John Carver will be desperate to end his sides baron run of eight straight defeats this weekend but, with West Brom looking to pile on the misery for Newcastle when the clubs meet at St James’ Park this weekend, the Magpies have a tough task ahead.
Ahead of, arguably, our most important fixture of the season so far, I caught up with Read West Brom’s Alex Newton.
What is your assessment of West Brom’s season so far?
Jekyll and Hyde. The season started with little optimism after the appointment of Alan Irvine – who had no Premier League experience. We survived by the skin of our teeth last season and only did that due to our good start last season. This season didn’t have a good start, which resulted in us being in the relegation zone for numerous weeks and we were threatened by relegation. Obviously the axe came down on Alan Irvine and in walked last season’s Premier League manager of the year Tony Pulis. He turned the club around got them playing as a unit and we’re now looking at finishing midtable rather than 17th. There are some questions over his tactics but he’s come in and done the job he was given. To say we could finish mid-table, considering the position we were in at Christmas, I’d say it has been a good season.
How do you view Newcastle?
I’ve always liked them as a club and I think the fans have been treated awfully. Their treatment of Pardew was harsh in my opinion as they hailed him as a hero after the Chelsea victory. I do feel for the fans with all the problems at the club from cost cutting in the youth teams to the owner Mike Ashley. New owners could restore you to former glories it just needs someone to come in with a strong backbone and cut all the nonsense out.
What do you make of our season so far?
You had that brilliant run in the autumn and without that you’d be in the relegation zone now. I didn’t think you’d have a brilliant season but at no point did I feel you’d be in a relegation fight with 3 games left. The players need to sort themselves out quickly or you could easily be relegated again (I’d still be surprised if you went down). I think you’ll survive just, then have a big rebuild in the summer.
What is your take on the John Carver situation? Should he have been replaced or was it too little too late?
With Carver it feels the board just picked someone out of the Gallowgate end and gave them the job. He looks so out of his depth but it does seem pointless replacing him now. It’s obvious whatever happens he’ll be gone in the summer and nobody will be able to change the results now. I think the board have been two faced about it though if McClaren said yes they would have sacked Carver without blinking an eye. Instead, because McCaren said no, they’ve backed Carver.
Which Newcastle player(s), if any, would you take at The Hawthorns?
Despite all the problems you’ve had I’d still take some Newcastle players happily. Tim Krul would offer great competition in the net especially now Ben Foster is out until next season with a knee injury. Moussa Sissoko is a good versatile midfielder to have and would offer an injection of pace in the midfield. If I could only pick one player though it would have to be Remy Cabella. I raved about him when he was playing in France and I think he showed glimpses of quality over here but he’s capable of much more. He’s only 25 and is very good going forward I’d love him just behind Berahino at The Hawthorns!
Which West Brom players should Newcastle be wary of this weekend?
Claudio Yacob. The hard hitting Argentine has been in unreal form recently. He sits deep in midfield and breaks anything up that comes near him which includes the players. He can be a little rash at times but playing away from home he is the perfect sort of player to have. It’s also worth keeping an eye on Chris Brunt.
Who will the Baggies fear in a black and white shirt?
I honestly believe Pulis will get them to go into the game fearing nobody. At the moment I feel the same to due to your poor form I’m not worried by Newcastle. But, like I mentioned earlier, Remy Cabella possess a lot of quality so if I had to pick one player who could cause us some problems it would be him.
Lastly, your predicted West Brom line up and score prediction.
Newcastle 1 – 3 West Brom (Cabella; Berahino, Yacob & McManaman)
