Norwegian dudes, since you guys watched the game: How many signings do you think we realistically need. 2-3? In which positions, considering Bellamy isnt fit yet and will be back and Nelson will be back too and Gresko once fully recovered could be an option at left back, judging from todays match?

Our solid defensive displays came from alot of rugged, hard-tackling in a 4-5-1 formation where we pretty much showed no ambition in most games other than home against mediocre teams. It worked. It got results. But, Nelson was a big big part of that success. If our success this season depends on him being fit all the time and also Bellamy being fit all the time, then we are doomed. We need to get a couple more players in. I think its obvious. I am so disappointed to lose to a promoted team. Things can only get better, I guess...

Very very disappointing performance in the second half especially. Then again, who would have thought after our 5-0 win over Wolves two seasons ago that we would be scrapping for our lives. Its only the first game, but its hugely disappointing to lose to a promoted team.

Disgraceful. I hope the board realise we need at least two more signings if not 3! 1 for each position.

Dickov on for the mistake-prone Mokoena who had a poor poor game. Back to 4-4-2. Doubt Bellamy is fully fit. Dont expect him to be firing on all cylinders for another couple of games at least. I would throw on Tugay too in a few minutes.

Disappointing. I know its a panic reaction but I didnt really think all our problems would be solved by signing two strikers. Running out of ideas it seems.

I dont agree on the help from Sir Bobby part. Sir Bobby kept his Newcastle in the top 6 during the last years of his reign didnt he? Two CL qualifications and a UEFA Cup place due to 5th in his last season. Only a poor start during last season, after a handful of games and he was gone. Who is to say, he wouldnt have steadied the ship? He managed to finish top 6 with the same defence Souness had except Souness added some "quality" with Boumsong and Babayaro. Now, Sir Bobby managed to get the best out of players such as Robert and Bellamy. Something Souness couldnt do.

Shearer has been declared fit. I think Newcastle will pull off a surprise and sign at least one of Boa Morte, or Owen if not both. I think Boa Morte will join within the next few days. But, as you say, their problems wont be solved by signing 1 or 2 players.

News just in from 5Live: Bellamy winning his fitness battle. But, Nelson a major doubt, but not ruled out yet. Kind of goes against his interview on Kiwi Radio. Jansen and Amoruso both out.

Realistically, I dont think we can finish top 6. Largely due to the two important facts which Revidge mentioned about. 1. We would need to avoid injuries and bans for Bellamy. 2. Todd and Nelson must be fit and available at all times, especially the latter. If we had another quality striker and another decent defender, then I think it might be possible. At the moment, we will start the season without Nelson and Bellamy, which means its pretty much last seasons side except mighty Nelson is missing and the Kuqi-monster will play.

Dont have a good feeling if Nelson and Bellamy both miss the game, especially Nelson. Mokoena just doesnt give me confidence when he plays in defence, rather than midfield.

Kia Joorabchian is set to buy out West Ham. He is the dude who bought out Corinthians last season and signed them Tevez and Mascherano for millions. The possibility exists, but they tend to favor London clubs, not some dull North-West club from Lancashire that barely attracts a decent fan-base.

I think most of their good players played. Other than Raul Tamudo and remember that Maxi Rodriguez is no longer at the club. Im very glad to hear that Matt is OK!

I would be shattered if I were him. Good luck to him. I would love to say that I would love to see him back in a Rovers top playing again very soon, but somehow I dont think thats going to happen.

Broken leg?!?!?! I guess it was just not meant to be for Matt. Im very very sad and disappointed for him more than anything else.

Disgusting. Damn it. Its over for Matt. I just hope the prognosis is way off the mark!

Hmm... Was Bellamy number 11 at Newcastle? I thought he was number 10? No surprises really. Except possibly Tugay pushed down to 16.

Coco would probably be a free transfer. No way will he cost 4 million. 1 million at most if there is a fee. I think Inter just want to get rid of him.

I cant see Souness lasting more than 5-6 games. I hope he is in charge when we take on Newcastle in September.

We bought it, but Arsenal and their millions didnt. United with their millions didnt. And Chelsea with theirs didnt? I could argue that teams such as Newcastle, Spurs, etc have spent much much more almost on par with the top 3-4 teams and dont have anything to show for it over the past 10 years! At least we managed to "buy" it, others are wasting their money for nothing!. Buying right is a talent!

Will Newcastle sign anyone else before the season starts? I would think they will pay over the top for at least one striker before August 13. But overall, as a Newcastle fan I wouldnt be too happy with the summer. They have cut their squad down losing 3-4 good players and replaced them with 2 good players. Shearer cant carry the goal burden himself either. I see Souness sacked by September. I cant see Newcastle having a good season. It might be a transitional one this year. Then again, who knows...

I think so. I would think we would need a few minutes tonight at least if he is to be able to play a part against West Ham as he has barely played any pre-season games, with only Espanyol to come. Is this a sign of things to come with Bellamys injuries?!?!

I would think one of the players will start at left back, possibly Matteo. I can see Savage starting IF he gets some good minutes against Espanyol. Also Friedel. Anyone else is a LONGSHOT!

Bellamy missing another game and there is only the Espanyol friendly to come before we start the season, I think. He will be short of match fitness for the first game I am sure.

absolutely right. nakamura is a lovely player. den maybe you havent seen him in action!