Alan Smith Zone

Siesta Time!

2009-04-18T14:16:00.006+01:00

Well I think this may be the end. My heart has gone out of the blogs and I'm not sure if I'm gonna continue with them or not. Why? Well Freddie is at Seattle Sounders who I just can't get into - just don't like the colour of their kit for a start. Smudge is always on the bench at Newcastle and there's just no news. Only Beckham is peaking my interest at the moment with him being at Milan so I may keep that one updated.

It's also a time thing and these days I feel like I am doing it just for the sake of it. The blogs are just getting stale without constant updating and as a result the number of visitors is falling and the comments and feedback have almost dried up.

So I'm taking a break. I'll just follow the guys myself. The blogs will stay up for a while if people still want to look around them until I decide what I'm gonna do.

Take care

Paul

Newcastle united for scrap, says Alan Smith

2009-03-12T18:19:00.002Z

Newcastle midfielder Alan Smith has admitted that his team will face "10 cup finals" as they bid to safeguard the Tyneside club's top-flight status.

Smith sounded a rallying call as set his sights on bolstering Newcastle's fight for Premier League safety that begins in earnest at Hull's KC Stadium on Saturday.

"There's 10 cup finals left," the former Leeds and Manchester United player said. "I know that's an old cliche, but it's true.

"There's a lot of players at this football club who want to do well for this football club, and no one wants a relegation on their CV."

According to Smith, who started his first game of the season due to injury in last week's 2-1 defeat by United, the Newcastle camp is focused on a common purpose.

"We've got to look forward, take the positives out of the Man United game, and go to Hull with confidence," Smith added. "We've got a great togetherness and a great belief, and everyone's going in the right direction.

"I know Hull won last week, but they've had a few bad results. There's no reason why we can't get a result. We've all got to be positive.

Smith added: "As a team we've not got what we've deserved a lot of the time - we just need a little bit of luck to go our way some time. Even at Bolton, there wasn't much in the game, but we conceded a poor goal.

"If you can keep Manchester United at bay for as long as we did, you've got to take confidence from that. They didn't create a lot of opportunities. Their goal was a deflection that Harps (Steve Harper) would probably have saved.

"But it was a mistake for the second goal, and we've got to try and eradicate that."

Newcastle vice-captain Nicky Butt, who is due to return to action against Hull following injury, is prepared for relegation dogfight.

"These games are going to be battles," Butt said. "It's been a bad season, we know that. There is no point feeling sorry for ourselves.

"All we can do is concentrate on getting as many points as we can. We can't worry about how bad it is or how other teams do, we just need to get as many points as we can.

"Our last away game at Bolton was not a good performance. It was scrappy and games like that are always going to be. We need to start taking our chances in away games. Bolton had one shot on goal and scored - we had a few and didn't. It was a bad performance for us.

"We are better than that, we know we are. But it's getting desperate now and we need to start picking up points."

Butt said he sympathised with those fans who have vented their anger towards the team and caretaker manager Chris Hughton.

"I can fully understand it," Butt added. "I think the fans had thought we' d turned the corner and they were up for it again.

"They were singing and getting behind us. Then after a couple of results they are sickened again.

"It's a sickener for us, too, and the staff. But we need the players, fans and staff all together if we are to turn the corner."

Source: Telegraph

Premiership Table

2009-03-08T19:05:00.001Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	27	20	5	2	36	65
2	Chelsea	28	17	7	4	32	58
3	Liverpool	28	16	10	2	25	58
4	Aston Villa	28	15	7	6	13	52
5	Arsenal	28	13	10	5	15	49
6	Everton	28	12	9	7	8	45
7	West Ham United	28	11	6	11	0	39
8	Manchester City	28	10	5	13	9	35
9	Wigan Athletic	28	9	8	11	0	35
10	Fulham	27	8	10	9	1	34
11	Bolton Wanderers	28	10	3	15	-10	33
12	Tottenham Hotspur	28	8	8	12	0	32
13	Sunderland	28	8	8	12	-8	32
14	Hull City	28	8	8	12	-13	32
15	Stoke City	28	7	8	13	-17	29
16	Newcastle United	28	6	10	12	-11	28
17	Portsmouth	27	7	7	13	-15	28
18	Blackburn Rovers	27	6	9	12	-13	27
19	Middlesbrough	28	6	8	14	-20	26
20	West Bromwich Albion	28	6	4	18	-29	22
Table standings correct as of 08 March 2009

Smith couldn't bear pain of relegation again

2009-03-05T20:39:00.002Z

Returning star Alan Smith is desperate to avoid adding another relegation to his CV.

The midfielder made his first start of the season against his former club Manchester United last night, but couldn't prevent Newcastle from going down to a 2-1 defeat.

The result leaves the Magpies fifth bottom of the Premier League, just a point above the drop zone.

And Smith, who was part of the Leeds United side that dropped out of the Premier League five years ago, said: "You never want a relegation on your CV – I've unfortunately experienced it.

"And for me you don't want to have two on there. It's not nice. It's horrible. And if there are people that need reminding of it, I'm not one of them.

"There's 10 games left and hopefully last night against Manchester United, we can use that as a springboard to go to Hull a week on Saturday and get a performance and result.

"We showed we have a great endeavour and belief. And now we need to continue that if we're to beat the drop."

Smith last started a Premier League game against Everton at Goodison Park on the final day of last season.

And his only first-team involvement this term was as a second-half substitute against the Toffees at St James's Park two weeks ago.

But reflecting on his 82-minute contribution last night, Smith said: "It's been nine months since I started a competitive game and there is no bigger game than Manchester United to do it in for me.

"We've come out of it with a lot of pride and a lot of respect from their players. It's just disappointing that we couldn't come out of it with a point.

"We all have to stand up and be counted now in the last 10 games."

With stars like Habib Beye, Michael Owen, Joey Barton and Danny Guthrie all still out Smith admits that the loss of such key personnel could not be at a more difficult time.

He added: "We're in a relegation battle, and we don't have everybody fit which is disappointing.

"When you look around at the players who were missing again last night it's a huge plus for Chris Hughton.

"If you do have fresh legs then you can mix and match like Man United do.

"Chris probably wouldn't have wanted to play me because of match fitness, and I was seeing stars after 60 minutes.

"He only had the option of bringing on Kazenga LuaLua, who isn't a central midfielder. We're down to the bare bones. But when that is the case everybody has to dig in and show what they're about."

Source: Shields Gazette

Match Report: Newcastle 1 - 2 Manchester Utd

2009-03-04T23:10:00.004Z

Newcastle United 1 - 2 Manchester United
FA Premiership

Newcastle: Harper, Steven Taylor , Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Lovenkrands, Ryan Taylor (Carroll 77), Geremi, Gutierrez , Martins, Smith (LuaLua 82). Subs Not Used: Krul, Cacapa, Butt, Ameobi, Edgar.

Booked: Steven Taylor, Gutierrez.
Goals: Lovenkrands 9.

Manchester Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand , Vidic , Evra, Ronaldo, Fletcher, Carrick, Park, Berbatov (Giggs 90), Rooney. Subs Not Used: Foster, Anderson, Scholes, Evans, Tevez, Eckersley.

Booked: Vidic, Ferdinand.
Goals: Rooney 20, Berbatov 56.

Attendance: 51,636

Referee: Steve Bennett

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Match Report: Newcastle 0 - 0 Everton

2009-02-22T19:11:00.003Z

Newcastle United 0 - 0 Everton
FA Premier League

Newcastle: Harper, Steven Taylor, Bassong, Coloccini, Jose Enrique, Ryan Taylor, Butt, Nolan , Duff (Gutierrez 46), Ameobi (Martins 58), Lovenkrands (Smith 77).
Subs Not Used: Krul, Cacapa, Geremi, Viduka.

Sent Off: Nolan (44).

Everton: Howard, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Baines, Gosling (Saha 74), Neville, Arteta (Castillo 7), Rodwell, Anichebe (Fellaini 45), Jo.
Subs Not Used: Nash, Van der Meyde, Jacobsen, Wallace.

Booked: Fellaini.

Attendance: 47,683

Referee: Lee Mason

Big Picture

2009-02-18T17:23:00.003Z

Alan is on the way back!! Yeahhhh!!

Fit-again Smith on the comeback trail

2009-02-12T20:59:00.001Z

Alan Smith is revelling in his return to action for Newcastle United, according to Colin Calderwood.
Fit-again Smith had his first 90-minute run out since August 3 last night when he captained the reserves to a 5-0 win over Wigan Athletic at St James's Park last night.

Smith is now back in the first-team squad after recovering from the serious ankle injury he suffered in pre-season.

The former Leeds United striker was handed a central midfield role, and acting second-string coach Calderwood revealed the 28-year-old joked after the game that he had been doing his best to emulate Elland Road legend Billy Bremner in the engine room.

"We played Alan in a midfield role because we knew he'd be involved, rather than up front, where he's obviously dictated to by the service that he gets," Calderwood told the Gazette.

"I thought he revelled in his captain's role. He said he was Billy Bremner, but I doubt he'll be turning in his grave! Seriously, though, he did very well in midfield."

Source: Shields Gazette

Smith quashes exit talk

2009-01-28T18:45:00.002Z

Alan Smith insists he is happy at Newcastle and is prepared to fight for a first-team recall.

The 28-year-old joined the Magpies from Manchester United in 2007 in a £6million switch.

He enjoyed a productive first season on Tyneside, making 39 appearances for the club last term.

However, injuries have blighted his 2008/09 campaign and he is yet to get off the mark this year.

His lack of action has led to speculation linking him with a move to either Everton or Middlesbrough.

The combative midfielder has no desire to leave St James' Park, though, and is determined to silence those who continue to doubt his commitment to the club.

"There was speculation about going to Everton but that was never the case and I just want to make that clear - I never wanted to go anywhere," he told the club's official website.

"That's also been the case recently when I was linked with Middlesbrough. As soon as I spoke to the manager he said I was in his plans and I wanted to stay again because I've got a lot to offer this football club.

"Newcastle is the place where I want to play my football and I have got a point to prove to a few people."

Tough
The Magpies are currently languishing just two points above the Premier League relegation zone, but Smith is confident that Joe Kinnear has the talent at his disposal to pull clear of trouble.

"Last season was tough for everyone and people have realised it's going to be a difficult season this time around again," he added.

"If anyone doesn't already know it, we are in a relegation fight.

"There's no point in hiding it. The club knows that and we know it's a difficult period.

"We need everyone available and everyone playing. We need to roll our sleeves up and sacrifice ourselves for the team.

"The main aim is for this club to stay in the Premier League this year and then build and build again from there."

Source: Sky Sports

Smith return to boost Magpies

2009-01-21T21:39:00.002Z

Joe Kinnear has expressed delight at seeing Alan Smith return to full training with Newcastle.

The utility man has not featured for Newcastle since damaging an Achilles in August, but was given the green light to join his team-mates for training after coming through a lengthy period of rehabilitation.

Smith has been tentatively pencilled in to face Manchester City on January 28 and Kinnear admits it is good to have the player back in the fold.

"He’s been out of action for a long time and he is the only player who hasn’t been available to me,” Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle.

"It’s good for him to get back out there and get some action.

"He’s been putting in a lot of work behind the scenes and been trying to get back to fitness."

Source: Setanta Sports

Southgate believes he can talk Smith around

2009-01-13T20:59:00.002Z

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate will persist with his efforts to swap Mido for Alan Smith despite the Newcastle forward's anger at the proposed deal.

With Mido desperate to leave, Southgate will try to persuade Smith to accept he has no future at St James' Park and should join another relegation battle just down the road.

Southgate believes Smith's versatility and dressing-room presence could galvanise his small, young squad after their poor run of results.

But Smith, 28, is digging his heels in, despite being told by Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear he is not part of his plans.

The former England international, whose career has been dogged by injury in recent years, held out at Manchester United for a year after they became willing to listen to offers and insists he is not ready to leave Newcastle either.

Source: Daily Mail

Ashley calls off Newcastle sale

2008-12-28T11:45:00.002Z

Newcastle United are no longer up for sale, club owner Mike Ashley announced on Sunday.

Ashley has taken the Magpies off the market and insists he is now "committing to the club as its owner".

He put the Tyneside club up for sale in September after a backlash from fans upset at the exit of boss Kevin Keegan.

"I am happy to end the uncertainty fans may have had about the [club's] future direction," he said. "I know just how important that is to you."

After failing to find a buyer in the past three months despite what the club claim to be "considerable interest", the billionaire sportswear magnate has decided to push ahead with his own plans.

"For me 2009 will be the year in which we drive the club forward together," he said in a statement to fans, published in the match programme for Sunday's clash with Liverpool.

"Even when I haven't been at games I have remained a keen supporter, kicking and heading every ball and cheering the team on TV and being first to congratulate Joe Kinnear whenever there's a good result.

