Hanley gone

[needle]

Ward is not good enough and Wharton isnt ready.If Duffy goes we have a real dilemma.

[robinrover]

I agree with the Duffy comment if we lose him as well and not replace we are heading for league 1
You just cannot keep selling then not replacing
as for ward I don't mind him as a player but him and Wharton as our first choice centre backs does leave me slightly concerned.

[champs95]

I'm not so sure Wharton isn't ready. We won't know if we don't play him.

[champs95]

Sorry to say this. But pretty much the same people where only saying this about Duffy & Hanley this time last season. Because of how they performed in their eyes the previous. On reflection that wasn't correct, and your concerns then are no different now.

[Turfmoorspirit]

He is the "missing link" according to Newcastle fans.. Just the player they need.

[champs95]

No doubt at all Ghosty. They are buying the right players.

[AucklandRover]

Disappointing news, but I suppose we all knew it was coming.
I really can't see this season being anything other than a battle to stay in mid-table. On the other hand, having been a football follower all my life, I know better than to make firm predictions. I have to say that Coyle has been a pleasant surprise so far. At least he looks like he enjoys the job. Of course, he hasn't walked the walk yet, but it's nice to see some enthusiasm. Dour Scots have quite an impressive record in football, but I found Lambert heavy going. He made Alex Ferguson look like a cheeky-chappy, stand-up comedian.
(By the way, have any of you looked at the relevant topic on the Telegraph site? It really is like an infants' class on speed. There are a few honourable exceptions, but most of the posters can't get beyond: "My dad's bigger than your dad." Do these people behave like this in real life?)

[robinrover]

It is frustrating that decent topics/chats turn into chaos due to one idiot follwed by quite a few taking his bait
I try not to read the comments now as it often ends the same way each time.

[Bobcrompton1896]

With Hanley gone,and Duffy possibly to follow(hopefully not)would it not make sense to get Lenihan playing as a central defender and put one of our 5 wide players in the middle(probably Marshall)? We look very vulnerable right now in the most important part of the team aka the centre of the defence.

[alfinyalcabo]

Plenty more fish in the sea..I'm sure Coyle will find a good replacement ..