With both Sam Allardyce and the Newcastle fans desperate for new defenders to join the club we thought we’d list eight of them we have been linked with over the last few weeks.
We’ll look at their current situation and the possibility of them coming to Newcastle within the next three weeks.
Players seem to be out there available and not too sure what the specific hold up is – but it may be different things with the different players.
Newcastle Boss Sam Allardyce
Under Pressure to Bring 3 Defenders in within 3 weeks
Here are the eight players in no particular order of priority.
Leighton Baines – Wigan
Currently in talks with Sunderland at a price of around £6M – could do a job at Newcastle. But Sam has said he wants big and powerful defenders and Leighton doesn’t fit this mold. But if he was brought into Newcastle he would certainly strengthen the squad and has played many times with Steven Taylor for the England Under-21s and has performed excellently for Wigan in the Premiership. Obviously a player we could get – so have to assume Sam is not interested. Sunderland’s gain will be our loss.
Brede Hangeland – Copenhagen
Looks a good no nonsense player – who at 6’4″ would be good addition to the squad – big and powerful like Sam wants. Wants to play in the Premiership and good reports from our readers in Norway that he has improved a lot over the last season ot two. Could be big hit at Newcastle and good value for money at around £2.3M
Nicky Shorey – Reading
Would be a great choice for Newcastle but Nicky seems unsure of whether he wants to leave Reading – but surely could be persuaded to join the Newcastle revolution by Big Sam. Probably would cost around £7M because he’s English – but looked an excellent player on his debut for England and would be a great addition to our squad – why are we waiting?
Fabricio Coloccini – Deportivo La Coruna
Good player that Glenn Roeder was said to be after in January. Has played over 25 times for Argentina and currently at Deportivo Le Coruna in Spain. Not sure what Sam thinks about Fabricio – but with other targets not coming for whatever reason – Coloccini could now be a target. Would be an excellent addition to the squad for around £4M – if that.
Curtis Davies – West Bromwich Albion
Good center-back in the Steven Taylor mold – but young and fairly inexperienced – but a very good player in the making. Overpriced currently at £8M by WBA who don’t want to lose him but WBA will soon have little choice but to let him go. Tottenham said to be interested – he would probably jump at the chance to join Newcastle but would have to fight for a starting position. Probably could be bought for around £6M once WBA come to the reality they’ll have to sell a dissatisfied player.
Edmilson – Barcelona
Great experience and skill and it would seem that Sam has almost locked this one up for Edmilson to come in January transfer window once he is fully fit – we hope so. Edmilson will probably captain Brazil in next world cup – we think he will be great capture for Newcastle and create great competition for places in defense. Can also play defensive midfield. Typical Brazilian footballer with great skills and 6′ 1†in height. Sam known to be an admirer and probably will cost very little since his contract at Barcelona ends next summer.
Andrea Barzagli – Parma
Italian defender of the future who currently plays in Sicily for Palermo and played against us last year in the EUFA cup. Young and strong but Italians very rarely leave their homeland – so not sure of Sam’s chances of getting him. Would be an excellent acquisition – but may be hard for Sam to persuade him to come to Newcastle from Sicily. The 26 year-old 6’1″ center-back is thought to be worth around £11M but could be world class in a couple of years.
Fabio Cannavaro – Real Madrid
Not much chance of getting this world class player. Fabio is one of the best ever Italian defenders and won the FIFA World Player of the Year last year. Unlikely to want to come to Newcastle and will probably return to Italy following a mediocre year at Real Madrid. Led italy to a world cup victory last year with a string of world class performances – when it really mattered.
These are some of the popular choices that fans have talked about but it doesn’t include other possibilities like Anton Ferdiannd and Wayne Bridge as examples – and maybe some others we have missed out. We would have included Bridge but he has just undergone a hip injury and is out for months – so we will not be able to get him this summer.
Who do you think Sam should go after?
Comments welcome and let’s hope Sam can get a couple in before the end of this week – we need a breakthrough.
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69 responses so far ↓
1 LiamBirchy8 // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:31 AM
what about sol campbell
2 Researchisagreatthing // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:33 AM
One ‘great’ player mentioned, the other are great because of? Achieving nothing? Playing in teams with a worse defensive record than ours? WOW!
