Allardyce will have some limited cash to try to attract some new players in January, as he also prepares to lose Abdoulaye Faye, Habib Beye, Geremi and Obafemi Martins to the African Nations Cup.
Ben Haim – Sam wants him on loan for rest of season
News today is that Sam has already asked Chelsea to take Tal Ben Haim on loan for the rest of the season. It will now be interesting to see what the Chelsea club’s response will be. It may be difficult for them to let Ben Haim go with the injury sustained by John Terry recently, which will see him out for at least 2-3 months.
Chris Mort talked about the transfer situation in last night’s program:
“I would expect us to make a couple of further additions to the squad in January, but like any other club, we would prefer to add players in the summer transfer window than in January so that players have a chance to settle into the team,”
“And January is always a more difficult time to extract high-quality players from their current clubs.” “While we have had some great results we have had too many disappointing results, such as the Derby games (a defeat and a draw) and the Boxing Day Wigan match (a 1-0 defeat).â€
“With the strength we have in the squad, I am hopeful that the team will soon settle into a winning run that will push us back up the table to where we should be.”
The results have not been good enough and that was further emphasized with last night’s poor result. Don’t believe that Sam has unlimited time to turn things around either. The sooner he can do that the better for him, and a defeat against Stoke on Saturday will certainly send the club’s board into even further high anxiety.
Comments very welcome.
69 comments so far
Hammy
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Comment #1Ben Haim never wanted to come in the first place so why’s he gonna change his mind now, even if it is on loan? I’d leave him where he is…
Graeme
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Comment #2Ed, I just cant see them sacking Sam before the end of the season. We gain nothing from it, other than reacting to the media frenzy. I cant see us being relegated either; there are more than 4 clubs worse than us!!!!
Who, with any brains, would actually want the job this month anyway?? They would have to be pretty desperate to get away from their current club or already be unemployed. Other than Morinho (oh yes please God!!) what does it get us? nothing that I can see.
Last night was a better performance, by all acounts, with the right players in the right positions for a change. Playing 4-4-2 was also a step in the right direction. Lets hope it continues!!!
Black Caesar
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:13 AM
Comment #3Graeme
And how many of the four clubs you claim are worse than Newcastle have Newcastle actually beaten?
Hammy
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:15 AM
Comment #4good point.
UTD111
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:19 AM
Comment #5Graeme – I can confirm that last night was indeed better, it certainly looked that way from my usual seat! – particularly in the first half where we put them under the cosh but squandered so many chances. The 4-4-2 relied a lot on Faye, who played very well in front of the back four and who held the ball and distributed it well. Beye was a big player for us once more and Duff looks more lively than he was before his injury. Charlie NZ was the usual Charlie.
On the minus side “Mr Consistency” James Milner had a bit of an off night. Martins was his usual frustrating self and Viduka was slow and didnt look interested.
To me – when we took Faye and Duff off we lost it a bit – particularly the loss of Faye – as soon afterwards City danced through our midfield and scored their second.
Encouraging though…….pity about the African Nations cup!
On the Ben Haim story – I cant see why Chelsea would even consider it given the Terry situation and the fact the player is currently in their team?
Cheers
Mick
carl
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:28 AM
Comment #6i have to say, last night was not big sams fault! he listened to our moans and groans and played how we wanted. especially the first half when man city were lucky not to be 2 or 3 down, things would also be different if owens chance had gone in on 46 minutes!! i think if sam signs a quality playmaker, and a quality defender things would improve, i think last night in the first half he actually realised we can play a very good passing game. and true to my word, i dont mind we got beat as it was a step in the right direction. please more of that big sam
steve
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Comment #7UTD111 – first half was better, second half was awful.
Why would Chelsea allow Ben Haim to leave when Terry is out and half thier team is off to ACN.
We are pretty much stuffed this season, we may avoid relegation but I wouldn’t put my house on it.
We need to continue playing 4-4-2, maybe keep Enrique at left back and play both Duff and Nzogbia on different wings, Milner needs a spell on the bench.
Butt will have to sort himself out as Faye is off to ACN and we need a decent holding midfielder (will we be able to buy)
Still we played better without Smith who IMO is a waste of space in midfield and not much better up front
Len
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:32 AM
Comment #8Sounds like Chris Mort has the right approach, BS can nominate players but Mort has the final say. I have more faith in Morts judgement than BS’s. Interesting point about Faye. One of our problems attacking and defending is neither Butt nor Geremi get up and down the field. The less said about Smith as CM the better.
Gooderz
Jan 3, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Comment #9I have to agree with UTD111. Milner didn’t have a great game but he’s played just about every game this season so it was understandable why he looked knackered. The game should call out for two things, a bit of invention from centre midfield and another RW to compete with Milner.
