Speculation and creation

(Originally scheduled to go up yesterday, before Blogger had its funny turn...)

The season effectively over now safety's been assured, thoughts are naturally turning to how we can build and improve upon this consolidatory platform. Alan Pardew has identified creative spark as something we're currently lacking, and I'd be inclined to agree - ASBO has been a consistent provider from dead ball situations, but on the other flank Spidermag hasn't always offered enough in open play. "We need to bring players in Newcastle fans love that can get you out of your seat", said Pardew - inadvertent backing for Football Supporters' Federation's safe standing campaign?

However, it's worth pointing out that Pardew will effectively have two new creative additions at the start of next season anyway, when Hatem Ben Arfa and Dan Gosling return to full fitness - and there's also a fair chance most of his summer will actually be preoccupied with trying to find replacements for Jose Enrique and Mr T.

Meanwhile, last night reserve team regulars Phil Airey, Michael Richardson and James Tavernier all did their best to impress and earn themselves an end-of-season cameo as we cruised to victory over Blyth Spartans to lift the Northumberland Senior Cup in the familiar surroundings of St James' Park. Airey bagged a brace, while Richardson and Tavernier, recently on loan at Gateshead, both also found the back of the Spartans' net. Perhaps being pitched in for Sunday's game against Chelsea, who may still have a mathematical chance of pipping Man Utd to the title, wouldn't make for a very pleasant debut - though defender Tavernier could probably still keep Fernando Torres in his pocket, much as everyone else has of late...