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News, Views and Comment On Newcastle United Football Club By Ed Harrison, A Proud Geordie And Lifelong Fan

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Newcastle’s Turan Delay Could Open Door For Spurs

May 22nd, 2008 by Ed Harrison · 259 Comments

We haven’t heard much in the last couple of days on what the status is with our pursuit of Turkish 21 year-old star Arda Turan.

arda-turan-234.jpg

Arda Turan – Newcastle still trying to do a deal

The latest situation, we think, is that Galatasary have priced their star player Turan at €16M (£12.8M) and Newcastle are unofficially willing to pay around €11M (£8.8M) for the player.

That leaves Newcastle around £4M short of Galatasaray’s asking price and we don’t know what is happening right now with the bid.

But this is way too like what happened with Luka Modrić in early April, when there seemed to be a similar stalemate in the negotiations, and then Spurs stepped in and tied up the deal in less than 24 hours.   The reports from Turkey are also suggesting there are a number of German clubs in for the player.

We would think Newcastle would table an increased offer for the player, but Newcastle’s apparent dithering may be opening the door again for Tottenham, in their endeavor to capture the Galatasaray midfielder.

Turan’s skillful style of play has been likened to the great Romanian legend Gheorghe Hagi, and while Newcastle are still said to be favorites to sign the youngster, the deal is anything but closed.

Newcastle are obviously keen to get the deal done before Euro 2008 starts on June 7th, but it seems, without knowing the exact details of the negotiations, we could do with being  a bit more decisive when we pursue a player.

We don’t want to unduly criticize the club in  their efforts, since these transfers today are anything but easy, and we are not privy to the negotiations.

But it’s also important to move with lightning speed, if we are indeed to pull off some much wanted coups, in the summer transfer market.

Comments welcome.

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Tags: Newcastle News · Transfer News and Rumours





259 responses so far ↓

  • 1 broon ale // May 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM

    its good to see wise, jimenez and vetere earning their wages. What happened to their network of contacts they could take advantage of to find players. dark clouds always gather over St jame’s park. You hope for an exciting summer with no major upheaval. Already in 2 weeks after seasons end we have one player banged up, lost out to spurs for a player we were apparently in the driving seat for and now our chairman wants to leave. I hope we are all in for a surprise in the coming weeks with regards to incoming players.

  • 2 faustino // May 22, 2008 at 11:45 AM

    The tension that is building in fans concerning signings in June is un-precedented imo.

    The board had best be wary of risking a revolt for the sake of 4 million quid, because losing another player to Spurs in public will cause chaos and a lack of confidence not seen since the Souness era.

    Our club needs serious lessons in PR for gods sake; no signings, total silence and rumours of a young dynamic chairman leaving and being replaced by a OAP. Ace. Bring on the champions league.

  • 3 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 11:47 AM

    i’m starting to get really pissed off, this is not how you run a company. our board are ameteurs. how Cashley made billions is beyond me. If we noobs know that one must move fast to secure a player how in the blue hell can they move so slowly.

    i’m starting to get really pissed.

  • 4 James // May 22, 2008 at 11:52 AM

    What we have to remember about this transfer is that nobody from Newcastle said they were ever interested in this player. The player’s agent said no bid has been received from us.

    The media were speculating. For all we know KK has never been interested in this player and is too busy trying to secure the deals of other players

  • 5 Gunnar Pétur (Iceland) // May 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM

    ditto ToonKing

  • 6 Paul R // May 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM

    I agree with you Toon King So Much for getting people in place so we could move quickly !!

  • 7 Nick Dryden // May 22, 2008 at 11:53 AM

    rapidly losing the will to live!!

  • 8 Gary Mac // May 22, 2008 at 11:56 AM

    “i’m starting to get really pissed.”

    Its best that you stop believing all of the shite thats written on here and on the internet about all these signings then you wont get so “pissed”.
    My money says that most of Newcastles signings this close season will come out of the blue and that most of them will be suprise signings.

  • 9 I Hate Spuds // May 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM

    “i’m starting to get really pissed.”

    I might join you, I hate transfer season!!

  • 10 Eric // May 22, 2008 at 11:57 AM

    I think too many backroom cooks based in London are spoiling the NUFC broth. Turan is not going to come to NUFC, as much as I would like him to. German clubs have a pull on Turkish players, and Spurs just step in like a playground schoolboy trying to grab more marbles than the rest. I would be much happier if KK’s role in getting new players was more obvious. These backroom boys are not up front enough for me. I know secrecy is paramount but I feel they do not know quite what they are doing. It is all fiddle and fart, fart and fiddle, dither, dither, slither, slither – and nothing happens. WE got team confidence. OK Ashley, how about some fan confidence?

  • 11 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 11:58 AM

    f**k this, i’m gonna proceed to beat some random duded senseless with a bat in GTA then i’m off to study for tomorrows exam and i fully expect some good news to be here when i check back.

  • 12 Az // May 22, 2008 at 11:59 AM

    Bang on TOON KING

    Keegan will get fed up and will pack his bags if things don’t improve soon

    If he does we’re up shit creeek lads

  • 13 Mick G // May 22, 2008 at 12:00 PM

    At this rate we are going to finish up with players that no one else wants.Hang on we already have.Smith,Barton,etc.

  • 14 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 12:00 PM

    Garry MAc, i started to ignore the press way back, i’m not pissed cause of the Arda rumours, i’m pissed cause nothings happening. we have to move fast to secure any decent player, who ever he may be. Other clubs all ready started to sign and sign big, yet were still on vacation.

    That is what is really starting to piss me off.

  • 15 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 12:02 PM

    Barton is wanted by others Mick G, ………..in fact i think he’s Most Wanted………

  • 16 John // May 22, 2008 at 12:02 PM

    you on 360 toon King?

  • 17 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 12:03 PM

    spurs are again after our target……i think they dont have a wish list…….they will blindly hijack our bid for the players…………………..

  • 18 Az // May 22, 2008 at 12:03 PM

    Owen won’t sign a new contract if we don’t pull our fingers out and sign some talent

  • 19 Rem // May 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM

    the season just finished!!!!
    why is everyone panicking

    Yes it dragging on about his one, but most singings dont happen till August.

    We probly arent even after him

  • 20 Az // May 22, 2008 at 12:04 PM

    At least their fans have something to get excited about

  • 21 Toonboy // May 22, 2008 at 12:05 PM

    FFS not again :-(

  • 22 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 12:06 PM

    no John.

  • 23 Crap in the transfer market // May 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM

    I can just see the headlines now!
    Toon lose out to spurs again in transfer market!!
    How embarrassing. We have to be the shitest “supposedly big club” in the premiership Were a joke!
    Looks like the same old tired shite next season.
    What the f’#@k happened?

