Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle 6 Sunderland 5 - Geordies pip Mackems in North East XI
ShareIt's been a topsy-turvy old season in the north east. Former Magpies boss Chris Hughton inflicted Steve Bruce's most uncomfortable afternoon as a manager at St James' Park in October when Newcastle walloped Sunderland 5-1. But Geordie fan Bruce had the last laugh, steering the Black Cats to three wins in their final five games and a tenth-place finish - two above Alan Pardew's side. [LNB]Sportsmail's Colin Young reminisced on another year following the two clubs, and compiled his North East XI...[LNB]In goal, Steve Harper. Injury prevented him finishing the season but for sheer consistency, he gets my vote. Simon Mignolet has adapted to the demands and history of being Sunderland keeper at such a young age, but when he was fit Craig Gordon rightly got the nod. And while he may have pulled off one of the saves of the Premier League era, the Scot has again been sidelined by serious injury. Tim Krul also comfortably stepped from Harper's shadow and like Fraser Foster will be challenging Harper as the No 1 choice in August.[LNB] The outstanding candidate: Steve Harper continues to improve with age[LNB]Right back goes to Phil Bardsley, mainlyto accommodate the Sunderland player of the season in the team, along with the wonderful Jose Enrique at left-back. While Bardsley's position for most of the season, the Spaniard is set for a move to greener and more lucrative pastures on the basis of his excellence over three seasons at Newcastle. He is up there with Ashley Cole. Bardsley's inclusion edges out Nedum Onuoha, who has been Steve Bruce's first choice right back. At the right price, Bruce would sign the Nigerian, who must surely be surplus to Manchester City's ambitions. Buthe ain't worth ?8million, and Bardsley is the better right-back.[LNB] Right hand man: Phil Bardsley (right) deserves his player of the season award at Sunderland[LNB] More from Colin Young... Northern Exposure: Who will finish as top dogs in the North East?20/05/11 Northern Exposure: Good news is Roy is Keane to come back into football11/05/11 Northern Exposure: Positive signs for Boro despite a disappointing season29/04/11 Northern Exposure: Work has already begun for next season at Newcastle19/04/11 Northern Exposure: Sunderland are in a struggle but must keep Bruce12/04/11 Colin Young: Sunderland thought their season was over but is this the start?06/04/11 Northern Exposure: Forget finances... Newcastle must simply avoid the drop31/03/11 Northern Exposure: Pardew problems are small fry compared with Sir Bobby's22/03/11 VIEW FULL ARCHIVE Of the umpteen centre-backs used by Bruce this season, including Onuoha, Titus Bramble emerges as the outstanding candidate.[LNB]Injurieshave prevented John Mensah from winning a new contract, and like Michael Turner curtailed his influence. The ongoing niggles have impaired their performances and influences too. And like Mensah, Turner's problems are on-going and long-term. It's a worry.[LNB]Notmany players play for the two clubs and get away with it, but Bramble, despite the ridicule circulated after his signing, has been outstanding.Shame injury also ended his season prematurely. Sunderland would surelyhave finished higher than tenth with him in the side.[LNB]Inthe black and white corner, Mike Williamson and Fabricio Coloccini havebeen first choice partnership but it is the Argentinian who is the pickof the two.[LNB]Like Enrique, we can excuse his first English season, now he is established and comfortable in the Newcastle back four. There's still the odd blip and heart-raising moment of uncertainty, but his skill on the ball and reading of the game allow him to live on the edge. He's fun to watch, like all good Newcastle centre-halves.[LNB]One of the players of this season throughout the league is Joey Barton. Those outside Tyneside will frown upon his elevation to very good footballer, which ignores his part on and off field demeanours, but he has been at the height of his powers for the last nine months. He makes Newcastle tick, he is a danger at every set piece and he is one of the few English footballers around who can not only see a pass, but deliver it. His re-signing is as crucial to Newcastle's future as any new recruit this summer. And Alan Pardew knows it.