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 Beer Mon 09 Jan 2012, 3:04 pm

I don't think any clause exists, John.

How could he demand a Minimum Fee clause when his knee was shot to pieces? None of the journos can back this up and they would know.

by Guest Mon 09 Jan 2012, 3:57 pm

Yer I think your right. Hopefully Demba recognises the belief and support that this club have shown him in regards to his fitness and his pay packet.

A variety of sources saying £10m here and £7m there just seems to back up the point that the media are clutching at straws on this. We have the ACON on our side (negative he's away but you know what i mean) and the fact that he has a potential ticking timebomb of a knee......all of which add to the risk that potential buyers have to consider. They will come hunting our players in the summer......

by Beer Mon 09 Jan 2012, 4:47 pm

It's not surprising though, he's THE in form striker, clubs pushing for the title need a player like him, so agents will do their utmost to generate interest, knowing that any enquiry could lead to a big bid.

by Guest Tue 10 Jan 2012, 3:59 pm

Apparently we are back in for Mevlut Erdinc from PSG!

Firstly - He's awful. He rejected us in the summer saying PSG is a bigger club and I don't want to leave

Secondly - His previous manager knew he was useless and thats why Menez, Gameiro & Nene are all in front of him. Ancelotti has come in and said 'your Poopie mevlut....find yourself a new club so I can bring in Pato'

Thirdly - 1 goal in 11 apps (this season)

This is not the news I was hoping for. Ok we've lost Demba but dont go and bid in a desperation move to replace him and completely destroy the confidence of Best and Ameobi. Stinks this does and to me completely states the hierachy have no belief in keeping Demba beyond the summer. Shocking!

by Guest Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:24 pm

But we do need a striker during this month. Unlike Maiga he won't be going to ACN either. From what I've seen of Erdinc he could fit in quite well with the English game. If we can get him for a cheaper price than we could have bid in the summer then it's smart business. He's quite strong, but doesn't lack the pace that Ameobi/Best sometimes do. In some ways he could be a better replacement for Ba this month.

Rumour has it that we're working on a new deal with Ba. I think he'll sign an extension and be here next season. I also think if we hang on to our key players (Krul, Colo, Tiote, Cabaye, Ba) this month and add a striker, winger and perhaps a defender then we can make the top 8.

I know better teams will want him, but I hope the club have at least enquired about Junior Hoilett. If we only signed him and Erdinc then I'd be a happy chappy.

by Beer Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:25 pm

Speaking of Demba....

NEWCASTLE UNITED have not received a single bid for Demba Ba.

And despite Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp’s decision to broadcast a clause in the Senegal striker’s contract, the Chronicle understands that budding January transfer window bargain hunters will have to shell out a huge overall package to win Ba’s services this month.

Redknapp may well have enthused about Ba but he has not put in an offer, though he has clearly learned what it would take before telling private sources he’s unlikely to move for the ex-Hoffenheim and West Ham star.

Newcastle will remain tight-lipped on the Ba situation throughout the transfer window as they stick to their policy of not discussing transfers in public.

But it is believed that United are “relaxed” over the situation surrounding Ba, and expect to see him back on Tyneside shortly after Senegal’s African Cup of Nations bid is over.

Redknapp’s comments sparked a whirlwind of talk that as many as six top-flight clubs are keen on United’s number 19.

However, sources in Merseyside confirmed to the Chronicle that while Liverpool are impressed by his 15-goal start to the campaign, at this stage the Reds are cool on Ba.

Instead, they will persevere with former United star Andy Carroll as well as focus on other transfer targets in the striking department, with Aston Villa’s Darren Bent constantly linked with the Anfield club.

The Liverpool source said: “Everybody at Liverpool has been impressed by Demba Ba.

“There is a lot of talking going on when it comes to new players, but not about Ba right now.” It is also believed that Redknapp’s latest suggestion Ba’s release fee is “even less than” £7m is not accurate.