  • 24 Toonboy // May 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM

    Skysports breaking news,Mort to step down

  • 25 Neilos // May 22, 2008 at 12:09 PM

    Am i the only person who thinks we need a Right Back and Left back for cover incase Beye are Enrique are injured???

  • 26 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 12:10 PM

    most singings dont happen till August……….yes you are right…………..but if we delay till euro then we might miss players like turan…………………

  • 27 Davies // May 22, 2008 at 12:16 PM

    Early days.

    We’re going to be linked with just about every want away player on the planet in the close season.

    What with Spurs’ new recruitment policy of signing whoever we are interested in, the press are always going to be putting 2+2 together and getting 69ed.

    Not worth getting excited about.

    I have to agree that I am getting a little hacked off with the seeming lack of movement from our new expensive scouting team though.

  • 28 Crap in the transfer market // May 22, 2008 at 12:17 PM

    Last season at this stage the club was bought out so very little transfer activity there.
    The January transfer window we sack the manager no transfer activity there.
    This transfer window, we get rid of the chairman
    Can anyone else see a pattern here!

  • 29 Az // May 22, 2008 at 12:19 PM

    Thats right, if it wasn’t for the Euro cup we could put off till August, but we need to be quick and start flexing our muscle.
    We have a billionaire owner who is shit scared to spend his money (yes I know he cleared the debt, but thats not enough)

  • 30 sirjasontoon // May 22, 2008 at 12:28 PM

    “Scouting Team” haha that made me laugh !
    Let’s scout around the globe scouting !

    Ashley is not going to back Keegan and we will continue to be picking up scraps in the transfer market.

    It is time to realise Newcastle is nothing but a cash cow for Mike Ashley and he will spend as little as possible in order to keep the club in profit i.e high gates,low wages,little spend that is how it works.

    As mentioned ages ago..Keegan will walk,wise will take his job and as for taylor and owen and possibly Martins they will walk too.

    These boys have no clue about recruitment the new chairman has no clue about football and these appointments are clueless as neither will deliver any benefit to our club.

  • 31 D B F // May 22, 2008 at 12:30 PM

    we need to get our singins done ASAP for 2 reasons,
    1. we need to get in b4 any other clubs if we want any good players
    2. we need to get them signed b4 the euros otherwise other clubs will be interested and their price will double.
    i will be seriously pissed off if we are no furhter forward by next week

  • 32 Leo // May 22, 2008 at 12:34 PM

    apparntly we didnt dither on woodgate or modric, apparntly tottensham were in for them a long while before us which is why they got there men, which either way still means we are dithering which is worrying

  • 33 Az // May 22, 2008 at 12:40 PM

    I can’t understand Ashley, most of the time he’s at the matches getting pissed with the rest of us and basically looks like a pasionate fan, only difference is he has the money and he makes the decisions!
    If it was me in charge with all that money the Turan deal would be tied up along with the modric deal, sign some class players and the club will make millions!!!!
    SPECULATE TO ACCUMALTE

  • 34 bo // May 22, 2008 at 12:40 PM

    I wouldnt panick just yet. No team throughout europe has made any significant signing yet apart from the modric deal. Newcastle will be in advanced talks with players as will most clubs.Just because nothing has been announced yet doesnt mean kk, wise etc are not doing anything.

  • 35 VeryNorthernMag // May 22, 2008 at 12:44 PM

    I really think some of your expectations are far too high. At the moment we are a nothing club. No Europe, and a rubbish season behind us. Why would these young stars want to sign for us? I can think of very few reasons to be honest.

    So we have a billionaire owner. Who doesn’t these days? You can’t buy instant success in this age as there is so much money in the game. We are behind clubs like Spurs, Everton and Villa already, and don’t forget they will also improve their squads this summer.

    Please just ignore the press. For years we have been ‘used’ to get players moves to bigger clubs, and lets face it the press really don’t like us and stir crap at every opportunity.

    I really think some of you expect far too much!

  • 36 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 12:51 PM

    WE NEED TO SIGN MR ARDA TURAN

  • 37 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:00 PM

    We have the upper hand in any deal for turan. we have his idol belezoglu emre!!

  • 38 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 1:02 PM

    i think we’ll make 5-6 transfer this summer..but they’ll be cheap transfers..avarage players..not costs more than 6-7mn like last year..
    last year we got Barton 6mn.,
    Enrique 6mn.,
    Beye&Faye each 2mn..
    Rozenthal 3mn. and so on..

    I dont believe the board wants to make big transfers like Modric or Turan..
    But we cant be a good team without good players..
    I prefer to buy 3 good players like Turan, Veloso,Gomez than 6 avarage players..

    next year i think pos 11 will be a success with the cheap crap..

  • 39 paulthepom // May 22, 2008 at 1:04 PM

    who started the turan rumour.the press.even if he is good,he is a left winger and we already have two of them who are mboth decent in zog and duff.we will not sign this player unless one of these is sold.full stop.we need a couple of class central midfielders.a makelele type spoiler to replace duff and a 15 goal meastro like gerrard or lampard,scholes or fabregas.not another effin left winger

  • 40 paulthepom // May 22, 2008 at 1:04 PM

    meant butt,not duff

  • 41 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:06 PM

    i have to say im gutted about the mort going, was a really good bloke, met him the night the king came back. was a class bloke. but……. like i said yesterday before everyone else started riducling me for saying it, i got told last year mort was here to sort finance, advise big mike, recruit trusted stagg(big question mark there), but it was always going to be the rebuilding year, and the story we want to base ourselves on arsenal is because david dein has always been lined up. were just have to wait and see if it happens

  • 42 Oba // May 22, 2008 at 1:07 PM

    Mort’s gone then.

  • 43 Rem // May 22, 2008 at 1:10 PM

    Toonboy –
    nufc.com had it first, sky sports never have anything new or breaking they are w*****s

  • 44 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 1:12 PM

    yep Morty’s history.

  • 45 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 1:13 PM

    Paulthepom: TURAN IS NOT A LEFT WINGER.
    Have u ever watch this guy..He plays more like attacking midfielder..He is somebody like Zidane, Totti, Hagi, Maradona..

  • 46 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:14 PM

    haha anyone just seen that asian cockney going on about jon terry and getting really angry on SSN? sooo funny

  • 47 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:15 PM

    steven you heard anymore news today mate about arda?

  • 48 Davies // May 22, 2008 at 1:15 PM

    Don’t know if anyone else has seen it, but tribal football are saying that Roz has been offered a deal at Lazio.