"When I took the decision to put the club up for sale in September I made a point of saying two things were very important.

"Firstly, any potential buyer would have to show they had the best interests of Newcastle United at heart and had both the commitment and finance to be worthy custodians of such a fine football club before I would even consider doing a deal.

"And secondly, I gave you my word that as long as I remain owner, this club would continue to be run responsibly at all levels. I hope you will accept that I have stood by that pledge.

Ashley engaged the services of investment bank Seymour Pierce after deciding to end his ownership at St James' Park following mass protests against his regime in the wake of Keegan's departure.

But, according to Newcastle's official website, he is now set to "allow the club to continue to progress under the new management team led by Joe Kinnear".

Ashley launched a £134.4m takeover of the club in May last year and has since invested around a further £100m in servicing the club's debt and attempting to strengthen the playing squad.

The Magpies currently lie 12th in the Premier League, having recently hauled themselves out of the relegation zone.

Source: BBCi

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2008-12-24T17:00:00.002Z

Premiership Table

2008-12-08T23:32:00.001Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Liverpool	16	11	4	1	15	37
2	Chelsea	16	11	3	2	29	36
3	Manchester United	15	9	4	2	17	31
4	Arsenal	16	9	2	5	9	29
5	Aston Villa	16	8	4	4	7	28
6	Hull City	16	7	5	4	-1	26
7	Portsmouth	16	6	5	5	-4	23
8	Everton	16	6	4	6	-3	22
9	Fulham	15	5	5	5	1	20
10	Bolton Wanderers	16	6	2	8	-1	20
11	Wigan Athletic	16	5	4	7	-2	19
12	Middlesbrough	16	5	4	7	-7	19
13	Stoke City	16	5	4	7	-10	19
14	Manchester City	16	5	3	8	6	18
15	Tottenham Hotspur	16	5	3	8	-2	18
16	West Ham United	16	5	3	8	-7	18
17	Newcastle United	16	3	7	6	-5	16
18	Sunderland	16	4	3	9	-12	15
19	Blackburn Rovers	16	3	4	9	-14	13
20	West Bromwich Albion	16	3	3	10	-16	12
Table standings correct as of 08 December 2008

Kinnear relishing Smith return

2008-11-29T19:16:00.002Z

Newcastle United manager Joe Kinnear is relishing the return of Alan Smith as the striker recovers from an ankle injury.

The 28-year-old has made good progress after picking up the injury during United's pre-season campaign.

Kinnear hopes to see Smith back in his first-team plans in time for their New Year fixtures against West Ham and Blackburn.

"Alan's around the place but he's on crutches at the moment," Kinnear told the club's official website.

"It's been in plaster and he had a surgical boot on it but he is walking on it so he's making progress.

Progress
"He'd be a big one to come back but he's at least four to six weeks away from returning to training and he's under no pressure to rush back or anything.

"Having him back will be a big bonus for the squad. He's versatile and he's an experienced player who has been there, seen it and done it at the highest level. He'd be a big addition."

Smith's return would be a welcome boost for Kinnear who will remain at the Magpies helm until the end of the season.

Talent
Kinnear was without Michael Owen for part of this season and is still waiting on the fitness of striker Mark Viduka who has returned to training after a lengthy Achilles injury.

"When I walked in the place I said there was enough talent in the physio's room to get into the top half of the Premier League," Kinnear added.

"It's been a real boost for us to get the likes of Michael Owen and - fingers crossed - Mark Viduka back in and around the team."

Source: Sky Sports

High-Flying Hull Eye Toon Outcast Alan Smith

2008-10-27T23:28:00.001Z

Former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan tried to offload midfielder-cum-striker Alan Smith during the summer, along with several other money-sapping pieces of dead wood.

Everton showed some interest, but the Toffees soon withdrew their interest when negotiations ran into roadblocks.

Now, the News of the World reports that Phil Brown, boss of high-flying Hull City, is ready to swoop for the 27-year-old in January.

Brown wants a versatile player with top-flight experience and is apparently willing to overlook Smith's chequered past, which has been littered with injury and disciplinary problems.

An initial loan deal until the end of the season seems likely, considering the risk associated with the move. However, £3m would see the Tigers comfortably bag Smith in the summer.

Smith moved from Leeds United to Manchester United for £7m in 2004 and his value didn't depreciate greatly at first, as he moved to St James' Park for £6m in 2007.

Source: Goal.com

Blog News

2008-09-29T02:09:00.002+01:00

The blog has changed it's URL.

From 29/09/08 the blog can be accessed on the old address at http://alansmithzone.blogspot.com

If you currently subscribe to a feed you will need to subscribe again as the RSS feeds will have changed.

Injury could see Smith out for three months

2008-09-18T23:39:00.003+01:00

It was a case of one step forward and one step back for Newcastle United’s caretaker manager Chris Hughton yesterday as good news regarding Habib Beye’s recovery from injury was immediately countered by fears that Alan Smith could be out for the next three months.

Smith has not made a first-team appearance this season amid rumours he was going to be sold to Everton during the transfer window. But having failed to leave St James’s Park on deadline day, it now looks as though he will be ruled out until December because of an Achilles injury.

The 27-year-old was sent for another scan yesterday, but The Journal understands the player is resigned to the fact he is going to need an operation and the lengthy recovery period that comes with it.

Although Smith was no longer a regular starter under former manager Kevin Keegan following his failure to score in 37 appearances last season, his presence would have been a major boost to Hughton. Smith has his detractors, but nobody can ever fault his attitude or commitment to the team, qualities which are desperately needed as the Magpies face up to the alarming possibility they could be dragged into a relegation battle this season.

The 2-1 home defeat by relegation favourites Hull City last weekend was a sharp reminder of the potential danger for a team which is forced to play against a backdrop of supporter revolt, and the last thing Newcastle need is a spate of injuries and suspensions. Although both Hughton and club captain Michael Owen have attempted to argue the players will block out the protests against owner Mike Ashley, there were clearly signs they were affected by the negative atmosphere which has engulfed the club following the departure of Keegan. With that mood showing no sign of lifting in the short term as attempts to appoint a new manager are undermined by Ashley’s public declaration the club is up for sale, Newcastle need all hands to the pump in the next few weeks.

Smith has experienced problems like these before at Leeds United and the striker has the mental strength to cope with the adversity, but he will not be able to use any of that experience because of his injury setback.

Source: Newcastle Journal

Keegan resigns as Newcastle boss

2008-09-04T19:56:00.002+01:00

Kevin Keegan's second reign in charge of Newcastle United has come to an end after he resigned as manager.

The news brings to an end huge confusion surrounding Keegan's future at the club, after talk of his departure first emerged on Monday evening.

Keegan held discussions with Newcastle's hierarchy on Monday and Tuesday, and reports of him being sacked began to leak out of St James' Park.

However, Newcastle denied he had been sacked and then Keegan insisted through the League Managers Association that he had not resigned.

Now, following further talks, Keegan has quit his role - bringing to an end his second spell in charge, which lasted eight months, after he took charge following Sam Allardyce's departure.

Statement
In a statement released through the LMA, Keegan confirmed he had quit - citing the fact he did not have the control he wanted over club affairs.

"I've been working desperately hard to find a way forward with the directors, but sadly that has not proved possible," he said.

"It's my opinion that a manager must have the right to manage and that clubs should not impose upon any manager any player that he does not want.

"It remains my fervent wish to see Newcastle United do well in the future and I feel incredibly sorry for the players, staff and most importantly the supporters.

"I have been left with no choice other than to leave."

Source: Sky Sports

Price hike hits Newcastle's Smith's switch to Everton

2008-09-03T21:50:00.001+01:00

Everton missed out on striker target Alan Smith on deadline day after discovering his price tag had gone up.

Everton believed they already had a £2.8m deal agreed and expected Smith to arrive for a medical to clinch the move.

But they walked away from the transfer when Newcastle asked for more money to complete the move.

Everton had spent the summer chasing Smith and thought they had him in the bag in August after brokering a deal, but Kevin Keegan’s refusal to sanction the transfer stalled the switch.

They made their second move after Newcastle gave the forward the green light to give his career a fresh start last week.

But the late change in his price tag forced Everton to reconsider their options and they backed out of the deal.

Source: Daily Mail

Newcastle striker Alan Smith Everton move in doubt

2008-09-02T00:44:00.002+01:00

Alan Smith's £3 million move from Newcastle to Everton is in doubt after the player opted to train at his current club this morning.

Smith, 27, has endured a tumultuous year-long spell at St James' Park following his £6 million arrival from Manchester United and had been expected at Goodison Park today to undergo a routine medical before putting pen to paper.

But Smith was earlier seen at the Newcastle's Darsely Park training complex, seemingly casting his reported move to Everton in serious doubt.

While a move to Everton would rejuvenate Smith's ailing career, the former Leeds striker, often deployed by Newcastle as a midfielder, would have to accept a vast pay-cut from his current £60,000-per week wages.

Smith, who has four years left to run on his existing contract, miserably failed to find the net in 37 appearances for Newcastle last season, losing his place in the England squad in the process.

Despite his disappointing record in the north-east, Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan is reluctant to allow the versatile player leave fearing his already small squad will be further depleted and convinced he could rehabilitate Smith.

Owner Mike Ashley, however, is said to be unimpressed by Smith and is keen to do business since his departure will considerably reduce the wage-bill, an area he has prioritised in his cost-cutting plans at the club.

Smith's move to Merseyside has been forthcoming throughout the summer and the player was subjected to a hostile reception by the club's supporters on his last outing in a pre-season friendly at home to Valencia last month.

Although Keegan, at the time, did his best to calm tensions by insisting Smith would not be going anywhere, it was clear to the unhappy Newcastle faithful that Smith already had one foot out of the St James' Park exit door.

Meanwhile, Newcastle have completed the signing of Uruguay midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez on a season-long loan from Valencia and have agreed a £5.7 million fee for Deportivo La Coruna striker, Xisco.

Source: Telegraph

Big Picture

2008-08-28T02:14:00.002+01:00

'Hands off Alan Smith', Keegan tells Everton

2008-08-17T13:08:00.001+01:00

Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan today signalled his intention to fend off interest in striker Alan Smith from Everton.

Goodison Park boss David Moyes is understood to be weighing up a bid for Smith, who has not found the net in 37 competitive appearances for United.

But Keegan says Smith brings a lot to the club on and off the pitch, and believes the former Leeds and Manchester United player can turn round his St James's Park career.

"I don't want to lose Alan Smith," said Keegan. "He is great around the place. Everyone's got different opinions, and Alan Smith needs a goal at Newcastle United.

"And you've got to ask how many times he has played as an out-and-out striker. He's played a lot of his games for this club in midfield.

"He's a fantastic member of our squad, and I don't want to lose any member of this squad now."

Source: Shields Gazette

Keegan defends Alan Smith from boo-boys

2008-08-11T23:07:00.000+01:00

Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan leapt to the defence of striker Alan Smith after he was booed onto the pitch in the club's latest friendly.

Smith, who held talks about a move to Everton last week, has failed to score since his £6m move from Manchester United last summer.

Keegan named him in the squad to face Valencia at St James's Park on Saturday, and was sad to see him booed when he came on as a second-half substitute.

But he said afterwards : "I'm not going to try and tell this crowd what to do.

"It's a very knowledgeable crowd. They're the first to cheer if a player scores a goal, and sometimes they show their feelings.

"But I definitely think there's a lot more to come from Alan.

"I've known lots of players turn themselves around, and I know Alan will."

Source: Shields Gazette

Big Picture

2008-08-10T14:40:00.002+01:00

Match Report: Newcastle Utd 2 -1 Valencia

2008-08-10T14:19:00.004+01:00

Newcastle United 2 - 1 Valencia
Pre-Season Friendly

Newcastle: Given, Beye (Bassong 85) N’Zogbia, Cacapa (Edgar 85), Taylor, Milner, Guthrie, Gutierrez, Butt, Duff, Martins (Smith 63)
Subs not used: Enrique, Geremi, Forster, LuaLua

Booked: TBC
Goals: Duff 77, Milner 90+1

Valencia: Hildebrand, Albiol (Fernandes 59), Abelda (Edu 74), Baraja (Ruano 59), Morientes (Villa 46), Panadero (Manuel 74), Helguera (Navarro 67), Joaquin (Dominguez 46), Silva (Miguel 46), Garcia, Moretti
Subs not used:

Booked: TBC
Goals: Joaquin 38

Attendance: 31,494

Referee: Uriah Rennie

Alan Smith on his way to Everton?

2008-08-09T16:29:00.002+01:00

Newcastle United's Alan Smith had a medical with Everton on Thursday, according to reports on Merseyside.
The striker was left out of the Newcastle side for last night's friendly against PSV Eindhoven, fuelling talk of an imminent £3m switch to Goodison Park.

