Something in the Making: Lam Matteo

[Matt10]

Rested, finally
Mackay says Matteo deserves a couple

For the next four matches, Lam Matteo will be rested. Even though it was against Mackay's plans - sources state that the American is his prized possession - therefore you have to make the talent happy.

Matteo will miss matches against Sheffield United, Hearts (Uefa), Middlesbrough and finally Olimpiacos (Uefa).

"It's a tough decision," Matteo goes about, "But I have to start caring about my health more than ever - I'm 28 now, I'm not sure how much football is left in me - plus I want to be able to finish off the season strongly."

Mackay feels that keeping the midfielder happy will also steer clear his thoughts of a possible transfer when January transfer window opens up in a couple of weeks.

"At this very moment, he is the most important player - and I want him to not only be happy, but fit when he comes on to guide his team to victories."

[Matt10]

Simmed Results:

v Sheffield United - 0-3 (L)
v Hearts, UEFA - 2-3 (L)
v Middlesbrough - 0-3 (L)


Groupstage Matchday 6 - (Dec. 9, 2017)
Watford v Olympiacos


Matteo returns early from his fatigue break to help his club.

Prematch: Watford - Olympiacos
Watford runs out of chances tonight, the last match is one that absolutely needs to be won by the English side. As it stands, the club would not go through to the knock-out stage. Lam Matteo makes a triumphant, and necessary, return. The midfielder has found the back of the net in this competition - and his magic will surely be needed. Yet again, according to Malky Mackay, Heidar Helguson's scoring touch is not needed - the striker warms the bench for the 8th consecutive match.

Halftime: Watford 0-0 Olympiacos
A couple of glances on the target, played at a frantic pace - the best chance of the match fell to Zairi for Olympiacos, when the striker was left alone at the back post - but his shot was blocked off the line by Jay Demerit. Lam Matteo is the workhorse for Mackay's side - and showing great fitness, and effort. A clear cut shot by the American in the 22nd minute was saved well by the keeper.

Fulltime: Watford 1-1 Olympiacos
Watford and Olympiacos exit the UEFA stage with their heads held high, a brilliant display of football competition - no winners is fitting, but at the same time heart breaking. Don Cowie's effort in stoppage time was pushed away by Nikopolidis - a goal surely would have sent the home crowd into a frenzy. Lam Matteo grabs man of the match awards due to his incredible work rate in the midfield - still showing some signs of fatigue, putting up 82 minutes of play.


Watford Goals: Matteo 49
Olympiacos Goals: Gonzalez 72

Caution: Torosidis (Olympiacos)
Sent off: None
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[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-yZ-fv0JRs"]YouTube- volmd6.mp4[/ame]

Next Match - Newcastle United v Watford

[Matt10]

Fixture 18 - (Dec. 16, 2017)
Newcastle United v Watford


Alan Smith is always a handful for any team he faces.

Prematch: Newcastle (1st, 36 pts) v Watford (6th, 30 pts)
Two weeks away from the January transfer window and Watford face a tough Newcastle side that has shown no signs of weakness. Rumor has it that Heidar Helguson, the troubled striker for Watford, will find a new home. However, Malky Mackay is starting the man tonight - maybe in hopes of a late makeup? While Malky Mackay struggles with the Icelandic international, American inernational, Lam Matteo, is carrying the team on his back - scoring last weekend in the Hornets unfortunate exit of the Europa league.

Halftime: Newcastle 0-0 Watford
Niether team making the break, but Watford has certainly threatened the Newcastle goal-mouth. A couple of weak efforts by Alan Smith for Newcastle, and the same on the other end for Watford via Heidar Helguson. Despite everything, the pace of play is fast and the ball movement is sublime - we have a good one here!

Fulltime: Newcastle 2-0 Watford
A heartbreaking loss for the Hornets, but Newcastle took advantage of their chances. Alan Smith got on the scoresheet through a goal, and also a brilliant pass that setup Wiego for the Magpies second goal. Only one more game left for Watford before the January transfer window - will we see some big moves, or will Mackay keep his struggling team in tact?