    Could be the start of good things.

  • 49 ObaFan2 // May 22, 2008 at 1:17 PM

    Some news from SJP would be good!!!!!!!!

    It seems to me that the way this club is now being run is at the expense of the supporters.

    I’d like to think that I’m a patient blogger (compared to many :) ) but some information confirmed by SJP would be a good thing.

    Our recruitment team have so far delivered sfa. except huge disappointments
    so far.

  • 50 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 1:20 PM

    GG7: yeah, unfortunately yes..I posted it in Nicky Shorey page yesterday night..take a look 175-176-178..
    He’ll probably sign to Everton..

  • 51 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:20 PM

    watch ssn now

  • 52 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 1:22 PM

    Spurs dont want him, they want Capel.

  • 53 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:22 PM

    supposivley that that paper is the worst by far for making rumours up though

  • 54 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 1:24 PM

    i hope so..

  • 55 THELONGSHANKS // May 22, 2008 at 1:25 PM

    Mort leaving is going to slow down signing players.If we go any slower we will be going backward!

  • 56 THELONGSHANKS // May 22, 2008 at 1:27 PM

    In all honesty ask yourself.Will you go out next season and buy a jersey with dunne on the back or would you rather have turan or veleso on the back.enuf said…

  • 57 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:30 PM

    longshanks- i think everyone knows who they would prefer there fella

  • 58 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 1:30 PM

    Thelongshanks: exactly fella..
    but this guyz look like they dont have any ambition to buy talented players..

  • 59 Eric // May 22, 2008 at 1:31 PM

    Neilos is right. I have been saying for some while a LB for cover is a priority. Another priority is to get Owen, Martins, and Taylor safely tucked up in bed (with new contracts that is!). Then we need to sort out Zog and keep him here. After that we need to find some quality mid-field, another striker, RB cover and a CB.
    No need for names. A look at the available squad numbers tells us KK’s requirements. There are some quality players out there, KK knows it, trouble is those players do not know yet they will be playing in black and white at NUFC next season. Some poor player is going to wake up one morning this summer and say “Christ, I am an adopted Geordie now!”.

  • 60 ObaFan2 // May 22, 2008 at 1:33 PM

    SSN, quite amusing with Terry crying like a babe, Drogba being blamed by Chelseas fans for the loss (even though Drogba was probably very helpful in getting them to the final!)but Giggs’s (british) record 22 major honours, quite a record.

  • 61 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:37 PM

    obafan2- did you just see that bloke looking like a gangsta going on about jon terry?

  • 62 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 1:37 PM

    Just tooning in for the latest gossip, the usual…
    nowt…..

    Spurs does not have a scouting system.
    Ramos sits at his desk reading nufcblog.com, sees who’s we are linked with then decides if he wants them or not…..how hard is that?
    I think Kev will be off back to Glasgow if he loses out on many more players.
    Would love to know what Wise and his Cronies do all day……

  • 63 ObaFan2 // May 22, 2008 at 1:39 PM

    GG7, yep and they seem to have an interview with Mort coming up about him leaving before the start of the new season!!!!

    Why isn’t something on our OFFICIAL website ????

  • 64 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 1:42 PM

    nah its not an interview with mort, its david craig over the phone talking

  • 65 GSfan // May 22, 2008 at 1:47 PM

    It seems there’s an atmosphere of panic here regarding this transfer. Many seem to want to seal this deal fast whether or not they may know about Arda much.

    So what would be a better way than actually watching the highlights of a match which sort of portrays a player’s role?

    Here is the last match of the season where Galatasaray seal the championship and Arda plays his usual self (as he was motivated to the fullest since a win would seal the championship). He didn’t play his best nor did he play his worst in this match. This is his usual performance. If you can’t tell when Arda gets involved in plays just pay attention to when the commentator says “Arda” :p

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjNfozBvUHg

    As you can see he doesn’t have a specific role. He constantly switches his positions from center, to left, then to right wing and back to center again throughout the course of just one match. He is versatile in that case. The 2 goals scored in this match are definitely worth watching (especially the second goal even if that one had nothing to do with Arda, it’s probably the goal of the season :p)

    So yeah. It’s better to not overreact over a player you may not know much about imo as it would cause else but stress. If you’re 100% confident after having seen the playing style/role of the player though and still want him then that’s fair enough.

    (Btw there has been no mention of Spurs making a move for Arda in any of the Turkish newspapers still. As for the German clubs I wouldn’t worry about them much, this lad wants to play in the Premiership and the Bundesliga really doesn’t attract Turkish stars, it just brings up Turkish-based players from its youth)

  • 66 Frankieboy // May 22, 2008 at 1:48 PM

    Same old same old. Think Wise and his team could be scouting for Spurs.
    We need to move on Turan now cos IF he is still available after Euro 08 his price will rocket.
    GG7 (41) aye I seen that guy on SSN yeh, giving it some yeh about JT yeh a bit OTT yeh Innit!

  • 67 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 1:51 PM

    not to forget: we’ll not play Uefa or CL next year..
    Which talented player prefer us to come after Euro if he has better options? it looks like we dont have any strategy for next year..no concept..

    Everbody speaking about PL experience..I have to mention this guyz just 2 names..Berbatov-Santa Cruz..They didnt have any PL experience but we’ve seen what they did..and i can mention the big name of Alan SMITH with great PL experience that we bought last year..
    I wanna say that forget this shite about PL experience..Talented players are always better than the others like Smith..A good player can play in Japan or Russia or somewhere else, i ask myself just Are we talented enough to get this good players or not…
    This is the question..
    We’ll see the answer in August..I just remember 23 Dec 2007 we played draw against Derby in St. James..
    at the end of next year i want to start the summer with dreamin about how we’ll play agains Barca or Madrid or Milan..not about Derby County again..

  • 68 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:00 PM

    gsfan- how about everton then? do u know if king kev was over there trying to do the deal yesterday? what about hamit altintop, he plays for bayern doesnt he, he looks good every time i have seen him? you have any updates form any turkish based sources?

  • 69 Crap in the transfer market // May 22, 2008 at 2:00 PM

    Is anyone thinking of not renewing their season ticket next season?

  • 70 Frankieboy // May 22, 2008 at 2:02 PM

    Just watched that clip GSfan and you are right about the second goal nearly as good as Shearer v Everton an few years ago.