I also hope we sell Emre, Allardyce is clearly not a huge fan of his and should buy a player who can create but also has the physical nature he likes.
JoshI
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Comment #10Ben Haim is shit anyway, he makes loads of idiotic mistakes. The bramble of chelsea.
James
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:02 AM
Comment #11Ben Haim already turned us down in the summer and his current manager loves him because they are both Israeli. Not a bleeding chance he will leave Chelsea.
Andreas
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Comment #12As people have said it would be madness to draft Smith back into midfield, I would be ok with Smith upfront rotating with Viduka but in midfield he is a burden.
Also, I could live with 2 dm as long as we have 2 offensive wingers and 1 of the dm’s can distribute the ball (i.e. Faye).
Moreover, I have to say that I have come to slightly change my opinion about N’Zogbia playing lb. In my opinion it seems that he gets more space and pose a bigger threat for the opposistion attacking from lb with Duff/Milner infront of him compared to when he’s on the wing (a question of him getting tighter marking in that position).
Hence, if we’re playing a attacking formation (hmm, well it’s not likely under SA but you know what I mean) I reckon N’Zogbia should play lb (with a free licens to go forward) ahead of Enrique. However, for games when we need a slightly bigger focus on the defence I reckon Enrique should play lb since i rate him as the better when it comes to defending. N’Zog can then be playing mf or be rested.
wsq
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:03 AM
Comment #13the problem doesn’t lie in defence.. it’s in midfield an attack. we are so blunt!
Graeme
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Comment #14Black Caesar , it doesnt matter if we dont beat any of the bottom 4 does it. As long as we pick up more points than they do, we cant be relegated, simple as that.
We are currently in 11th place and will probably stay there or thereabouts. Its not where I would want us to be, for sure, but I wouldn’t swap the Mackems there spot, or Fulham, would you??
scott 9
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Comment #15i think in january we should sign grieter stienson arshevin a creative cm and someone to partner owen up front crouch would be exellent but doubt well get him so cardoza could be good.
isay it doesnt matter if they overseas we aint gonna get europe after last nights result were to far adrift apecially ater next game manu well be even further adrift so get some qaulity overses plaYERS AND THAT WILL GIVE THEM HALF A SEASON TO SETTLE IN AND NEXT SEASON I THINK WE WILL BE IN THE SAME POSITION MAN CITY ARE IN NOW.
Davey G
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:10 AM
Comment #16SMITH WILL play when fit!!!! Nailed on……
Then we will start to go backwards again…………
Andreas
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Comment #17As for signing I would love to see Arshavin come in and I would also love to see us getting a strong pacy striker preferably one that is used to/can play as a sole striker. Maybe young Carrol can fill this void?
If not the only viable (not to expensive etc.) name in this category that springs to mind at the moment is Elmander at Tolouse.
If we do get a new striker (which I really don’t think we’ll get since we have plenty), 2 of our present players must be sold. Ameobi + [insert whomever you dislike].
KAGTHEMAG
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:17 AM
Comment #18i dont underrstand the anti-smith comments. I think he gives 110%, he tracks back & he wins balls in the air. He wont get u 20 goals a season, however he will fight for the cause. Viduka in the second half held the ball up well & laid it off for Owen well, however he doesnt track back at all. I’d start Viduka & Owen in a 442 formation (as we had second half v man city) we were unlucky but in the main I think SA has lost the plot
UTD111
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:24 AM
Comment #19I agree with Kag – I dont agree with the anti Alan Smith comments either – although I think his better position is up front eg the great game he had against Everton earlier in the season where his hold up play and distribution were first class.
In midfield its either Butt or Smith in the defensive role for me – playing both sacrifices a slot for a more creative player.
Cheers
drh
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Comment #20A candidiate for centre forward who i have mentioned on numerous posts has to be dean ashton of west ham! Yes he’s been injured but he offers strength, great touch, two fantastic feet that can unleash belter shots and his inter play with team mates is great, he would bring the likes of owen, oba, duff and milner into the game loads!!!!
Leo
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Comment #21where was anything about ben haim in there? he wont come to newcastle…
Leo
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Comment #22we wont get any money either in the transfer window, seriously. ive clocked mike ashley, he is not going to give the team any money to spend, this is why he wants more youth players in to then sell them and make money.
i didnt realise that we were everton but obviously we are
Dirk
Jan 3, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Comment #23the defence isnt the prblem for us, its our attack, we kep losing goals because we arent scoring them and putting pressure on.
