http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/ Simon Bird Trinity Mirror Trinity Mirror http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Newcastle-column-Will-Alan-Pardew-s-Whoaah-factor-fire-the-Toon-into-Europe-this-season-By-Simon-Bird-article862551.html Asked what it felt like to look at the Premier League table and see Newcastle United in fifth place and pushing for Europe, Demba Ba produced a wonderful answer on Sunday night. Putting his finger perfectly on the mood on Tyneside he simply said: "Whoaah." It neatly encapsulated the thrill, wonder and cautious happiness that Alan Pardew's team have conjured with their - so far - enthralling season. The "Whoaah" moment also hinted at the surprise the world (outside the Newcastle dressing room)... Asked what it felt like to look at the Premier League table and see Newcastle United in fifth place and pushing for Europe, Demba Ba produced a wonderful answer on Sunday night. Putting his finger perfectly on the mood on Tyneside he simply said: "Whoaah." It neatly encapsulated the thrill, wonder and cautious happiness that Alan Pardew's team have conjured with their - so far - enthralling season. The "Whoaah" moment also hinted at the surprise the world (outside the Newcastle dressing room)... Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:08:39 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Newcastle-column-Will-Alan-Pardew-s-Whoaah-factor-fire-the-Toon-into-Europe-this-season-By-Simon-Bird-article862551.html 2012-02-07T12:08:39Z false http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Simon-Bird-s-Newcastle-column-Why-Alan-Pardew-must-use-team-bonding-trip-to-Spain-to-ensure-the-season-doesn-t-go-south-article856983.html Alan Pardew is getting the sangrias in for his Newcastle squad this week on a warm-weather training break in Tenerife. It is intended to recharge batteries, refocus minds and give the Toon a chance to set a few goals ahead of the run in. The bonding trip could not have come at a better time. Saturday's 5-2 defeat to Fulham had an alarmingly ragged look to it in the second half, totally out of character in comparison to their other, more narrow defeats. Pardew and his players will reflect that... Alan Pardew is getting the sangrias in for his Newcastle squad this week on a warm-weather training break in Tenerife. It is intended to recharge batteries, refocus minds and give the Toon a chance to set a few goals ahead of the run in. The bonding trip could not have come at a better time. Saturday's 5-2 defeat to Fulham had an alarmingly ragged look to it in the second half, totally out of character in comparison to their other, more narrow defeats. Pardew and his players will reflect that... Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:03 GMT http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/opinion/columnists/simon-bird/Simon-Bird-s-Newcastle-column-Why-Alan-Pardew-must-use-team-bonding-trip-to-Spain-to-ensure-the-season-doesn-t-go-south-article856983.html 2012-01-24T11:00:03Z true