Newcastle United News Thread!

by Young_Towzer Tue 31 May 2011, 9:49 pm

First topic message reminder :

Toon fan in peace here, who would the fans like to see us buy and who are realistic targets for us?, i've made a few suggestions, opinions?.

Lewis McGugan - N.Forest
Shane Long - Reading
Daniel Sturridge - Chelsea - (Loan)
Jason Puncheon - Southampton
Kevin Doyle - Wolves
Demba Ba - West Ham
Mark Noble - West Ham
Nicky Maynard - Bristol City
Grant Holt - Norwich City
Roger Johnson - Birmingham City
Oba Martins - Whoever he's at !
Charles Nzogbia - Wigan
Hugo Rodallega - Wigan
Niko Kranjcar - Spurs
Giovanni - Spurs
Matthew Upson - West Ham
Taiwo - Marseille

Cheers
Steven.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:26 pm

I'd rather take £8m and Insua so we actually have an established left back there. Must admit I've not seen much of him; how do you rate him Leak?

by **Crimey** Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:27 pm

He looked pretty promising, a bit rough around the edges but certainly not a bad option. I didn't think we should have loaned him out last year as I rate him higher than Konchesky.

He's also Argentine so could get on with Coloccini and Jonas.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:30 pm

Seriously Obertan???? another french player is not what we need. I still predict if we get off to a poor start pardew will almost certainly lose the dressing room and the french will do woteva ben arfa says. I think we are in a mess and if you dont think that then your delusional. If Ba gets a long term injury we are almost certainly in the fizzy pop next season. Ameobi n lovenkrands are a disgrace, Best is ok but hes nothing special. Just over a week now and all we are doing is pissing about trying to sign B rate players like bridge or obertan. shocking!

by Geordie Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:31 pm

Whats the crack with the Erdinc deal? Has it gone to the dogs aswell....

We need some strikers badly. I am simply NOT happy going into the season with Ameobi, Lovenkrands, Best and Ranger as our strikers!

Also how will all our frenchies do in their first season in the prem. Many foreigners take a season to come good. I hope ours hit the ground runnning....and injury free.

by Beer Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:32 pm

Erdinc deal is dead because his Agent decided to fanny around and we got pee'd off.

Pardew stated today that the door isn't closed on Joey, he just needs to learn.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:34 pm

Joey is going nowhere. Theres no team out there who is going to give a 29 year old with his history an £80k a week 2 or 3 year deal, aint happenin!

by Beer Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:36 pm

Exactly.

Stoke are the only club to show interest. The more rubbish he posts on Twitter, the more petulant and unattractive he becomes to potential clubs.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:38 pm

Surely bringing in a player that won't cost us a free and has looked lively in pre-season can only benefit the squad? If you listen to most of the new players they all seem to respect the club as well; Cabaye especially seems enthusiastic. Interestingly, a lot of fans thought we'd do worse without Carroll and only relying on Best, Ameobi and Lovenkrands. But guess what- our record was about the same, if not a little better. With young prospects like Ferguson and Vuckic starting to make a case for a bench place, we have some promise in them.

The significant players we've lost have been Nolan so far. If we believe that Jose is to join him on leaving the club, then that's just two players who we've lost. Cabaye and Marveaux have strengthened the midfield, Ba gives us a different option upfront and Ben Arfa and Gosling return from injuries to give depth on the wings as well. If Jose leaves then I think you're the delusional one if you don't think the club would go about getting a replacement in time. If you hadn't noticed, Ashley has started to try and run the club like a successful business and even he knows that if we don't have a proper left back we'll struggle. Lower league places = Less income.

I might change my tune at the end of the window, but at the moment I'm still optimistic of bringing in another striker, left back and possibly another defender.

by Beer Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:40 pm

I think Haris could get a run out this season, he's looked class in pre-season and Medhi Abeid has impressed alot of people.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:46 pm

Harper
Simpson, S.Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique
Marvaux, Tiote, Cabaye, Jonas
Ba, Best

Krul, Williamson, Ferguson, Guthrie, Gosling, Ameobi, Vuckic/Lovenkrands.