The price is thought to be around the £7m figure, yet that would not be the end of the splashing out needed to land the player –and the notion that someone could walk away with one of the bargains of the window has surprised United.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew launched a defiant defence last September when fans claimed that Ba was one of the transfers that had been an economic piece of business. Beyond Ba’s transfer fee, personal terms would need to be thrashed out with the striker wanting an improved package if he was to leave Newcastle after just a few months.

Combined with agent fees and insurance cover, it is thought that the overall package to land Ba would come in at a total price of over £20million, in what sources close to the player predicted to be a “very complex deal”.

Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2012/01/10/nufc-have-not-received-any-demba-ba-bids-72703-30090781/#ixzz1j4bfqjHe

by Guest Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:27 pm

I don't think Ba would have such a low release clause as £7m, but I hope NUFC pursue Redknapp for tapping up our player.

Should also mention that Jason Prior got a goal on his reserve appearance today. Very Happy

by Beer Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:32 pm

Who is Jason Prior?

£7 million would be what we would get 'cash', it would cost £20million to buy out his contract, pay agents fee's etc.

by Guest Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:38 pm

The striker on trial from Bognor Regis. Got to wear #9 for the reserves. Very Happy

That'd only be if such a clause exists. I'd be interested to hear how Redknapp has heard about a clause. I'm pretty sure if AVB started talking about how he'd be making a bid for Modric, 'Arry would be up in arms about it.

Let's not forget that, if the clause does exist, it's said to be complex. In the summer Neil Taylor and Phil Jones both had clauses in there contracts that allowed them to speak to clubs after they had bid a certain amount, but the clubs didn't have to accept that bid. This could be the same with Ba's supposed clause.

by Beer Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:46 pm

Yeah good point.

Is Jason Prior any good then?

by Guest Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:49 pm

Couldn't tell you. But it has to be pretty amazing for the lad, coming from Bogner Regis for a trial and possible contract at Newcastle United! There has to be something about him to get the scouts recognising him though. Doubt he's the replacement for Ba. Although, from John's POV this is probably a perfect example of our heinous regime. Waiting to sell off our assets in the summer and bringing in players for free because the only reason we'd bring in another player for a position is if we're selling someone who already players there.

by Beer Tue 10 Jan 2012, 4:55 pm

95 goals in 118 games for Bognor!? Shocked

by **Crimey** Tue 10 Jan 2012, 5:02 pm

If Demba Ba keeps up the scoring until the end of the season, do you think you'll be able to hold onto him? I could genuinely see Chelsea come in for him if they lose Drogba in the summer.

by Beer Tue 10 Jan 2012, 5:04 pm

Summer all depends on where we finish. If we get European football, we'd have a bargaining tool.

If we miss out, then i'd expect him to go if he maintains his level of performance.

Just hope we don't sell him this month.

by Guest Mon 16 Jan 2012, 11:13 am

Thought we were dreadful yesterday but what matters is the result. 3pts without Ba, Tiote & Cabaye was brilliant, however in my opinion our backup players just arent good enough. I thought the game changer was bringing on Hatem and starting to play on the floor. Ray Wilkins is the biggest idiot i've ever heard commentating. His constant negative comments about NUFC and attack upon Cabaye's injury stating, 'get on with it, he's not injured' was a disgrace. Ray 'my word' Wilkins needs shooting!

by Beer Mon 16 Jan 2012, 11:18 am

John wrote:Thought we were dreadful yesterday but what matters is the result. 3pts without Ba, Tiote & Cabaye was brilliant, however in my opinion our backup players just arent good enough. I thought the game changer was bringing on Hatem and starting to play on the floor. Ray Wilkins is the biggest idiot i've ever heard commentating. His constant negative comments about NUFC and attack upon Cabaye's injury stating, 'get on with it, he's not injured' was a disgrace. Ray 'my word' Wilkins needs shooting!

Completely agree mate. I'd like to think something will be done this week to bolster the squad.

Good to hear Pardew come out and confirm that he's got money and it's about finding the right targets. Centre back/Right back cover is a must, with perhaps another forward and midfielder.