3 bavz // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:33 AM
i think that they should get coloccini barzagli and maybe hangeland for central defence. try to get one of them and maybe shorey or what about fanni who they mentioned earlier. hes meant to be a good full back. they should definety get the beast baptista!!
4 jeff // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:34 AM
There is something not right at newcastle at this moment in time,Im not sure exactly what but with what happened with the police raids I think this has some affect on why we have slowed down on targets…..When Ashley took over there was a rumoured 50 million to spend….never confirmed,but with other clubs being taken over they have spent money and spent big in some cases……..newcastle when you look at comings and goings havent really spent alot at all leaving me to think either big sam is going to announce soon four top big money signings or the money isnt there yet,or the club are being held up on any transfer dealings with the inquiery going on……..its just funny nowt more has been said about it.
5 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:37 AM
I’d definitely have Big Sol, and no doubt he wants to join us! John Arne Riise would be absolutely fantastic signing too!
6 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:39 AM
The inquiry and raid was mainly concerned with ceasing information to do with the agents involved. The police are carrying forward the Stevens’ inquiry, in which Newcastle were NOT, and I repeat, NOT implicated in any wrong doing. Agents not the club!
7 P.collins // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:44 AM
Big Sol would be a great signing we should of got him last year , him aswell as Curtis Davies . Sol could bring on Curtis & Taylor with his Experience. If no Defenders are bought soon Sam might be pulling his boots on.
8 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:45 AM
Did anyone read the Chronicle yesterday, where Alan Oliver conveniently put a small sentence in stating that the mystery £7m bid BSA put in for a top class defender was rejected by the player because he didn’t want to sign. Bullshitting again Alan?????????? If you’re reading this Alan, we all know you’re rubbish and you dress like a tramp!!! Get a hair cut fool!
9 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Bring back Julian Dicks!
10 james // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:46 AM
“Fabio Cannavaro – Not much chance of getting this world class player.”
Not really one of the ” Eight Great Defenders Sam Can Sign for Newcastle” is he?
11 jeff // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:50 AM
kASH I read it,and rumour has it that it was heinze who turned newcastle down,which with the way things are going and with the way he seems to want to play for Liverpool its quite believable………..Although I do agree Oliver is a crap reporter on Newcastle united…..
12 Neil // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:51 AM
I kind of agree with you Jeff. Net spend of 2m is not what we were expecting when talks of a takeover were mentioned. Even the fat tw@t spent more than that!!!!! I admire Allardyce in what he has said so far about people not wanting to be here can leave however I am very concerned at the lack of arrivals. Take West Ham or Spurs as examples of how to make moves in the transfer market. I cannot believe we would let Baines sign for the unwashed without putting a bid in. If you look at the left backs that come to mind there’s only Cole (Who will never leave CFC), Bridge (Who recently signed a new deal at CFC regardless of any injury), then Baines and possibly Shorey. It’s fine SA talking about getting “big” defenders in but Cole and especially Bridge aren’t exactly man mountains are they??? We are getting left behind by so called lesser teams and I feel if we aren’t careful we will shortly be classed as one of those lesser teams.
13 Obafan // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:54 AM
I hope the tranfser of defenders starts as quickly as possible.
Sol Compbell would be a fantastic signing, together with Cannavaro (little chance of coming to the toon) or Barzagli. Then we need another LB (perhaps Riise could join us if the transfer of Heinze goes on).
But again when will it begin (bidding, negotiating). Every day is the same; watching the sites to see who we are linked with, to know that no move will be made that day. In 2 & 1/2 weeks we are travelling to Bolton, I wonder how our defence will look like at that moment?
14 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Personally I think he made it all up. Neither BSA or Chris Mort would tell him they put in a bid for anyone, especially since he (Alan Oliver) looks like the crazy man who walks round the town and shouts at the dome of monument mall!
P.Collins – I really don’t rate Davies at all. I personally believe that we have enough young defenders and we don’t need to sign Davies when Edgar and Huntingdon would show much more promise if they were given the amount of premiership experience Davies has had. I watched Davies for England U21 and he made Bramble-esque errors!
15 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:57 AM
What’s the chance of us going for Ricardo Gardner???????
16 Joe // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:58 AM
Starting to get annoyed with Newcastle now had plenty of time to bring in players. I think its Mike Ashley, Chris Mort like what Big Sam said that they don’t know that you have to go in quick etc.