Manager Kevin Keegan said after the 2-2 draw that the 27-year-old – whose only goal for United came just over a year ago in a pre-season friendly against Sampdoria – had been sidelined with a "sore ankle".

Everton boss David Moyes had been beaten to Smith's signature by Keegan's predecessor Sam Allardyce last summer, with Newcastle paying Manchester United £6m for his services.

However, Smith is among the higher earners at St James's Park, and there is pressure on Keegan to reduce the wage bill and fund rebuilding plans.

Source: Shields Gazette

Match Report: Real Mallorca 1 - 0 Newcastle Utd

2008-08-06T00:08:00.005+01:00

Real Mallorca 1 - 0 Newcastle United
Pre-Season friendly - Mallorca Summer Cup

Mallorca: Moya, Ramis, Josemi, Varela, (Castro 53) Valero (Diaz 82), Otchiko (Webo), Nunes, Suarez (Marti 46), Arango (Victor 87), Trejo (Jurado 70), Corrales
Subs not used: Lux, Crespi, Castellanos, Casadesus, Diaz, Lopez

Booked: TBC
Goals: Suarez 06

Newcastle: Harper (Forster 57), Taylor, Bassong, Cacapa, Enrique, Geremi, Guthrie (Donaldson 70), Edgar, Duff, Smith, Milner
Subs not used: Wiafe Danquah, Tozer, Doninger, Godsmark

Booked: TBC

Attendance: TBC

Referee: Angel Rodriguez

Everton move for Newcastle striker Smith

2008-08-06T00:05:00.000+01:00

TRANSFER TALK
Everton manager David Moyes is lining up Newcastle striker Alan Smith in a £3million deal as Andy Johnson's departure to Fulham moved a step closer.

Newcastle are willing to sell 27-year-old Smith to move his £60,000 a week wages off their books. He still has four years on his current deal and the club are willing to take a £3m loss on the £6m fee paid out last summer.

The forward is not a popular figure at St James' having failed to score for the club in 37 games last term. But Moyes believes Smith is the perfect strike partner for Yakubu and is keen to make him Everton's first capture of a frustrating summer.

Johnson was putting the finishing touches to his protracted move to Fulham last night after Everton chairman Bill Kenwright stuck to his guns over a fee that will eventually rise to £13m.

Source: Daily Mail

Alan Smith insists Newcastle are fittest team

2008-08-03T14:57:00.001+01:00

Alan Smith insists there won't be a fitter team in the Premier League than Newcastle this season - thanks to the Incredible Hulse.

Fitness guru Mark Hulse has whipped the Toon into tip-top shape with a punishing pre-season training programme.

And former England striker Smith, 27, believes that guarantees boss Kevin Keegan's stars will never run out of gas in games.

Former FA and Crystal Palace fitness coach Hulse, brought to St James' Park by Keegan towards the end of last term, has put United's band of underachieving aces through a summer of sheer torture.

Ex-Leeds and Manchester United hitman Smith said: "All the lads have taken to Mark really well, but his training hasn't half been difficult.

"He has really put us through it - but it has been good because it is just what we needed and we realise ourselves that it had to be done.

"The gaffer has said that, with the size of our squad, we need to be one of the fittest teams in the Premier League. That is why we didn't really do a lot of football work in the first two or three weeks after reporting back."

Keegan explained: "We are not going to have the biggest squad in the league, so we are going to have to have the fittest.

"Last season we operated with a very small group of players, and there were times when we paid the price for that.

"The lads have not even played a single practice match in training. It's mainly been running and gym work."

Source: Sunday Mirror

I'm Back

2008-08-03T14:36:00.002+01:00

Well I'm back!!

Thanks to everyone for all the good wishes and messages you sent me. I am 80-90% back on my feet and have managed to put together some posts of stories and pictures that I have missed while I was away.

The start of the Premiership season is only a few weeks away but I am not geared up for it yet. I will try to keep this place up to date but bear with me while I try and catch up with what's going on!!

Paul xx

Match report: Hertha Berlin 1 - 0 Newcastle Utd

2008-08-02T22:52:00.008+01:00

Hertha Berlin 1 - 0 Newcastle United
Pre-Season Friendly - Mallorca Summer Cup

Hertha Berlin: Fielder (Drobny 12), Bezarra Kaka, Von Bergen, Chahed, Cicero, Pantelic, Caetano, Stein, De Lima, Arguez (Nicu 73), Lustenberger (Haartmann 66)
Subs not used: Lakic, Domovchyski, Bigalke, Fardi

Booked: TBC
Goals: Nicu 80

Newcastle: Harper (Krul 62), Cacapa, Guthrie, N'Zogbia, Milner, Smith, Gutierrez (Enrique 70), Geremi, Butt, Ameobi (Duff 59), Taylor
Subs not used: Edgar, WIafe Danquah, Tozer, Doninger, Donaldson, Godsmark, Bassong

Booked: TBC

Attendance: TBC

Referee: Ivan Gonzalez

Smith reveals Toon concerns

2008-07-28T23:40:00.001+01:00

Alan Smith is worried by Newcastle United's lack of depth ahead of the new season.

Magpies boss Kevin Keegan's preparations for the 2008/09 term have been hampered by the absences of a number of injured first-team players.

Keegan has so far added Jonas Gutierrez from Real Mallorca and Danny Guthrie from Liverpool to his squad, and has since revealed he is hopeful of landing further reinforcements this transfer window.

Smith, who featured in Newcastle's 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Doncaster on Saturday, admits he is concerned by the club's lack of first-team options with the new term on the horizon.

Top-half finish
Smith told the Daily Express: "To see people missing in pre-season, that's the biggest worry. But if we can get all those players fit, it will make a big difference.

"Near the end of last season, we were fortunate to have just about all of our players fit and we put a decent run together. We need to get them right for the start of the season.

"Realistically, for this club, the top half of the table is a must.

"When you look around the dressing room the quality is there. But football now is more and more of a squad game, where the number of players at the club is important. At the moment, we have not got that available."

Source: Sky Sports

Alan Smith will come good for United

2008-07-26T20:29:00.000+01:00

England star Michael Carrick feels Alan Smith will be a success for Newcastle United next season.

The Geordie midfielder – who won the Champions League and the Premier League with Manchester United in May – has played with Smith for both club and country.

Smith, who signed from Man United for £6m last summer, underlined his battling qualities for United last season in midfield, but was in and out the team in the final few weeks of the season as a striker.

The former Leeds and Man United star, who scored on his debut for Newcastle in a friendly against Sampdoria at St James's, is still searching for his first competitive goal for the club,

But he was fielded in several positions last term – including a holding midfield role.

And Carrick told the Chronicle: "Smudge is a good player and he played in different positions last year for Newcastle."

"When he played last year for Man United up front he was tremendous, and in the Roma game in the Champions League when we won 7-1 he was brilliant.

"Everyone who knows him knows he gives everything.

"He's got a lot of quality and I think he’ll have a great season. He's a good, honest lad and I'm sure he'll do well."

Wallsend Boys Club product Carrick will come face to face with his hometown club on the opening day of the season, which now takes place on Sunday, August 17 at Old Trafford, and will be live on Sky Sports.

And asked whether the Champions go into the game under any pressure having won the Premier League and Champions League last term, Carrick said: "There is no pressure, you take it as it comes.

"We are in a position where we have a very good team, and we are in a position where we can challenge.

"We want the best honours first and foremost, and you don't want to let yourselves down."

Source: Evening Chronicle

Match Report: Doncaster Rovers 1 - 0 Newcastle United

2008-07-26T19:08:00.008+01:00

Doncaster Rovers 1 - 0 Newcastle United
Pre-Season Friendly

Doncaster Rovers: 1st half - Sullivan; Trialist, Trialist, Trialist, Roberts; Coppinger, Wellens, Hayter, Woods; Taylor, Guy

2nd half - Smith; Hird, Trialist (Boyce 54), Trialist (Hall 84), Roberts (Nelthorpe 67); Wilson, Wellens (Fairhurst 67), Spicer, Elliott, Ameobi, Heffernan.

Booked: TBC
Goals: Elliott 87

Newcastle: Harper (Krul 57), Taylor, Cacapa (Edgar 64), Bassong, Enrique, Duff, Guthrie, Geremi (Tozer 78), N'Zogbia, Ameobi, Smith
Subs bot used: Danquah, Morris, Doninger, Donaldson, Godsmark

Booked: TBC

Attendance: 9,826

Referee: Rob Shoebridge

Back Soon

2008-07-12T14:54:00.001+01:00

I've had to have an operation and so won't be updating the blogs for maybe a week or so as I recover. X

Smudge at MotoGP

2008-06-28T13:53:00.002+01:00

Some photos of Smudge at recent(ish) MotoGP events in France.

Smith proud of Toseland achievements

2008-05-18T13:30:00.000+01:00

English Premier League footballer Alan Smith is a big fan of MotoGP and a big fan of his compatriot James Toseland.

Demonstrating his passion for motorbikes this weekend Newcastle United's Alan Smith is buzzing with excitement at the Alice Grand Prix de France and has been soaking up the atmosphere with friends at Le Mans, staying in the campsite at the French circuit with thousands of similarly dedicated fans.

The former Leeds United and Manchester United player, who has made 19 international appearances for England, had some kind words to say about his fellow Yorkshireman James Toseland, when he spoke to motogp.com.

"It's nice to see British lads doing well," said Smith of the Tech 3 Yamaha MotoGP rookie. "There has been a lot of speculation, a lot of talk, about James and I think everyone is so proud of what he has achieved so far. I had a chat with him and he said probably the easiest round so far was Qatar because he knew the track."

"The next few weeks are going to be difficult because he has never been to these circuits. He has done well and I think he is seventh for the start of Sunday's race here, so he is quite confident and he has learned the track quickly. So he said the next few races will be hard but when we get to Donington he will be looking to get himself on the podium."

Source: MotoGP

No Boro move for Smith

2008-05-17T22:45:00.000+01:00

Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed that he will not be making a move for Newcastle striker Alan Smith.

Smith was a target for Boro last summer when he was allowed to leave Manchester United but he opted for Tyneside ahead of Teesside.

And now Southgate says he will not be going back - mainly because he sees Smith as a striker.

"My view of Alan Smith is he's a striker and the situation at our club is I'm quite happy with the four strikers that we've got," he said.

"I would not foresee us bringing in another striker this summer."

Source: Sky Sports

FA Premiership Table

2008-05-14T22:54:00.001+01:00

Final Standings
Premiership Champions 2007-2008 - Manchester United

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	38	27	6	5	58	87
2	Chelsea	38	25	10	3	39	85
3	Arsenal	38	24	11	3	43	83
4	Liverpool	38	21	13	4	39	76
5	Everton	38	19	8	11	22	65
6	Aston Villa	38	16	12	10	20	60
7	Blackburn Rovers	38	15	13	10	2	58
8	Portsmouth	38	16	9	13	8	57
9	Manchester City	38	15	10	13	-8	55
10	West Ham United	38	13	10	15	-8	49
11	Tottenham Hotspur	38	11	13	14	5	46
12	Newcastle United	38	11	10	17	-20	43
13	Middlesbrough	38	10	12	16	-10	42
14	Wigan Athletic	38	10	10	18	-17	40
15	Sunderland	38	11	6	21	-23	39
16	Bolton Wanderers	38	9	10	19	-18	37
17	Fulham	38	8	12	18	-22	36
18	Reading	38	10	6	22	-25	36
19	Birmingham City	38	8	11	19	-16	35
20	Derby County	38	1	8	29	-69	11
Table standings correct as of 14 May 2008

Smith 'happy' at Newcastle

2008-05-14T21:54:00.002+01:00

Alan Smith’s agent insists the striker is not looking for a move away from Newcastle, despite speculation suggesting Middlesbrough are preparing to launch a fresh bid to sign the player this summer.

A £6 million signing from Manchester United last summer, Smith, like many of his Magpies team-mates, has had a disappointing campaign for the North East club.

Though often deployed in midfield, Smith failed to score in 34 appearances for his club this season.

Middlesbrough could offer the former Leeds star an escape route were he in need of one.

"That's the first I've heard of it," Alex Black told setantasports.com of reported interest from Middlesbrough.

Boro were interested in signing Smith last summer before he opted for a move to rivals Newcastle but Black believes Boro's interest, old or new, is a moot point.

"There were a lot of clubs interested in Alan but whether clubs are or aren't interested in Alan it doesn't matter. Alan is happy where he is."

What role Smith has at St James' Park under Kevin Keegan remains a private matter.

"Talk of his future is between Alan and Kevin," added Black.

"What Alan's looking forward to now is a good break and coming back fresh next season.

"Alan's not looking for a move and he's happy to stay at Newcastle."

