The Newcastle United players will wear special T-shirts bearing the name and picture of former goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek ahead of their Premier League clash with Arsenal on Saturday.
The T-shirts will bear the message "Pavel is a Geordie" in tribute to the former Newcastle favourite, who died aged 47 on Tuesday after a heart attack.
Srnicek made 152 appearances for the club across two different spells before retiring in 2007.
Pavel Srnicek, Former Newcastle and Czech Republic Goalkeeper, Dies at Age 47
Dec 29, 2015
MIDDLESBROUGH - DECEMBER 6: Pavel Srnicek of Portsmouth signals to a team mate during the FA Barclaycard Premiership match between Middlesbrough and Portsmouth on December 6, 2003 at the Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough. The match ended in a 0-0 draw. (Photo by Gary Prior/Getty Images)
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died after recently suffering a cardiac arrest.
The player's agent, Steve Wraith, confirmed Srnicek's death in a short statement, per talkSPORT.
BBC Sport reported the 47-year-old former Czech Republic goalkeeper died after collapsing nine days ago. He was taken to a hospital in Ostrava and placed in an induced coma on December 20.
25 Oct 1997: Pavel Srnicek of Newcastle United directs his defence during the FA Carling Premiership match against Blackburn Rovers at St James Park in Newcastle, England. \ Mandatory Credit: Stu Forster /Allsport
Mark Douglas of the Newcastle Chronicle said Srnicek was left fighting for his life after collapsing while running at home in the Czech Republic, leaving him in a critical condition.
A hospital spokesman told the Chronicle [sic]: “I can confirm that it is hospitalized in our hospital, but on the wishes of the family will not disclose details of his condition.”
Tributes poured in for the star on Tuesday as word spread of Srnicek's death.
Newcastle issued their condolences to their former player's family and friends:
Our deepest condolences go to Pavel's family, many friends, former colleagues and supporters at this very difficult time. #NUFC
Wraith had further explained Srnicek's condition on social media after he collapsed (h/t Douglas): "Pavel was running last night and his heart stopped. He was like that for 20 minutes then rushed to hospital. He is an induced coma until Wednesday. Then they will see if his heart is stronger and if so bring him out of the coma."
Srnicek played in English football on three separate occasions, appearing for Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth and West Ham after seven years with the Magpies.
The goalkeeper returned to the north-east in 2006 to represent the St James' Park club for an additional season before retiring.
Newcastle's Papiss Cisse Gives Out Gifts, Invites Young Fans Over for Christmas
Dec 24, 2015
Newcastle United's Papiss Cisse celebrates his goal during their English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Southampton at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Sunday, Aug. 9, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
"I'd like to wish all of the Newcastle fans a Merry Christmas and all the best for 2016," he said, according to Adam Shergold of MailOnline. "It is important to say thank you for their support throughout the year and this was a way of showing that. I like to work hard for the fans and show them that I care."
Cisse has performed similar acts of kindness over the holidays in the past and also held a barbecue for fans in the summer of 2013.
Pavel Srnicek, Former Newcastle Goalkeeper, Suffers Cardiac Arrest
Dec 21, 2015
11 Feb 1996: Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek directs his team mates during an FA Carling Premiership match against Middlesbrough at the Cellnet Riverside Stadium in Middlesbrough, England. Newcastle United won the match 2-1. \ Mandatory Credit:Mark Thompson/Allsport
Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek is in a critical condition in hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest.
According to BBC Sport, the 47-year-old’s agent, Steve Wraith, revealed he collapsed on Sunday while out running in Ostrava, Czech Republic. “I spoke to his sister-in-law in the Czech Republic who said his heart had stopped," Wraith said. ”He is in a critical condition in hospital and remains unconscious.”
Srnicek had two spells with the Magpies, the first spanning seven years between 1991 and 1998. He is currently a goalkeeping coach for Sparta Prague.
As reported by Mark Douglas of the Chronicle, the former goalkeeper was in Newcastle recently to promote his autobiography. It’s written the news comes as a “major shock” as Srnicek was in “terrific spirits and seemed in excellent health.”
His former club were quick to wish their ex-player a speedy recovery:
Aside from his time at Newcastle, Srnicek also played for Sheffield Wednesday for two years, as well as brief spells with Portsmouth and West Ham United. The goalkeeper was also a regular on the international stage, representing his country an impressive 49 times.
Although his career spanned many clubs in several different countries, Srnicek is most fondly remembered on Tyneside. Indeed, his finest moments came between the sticks at St. James’ Park, pulling off wonderful saves in a plethora of effervescent goalkeeper jerseys.
Srnicek was central to the Magpies side that achieved promotion to the Premier League at the end of the 1992-93 season. He remained an often unshakeable influence at the back in what was a cavalier Newcastle team, nearly helping the St. James’ Park outfit to the league title in 1995-96—ultimately coming up just short in a thrilling title race with Manchester United.