Not a bad team to go in to opening day with. Still wonder what we're going to do with the keeper situation. Harper is the only one that would make sense to sell, but I'd rather keep all three but know the chances of them staying happy is practically non-existant.

by Beer Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:49 pm

Rumours of a swap with West Ham, Green for Forster.

I'd expect Gosling to start ahead of Marv, with Abied over Guthrie.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 3:54 pm

I'd die inside if that happened. Swapping a promising, strong keeper for one who's approaching the latter stages of his career.

I'm still hoping Barton would have made some peace by then and would start. As long as it doesn't get to August 31st and we panic buy then we should be alright.

by Geordie Thu 04 Aug 2011, 4:15 pm

To be fair, i agree that Abied has been getting some very impressive reviews.

by Small Time Thu 04 Aug 2011, 4:37 pm

invincibleILeak (CL-6WF) wrote:I think Crouch would be a good signing for Newcastle, he's gor the experience, and I think is a decent player, as long as you have another striker he can play with.

Supposedly Warnock is being given another chance by McLeish so probably no chance of a deal. Can't think of any other decent young left backs that are up for grabs.

Neil Taylor, who is a player they've already tried to sign from the Swans and has since signed a new contract with them.

by Mr H Thu 04 Aug 2011, 4:37 pm

10m for Defoe
5m for Wright-Phillips
Season long loan for Santa Cruz
Season long loan for Van Aanholt

I'd be happy.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 4:43 pm

Spending £15m on two players who are almost 30, and paying the wages of SWP, Defoe and Santa Cruz would be insanely high. Defoe would be someone who I'd be happy with if we signed him, but I'd much prefer to try and find a younger target if it were possible.

by **Crimey** Thu 04 Aug 2011, 5:17 pm

Santa Cruz also looked dreadful last season with Blackburn, I think the lack of football has killed his fitness and confidence. Would you be confident in Van Aanholt being your main left back?

by Mr H Thu 04 Aug 2011, 5:22 pm

Fair enough, but Defoe is a proven out and out goalscorer and he'd pretty much guarantee us 15 goals which 'should' be a massive factor in keeping us up. I said 5m for SWP but dont know how much he has left on his contract at City so could get him for less.

Defoe and Ba up front with Ben Arfa operating behind could be very good.

I think Tiote is going to be a massive player for us this season. Its imperative he stays fit and doesnt rack up too many bans.

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 7:10 pm

Mr H wrote:Fair enough, but Defoe is a proven out and out goalscorer and he'd pretty much guarantee us 15 goals which 'should' be a massive factor in keeping us up

Really? He's only surpassed 15 goals in one Premier League season. Is Newcastle staying up the goal now then?

by Guest Thu 04 Aug 2011, 8:23 pm

I'd still stick that the goal is to push for a top ten finish at the end of the season. We were minutes away from achieving it last season, so it isn't too ambitious.

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 11:10 am

yer we were minutes from a top 10 mainly down to a vast contribution of Carroll n Nolan goals with Barton's assists that got us there. at this point in time we have none of them for this season, although it's obvious barton is going nowhere (no one is gonna offer him 80k a week 3 year deal at 29.) . We are left with a load of unproven, potentially injury prone french players and once again Ameobi. If we finish top 10 i will walk naked round britain for a week. sorry for being negative but where are our goals???? back line we are gonna lose enrique which is massive loss and ferguson comes in or bridge or another french left back.

by Soldier_Of_Fortune Fri 05 Aug 2011, 11:18 am

John wrote:yer we were minutes from a top 10 mainly down to a vast contribution of Carroll n Nolan goals with Barton's assists that got us there. at this point in time we have none of them for this season, although it's obvious barton is going nowhere (no one is gonna offer him 80k a week 3 year deal at 29.) . We are left with a load of unproven, potentially injury prone french players and once again Ameobi. If we finish top 10 i will walk naked round britain for a week. sorry for being negative but where are our goals???? back line we are gonna lose enrique which is massive loss and ferguson comes in or bridge or another french left back.