Source: Setanta Sports

Match Report: Everton 3 - 1 Newcastle Utd

2008-05-11T18:06:00.002+01:00

Everton 3 - 1 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Everton: Howard, Neville, Yobo (Baines 85), Jagielka, Lescott, Pienaar, Fernandes, Carsley (Rodwell 90), Osman, Yakubu, Anichebe (Gravesen 85).
Subs Not Used: Wessels, Gosling.

Goals: Yakubu 28, Lescott 70, Yakubu 82 pen.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Faye (Cacapa 46), Taylor (Ramage 90), Jose Enrique (LuaLua 79), Smith , Butt, N'Zogbia, Owen, Carroll, Duff .
Subs Not Used: Forster, Tozer.

Booked: Duff, Smith.
Goals: Owen 47 pen.

Attendance: 39,592

Referee: Peter Walton

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Smith wants chance to prove his worth

2008-05-10T13:17:00.000+01:00

Newcastle United’s Mr Versatility Alan Smith is banking on a return to Kevin Keegan’s starting line-up for the first time in two months at Goodison Park tomorrow – against the club that tried to sign him last summer.

And Smith has two chances against Everton with his former Leeds United striking partner Mark Viduka ruled out through injury and midfielder Joey Barton unable to travel to his native Merseyside because of his bail conditions in relation to his two assault charges.

However, despite his versatility, Keegan has always seen Smith as a striker, and if the England international does get the nod that’s where he hopes he will be playing, even though he will face competition from young James Carroll.

Smith has yet to score in a black-and-white shirt and you have to go back to November 2005 for his last goal in the Premier League.

Last summer Everton boss David Moyes tried hard to land Smith, then a Manchester United player, but the 27-year-old opted for St James’s Park instead.

Smith has had a tough first season with United and has had to wait patiently for opportunities since he was dropped after defeat to Liverpool at Anfield in early February, with Keegan refusing to change a winning team apart from when he had to through Steven Taylor’s illness and Abdoulaye Faye’s injury.

Looking at the situation tomorrow with Viduka and Barton out, Keegan said: “Every time a player gets injured, it’s a blow.

“All managers are the same. You have a board in your room, and you move that player where it says injured, and you look at what you have left. You say ‘Right – it’s an opportunity for this guy’. That’s the easy part. The hardest part is for the guy to grab that opportunity.

“There will be opportunities for one or two players this weekend at Everton, but that doesn’t mean to say it will weaken the side. It may be, by doing this at this time, that we strengthen it.”

Keegan will also be without Emre, who has joined up with his Turkey team-mates for a pre-Euro 2008 training camp while James Milner is still short on fitness and will not be involved.

Source: Chronicle

Match Report: Newcastle Utd 0 - 2 Chelsea

2008-05-06T22:15:00.004+01:00

Newcastle United 0 - 2 Chelsea
Barclays Premiership

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Taylor, Faye , Jose Enrique (N'Zogbia 77), Geremi (Duff 71), Butt, Barton, Viduka (Smith 46), Owen, Martins.
Subs Not Used: Forster, Cacapa.

Booked: Faye, Jose Enrique.

Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Terry , Carvalho (Alex 79), Bridge, Essien, Obi, Ballack, Anelka (Lampard 66), Drogba (Shevchenko 86), Malouda .
Subs Not Used: Cudicini, Joe Cole.

Booked: Terry, Malouda.
Goals: Ballack 61, Malouda 82.

Attendance: 52,305

Referee: Steve Bennett

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Smith Rangers talk rejected

2008-04-30T22:26:00.000+01:00

Alan Smith's agent has rejected reports linking the Newcastle man with a move to Rangers.

Recent reports have suggested Rangers are lining up a swoop for England international Smith in the summer.

Rumours over a possible switch to Ibrox for Smith intensified over the weekend after the former Leeds and Manchester United star was spotted at at the Old Firm derby.

Smith's representative Alex Black has played down the rumours and says the player is happy at St James' Park.

Happy
"Alan has no intention of leaving Newcastle, he is happy at the club," Black told skysports.com

"All this Rangers talk has come about because he was at a couple of their games.

"It was just a coincidence as Alan got tickets for the Old Firm game and he went with a few friends to experience a Rangers v Celtic game as he is a football fan.

"Alan is not thinking about anything else but coming back fresh for next season and helping Newcastle to success."

Source: Sky Sports

Walter eyes misfit Smith

2008-04-30T01:29:00.001+01:00

Rangers plan a £5million bid for Toon misfit Alan Smith.

And Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is weighing up a swoop for West Ham striker Dean Ashton.

Ex-England star Smith, 27, (left) has failed to nail a regular starting spot under Keegan and has struggled since his £6m switch from Manchester United last August.

He was at Sunday’s Old Firm derby and Rangers boss Walter Smith is set to test the water with a £5m bid at the end of the season.

But Toon sources say Smith’s £60,000-a-week wages could be a stumbling block for the Scottish champions.

Keegan wants Ibrox defender Carlos Cuellar and will push for a swap deal to land the Spaniard.

The Toon chief also has Ashton, 24, and Everton left-back Leighton Baines on his summer wish-list.

Ashton scored against Toon in Saturday’s 2-2 draw at Upton Park.

Source: The Sun

Match Report: West Ham 2 - 2 Newcastle Utd

2008-04-26T20:17:00.001+01:00

West Ham United 2 - 2 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

West Ham: Green, Pantsil , Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Faubert (Solano 90), Parker, Noble, Ljungberg (Boa Morte 21), Zamora (Cole 68), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Mullins.

Booked: Faubert, Pantsil.
Goals: Noble 10, Ashton 23.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye , Edgar (Diatta 90), Taylor, Jose Enrique, Geremi, Butt , Barton, Owen, Viduka (Smith 82), Martins .
Subs Not Used: Forster, Duff, Carroll.

Booked: Beye, Butt, Martins.
Goals: Martins 42, Geremi 45.

Attendance: 34,980

Referee: Uriah Rennie

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

FA Premiership Table

2008-04-21T17:45:00.001+01:00

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	35	25	6	4	54	84
2	Chelsea	35	23	9	3	36	78
3	Arsenal	35	21	11	3	37	74
4	Liverpool	35	19	12	4	36	69
5	Everton	35	18	7	10	21	61
6	Aston Villa	35	16	10	9	22	58
7	Portsmouth	35	16	9	10	12	57
8	Manchester City	35	15	10	10	1	55
9	Blackburn Rovers	35	13	13	9	2	52
10	West Ham United	35	13	8	14	-5	47
11	Tottenham Hotspur	35	10	12	13	6	42
12	Newcastle United	35	11	9	15	-16	42
13	Wigan Athletic	35	9	9	17	-17	36
14	Middlesbrough	35	8	12	15	-18	36
15	Sunderland	35	10	6	19	-21	36
16	Bolton Wanderers	35	8	8	19	-20	32
17	Reading	35	9	5	21	-28	32
18	Birmingham City	35	7	10	18	-17	31
19	Fulham	35	5	12	18	-26	27
20	Derby County	35	1	8	26	-59	11
Table standings correct as of 21 April 2008

Match Report: Portsmouth 0 - 0 Newcastle Utd

2008-04-12T21:02:00.003+01:00

Portsmouth 0 - 0 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Portsmouth: James, Johnson , Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Diop, Davis, Muntari, Kranjcar, Defoe, Kanu (Nugent 75). Subs Not Used: Begovic, Lauren, Hughes, Pedro Mendes.

Booked: Johnson.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Faye, Taylor, Jose Enrique, Geremi, Butt, Barton , Owen, Viduka (Smith 82), Martins. Subs Not Used: Forster, Duff, Edgar, Carroll.

Booked: Barton.

Attendance: 20,507

Referee: Phil Dowd

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Future’s looking bright: Smith

2008-04-11T21:05:00.002+01:00

Newcastle United striker Alan Smith has revealed his optimism for next season following the Magpies' recent revival.

The England international and his team-mates will head to Fratton Park to face Portsmouth with their tails up, with Kevin Keegan's revitalised side looking to finish the season on a high.

The former Leeds and Manchester United man was always confident Newcastle would retain their top-flight status, and has proved to be the ultimate professional in the last few games.

Smith lost his place in Keegan's team but took the decision on the chin and has played his part as sub in the last three victories as the black-and-whites have turned the corner.

But the Toon battler is still crystal clear about the task ahead which includes the trip to Pompey, home games with Sunderland and Chelsea, and visits to injury-hit West Ham and Everton on the final day of the season.

He told the Chronicle: "This season was about surviving and building for next season. And I'm sure that the gaffer has long-term plans about the players he wants to bring in.

"Hopefully, next season can be a lot more successful for us. And the fans will have a lot more to cheer about next year."

This time last year Smith was getting ready to pick up a championship medal with Manchester United, but he has no regrets and is enthusiastic about his future with Newcastle. Despite United's up-and-down campaign, Smith reflected on his time on Tyneside and said: "It hasn’t been a shock to the system.

"I knew this would be a transitional time – we changed owners and managers. That makes it more difficult for everyone."

Smith has already played under two managers at St James's Park in Sam Allardyce and KK.

And with the likes of James Milner and Nicky Butt playing under five managers in four years, and only Lamine Diatta of the current first-team roster recruited by Keegan, Smith – having played under the long-serving Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford – feels that solid foundations can be laid by a strong finish this season, with good times hopefully on the horizon.

He said: "We'll have some stability next year. That's what this club needs. We will rebuild and have a good pre-season in the summer. We'll bring some new players in, too.

"After that we can see how far we can get and give it a good go next season."

Source: Chronicle

Duff, Smith, N'Zogbia still have part to play

2008-04-08T16:36:00.005+01:00

He has made just one change to his starting line-up in the last four matches, but Newcastle manager Kevin Keegan has dismissed suggestions that Damien Duff, Alan Smith and Charles N'Zogbia are now surplus to requirements at St James' Park.

Duff, Smith and N'Zogbia were regular starters in the early days of Keegan's reign, but the midfield trio have failed to make the starting XI in each of Newcastle's last four outings.

Their lack of involvement has led some to claim that they will be on their way out of St James' in the summer, with Keegan expected to overhaul the squad he inherited from his predecessor, Sam Allardyce, in January.
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But while the Magpies manager remains reluctant to change a winning team in the wake of Saturday's convincing 3-0 win over Reading, he denies that those currently excluded from the starting line-up are living on borrowed time.

"We've not only got a good team of players at the minute, we've also got a good squad around it," said Keegan. "What you have to have in your squad is the ability to change things at all times.

"We've got that with someone like Damien Duff - he's on fire at the moment.

"I thought he might get a goal (after he appeared as a 74th-minute substitute against Reading) and he was unlucky not to.

"He's champing at the bit to get back in the team, and then it'll be James Milner in the next ten days or so wanting to get back in as well.

"The same applies to Alan Smith - you couldn't have anyone better to bring on. I know he would prefer to play from the start but, wow, he covers you in so many positions and he's got a great attitude."

N'Zogbia appears the most likely to depart at the end of the season, as he came close to leaving Tyneside during the January transfer window.

The French midfielder's agent, Willie McKay, spoke of his client's desire to move to London, and N'Zogbia's failure to start any of Newcastle's last four matches suggests he is hardly integral to Keegan's plans.

The Magpies manager, however, insists it is injury alone that has kept N'Zogbia on the sidelines this month.

"Charles picked up a knee injury playing for the French Under-21 team a couple of weeks ago," explained Keegan. "But he has had a week's training with the physio and he should be all right now."

N'Zogbia, Duff and Milner have been the major losers from Keegan's decision to switch to a three-man midfield, with Michael Owen playing in the hole behind a twin strike force of Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka.

The United boss decided to try the formation when a more conventional 4-4-2 system was failing to create goals, but insists the current absence of wingers is not a reflection of failings on the part of Newcastle's wide men.

"We'd played with two wingers and not scored goals," said Keegan.

"I'm not blaming the wingers for that, I'm blaming the whole team performance. We had Milner on the right and Duff on the left, which is quite attacking, and two up front, but we weren't scoring goals.

"So we had to say 'OK we've tried that. It hasn't worked for whatever reason'. It might work if we went back to it now because the confidence is there, but we had to change.

"It was five, six games - it wasn't like I was throwing players in and not giving them a chance.

"You'll see now when Duff, Milner and Smith come back in - and they will - they'll be coming back into a side which has some confidence. That can make a major difference to how they play as well."

Source: Northern Echo

Match Report: Newcastle Utd 3 - 0 Reading

2008-04-06T01:07:00.005+01:00

Newcastle United 3 - 0 Reading
Barclays Premiership

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Faye (Diatta 82), Edgar, Jose Enrique, Geremi, Butt (Smith 79), Barton, Martins, Owen, Viduka (Duff 74).
Subs Not Used: Forster, Carroll.

Goals: Martins 18, Owen 43, Viduka 58.