Steve McClaren Rumours: Latest News, Speculation on Newcastle Manager
Nov 30, 2015
Newcastle's manager Steve McClaren takes to the touchline before the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester City and Newcastle at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester, England, Saturday Oct. 3, 2015. (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Newcastle United are reportedly compiling a list of potential replacements for under-fire manager Steve McClaren following a desperate start to the 2015-16 campaign.
Continue for updates.
Redknapp Considered for Premier League Return
Monday, Nov. 30
According to Darren Lewis of the Mirror, former Tottenham Hotspur and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp is "in the frame" to succeed McClaren should he be given his marching orders.
Redknapp has pulled off several escape acts in the Premier League before, and the Daily Mail's Neil Ashton gave the top-flight veteran his backing as the man to be brought in to steady Newcastle's ship:
Can see Mike Ashley turning to Harry Redknapp to get Newcastle out of this.
The 68-year-old last managed Queens Park Rangers and resigned from the post at Loftus Road in February, but McClaren's precarious position could see him make an early return to management.
The job resembles Redknapp's task at Tottenham, where he took over the club as they sat bottom of the table in 2008 before guiding them into the Champions League.
Brendan Rodgers Favourite for Magpies Job
The bookmakers have reported ex-Liverpool chief Brendan Rodgers as favourite to land the Magpies role alongside David Moyes, recently relieved of his position at Real Sociedad (h/t Metro's George Bellshaw).
ESPN's Alex Shaw has given the Northern Irishman his vote to make a swift return to the Premier League, having been sacked by the Reds at the beginning of October:
Rodgers' greatest achievement remains his work at Swansea City, taking the club from the Championship to regularly competing among the top half of the Premier League.
His time at Anfield ended under miserable conditions, but the rebuilding job at St. James' Park could be seen as an enticing option for Rodgers to get his place back in England's upper echelon.
Georginio Wijnaldum Scores 4 Goals vs. Norwich: Stats, Highlights and Reaction
Oct 18, 2015
Newcastle United's Georginio Wijnaldum celebrates his fourth goal during their English Premier League soccer match between Newcastle United and Norwich City at St James' Park, Newcastle, England, Sunday, Oct. 18, 2015. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Georginio Wijnaldum put together an unbelievable performance in Newcastle United's 6-2 win over Norwich City on Sunday, scoring four goals to lead the Magpies to their first win of the Premier League season.
As shared by Squawka Football, he became only the second Newcastle player to score four or more goals in a single Premier League match in the process:
Newcastle players to score 4+ goals in a Premier League match:
Alan Shearer (5 vs. Sheffield Wednesday) Georginio Wijnaldum (4 vs. Norwich)
It took him just 14 minutes to find the back of the net for the first time, positioning himself well to prod home a delightful pass from Moussa Sissoko, who also had a great performance in the attacking third with numerous assists and decisive passes.
Shots
5
Shots on Target
4
Goals
4
Passing
78%
Chances Created
1
Take Ons
3 (1 Successful)
He doubled his tally 12 minutes later with a powerful header, putting the Magpies back in front after Dieumerci Mbokani had equalised. Goals kept falling left and right, with Ayoze Perez and Nathan Redmond making it 3-2 before the end of the first half and Aleksandar Mitrovic adding a fourth for the hosts after half-time.
With the Canaries pressing, Wijnaldum would strike two more times, putting the match away and guiding Newcastle to their first win of the season and out of the bottom spot in the Premier League standings. Per Mark Douglas of the Chronicle, a sensational performance like that was sorely needed:
That was more like it from #NUFC. Wijnaldum simply brilliant. Huge lift for McClaren - changes complexion of Derby week.
According to ESPN FC's Paul Carr, Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink is the only other Dutchman to ever score four goals in the Premier League, meaning greats like Dennis Bergkamp, Robin van Persie and Ruud van Nistelrooy never accomplished the feat.
Wijnaldum entered the match having scored just one Premier League goal all season, per WhoScored.com. Newcastle doubled their scoring output as a team in a single match.
Newcastle United Set to Issue Club Suits After Players Arrive in Tuxedos
Oct 4, 2015
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Florian Thauvin of Newcastle United arrives in a tuxedo for the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on August 29, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United players are set to receive a club suit after some players turned up to matches in tuxedos.
Chancel Mbemba was first to do it on his debut, and Florian Thauvin followed suit for the next two games. Per the Evening Chronicle, that led to criticism from Alan Shearer, and assistant manager Paul Simpson suggested earlier in the season that a team suit might be the way to go.
I think over the time we probably will try to introduce a club suit so that we have a – it sounds the wrong word to use – but so that we have a club “uniform” so that everyone turns up looking the business.
I always think it looks good when the whole team turn up and they look smart and I think it’s a statement of intent, that’s the way we look at it.