Watford Goals:
Newcastle Goals: Smith 73 - Wiego 76

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - West Bromwich Albion v Watford

[Matt10]

Fixture 19 - (Dec. 23, 2017)
West Bromwich Albion v Watford


The worst feeling for a player who tries to prevent goals entering their net.

Prematch: West Brom (2nd, 36 pts) v Watford (7th, 30 pts)
It could possibly be the defining sign that Malky Mackay is going to loan out Heidar Helguson, Lewis Young takes the striker's spot in the starting eleven. Rumors are also rising that some premiership sides are interested in Lam Matteo - could we see a reuniting with Fulham? For now, the match is set to be another classic - West Brom are hot on Newcastle's trail, so look for a heated, a possibly very physical matchup.

Halftime: West Brom 0-0 Watford
There is some very nice football going on, but the final touch is lacking on both sides. Lam Matteo had the best chance for Watford, but his left footed strike in the box was saved well by Green. Still it seems there will definitely be a goal in this one - both teams are playing high paced attacking football!

Fulltime: West Brom 1-0 Watford
Craig Cathcart's own goal turned out to be the winner for West Brom - a crucial three points, and an unlucky no pointer for Watford. The loss sums up the way the last couple of games have been for Watford, up next the January transfer window that could definitely have some controversy.


Watford Goals:
West Brom Goals: Cathcart 78 (own goal)

Caution: Young (Watford) Cleverley (Watford)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Coventry City v Watford

[Matt10]

Mackay - Lam is not for Sale!
Watford manager urges media to not speculate
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 10 January 2018



The Watford gaffer has some big decisions to make, but might not have a choice if Matteo decides to leave.

Malky Mackay says no to any transfer offers involving Lam Matteo. Despite Newcastle United's offer of more than triple the midfielder's salary - a feature that would definitely interest the Watford club owners.

"Matteo is more important than any sort of compensation," states Mackay, "If we lose him - we might as well lose the rest of our games, he is the backbone to this team."

January transfers are usually the most difficult because disgruntled players have a chance to leave the club - while those who are not, are still "free-game".

Lam Matteo is certainly one of those players, he possesses premier league level skill - and even though no premier team has shown interest (at least not yet), he could very well be heading to Newcastle United despite Mackay's objections.

[Matt10]

Shocker - Matteo inks with Toon
Watford compensation "too much" to refuse
by Mark Schwarzer last updated 25 January 2018


Matteo is now in great position to receive his first championship.

The only way to get better is to play with the best of the best, this is the mindset that Matteo has announced as a result of his surprising signing with league leaders, Newcastle United.

"I want a championship," says the 28-year old American, "My time with Watford was enjoyable - but now this is was a great opportunity that I could not pass up."

Matteo will receive an increase from 450P to 600P, and according to Newcastle board of financing, Watford FC will receive "other" compensations to aid in the potential hit the club may face without Matteo's services.

Matteo finished his Watford stint with 22 games played, and 10 goals scored as a midfielder. According to Newcastle manager, Alan Curbishley, Lam Matteo will be placed as a striker - a very competitive role considering the Toon have top scorere Wiebo and accomplished star, Marlon Harewood.

"Matteo will fit in just fine," says Curbishley, "He has great work ethic - and has the ability to make people turn around and watch him. I feel incredibly satisfied with this move."

Notable Transfers in:

Sheffield United - MF Arrango (680P)
Doncaster - MF Ederson (570P)
Nottingham Forest - GK Lehman (330P)
QPR - MF Yamada (390P)
Coventry City - MF Veron (1050P)
Reading - GK Heijblok (260P)
Bristol City - GK Van Loo (260P)
Newcastle United - SS Matteo (600P) - CB Subotic (640P)
Barnsley - GK Calero (230P)
West Brom - SS El Hadji Diouf (1150P)
Leicester City - MF Omar (290P)
Preston North End - MF Emmanuel Eboue (880P)
Sheffield Wednesday - Gk Coupet (330P) - MF Donati (380P)
Cardiff City - CB Heinze (490P)
Crystal Palace - MF Izco (510P) - GK Rame (310P)

[Matt10]

Championship Cup, Quarter-finals, 1st leg - (Jan.27, 2018)
Newcastle United v Derby County


Harewood the substitute hero for the Magpies.