Reading: Hahnemann, Rosenior, Ingimarsson, Bikey , Shorey, Oster (Convey 60), Harper, Cisse (Fae 72), Hunt, Kitson (Long 72), Doyle.
Subs Not Used: Federici, Duberry.

Booked: Bikey.

Attendance: 52,179

Referee: Lee Probert

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Blog Poll

2008-04-04T00:01:00.001+01:00

Will Alan Smith score a goal for Newcastle before the end of the season? ( polls)

Match Report: Tottenham 1 - 4 Newcastle

2008-03-30T18:11:00.003+01:00

Tottenham Hotspur 1 - 4 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Tottenham: Robinson, Hutton, Dawson, Woodgate, O'Hara , Huddlestone, Zokora (Tainio 69), Malbranque (Lennon 59), Keane (Taarabt 59), Berbatov, Bent.
Subs Not Used: Cerny, Chimbonda.

Booked: O'Hara.
Goals: Bent 26.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Taylor, Faye, Jose Enrique, Barton, Butt, Geremi (Edgar 90), Owen (Carroll 85), Viduka (Smith 79), Martins.
Subs Not Used: Forster, Duff.

Goals: Butt 45, Geremi 52, Owen 65, Martins 83.

Attendance: 36,067

Referee: Steve Bennett

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

FA Premiership Table

2008-03-25T20:13:00.001Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	31	23	4	4	49	73
2	Chelsea	31	20	8	3	32	68
3	Arsenal	31	19	10	2	35	67
4	Liverpool	31	16	11	4	31	59
5	Everton	31	17	6	8	22	57
6	Portsmouth	31	14	8	9	11	50
7	Aston Villa	31	13	10	8	12	49
8	Blackburn Rovers	31	13	10	8	4	49
9	Manchester City	31	13	10	8	2	49
10	West Ham United	31	12	8	11	-3	44
11	Tottenham Hotspur	31	10	9	12	9	39
12	Middlesbrough	31	8	10	13	-16	34
13	Newcastle United	31	8	8	15	-24	32
14	Wigan Athletic	31	8	7	16	-17	31
15	Reading	31	9	4	18	-21	31
16	Sunderland	31	8	6	17	-21	30
17	Birmingham City	31	6	9	16	-13	27
18	Bolton Wanderers	31	6	8	17	-17	26
19	Fulham	31	4	11	16	-24	23
20	Derby County	31	1	7	23	-51	10
Table standings correct as of 25 March 2008

Match Report: Newcastle 2 - 0 Fulham

2008-03-22T18:55:00.004Z

Newcastle United 2 - 0 Fulham
Barclays Premiership

Newcastle: Harper, Beye (Edgar 87), Taylor, Faye, Jose Enrique, Geremi, Butt, Barton, Owen, Viduka (Smith 84), Martins (N'Zogbia 74).
Subs Not Used: Forster, Carroll.

Goals: Viduka 6, Owen 83.

Fulham: Keller, Stalteri (Healy 84), Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Andreasen, Bullard, Murphy (Volz 71), Davies, McBride (Dempsey 66), Johnson.
Subs Not Used: Warner, Bocanegra.

Booked: Volz

Attendance: 52,293

Referee: Alan Wiley

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Smith aims for first victory

2008-03-21T16:13:00.003Z

Alan Smith is hoping Newcastle United can finally get their elusive first win under Kevin Keegan in tomorrow's clash with Fulham at St James's Park.

The Cottagers were actually the last team to taste defeat against United. A Joey Barton penalty sealed the points at Craven Cottage on December 15.

Looking ahead to the clash at St James's Park, Smith said: "We need to win – it's as simple as that. We just need to win our home games.

"The first few games when the manager came in were difficult games. The ones that came before were games you could lose even if you we’re in the top four.

"Now we have series of games we can win, starting with Fulham."

Smith – speaking at the launch of HM Plant Team Honda's new signings launch – tasted the bitter pain of relegation with his home town side Leeds in 2004.

But he is confident about Newcastle’s chances this term.

He added: "We'll be all right. We know we have games where we can do well at home. Now we have games that are winnable.

"That’s the important thing, so I'm sure we'll do that and we'll be safe."

And Smith knows that a place in the Premier League is the very least the magnificent Toon Army deserve after a difficult season in the top flight.

Paying tribute to the Geordie public, Smith said: "The fans have been brilliant this season and stayed with us. Everyone knows that they are brilliant.

"People in football and players in the game know how much Newcastle United means to the public."

Source: Chronicle

Keegan - Why I dropped Smith and Duff

2008-03-18T23:03:00.003Z

Kevin Keegan has revealed the thinking behind his decision to drop Alan Smith and Damien Duff at St Andrew's last night.

Keegan made four changes for Newcastle United's game against Birmingham City, with Smith, Duff, N'Zogbia and the injured James Milner all going out of his starting XI.

And in came Obafemi Martins, Mark Viduka, Geremi and Joey Barton for the crucial relegation six-pointer.

Keegan opted for a three-pronged attack of Viduka, Owen and Martins, but the 4-3-3 formation did not click into gear until the second half, when Newcastle were already trailing to James McFadden's 33rd minute opener.

But United went on to dominate the second half – with Owen scooping up a rebound to equalise in the 56th minute after Martins saw his shot saved – and felt they were unlucky not to take all three points.

Asked why he had shuffled his pack, Keegan told the Gazette: "I wanted to put a team out that had a goal threat in it.

"I obviously had Mark Viduka back, and I thought he was superb considering he hadn't played for nine weeks. He gave us a focal point, and allowed Michael Owen to come off him.

"I thought he did very well, and not just because of his goal. His awareness and ability to keep the ball were tremendous.

"Obafemi Martins was another goal threat. He's capable of spectacular things. He's got pace, and that frightens people.

"I thought we'd have a lot of stability behind those three, giving them a platform to win the game. The second half was more how I envisaged it."

Source: Shields Gazette

Smith will work it out – Owen

2008-03-15T10:42:00.006Z

Michael Owen says that Alan Smith's graft and work rate will eventually pay off for his England team-mate.

The Newcastle United captain knows Smith better than anybody at St James's Park after meeting him as a kid at Lilleshall's Centre of Excellence.

Owen has been paired with Smith more than any other striker since Kevin Keegan took over and knows from his own personal experiences that goal droughts don’t go on for ever.

Speaking on Smith, Owen told the Chronicle: "With Alan, he's in the team to contribute goals. But you have to analyse each player for what they are and how they get the ball and what you get out of them.

"Obviously as a striker, he needs to chip in with goals.

"I was with him at Lilleshall and I have known what he can do from a young age. When he's confident he will score goals. The problem of confidence is throughout the team when your struggling. It's infectious.

"But nobody is working as hard as Alan. He just shrugs things off after every game.

"Invariably he is coming off the pitch dripping with sweat and blood. But he would run through a brick wall for anybody."

Owen is desperate to help United get back on the winning track and left Anfield last Saturday a disappointed figure having lost again at his former club.

But he is confident that things will change soon.

He added: "In all of this it isn't a lack of effort and that's why the crowd are still behind us. Everybody knows that we have got more ability than we are showing.

"I have seen it a million times before.

"When I feel confident as a player, I feel I am going to score a hat-trick every time I go on to the pitch. It's the best thing in the world when you’ve got it.

"When you're down and you don't score, it seems harder. Ask anyone in sport – it’s a horrible thing.

"We just need that spark to give us something and it will snowball.

"This manager will make it snowball as well if we show him what we’ve got."

Meanwhile, Owen has also tipped teenage striker Andy Carroll for bigger and better things in the future.

Like Owen, Carroll is working his way up through the ranks with England and has scored at under-19 level this season.

Coupled with his form for the reserves, Owen feels it all bodes well for the future.

He added: "Andy is a good player – his record in the reserves is phenomenal. We had a player at Liverpool when I was there called Neil Mellor. Every time I would ask how the reserves got on and who had scored, and every time if they won 3-0 he would have scored a hat-trick or scored some goals.

"It’s the same with Andy – he’s always scoring. He is a young lad and he will keep improving, and one day he will contribute in the first team in the long term.

"In the short term he can develop into a Premier League player. We will see, but he certainly has the right attitude."

Source: Chronicle

Blog News

2008-03-13T20:30:00.000Z

I am going to Amsterdam for a long weekend so there will be no updates on the blogs until maybe Thursday of next week. :o)

FA Premiership Table

2008-03-09T22:04:00.000Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Arsenal	29	19	9	1	36	66
2	Manchester United	28	20	4	4	43	64
3	Chelsea	27	17	7	3	25	58
4	Liverpool	29	15	11	3	33	56
5	Everton	29	17	5	7	23	56
6	Aston Villa	28	13	9	6	15	48
7	Blackburn Rovers	29	12	10	7	3	46
8	Manchester City	29	12	9	8	1	45
9	Portsmouth	28	12	8	8	9	44
10	West Ham United	29	11	7	11	-4	40
11	Tottenham Hotspur	28	9	8	11	8	35
12	Middlesbrough	28	7	8	13	-17	29
13	Wigan Athletic	29	7	7	15	-16	28
14	Reading	29	8	4	17	-21	28
15	Newcastle United	29	7	7	15	-26	28
16	Sunderland	29	7	6	16	-21	27
17	Birmingham City	28	6	8	14	-10	26
18	Bolton Wanderers	28	6	7	15	-14	25
19	Fulham	29	3	11	15	-23	20
20	Derby County	28	1	7	20	-44	10
Table standings correct as of 09 March 2008

Match Report: Liverpool 3 - 0 Newcastle

2008-03-08T20:01:00.002Z

Liverpool 3 - 0 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Liverpool: Reina, Arbeloa, Carragher, Skrtel, Riise , Alonso, Lucas, Pennant (Hyypia 78), Gerrard (Kuyt 66), Benayoun, Torres (Crouch 72).
Subs Not Used: Itandje, Babel.

Booked: Riise.
Goals: Pennant 43, Torres 45, Gerrard 51.

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Faye, Taylor, Jose Enrique, Milner (Geremi 44), Butt, N'Zogbia, Duff (Martins 58), Owen, Smith.
Subs Not Used: Forster, Cacapa, Carroll.

Attendance: 44,031

Referee: Peter Walton

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

I won’t think of my injury – just the three points

2008-03-08T13:22:00.004Z

Alan Smith makes his first return to Anfield since he suffered horrific injuries two years ago when Newcastle United go in against Liverpool today.

But the 27-year-old England international insists he only has one thing on his mind – trying to help United to the three points.

Smith broke his leg and dislocated his ankle playing for Manchester United at Liverpool in February 2006, and the sight of him being carried off on a stretcher and taken to a Merseyside Hospital has not been forgotten.

It was an injury similar to the one Arsenal striker Eduardo suffered against Birmingham City at St Andrews 12 days ago.

Smith was sidelined for the best part of a year but, while he is struggling to get among the goals following his £6m switch from Manchester United in the summer, at least he has made a full recovery from his double injury.

Looking to Saturday, Smith told me: "It was two years ago since I did it, and it’s my first time back to Liverpool.

"I’ve been playing all over this season, and the main concern for me was how my leg would react, but I've not felt it, or pulled out of a challenge because of it. It’s never worried me.

"I had exactly the same injury as Eduardo. I spoke to him to let him know I’m feeling for his career, and hoping that he gets on the road to recovery and gets back playing."

When I asked Smith what would be going through his mind on Saturday, he replied without hesitation: "That we need three points – and nothing else.

"That’s the only thing you do whenever you cross the white line."

There is no love lost between Manchester United and Liverpool and there were some criticism at the way some of the red half of Merseyside reacted when Smith was being stretchered off.

But the Yorkshireman added: "All the medical staff helped me, and everyone was brilliant."

Although he has made a complete recovery from his injury, things haven't gone too well for the Yorkshireman on Tyneside.

He is still looking for his first goal for United and his nine bookings mean he is just one yellow card away from a two-match ban.

However, he remains upbeat and, like the rest of the United players and backroom staff, he was lifted by Saturday's performance – if not the result – against Blackburn Rovers.

He said: "When you looked around the dressing room after the Blackburn game we knew we had put in a good performance. We were embarrassed against Manchester United, as we didn’t deserve to get beat 5-1."

"Now we’ve got to make sure we concentrate on staying up, building for next season and having a good go in our remaining fixtures."

Source: Chronicle Online

I'm desperate for my first goal - Smith

2008-03-08T13:15:00.001Z

Alan Smith has admitted his first competitive goal for Newcastle United can't come soon enough.

The striker went into this afternoon's game against Liverpool at Anfield still looking to open his account seven months into his United career.

And Smith's long absence through injury with previous club Manchester United means he has now gone almost 16 months without a Premier League goal, his last having come away to Charlton Athletic in November 2005.

The 27-year-old – who is 29 games into his Newcastle career – played the bulk of his football under Sam Allardyce in midfield.