The report claims Mike Ashley's luxury clothing brand, Cruise, will provide the suits. The company also provided suits for Sunderland in their 2014 League Cup final appearance.
Aleksandar Mitrovic Receives Red Card vs. Arsenal: Latest Details and Reaction
Aug 29, 2015
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 29: Aleksandar Mitrovic (2nd R) of Newcastle United is shown a red card by referee Andre Marriner (1st R) during the Barclays Premier League match between Newcastle United and Arsenal at St James' Park on August 29, 2015 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United striker Aleksandar Mitrovic received a straight red card in his side's home clash with Arsenal just 16 minutes into the match.
The BBC's Andy Cryer revealed the details of the offence: "The Serbian stamps down on Francis Coquelin as he stretches for the ball and horribly mistimes it."
Referee Andre Marriner's decision has divided pundits and journalists alike.
According to Cryer, former Premier League footballer Danny Mills told BBC Radio 5 Live: "That is not a red card offence. He mistimes it. It's possibly a yellow card, but it's not particularly violent."
Ryder agreed with Mills:
Have suffered heavier challenges in the fruit and veg aisle in Tesco #nufc#afc
Papiss Cisse and Ayoze Perez will be available to come in for the Magpies, but the sending off only served to compound their difficult start in the Premier League next season.
Mitrovic will need to seriously improve his discipline or Newcastle could be facing another season of fighting to survive.
Florian Thauvin to Newcastle: Latest Transfer Details, Reaction and More
Aug 19, 2015
MARSEILLE, FRANCE - APRIL 5: Florian Thauvin of OM in action during the French Ligue 1 match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) at New Stade Velodrome on April 5, 2015 in Marseille, France. (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images)
Newcastle United have announced the signing Florian Thauvin from Marseille for an undisclosed fee:
However, the Magpies will send Frenchman Remy Cabella to Marseille on a season-long loan in return, per the team's official announcement.
Here’s a glance at what Thauvin, a 22-year-old French Under-21 international, will bring to St James’ Park:
The winger certainly possesses all the traits to be a top quality player. Blessed with a sharp turn of pace, quick feet and an eye for a pass, the midfielder was once viewed as one of France’s brightest prospects. But there’s no denying there is an element of risk when it comes to this particular transfer.
As noted by Tom Williams of Agence France-Presse, his acquisition bears resemblance to another Frenchman once signed by the Toon Army:
Florian Thauvin can be electrifying on his day but has been a big disappointment at Marseille. This is a Ben Arfa-style punt from Newcastle.
Indeed, after signing for Marseille from Lille in 2013, Thauvin hasn’t blossomed as many expected. Goals have been hard to come by in the French top flight, and for a player who seems to pride himself on being a creative midfielder, assists have been scarce too. According to WhoScored.com, he only notched four assists in Ligue 1 in 2014-15.
Likewise, Cabella struggled to find his form for the Magpies in his debut season with the club and lacked consistency in his play all season long. Marseille will hope the Frenchman can recapture the form that made him a hot commodity before landing on Tyneside.
Thauvin will be hoping to make a major impression in English football, although it may take a little bit of time for him to become better acquainted with the pace of the league.
If everything aligns for him in the black and white, then the Frenchman has all the qualities to become an instant hero for a fanatical set of supporters. But there’s still plenty of developing for the youngster to do before he scales the levels so many expected of him when he first burst onto the scene.
Daryl Janmaat Receives Red Card vs. Swansea: Latest Details and Reaction
Aug 15, 2015
SWANSEA, WALES - AUGUST 15: Daryl Janmaat of Newcastle United walks off the pitch after receiving a red card during the Barclays Premier League match between Swansea City and Newcastle United at Liberty Stadium on August 15, 2015 in Swansea, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
Newcastle United right-back Daryl Janmaat has been sent off for collecting two yellow cards in the first half of their match against Swansea City.
The Dutchman was twice booked for fouling the excellent Jefferson Montero, who, after tearing apart Branislav Ivanovic a week earlier, had set his sights on doing the same to Janmaat.
The Chronicle's Lee Ryder shared the details of Janmaat's two bookings:
Janmaat booked for late challenge on Montero #nufc#swans
Watching the game for Sky Sports' Soccer Saturday, former Premier League footballer Matt Le Tissier could not believe Janmaat's decision to pull Montero's shirt. He said: "He's just pulled him back! Pulled his shirt back—he's on a yellow card—what was he thinking? Second yellow card and off he goes."
The 26-year-old will now face a one-match ban for his troubles, meaning he will miss Newcastle's difficult trip to Old Trafford in Week 3.
As demonstrated by the juggling required of their back line in the wake of his departure, the Magpies have very few options at right-back, meaning Mbemba will likely be forced to play out of position once again in their next match.
Newcastle are enduring a difficult start to the season, and things could now go from bad to worse.
