The Toon Army is BACK! Lets look at how they shape up for the 17/18 Premier League Season. Its gonna be quite a ride...

**SOUND THE TRUMPETS!** Newcastle United have returned to the Premier League, and they do so as **Champions of the Championship**. It was a close run thing, but thankfully Brighton imploded in the final two matches, or they would have finished as winners. That said, despite a shaky start to the competitive lower league, after the Magpies hit their stride they never looked like relinquishing our promotion ambitions. Only 30% of relegated teams make it back up at the first time of asking (better luck next time Aston Villa, Norwich), so applause to the effort and class of the lads & manager.

Newcastle_United_v_Barnsley_Sky_Bet_Championship_St_James_Park

__________________________________________________________________________________ Tougher tests now await, with a home game against Tottenham Hotspurs in our match on Sunday. The first match is always tough, but with 52,000 screaming Geordies behind them, I expect a entertaining match with lots of passion and commitment. Spurs will be out for blood after the last time the two teams met on the final day of the Relegation Season. Despite the imminent drop, the Toon thrashed Spurs 5-1, and I think this performance and manic fan support may have convinced Rafa Benitez to stay on as manager.

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Rafa the Gaffer is the strongest asset NUFC possess.

- **Question:** How many other managers in the league have won the Champion League, Europa League, UEFA Super Cup, and the FIFA Club World Cup? - **Answer:** None He is an intelligent strategist, slick trainer, great motivator and also a cultivator of young talent. Simply put, he is one of the most knowledgeable men in football, and exactly who NUFC need to steady the ship after a string of bad managers (Pardew, Carver, McClaren). He will set the team up to be hard to beat: well-drilled, disciplined, physical. Importantly, he has vast experience of the Premier League, so other managers will have to wake up very early indeed to get the jump on Rafa. There is some controversy over exactly what he was promised by the tight-fisted and unpredictable owner Mike Ashley (billionaire sports-wear tycoon). Rafa was given complete control over football matters, and has already assumed control over transfers. This is proving to be a sticking point, due to the inability to get a few targets in. Inflated prices in a crazy market has seen the moneymen at NUFC pull out of a few deals, and with the astronomical figures being spent this Transfer Window, perhaps this has been for the best? Newcastle have signed 5 players, but still lack (at least) a new keeper and striker. I will be more concerned if by the end of August these gaps in the squad have not been filled, but for now – Keep the Faith. Rafa knows what he’s doing and what he needs – the question now is will the right targets be found for the right price? I like the sound of rumours we might sign Lucas Perez from Arsenal, as he would fit the striker position very nicely. _________________________________________________________________________________________

So what is the state of the current squad.

I’ll post in more depth another time, this is just a quick review. KEEPERS: **Elliot**, Darlow, Krul, Woodman DEFENCE: **Yedlin**, **Lejeune**, **Clark**, **Dummet**, Mbemba, Lascelles, Hanley, Manquillo, Gamez, Sterry, Haidara, MIDFIELD: **Ritchie**, **Shelvey**, **Merino**, **Atsu**, Aarons, Diame, Murphy, Colback, Saivet ATTACK: **Gayle**, **De Jong**, Mitrovic, Perez, Riviere Overall, it’s a decent first 11, but lacking true star quality. Regardless, I think with the exception of 7 or 8 teams, these players have nothing to fear, and will be confident going into the season on the back of a winning mentality. If some of the deadwood – Riviere, Saivet, Haidara, Hanley in particular – can be sold, and 2 or 3 top quality additions bought in, then exciting times ahead! ___________________________________________________________________________ Not much can be gained from analysing pre-season performances too closely its positive that (with the exception of Yedlin) no one is injured, and fitness will be getting up to the required levels following the summer break. Having won four pre-season matches, we know goals can be scored and it shows a good competitive spirit if nothing else. Of the new signings Lejeune looks like a canny buy from Eibar - a strong, composed centre-back with a nice touch; Atsu is showing good skills, willingness to take a man on and an eye for goal; Merino looks class; and Murphy + Manquillo have promise.

Newcastle_United_v_Hellas_Verona_Pre_Season_Friendly_St_James_Park

The results from the pre-season were: **Hearts** (Away): Won 1-2 **Preston** (Away): Drew 1-1 **Bradford** (Away): Won 0-4 **Mainz 05** (Away): Lost 1-2 **Wolfsburg** (Away): Won - 1-3 **Hellas Verona** (Home): Won 2-0 ______________________________________________________________________________

Predictions for this season?

- Position: 10th - Points: 51 - FA Cup – Quarter Final - League Cup – Fourth Round - Top Scorer – Gayle _____________________________________________________________________________

Its gonna be exciting – and I’ll be sharing the journey through this season from a Newcastle perspective - so stay tuned!

Passion, Guts Glory – Follow Me - @toonarmy