Newcastle United 5 Cardiff City 1

Feb 7 2010 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun

THEY may have bowled over the Bluebirds, but Newcastle United could be forced to wait FIVE years – Kevin Nolan has warned – before big-name signings and European football return to St James’ Park.

The Magpies’ six new signings – Danny Simpson, Mike Williamson, Fitz Hall, Patrick Van Aanholt, Wayne Routledge and Leon Best – were treated to a 10-pin bowling initiation ceremony last week, when the importance of the squad’s newfound sense of unity, of the need to “buy into Newcastle” was forcibly impressed on them.

The crack’s the best since the days of Shearer, Speed and Lee, Nolan reckons.

Hence relegation can not be countenanced again. Hence the dismantling of Cardiff City – courtesy of a brace apiece from Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands, and an own goal from Gabor Gyepes.

Aaron Wildig’s late consolation could do nothing to stop United claiming a 15th game unbeaten and, with it, a club record which has stood since 1950.

Yet while buoyant from victory, Nolan has pleaded for patience from supporters – and praised much-maligned owner Mike Ashley for splashing out in the January sales.

“We want it so when people come in, we have a core of a team which makes sure it’s strong enough to deal with them,” he said.

“When we get someone, not necessarily a bad character, but someone with a bit of a profile, we want it so they buy into what Newcastle is all about.

“It’s not about him. It’s about what we’re trying to achieve as a group of 11 players. It’s about the team, not the individual