I agree

The core of your team last season is no longer there and I doubt you will surpase what you acheived last season. It will only take and injury to Ba and Big Bro Ameobi (and thats a cert with Ameobi lets be honest), and you are well and truely buggered. Plus with Ben Afra and Marveuax injury history, it will be a good season if you are not involved in a relegation battle. Plus I've seen you have been linked with Obertan Sorry

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 11:35 am

But looks like Barton is set to stay and Pardew is ready to welcome him back. And he's not on £80k here so god knows why he'd expect it somewhere else.

Goalkeeper and defence are the positions where we don't have to be too concerned about to start with. Three good goalkeepers, Steven Taylor comes back in at CB and Simpson/Enrique both had good parts of a season. Williamson and Ferguson/Jonas are the only backup defenders that could do a half decent job, but as long as we're not hit with two big injuries at the same time we should be alright. Nolan wasn't as good as people thought last season, picking up the scraps from Carroll's knock downs and hardly creating any chances. From what I've saw of Cabaye he looks like he'll be a more than adequate replacement. Gosling and Ben Arfa come back from injury as two 'new' signings and we've also signed Marveaux. The midfield didn't have this much depth last season so I don't seen how this could be weaker. Upfront you could argue is where we've weakened. Carroll was brilliant at getting on the end of crosses/set pieces and couldhold up the ball well, Ba looks to be our main striker with support from Best, Shola and Lovenkrands- perhaps even Vuckic this season. Pardew said in a press conference that they've had a bid turned down for a striker, so he knows they need someone else up there. The club seem to have a plan for when Enrique leaves.

I'd take Obertan on a loan if we weren't paying full wages, but only if we were to lose a winger before the end of the window. If Barton were to leave we could do with some cover down the right handside. John, you also seem to be obsessed with the fact that the players are French- does it really matter as long as they play well and probably won't have cost us anything close to an English equivalent?

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 11:41 am

I'm not against the french players ben arfa is a quality player and yes they are cheap for the club. Its the unproven and injury factors that worry me. Also if we get off to a bad start and there's a sinking ship, you need players with experience in the league, that british steel and passion to get you out of trouble that we will desperately miss with carroll and nolan gone. I'm hoping somehow, Villas-Boas decides to not play Sturridge in the first 2 or 3 games and we can nip in with a loan deal for the season.

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 11:50 am

The same British steel that has done our national team so well over the past years? You do realise how stupid that sounds; other countries do produce passionate players as well. Owen Coyle has already spoke about Sturridge and says that AVB agrees that he's a talented player and probably won't be going out on loan. Plus, if he was available I'm certain he'd end up at Bolton again.

Turns out the guy that came out talking about Barnetta wasn't even his proper agent. His, seemingly, proper agent has came out and said that Barnetta has got an injury which could leave him out for three weeks. Also seems that he's been talking to a few other clubs about Barnetta, and says the deal is off the table for the time being, but doesn't completely rule it out. The rumoured transfer fee is believed to be £5m, which would be a good price for a winger that can play both sides (I believe). Would be chuffed if we can get Barnetta through the door, another striker (or two) and maybe some cover for the fullbacks.

by Soldier_Of_Fortune Fri 05 Aug 2011, 11:51 am

John wrote:I'm not against the french players ben arfa is a quality player and yes they are cheap for the club. Its the unproven and injury factors that worry me. Also if we get off to a bad start and there's a sinking ship, you need players with experience in the league, that british steel and passion to get you out of trouble that we will desperately miss with carroll and nolan gone. I'm hoping somehow, Villas-Boas decides to not play Sturridge in the first 2 or 3 games and we can nip in with a loan deal for the season.

John you hit the nail on the head. But if you still injury free top 10 in a possiblity. But it only takes injuriess to 2 key players and your season is over which is a worry. You need to hope the Pardew has a couple of Aces up his sleeve and makes a couple of strewd signings before the end of Aug and hope you dont loose anymore players

by Soldier_Of_Fortune Fri 05 Aug 2011, 12:01 pm

Churchill wrote:The same British steel that has done our national team so well over the past years? You do realise how stupid that sounds; other countries do produce passionate players as well. Owen Coyle has already spoke about Sturridge and says that AVB agrees that he's a talented player and probably won't be going out on loan. Plus, if he was available I'm certain he'd end up at Bolton again.