Prematch: Newcastle - Derby
The Magpies are off to a brilliant start htis season, and it's no different with their play in the Championship Cup. Alan Curbishley starts his new defender, Subotic - but elects to place American striker, Lam Matteo - his new signing from Watford FC - on the bench. Instead it is Wiego and Alan Smith at the top for the Toon. Derby have an incredible striker in Kris Commons - who has had a fantastic streak of a goal a game in this year's Championship Cup campaign.


Halftime: Newcastle 0-0 Derby
All the chances are coming from a very aggressive Derby County side - led by striker Kris Commons and Giles Barnes. Barnes himself has taken about 3 shots from outside the box, one of them producing a great save from Harper. Both sides are showing good tempo when in possession - no bone crushing tackles yet, but if someone scores - this could become very physical.

Fulltime: Newcastle 1-1 Derby
An incredible match finishes with Marlon Harewood scoring the crucial tying goal in stoppage time. Thanks to some incredible work effort by sub Lam Matteo, who stole the ball off of Barnes in the midfield, and glided past the Derby defenders, before slotting the ball to the wings where Geremi was. Geremi launched in a cross where both Matteo and Harewood were streaking towards the near post - Harewood's header was pin-point and crushed the netting. Great match!

Newcastle Goals: Harewood 91
Derby Goals: Barnes 49

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Preston North End v Newcastle United

[Matt10]

Fixture 20 - (Feb. 3, 2018)
Preston North End v Newcastle United


Chris Brown celebrates with his teammates after scoring.

Prematch: Preston (12th, 26 pts) v Newcastle (1st, 39 pts)
A chilly afternoon sets the stage for the second half of the Championship season. Newcastle United are looking to continue their incredible form against an underrated Preston side. Kevin Nolan captains the Magpies, Nolan who has been with the club longer than any player on the team stated in the morning post that the club is full of "superstars who get it" We will see today if Newcastle and their superstars get the job done away from home.

Halftime: Preston 1-0 Newcastle
A very rapid pace on both sides of the ball, Newcastle have had more chances - but Preston are the ones with the finishing thanks to Chris Brown. New signing Emmanuel Eboue set up the striker after Ross Wallace's corner kick was directed across the face of goal by Eboue - which found a wide open, sliding Chris Brown in the back post. Will we see Newcastle's own standout signign - Lam Matteo - in the second half?

Fulltime: Preston 1-1 Newcastle
Chris Brown's two goals were enough for Preston to win it over Newcastle. The Magpies threatened, but there wasn't enough firepower despite Alan Curbishley placing Lam Matteo and Marlon Harewood into the 4-3-3 mix. A dissapointing loss nonetheless, but there are plenty of matches left for Newcastle to regroup.

Newcastle Goals: Barton 63
Preston Goals: Brown 44 55

Caution: Mawene (Preston)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Championship Cup - Derby County v Newcastle United (1-1)

[Matt10]

Championship Cup, Quarter-finals, 2nd leg - (Feb. 10, 2018)
Derby County (1) v Newcastle United (1)


Kris Commons was the most impressive player on the field.

Prematch: Derby v Newcastle
Despite being league leaders, Newcastle do not look like a confident team coming into the second leg of the Championship Cup. Curbishley may have spent money on Lam Matteo and Subotic - but the goals are coming out on the other end, and Matteo of course has not been placed in the first team - yet. Derby on the other hand have the chance to continue their role in being the upsetters - some say it would not be a surprise if Derby do indeed pull out the victory - match time can only tell!

Halftime: Derby 1-1 Newcastle
Fabricio Coloccini's shot on goal deflected off of Bryan Hughes in the box, and trickled past the keeper. Newcastle are looking for the kill - but Kris Commons incredible play in the midfield has been a plague upon the Toons defense so far.