  • 71 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:04 PM

    John Terry is world class YEAH, i LOVE HIm yeah, he is WORLD CLASS YEAH, TERRY AND LAMPARD YEAH, WORLD CLASS YEAH. Its just anothr trophy we could have had on our silver cabinet yeah. WHAT A KNOB THAT FELLA WAS, SOO FUNNY THOUGH. what the hell is a silver cabinet? lol

  • 72 HeronMag // May 22, 2008 at 2:13 PM

    There’s a lot of people here panicking about the fact we’ve announced no signings. That’s not to say that we aren’t actually doing anything.

    I agree with the earlier comment from Gary Mac. If you remember his previous tenure, most of Keegan’s signing were out of the blue. There was always speculation, but the signings that arrived were more often than not different to the ones that were touted in the papers at the time. I remember the papers reporting that we were going to sign Stan Collymore when he was at Forest and Bergkamp when he was an Inter player. Instead we got players like Ferdinand and Ginola – fantastic signings!

    Keep the faith lads. KK won’t be sitting idle.

  • 73 GSfan // May 22, 2008 at 2:16 PM

    Well Everton was only mentioned on Hurriyet, and those guys are known to bring up ridiculous rumours. If Everton really made it public that they were interested in Arda the news would have hit all the other sources as well and you would see it in the headlines. Hurriyet isn’t very reliable even though it sells a lot.

    As for Kev, there are no reports of any English representatives coming over to negotiate for Arda. The only recent news would be http://fanatik.ekolay.net/Fanatik/Default.aspx?aType=Detail&catid=32&articleID=107922 which doesn’t even need a translation as it just basically repeats what Arda’s manager said and what the Galatasaray Chairman Adnan Polat said.

    As for Hamit Altintop, like I said, the only Turkish players/stars that are in the Bundesliga are those who came from their youth ranks. Hamit was one of them and he shined above most others while playing for Schalke when he was young. Then Bayern Munich just picked him up. But you won’t find any Turkish stars or promising youngsters going to the Bundesliga really, the Premiership or La Liga is their real dream and it’s a well known fact in Turkey that the Premiership is the toughest football league in the world.

  • 74 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 2:18 PM

    What about Zafer Yelen.

    Nuri Sahin is very promising but he came from Dortmund. Don rate Hamit’s brother Halil, hes always quite shite whenever i see him.

  • 75 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:19 PM

    so its nothing to worry about really then. maybe we will get him maybe we wont. Do you think emre will have a big influence to his move?

  • 76 Rem // May 22, 2008 at 2:19 PM

    Id like Hakan Balta. scored a class goal for turkey the other night and seems to score a few goals, and he is a defender

  • 77 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:21 PM

    halil is shite every time iv seen him to, hamit is good player though. bit off subject here but has anyone seen how good Robert Acquafresca is? he is lightning

  • 78 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 2:24 PM

    Aquafrecsa is just ok. Edison Cavani of Palermo is immense.

  • 79 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:27 PM

    cavani would be the obvious choice of a young stiker along with the likes of gomez, but aquafresca has got all the makings of a good forward.

    looks like gomez will end up at chels, after that tit drogba costing chelsea the game.

  • 80 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 2:28 PM

    What about Mario Gomez? I dont hear about him anything..

  • 81 GSfan // May 22, 2008 at 2:32 PM

    Like I said before, the Turkish players that play in the Bundesliga are those who came from the youth ranks of a German team (Zafer Yelen – Hansa Rostock, Nuri – Dortmund, Yildiray – Bochum, Halil – Kaiserslautern, and many more which I haven’t mentioned) . None of the Turkish players in the Bundesliga came from the Turkish super league. The Turkish stars who shine in the Turkish league always go to La Liga or the Premiership, and we haven’t heard of any Spanish club being interested in Arda either so no worries there.

    As for Emre being an influence, both him and Arda share a common characteristic. They both came from Galatasaray’s youth ranks and became stars. They’re not players of the same generation though I should say, though those two have been in touch in training sessions and seemed to have lots of conversations going on among em. Who knows what they might be saying. Though Arda has also been seen talking to Tuncay a bit as well, but that sure shouldn’t mean Middlesbrough wants to have a shot at Arda either. However this means Arda really is interested in the Premiership as I’m 99.9% sure they’re talking about it somewhere in their dialogues.

    Emre isn’t really Arda’s “idol” either as some point out. Emre didn’t impress any Turkish fans during his team abroad unlike Nihat, Hamit or Mevlut did in their leagues. (And heck he was a skinny lad when he played for us, what the hell are you guys feeding him? :p) But I’m pretty sure Emre’s getting involved in this business especially because they’re in the national team camp now.

  • 82 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:32 PM

    what you mean steven1979? going to chelsea? or just as a player?

  • 83 Bosck // May 22, 2008 at 2:34 PM

    oh no!!! lets all panic, start slagging off our owner who has cleared all our debts, our chairman who has lived away from his family for months and set up a sensible long term system at the club, and our scouting network as well, just cos we have not paid ridiculous money for an unproven 21 year old who may be skillful, but plays in a league about as competitive as the scottish premiership. the last turkish super star we signed hardly set the place on fire did he!!!

    can everyone stop moaning and just be patient. keegan will have last say otherwise he will quit. if he doesnt want to buy turan or for that price we wont.

    in all honesty how do we know newcastle are even after him, noone at the club has said anything about it.

    can everyone please just chill out, and stop slagging off the first sensible set up we’ve had in years!!!

  • 84 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:37 PM

    hopefully gsfan, its all those kebab shops up there. lol. i remember watching a fenerbache game couple of years ago and i sat in the away end with the fener fans, every time tuncay went near the ball they went mental, was he like there shearer? the fener fans were mental. iv never seen anything like it. who would you say is the best prospect apart from arda in turkish football?

  • 85 Nobull // May 22, 2008 at 2:37 PM

    I have it on very good authority (and this person is right 75% of the time) we are not even interested in Arda Turan!!

    It si drummed up by Bhulut (his agent) as he is fishing for a team to bid on him. tottenham arent even interested, again same old same old, agents using well off clubs to line their pockets by moving their clients around.

    Metzelder is a definite target, thats all my mate knows. As yet, there is no movement from NUFC in the transfer market. This is because there is a boardroom reshuffle going on, Mr Wise is going on holiday with his family, and KK can only look at players but not negotiate!!!!!!

    Great eh

  • 86 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 2:37 PM

    Is Gomez not coming to the Toon?..i thought we want him..i dont read any news about him last days..Did u hear something GG7?

  • 87 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 2:38 PM

    We wont be able to get Mario Gomez, nuff said.

  • 88 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 2:39 PM

    Topuz and Gonul look good players.

  • 89 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 2:43 PM

    as much as i would like gomez, he is the ideal replacement for drogba, we went to watch him play but he will want a bigger challenge in tht he will want champs league, unless king kev can sell him ” we are going to compete for big things mario, you could be part of this. you could be the new SHEARERRRRRR”.

