.
We want your highlights from 110 years of history between the clubs as Newcastle prepare to travel to the Stadium of Light at 12.45pm on Saturday.
Maybe your top game was Sunderland 1, Newcastle 4 in 2006 when Toon hero Alan Shearer smashed in a penalty in his final match in a black and white shirt.
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