Middlesbrough are reported to be interested in Newcastle’s Alan Smith, and will try to lure him from St James’ Park in the summer.
Alan Smith - could be on way to Teesside
That’s the news this morning being reported in the Evening Chronicle, and it seems that Gareth Southgate has now joined the queue behind Rangers manager Walter Smith for the former England international.
It’s interesting that Southgate, Kevin Keegan and Newcastle’s Mike Ashley and Chris Mort were at the Sir Bobby Robson charity dinner at St James’ Park on Friday night, and could well have discussed the deal, after one or two drinks maybe.
People at the event report that Newcastle’s Chairman was in a long conversation with Sunderland Chairman Niall Quinn, and Mike Ashley had a long discussion with Southgate.
It turns out Southgate has been a big admirer of Smith for some time, and it may even be a good deal for Smith, because he is unlikely now to be able to command a starting position at the Tyneside club. He left Man United to play more football and since Big Sam left he saw very little of that.
Southgate was one manager who attempted to get Alan Smith 12 months ago from Manchester United, and it would seem to us it may be a good deal for both clubs.
Every manager he has ever played for has complimented Smith on his attitude, and while he has come in for some criticism from our fans, some of it was probably over the top, because of another frustrating season.
Our criticism of Alan has been leveled at his playing performances and and mainly his inability to score goals, but we know he’s a very good lad and a great team player.
If we can recuperate the £6M we paid for him from Man United, that would be a good deal, and Kevin would be armed with extra cash to go after a replacement.
We do expect Smith to leave Newcastle in the summer, even though he has already said he doesn’t want to go.
What do you think?
Comments always welcome.
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76 responses so far ↓
1 nightfall // May 13, 2008 at 14:55
HOPE SO
2 Ant // May 13, 2008 at 15:01
It’s interesting that Southgate, Kevin Keegan and Newcastle’s Mike Ashley and Chris Mort were at the Sir Bobby Robson charity dinner at St James’ Park on Friday night, and could well have discussed the deal, after one or two drinks maybe.
You would need a few drinks down you to consider Alan Bloody Smith!!
3 najikhin // May 13, 2008 at 15:02
PL’s worst signing of the season..
4 Ant // May 13, 2008 at 15:04
Don’t forget we also signed Geremi and Barton!
What a terrible midfield, not since the days of Dalglish have I feared such possible selections.
5 Nick Dryden // May 13, 2008 at 15:04
Please god let this be true.
KK has got to see beyond the 100% effort that just can not camourflage a hugley limited ” alledged ” footballer. Fergie ain’t stupid!!!
6 Eric // May 13, 2008 at 15:05
Come and get himSouthgate. You can have him gift wrapped with a pretty bow round his nether regions!!!!!
7 nightfall // May 13, 2008 at 15:05
there’s sth wrong with southgate…he wanted shola, bought aliadiere and now he wants smith…
8 Ant // May 13, 2008 at 15:06
Going for the quick hat-trick.
This news just overwhelms me!
That’s 2 journalist reporting on him going, true one is the home to the vile @r5ehole Oliver but still….
Sometimes you have to pray extra hard!
9 michael // May 13, 2008 at 15:07
I would rather see Geremi go. Smith has at least had good seasons in the past, and Geremi runs like a 40yr old.
Smith does try for you but if Boro want a stiker who didn’t score a single goal this season i would have to say that deal will likely go through. Can’t imagine Smith will be happy on their bench though, given how useless Allidiare is.
Bizarre wish list from Southgate.
10 Lazy // May 13, 2008 at 15:11
Geremi, Smith, Barton and Duff OUT please.
11 Ant (Smith's a smoggy) // May 13, 2008 at 15:13
Lazy, couldn’t agree more mate.
Haway Keegan it’s more the outs than the ins!!!!
12 geordie_jordan // May 13, 2008 at 15:24
i’ll pay the taxi
13 GeordieBoy // May 13, 2008 at 15:26
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
14 geordie in taipei // May 13, 2008 at 15:29
Geordie Jordan - no need to be so extravagent as to pay for a taxi…….he’s been no where near good enough to warrant a taxi ride………he should get the bus - AS SOON AS POSSIBLE !
