Toon Watch
He talks a good game
Newcastle captain Michael Owen says the club's poor form has hit the players' confidence as the Magpies try to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle. The Magpies have not won under manager Kevin Keegan and are only six points above the relegation zone, with 10 games of the season remaining."Confidence isn't at its best," striker Owen confessed. "There is nervousness throughout the side. We need a win and the sooner the better. As soon as we get that I think confidence will come flooding back. If we can do that we can get a bit of confidence. If we win games we’ll stay up, we’ve just got to go out there and perform like we know we can“. Thanks to Newcastle’s resident philosopher for clearing that one up, we’re sure most Toon fanatics have just about realised the harrowing predicament that the club is in. And if fellow players listen to Owen’s words of wisdom then maybe, just maybe a win is on the horizon.
Diatta deal lagging
The signing of Senegalese defender Lamine Diatta looks to have broken down at the 11th hour, due to a failure to agree terms with the player. 32 year-old Diatta is a free agent and had been training with the Magpies squad for the last week, going as far as undergoing a medical with the club. Although the deal appears to be dead in the water after the club failed to clarify whether he would be signed or not. This lack of impetus from the Toon, coupled with interest from several other Premiership clubs, has jaded the powerful defender, who is reported to be “unsure” as to whether his future lies at the club or not.
Vital statistics
As with all sport boffins, utterly pointless statistics that can be rolled off with pride in front of adoring masses make us feel at one with our beloved teams. So pen’s at the ready as Toon Watch amazes you all with some unearthed player stats from the Newcastle Falcons. With the season well over halfway, the highest scoring points award goes to a certain Jonny Wilkinson, converting 97 points for the club. No surprise there then really, closely behind is England team mate Toby Flood, with 67, Ollie Phillips is in third with 60, with Tom May sitting on a half century and Steve Jones just 3 points behind. Fascinating stuff we’re sure you’ll agree, the only disappointing thing being it will be another week until any more worldly stats can be divulged.