  • 90 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 2:45 PM

    yeah..he can be the new the SHEARER..
    What u think about Amauri from Palermo??

  • 91 GSfan // May 22, 2008 at 2:54 PM

    Tuncay was the role model in Fenerbahce yeah. He was the player that got involved with the crowd in a match the most so no wonder the fans were going crazy over him. He even had a go at us chanting something that’s not in our favor when they beat us at home in front of 32000 angry fans :p In Turkey he was known to be the ‘braveheart’ of Fenerbahce. In Middlesbrough however it feels like him playing with all his heart sort of vanished (at least that’s what it seems like if you compare it with his days in Fenerbahce, when he played at his absolute best level while even scoring a hat trick against Man U).

    As for the future prospects, Tom_Toon got em really well.

    Mehmet Topuz from Kayserispor is just fantastic, the typical hard working midfielder who presses throughout the entire match and has physical strength as well as good passing play. Every Turkish team has been after him for years and Kayserispor has absolutely no will to sell him.

    Gokhan Gonul from Fenerbahce is another lad with a bright future. He was tipped to be the next Cafu by his coach (and Brazillian legend) Zico, but unfortunately he got a severve injury during the second half of the season and that was basically the end of the season for him.

    On top of that there are the two lads from Besiktas: Serdar Ozkan (right wing) and Batuhan (Forward). Serdar had a really well first season while Batuhan got some chances during the end of matches (though he’s only about 17 so give him a break). However Batuhan got spoiled a bit in our U17 semi final match against France where he became so arrogant that he pointed to which corner he was going to shoot his penalty and shot it exactly there with the keeper saving it…

    Baris Memis from Trabzonspor is another young lad that their fans are hyped about. He’s a young hard working midfielder with some display of skill in ball control.

    Burak Yilmaz (forward) from Vestel Manisaspor also shined a bit even though he couldn’t prevent his team from getting relegated.

    Emre Gungor (center back) and Mehmet Topal (midfielder) from Galatasaray are also youngsters showed some promise this year helping us get to the title while playing in almost every single match. Baris Ozbek also did fine this year (the young midfielder we bought from Rot-Weiss Essen last year).

  • 92 GSfan // May 22, 2008 at 3:00 PM

    Oh in addition to that there was the brilliant young defender Ibrahim Kas, who often comes up to score from corner kicks, from Besiktas as well. But Getafe decided to gamble on him and nicked him before the Euros.

  • 93 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 3:00 PM

    Ye, i was going to mention Baris and Topal, both gd.

  • 94 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 3:03 PM

    gs fan- thanks for the very helpfull insight. anyone seen lacanza (sp) with that united shirt on? hatton took it well, great bloke. amauri is brilliant but wouldnt be good in the premier, out of most top strikers, the most likely one to suceed these days would be gomez, thats why we wont be able to sign him. i dont think huntelaar would hack it, and would do a kezman. i may be wrong but its just how i see it

  • 95 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 3:14 PM

    http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/newcastle/article3985140.ece

    very good article, talks about mort leaving.

  • 96 Sun'lun's Burnin' // May 22, 2008 at 3:31 PM

    Why is everyone going mad about this Turan lad!!? no-one including me had heard of him until we were linked with the ‘Best player in Turkey’ to quote his AGENT.
    if he is anygood then fair enough we could do with a bit of wing cover cos duff is rank which only leaves zoggy and milner that are anygood. But if we do want him, we should move now or risk him ripping it up in the euros and going to a champs league club willing to pay £20mil.
    If he is that good why would Gala want to sell now for 13mil or whatever when his value could sky rocket after this summers tourny. not convinced personally.

    Summer wishes
    Offload: Ameobi, Smith, Rozenhal, Cacapa.
    Bring In: Gomez (unrealistic) Huddlestone, Creative Midfielder (possibly this Turan fella is he’s any good!) and a big hold up striker to cover viduka aswell as ameobi’s departure.

  • 97 Frankieboy // May 22, 2008 at 3:38 PM

    GG7
    Apparently Lacanza is being talked about as the Espanic that will make you panic. I thought that they were talking about our great Marcellino

  • 98 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 3:48 PM

    lol. hahahahahaha

  • 99 toonoholic // May 22, 2008 at 3:51 PM

    GG7 i am pissed we havent signed TURAN YET :@

  • 100 GSfan // May 22, 2008 at 3:51 PM

    Well this just in. Some news on Arda.

    http://www.webaslan.com/haberler/27616.php

    I’ll just translate this:

    Galatasaray’s Turkish national player Arda Turan noted that he became sick and tired of all the news that has been cropping up. “For the time being I only want to focus on Euro 2008 and the success of the national team. I have a contract with Galatasaray until the year 2011 as it is and my priority would be Galatasaray” said Arda Turan, releasing a statement via his agent Ahmet Bulut.

    “As mentioned before, my priority is Galatasaray. If there would be the case that I transfer to another European team I wouldn’t say no, but the most important thing for me is Galatasaray’s interests. I would say I’d support any decision that would benefit the team the most. However, I just don’t want to talk about transfers right now. My only thoughts are on the European Championships right now and I want to fully focus on that only”.

    Well I have to say I’m kind of proud of him for being a true Galatasaray fan. Though it seems like it’s now official that he wants to wait until the end of the European Championship before making a decision, possibly so he can get more clubs interested in him.

  • 101 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 4:01 PM

    he will go if we bid enough, thts y players have agents, to sort deals out for them so they havent got to keep coming out and mentioning his transfer. If we get him then good, if we dont i will be dissapointed but plenty mor fish in the sea

  • 102 toonoholic // May 22, 2008 at 4:11 PM

    NO OTHER FISH!

    TURAN TURAN TURAN

  • 103 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 4:13 PM

    wat abt ivan klasnic………….he is a free agent i think

  • 104 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 4:17 PM

    klasnic wouldnt hack the prem i doubt, has he fully recovred? toonholic, im just trying to put things in to perspective here, but just like u im thinking mmmmmmm turan

  • 105 Andy1 // May 22, 2008 at 4:39 PM

    This story, and the link with Spurs, is not based in fact, or even in the gossip of tabloid papers. The link is made to get people worried, and make us question the efforts of the scouts and negotiators, when they are probably doing their best fo the club.

    Everyone gets worked up about not signing anybody and are becoming really paranoid about Spurs, but not many players are signed this early normally.

    While I read the blog avidly everyday and it always keeps us up with the speculation, it makes everyone really frustrated when no one signs. All of it is pointless speculation really, but each one that doesn’t happen is seen as another player lost.