James Tomkins
Ravel Morrison
Erding

That would do me.

by Guest Tue 17 Jan 2012, 2:57 pm

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2087872/Newcastle-set-sign-Papiss-Cisse.html

Just heard on skysports today. Demba must of been persuading him! Thoughts?

by Beer Tue 17 Jan 2012, 3:03 pm

Weird, i thought this last night? Great signing if it comes off.

by Beer Tue 17 Jan 2012, 9:31 pm

Newcastle have completed the signing of Papiss Demba Cisse on a 5 1/2 year deal for an undisclosed fee rumoured to be around £10million.

Brilliant, brilliant signing.

by Fernando Tue 17 Jan 2012, 9:38 pm

Excellent move by Pardew get Ba's international team mate in convince him to stay there thumbsup

33 goals in 51 apps ain't half bad i reckon it'll be next season your see the best of him though due to the ACON

by Beer Tue 17 Jan 2012, 9:39 pm

Yeah absolutely, but 6 months to bed himself in like Demba did at West Ham.

by Don Caboose Wed 18 Jan 2012, 10:45 am

It is a shame Cisse himself will be off to the ACON as I feel we need a decent forward now in Ba's absence.

As great as Best's goal was against QPR, from what I've seen of him this season, that was the exception to his regular mediocre play. I'll be happy to be proved wrong though.

by Guest Sat 21 Jan 2012, 6:22 pm

Defence was shocking second half, however it starts from up top. The failure of Best & Ameobi to hold the ball up to ease the pressure on the back 4 contributed massively to this result. Pardew is doing good job and is easy to overreact. We desperately need a centre back and spending £10 on Cisse was a suprise, especially when the ACON is again being staged next season.

by Beer Mon 23 Jan 2012, 2:54 pm

Apparently bid for Adrian Mariappa from Watford? Good move. No point splashing out £10million on a defender when Taylor will be back next season. One for the future.

by Geordie Mon 23 Jan 2012, 4:02 pm

John wrote:Defence was shocking second half, however it starts from up top. The failure of Best & Ameobi to hold the ball up to ease the pressure on the back 4 contributed massively to this result. Pardew is doing good job and is easy to overreact. We desperately need a centre back and spending £10 on Cisse was a suprise, especially when the ACON is again being staged next season.

Whilst Best is never gonna set the world alight he is a solid forward...you know what your gonna get....

Unfortunately this is the same for Shola...but what you get is utter tripe!. How the guy has been in a premiership club for 10+ years is absolutely beyond me..... The guy cant pass, he has the first touch of a baby elephant...he cant head despite being 6'4 ish, and gets knocked off the ball by people like Evra despite being about 15st......

He should be packed off to gateshead which is about his level!

by Geordie Wed 25 Jan 2012, 3:55 pm

Negotiations underway at the moment for Wilifried Zaha, but bid for Mariappa rejected....

by Beer Wed 25 Jan 2012, 4:13 pm

GeordieFalcon wrote:Negotiations underway at the moment for Wilifried Zaha, but bid for Mariappa rejected....

The Zaha bid was always based on whether they made the CC final.

Hearing rumours of Morrison bid again.

by Guest Wed 25 Jan 2012, 4:18 pm

I know he's a raw talent zaha but he hasnt set the world alight in the championship. Okay, he's playin for a bad palace side but to not have scored in his last 17 games at that level worries me alot! What the price agreed?, anything over £6million is astonishing, £10m on Cisse & now this when we desperately need a centre back..........

by Beer Wed 25 Jan 2012, 4:21 pm

I think it's half that, John. With future fee's and such like boosting the pot,

We only need CB cover, worst case then Tavernier or Kadar will get a chance.

by Geordie Thu 26 Jan 2012, 8:13 am

At least with Senegal out...the Double D's will be home for the Blackburn game.

