The Only Way Is Up For Newcastle United

New owner, new chairman, new manager, new players...still the same old problems for Newcastle United.

Supporters are questioning the manager—his tactics, his selections, the seemingly never-ending injury problems. Michael Owen was injured again on international duty, the entire back four are injured, and new signings are struggling to adjust to life at the pressure cooker of St James Park.

Surely it can only get better!

Everything started well with a victory away at Bolton and an undefeated run at home, but they were followed by poor away performances. Many fans were troubled prior to the disastrous Portsmouth home game—in those 10 minutes of amateurish defending the worm turned for “Big Sam”.

A lack of response from the players saw anger vented from the stands that continued into the Liverpool game as the fans and seemingly the players failed to comprehend the manager’s selection and tactics. Something had to change.

On Wednesday night against Arsenal it did.

There was a high work rate and passion on the pitch and in the stands, as the loyal Newcastle supporters woke up to the fact that supporting and encouraging their team is much more effective than booing.

With Martins up front with Smith they looked to be a dangerous outfit and had the best team in the Premiership on the back foot for most of the second half.

Most fans realize that it will take time to turn this team around. The club is still recovering from the disastrous decision to sack Sir Bobby Robson in August 2004, compounded by the Souness & Roeder eras. Big Sam may well still be the man, but the fans will need to see a lot more performances like the one against Arsenal to believe it.

With Owen and Duff to return and a series of four winnable games in the run up to Christmas, it could still be a happy 2008 in Newcastle. We have to believe it and so do the players, management, and owner. The only way is up, because looking down is not worth contemplating.