    There IS an urgent need to sign any targets that could enhance their reputation and boost their value in the Euros. But it is not that worrying that we haven’t signed anyone – it’s not even June yet. How many other teams have made signings already? We need keep this in perspective.

  • 106 Frankieboy // May 22, 2008 at 5:01 PM

    GSfan I tried to translate that report n all Icome up with was Donner, Shish and red cabbage.
    If thats what it says then you have to appreciate his opinion……until his agent explains £s sterling.

  • 107 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 5:01 PM

    Klasnic isn’t good enough for NUFC. He will be the next Smith. Avarage player with avarage skills and no ambition..
    We need Gomez as a striker and Turan as a attacking mid..one Defensive mid
    Lb and RB for the bench.
    and Campell for DC. he is free in 1st of July
    6 players will be enough..
    There are a lot of to go(Smith &co..)
    25-30mn will be enough for all of this..

  • 108 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:05 PM

    Gomez is 20 mil alone.

  • 109 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 5:10 PM

    i hope we can sell 5-6 players for 15mn..
    im sure Stutgart will satisfied with 15 mn. KLose last year moved from Bremen to Bayern Munich 10 mn. Euros..

  • 110 Obafan // May 22, 2008 at 5:12 PM

    I still am confident we will do a few good transfers this window. I really am; it indeed never was officialy stated by NUFC that they were going to do an offer for Arda. But on the other hand what is true in this article. The stories around the Arda transfer change every day, so who knows what will be written tomorrow…

    For me the most important thing now to do is:
    GIVE NEW CONTRACTS TO OWEN AND OBA!!!

  • 111 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:13 PM

    Cos he was in the last year of his contract.

    Stuttgart want 35 million euros.

  • 112 KKK // May 22, 2008 at 5:16 PM

    Hey guys just on Wikipedia there checking out Turan. I know its not exactly the most reliable source on transfer news but i found the following which i hope is not true:

    “Reports suggest he is on his way to Everton after agreeing terms, the fee is thought to equal around £10 million.”

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arda_Turan

  • 113 Geordie Gerrard 7 // May 22, 2008 at 5:17 PM

    tom toon- that was to ward off intrest in january, they are now prepared to sell, but unfortunatley he will go to chelsea

  • 114 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:18 PM

    They have just stated that a few days ago, not in january.

  • 115 KKK // May 22, 2008 at 5:19 PM

    hey guys was just on wiki there checking out Turan, i know its not exactly the most reliable source but the following has been added:

    “Reports suggest he is on his way to Everton after agreeing terms, the fee is thought to equal around £10 million.”

  • 116 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:22 PM

    Stuttgart set Gomez price
    Germany ace priced at £39.4million
    By Chris Ives Last updated: 2nd April 2008

    Stuttgart have placed a lofty €50million (£39.4million) on star striker Mario Gomez.

    The 22-year-old is an in-demand commodity with the likes of Liga giants Real Madrid and Barcelona both sniffing around after his services.

    However, Gomez is contracted to the Bundesliga outfit until June 2012 and Stuttgart have no plans to let the striker leave Gottlieb-Daimler-Stadion on the cheap.

    “One cannot insure the market value of Mario, we feel he is worth about 50 million euros,” said Stuttgart’s director of sport Jochen Schneider.

    Stuttgart coach Armin Veh would be surprised if Gomez, who has Spanish ancestry, would choose Real Madrid over boyhood club Barcelona.

  • 117 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:22 PM

    anyone can edit wikipedia! why do people not know this.

  • 118 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 5:25 PM

    Stutgart will play Inter-toto this year(may be after this if they qualify UEFA)..
    Nothing important to stay there..ifwe offer smt.like 15mn. they will sell him..
    35 mn Euro is 28 mil pound. its too much..unrealistic..
    of course if he scores 6-7 goals in Euro 2008, it will change..

  • 119 euanpolo // May 22, 2008 at 5:25 PM

    I don’t care about Mort!
    I don’t care about the staff!
    I don’t care about the players!
    All I want if them to bring in some quality players! If we can’t sign Arda Turan and Spurs get him then I will write into the club and offer them whatever they want for newcastle. I’m only a teenager but I coul do a better job than them, at least we’d actually sign someone!

  • 120 Geordie Gerrard 7 // May 22, 2008 at 5:26 PM

    well they said exactly the same thing in january tom toon, i think that may have been regurgatated news. even if they did want that i doubt we would get it to be honest.

    we should be concentrating on bringing in some blody signings, they probably are wich is good, but i think everyone is getting rather impatient.

  • 121 Geordie Gerrard 7 // May 22, 2008 at 5:26 PM

    well they said exactly the same thing in january tom toon, i think that may have been regurgatated news. even if they did want that i doubt we would get it to be honest.

    we should be concentrating on bringing in some blody signings, they probably are wich is good, but i think everyone is getting rather impatient.

  • 122 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:28 PM

    We wont be able to get him, full stop. He is too good for us, we are a MID TABLE TEAM. He could go to a better team and still get 1st team football.

  • 123 Geordie Gerrard 7 // May 22, 2008 at 5:29 PM

    its been changed already, turan wont be going to everton.

  • 124 Geordie Gerrard 7 // May 22, 2008 at 5:30 PM

    i never once said we would, its just it would be nice if we did

  • 125 tapir // May 22, 2008 at 5:31 PM

    it is time to be worry
    we loose out so many player,kick some player,jailed some player but no replacement coming in!
    and some of you reckon it is still early in the transfer season..
    yea right,wait till Euro start, price go rocket and we start selling our own star to gain more wages and KK will be dissapointed..enuff said…

    At this stage at least MO,CM ,Wise or KK shud come out and explain their plan…

  • 126 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:33 PM

    everton will not go for turan and they wont spend 13m on a single player…………….they already have arteta and cahill………….so they wont be a problem……..

  • 127 Geordie Gerrard 7 // May 22, 2008 at 5:37 PM

    everton are shit- they done well last year because cahill and arteta were in great form. cant see both of them being this good next year. they want dudu(who would be a good signing from us) and jo for 18 million. people are trying to make storys up to get the toon to hurry up with the transfer.

  • 128 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:38 PM

    Luis Suarez of Ajax – Im a big fan of his, i dont understand why few people know him outside of holland. 19 goals and 15 assists this season from midfield. The new Recoba.

    I recommended Dudu a while ago, a very good cm.

  • 129 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:41 PM

    ya i have seen suarez……good player…………but i think johnny heitinga will be a good addition to our squad…………..

