THE exit of Jonathan Woodgate from Tyneside has caused more than a few ripples in the footballing world, but the Newcastle fans reaction to the Real Madrid move remains strangely subdued.

No St James' Park confrontations between manager and fans - remember Kevin Keegan discussing the merits of the sale of Andy Cole on the steps of St James' Park in 1995. No posse heading to the top of the city, torches burning, to demand chairman Freddy Shepherd comes out and explains himself.

And no swamping the local phone-ins demanding someone quits.

The talk in the pubs and clubs of Newcastle before Saturday's match was mixed - the fans knew the Teessider was good but they just didn't see enough of him.

The fact he's a centre-half and not a centre-forward may have played its part in their response. If Alan Shearer was sold - even now in his last season - the reaction would be far more vitriolic.

Their thoughts after watching their side go down 1-0 to a very average Spurs side on Saturday may have altered but Woodgate always appeared to them a player waiting for his next injury.

Saturday could hardly be described as the start of a new era without the England centre-back; Newcastle have spent the lion's share of the 24-year-old's 18 months on Tyneside without his services.

But he was always there in the background. True it was usually on the treatment table, in the physio's room or even preparing for a visit to the surgeon but he was there.

Now that option is gone the Magpies' defence looks woefully lightweight.

The four centre-backs they have lack that certain aura essential in a top-class central defender.

Andy O'Brien, Titus Bramble, centre-back turned full-back Aaron Hughes, and Steven Taylor will all do a job but recruitment is essential.

One man who knows all about the need for a new face is the player left with the job of tidying up after them - Shay Given.

"There is a gap there that needs filling," said the Republic of Ireland number one.

"We have to go out and spend some of that money because we will be light in that department if we don't.

"We need to bring in someone good but there's not that many clubs who have got centre-halves - or clubs that want to sell."

Hughes and O'Brien took the lead on Saturday with the Republic of Ireland centre-back having recovered from his bout of conjunctivitis.

Not surprisingly he looked off the pace in the first half with Jermain Defoe particularly stretching the centre-halves before and after the break.

The England international, who failed to find the target against Ukraine at the same venue on Wednesday, had three clear chances to score and despite hitting the target every time never extended Given.

Spurs may have had chances in the first half but Newcastle were the real threat. Time after time Craig Bellamy and the impressive Jermaine Jenas carved open the Spurs defence.

As early as the second minute Bellamy forced Paul Robinson to push the ball round the post and when Jenas escaped the challenge of Naybet on 11 minutes his cross shot through the legs of Robinson from the left side of the box slipped agonisingly past the post.

Robinson stood between Newcastle and an opener and the best of the former Leeds goalkeeper's work came just before the half hour.

Stephen Carr's cross was headed expertly by Alan Shearer for James Milner to hit perfectly on the volley, but his former teammate at Elland Road arched backwards to tip over. Carr and Milner - who could have both been playing against the Magpies on Saturday - were a big threat down the right, but they, like Newcastle, ran out of puff and ideas.

Spurs saw their chance and took it.

In the 51st minute Laurent Robert lost possession just outside the Spurs box and Jamie Redknapp broke quickly - or as quickly as he can. He exchanged passes with Freddie Kanoute before switching play from right to left to Thimothee Atouba.

Not known as having much of a right foot, Carr duly showed him inside at the edge of the box.

The Cameroon international showed his former team-mate how to finish, curling an effort inside Given's left-hand post.

As Newcastle searched for an equaliser Spurs repeatedly caught them on the break.

Carr was the saviour in the 72nd minute, clearing off the line from Ledley King's header.

Newcastle were creating few scoring opportunities with a Robert shot saved by Robinson and a penalty appeal from Shearer after an apparent shove from Atouba the closest they came.

When Robson eventually made a triple substitution five minutes later it caused far more problems than it solved.

The Magpies ended the game with four centre-forwards on the pitch and little width - a case of too much of a good thing.

Robson admitted the team did lose its shape. He said: "You could say in the last 20 minutes we didn't get the desired effect from the changes we made.

"We did lose a little bit of shape. I thought Craig Bellamy just might enjoy playing down the right with Stephen Carr.

"I played Shola left but he just kept coming in all the time. He tried to play tight balls in to Alan Shearer and they all got cut out.

"I thought we could do something with two strikers in the box. You can sit tight and do nothing.

"I tried to give them time to change things but it didn't work out."

Bellamy looked less than enamoured with the switch to right midfield but diplomatically said: "If the manager tells me to go and play somewhere then I have to do it. I am aware of what my best position is."

The sort of diplomatic advice that team-mate Kieron Dyer could do well to heed.

The midfielder's 15-minute run-out - where else but in a central position - was a strange affair of cheers and claps attempting to stifle the boos.

Dyer et al ensure Newcastle have a wealth of talent in midfield and attack - the defence is where strengthening is required.

Result: Newcastle United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1.

Read more about Newcastle United FC here.