It came as a huge shock to everyone when Newcastle went down after remaining in the Premier League. Despite the relegation you had a fantastic season last year and gained promotion, how crucial was it that you bounced straight back up?
We had to come straight back up, otherwise we were in real danger of becoming another fallen giant, such as a Leeds, Forest or Wimbledon. Also, I think players like Nolan, S. Taylor, Barton, Coloccini etc would have left if they were playing 2nd tier football for too long.
Chris Hughton was given his first mangerial appointment last season and worked wonders, do you think he has proved his critics wrong?
Yeah definitely, I had my doubts at first but at the time there was no one out there who could guarantee that they’d have done a better job. He’s steadied a very wobbly ship and credit to him. I just hope he gets what he deserves for his good work…but i still think if we have a bad set of results, his lack of experience will be his downfall and we’ll try and bring Shearer in again.
Now your back in the big time a lot has changed. City and Spurs are stronger and the top 6 looks a tough battle, what position would represent a good season for the magpies?
At the start of the season i would have bittten your hand off if you offered me 17th! Now we’ve started pretty well and proved we’re no pushovers, i’d hope for somewhere around mid-table but i’d be happy with 13th or something like that.
Mike Ashley has suffered mass abuse over recent years for his handlings off the pitch, love him or hate him?
Hate him. Simple as. He seems to think that by wearing a replica shirt and drinking Brown Ale he can make us forget that he’s made our club a shambles and only the spirit of the players and relegation has got us back where we deserve to be.
Obviously coming to Eastlands is going to be a very tough fixture, but who should we be wary of this Sunday?
Be wary of Carroll’s height and presence, he’ll cause Toure all sorts of problems in the air! Also his confidence will be sky high coz he’s apparently going to be named in the full England squad (get in!) Also Ben Arfa will cause problems, especially if Zabaleta plays, you just need to see him against Everton to prove that!
City have spent their millions and brought in some top class players, who if you could have one, would you take to St James?
James Milner. I was gutted when we sold him to Villa but we did get good money for him. Typical english player, gives his all and should be the first name on the national team sheet.
Who do you think will come out on top This Weekend?
I think City will win, probably 3-1 or 2-1 but our unpredictability is good in games like this! we beat Chelsea so I wouldn’t write us off here!
City and Newcastle have enjoyed some enthralling encounters over the years, but what for you, is the Greatest Memory?
Well we’ve only won three times since 1974 at your spot and never won at Eastlands! soo theres not that many to choose from but i’d probably say the best was the last time we won in 2000/01 when we beat you at Maine Road thanks to one Alan Shearer ;). Thanks to Marley for taking a break in his busy schedule to answer the questions.
If Newcastle fans would like to visit Marley’s site you can find him on http://www.newcastle.gloryfootball.com/
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