KAGTHEMAG
Jan 3, 2008 at 12:00 PM
Comment #24Leo there wasnt I just continued the theme of the thread. But youre right he wont come, we dont want/need him. We need stability at the back (enrique/capaca/taylor/beye) a stable pairing up front who understand each other like ferdinand/shearer, quinn/mcgee, therefore we need viduka/owen as much as possible. In the midfield it’s difficult, however deffo on the wings zog on the left & milner on the right. The centre butt & emre.
I_McP
Jan 3, 2008 at 12:11 PM
Comment #25We need leadership in the backline, some1 like Hyypia IMO but not ben haim. Cacapa definately looked shakey last night. Would love to see Hyypia, Arshavin and Crouch in during jan.
Ausgeordie
Jan 3, 2008 at 12:18 PM
Comment #26I really hope we dont get him. He was responsible for Gallas getting in on goal, he cant jump and he has shown no desire to come here when given the opportunity.
Tom_Toon
Jan 3, 2008 at 12:27 PM
Comment #27Ben-Haim is tosh, we need a creative midfieder in the centre and a right winger, defenders and strikers can come after that:
Arshavin
Nicolita
ToonKing
Jan 3, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Comment #28Nicolita lol 😀
Tom_Toon
Jan 3, 2008 at 12:53 PM
Comment #29whats so funny, hes a good player, still young and always puts in lots of effort, better than milner.
iain
Jan 3, 2008 at 1:12 PM
Comment #30can i just point out as well that sir bob fashioned as team that competed in the champions league.
with such star defensive names as…
andy griffin, aaron hughes, andy obrien, olly bernard, bramble etc
only woodgate if he was ever fit was deamed any good.
is it just me or wouldnt those lads make excellent squad players for us right now ???
sir bobs teams was good because it attacked and showed you dont need a wc defence to finish high in the league. maybe win the league and cups yes. but to finish in the top 6 NO.
ObaFan2
Jan 3, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Comment #31How about :
Arshavin
Crouch/Heskey
Bridge
bit too much money I suppose.
James
Jan 3, 2008 at 1:32 PM
Comment #32I think his list submitted to Mort was:
Wes Brown
Gudjohson
Rise
Toon Al
Jan 3, 2008 at 2:00 PM
Comment #33ottomar hitzfeld in the summer? just announced leaving bayern.. that would be my ideal, give sam the season to have a fair crack, but if its not good enough a world class manager to be backed if approached
Tom_Toon
Jan 3, 2008 at 2:05 PM
Comment #34hes going to coach the swiss national team they are already in talks 🙂
George
Jan 3, 2008 at 2:29 PM
Comment #35Will some body pleaes tell Sam Allerdyce that he is now at St James Park, managering NUFC and we do not want another Bolton reject here.
It appears that SA has no idea about players or he would not keep going on about Boltons players. If TBH was that good why are chelsea going to let him go, or did they buy him just to make up the numbers. Either way, new fresh blood sam not out of date players past their best.
obafemimartins
Jan 3, 2008 at 3:12 PM
Comment #36ben haim gets 80,000 a week @ chelsea. mort wouldnt let us sign him and allardyce wouldnt want to because he doesnt like players with big wages.
scottish mag
Jan 3, 2008 at 3:25 PM
Comment #37i think it would be gd because we would then have an established pairing at cb of ben haim and faye although he is going to ANC, but we need some goalscorers to cover martins when hes away and a playmaker in mid.
goran pandev is a goalscorer and has said today he would love to play in england. bayern also want him but podolski said if pandev goes there that he will leave and i think that podolski is the man to do the job we need doin.
arshavin, matias fernandes, renato augusto, lulinha, kerlon, arouca, guilherme, deco(ha ha).
would all be good creative midfielders and also yoann gourcuff of ac milan has been told he has no future there.
scottish mag
Jan 3, 2008 at 3:28 PM
Comment #38another thing
berbatov said last year that shearer was his idol
so… if we get rid of BA and get in AS then berbatov could come to play under his ….hero
maybe not
Tom_Toon
Jan 3, 2008 at 3:35 PM
Comment #39arouca an guilherme arent creative players, they are defensive midfielders and wingers respectively + half of those wont get work permits.
Davey G
Jan 3, 2008 at 4:23 PM
Comment #40Smith is pants where he plays!! He has had 1 decent game, against Arsenal played in his rightful place! UP FRONT. But BSA wont play him there, why would he?? He cant score in a Brothel at the moment!!Just as a little footnote, Robbie Savage gives 110% in every game for every team he has played for……………….is he a good player? Carlton Palmer used to give 110% in every game………….was he a good player? FUMACA used to cover every blade of grass on the pitch………….was he a good player??
Giving 110% and covering everyblade of grass does not make you a good player!!!