Turns out the guy that came out talking about Barnetta wasn't even his proper agent. His, seemingly, proper agent has came out and said that Barnetta has got an injury which could leave him out for three weeks. Also seems that he's been talking to a few other clubs about Barnetta, and says the deal is off the table for the time being, but doesn't completely rule it out. The rumoured transfer fee is believed to be £5m, which would be a good price for a winger that can play both sides (I believe). Would be chuffed if we can get Barnetta through the door, another striker (or two) and maybe some cover for the fullbacks.

The England team and playing in the Prem are different. Stoke, Blackburn and Bolton dont do too badly with is approach and they usually around the top 10 on average.

The players you have bought arent exactly fully fledge French internationals and with the past injury history, could you see them going in comitted on a 50/50 challenge knowing they could be injured? I doubt it.

John is right in what he is saying. And you say Liverpool fans overrate there team

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 12:40 pm

I don't over rate our team, I know it isn't the best but we have some stand out performers at the back (Coloccini and Enrique were brilliant at times last season), one of the strongest defensive midfielders in the league (Tiote). The midfield has much more depth than we had last season, and that was our strongest part of our team at times. Best and Ameobi aren't good strikers, but both managed to chip in 5 goals and a few assists last season, if they can do the same this season and we bring in a goal scorer then we should be safe.

Reflecting on my point about the England national team, it is a bit stupid. But you could argue that Nolan didn't really show his grit 100% of the time, in quite a few games last season he looked lazy and uninterested, in a way his goals kind of helped people look past that.

SOF, quite a few of our players don't jump in for 50/50s, and those that do seem to end up with a booking half the time Laugh

by Geordie Fri 05 Aug 2011, 12:41 pm

I say again....I will not be happy AT ALL, going into the season with a striker line of AMeobi, Ba, Lovenkrands, Best and Ranger.

You'd find more pace power and enthusiasm at our local sunday teams like North Shields, Byker etc etc...

I rate the players we have brought in (Mehdi looks a find, Marvaux looks quality, Ben Arfa etc)...but i agree...its the injury proneness...and how they will cope once they get a few kicks from a few lads...and the heads go down.

I have a feeling Vuckic may get a few games this season IF he stays injury free....hhmmm common theme or what.

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 12:45 pm

Can't really blame Vuckic for how long he's been out, he had to have knee surgery and the club saw no reason to rush a promising youngster back. He's another player that always seems really happy to be playing for the club, so I hope he has a few good appearances. But not enough to get other clubs sniffing around him Wink

I won't be happy with a front line like that, but I don't want to judge the manager and board about it until the end of the window. Still plenty of ime to bring some new faces in.

by Geordie Fri 05 Aug 2011, 12:51 pm

I hope so churchill...i guess its just Newcastle fans are used to nothing happening before the window closes...that we are concerned.

I really do hope they are doing the as same with the Marvaux and Cabaye deals and keeping other transfers totally under wraps....but i wait and see.

by Soldier_Of_Fortune Fri 05 Aug 2011, 12:56 pm

Churchill wrote:I don't over rate our team, I know it isn't the best but we have some stand out performers at the back (Coloccini and Enrique were brilliant at times last season), one of the strongest defensive midfielders in the league (Tiote). The midfield has much more depth than we had last season, and that was our strongest part of our team at times. Best and Ameobi aren't good strikers, but both managed to chip in 5 goals and a few assists last season, if they can do the same this season and we bring in a goal scorer then we should be safe.

Reflecting on my point about the England national team, it is a bit stupid. But you could argue that Nolan didn't really show his grit 100% of the time, in quite a few games last season he looked lazy and uninterested, in a way his goals kind of helped people look past that.

