Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce has revealed his delight after completing the signing of teenage defender Ben Tozer from Swindon Town.
Ben Tozer – Sam delighted to have signed him
The 17-year-old, who has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at St James’ Park, has been put in the “one for the future” category by Allardyce. This is a new policy Newcastle will be following to try to identify young talent of the future, while they haven’t yet fully developed. Big Sam told the club’s official website, nufc.co.uk today:
“I’m delighted to have got him.†“He’s only 17 and very much falls in to “one for the future” category.â€
“We will get him in and have a look at him but will give him a chance to settle in.†“It’s part of the two-tier recruitment process at the club.â€
“Apart from looking at senior players, we are also keen to build-up the development players we have got in that area between Academy and the senior set-up.â€
Here is Ben’s personal web-site. It might be nice to welcome the youngster to the club, he certainly sounded very excited yesterday when he said:
“Newcastle is a massive club with great fans, it’s a lovely place with nice people and I can’t wait to get started.”
Oh, how right he is, and he’s obviously an intelligent young lad too. 😀
Wesley Ngo Baheng – next youngster to arrive at Newcastle?
We reported yesterday that we think the next youngster we’ll be recruiting is Wesley Ngo Baheng from Le Havre in France. Wesley turned 18 years-old only last September and there was news back in October that Newcastle had agreed terms with his Le Havre club. The deal for the young striker was expected to be completed in January. We’ll soon see if that is accurate.
Comments welcome.
10 comments so far
toonfan1
Jan 8, 2008 at 11:22 AM
Comment #1i hav just heard a rumour that we are in the race to sign a brazilian defender called Geromel. He is 22 and the newcastle scouts have given him a fantastic report on him. The price is 2.5 million pounds but i have never heard of this lad before and also he plays for Guimaraes who are based in portugal. the link is http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/01/08/Prem-Newcastle-linked-with-Geromel/
Nobby's dad
Jan 8, 2008 at 11:47 AM
Comment #2Re Geromel – at least this piece shows we’ve got scouts! Under Souness signings were either ex Rangers or their agent was that scum bag Willie McKay (or in Boumsongs case both).
p.s. not that I’m suggesting for one minute that Mr Souness and Mr McKay’s business dealings were anything other than auditable and all above board – just in case someone sues Ed.
toonfan1
Jan 8, 2008 at 11:50 AM
Comment #3also just heard that our interest in lassana diarra is firm as we have made an enquiry on him but not yet a bid so this is encouraging for us but yet again it is another defensive midfielder and one who lacks a bit of flair in my opinion but altogether i feel a good replacement for nicky butt when he retires in the coming years.
toonfan1
Jan 8, 2008 at 11:52 AM
Comment #4http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1780_3030625,00.html this is the link to the diarra story on teamtalk
Leo
Jan 8, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Comment #5he isnt so much a dmf i see him more as a right back, because thats mainly where he has played for arsene… although will be a great replacement for nicky butt
toonfan1
Jan 8, 2008 at 12:03 PM
Comment #6i think he only plays right back because arsenal have lots of young talented midfielders but when he plays in midfield, he looks like a young fitter makelele to me and hopefully if we sign someone like him, it will stop us relying on smith (who for me plays better up front and is a bit crap in mid) and the injury prone emre who is a great player but far to many injuries for my liking and also who can forget barton who also cannot be relied on because of his temper and arrogance so bring in diarra and hopefully another right back for cover as beye is gone and so is geremi which leaves carr as are only back up…
James
Jan 8, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Comment #7This is what the fans have written on the Bolton website about Fat Sam wanting to sign Nolan :
“We have offered to drive him to Tyneside, which presumably explains this morning`s traffic jam at the Reebok.
We`re firmly in the driver camp. Nolan can`t pass or tackle and spends most of the time loitering on the six yard line, tripping over the ball when given chances that a five-year old would put away. His absence from the midfield position that he`s supposed to occupy has been a major weakness in Bolton`s play for at least a year. He sounds like just the man for Newcastle.”
Midjew
Jan 8, 2008 at 12:08 PM
Comment #8Diarra article on sky
Anyone seen this article yet, i really rate him so hope it is true.
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_3030624,00.html
Barca
Jan 8, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Comment #9After just 6 months in charge, I do question Sam’s judgement in bringing in players. Without a doubt, I think both Smith and Barton has to be among the biggest transfer flops of the season considering the amount involved. And now he wants to buy Nolan for reportedly £5million . Go figure…
Let’s break it down a bit… Smith cost Newcastle £6 Million. Let’s compare that to Blackburns acquisition of Roque Santa Cruz for barely £4 Million. Ok, that Smith can play in more positions and has better tackling skills (urrr, worse I mean), but you still have to look at the overall quality for that kind of money. Smith’s overall quality is very limited and would not even be a star in a Championship side. That’s the truth.
Now, let’s look at Barton. €5.5 Million he cost and with the negative publicity he gives Newcastle, he will cost the club even more in lost out sponsorship deals, merchandise sale, players not wanting to join etc.
I can understand that Sam wants to bring in English players, and more importantly players that have Premiership experience. But don’t let that limit your scope. Look at the players Sven brought in at Manchester City and how well they have done. None of them had any Premiership experience, yet alone spoke any English. No one is complaining at their camp for sure.
Sorry to say, but a lot of the blame for Newcastle’s poor season has to be credited to Big Sam. The day he can prove me wrong in his transfer dealings (looking at players that he spent most on), I’ll shut up.
Comments anyone?
nightfall
Jan 8, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Comment #10Barca – agree