Source: Northern_Echo
Newcastle boss wary of Harewood’s raw power
CHRIS Hughton expects Marlon Harewood to be a big threat when Ian Holloway brings his tangerine army to St James' Park today.[LNB] Harewood spent three months on Tyneside last season after joining on loan from Aston Villa, scoring five goals in 15 appearances, but returned to the Midlands in January after the Magpies opted not to extend the deal.[LNB] The 31-year-old didn't play again that season because of injury and, after Villa decided not to renew his contract, the forward linked up with Holloway's newly-promoted side.[LNB] He is a player we must be aware of, Hughton said. We know what he can do. He did very well for us in the period he was here.[LNB] Not only did he score five goals, he was a very good, positive character in that changing room. I am sure he will be the same at Blackpool.[LNB] I know he has not been involved recently, certainly in their last game, so I don't know.[LNB] What we sensed with Marlon was a player who had not played much football at Villa before he came to us so it was even more important that he came here and enjoyed it.[LNB] He is a powerful runner, that's his strength. He can influence the two centre halves he plays against. I remember one game when he closed the keeper down and then nicked the ball and crossed for Lovenkrands to score.[LNB] He is at a stage in his career when he has missed a fair bit of football in recent years and I think he is just relishing any football he can get.[LNB] Holloway has been a breath of fresh air since his arrival in the Premiership and Hughton knows the no fear' attitude the Blackpool boss has instilled in his squad will make Blackpool a difficult side to beat.[LNB] I know him reasonably well and his teams reflect his personality, he said.[LNB] He is someone with a love and enthusiasm for the game and I think you see that in his team.[LNB] He is a very outgoing individual, especially with the press, but his biggest characteristic is that he is a very good football manager. That is shown by how he got Blackpool promotion last season and how they have started this season.[LNB] Newcastle fans have been on top of the world since the 6-0 demolition of Aston Villa last month but Hughton is keen to keep everybody's feet firmly on the ground.[LNB] Yes, I think it makes it a different game to Villa. We have been very keen to dampen expectation, certainly in the early part of the season.[LNB] But on the back of our last home game, it does heighten expectations. It is something this team has to be able to cope with.[LNB] The Magpies boss has no new injury worries ahead of today's game, despite claims in-form Andy Carroll could miss out. Steven Taylor, Dan Gosling and Leon Best remain long-term absentees but Danny Simpson, Danny Guthrie and Sol Campbell are all close to returning.[LNB]