by Guest Thu 26 Jan 2012, 11:21 am

I reckon Ba & Cisse won't be rushed back for the Blackburn game or will start them from the bench. Sunday 5th at home to Aston Villa in my opinion would be the chance to start them both. Cisse looks a quality signing with pace, power and aerial ability like Ba. I think we need a winger to create on a consistant basis for these two as Obertan & Jonas continue to fail. Been linked with Eljero Elia on loan & Zaha, so I expect some business to be done. I still think Tiote is a huge miss, especially away from home and it looks as though Ivory Coast are gonna go all the way to the end of Feb

by Guest Sat 28 Jan 2012, 10:39 pm

John wrote:I reckon Ba & Cisse won't be rushed back for the Blackburn game or will start them from the bench. Sunday 5th at home to Aston Villa in my opinion would be the chance to start them both. Cisse looks a quality signing with pace, power and aerial ability like Ba. I think we need a winger to create on a consistant basis for these two as Obertan & Jonas continue to fail. Been linked with Eljero Elia on loan & Zaha, so I expect some business to be done. I still think Tiote is a huge miss, especially away from home and it looks as though Ivory Coast are gonna go all the way to the end of Feb

I entirely change my opinion upon rushing back the demba's!, we better have a jet fuelled and ready to go from africa to bring the boys home cos ameobi n best are a disgrace! typical f.a cup disappointment to lower league opposition, our wingers are shocking!

by Geordie Mon 30 Jan 2012, 12:42 pm

Reports claim that Yanga-Mbiwa In For Medical At Newcastle
Former French u-21 defender (22yo) and Captain of the Montpellier team currently top of the French Division.

He was born in the Central African Republic but has represented france at u-21 level, and he's yet to decide who to represent at full international level!

Got a high number of Reds and yellow cards mind.

by johnson2 Mon 30 Jan 2012, 4:07 pm

We need to stop becoming over reliant on Africans though. Cant build a team round Ba, Cisse and Tiote (plus one or two others) if they insist on leaving for COF every couple of years.

by Guest Tue 31 Jan 2012, 3:33 pm

ACON is next year aswell apparently. Mariappa deal looks dead but you never know. Also confirmed Demba Ba & Cisse will not be included in the game against Blackburn.....oh dear!

by Geordie Thu 02 Feb 2012, 8:18 am

Well nice to see we can win games despite being attrocious. If they had a finisher we'd have been beaten.

And as for Ameobi....well do any words need to be said???!!!

by Beer Thu 02 Feb 2012, 8:55 am

I think the best thing to do with Shola is treat him like the prize horse that he is and stick him in a stable where he can be looked after and pampered and roll him out for the games against the Mackem's.

by Mr H Thu 02 Feb 2012, 9:49 am

I'm not joking, i genuinely think i would have played better than Shola did last night, he was god awful. Thank god Cisse and Ba are back for Sunday.

by johnson2 Thu 02 Feb 2012, 12:09 pm

Great result, but my god Blackburn play a disgusting brand of football.

They play like they are losing 1-0 with a couple of minutes to go... all game. Anytime they had a dead ball within 80 yards of the goal it was just hoofed up. Dispicable tactics, no wonder they hate Kean. All he is serving up is a less successful version of Allardyce football.

Hoillett is also a disgusting cheat, and Dowd is an arrogant nobody.

by Guest Fri 03 Feb 2012, 11:45 am

Was the complete opposite of the Fulham game where we dominated and lost. Great result and to be ahead of Liverpool & Arsenal is a magnficent achievement at this stage of the season. The Senegalese are back for Aston Villa, so Ameobi is finished for the season. Great to see Obertan score, he's still the worst player I've ever seen. Getting Cabaye & Tiote back ASAP is crucial as Perch will be found out against better opposition.

by Mr H Mon 06 Feb 2012, 11:42 am

Cant believe im the first person to comment on how good 'that' goal was by Cisse! What a start to his toon career. Apart from the goal i thought he played well, the link up play between him and Ba was great and it seemed like they really enjoy it. Ba was again a beast.

