It really is as simple as this...... Souness was told he would be given funds this summer to bring in new players. Souness felt there was lack of quality in the squad, even though he brought most of it in. The board reviewed the situation and declined to release anymore funds for transfers. The relationship between JW and GS deteriorated, not where they fell out but Souness felt he was not really changing much of the squad due to constraints. Viduka or Hasselbaink were on the wanted list to replace Cole but he was not allowed to bring either in. Also Souness felt that some of the players were getting tired listening to the same old voice and just maybe he had outstayed his welcolme. So in my opinion, he has left us in the sh*t but he was told he would be given (yet) more money to change the squad this summer. Thats why folks Hughes will have around £5 million to spend, not because we are providing our new manger with funds but its the left over of the summer budget.

A lot of the Liverpool attacks were coming down our right. I would not say Neill had a good game. He seems to be struggling with his positioning. He was caught out many times by being too close to the centre back, this gave Riise too much space. However the defence were obviously working on keeping their line and Neill seemed pre-occupied with this. To such an extent that Hughes had to give tutoring throughout the match to the defence. Jay as well was not keeping in a line with the centre backs. This will improve though, would like Nissa to be given a run in the team. He looked a bit unsure at times but always thought he plays well at centre back when given a chance.

The performance made me happy today. Things that stood out- our quality of passing was much better than I can remember in recent times. Still can improve but there were some signs that we can be an attacking threat. Reid is in because of his athletic/physical ability. He will get better with every game. Drifts in quite a bit- maybe could perform a central role. Thought he was excellent today. Jay did well apart from the cock-up that led to the goal. Hopefully he gets a few games to make the spot his own. Ferguson is crucial to our team at the moment- makes us tick and his work-rate is under-rated. Bothroyd did well and showed some class. Of course some of us will go over the top but what today shows that things are improving. However our defence is still a problem and Neil's form is worrying.

Flitcroft seemed to have a problem with giving the ball away yesterday. He really has gone off the boil. Wonder if Hughes knows that Reid played on the left for Millwall....

Hughes always felt Savage grabbed the Welsh team by the scruff of the neck. Brings a lot with him but would be an excellent signing. Everton want him so it could prove to be tough.

I just would not mind a bit of respect from our former manager. I was a big fan when he was here but he lost the heart to battle when the board refused to santion him more cash when he wanted Viduka and Hasselbaink. On joining Newcastle he told the press conference he did not want a question about his previous club (us). He said he has moved on. And this morning we all awake rumours he is going to raid us for certain players, I am sorry but this is ridiculous. Hughes has been left in the sh*t. But knowing what our club is about I just know they will support him in January. They better because if they do not we are down and its over.

Thats all Hughes can do at the moment- work on it in training. He cannot buy, he has to work with the rubbish he has got.

Calm down lads. One win and you can jump up 6 places. As Hughes said yesterday after the Liverpool match we need to pick up points

Perfect quote on the radio The players are trying hard but its down to a lack of quality. Lets stop the cr*p about no spirit, we are putting the effort in. Remember last season we were generally awful as well

I do not understand guys- were you expecting to win. We are playing a much more powerful Chelsea team this season. We can look into it all we want but a lot of the problems were here before Hughes- like defence, lack of real quality striker. Give him a break, he is an intelligent guy and things will improve in time.

Just bought a bottle of vodka... should make things seem better.

De Pedro will not get a game for us. His game is not suited at all to the Prem and is a player who has been over-rated his whole career. Would give MGP a chance though- or Reid on the left. I would like to know why Emerton has been moved escpecially where when he was playing so well at right midfield. Lack of attacking threat due to having one up front and no one in the box when we have the ball in forward areas.

Think Kezman will score. Opponents seem to get either their first win away win all season or one of their players break their duck against us. It is just the way it works with us sadly Robben is due to play some part for them. Also on their offical site, they describe our team news in an amusing fashion. 'Tugay’s place may be taken by Garry Flitcroft who has not played for nearly a month through injury of his own while Craig Short and Andy Todd, no spring chickens themselves, are likely to fill the central defence'.

Team News- Todd back in squad. Flitty should return. Amo is a doubt with a heel injury.

I should not really be slating Flitty. Ok he may be a sleazy git off the park but that is his business. I think he is loyal to the cause but previous injuries now make him not upto the physical task of playing in the Premiership. Hughes will still be in the mode of thinking that he can play a big part of our midfield due to his playing time here. However it will soon appear obvious that he is not upto the task anymore. He did ok in our first season back but his performances have been inconsistent and deteriorating since. Lawro Prediction http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/e...rem/3727644.stm

The official website says Hughes has a midfield dilemma for Saturday. Of course the big question is will "midfield enforcer" Garry Flitcroft be fit. Sleepness nights all round.

Sky just had an interesting telephone interview with Souness. He was saying how he was critical of the Uefa Cup in the past with Blackburn because the squad was so small. He now has a much larger squad so he is very excited about progressing in the Uefa Cup. On Bellamy- he says he accepts his apology and thinks he is top player and not wanting to get rid of him. He has to give him a chance and let him learn from his mistakes. Do not think he was as fair to Dunn, but then again that is history that I still can't get over!

Bellamy has a very poor attitude. How long he stays at Newcastle is upto him now but Souness could be happy to get rid and bring in somone else. He will have a good amount of money to bring players in, so anyone who does not act in accord with his rules will be off. As for coming to us I doubt it- a lot of clubs will be in for him as he is class and can get better.

Brownie- I am completely the same! I am thinking more about our distressing league position, possible transfer targets, and who might be playing for us on Saturday. This topic would probably mean more to me if we were comfortable mid-table and there was nothing else really going on. Some people are showing so much passion about this topic I feel it's the only thing on their minds all day full stop- not criticising you but calm down a bit.

Think Amo is unlikely to start for us unless injuries happen. Tood and Short in the centre with Matteo back up. I just look at our team and think what a load of sh*t. Think Jim is correct if there is cash we must give it to Hughes- we are a club going nowhere.

Probably need more cash than that- its just the way the guy came on and said it. The lads in the studio- Beagrie and Claridge reckon Hughes has a good eye for a player and will bring in quality.

Some tw*t on Sky slating us- saying why did Hughes leave Wales for Blackburn. We need to spend £100 million to get near the top again. Also saying we have sacked loads of managers recently etc.

I can see why someone like Mick McCarthy would like Gally on loan. He has looked good to me when given a chance. More impressive maybe coming off the bench- Not afraid to have a go and also provides goals as well.

Got a text from a Brum mate saying Bruce wants Gallacher on loan- trying to get the FA to let him bring a forward in on loan because of injuries. Surely they cant do that! Wait until January... If allowed we should be able to get a defender in, our needs are greater.

Not sure about his chances. Steve Bruce and Mick McCarthy both watched Paul Gallacher for the reserves tonight!! Wonder if Alex has told him he will be good back up....