15 figsdad // May 13, 2008 at 15:29
like shepherd would say i would carry him myself
please if there is a god let this be true…
16 ELFER // May 13, 2008 at 15:30
replace him with ANELKA
17 Elliott // May 13, 2008 at 15:31
Cross those fingers.
18 Bill F // May 13, 2008 at 15:34
Best news we have had today, if it is true.
Michael, I went to bed before your reply re the 666 bus. Had a good chortle over it when I did, very witty.
19 Graeme // May 13, 2008 at 15:44
If there is a God, PLEASE let this be true.
If Boro need an Assistant Corner Flag Attendant, there isnt a better one in England. I’ll carry the useless lump to Smoggieland if need be.
20 Ian // May 13, 2008 at 15:50
Who else will work anywhere on the pitch without complaint or threatening to leave?
I am sure Zog is going because Sam shoved him at the back and he started talking to other clubs.
Small squads need a player who will play anywhere as there arent many who will.
21 steve // May 13, 2008 at 15:54
Straight swap for Downing if Boro
Straight swap for Cuellar if Rangers
Both would be excellent deals for us
22 Joe Toon // May 13, 2008 at 16:03
yeah, I agree Ian. Good football teams are built on diversity and the ability for a manager to plug gaps that need filling from injuries, loss of form etc. However, and as much as i like smith’s mentality and leadership qualities i’m affraid he isnt good enough.
But at the same time, we are also gonna have to look at this close season, not just with optimism but also reality.
Who can we really attract? We are a mid table club, with no european football to offer, a somewhat declining reputation, and a management hierachy wherby no one really knows who’s doing what.
Although i’d love to see veloso, moutinho, carrick, diego, vdv, metzelder etc sign - is this really gonna happen - even fulham look like they may have european football.
We may look back in 12 months time and wish we hadnt got rid of smith due to her versality…….it wouldnt be the first time now would it boys?
As for zoggy, hope he stays, he could become a legend on tyneside, as long as his attitude imporves
23 KKK // May 13, 2008 at 16:03
Downing has just recently signed a new contract and Cuellar has spoke out today saying he doesn’t want a move to the Premier League. So both of them are probably out of reach.
I think we could get Bridge, Dunne, Veloso, VanDerVaart and Gomis. All of them would improve the squad and first team massively.
But i trust that whoever Keegan brings in will do a great job.
24 CRAIGG // May 13, 2008 at 16:06
To be fair to Barton despite his thuggish attitude and Scouse accent was paramount to our revival and eventual safety, he is a terrific player and if he can stay out of Jail then he could be a great player for us in the coming years he still only 25-26 Year old.
25 Bill F // May 13, 2008 at 16:14
Craigg, agree, Barton has looked like a new player under KK.
26 KKK // May 13, 2008 at 16:15
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1311472,00.html
I think this article shows Owens commitment to Newcastle.
There is no way he is leaving in the summer. His new contract will be signed by the end of the week.
27 KKK // May 13, 2008 at 16:20
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1311472,00.html
28 Phil P // May 13, 2008 at 16:24
ill wrap him up & drive him!
to people who are sayin aliadiere has been useless this season though, have you actually watched him? my housemate is a dirty smoggy so ive seen a fair few games & tbh hes one of the only players id take from their team
29 Ant (Smith's a smoggy) // May 13, 2008 at 16:30
Barton has been piss-poor all season.
Even under the revival, he has been better but still terrible passing and poor fouls.
He was excellent at Man City, and may be made into an excellent player under Keegan, but he has done very little to warrant a first team place, other than having Smith and Geremi in our squad.
Our goasl come from Enrique/Beye supplying the forwards with excellent, direct play and the versatility in attack of the Duke, Oba and of course Owen, who to his credit, has played his role marvellously, no Beye at right back, but he has shne through.
The midfield seem good simmply by being there. Barton and Geremi contribute very little.
