Case For The Defense

The gloom merchants had Newcastle United down as a team doing a Leeds, tumbling after relegation and the loss of the most saleable assets. For once, something has gone right.

The decimation of the squad during the summer saw several big names leave, not least the strike force of Martins, Owen and Viduka. Perhaps the most controversial sales, however, were those in defence, as well as Shay Given during the January window.

Among the most impressive players for the Toon last season were defenders, notably Habib Beye and Sebastien Bassong with Abdoulaye Faye also leaving at the end of the season. In the last 7 matches of the Premier League campaign, the defence only conceded more than one goal on one occasion, away at Anfield.

This time round, there was no strengthening during the close season, whilst turmoil surrounded the proposed sale of the club. Reinforcements were late in coming, in the shape of on loan Danny Simpson from ManU and Zurab Khisanishvili from Blackburn.

Saturday’s win against Swansea was marked by the 2nd goal ironically giving the defence a landmark. Prior to that, Swansea had the best away defensive record in the Championship, having previously conceded 5 goals against the Toon’s 6.

It is in defence that this team are now proving themselves, with the meanest record overall. Only 10 goals have been leaked in 18 games, the next best contenders being West Brom, Leicester and Swansea, all on 15.

The defeats have all been away, firstly at Blackpool where Newcastle have only won 7 times in 28 visits. During those visits, Blackpool have scored 3 or more goals on 10 occasions, including 3 six goal and one 5 goal haul. Blackpool currently have the best home defensive record in the Championship, with only 3 goals leaked.

Both Forest and Scunthorpe have been historically difficult journeys for the Magpies, the latter having a 100% home league record when entertaining Newcastle, making the Irons something of a bogey team.

The common factor in those defeats, however, is the breaking up of the central trio who have been crucial to limiting the opposition, Steve Taylor, Saturday’s man-of-the-match, Coloccini, and holding midfielder Alan Smith.

For Blackpool, it was Smith who had been suspended, veteran Nicky Butt taking his place and Newcastle conceding 2 for the first time this season. In the other two defeats, it was the makeshift, lightweight pair of Simpson and Khisanishvili who were given central defensive responsibility.

Regular visitors to SJP, and indeed away from home, will have noted Smith’s contribution. Having been signed, apparently for his versatility, particularly in an attacking role, it is his maturity in holding midfield, that has made him a crowd favourite.

Smith has just passed the landmark of 4 years without a league goal. The home game against Watford is his last chance to avoid the milestone of 5 years without a home league goal, his last being for ManU against Crystal Palace for ManU on 18th December 2004. However, he has assumed the role of former clubmate, David Batty, with timely interventions that made Batty himself an automatic selection under Keegan.

Coloccini, it should be remembered, signed for Newcastle for a fee much larger than the cost of the majority of Championship squads. Having sometimes looked out of sorts in the Premier League last time round, at the marginally lower pace in this league, he seems as accomplished as would be expected from a full Argentina international.

When Coloccini has played, Newcastle have conceded 5 goals in 12 league games. His partner, Steve Taylor, has been on the receiving end of 6 in 14, both impressive sets of statistics.

It has been rumoured that Taylor could be on his way in the January window, possibly to Everton, whilst Kilgallon could be taking his place from Sheff Utd, or Sol Campbell taking up residence with his Geordie girlfriend.

In this league, Taylor’s defensive record should be enough to assure promotion, and with it the tens of millions of Pounds that brings. Above his combative playing style, his encouragement of the crowd during his pre-match forays to the Gallowgate end inspire the 12th man, aided by his Geordie upbringing despite his Greenwich birth.

In the Championship, teams are made up of decent journeymen, one club loyallists and fringe Premier League players on loan. There are few multi-million Pound players, some of which stand out, notably former Toonies Chopra and Ambrose, the first player to score during 6 games in a row in 20 years. They have not shone at the top level.

Other formerly high priced players include Francis Jeffers and Robert Earnshaw, with Gunter also a high priced prospect at Forest. A defensive trio of Enrique, Coloccini and Smith should shine at this level. The likes of Taylor should not be used to reinforce the coffers. All of these are worth more than the entire squads of other clubs in today’s bizarre transfer market.

Taylor fits the bill as loyalist and iconic figure. He should not be allowed to leave, at least before the end of the season. That will ensure that Newcastle are back where we belong in the modern game. It will also give the opportunity to negotiate a new contract at a club that he appreciates and where the supporters appreciate him.

The statistics speak for themselves. Games are won from the back. Taylor, Coloccini and Smith can secure the financial future of the club, by regaining a seat at the top table. Instability with 4 managers last season cost us dear. Ultimately, the sale of Woodgate cost us the opportunity to challenge in Europe.

Whatever the management of the club are planning, especially with the transfer window starting to loom, a plea goes out – reinforce by all means, but leave our defence alone.

Article by RexN