But Smith has reverted to his favoured striking role under Kevin Keegan, and he is acutely aware he needs to weigh in with goals to justify his place.

He told the Gazette: "I'm more critical than anyone – I don't need anyone to tell me I need to score goals.

"I'm the most critical person. Whatever anybody says I take with a pinch of salt, and get on with it.

"The gaffer says to me 'you do too much', and (against Blackburn) I was trying to help and win every challenge and every ball instead of getting in the box and scoring.

"But the chances fell to the right people. I had a couple, and Michael (Owen) had three or four. Had those gone
in, we would have walked away having won 3-0 with everyone singing and dancing."

He went on to add: "I'm so grateful to be playing football for a club like this, especially after my injury. If someone said go and play in the net, I would.

"I know what I give to the team. All the lads see that and I think the fans see it as well."

Smith – whose last strike was in Man United's 7-1 demolition of AS Roma last season – admits the broken leg and ankle dislocation he suffered at Anfield two seasons ago took a lot out of him.

But he is confident it will not be long before he is hitting the back of the net.

Smith said: "It's difficult for me, because I didn't play for 18 months because of my leg.

"The season before I was playing as a defensive midfielder, and when Sam was here I was playing as a central midfield player and in other areas.

"But I'm sure the goals will come."

Shource: Sheilds Gazette

Smith issues Magpies rallying cry

2008-03-03T20:52:00.001Z

Newcastle United striker Alan Smith has urged his team-mates to start showing their mettle after Saturday's 1-0 defeat by Blackburn.

The Magpies are without a win in seven games and now sit just three points clear of the relegation zone.

Smith told BBC Radio Newcastle: "It is a time where we have to stand up and be counted, go out in front of 52,000 people and prove our worth.

"We've got to show to everyone that we want to fight for the cause."

The 27-year-old has already experienced relegation during his career, with Leeds United in 2004, and is aware of how quickly Newcastle could be sucked in if results do not improve.

He said: "It's getting tight but you always knew it would do. We looked at our home games as ones that were winnable, and one was against Blackburn.

"We've deserved criticism on occasions this season and we're all big enough to accept that.

"It's up to us as a team, as players, and as people to sort that out."

Source: BBCi

Match Report: Newcastle 0 - 1 Blackburn

2008-03-01T21:28:00.005Z

Newcastle United 0 - 1 Blackburn Rovers
Barclays Premiership

Newcastle: Harper, Beye , Taylor, Faye, Jose Enrique, Milner, Barton, Butt (Martins 67), Duff (N'Zogbia 78), Owen, Smith.
Subs Not Used: Forster, Cacapa, Carroll.

Booked: Beye.

Blackburn: Friedel, Ooijer, Samba, Khizanishvili, Warnock, Emerton (Derbyshire 61), Bentley , Reid, Pedersen , Santa Cruz, McCarthy (Roberts 60).
Subs Not Used: Brown, Kerimoglu, Mokoena.

Booked: Bentley, Pedersen.
Goals: Derbyshire 90.

Attendance: 50,796

Referee: Rob Styles

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Smith support for Eduardo

2008-02-29T00:02:00.002Z

Alan Smith has voiced his support for Eduardo da Silva after the Arsenal striker suffered a broken leg against Birmingham at the weekend.

The Croatian is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after being caught by a mis-timed Martin Taylor challenge, but Smith has offered the Croatian hope of making a full recovery.

Smith broke his leg and dislocated his ankle in an FA Cup game for Manchester United against Liverpool in 2006, but returned to action seven months later.

Now at Newcastle, Smith has made 24 appearances in the Premier League this season and believes his injury worries are firmly behind him.

He told Sky Sports News: "I can understand what Eduardo's going through. I think everyone in football realised at the time how bad an injury it was.

"Most people have come out and sent their best wishes to Eduardo and Arsenal and hopefully they can get him back fit and playing football again in the near future.

"My main aim this season was to play as much football as possible. I've managed to do that and stay clear of any reoccurrence of any injury or any adverse effect in other areas.

"It's difficult. Normally when you come back you do break down with other injuries but I've been okay and I' m looking forward to the rest of the season and picking up a few results."

Source: Sky Sports

FA Premiership Table

2008-02-25T23:08:00.000Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Arsenal	27	19	7	1	36	64
2	Manchester United	27	19	4	4	40	61
3	Chelsea	26	16	7	3	21	55
4	Everton	27	15	5	7	20	50
5	Liverpool	26	12	11	3	24	47
6	Aston Villa	27	13	8	6	15	47
7	Portsmouth	27	12	8	7	11	44
8	Manchester City	27	12	8	7	3	44
9	Blackburn Rovers	27	11	9	7	2	42
10	West Ham United	26	11	7	8	8	40
11	Tottenham Hotspur	26	8	8	10	7	32
12	Middlesbrough	27	7	8	12	-16	29
13	Newcastle United	27	7	7	13	-22	28
14	Wigan Athletic	27	5	7	15	-16	26
15	Sunderland	27	7	5	15	-20	26
16	Bolton Wanderers	27	6	7	14	-12	25
17	Birmingham City	27	5	8	14	-13	23
18	Reading	27	6	4	17	-24	22
19	Fulham	27	3	10	14	-20	19
20	Derby County	27	1	6	20	-44	9
Table standings correct as of 25 February 2008

Match Report: Newcastle Utd 1 - 5 Manchester Utd

2008-02-23T23:09:00.003Z

Newcastle Utd 1 - 5 Manchester Utd
Barclays Premiership

Newcastle: Given (Harper 46), Beye, Taylor, Faye , N'Zogbia , Milner (Geremi 84), Butt , Barton (Carroll 61), Duff, Smith, Owen .
Subs Not Used: Cacapa, Ameobi.

Booked: N'Zogbia, Faye, Owen, Butt.
Goals: Faye 79.

Man Utd: Van der Sar, Brown, Vidic (Scholes 74), Ferdinand, Evra (O'Shea 46), Ronaldo (Saha 67), Carrick, Fletcher, Nani, Rooney, Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Anderson.

Goals: Rooney 25, Ronaldo 45, 56, Rooney 80, Saha 90.

Attendance: 52,291

Referee: Chris Foy

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Alan Smith is fine as he is – Keegan

2008-02-20T19:12:00.002Z

Kevin Keegan today revealed he will not ask Alan Smith to reinvent himself as he prepares to take on the club he quit in the summer to join Newcastle United.

Smith has endured a tough season for the Magpies but has never shirked a challenge while wearing a black-and-white shirt.

The former Leeds star was shifted around the team under Sam Allardyce and awarded the captain’s armband as the form of Geremi faltered before the turn of the year.

However, the arrival of KK coincided with Smith's suspension – ironically for a red card against Manchester United – with the returning boss opting for Michael Owen to take over as skipper.

Owen has responded with two goals in as many games but going into the clash with Sir Alex Ferguson's troops, who take on Lyon in France tonight, Smith is still waiting for his first Toon goal.

The England international is also one yellow card away from a third ban of the season, with a caution between now and April triggering a two-game suspension.

Keegan told the Chronicle: "Alan Smith plays the way he has played all of his life. He is tough and he has always got in where it hurts. Those sort of players do pick up yellow cards these days – more than they used to."

"It does not help, but we have to get on with it."

Smith, however, has been relieved of his midfield duties under Keegan, who only sees him as a centre-forward. The Toon No 17 hasn't netted in four games in attack, but KK says he won't judge him purely on goals.

And he also recognises the player's liveliness, enthusiasm – and the fact he cares about the club.

But he did admit that Smith may be slightly more fired up against his former side.

He added: "For some people, it’s special when they play against their former clubs, and it means a bit more. But it would be nice for anybody to get a goal."

So far, only skipper Owen has managed to score for Keegan, bagging two goals in his five games in charge.

Yet KK's arrival has clearly revitalised Owen, with the England ace now having scored three times in six games since the night it was announced that Special K was coming home.

And Keegan added: "There is only Michael who has scored since I've come in. But if it’s Michael again then great, as long as we can get somebody on the end of something.

"I don’t care, and I’m sure the fans don’t care who it is."

Source: Chronicle

GAM£39 - Sign The Petition

2008-02-15T19:22:00.001Z

Match Report: Aston Villa 4 - 1 Newcastle

2008-02-09T19:30:00.000Z

Aston Villa 4 - 1 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg (Gardner 46), Laursen, Davies, Bouma, Petrov (Harewood 46), Reo-Coker , Barry, Young (Osbourne 90), Carew , Maloney.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Knight.

Booked: Carew, Reo-Coker.
Goals: Bouma 48, Carew 51, 72, 90 pen.

Newcastle: Given (Harper 54), Carr, Taylor, Cacapa, Beye, Milner, Barton (Emre 74), Butt , Duff, Smith, Owen.
Subs Not Used: Jose Enrique, Faye, Viduka.

Booked: Butt.
Goals: Owen 4.

Attendance: 42,640

Referee: Lee Mason

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Smith - Footballers are scared to tackle

2008-02-07T19:49:00.000Z

Alan Smith says footballers are becoming scared to tackle because of FIFA's guidelines to referees.

Smith is on the brink of his third ban this term as he walks the disciplinary tightrope ahead of Newcastle United's trip to Aston Villa on Saturday.

The 27-year-old, who was left out of Fabio Capello's first squad to face Switzerland, has twice been banned this season, firstly after picking up nine cautions and then after a red card at Old Trafford last month.

His dismissal in the dying stages of the clash with Manchester United cost him a two-match suspension and meant he had to sit out the FA Cup replay with Stoke and Kevin Keegan's first game with Bolton.

And his yellow card against Middlesborough on Sunday means he is just one more caution away from a third stint on the sidelines, meaning he will serve another two-match suspension should he be booked at Villa Park or before the second Sunday in April.

Refs have been quick to target Smith under new FIFA guidelines. And he protested: "It's difficult. You make one foul in a game sometimes and it's a straight red.

"I think Nicky Butt made something like three fouls in his three games and got three yellow cards.

"It's making it more and more difficult to stop the best teams because to stop them you've got to tackle and put them under pressure.

"You've got to win tackles, and be committed, but it's stopping you because you're not allowed to tackle.

"There was a tackle I saw on TV where a player has missed the ball by millimetres and he got sent off."

Smith's red card at United actually came when he queried Rob Styles' decision to allow a Carlos Tevez strike, which crashed off the crossbar and was ruled over the line.

Emre was shown a straight red card for a rash tackle, Nicky Butt has also been banned twice, with his yellow-card count on 10 for the season so far. This Saturday will also see Charles N'Zogbia serve a one-match ban after reaching five bookings at Arsenal.

Smith said: "It's difficult for me to come out and say the rules are wrong, but I think people who are in football can tell if someone's trying to hurt someone, or making a genuine attempt for the ball.

"That's the most difficult thing for the referee, because it's a split-second decision. It's a no-win situation for either party, really.

"Players will criticise if it's wrong, and if it's a bad tackle when someone gets hurt, the ref gets criticised."

Source: Daily Mail

Keegan backs Alan Smith after England snub

2008-02-06T14:45:00.000Z

Kevin Keegan has assured Alan Smith he is very much part of his plans – on the day England take on Switzerland without him.

The 27-year-old former Leeds and Manchester United man was conspicuous by his absence when Fabio Capello named his first England squad for tonight’s friendly at Wembley.

And that after being very much a key part of Capello’s predecessor Steve McClaren’s squads.

Smith was in the England Under-21 set-up when Keegan was in charge of the national team, and he clearly rates his fellow Yorkshireman.

The United boss told me today: “Alan Smith is one of those players around the football club that are just a delight to have.

"These are the sort of guys you build the club spirit on. He may not play every week, but he can play in different positions."

Smith started up front against Middlesbrough on Sunday, and he found the going tough as United huffed and puffed at St James’s Park.

He was eventually replaced by fit-again Mark Viduka, and Keegan admits it is tough taking a player like Smith off, given that they sweat blood on the football field.

Keegan added: "I had to take him off because I felt I needed to make a little change. But you feel bad taking people like that off because you know they’re 100% committed.

"It hurts them when you bring them off, even if they understand the reasons why."

