11 Most Intriguing Revelations From Newcastle Fans' Forum

6. The Team Is "Different" Rather Than Better, And De Jong WAS The Key

When asked if the squad was better than it was at the same time last season - a familiar Pardewism - the club responded that the squad is now "ultimately different." All players are being assessed and areas that need development will be likewise assessed - while the club accepts that the team should have amassed more points. One of the Fan Representatives astutely identified that Emmanuel Riviere was being played in a formation that didn't suit him, which led to the club conceding that Siem De Jong had been identified to play alongside a striker as a number 10 and his injury had been a big problem. Translation So that's confirmation that De Jong is the missing piece in the tactical jigsaw as suspected - but there's no allusion to why Pardew continues to play that same system without the key player.