Tiote's Performance Against Man Utd...

FA CUP: Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers

Newcastle United 2 - 1 Blackburn Rovers by motifoot

The Beginning of a New Era ???

Twenty-twelve has kicked off in spectacular fashion with a win over Man Utd. Newcastle humiliated the Manchester club and I dont even know where to begin. All i will say is that this was an all team performance and wont go into detail.

The new year unveiled new sponsors Virgin Money which may have brought with it a feel good factor. Many, myself included, feared we would witness a Sports Direct logo on our jerseys but No, that did not happen. Is this a turning point under Ashley's era?

Ashely came into power stating he would like to use Newcastle as a tool to market his Sports Direct brand and the renaming of the stadium echoed those fears. But last night, we witnessed the contrary. Sports Direct boards around the field began to dissappear and the Vigin brand tookover.

Newcastle are now placed 7th and currently sitting in the january window. Puppet Derek recently said that the new sponsorships would mean more revenue to buy players so does this mean we will have a transfer kitty for this window?

All Newcastle affairs have started to shift in the right direction and lets hope this carries through regarding the sponsorship of the Stadium rights. Again only time will tell, but if, and thats a big if, we do get a company willing to buy the rights, it will mark the end of the Sports Direct branding all over St James Park.

Newcastle's journey is never smooth sailing but could this new year be the beginning of a new era under Mike Ashley?

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Emmanuel Mayuka is one player that has been linked to Newcastle for some time now. It was reported former manager Chris Hughton showed some interest in him two windows ago and now he is back on the radar.

Mayuka recently admitted he was flattered being linked with the club and would prefer a move tyneside. His agent Nir Karin has also confrimed the clubs interest.

"I can tell you that Dynamo Kiev, Fulham and Newcastle are the three teams most serious on him this January," said Karin.

"No doubt that if a club signs him, they will be able to benefit from his goals immediately and, in addition, there is no doubt that his next club is a stepping stone." 

Meanwhile Mayuka's parent club, Kabwe Warriors, are glad the young forward is progressing. Warriors Treasurer Darpan Desai says he spoke to Mayuka last week and the striker confirmed there was real interest.

"Mayuka told me last week before leaving for South Africa [AFCON training camp] that the rumours are all true. But he hasn't signed for anyone yet. 

"I told him not to hurry to England [but] play one season in france which is more competitive than the Swiss League...then move to [England] when he is amongst the cream in Europe."

Desai has said the Zambian International's sale has helped his parent club develop thanks to the finances recieved through the sell on clause.

He said Kabwe Warriors "received $100,000" when Mayuka moved on to BSC Young Boys from Maccabi Tel Aviv and are still entitled to 10% of transfer fees for every move till he turns 23 years of age.

Desai believes the player is valued in the region of £4m and this would fit within Newcastle's budget.