Source: Chronicle

FA Premiership Table

2008-02-03T20:51:00.000Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Arsenal	25	18	6	1	34	60
2	Manchester United	25	18	4	3	37	58
3	Chelsea	25	16	6	3	21	54
4	Everton	25	13	5	7	17	44
5	Liverpool	24	11	10	3	23	43
6	Aston Villa	25	11	8	6	11	41
7	Manchester City	25	11	8	6	4	41
8	Blackburn Rovers	25	10	9	6	1	39
9	Portsmouth	25	10	8	7	9	38
10	West Ham United	24	10	6	8	7	36
11	Tottenham Hotspur	25	7	8	10	4	29
12	Newcastle United	25	7	7	11	-15	28
13	Middlebrough	25	6	8	11	-16	26
14	Bolton Wanderers	25	6	7	12	-8	25
15	Wigan Athletic	25	6	5	14	-16	23
16	Sunderland	25	6	5	14	-21	23
17	Reading	25	6	4	15	-22	22
18	Birmingham City	25	5	6	14	-13	21
19	Fulham	25	3	10	12	-18	19
20	Derby County	25	1	6	18	-39	9
Table standings correct as of 03 February 2008

Match Report: Newcastle 1 - 1 Middlesbrough

2008-02-03T17:56:00.000Z

Newcastle United 1 - 1 Middlesbrough
Barclays Premiership

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Taylor, Cacapa, N'Zogbia, Duff, Barton, Butt, Belozoglu (Milner 65), Owen, Smith (Viduka 66)
Subs not used: Forster, Ameobi, Edgar

Booked: Smith
Goals: Owen 60

Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Wheater , Hugh, Pogatetz, O'Neill , Rochemback (Johnson 80), Cattermole (Lee 71), Arca, Downing, Aliadere
Subs not used: Turnbull, Boeteng, Grounds

Booked: Wheater, Aliadere, Rochemback, O'Neill
Goals: Huth 87

Attendance: 51,105

Referee: Mike Dean

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Match report: Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle

2008-01-30T00:05:00.000Z

Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Arsenal: Almunia, Sagna, Gallas, Senderos, Clichy, Diaby (Silva 77), Fabregas, Flamini, Hleb , Adebayor (Walcott 82), Eduardo (Bendtner 71).
Subs Not Used: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte.

Booked: Hleb.
Goals: Adebayor 40, Flamini 72, Fabregas 80.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Taylor, Cacapa , N'Zogbia , Milner (Ameobi 73), Butt, Rozehnal (Barton 57), Duff, Smith, Owen .
Subs Not Used: Harper, Edgar, LuaLua.

Booked: N'Zogbia, Owen, Cacapa.

Attendance: 60,127

Referee: Mike Riley

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Match Report: Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle United

2008-01-26T18:04:00.000Z

Arsenal 3 - 0 Newcastle United
FA Cup Fourth Round

Arsenal: Lehmann, Justin Hoyte, Senderos, Gallas, Clichy, Diaby (Silva 76), Flamini, Fabregas, Rosicky (Eduardo 9), Walcott (Hleb 76), Adebayor.
Subs Not Used: Fabianski, Bendtner.

Goals: Adebayor 51, 83, Butt 89 og.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Taylor, Cacapa , Jose Enrique (Rozehnal 77), Milner, Butt, N'Zogbia, Duff (LuaLua 82), Smith, Owen.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Edgar, Carroll.

Booked: Cacapa.

Attendance: 60,046

Referee: Martin Atkinson

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Alan Smith is best up front - Keegan

2008-01-25T19:48:00.000Z

Kevin Keegan believes Alan Smith's best position is up front – but Newcastle United's manager is refusing to say where he intends using him tomorrow.

Smith is free from suspension after serving a two-game ban, and is pushing for a recall against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The £6m signing has played most of his football in midfield since joining from Manchester United last summer, but his best performances have come as a strike.

And asked Smith's best position, Keegan said: "Up front."

But like his predecessor Sam Allardyce, Keegan – who brought Smith into the full squad during his spell as England manager – feels the 27-year-old's versatility is his strength.

He added: "Alan Smith is one of those guys who can play anywhere, even if goal if you ask him, but I don't think Shay given need be worrying about anything at Arsenal tomorrow.

"I had Alan Smith with me when I was with England – I think in the Under-21s – and he's a great guy to have around."

Michael Owen, however, will lead Newcastle out in tomorrow's fourth-round tie, despite Allardyce having given Smith the armband last month.

Meanwhile, Keegan has revealed why troubled midfielder Joey Barton is not ready for a return to action.

It had been suggested the 25-year-old could play at the Emirates Stadium before returning to the Sporting Chance Clinic in Hampshire by helicopter to beat a 7pm curfew imposed as part of his bail conditions.

Keegan said: "Joey's working his socks off at the moment and all credit to him on this score.

"But he's obviously lacking in match fitness, and I can't put him ahead of other players who are match fit.

"He needs games, but this is something I can't give him at the moment and if he's at the match tomorrow, it'll be purely as a spectator."

Source: Shields Gazette

FA Premiership Table

2008-01-21T22:23:00.000Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	23	17	3	3	35	54
2	Arsenal	23	16	6	1	29	54
3	Chelsea	23	15	5	3	20	50
4	Everton	23	13	3	7	17	42
5	Liverpool	22	10	10	2	21	40
6	Aston Villa	23	11	7	5	12	40
7	Manchester City	23	11	7	5	6	40
8	Portsmouth	23	10	7	6	11	37
9	Blackburn Rovers	23	10	7	6	1	37
10	West Ham United	22	9	6	7	7	33
11	Tottenham Hotspur	23	7	6	10	4	27
12	Newcastle United	23	7	6	10	-12	27
13	Middlebrough	23	5	7	11	-17	22
14	Reading	23	6	4	13	-19	22
15	Bolton Wanderers	23	5	6	12	-10	21
16	Birmingham City	23	5	5	13	-11	20
17	Wigan Athletic	23	5	5	13	-16	20
18	Sunderland	23	5	5	13	-20	20
19	Fulham	23	2	9	12	-19	15
20	Derby County	23	1	4	18	-39	7
Table standings correct as of 21 January 2008

Suspended skipper Smith sends Stoke warning

2008-01-16T18:57:00.000Z

Alan Smith may be a frustrated spectator in the Milburn Stand tonight, but he has warned his Toon team-mates not to underestimate the threat posed by Stoke City in the FA Cup third-round replay.

Despite the current managerial drama surrounding Gallowgate, many fans have already begun to make plans for the fourth-round trip to the Emirates Stadium to face Arsenal.

But suspended skipper Smith has urged his side not to jump the gun against Tony Pulis' Stoke.

Smith – red-carded at Old Trafford in United’s last outing – told the Chronicle: "We can’t start thinking about Arsenal too much until we get Stoke out of the way."

United couldn’t have been handed a tougher draw in round four, but Smith opted for realism ahead of this evening's replay.

Speaking on the moment United had been paired with Arsenal he added: "I just looked at it and thought "nice!" But we have to beat Stoke first, regardless of what else goes on.

"I was quite pleased with the performance against Stoke in the first half. A lot of teams would have crumbled under the pressure going to the Britannia Stadium. They are difficult to play against.

"They are a big team and Tony Pulis has got them playing really well. Stoke are unbeaten in 10 games and this is still a tricky tie."

But despite the fact that Sam Allardyce has walked the Toon plank since the original tie, in which his final game ended in a 0-0 draw, Smith added: “It showed at Stoke we do have team spirit and there is some camaraderie here.

"The will to do well is still here. If we get through it's Arsenal and we are looking forward to that."

However, Smith warned consecutive games against Arsenal in just three days could be the ultimate test for his team-mates.

For United would be up against Arsenal on Saturday January 26 and then again on the 29th in the Premier League.

Smith quipped: "They have two teams at Arsenal but after playing so many games in three days we'll probably be on the pitch on crutches!"

Source: Evening Chronicle

FA Premiership Table

2008-01-15T00:16:00.001Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Manchester United	22	16	3	3	33	51
2	Arsenal	22	15	6	1	26	51
3	Chelsea	22	14	5	3	19	47
4	Liverpool	21	10	9	2	21	39
5	Everton	22	12	3	7	16	39
6	Aston Villa	22	11	6	5	12	39
7	Manchester City	22	11	6	5	6	39
8	Blackburn Rovers	22	10	6	6	1	36
9	Portsmouth	22	9	7	6	9	34
10	West Ham United	21	9	5	7	7	32
11	Newcastle United	22	7	5	10	-12	36
12	Tottenham Hotspur	22	6	6	10	2	24
13	Reading	22	6	4	12	-17	22
14	Middlesbrough	22	5	6	11	-17	21
15	Bolton Wanderers	22	5	5	12	-10	20
16	Birmingham City	22	5	5	12	-10	20
17	Wigan Athletic	22	5	5	12	-15	20
18	Sunderland	22	5	5	12	-18	20
19	Fulham	22	2	9	11	-16	15
20	Derby County	22	1	4	17	-37	7
Table standings correct as of 15 January 2008

Smith given two-game ban

2008-01-14T15:19:00.000Z

Alan Smith has been handed a two-match ban after being sent-off in Newcastle's 6-0 defeat at Manchester United.

Smith was shown a straight red card in the final moments at Old Trafford after fiercely contesting United's sixth goal, scored by Carlos Tevez.

The 27-year-old will now sit out the FA Cup third round replay against Stoke and the league clash at home to Bolton.

Nicky Butt will also miss the next two matches after picking up his 10th booking of the season at Stoke.

Newcastle questioned whether the ball had crossed the line for Tevez's goal after the Argentine's shot came down off the bar.

But replays showed it was a goal and Smith, signed by former manager Sam Allardyce from Manchester United, was given his marching orders by referee Rob Styles.

Source: BBCi

Match Report: Man Utd 6 - 0 Newcastle

2008-01-12T23:33:00.000Z

Manchester United 6 - 0 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Man Utd: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra (Simpson 67), Ronaldo, Carrick, Anderson (Fletcher 72), Giggs (Nani 72), Rooney , Tevez.
Subs Not Used: Kuszczak, Park.

Booked: Rooney.
Goals: Ronaldo 49, Tevez 55, Ronaldo 70, Ferdinand 85, Ronaldo 88, Tevez 90.

Newcastle: Given, Carr, Taylor, Cacapa, Jose Enrique, Milner (Viduka 64), Smith , Butt, N'Zogbia, Duff , Owen (Rozehnal 82).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Emre, LuaLua.

Sent Off: Smith 90 (Dissent).
Booked: Duff.

Attendance: 75,965

Referee: Rob Styles

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Smith: I have no regrets at Toon move

2008-01-11T23:33:00.000Z

Alan Smith had not expected to return to Manchester United today without Sam Allardyce.

He thought it would be another opportunity to fight for the man who needed just an hour to persuade him to leave Old Trafford for Newcastle.

'He needs time,' said Smith in midweek, just hours before Allardyce's shock departure.

But the former manager's absence will only slightly tarnish Smith's re-appearance at United, where he is looking forward to 'rattling a few cages' and saying the farewells he did not have time for in the summer.

He did not even say goodbye to manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

'The bid came in on the Tuesday morning and I signed on the Tuesday night,' said Smith, who turned down Middlesbrough and Everton to move to Tyneside. 'The gaffer said it was the quickest transfer ever done.'

Smith could have stayed within the comfort zone of the United squad, playing around 20 games a season, travelling across Europe to top up his Champions League appearances and no doubt picking a medal or two along the way.

But the former Leeds striker wanted more, coming to the conclusion he just wanted to play regularly at a time when he was at his lowest ebb and staring premature retirement in the face.

Smith was out for more than a year after breaking his leg and dislocating his ankle. Although he had the best treatment and rehabilitation on offer at United, he knew he would have to quit the club to be truly satisfied.

He said: 'This time last year it was still in the balance whether I'd play again, so to be going back as Newcastle captain is something I'd dared not dream about.

'It would have been easier to stay there as I had two-and-ahalf years left on my contract and I was getting good money. But this career doesn't last forever. I don't know how much satisfaction I would have got from that.

'The challenge of playing week in, week out and testing yourself is what this life's all about.

'When I broke my leg I thought to myself that, if I ever did get back fit, I wanted to be playing regularly. I missed 13 months and when you're not playing you realise what you're missing. As soon as I did it, deep down, I knew I needed to be playing.'

Smith was ostracised by Leeds fans for crossing the Pennine divide to join United in May 2004, but he insists he has no regrets about his time there. If any player can handle criticism from Newcastle fans, it is Smith, the man handed the captain's armband before Allardyce's departure.

Asked if it was worth the stick from Leeds fans, Smith was typically forthright.

'Yes,' he said. 'I've got a Premiership winner's medal. I had an experience you wouldn't get at any other club. When the chance arises to go there it's difficult to turn it down. I enjoyed every minute, other than the moment at Anfield when I broke my leg.

'I was fortunate at Leeds. I was there when we were in Europe and also when we were relegated, so I've been at both ends of the scale and for a young lad, as I was then, that keeps you in good stead.

' Everyone knows how passionate the fans are here. When you drive down the street, everyone's got a Newcastle shirt on. That's what it's all about and I wouldn't change that for the world.

'People might be having a go when you're not playing well but there's no better place to be than on a football field when they're all behind you. Would I rather have unpleasantness than boredom? Of course.

Nobody wants boredom, do they? I'd rather have 52,000 people having a go at you than having empty seats.'