SOF, quite a few of our players don't jump in for 50/50s, and those that do seem to end up with a booking half the time

Where did I say jump. Flying in which means going in comitted and winning the ball? Doh

Tiote is decent but I feel Newcastle fans do overrate him, for him to be a better player, you will need him to contribute more as in terms of assists and goals. Your not a good enough team to accodimate midfielder who soley defends.

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 1:05 pm

Falcon, Carr has a list of potential targets for every position. I remember in an itnerview a couple of months ago he spoke how he has teams of targets so he has options for every position. Let's not forget he spent most of last season in Germany, Holland, Belgium and France so it's not like he hasn't been scouting a lot. He's also the man who said Newcastle need 6 new players this summer. I'd say Pardew would also have a few targets in mind as well.

SOF, without Tiote we would have dropped a lot of points last season. Most of the time we lacked someone who could break up play and stop people getting past the midfield. In the Arsenal game in particular he did a brilliant job at nullifying the threat fo Fabregas. He's so calm on the ball when he gets it off an opponent, so fun to watch his trademark stepovers to get past an opponent before laying it off to someone else. I'm happy for him just to get a couple of assists as long as he proects the back four. Nolan complemented him in a way because it gave Nolan the free role to go forward because Tiote would be safe dropping back. As long as he has an attacking player beside him then he'll shine.

And as for the 50/50, surely flying in means the same as jumping in for it. If you said going for it and actually being successful then it's slightly different.

by **Crimey** Fri 05 Aug 2011, 3:11 pm

I think one more decent striker and your squad looks better than last year, you've already replaced Nolan really and the only thing missing is somebody to lead the line IMO.

I think you're probably on course for around the same position as last year which wouldn't be bad, the thing I'd be worrying about this year is second season blues, we've seen time and time again teams stay up the first year only to drop down the second year, a strong mid-table finish would be good for you.

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 3:28 pm

Just coming up on SSN, but I'd like to see us go after Bendtner. I know he's got a bit of a ego problem, but he's a striker I've always thought looks good enough when he's had the games.

I think comparing how our squad has changed ith clubs around us, we haven't done too bad.
Aston Villa - Weaker without Downing and Young
Blackburn - Weaker and may be even weaker if they lose Samba.
Bolton - Stronger in midfield, but need another striker.
Fulham - Stronger and have all their strikers fit again.
Stoke - About the same, but look as if they'll get stronger.
Sunderland - Tons stronger.
West Brom - Again, about the same. Need signings to improve.
Wigan - Considerably weaker without Zog.
Wolves - Strengthened with Johnson at the back.

You could say that if we get another striker in our squad will have improved, or stayed the same as last year. Just pointing out that some of the competition have got weaker as well.

Edit: Richardson joins Leyton Orient on an inital one month loan with a view to an extension. Hope he gets the games and they extend the deal.

by **Crimey** Fri 05 Aug 2011, 4:16 pm

Yeah, I don't think your squad is in as bad of a position as people are making out, you coped with for a half of last year with a weaker squad than you have now, IMO you just need a striker that can get you the goals and you're pretty much set.

by Guest Fri 05 Aug 2011, 7:39 pm

Hopefully.

Completely unrelated but this made me laugh. Go Shola!

Spoiler:

by Liam_Main Fri 05 Aug 2011, 7:49 pm

Churchill wrote:Hopefully.

Completely unrelated but this made me laugh. Go Shola!

Spoiler:

That's brilliant Churchill couldn't help but laugh laughing

by Geordie Fri 05 Aug 2011, 8:41 pm

Ha ha ha ha ha thats class......

With regards to the midfield...i think Tiote and Cabaye could be a top drawer centre mid pair.

by Guest Sat 06 Aug 2011, 8:11 am

Daily Fail reports Obertan agreed and will sign on Monday. Fee rumoured to be £3m, which is quite high considering Man Utd signed him for the same fee and he hasn't exactly shone. I'm taking the positive that his form at the Toulon Tournament and Man Utd seeing something in him means he won't be a complete flop Very Happy

by **Crimey** Sat 06 Aug 2011, 11:26 am

I would have thought N'Gog would have been a better option than Obertan, although neither are brilliant at least N'Gog has more top flight experience and I think looks a better player, I suppose the fee will have put you off.