17 jeff // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:03 AM
Shorey or Baines are better than we have and we shouldve been in for either one,we still might be guess we have to wait and see,but like you’s all say we are getting left behind
18 Mac // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:06 AM
I think if we can get Campbell in for just a season that will do our up and coming defenders the world of good. I think we should bring Shorey in,Yes he’s not a huge powerful defender but he is a defender and a good 1 at that. But that still leaves us at least 2 short and 1 short in Midfield. I see bad times ahead at Newcastle
19 jeff // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:07 AM
sam keeps mentioning he wants players with premiership experience……..so who is he meaning??? Campbell?Hyypia??there isnt exactly alot out there available………..if he leaves it too late other clubs wont sell cos they’ll will not get replacements intime…….could end up going into next season with what we have already and dont forget Taylor is still injured so will be worse off than last year
20 Andy H // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:12 AM
Skysports is linking Man City with Chiellini and thinks they could get him for £6.7 mil. When I have seen him play he has always looked quite ordinary to me but he is a battler and, although he doesn’t have prem experience, he seems ideal for left back in that he has the physique of a centre back. He is still young and could also play centre back.
Not sure I really want him BUT if Big Sam thinks height is more important than anything else and isn’t interested in Baines then we cannot let another defender slip away to a rival.
21 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:21 AM
Andy H – Chiellini is class, he has the potential to go on and be the best right back in the world. He’s still young but forced his way into the Juve first team. He’s tall, strong, tight man-marker (like all italians) and good on the ball.
22 Kash // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:22 AM
Correction – Left Back in the world
23 Ian // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:25 AM
The lack of transfer activity must be a direct result of the takeover, with Sam himself admitting his frustration surrounding the slowness of Mort/Ashley a week or two ago. Reading between the lines this may suggest that money wasn’t being made available to Sam at this time because of the “review” of the club which Mort mentioned in his first few interviews.
It may be that the situation has now changed but the recent lack of transfers is puzzling to say the least. I think I’m right in saying that the net summer spending by the toon is the lowest of any Premiership club, and such limited spending isn’t going to project Newcastle to the heights the fans deserve.
I think Sam should be applauded for the four signings he brought to the club for very little money, but come on Mort/Ashley when are we going to see your millions.
Show me the money!
24 P.collins // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:25 AM
I agree Jeff, Sam has cleaned out the whole backline and there’s nothing in the pipeline none of the rumours even sound promising we all seem to be panicing at the moment but you can understand why. I really hope Sam does have something up his sleeve, because the clock is ticking and it’s a fortnight on saturday till kick-off with no replacements looking near to signing.
25 Neil A H // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:27 AM
Starting to get quite a bit worried now. I think we’ve fallen behind West Ham with there recent Ljungberg signing. That would put us at seventh behind the big four and Tottenham. We need signings. Baines going to Sunderland is a disgrace. We should be signing him. Who cares how tall he is. Hangeland should also come.
26 Mac // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:30 AM
If Mort and Ashley don’t do something very soon it could turn out to be the biggest waste of money in history. With our current defensive crop i see a long and dangerous religation battle ahead of us and early exits from the cup
27 Ivan // Jul 24, 2007 at 11:53 AM
nicky shorey and davies for sure
28 Len Smith // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:21 PM
First choice Barzagli but that aint going to happen. Realistically, and based on the view I would like defenders who can play some football, Coloccini who looks the part and Edmilson in January. We already have several Taylor / Huntingdon / Edgar so no need to part with big wedge for Davies.
While we need full backs it seems to me Baines and Shorey and massively overpriced. This is where we need a good scouting network to find players from eastern europe / asia who are good enough for top 6 at maybe 1 to 2 million a pop rather than 6 to7. How about Crunjing Taklavitch who plays LB for Elbonia for a start?
29 dazzle // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:25 PM
we need to buy defenders and soon, because they are going to need time to gel, i would like to see hangeland, colocinni, drength, campbell also think that baptista would be a excellant attacking midfielder to replace dyer
30 Stephen Yeardley // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:29 PM
Len, I think you’ll find that Taklavitch has only really performed when playing with his inside partner Hakka Legkov to back him up. We’d need a translator as well, so it’ll be another member of Sam’s backroom team too.