Source: Daily Mail

Allardyce reign ends at Newcastle

2008-01-09T19:04:00.000Z

Newcastle have ended Sam Allardyce's managerial reign after eight months.

The club, currently 11th in the Premier League, said the decision had been reached by "mutual agreement".

Allardyce, who was in charge for just 24 games, said: "I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle but I wish the club all the best for the future."

Source: BBCi

FA Cup Fourth Round draw

2008-01-07T21:36:00.000Z

The draw has been held for the FA Cup Fourth Round the next matches will be as follows:

FOURTH ROUND DRAW

Arsenal v Stoke City/Newcastle
Coventry v Walsall/Millwall
Swindon/Barnet v Fulham/Bristol Rovers
Southend v Barnsley
Wigan v Chelsea
Oldham v Huddersfield
Luton/Liverpool v Swansea/Havant
Southampton v Norwich/Bury
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur/Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth
Derby/Sheffield Wednesday v Preston
Watford v Wolves
Peterborough v Charlton/WBA
Sheffield Utd v West Ham/Man City
Mansfield v Middlesbrough
Tranmere/Hereford v Cardiff

Match Report: Stoke 0 - 0 Newcastle

2008-01-06T22:25:00.000Z

Stoke City 0 - 0 Newcastle United
FA Cup 3rd Round

Stoke: Simonsen, Wilkinson, Shawcross, Cort, Dickinson, Lawrence, Eustace (Pulis 90), Pugh, Cresswell , Sidibe (Parkin 65), Fuller (Pericard 90).
Subs Not Used: Hoult, Zakuani.

Booked: Cresswell.

Newcastle: Given, Rozehnal, Taylor, Faye, Jose Enrique, Duff (LuaLua 74), Smith, Butt , N'Zogbia, Viduka (Carroll 87), Owen.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Cacapa, Edgar.

Booked: Butt.

Attendance: 22,861

Referee: Steve Bennett

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Smith Set For Stoke Return

2008-01-04T19:02:00.000Z

Alan Smith is set to hand Sam Allardyce a fitness boost ahead of this weekend's FA Cup Third Round clash at Stoke City.

The United skipper watched from the stands during Wednesday's defeat against Man City having suffered severe concussion following a sickening clash of heads with team-mate Abdoulaye Faye at Chelsea four days earlier.

But the 27-year-old told nufc.co.uk that he is confident he'll be OK to face the Potters at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday evening.

"I'm doing OK, at least I know where I am now," he joked. "But I think I'll be fine for Sunday so fingers crossed."

Source: Newcastle United

Smith set to miss City match

2008-01-01T19:23:00.000Z

Sam Allardyce has said that Newcastle United captain Alan Smith is unlikely to feature, having not had enough time to recover from the concussion he suffered in a collision with Faye in Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Smith - who spent Saturday night in hospital on his return to Tyneside - had an x-ray at Newcastle's General Hospital yesterday, and Allardyce will not take any risks with the 27-year-old.

However, he expects Smith to be ready for Sunday's third-round FA Cup tie against Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.

Source: Shields Gazette

Hospital scare for Smith

2007-12-31T14:13:00.000Z

Newcastle striker Alan Smith spent Saturday night in hospital after being accidentally struck in the face by team-mate Abdoulaye Faye.

The England international needed treatment on the pitch after he was caught by Faye during the 2-1 defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and was then substituted with 20 minutes to go.

The former Leeds and Manchester United player complained of feeling unwell during the team's flight back to the North East from London and went to hospital on the advice of the club's doctor.

Examination
Smith's agent Alex Black told The Sun: "Alan couldn't remember much after getting hurt and the club felt he should have a proper examination.

"He was allowed out on Sunday morning when he was feeling a lot better."

Smith hopes to be available for the Premier League clash against Manchester City at St James' Park on Wednesday.

Source: Sky Sports

Match Report: Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle Utd

2007-12-29T19:39:00.000Z

Chelsea 2 - 1 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Chelsea: Hilario, Belletti, Alex , Ben-Haim, Bridge, Essien, Obi, Ballack (Sinclair 76), Wright-Phillips (Sidwell 90), Joe Cole (Pizarro 65), Kalou.
Subs Not Used: Taylor, Ferreira.

Booked: Alex.
Goals: Essien 29, Kalou 87.

Newcastle: Given , Beye, Taylor, Cacapa, N'Zogbia, Milner, Butt, Faye , Smith (Rozehnal 70), Duff (Viduka 89), Martins (Owen 74).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Emre.

Booked: Faye, Given.
Goals: Butt 56.

Attendance: 41,751

Referee: Mike Riley.

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Allardyce names Smith skipper

2007-12-27T18:22:00.000Z

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has confirmed that Alan Smith will be his permanent captain in the absence of club skipper Geremi.

Smith wore the captain's armband in the 1-0 Boxing Day defeat to Wigan which sparked rumours that Geremi, who also started the game, had been axed.

However, Cameroon international Geremi is set to depart for the African Cup of Nations in January and Allardyce has said Smith will take up the vacant captain's role.

"It's a permanent decision for now because obviously Geremi is going away to the African Nations," Allardyce told Newcastle's official website.

Desire
"We need to establish for a while somebody who can captain the side on a regular basis with the attitude, desire and commitment that Alan shows.

"We need to see that from all the players because we cannot win a Premier League match without that level of commitment from everyone."

Meanwhile, Geremi - whose form has been questioned this season - insists he has not been permanently stripped of the armband and the midfielder remains confident he will be reappointed as skipper upon his return to St James' Park.

"Alan will be captain when I am away at the African Nations," Geremi told the Newcastle Chronicle.

Responsibility

"The manager told me the decision for him to be captain was to get him ready for the responsibility while I'm gone. As far as I know that is the case."

Geremi has also revealed his disappointment at the defeat to Wigan, which brought to an end Newcastle's four-game unbeaten run, but insists he and his team-mates must bounce back when they travel to Chelsea on Saturday.

"We are disappointed because it brings to an end our unbeaten run," he added. "It is a big disappointment because we didn't expect Wigan to beat us.

"We must keep our chins up as we have a big game with Chelsea. We need to recover very quickly."

Source: Sky Sports

Match Report: Wigan 1 - 0 Newcastle

2007-12-26T17:50:00.001Z

Wigan Athletic 1 - 0 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Wigan: Kirkland, Melchiot, Scharner, Bramble, Kilbane, Valencia, Brown , Landzaat, Taylor (Olembe 74), Bent, Sibierski (Aghahowa 70).
Subs Not Used: Pollitt, Boyce, Skoko.

Booked: Brown.
Goals: Taylor 65.

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Taylor , Faye, N'Zogbia, Milner , Smith , Geremi (Martins 66), Emre , Duff (Jose Enrique 78), Viduka.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Cacapa, Butt.

Booked: Milner, Emre, Smith, Taylor.

Attendance: 20,304

Referee: Mike Dean

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

FA Premiership Table

2007-12-24T14:28:00.000Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Arsenal	18	13	4	1	21	43
2	Manchester United	18	13	3	2	23	42
3	Chelsea	18	11	4	3	15	37
4	Manchester City	18	10	4	4	5	34
5	Liverpool	17	9	6	2	20	33
6	Everton	18	9	3	6	14	30
7	Portsmouth	18	8	6	4	10	30
8	Aston Villa	18	8	5	5	8	29
9	Newcastle United	18	7	5	6	-2	26
10	Blackburn Rovers	18	7	5	6	-2	26
11	West Ham United	17	7	4	6	7	25
12	Reading	18	6	3	9	-11	21
13	Tottenham Hotspur	18	4	6	8	-1	18
14	Bolton Wanderers	18	4	5	9	-6	17
15	Middlesbrough	18	4	5	9	-13	17
16	Birmingham City	18	4	3	11	-12	15
17	Fulham	18	2	8	8	-10	14
18	Sunderland	18	3	5	10	-17	14
19	Wigan Athletic	18	3	4	11	-16	13
20	Derby County	18	1	4	13	-33	7
Table standings correct as of 24 December 2007

Smith’s pride at leading United

2007-12-24T13:50:00.000Z

Alan Smith said that he was “honoured” to captain Newcastle United – and revealed that he has now skippered all three clubs he has played for.

With Geremi relegated to the bench, Sam Allardyce handed the armband to the 27-year-old Yorkshireman for the first time in his Premier League career with United.

Smith repaid Big Sam by emerging from a rugby-type maul and making the first goal for Mark Viduka, and despite United turning in such an awful performance, the skipper made sure they were still going at the end.

And while obviously disappointed at the result, Smith came out of the United dressing room to tell me: “It’s a massive honour for myself.

"I have captained all three clubs I’ve been at – Leeds United, Manchester United and obviously Newcastle now.

"As a captain, you know what’s necessary. You know what’s wanted from yourself and what you can demand from others. That’s part of growing up as a footballer.

"People see you as someone who other people can follow. It’s not about ranting and raving. It’s about playing with a commitment and a desire that other people want to follow themselves.

"You set an example for everyone else.

"Wearing the armband gives you that extra lift. It’s not like you’re carrying the rest of the team, but you are the focal point, because you’re wearing the armband.

"You’ve got to make sure you’re giving 100% week-in, week-out, and not let your standards drop.”

Smith was the captain when United crashed out of the Carling Cup, beaten by Arsenal at the Emirates in September, and it looked as though his first match as skipper in the Premier League for his new club was going to have the same result as Derby hung on to their lead until the 87th minute. But Smith took heart from the fact that United never gave up, scoring a late goal for the third successive game.

He added: "It was disappointing not to win, but I think in the last couple of games at home – against Arsenal and Birmingham – we’ve kept going right to the death. And against Derby we played in fits and starts.

"We keep giving ourselves a lot to do, because we conceded so early in the game. It upset the rhythm of our play. We were on the back foot and had to throw everything at them to score.

"We’re not stupid, we know we have to beat Derby County at home. If we’re going to take hope or any positives from the game, we did keep going right to the death."

Match Report: Newcastle 2 - 2 Derby

2007-12-23T20:48:00.000Z

Newcastle United 2 - 2 Derby County
Barclays Premiership

Newcastle: Given, Beye, Rozehnal (Taylor 58), Cacapa, N'Zogbia , Smith, Butt (Duff 68), Barton (Emre 75), Milner, Martins, Viduka
Subs not used: Harper, Geremi

Booked: Butt, N'Zogbia
Goals: Viduka 27 & 87

Derby: Bywater, Mears, Moore, Leacock, McEveley, Teale (Feilhaber 81), Barnes, Pearson, Lewis (Fagan 77), Howard, Miller
Subs not used: Price, Earnshaw, Holmes

Booked:Teale, Miller
Goals: Barnes 06, Miller 52

Attendance: 51,386

Referee: Andre Marriner

Read the full match report on the BBCi website

Merry Christmas

2007-12-19T02:06:00.000Z

Match Report: Fulham 0 - 1 Newcastle

2007-12-15T20:40:00.000Z

Fulham 0 - 1 Newcastle United
Barclays Premiership

Fulham: Niemi, Omozusi, Hughes, Stefanovic, Bocanegra, Davies, Murphy, Davis (Kuqi 75), Bouazza, Healy, Dempsey.
Subs Not Used: Warner, Ki-Hyeon, Smertin, Baird.

Newcastle: Given, N'Zogbia, Rozehnal, Cacapa, Beye, Geremi (Emre 59), Butt, Barton, Milner, Smith, Martins (Viduka 77).
Subs Not Used: Harper, Jose Enrique, Edgar.

Booked: Emre 79
Goals: Barton 90 pen.

Attendance: 24,959.

Referee: Howard Webb (S Yorkshire).

Read the full match report plus interviews and match statistics on the BBCi website

FA Premiership Table

2007-12-09T21:17:00.001Z

POS	TEAM	P	W	D	L	GD	PTS
1	Arsenal	16	11	4	1	19	37
2	Manchester United	16	11	3	2	21	36
3	Chelsea	16	10	4	2	15	34
4	Liverpool	15	8	6	1	18	30
5	Portsmouth	16	8	6	2	14	30
6	Manchester City	16	9	3	4	3	30
7	Everton	16	8	3	5	13	27
8	Aston Villa	16	8	3	5	8	27
9	Blackburn Rovers	16	7	5	4	1	26
10	West Ham United	15	6	4	5	8	22
11	Newcastle United	16	6	4	6	-3	22
12	Reading	16	5	2	9	-12	17
13	Tottenham Hotspur	16	3	6	7	-1	15
14	Bolton Wanderers	16	3	5	8	-7	14
15	Birmingham City	16	4	2	10	-9	14
16	Middlesbrough	16	3	5	8	-13	14
17	Fulham	16	2	7	7	-9	13
18	Sunderland	16	3	4	9	-16	13
19	Wigan Athletic	16	2	3	11	-18	9
20	Derby County	16	1	3	12	-32	6
Table standings correct as of 09 December 2007