Habib Beye Watch - Hull

Habib Beye was absent from the squad for the first game under caretaker Chris Hughton due to the achilles injury which has plagued his season thus far. David Edgar provided a robust replacement in the first half but struggled as Hull gained a foothold in the second half.

Newcastle were forced into a change of formation and personel due to a growing injury list and paper thin squad. Michael Owen had a lively game 'in the hole' but was unable to spark anything in front of him with an unfit, static Ameobi and a bewildered debutant Xisco playing around him. Keegan's concerns about cover for the full back positions were realised and an eager N'Zogbia was left to be winger, full back and dead ball specialist which took it's toll as he was horribly out of position for Hull's winning goal.

All in all a dismal performance, highlighting that the club's policy of buying cheap, young talent for the future will do nothing for the immediate requirement; to win games.

Protests aside, the team were well supported by the fans, we wish the same could be said of the board.