31 t-g-w // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:32 PM
I think we should sign Barzagli – it is such a good opportunity to waste to sign a player of this quality. No, he doesn’t have Premiership experience, but if we bring in 2 Left Backs and a Right Back that do then it won’t make much difference. SHorey at Left Back is a must, although I think Bridge is a better player (has progressed greatly at Chelsea), he is always injured. Right Back is also worrying – Luke Young is going to Middlesborough and I can’t really think of a realistic Roght Back with Premiership experience. Also in terms of midfield, I think Baptista should be signed to replace Dyer.
32 Alan // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:32 PM
I’m convinced that come the start of the new season we will have the players in place that Big Sam wants. The longer they leave it the more money it will cost though. But having bought the club for £131m i doubt Ashley would want a re run of last season in his first and have the natives on his back from day one. When Dyer leaves expect another att mid maybe the boy from Brazil and another 4 defenders.
33 Brian Strand // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:37 PM
I know Hangeland and Michael Gravgaard from FC. Copenhagen who both have been connected to Newcastle, and i dont think any of them are good enough, but for me Gravgaard is the best of them, Hangeland is to slow for the premierschip. Gravgaard play together with Daniel Agger in the danish national team.
34 Mr Flibble // Jul 24, 2007 at 12:57 PM
Personally, I wouldn’t bother going for Leighton Baines or Curtis Davies. The problem with young players, is that you don’t know if they’ve peaked early or not. Despite our new found wealth, I think the cost of Davies would make a big gamble, which isn’t Big Sam’s way of thinking. As for Baines, I just prefer Nicky Shorey to him. Hopefully we’ll see Shorey come into the squad, and Edmilson in the january transfer window presuming he has no complications from his injury.
35 Andy H // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:11 PM
Sol Campbell should be our top target. I didn’t see many Portsmouth games last season but my doubts about his speed/fitness are clearly unfounded. Just watched the match against Fulham on sky and he was different class. So strong, still quick and reads the game so well. His experience is what we need to develop all the young centre halves at the club.
36 Ed Harrison // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:29 PM
Andy – Sol isn’t available – Harry Redknapp just will not let him go – and he has another year left on his two year contract. I agree he would be great at Newcastle helping Taylor and the rest along. His girlfriend is also from the area – if they are still together (?).
37 paul p // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:29 PM
we are behind the top 4, then pompey, everton, spurs, west ham, blackburn, bolton and villa. i am very very worried now, I have paid all this money out and i am not going to watch shite this season again. not at any cost.
we need to jump in and get young or nelson or fanni for right back, shorey or baines or drenthe or riise or abfor left back, 2 of king, davies, gallas, coloccini, Brede Hangeland, campbell, kompany, mexes for centre halfs, atleast and not players like zak knight or wes brown or silverstre.
38 Andy H // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:40 PM
If Caampbell isn’t available I wouldn’t mind Primus. He’s severely underrated and, although he isn’t the big name we want he is a really steady premiership player who is probably going to be squeezed out at Portsmouth.
Hopefully, this sort of player, will be last resort but would definitely make the squad better if we fail to get bigger targets to the club in the next couple of weeks. I trust Big Sam to be working hard to get a signing but if all else fails this would be great. Many people may think he is below us but he could be this seasons Sibierski.
39 Ross // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:42 PM
kash, completly off the subject, but your first comment regarding alan oliver was sheer class mate.
had a proper good laugh to myself. haha
40 Ross // Jul 24, 2007 at 1:58 PM
however, along with everybody else i am starting to get more frustrated, than worried.
its obvious that there is plenty of money to spend (should they be keeping their word and actually giving BS this 50mil or whatever it was), and that BS has the reputation to attract good players to the club, so why the sudden stall in the transfer progressions?
i am everyday telling myself not to worry, and not to get frustrated, and that BS has something up his sleeve and everything will be fine. however every day i tell myself this, is another day that goes by with an endless amount of rumours and links, and no solid action. This goes on for any longer, and thats when i will get worried.
Get shorey and baines in. Baines at the scum, is a sheer waste.
41 col // Jul 24, 2007 at 2:14 PM
to be honest. none of of know whats going on at the club regarding transfers. dont read the papers or look at every conceivable website that relates to newcastle…the manager knows what he’s doing, i believe he’s doing his best for the club, if a player dosn’t want to come, well that’s not the clubs fault. i rekon if sam says he wants 4 or 5 more players in, then he will get them. and as far as my opinion is concerned, i would have done all to get woodgate back, and sol campbell aswell.