My MOTM was Guthrie, thought he had a blinder to be fair. Really stepped up to the plate and ran the show in the middle. I also tip my hat to Perch, he was steady if not sensational and went about his business well. Also very impressed with Santon and Jonas on the left, Jonas is an absolute workhorse, he'd run all day.

The less said about Obertan the better really, he was so wasteful in possession and his constant refusal to put the ball in the box drives me mad.

Williamson also scares the hell out of me. Good job he's got the best keeper in the league behind him eh....

Fifth place, 42 points, only 4 points less than the whole of last season! With Tiote and Cabaye to return, why the hell cant we qualify for the Europa League?

Finally, massive props to Pardew. I massively underestimated him as a tactician, he actually knows what he's doing. He's also very shrewd in the transfer market. He's guaranteed himself a long career now, because if he leaves Newcastle he wont be short of offers.

Senegal is now my new favourite country! COME ON THE TOON!

by Guest Mon 06 Feb 2012, 12:01 pm

I agree with the majority of what you say, truly magnificent season so far and a fantastic result yesterday with key men still missing from the side in Tiote & Cabaye. Danny Guthrie was superb and ran the show from the middle and the Demba's provided the goals and the all round workrate and constant threat that Ameobi & Best fail to produce. If Tim Krul doesn't get into the team of the year and they choose Joe Hart it would be a disgrace as he's been sensational.

We desperately need a quality winger in the summer and another centre back with premier league experience such as Samba. I'm not sure how advantageous it would be for Newcastle to achieve Europa League football with such a small squad of players at hand. With the ACON being held next season as well the strain will begin to tell, just look what's happened to Stoke City.

The realistic target for us is 7th place AND that's not being negative. If we achieve Europa League football, not only will the big boys come calling for Ba, Tiote, Krul & Coloccini but Ashley will be forced to sell one for a big amount of money to fund Pardew's demands to bring in more players and develop a bigger squad that can handle Thursday-Sunday games week in week out.

p.s Obertan is shocking

by Geordie Mon 06 Feb 2012, 12:12 pm

The realistic target for us is 7th place AND that's not being negative. If we achieve Europa League football, not only will the big boys come calling for Ba, Tiote, Krul & Coloccini but Ashley will be forced to sell one for a big amount of money to fund Pardew's demands to bring in more players and develop a bigger squad that can handle Thursday-Sunday games week in week out.

You know i might be deluded here...and totally wrong, but i really cant see a mass exit of players. I can see maybe Tiote going for a big fee...but i just think the likes of Colo, krul, etc are very settled, Demba is enjoying his football and has a new mate there in Cisse...and everyone can see the progression the team is making.

p.s Obertan is shocking

He has his moments...thats for sure...but then ive been a massive critic of Guthrie...who is now slowly starting to get me on his side that he can be a strong midfield player....

Lets give Pardew a chance to work his magic with Obertan.

Interesting that Pardew is a huge fan of Perch aswell...possibly as a defensive midfielder...

by newballs Mon 06 Feb 2012, 12:58 pm

Reagrding "Obertain is shocking" didn't lots of fans used to say the same thing about Jonas? He may or may not come good that's the irritating thing with flair players and probably why you'll not often see Obertan and Ben Arfa on at the same time!

The fact that both Gothrie and Perch both played so well is a real plus in the absence of Tiote and the team finally really looks like it's going places - especially given the fact we beat Blackburn again without ever playing any decent football prior to this win.

Villa were the better team up until half time but really good second half performance and a goal to remember by Cisse made it a great afternoon.

by Guest Sat 11 Feb 2012, 9:45 pm

5-0 against a magnificent Spurs side who ript our poor tactics apart and there were some embarrasing displays which just highlight our lack of depth. I really don't understand Pardew's continual belief in our wingers, especially away from home. Obertan & Jonas are shocking offensively, I mean they are wingers who cannot cross or create anything and are chosen primarily for their ability to track back Headscratch

I don't see why Ben Arfa is being treated this way. I mean, okay, he loses the ball occasionally but his goalscoring and creative ability far outweighs the ineffectual and abysmal performances of Obertan in particular. Our full backs are extremely poor and we desperately need a new right-back & centre-back. A pacey, creative.......offensively threatening winger is a must for the summer, otherwise Ba & Cisse's potential will be wasted. Tiote & Cabaye are huge losses and Perch, as predicted, was completely out of his depth against true quality in Modric & Parker.