  • 130 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:41 PM

    Heitinga has just moved to Atleti.

  • 131 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 5:41 PM

    Tom Toon& GG7: My question is If we wont be able to get Gomez, how u can believe we will be able to get Turan???????????

  • 132 CRAIGG // May 22, 2008 at 5:46 PM

    People are put off players from the dutch league due to the prolific goalscorers like Kezman and Kuyt.

  • 133 Geordie Gerrard 7 // May 22, 2008 at 5:48 PM

    very good question!! one word “emre”! he is a good trump card, either in swap or just because he is at the toon and loves life here

  • 134 Ryan // May 22, 2008 at 5:50 PM

    Hmm, I hope we transfer someone asap… Most of the clubs already starts buying player

  • 135 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:52 PM

    wat abt sessegnon? anyone seen him play……….

  • 136 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:55 PM

    Gomez is German from a finncially stable club and is regularly linked to Real Madrid and Barcelona.

    Arda Turan is Turkish from a not financially stable club and regularly linked to Newcastle, Boro and the likes.

    See the difference?

  • 137 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 5:55 PM

    I agree. Dutch league scuks..no defence no off-side league..every team there scores more than 50-60 goals..

  • 138 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:56 PM

    Craigg – But Suarez is a midfielder, and people like Huntelaar for some bizarre reason.

    Huntelaar is a great finisher but has no pace, no skill, no hold up play and no creativity.

  • 139 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:57 PM

    Have you seen dutch league exports? They are the best in the world at developing talent by far.

  • 140 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 5:58 PM

    Tom Toon: then we need a Turkish Gomez.
    Do u know some?

  • 141 Petworth Mag // May 22, 2008 at 5:58 PM

    So we have three bids in. And the word is that we have every chance of landing them.

    Arshavin
    Joaquin
    Unnamed CB

    get in…

  • 142 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 5:59 PM

    Whats this petworth?

  • 143 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 6:00 PM

    any source…………….

  • 144 Ben_BKK // May 22, 2008 at 6:03 PM

    Doesn’t Suarez play for Inter? Or am I thinking of someone else…

  • 145 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 6:03 PM

    Turan and Gomez stories ended glorious..lol
    Now starts Arshavin and Joaquin stories..

  • 146 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 6:05 PM

    Err you are thinking of someone else. Maybe Jiminez or Suazo

  • 147 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 6:07 PM

    How u find guyz Adriano from Inter? He was on loan last year..may be easy to get

  • 148 Ben_BKK // May 22, 2008 at 6:08 PM

    Yeah that’s it, David Suazo…I knew it started with a “Sua…”

  • 149 toonoholic // May 22, 2008 at 6:09 PM

    Reports that we have bid for 5 players already
    turan
    ahsravin
    veloso
    gomis
    kompany

    beat that petworth

  • 150 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 6:09 PM

    u mean since january. He looking to get back to his best so we have no chance. On his day, at his best he is the best striker in the world.

  • 151 Ben_BKK // May 22, 2008 at 6:10 PM

    Source???

    Oh and I think Kompany would be a good buy. Belgian international, and I had him in my Pro Evo team haha.

  • 152 chennai toon // May 22, 2008 at 6:13 PM

    good night guys…………………….hope will get some good news tomorrow(hopefully nufc have signed turan)……………………….

  • 153 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 6:14 PM

    yeah I think so..But i read somewhere Inter will offload Adriano this year..
    Kanoute can be an option too..A lot o rumuors around him

  • 154 nightfall // May 22, 2008 at 6:17 PM

    i hope we don’t get arda…he’s too slow… there are better ways to spend 12m…

  • 155 Ashton // May 22, 2008 at 6:30 PM

    http://www.enfieldindependent.co.uk/mostpopular.var.2285743.mostviewed.spurs_still_in_the_hunt_for_turkish_wonderkid.php

    there is something wrong !

  • 156 belfast toon // May 22, 2008 at 6:36 PM

    THIS IS NOW COMMENT 154 ON THIS STORY I THINK THAT SAYS IT ALL………………. WE WANT THIS KID!!!!

  • 157 chuck // May 22, 2008 at 6:37 PM

    Gotta laugh!, for Ch***t sakes relax you guys , after all how many actual players have been signed by any club, its all rumor at this stage. Rumor, positioning and negotiating.
    Yeah I realize you have great expectations,visions of arriving stars, a competitive team, playing attractive football in the coming season, with KK at the helm.
    Dont get too delusional, you may be dissapointed.
    After all the owner has spent a considerable sum of money both by buying the club and clearing the debt inherited from the previous owners,which we are led to believe was`nt chump change.
    Sure the club had decent earnings and will recieve a nice piece of change from the TV people but players have to be paid, St James` park does`nt run on air, so dont expect unlimited funds to buy players.

  • 158 Proud to be Black & White formaly know as John // May 22, 2008 at 6:51 PM

    boys whats this about us bidding for 5 players?

  • 159 Hadji // May 22, 2008 at 7:06 PM

    Tom Toon what do you think of Renato Augusto and how much do you think he’s worth in the market.

  • 160 matt // May 22, 2008 at 7:09 PM

    the sad part is, the last few “surprise” signings have been who? Rossi on loan and sibierski, right? right. panic buys. as with anyone on here, i’d love to see turan play for newcastle, but in my heart of hearts, do i think it will happen? no. Im sure we’re probably checking on a few underwhelming players like bullard, or a few foreign players we’ve never heard of with promises that they’ll turn the club’s fortunes around. sad to see mort leaving, but it’s time we splash some cash around or be left in the dark til the deadline.

  • 161 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 7:23 PM

    Dont really watch the brazilian league, only ever watch the highlights on channel 4 and i cant recall much of renato augusto but iver heard a lot of good things about him.

  • 162 robertsa // May 22, 2008 at 7:27 PM

    we need to relax guys im certain we will get turan but he isn’t the player i would want most id have arshavin over him any day.

  • 163 robertsa // May 22, 2008 at 7:30 PM

    tom toon ive watched a bit of la liga this season what do you think about negredo and david villa

    worth a bid?

  • 164 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 7:30 PM

    No chance in David Villa and Negredo is just a decent striker, nothing special to him at all.

  • 165 robertsa // May 22, 2008 at 7:32 PM

    your probs right i think spurs want villa lol

  • 166 toonlover // May 22, 2008 at 7:41 PM

    what is this ask tom toon day.

    tom toon what do ya reckon about Cordoba and Cuellar .

    they both seem like no nonsense defenders to me but what do you reckon?