42 apan // Jul 24, 2007 at 2:45 PM
ann riise would be good, hurm what about wes brown?
43 Dingo // Jul 24, 2007 at 2:58 PM
heres my tuppence on the missing millions…. mike Ashley, whilst a shrewd and sucessful business man is not the best communicator in the world by a long stretch. His dealings in the past have been strained to say the least because of lack of communication between the relevent parties. One of his holding companies share price dropped from 3 pound to 98 pence in feb this year and traders in the city refuse to deal with him or his company anymore. This resulted in the stepping down of his number 2 and MA floated the shares and sold up.The reason sited in the Times was ‘poor communication’
Its my thinking that although he has a proven track record at making money though his own hand, he can’t seem to relinquish the control needed for third parties to make the money, or decisions for him (see Mort/BSA). He’s a recluse for gods sake…. I mean I dont think he has even visited the ground that he paid 131 million for!!!!! I would like to see Mr.Dien (ex Arsenal big wig and MA’s next door neighbour) or some other ‘football brain’ come in and REALLY listen to BSA in order to take the club forward. After all they managed to completely take over Man City install Sven and buy quality players in half the time we have had. Anything you can do and all that!
comments welcome
44 Todd // Jul 24, 2007 at 3:27 PM
At the risk of repetitive postings, I think there can only be one fundamental issue with the dearth of signings [I believe we need eight new faces, 5 at the back, two in the middle and one up front, but that is longer post than is called for here]. The problem is money and that it is not available. The stories about the 50 million pound war chest appear to have been just that, stories. Big Sam has been bargain shopping like a man on a tight budget, not a guy with marching orders to go get whatever you need to be successful. The lack of European football is a non-issue; write a big enough check and you can bring in ANY player. Sam is shopping for mediocre defenders because that is all he can afford under whatever constraints management has put him under. Let us all be (sadly) realistic. We have just gotten an owner like so many we have here in America, they just keep the team slightly better than bad, so the fans (who cheer for the jersey, as we say) will keep spending money on the club. Ashley is doing the very same thing so far, he has us all very excited…and ready to spend money…but the team is marching strait forward into another season of mediocrity and will be luck to be in the top 12.
I hope I am wrong, but do you really think this INCREDIBLY THIN team, is going to fill all the gaps by the close of the window?
45 Todd // Jul 24, 2007 at 3:31 PM
By the way, sorry to be such a bummer given the relentlessly positive tone fomented by Ed’s excellent site/blog, but the more I look at it and as the window closes ever faster, I have to admit to myself that, absent some massive transfer activity the likes of which have probably never been seen, this team is going to be in for another rough season.
46 The Big P // Jul 24, 2007 at 3:33 PM
I be honest with ya, I am anxious about a lack of defensive signings so far. But on the whole Alleydice is no mug. No we dont want to spend 9 million on a donkey!!! Neither do we want to spend 1 million on a donkey. I believe the money must now be there but also that Mr Alleydice is not a fool with it.
Souness probably would hve blown the lot on three players by now. And poor old Roeder probably would have struggled to convince people to join Newcastle no matter what he had to spend. So I dont like this lack of movement, time is available and much work being done in a competive market.
More More More!!!! (Defenders)
47 Todd // Jul 24, 2007 at 3:45 PM
“Souness probably would hve blown the lot on three players by now.” Man that is both really funny and really true. Good point.
48 DZ Adams // Jul 24, 2007 at 4:14 PM
Who’s the seven million pound prem player whose just turned us down,anybody?
49 Shearer 4 pm // Jul 24, 2007 at 4:18 PM
word has it that portsmouth have slapped a 7m price tag on matt taylor this could be 7m figure that is going round everyone has fogotton about matt taylor class defender score goals and would relish the chance to move to a bigger club increase chances of england call up and flourish under big sam and he is young an experienced defender a great buy
50 Geordie joe // Jul 24, 2007 at 4:21 PM
Why is everybody in total panic. Why panic there is still 3 weeks till kick off. I know it is always better to get your targets early but it is not a big deal if we get them late. I don’t think the people at the top will let us go into the new season with only a couple of good defenders (asuming rozenhal is good).