I'm not trying to over-react but our away form against top half opposition has been poor this season.

by Guest Mon 13 Feb 2012, 10:54 am

I don't think our away form has been too bad this season, especially compared to last season where we picked up 20pts on the road. We've already got 18 this season and still got the visit Swansea, Wigan and West Brom. The away defeats have not always been due to poor play. Man City outplayed us at their place, our lack of height at the back cost us at Norwich and it was Pardew's odd tactics that were to blame against Spurs and Fulham.

I think Obertan and Jonas were picked ahead of HBA due to the defensive work they both put in. However, neither did this and seemed to be going for a more attacking approach. The majority of Spurs goals came through build up on the wings, against our fullbacks and wingers. Simpson and Santon were dreadful and often out of postion and failing to get close to the wingers.

Quite frankly you're incredibly stupid if you expected a midfield two of Guthrie and Perch to match Parker and Modric. Everyone knows the difference in quality. In fact, I'd say Perch played better than Guthrie because he misplaced less passes and wasn't afraid to put a tackle in. But it's clear that against such a dangerous midfield we have to play 5 in the middle. At the minute we're unlucky with injuries, suspensions and ACOn- but we would have been a lot more competitive with a midfield of Jonas, Cabaye, Perch, Tiote, Raylor.

Ben Arfa looks capable, but seems so lazy when he loses the ball. I read somewhere the stats about how we've picked up more points without using him than using him recently. He definitely wasn't the right option for a game like Spurs, but against Wolves I'd be inclined to go with him because Tiote will be back. Jonas and Obertan as the wingers, with Tiote, Cabaye and HBA in the middle. But if Pardew wants to stick with Ba/Cisse partnership then HBA has to be sacrificed because he's a liability as a winger.

by Guest Mon 13 Feb 2012, 1:05 pm

Churchill wrote: Quite frankly you're incredibly stupid if you expected a midfield two of Guthrie and Perch to match Parker and Modric. Everyone knows the difference in quality.

Where the hell did I say I expected Perch/Guthrie to compete with Modric/Parker. Perch is shocking! It was always going to be a big score vs spurs. How people can defend obertan and have him playing ahead of ben arfa is unbelievable! You state 'Ben Arfa is capable'.....i think you will find if we played him more often he would be much, much more than just that.

by Guest Sat 25 Feb 2012, 5:15 pm

2-2 vs wolves is an appaling result. we thought we'd won the game after 45mins just like fulham game. williamson was dreadful and tiote, cabaye all looked rusty after games out. ben arfa came on and was energetic but its hard for him to impact when he's not playing regularly. disappointing day and leaves us really in no mans land (we're not gonna get 4th or 5th and liverpool will prob get 6th, just got pick up the points n hope stoke, norwich, everton, sunderland dont pip us for 7th.

by **Crimey** Sat 25 Feb 2012, 7:01 pm

That's a very negative view (and I'm a Liverpool supporter!) Arsenal could easily lose to Tottenham leaving you equal points with them, just 3 behind Chelsea which with their form is not a big margin and even if Liverpool win their game in hand they still can't overtake you.

One bad result doesn't mean you have to start being pessimistic about things.

by packofwolves Sat 25 Feb 2012, 7:23 pm

I thought you looked very good in the first 45. Good movement, controlled passing, good ball retention and Gutierrez' goal was a lovely strike, even if we did gift you the first.

In the second half, well i don't know if it was complacency but there wasn't quite the same zip to your passing game or the same bite to the tackles in the midfield. I thought we were vastly improved in the second half and once we started committing men forwards we caused your centre halves problems.

Point each was probably a fair result on merit of performance, and a point i'm very pleased with!

by Sponsored content