Some news today, that’s good to report, amidst all the nonsense going on about our own Michael Owen.
First of all Steve McClaren, who visits St. James’ Park on a regular basis, has said that the England door is not closed to anybody, including Joey Barton.
Let’s look at what Steve said and where the remaining Newcastle players are off to this morning with manager Sam Allardyce.
Steve McClaren – Joey would jump at the chance if selected by England
When asked about Newcastle midfield player Barton McClaren said:
“The door’s not closed on anybody – I pick people on their performances for their clubs anyway.†“I look at people who are fit, and if they’re doing a job for their clubs then they will be picked for England.“
“I’m sure if Joey’s selected for England, he would jump at the chance.”
Barton fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot in July but came through a full 90 minutes against Rangers on Tuesday and looks to be ready for Newcastle’s home game against Tottenham Hotspur on October 22.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce and those not on international duty – including Jose Enrique and Cacapa – left early this morning for the Lake District. This 2 day trip will help all the new men in the squad bond together and get to know each other a lot better. That’s a vital element right now for the Newcastle squad, since of the 9 players Sam brought into the club by Sa, during the summer, about 6 or more are now starting for the first team.
Have a good trip lads – 3 points at home against Tottenham is next up on the fixture list, and then we’ll be in the top 5.
Comments always welcome.
10 comments so far
Graham
Oct 11, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Comment #1A Brazilian and a Spaniard in the Lake District in October – that’ll be enough for them to reach for their respective passports!
Hopefully we’ll be a more organised unit after this bondage session (sorry – bonding – I forgot that Dyer’s not here any more…:)
Mighty Mouse
Oct 11, 2007 at 5:47 PM
Comment #2nice
Tom_Toon
Oct 11, 2007 at 6:49 PM
Comment #3I know it early but any though on who and what position we need to fill up?
Personally id like to see some of our reserves coming through a good quality Right Winger, not a young one as we have Milner for that but one nearing his peak e.g. 25-28.
Ive been looknig into the wingers and the one name that fits the bill is Jonas Gutierrez. Any thoughhts. A lot of the others are youngs or very very expensive, this guy i have also seen and he looks the part, we need abit more pace down that right wing, he is also a fairly good crosser to.
Ashton
Oct 11, 2007 at 7:27 PM
Comment #4Jefferson Farfan
Bill F
Oct 11, 2007 at 7:54 PM
Comment #5Ashton Iv’e been trying to think of his name and wondering if he was still around, another Peruvian (another Nobby?) he’d be a great buy. Incidently I have had some great walking holidays in the Lake district at this time of year although there aint a lot of night life in the Dudden Valley. 🙂
Tom_Toon
Oct 11, 2007 at 8:37 PM
Comment #6Farfan is a striker, but non the less a brilliant player.
@ Bill F
Henry Quinteros? Andres Vasquez?
valle
Oct 11, 2007 at 8:51 PM
Comment #7lol Graham… I wouldnt wanna see any official club photos of a bondage session
Lull
Oct 11, 2007 at 9:13 PM
Comment #8@Graham – Hahaha… nice one lad
Graham
Oct 11, 2007 at 9:28 PM
Comment #9Personally, I would love to see Valeri Bojinov of Man City in Black and White. He’s only young but i have followed him a bit (something to do with Football Manager 2006).
He is a striker come attacking right sided midfielder and I think has the credentials to become world class. At only 21 I wish we could have picked him up -but hey, we’re used to paying fortunes for established footballers so you never know -5 years from now….
Bill F
Oct 11, 2007 at 10:28 PM
Comment #10Tom-Toon I don’t remember seeing either of them in the Lake district.