They will get there fingers out soon, I am sure of it.
51 Ed Harrison // Jul 24, 2007 at 4:35 PM
Todd – i think we have to fill the gaps this summer – otherwise we’ll waste another year. We’ve got confidence in Big Sam – but maybe West Ham, Aston Villa, Spurs, Man City and ourselves are after almost any defender available.
52 Todd // Jul 24, 2007 at 4:51 PM
Ed,
You are correct, the gaps need to be filled before the Summer window ends. The sooner the better because we have all played football (I still, do, and badly, for an indoor ‘pub team’) and we know it takes time to learn where your teammates are going to be at any moment, particularly in a game as fluid and rapid as the EPL. Competition must be fierce for defenders but I don’t think competition is the problem. Rather there seems to be a disconnect between the money and manager. Moreover, the team needs more than defenders, two more midfield players are also necessary. I am not panicking, I am pointing out reality. Big Sam did good things at Bolton to be sure, but that was then and this is now. Maybe we should sign Michael Vick, he is a big strong guy and I believe he is looking for work….
53 bmore // Jul 24, 2007 at 5:09 PM
I have it from a very good source that we have a £5.5m bid on the table for Joe Ledley of Cardiff City. Supposedly in the same bracket as Gareth Bale – young, Welsh, left sided, huge potential, scores goals and can play at left back or left midfield.
May be a good one for the future – but we need experiance at left back. I would be disappointed if we didn’t make an effort for Baines – but I trust Big Sam. No doubt he has a trick or two up his sleeve!!
54 michael // Jul 24, 2007 at 5:54 PM
I agree with geordie joe. There are 3 wks til the seaon starts and 6 wks til the window shuts. Settle down everybody. Freddie just got the sack which will hopefully speed things up as the chairman is no longer in the hospital. Chris Mort confirmed that the internal review is still ongoing. The money will not become availible til it’s done. When MA has dealt with the no doubt glaring gaps in the accounts Freddy has left then Sam will have his war chest. Allrdyce is obviously impatient that “the new owners don’t appreciate you have to move rapidly” but when he gets his toy chest i’d expect a spate of new names for big money.
If it doesn’t come before August 31st it’ll come in Janurary. We’ve hardly given them enough time. Sam’s only been there 8 weeks if that.
Overexpectation is the curse of the toon, not the injuries.
55 john75 // Jul 24, 2007 at 6:03 PM
As long as we have signed some defenders (hopefully the 4 that Sam wants) by Friday 3rd August, so that they have at least a week to get to know the players around them, then I won’t be too worried. It does seem that we are falling behind other teams in terms of our tranfers at the minute, but hopefully we are not missing out on too many of Sam’s current first choice targets (although, he did say that he had missed out on all his main targets, due to the take over) and that some good, solid, reliable defenders arrive soon. Just wish like everybodty else, that things would happen
56 Nicci // Jul 24, 2007 at 6:58 PM
Settle down everyone, you’re all talking doom and gloom as you all did when Michael Owen was keeping quiet.
I have full faith in Sam Allardyce and i’m preety sure we will have our defenders before the start of the season and good ones at that.
57 ende // Jul 24, 2007 at 7:10 PM
Shorey and Baines for sure at LB. I’ll let more knowledgeable folks make suggestions for CB, but I’d certainly like to see Sol in a year or two.
Is everyone happy with Geremi at RB or do we need another face there?
58 jeff.D // Jul 24, 2007 at 7:15 PM
Faith!!! Don’t panic.We’ve just de-listed from the stock exchange, and any new transfer funding is in the Newcastle United board’s own hands.(BYE FREDDIE !AND THANKS) Now we can finally see if Mike Ashley is full ‘o’ shite , or the real deal. Lordy help him if he’s the afore mentioned.
59 michael // Jul 24, 2007 at 7:51 PM
I DON’T WANT SHOREY OR BAINES!!!
60 michael // Jul 24, 2007 at 7:59 PM
They aren’t that good and they are hideously overpriced. Why does everybody want them. We’ve just become victims of the media and agents overhyping young English players. This is exactly the sort of player we thought would be so good when we signed Carr and Babayaro. “Premiership stalwarts” are not worth 5 mill pounds or more. Talk sense. Heinze is the only decent left back we’ve been linked with and he’ll go to Milan or somewhere where argies like to play football.