30 broon ale // May 13, 2008 at 16:32
has anyone else noticed how crap the ad’s on this website are? The prize for the worst has to go to the one which said. “do you like Gordon Brown? Vote now! get a lap top! “
31 geordie_jordan // May 13, 2008 at 16:32
agree with the barton comments, if he can get his head screwed on proper like he can be immense for us
32 Grunde // May 13, 2008 at 16:35
Great to get rid of him…
33 JJ // May 13, 2008 at 16:39
Agree, keep Barton, he is ou best midfielder.
As for Smith, if we could do a swap deal with Rangers of say Smith plus 2Mil for Cuellar, then I would be the happiest Ive been all season.
Replace Smith with Eidur Gudjohnssen (6mil) bid and I’ll be delighted.
Then if we could get Veloso (16mil) and Wayne Bridge (5mil) I would explode with joy.
That would leave us needing to sign one decent midfielder and my pick would be Bullard (2Mil).
Six players in and 32Mil spent.
That would see us have:
————————-Given————————-
Beye———Cuellar————Faye——–Bridge
————————–Veloso————————
———-Bullard——-Barton——-NZogbia——-
——————Gudjohnssen–Martins————–
Subs: Harper, Taylor, Butt, Geremi, Owen, Viduka, Duff, Milner, Enrique, Edgar, Lua Lua.
We would have quality cover and experience in every position.
If N’Zogbia want to go, get in McGeady.
If we sell Ameobi (2.5M), Rozenhal (2M), Casapa (1M) and Emre (3M) and Carr (500k) then we would only have spent 22Mil on transfers which is more or less our budget.
And we would have a strong squad with depth capable of a top 6 finish.
34 JJ // May 13, 2008 at 16:43
Oh! we need to find the 7 blind men who thought that Smith was the best player against Everton and kick them off the site!!!!
We dont need that kind of praise, what if KK sees that and thinks he is good!!!! Must stop this ED ; )
35 JJ // May 13, 2008 at 16:46
One more thinf ED. You mention
“we know he’s a very good lad and a great team player.”
WE- the Newcastle fans. Most certainly do not!
“we” think he has been the worst buy of the season and is an utter waste of space on the field and “we” certainly think he should be moved on as qulckly as possible.
36 CRAIGG // May 13, 2008 at 16:47
Maybe southgate is planning some sick Texas Chainsaw massacre type face transplant, Replacing his elephant man like mug with Smiths pretty boy image
Its the only way hell probably get his clubs board to agree with this deal
Although didnt Steve Gibson give McClaren £5m for Michael Ricketts…
37 nufctj // May 13, 2008 at 16:50
If these are the kind of players Boro is after they will surely be relegated. Smitty has been downright useless for us. I don’t usually like to slog off on players on here, but I can’t think of one thing he contributed this season. He stops any kind of offensive flow in the midfield, he gives up the ball in bad spots, he fouls in even worse spots, and he takes stupid cards. Plus on top of it all, he can’t score anymore. But obviously KK fancies him in some way. We must recoup some of our 6M. Sell him quickly! Have a nice time in the Championship Boro! Would you be interested in Msgrs. Duff and Cacapa also?
38 ObaFan2 // May 13, 2008 at 16:55
broon ale, sick of looking at Browns face tbh lol.
Have you noticed how laggy this site has become too, always stuttering and thats tried with 2 different pc’s and a laptop with decent connections !!
39 reillers // May 13, 2008 at 16:57
There’s the door. For the love of God use it.
40 Hammy // May 13, 2008 at 17:03
Can’t we swap Smith for a couple of match balls?
41 CRAIGG // May 13, 2008 at 17:06
Boro have had some great CFs over the last 10 years add Smith and Ameobi to this list of greats:
Joseph Desire-Job
Malcolm Chrisite
Michael Ricketts
Massimo Maccarone
Brian Deane
Dean Windass
Lee Dong-Gook
42 tapir // May 13, 2008 at 17:13
just heard that Cuellar is happy where he is now-Gers and wish to be there for another season..
come on KK & Co,go raid him faster before he taste the UEFA silverware and never want to turn back!!
