Here are the major news stories associated with the Newcastle club for today in no particular order of priority.
A very slow week in terms of bringing defenders into Newcastle – and Sam today talks of his frustrations in that area.
He does reiterate that he wants 4 new players in before then season kicks off in 3 weeks time at Bolton. News yesterday afternoon that Newcastle have bid £7M for a defender – but we don’t know who that player is.
We know Sam is stepping up his activity to get the 4 players he still needs – let’s hope we get a breakthrough in the near future. 😀
- News yesterday afternoon in the Evening Chronicle that Sam has bid £7M for a top defender. The name of that defender has not been released but bets on this site range from Philipp Lahm to Gabriele Heinze to Nicky Shorey. What is clear is that Sam is after proven premiership players and doesn’t want to bring in too many players from the continent who don’t have that experience yet. As Sam rightly points out too many continental players could adversely affect out initial results as these players get used to the league. This article has been popular with our readers – as they wonder who the defender is – and has received over 100 comments.
Gabriele Heinze – will he come to Newcastle?
- Sam has had a frustrating week in the transfer market. That comes across loud and clear during an interview he gave today. Sam still wants 4 good players in before the season starts at Bolton in exactly 3 weeks time. We think that’s going to be very important to ensure our defense for once is completely up to scratch next season. Geremi and Rozehnal are two excellent signings for us – but we need more – and Sam knows that.
Allardyce – frustrated with transfer progress
- A good interview today with our new center-back David Rozehnal. David and his wife have settled in quickly at Newcastle as they moved here a full week before training started. David’s wife is pregnant but – as we had expected – Sam and his staff have seen to everything for her – and David is delighted he has been able to concentrate on his football. Of course Sam is renowned for getting the very best out of players and this is one very good reason – keep the wife and player happy – and he will play well for you. It’s so obvious but how many clubs really do this well? Newcastle do now.
David Rozehnal – settled in well
- Now that we have had our first injury during Sam’s reign we have our own article on injuries and how important it will be this season to cut the number of injuries down. Michael’s injury is not serious but it does remind us that we cannot be successful with the same level of injuries we’ve had these last couple of years. We hope that Sam’s scientific methods will help cut down on the injuries. We are also glad to see Sam is recruiting well for his back-room staff – who will be very important to us for multiple reasons in the future.
Michael Owen – injured again
- Here’s the current betting on who will be Newcastle’s new captain. Shay Given is favorite with Steven Taylor just behind – two players with strong attachments to the club.
1-2 S Given, 9-4 S Taylor, 15-2 N Butt, 16-1 N Solano, 20-1 M Owen, 25-1 J Barton, 50-1 M Viduka, 66-1 S Carr.Shay Given – current betting favorite for Captain
- Here’s some funny football quotes for today. This is to lighten up the day as you think of the great defenders Sam will be signing for us next week. 😀
“We’ve got great speed in the team, not just Gary Speed, but great speed!” Bobby Robson
“Their football was exceptionally good – and they played some good football.” Bobby Robson
“How are they defensively, attacking-wise?” Ron Atkinson”
He must be lightning slow.” Ron Atkinson
Sir Bobby Robson – with lovely wife Elsie
We always appreciate your comments on these stories.
9 comments so far
nightfall
Jul 21, 2007 at 11:46 AM
Comment #1it would be great if we’d get heinze…he could help colloccini settleing in 🙂 (if we decide to sign him)
Phil P
Jul 21, 2007 at 11:54 AM
Comment #2hehe nightfall you have an unhealthy obsession with collocini i feel 😛
nightfall
Jul 21, 2007 at 11:58 AM
Comment #3no not really…there are better defenders…but i’m not sure they’d come here… but coloccini is good, avalible and cheap (only 4 mio – that’s a very good deal for such defender)
nightfall
Jul 21, 2007 at 12:49 PM
Comment #4i’m just saying that getting players from other leagues can be quite risky… so…getting berzagli for 12 or coloccini for 4 mio? and i don’t think there’s much difference between them in quality… i think 4 mio is a small price to pay for a such quality defender…who could become one of the best in the league… and if not…we’d lose “only” 4 mio and i’m sure many teams would want him on loan if he doesn’t impress, so we wouldn’t have to pay his wages… what does anyone think?
TOON1
Jul 21, 2007 at 2:24 PM
Comment #5Must agree with Nightfall ,seen abit of collucini playing 4 depor and argentina and he looked very solid no nonsense defender which we need deperately .25 years old and is quite desperate to leave depor.4m would be very good business.Havent seen anything of Berzagli ,but big sam rates him very highly.A name i would throw into the hat is anthony gardner of spurs ?available for around 3m .Very big and strong ,left footed and can play LB and CB .Any thoughts any one ?
Greg B
Jul 21, 2007 at 2:32 PM
Comment #6Barzagli is far better than Collocini IMO, Collocini has failed to settle in Spain and I feel would also struggle to settle in England.
Dutch players tend to settle well (Van Persie, Van Nistlerooy, Van Der Saar etc) and so I think Heitinga or Hofland would be good choice for center back (Heitinga is quite versatile and can play right back or defensive midfield, another position we need strengthening) and Emanuelson, Zonnerveld or Drenth would be good choices for left back.
malaysian youngster
Jul 21, 2007 at 3:55 PM
Comment #7i like this site so much.recently just addicted to this. and everyday it is a must for me to check here.where else do your guys check newcastle news?i really wish to have woodgate back to tyneside.he is doing damn well.damn solid
Greg B
Jul 21, 2007 at 5:35 PM
Comment #8Drawn 1-1 vs Carlisle, Solano scoring the equalizer in injury time!
No Owen obviously, however Martins and Geremi played some part.
Greg B
Jul 21, 2007 at 7:48 PM
Comment #9Just reading the article about Dyer on Sky. Does anyone else get the impression that Allardyce is trying to push Dyer out?
Managers are interested in other teams players every single day of the week but its very rare for a manager to come out and speculate when a club may be making an offer for one of his players.
Allardyce is quoted as saying he expects West Ham to make an offer this weekend if indeed they are to make an offer, he also says he expects more than £4mil which has been quoted. Finally he says he dosent want to lose Dyer.
Now to me that sounds like Sam is inviting West Ham to make an offer, stating more than £4mil will make him consider letting Dyer go.
If Allardyce really wanted to keep Kieron at Newcastle he should have issued a ‘hands off’ statement saying that Dyer wasnt for sale at any price.
I may be over reacting or reading too much into it but this is the first occasion Allardyce has cocked up in my opinion, why have we spent the last 2 years getting Dyer 100% just to let him leave for peanuts in todays market, Dyer is a full England international, the likes of Chopra and Nugent being signed for around £5mil would make me think Dyer was worth alot more.
Some may think we should cash in on Dyer but I am convinced Sam will get the best out of him, on his day Dyer is absolutley frightening. Id rather see him performing at full pelt for us than for the Hammers!