61 michael // Jul 24, 2007 at 8:07 PM
And Sol in a year or two? When he’s 49? Talk a button of wisdom christ sake. He’s going to deteriorate rapidly this year. That Italian might be good, Barzagli, but for 11mill? I wouldn’t pay that for a player I hardly know. Either will Sam. This is a man who turned down Aldo Duscher (Who has full Argie caps) on a free and wouldn’t even let him finish a three day trial.
I’d expect some established big names like Deco, Hypia, and Edmilson to come trotting along hen Sam finally gets his hands on Mr Ashley’s cash. Probably next week at least if not the end of that week. As long as the strategic review is ongoing expect Sam to say how frustrated he is everday until it finishes.
62 WelshWizard // Jul 24, 2007 at 9:45 PM
Micheal –
‘Either will Sam’ – Neither will Sam mate,
‘trotting along hen Sam’ – trotting along then Sam mate,
‘frustrated he is everday until it finishes. – frustrated he is everyday until it finishes.
Your Language is usually so GOOD…….taking the piss out of others, with your knowledge you should manage the unwashed……..
63 WelshWizard // Jul 24, 2007 at 9:49 PM
i’d love to see SHOREY at LB, come on BSA, sign the boy now……
64 Mac // Jul 24, 2007 at 10:12 PM
I must admit i’m sick of hearing about the tricks big sam has up his sleeve, And i’m afraid i’m not as optimistic,yes it is nearly 3 weeks until the first game,but for some reason transfers to Newcastle seem to take this long,Barton weeks,rozehal weeks,We just don’t have the time. We’re shorter now for competition than we were last season that’s why we’re gonna be looking up at Boro and the scum all season.
65 jeff // Jul 25, 2007 at 8:31 AM
Lets see what happens now Shephard has stood down,I think there has been too much going on behind the scenes thats why its held us up in the transfer market…..Funny how last month Shephard was going to work alongside them now he is replaced,seems to me alot behind the scenes needed sorting out….now maybe we’ll see the cash thats been mentioned and players starting to arrive….If we are going to get sol campbell we need him this season not next,dunno where that story came from anyway like as harry wont sell him…..Baines & Shorey fair enough they’ve had one good season but are they not over priced??I agree with you all that we need players in but lets not forget the window closes 31st august not when the season starts…We didnt get Michael Owen or Nobby Solano until last day or two of the window couple seasons ago…Taylor is back fit now so we will start the season with him and rozehnal centre halves probs solano or geremi right back and nzogbia left if we havent signed any one before bolton game………..Thing is Sam does know what needs sorting he mentions it every interview unlike anything Roeder said,He will get it sorted……I hope ha ha !!
66 Lee R // Jul 25, 2007 at 9:27 AM
When i read about Italian defenders all I think of is Alesandro Pistone who was supposed to be the new Maldini.
67 aviluck // Jul 25, 2007 at 9:37 AM
If he could snap Baines or Shorey it will b great since both are premiership players and are very good at their left back positions. I thk both are better than Bridge. Barzagli would be an excellent buy. But i dnt think he will come.
68 Plymtoon // Jul 25, 2007 at 10:40 AM
Barzargli i think would come. Thing is he will not win domestic trophies who is with now! Everyone know footballers want to win medals. Palermo wont win anything. Italian league is too strong for them. Give them the 11mil and get him. And as for pisstony! He was pants! Barzargli is world class! If we want to get into champions league and compete. We need this type of player!
69 bottlodog // Jul 26, 2007 at 9:05 AM
Once again hope and optomism is rapidly turning to despair – unfortunately our lack of transfer activity looks strangely familiar – no matter how many players we put forward on various blogs – the depressing fact is we just aren’t an attractive proposition for any of our targets.
Sadly this has been confirmed by BSA in the Journal this morning – Of all the targets recently identified he has been unable to persuade any of them to come and join us.
Lack of European football has been cited in most cases but the reality is with the present squad, we’re highly unlikley to achieve qualification in the coming season.
I can’t help it ,but this is really getting me down especially with the manager so downbeat too
Come on Mr Ashley cough up the big bucks and rekindle some hope cos I can’t face sitting thru’ another season like the last one
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