43 CRAIGG // May 13, 2008 at 17:16
I would be delirious is KK brought 3 of his Ex-City players to SJP
Wright-Phillips
Anelka
Dunne
Add Veloso and Bridge and were laughing.
44 Tom_Toon // May 13, 2008 at 17:17
Id take Maccarone over Smith.
45 big pea ov the weab // May 13, 2008 at 17:18
with a bit of effing luck he might just go to boro
46 davwind // May 13, 2008 at 17:19
Who on earth will take SMITH off your hands? £62,000 a week you lot are paying him. Now he has been found out as a c**p footballer and you lot expect a transfer fee!! You lot should lay off the DOG!!! With ALVES, TUNCAY and young JEREMY A the only role for SMITH would be to make the tea. Don’t you lot get it. This is the first step of shifting the useless high earners ruining your club. Next will be DUFF, EMRE, VIDUKA and do believe that OWEN will sign on reduced terms? You offer him a pay cut and he’s off to the toffeemen on the next plane. You lot make me smile!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
47 CRAIGG // May 13, 2008 at 17:19
Id take Stephen Hawking over Smith
48 Tom_Toon // May 13, 2008 at 17:21
Craigg - I spose thats fair. They both have the same (dis)abilities. Harsh but true.
49 Leo // May 13, 2008 at 17:22
this deal could be good for both people, newcastle- the fact that we get rid of a striker who doesnt score,
good for alan smith- he will be nearer leeds, and he wont have to wast all his money on bleaching his hair, im sure if he just drops his heed into the nearest puddle or river then it would do the trick,
trampy blooming boro gona do us a favoure i hope haha
50 CRAIGG // May 13, 2008 at 17:26
Tom_Toon
thats a bit harsh from what ive heard Hawking is a prolific Dribbler
51 Tom_Toon // May 13, 2008 at 17:34
Maybe. I heard he was the fastest footballer on 2 wheels.
52 JC // May 13, 2008 at 17:34
Wright-Phillips
Dunne
Shorey
Veloso
Arshavin
53 Leo // May 13, 2008 at 17:43
has anyone seen that the government have rejected the petition that the A1 trunk road north of morpeth be dueled stating that the road is regularly improved to ensure that the road is safe AND IN GOOD CONDITION
its absolute cr@p, i drive it every day and you hit the bumps and they are getting deeper by the day, they improve it once it is almost 1/4 foot deep then a month or two down the line the bump has started to form
im sure if this was in london or a southern town it would be done immediately, its slowing down our community and it means less business want to use the area for their business
i would urgue everyone to keep any eye out for these such petitions because the more the north east improves the better for our football team, infrastructure for our city will mean its a more attractive option for budding footballers, infrastructure for a great city grows from the ground up…
http://www.pm.gov.uk/output/Page15517.asp
have a quick gander at the reply we got from them cnuts at the govt… its disgraceful
54 jMar // May 13, 2008 at 17:48
Yep lets get him gone, sorry son zero goals in a season is not good enough. Thanks very much. I’d swap him for a toffee crisp and packet of salt and vinegar.
55 mikeygd // May 13, 2008 at 17:49
I think that would be a great improvement on the players your suggesting we get rid and bring in JJ, i reckon it would be a good season with those lads, i rate gudjohnson and bullard.
As for smith, yes he is sh1t and probably the worst signing this season but you can’t fault his commitment and attitude apart from the manchester united game where he was obviously upset at the humilation. Alot of players gave up that day but smith was still trying even if he is crap.
I wish the guy good luck and i think hes just at the wrong club, he is a good player and was a great player before the injuries.
I think a team like boro would do him good and i think gudjohnson would be the perfect replacement money wise.
56 a // May 13, 2008 at 18:08
lets get Zarate hes amazing, i reckon hes like a new del piero
57 JJ // May 13, 2008 at 18:17
LOL @ Craigg (comment 44), its sick and evil but man I couldnt stop giggling…
58 CRAIGG // May 13, 2008 at 18:19
I know, Im regretting saying it a bit now
59 Steeley // May 13, 2008 at 18:36
Ed, either my arithmatic has gone down hill rapidly or you are selling out to cack adware items just to bump up your cash!! I’m told that I am the 2,448,710,642 to see the ad above…..dont get me wrong, 4,456 976 hits is impressive, but I think you’v been kidding your sponsors!