[LNB] Engine room: Joey Barton (right) makes the Toon tick[LNB]Very few Newcastle fans had heard of Cheik Tiote 12 months ago. They have now.[LNB]He came to national prominence with his stunning equaliser against Arsenal - at that time a rare shot on goal - but he made an impression on the same Newcastle fans from his first appearance.[LNB]There are clearly problems. The 14 bookings he has collected - along with the irrational dismissal at Stevenage - is far too many. But Pardew assures us it is being addressed. Interesting to see how he copes next season.[LNB]Tiote's impact and influence edge out Sunderland captain Lee Cattermole who has shown he can be a driving force, when he has the more energetic and young players around him. [LNB] Stunner: Cheik Tiote goes wild after pulling Newcastle back from the brink[LNB]As for the other central midfield position - Newcastle United 5, Sunderland 1. Kevin Nolan hat-trick. Anyone want to argue with that? Malbranque? Zenden, Henderson? Colback? Richardson? Muntari? Sessegnon? Guthrie? Taylor? Smith? Thought not.[LNB]He has that talismanic property which Newcastle captains must possess and is new deal can't be signed soon enough.[LNB]Over to the left, and a controversial choice, but one which accommodates the best of the many midfielders available from both clubs.[LNB]Jordan Henderson doesn't play on the left. But he would if I asked him to, and that alone sets him apart from the other candidates.[LNB]On their day, Kieran Richardson and Steeeeeed Malbranque are two of the most skilful players Sunderland fans have ever seen. It explains, I think, the odd obsession with Malbranque in particular among the Mackem faithful. Don't get it myself.[LNB]The problem is no one, including them, is sure when that day will come.[LNB]Henderson on the other hand is a trier, no matter what. On reflection, his elevation to the England team came too early, and could have done more harm than good. But you wouldn't know it from his demeanour, performances or commitment. With time and patience, and more experience, Henderson will be a real player. Hopefully some of his more boisterous critics will appreciate that eventually.[LNB] One for the future? Jordan Henderson celebrates one of his three goals last season [LNB]And so we move up-front. And in January, there were two names. Darren Bent and Andy Carroll. End of. But they have moved on to pastures new.[LNB]Sunderland paid a pretty penny - ?13million to be precise - for Asamoah Gyan and he has earned his place in this side with his goals, his enthusiasm, his electricity and that wonderful ability to pull off the unexpected.[LNB]No doubt he is as much a handful of the pitch as he is on it. but no doubt he is worth hit when he is on fire. Defenders can't handle him because they don't know what he's going to do next. And the wonderful thing is, neither does he.[LNB] High point: Asamoah Gyan hits the second in Sunderland's 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge[LNB]Leon Best, Shola Ameobi and Peter Lovenkrands have all admirably handled the weight of playing on since Carroll was sold to Liverpool. The last minute transfer did little to help Newcastle find a quick replacement - Shefki Kuqi aside. bless him - but it was still a gamble. It paid off because they scored a few goals, and played quite well. But Best got three, Lovenkrands four and Ameobi. Even Mike Ashley would concede they need to invest heavily in new strikers.[LNB]Instead, with Bent and Carroll ruled out, my vote goes to Danny Welbeck, who, like Bramble, has been a costly absentee for Bruce and Sunderland.[LNB]The newly capped England striker, with Ghanaian roots, will start next season in the Manchester United squad. Which, after a phenomenal six months with Sunderland, he richly deserves. Pacey, clever and durable, he is the sort of young striker Sir Alex Ferguson expects from his Academy and after a season elsewhere. Competition at Old Trafford will be a test for Welbeck, but, no matter what the cost, Bruce would sign him permanently tomorrow.[LNB]The North East XI: Harper; Bardsley, Bramble, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Henderson; Gyan, Welbeck.[LNB] [LNB] Explore more:People: Kevin Nolan, Alex Ferguson, Mike Ashley, Chris Hughton, Steve Bruce, Andy Carroll, Joey Barton, Craig Gordon, Michael Turner, Darren Bent, Ashley Cole, Lee Cattermole, Danny Welbeck, Titus Bramble Places: Liverpool, Newcastle, United Kingdom
