He only knows how to ‘rob’ the game out of certain club favour rather than keeping the game in style for a clean match or decent fixture result. If I was JK, I would be screaming more than 52 ‘F**K’ words to him after the game last night.

His red card for a ‘very’ clean tackle by Habib Beye against Robinho last night was another addition to his very poor records as Premiership referee. Everyone (except to those from Citeh side) who saw last night game will be questioning his decision to give the penalty and further more, a red card for Beye.

The only person who thought it was the correct decision was Graham Poll, a man who is unable to count to two with any degree of accuracy, if you can remember that, and several others dodgy decision he made.

It was his ‘styles’ to add disaster to the beauty of the game, he’s also the one who gives Manchester United a laughable penalty against Bolton a few weeks ago.

He was even been suspended from any activity as the referee for any Premierships fixtures last year after awarding Chelsea another joke penalty and causing great confusion by appearing to show three yellow cards to Michael Essien, no wonder Graham Poll loves this man.

And from the soccerbase website, they will show another good example of how Mr. Styles has issued no less than fifteen red cards last season, the highest number than any other Premiership referees.

All the last three pre-season matches end-up with a 1-0 defeat. First we loss to Donny then on the Mallorca Summer Cup’s first game against Hertha Berlin and last night against the host team Real Mallorca.

Two defeats make us sit comfortable as the tournament’s bottom side. Last night, United went down from Real Mallorca star Mario early goal on the sixth minute of play, from a free-kick.

The only thing that could brighten me a little is the news that our long target Fabricio Coloccini, has claimed that we are close to agreeing the deal that will bring him to St James’s Park.

There is a great deal of uncertainty surrounding who will be where at the beginning of next season. The fact that the squad hasn’t been added to yet this summer is bad enough, but throw in the scenario that Joey Barton is in jail, Mark Viduka is injured (surprise, surprise) and Geremi and Abdoulaye Faye are risking injury in World Cup qualifiers – you’d be forgiven for being a bit apprehensive about the start of next season. Even first team coach – Steve Round – is uncertain he will stay beyond his current deal which expires next week.

A good start is crucial for Keegan’s men next season. Fair enough, there were some positive signs at the end of last season, but a bad start to this coming season could see Newcastle follow a similar run of defeats that plagued Keegan’s first nine games in charge. It doesn’t exactly help that the Magpies start at Old Trafford in a game you would bet on Manchester United to win. Then, after a home game against Bolton, it’s another tough away game, this time against Arsenal.

If Keegan doesn’t make any significant signings before these games and Newcastle suffer their normal injury crisis, it could be the awful start to the campaign that Newcastle fans have nightmares about. Like I said, a positive start, even if it is just in the performance is crucial. Keegan and the fans need to be singing from the same hymn sheet and if a bad start is made – this might not happen.

Two men who are key to Newcastle’s success are Steven Taylor and Michael Owen. First of all, they need to stay fit. Secondly, they need to tie up new contracts. Both these players, along with Steve Harper, see their deals expire in 12 months time and the last thing Newcastle need is speculation about players’ future when the January transfer windows come around. It must be one of Keegan’s highest priorities to tie these players – particularly Owen – down to a long term deal.

There has, of course, been rumours about players coming into the club on a daily basis. However, most of it has been ‘paper talk’ with no real substance. More worryingly, the more significant speculation has involved players leaving the club. James Milner has been linked with a move to Liverpool and fans’ favourite Oba Martins is apparently a target for both Manchester United and Arsenal.

Transfer rumours aside, realistically, the target for Newcastle next season is a top ten finish. That would be a nice improvement. If you were to bet on the Premier League you’d be safe in saying that the ‘big four’ will occupy the top four and if Newcastle could finish in the top six of the next mini-league then I think that would be a decent enough season. Throw in a piece of silverware and it would be an excellent season.

Keegan is, as ever, remaining positive. He believes he can get stuck into the current problems and help Newcastle begin next season well. In my view, all he needs is a little bit of luck – he has the passion and knowledge. He needs a transfer coup to come off, he needs Owen and Viduka to stay fit and he needs the fans on his side from the start. 3-0 win at Old Trafford on the opening day anyone?

Thomas Rooney – Freelance Sports Journalist