And No, I dont like Gordon Brown….can I have a laptop now??
60 Jack // May 13, 2008 at 19:02
First Spurs nick our transfer targets and now Boro are trying to nick our best players
61 Izzymc // May 13, 2008 at 19:34
Smith to Boro ………. there is a god
62 Izzymc // May 13, 2008 at 19:35
Smith to Boro ………. there is a god
63 Rob Kirton // May 13, 2008 at 19:39
I think that Boro should also have a go at trying to prise Geremi away from us. Hang on….
“BUY ONE GET ONE FREE - Deal ends Saturday”
should do the trick.
64 emre89 // May 13, 2008 at 19:51
YES, very good news, i would pay boro to buy him from us.
i hope to god we get Arshavin
65 Toonboy // May 13, 2008 at 21:08
I so hope he goes,62k a week nuff said.
66 scott 9 // May 13, 2008 at 22:22
why r people havin a go at geremi hes been one of our best players under keegan i think hes a qaulity player
i hope smith goes if we r looking to get in europe he isnt good enough .
i think our signings might end up somethin like this.
Stephane Sessegnon
dunne
riise
gomis but not for 17m
creative midfileder maybe we will go after mcgeady or someonje who nows
67 Obafan // May 13, 2008 at 22:36
And again Geremi is getting full load with negative comments. What has he got to do to deserve a little bit of credit? If Milner plays half as good as Geremi he is praised like a god, but no not Geremi; he always gets undeserved critics. I do not say that he is our best player, but he was massive in the goord run we had under KK. If not convinced relook at the last games and watch in how many goals Geremi had a touch.
68 Smoggieboon // May 13, 2008 at 22:40
Actually Geremi was an excellent player for Boro, either he is now past it, or doesnt fancy the black and white. As for the Alan Smith - Downing swap, are you on drugs or something???
69 ronaldeano // May 13, 2008 at 22:56
@ Obafan, its cos Geremi has no pace and he cant take corners. We need sombody on the right that can do that, ie, SWP or Joaquin
70 Ausgeordie // May 14, 2008 at 0:45
I’d take 4 mill…..okay 3 mill……2 mill??? Oh go on have him its on us!
71 Toooooooooooooooooon // May 14, 2008 at 1:27
i dont mind he go to boro even if boro only pay us less because getting rid of smith is PRICELESS
72 Ant (Smith's a smoggy) // May 14, 2008 at 8:44
Hair bleached - £20
Teeth whitened - £100
The wages of a versatile midfielder from the league champions - £65,000 a week
Smith to Boro - Priceless
Some things stupidity isn’t involved in, for everything else there’s Alan Smith
73 Obafan // May 14, 2008 at 9:56
Ronaldeano - Indeed his set pieces are not always good, but I think he reads the game so good, that makes him important for me. Again you’re right he is not quick, but I prefer someone who cannot run fast, but who is always trying to pass the ball instead of someone who dribbles so much that he doesn’t know anymore where he or his teammates are situated on the pitch.
74 Ant (Smith's a smoggy) // May 14, 2008 at 12:16
” but I prefer someone who cannot run fast, but who is always trying to pass the ball instead of someone who dribbles so much that he doesn’t know anymore where he or his teammates are situated on the pitch.”
Obafan? The name you are using is Obafan.
You just described Martins…runs fast, gets lost
I love him though
75 CRAIGG // May 14, 2008 at 12:40
If Milners awareness is so poor how did he create 18 goals and score 5 goals last season and create 5 and score 3 this season despite being out of position and injured for all but a tiny fraction.
Geremi is a backwards step of a player who has had one good contribution a fortnight, Cannot run and brings nothing to the team other than trying to injure the opposition players who stand in the wall or the first man for corners by blasting the ball at them constantly.
76 dddddd // May 14, 2008 at 16:49
dont go…………………………………..
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