End of Regulation: Derby 1-1 Newcastle
We are headed to extra time after a thrilling match of two sides eager to go to the semi finals! Lam Matteo has made an entrance and is already showing his world class speed and shooting - will he score the game winner?

Extra Time 1st half: Derby 2-2 Newcastle
Kris Commons once more was the shining light for Derby - and what a blast from outside the box that gave Steven Harper no chance - but at the death of it all, Marlon Harewood scored right back after Lam Matteo's shot from outside the box was parried away from the keeper, Kalac. However, Harewood took advantage of the deflection and neatly slotted the ball in.

Fulltime: Derby 3-2 Newcastle
Newcastle are knocked out of the competition thanks to Kris Commons two goal thriller in extra time! Commons scored the match winner after somehow finding himself open in the side of the box, trapped the ball onto his chest - and shot hard and low at Steve Harper's legs - which resulted in the ball roofing after blasting off Harper's foot. Lam Matteo had the chance to equalize at the death when Marlon Harewood's shot was pushed away in the path of the striker by Kalac - however Matteo's shot was weak and Kalac saved it with a fingertip!

Newcastle Goals: Coloccini 46 - Harewood 104
Derby Goals: Hughes 12 - Commons 92 106

Caution: Mawene (Preston)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Newcastle United v Reading

[Matt10]

Fixture 21 - (Feb. 17, 2018)
Newcastle United v Reading


Nile Ranger and Lam Matteo celebrate the opening goal.

Prematch: Newcastle (3rd, 39 pts) v Reading (17th, 20 pts)
Alan Curbishley's side is looking to regain their early season form, but after two heartbreaking losses to Preston and then the cracking loss to Derby in the quarterfinals of the Championship cup. Some movement among the midfield mertis the most impressive of the Derby match, Lam Matteo, holding the center of the pitch - a similar position he played with Watford before transfering in the window. Of course, Reading will have their targets set on upsetting the Magpies at St. James Stadium this evening.

Halftime: Newcastle 2-0 Reading
Newcastle are far in control in this match through the first half. Goals by Nile Ranger and Jonas Gutierrez, both magnificent shots. The key of this match is the midfield play by Lam Matteo - making Alan Curbishley look like a genius on the sidelines!

Fulltime: Newcastle 2-0 Reading
A solid victory for the Magpies tonight - just what was needed after a tough couple of matches. Curbishley's side showed confidence and actual teamwork - there was cohesion in the backline led by Coloccini's stubborn head. Reading were seemingly uninterested in attacking Steven Harper's net whatsoever.

Newcastle Goals: Ranger 29, Gutierrez 43
Reading Goals:

Caution: Lovenkrands (Newcastle) Taylor (Newcastle) Enrique (Newcastle)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Newcastle United v Barnsley

[Matt10]

Fixture 21 - (Feb. 24, 2018)
Newcastle United v Barnsley


Curbishley continues to play Smith despite the striker not performing.

Prematch: Newcastle (3rd, 42 pts) v Barnsley (15th, 24 pts)
The quest to regain their season's form continues tonight at St. James Park for Newcastle. Lam Matteo finds himself starting again in the center of the park - hoping to grab his first goal for Newcastle. Barnsley are a team that is known for their solid defense, but don't be surprised to see some early offensive pressure more than anything.

Halftime: Newcastle 0-0 Barnsley
Defending is the name of the game - and Barnsley are doing well to prevent the Newcastle offense get going. Lam Matteo is running everywhere - breaking up plays and creating some - he will surely not go 90 minutes tonight. Alan Smith had the best chance of the match when his header struck the post - but cleared to safety.

Fulltime: Newcastle 2-1 Barnsley
An incredible match for the Magpies - all thanks go to Alan Smith's brilliant play at the end. Alan Curbishley once again looks brilliant keeping the underperforming Smith in the match - and it was when the Toon Army needed a hero the most - Mr. Smith rose to the occasion to blast the ball past David Preece.