by Guest Sat 06 Aug 2011, 3:50 pm

I'm not being funny but what has obertan done at old trafford that deserves a 5 year deal and £3m price. Everytime i saw him at OT he ran and ran and ran and then either ran it out of play or attempted 5 step overs before giving away possession. Seriously another french player to join the list of unproven and somewhat injury prone others we already have. If you dont have a striker you end up in fizzy pop league. I'm not sure Shane Long is the answer either. Ok the lad has finishing ability and pace but small frame so wont hold up ball, likely to play alongside Ba, thoughts on that partnership?

by Guest Sat 06 Aug 2011, 5:01 pm

Don't really think you can class Obertan as injury prone. John, think you seriously need to think about some anti-depressants! £3m is only £1m extra for what we got for Routledge, who just ran and didn't do much defending. At least Obertan looks quicker and has a bit more skill.

Long wouldn't have been my ideal choice for a striker but I'd take him upfront with Ba or Best.

by Guest Sun 07 Aug 2011, 10:16 am

Opening day update: Arsenal expected possibly be missing Verm, Gibbs, Fabregas and RVP.

by **Crimey** Sun 07 Aug 2011, 10:25 am

You might have a good chance of beating them if they don't have any of those guys, without Gibbs and Verm who can they play at left back? No real firing power and their main creative force is gone. I think it's probably the best shot you'd have at beating them.

by Guest Sun 07 Aug 2011, 10:35 am

Well we took 4 points off them last season and if we make it to the game with no injuries and Enrique at the club then I think a draw would be the minimum expectation. First home game of the season so we should come out strongly to try and lift the mood after a damp (haha, ignore the pun) pre-season.

If I'm not mistaken they won't have Diaby or Walcott either. But they'll still have good players like Nasri, Gervinho, Ramsey, Arshavin and Song in midfield so it'll be tough.

by **Crimey** Sun 07 Aug 2011, 11:48 am

Obviously it won't be a walk in the park, but I think you'd have every right to be dissapointed if you didn't even manage to snatch a point off them when they have a team as weak as it'll be all season.

I think Arsenal will be the team to drop out of the top 4 this year, especially if they lose one of or even both Nasri and Fabregas.

by Soldier_Of_Fortune Sun 07 Aug 2011, 11:59 am

Churchill wrote:Well we took 4 points off them last season and if we make it to the game with no injuries and Enrique at the club then I think a draw would be the minimum expectation. First home game of the season so we should come out strongly to try and lift the mood after a damp (haha, ignore the pun) pre-season.

If I'm not mistaken they won't have Diaby or Walcott either. But they'll still have good players like Nasri, Gervinho, Ramsey, Arshavin and Song in midfield so it'll be tough.

Rumour has it Enrique fee has been agreed with Liverpool. £5.5mill thumbsup

by **Crimey** Sun 07 Aug 2011, 12:00 pm

Soldier_Of_Fortune wrote:
Churchill wrote:Well we took 4 points off them last season and if we make it to the game with no injuries and Enrique at the club then I think a draw would be the minimum expectation. First home game of the season so we should come out strongly to try and lift the mood after a damp (haha, ignore the pun) pre-season.

If I'm not mistaken they won't have Diaby or Walcott either. But they'll still have good players like Nasri, Gervinho, Ramsey, Arshavin and Song in midfield so it'll be tough.

Rumour has it Enrique fee has been agreed with Liverpool. £5.5mill

To be fair that rumour has been running the mill for months. I won't be convinced until either Newcastle or Liverpool confirm it.

by Guest Sun 07 Aug 2011, 12:27 pm

Jose's been linekd with Liverpool since January, and the fee has always been varied in the press. That's the lowest I've seen it reported. Surprised Kenny hasn't tried to get Enrique signed early, or whether his interest has fallen since Enrique's drop in form towards the end of the season.

Pardew has came out and said that the club haven't received a solid bid yet, but acknowledged there was interest.

Hope the club don't do the same as they did with Carroll and wait until the last day and not bring in a replacement by then.

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