The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

Now that NCAA Football has jumped the shark, I've decided to start a FIFA Manager Mode. I follow the Premier League some, so I'll try to keep this realistic, although I know for some hardcore football fans I'll do something wrong.

Now, let's meet the team and get this started!

Re: The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

Re: The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

Newcastle United Football Club is one of the most popular and successful football clubs in English history. Famous for their black-and-white-striped kits and having famous #9 jerseys like Alan Shearer, expectations are always high in Northern England. Known as the Magpies, and with a ravid fanbase known as the Toon Army, this was an easy selection for me. After a successful history, in recent times Newcastle has comparatively struggled. It got so bad that Newcastle was even relegated to the Championship. After regaining promotion to the Premier League, Newcastle looks to regain its place in the Top 4.

Re: The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

1 Steve Harper OVR 75
- Harper has been around Newcastle forever, and while he never quite replaced Shay Given, Harper has been a legitimate keeper.

26 Tim Krul OVR 75
- Krul is a young GK that is trying to take the job from the venerable Harper.

35 Rob Elliot OVR 65
- Elliot was signed before the season for depth, but I do not envision him getting much playing time.

33 Ole Soderberg OVR 60
- Soderberg is a young keeper with potential that allows me to make lame "Ole the Goalie" jokes. His spot is secure.

Re: The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

2 Fabricio Coloccini OVR 79
- Coloccini is the heart and soul of the Newcastle defense and is a solid CB.

27 Steven Taylor OVR 76
- Taylor provides some of the muscle for the Toon Army.

3 Davide Santon OVR 75
- Santon arrives with much fanfare and could become great, provided he stays healthy.

6 Mike Williamson OVR 75
- Williamson is a strong reserve that will see plenty of playing time.

5 Danny Simpson OVR 75
- Simpson provides some pace down the right side that is otherwise missing.

36 Ryan Taylor OVR 73
- Taylor is adept at crossing and exceptional at set pieces.

14 James Perch OVR 69
- Perch doesn't appear to see the field much.

32 Tamas Kadar OVR 65
- Kadar is a strong youngster that can progress over time.

31 Shane Ferguson OVR 56
- Ferguson needs to improve to see the field.

Re: The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

4 Yohan Cabaye OVR 80
- The French import is capable of playing well anywhere in the midfield.

18 Jonas Gutierrez OVR 79
- Gutierrez provides pace on either flank.

24 Cheik Tiote OVR 78
- Tiote is as strong as the come as a holding midfielder.

22 Sylvain Marveaux OVR 75
- Here's another French guy, this one is able to play anywhere on the left side.

15 Dan Gosling OVR 73
- Gosling provides depth in the middle and on the right side.

8 Danny Guthrie OVR 72
- Guthrie is promising as a backup CM.

25 Gabriel Obertan OVR 71
- Obertan has been disappointing in his career and hopes to turn it around in Newcastle.

17 Alan Smith OVR 70
- Smith has had a varied career and has made his way back to Newcastle.

47 Michael Richardson OVR 58
- Here's a guy that needs some seasoning.

42 Bradden Inman OVR 57
- Has potential, but not yet ready for the Prem League.

13 Mehdi Abeid OVR 54
- I'm gonna be honost, I have no idea who this is.

38 Joan Edmundson OVR 52
- Loan bait right here.

Re: The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

19 Demba Ba OVR 79
- Ba needs to be ready to take over the bulk of the scoring load for a weak strike force.

10 Hatem Ben Arfa OVR 79
- Ben Arfa is probably the most talented player on the team, he just needs to stay healthy.

20 Leon Best OVR 72
- Best is underrated, and he needs to produce for Newcastle to succeed.

11 Peter Lovenkrands OVR 71
- Lovenkrands is the fastest of the strikers, and he knows how to use it.

23 Shola Ameobi OVR 71
- I picture Ameobi as the goodwill ambassador of Newcastle football.

30 Nile Ranger OVR 67
- Ranger needs to focus on the pitch and not in the parking lots of pubs.

28 Sammy Ameobi OVR 63
- The only thing better than one Ameobi is two.

29 Haris Vuckic OVR 61
- Vuckic is talented and needs playing time to fulfill his potential.

32 Ryan Donaldson OVR 60
- Donaldson will likely be loaned out to gain experience.

Re: The Toon: MBFranchise's Newcastle United MM
 

Alan Shearer has returned to become manager of Newcastle United. The club's All-Time leading scorer, and most popular player, hopes this go as manager ends better than his eight game run in 2009, which saw the team relegated.

Shearer, 41, addressed the media after the announcement. "We will play a 4-4-2 with the midfield in a diamond, so a CAM and a CDM. I want my strikers to be big, strong target men. The CAM is probably the most important position, the playmaker, the trequarista. The wingers need good pace and the ability to cross. The defense needs strength and jumping ability, and obviously the keeper needs to know how to save shots."

Shearer also announced the signing of three scouts for Newcastle's youth academy. Shearer also announced a preseason tour of the United States, where Newcastle will play friendlies against several MLS teams to get ready for their season. Shearer's goal for the team is to finish in the top half of the table.

Shearer was coy about any personnel changes to fit his tactics, telling the media only, "We are close to signing a player that brings pace and excitement to the midfield. He has Premier League experience, but right now plays in a much colder climate. That should prepare him well for Newcastle."