Newcastle Goals: Taylor 52, Smith 84
Barnsley Goals: Bogdanovic 74

Caution: Foster (Barnsley)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Cardiff City v Newcastle United

[Matt10]

Fixture 22 - (Mar. 3, 2018)
Cardiff City v Newcastle United


Feeney bags two goals today.

Prematch: Cardiff (7th, 34 pts) v Newcastle (2nd, 45 pts)
The Magpies battle back to first place continues with Cardiff City hosting. City have the opportunity to shock the league and prevent Newcastle United from regaining form. Michael Chopra is known for his goal poaching, while new signing Argentinian veteran, Gabriel Heinze has shored up the Cardiff defense considerably. Lam Matteo is in the middle of the park with his bright red shoes - hoping to supply Wiego or Nile Ranger up in the front.

Halftime: Cardiff 2-1 Newcastle
Well, it seems Newcastle have just started fighting at the end of the half - a goal by Wiego to set the tone for the second half hopefully. Stephen McPhail has been sublime setting up both goals in a way - his shooting and crossing set up Warren Feeney and Joe Ledley - both taking advantage of deflections.

Fulltime: Cardiff 3-2 Newcastle
Warren Feeney's second goal of the match was enough to push Cardiff past second place Newcastle in a shocking win for the home side. The Toon tried their best to come from behind and nearly accomplished it if it were not for the stout defending by Gabriel Heinze - who appeared to be a wall for sub Alan Smith and Wiego when it counted. Lam Matteo left the pitch limping, prognosis is that it is only a strained ankle.

Newcastle Goals: Wiego 46 67
Cardiff Goals: Feeney 4 63, Ledley 36

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - (To be Simmed) Newcastle United v Bristol City

[Matt10]

Fixture 24 - (Mar. 17, 2018)
West Bromwich Albion v Newcastle United


Ryan Taylor is an unlikely goal scorer, but has been on form for a couple this season.

Prematch: West Brom (3rd, 47 pts) v Newcastle (1st, 48 pts)
This is the match that every football enthusiast has their eyes glued to! The match between number two and number three, a win results in a first place standing over Coventry City - a loss, and it could be the catalyst to a dream season gone begging. El Hadji Diouf makes his Setanta Sports debut, the signing from Bolton has been a brilliant decision by manager Graham Paul. Newcastle on the other hand are without the speedster Lam Matteo - but we could see the American make an appearance off the bench.

Halftime: West Brom 1-2 Newcastle
An attacking pace at light speed - just a back to forth type of match we have here, led by Newcastle's Wiego who seems to score at will. First it was Ryan Taylor with a sublime header - then Wiego took advantage of slack defending. After the Toon had their go - El Hadji Diouf displayed his skill with a couple of step-overs getting off a quick shot to Harper's far post and in for the goal.

Fulltime: West Brom 1-3 Newcastle
Ryan Taylor adds on to his tally - the midfielder is starting to make a regular appearance in the starting eleven, and with plays like today - he should be. Lam Matteo entered the match at half time for Nile Ranger, but really only had one good chance when Wiego's cross fell to the striker, who dove for the ball - but his effort was just wide of Scott Carson's goal. Eitherway, a giant victory for the Toon!!

Newcastle Goals: Taylor 7 75, Wiego 12
West Brom Goals: El Hadji Diouf 14

Caution: Tozer (Newcastle)
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Ipswich Town v Newcastle United

[Matt10]

Yes! Good move for Matteo, now for a championship, and then Premier League?

Sorry, loki - didn't see I had a comment. It's been dead here. Hoping for a championship, unfortunately there is no relegation/promotion in BAL mode

[Matt10]

Fixture 24 - (Mar. 24, 2018)
Ipswich Town v Newcastle United



Newcastle Goals: Smith 8 58, Wiego 29 79
Ipswich Goals:

Caution: None
Sent off: None
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Next Match - Newcastle United v Sheffield United

***forgot to save writeup, couldn't be bothered to type again.****