  • 167 Hadji // May 22, 2008 at 7:41 PM

    I’d take this guy over Turan any day,and even cheaper maybe.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FZKSSfoYNHY

  • 168 toonoholic // May 22, 2008 at 7:43 PM

    i think chelsea might get villa or silva or both

  • 169 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 7:45 PM

    its 21 questions.

    Cordoba is a very good defender but getting on and probably wouldnt come.

    Cuellar is pretty good, but not my style of defender, prefer someone quicker and who can dribble.

  • 170 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 7:49 PM

    What is this? 21 questions??!
    Cordoba is very good but getting on and i doubt he’d join us.

    Cuellar is firly solid however dont think he’d be as outstanding in the prem and id prefer someone quicker and who cna link with the midfield, i.e. dribble out of defence and pass really well.

  • 171 toonoholic // May 22, 2008 at 7:52 PM

    newcastle united have completed the signing of ‘Eric Cartman’
    On asking , Eric , how the new club surrounding is , he said
    “im a little piggy,
    heres my snort,
    oink oink oink
    oink oink oink”

    over to alan oliver

  • 172 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 7:52 PM

    Hadji – Any news on Pandev speculation?

    And any good promising players from the Balkans?

    I suppose u get the greek league in macedonia so what about Tziolis as a replacement for Butt.

    I also like Salpigidis, Torosidis and Lagos in the greek league.

    Oh and Ninis but i dont know if we could get him.

  • 173 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 7:53 PM

    Maybe we need a Tom Toon blogsite, this guy seems to have his finger on the pulse of world football.
    What do you make of that Scottish guy
    “Hot shot” Hamish, from what I’ve seen of him looks like he can score from the changing rooms with his canon style right foot. Phenomenal shooter……..

  • 174 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 7:55 PM

    Paul McCock is also a good scottish player.

  • 175 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 7:57 PM

    Nice one Tom I like your style….Roy Race fan too eh…

  • 176 Tom_Toon // May 22, 2008 at 7:59 PM

    Aye, it defnitely subtle.

    Roy Race, sorry not old enough for all that :)

  • 177 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 8:05 PM

    Your loss Tom, it was a great read…….
    ah those were the days……

  • 178 C // May 22, 2008 at 8:07 PM

    Since we are only talking about eastern european players how about Ivica Olic .

    And for the record about strikers coming directly from the dutch league, all I need to say is Ruud van Nistelrooy.

  • 179 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 8:49 PM

    where is everyone tonight? no news anyone?

  • 180 ED // May 22, 2008 at 8:52 PM

    everyones too depressed. with our club, no news is good news at the moment.

  • 181 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 8:56 PM

    exactly what i think there, no news is good news

  • 182 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 9:00 PM

    one hard day more..no conclusion on turan.. may be no attempt even..gomez is far away..

  • 183 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 9:03 PM

    like we say. no news is good news. sooo far???

  • 184 ronaldeano // May 22, 2008 at 9:06 PM

    No news is bad news in the transfer market!

    All the best players get snapped up before us, or we get nobody until the Euro cup finishes and everyones price shoots up if they do well in it

  • 185 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 9:07 PM

    yeah…
    we will have next year probably mid-class team again..

  • 186 ronaldeano // May 22, 2008 at 9:11 PM

    I think we would do a bit better than mid table next year under Keegan. We wont be doing any of the shite tactics FSA used to do

  • 187 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 9:14 PM

    well we havent heard his price has gone up, we aint heard spurs have signed nor no1 else, we dont no if kev was or not in turkey trying to do something with the deal! so in that case it is, tomorow will bring good news.

  • 188 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 9:15 PM

    he is good but not magician..

    im not sure that our team wanna give any player more than 7-8 mn..
    they want relatively cheap..nowadays no one sells a great talent less than 10-12mn..this is our problem..
    we can buy 5-6 old-cheap players for 30mn.in total but we cant get 1 young genious for 13mn.

  • 189 Bob // May 22, 2008 at 9:19 PM

    If it makes everyone feel better… under Sir Bobby we didn’t have THAT many great players, yet finished 3rd, 4th and 5th. It was down to his management skills that we finished so high.

    Granted, the likes of Solano, Robert, Bellers, Given and – of course – Shearer were no mugs. But we had a weak defence (Bramble!) and the centre mid spot was a problem after we sold Speed.

    With the likes of Martins, Owen, Beye, Enrique, Harper/Given and possibly Zoggy, Milner and Barton (if he cuts out all the crap) we definitely have the framework for a decent team that is capable of finishing in the Top 7/8

  • 190 ronaldeano // May 22, 2008 at 9:22 PM

    If nowt happens by the end of next week then i would probably get pissed off. When MA took over i thought that there would be huge investment in players as well as the clubs debts. If we do badly and get none of our (A list) targets signed up, i would seriously question what MA baught the club for. Because it is not “fun” at this minute in time

  • 191 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 9:27 PM

    i would say we have a bad politic, but im not really sure that we have one…

  • 192 Marat18 // May 22, 2008 at 9:36 PM

    Bob,
    may be (just may be!) Sir Bobby Robson had a weaker squad, but EPL average level was much lower. Now it’s the best league n the world.

  • 193 liamtoonbirchy // May 22, 2008 at 9:38 PM

    we should take a look at zaragoza just been relegated from la liga

    millito, diogo, zapater, sergio garcia and AIMAR are all top players

  • 194 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 9:49 PM

    Deco transfer listed by barca..
    i would say why not..ok..i know he wont probably come to us..but chealsea was an avarage team b4 Abra and then they took everybody that they can..
    I expected from Ashley the same, entertainment football..Just for fun..
    May be we can challenge for title in Championship but not in PL..

  • 195 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 9:58 PM

    wow quite a few comments on ……….nothing.

    ahah let’s give it a shot post number 200!!!!

    PS: damn , only 191…….

  • 196 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:00 PM

    i was thinking the same thing, most quiet night iv known of this blog.

  • 197 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 10:03 PM

    but its not funny guyz..its not funny..real depressive..

  • 198 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:08 PM

    If the guys from Zaragoza are that good surely they would not have been relegated, looks like you have named half the team….

  • 199 toon91 // May 22, 2008 at 10:08 PM

    theres still lyk more than a month until the transfer window actually opens so i dont think we should be getting all worried that were not gonna sign anyone.

  • 200 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:10 PM

    it’s the no news that get’s us fans paranoid….I expect to see some action before the renewals hit the doormat…..

  • 201 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:12 PM

    arda turan will be signing for toon tommorow, anyone else heard that he keeps talking to emre in training?

  • 202 liamtoonbirchy // May 22, 2008 at 10:15 PM

    what do you think of trying this?

    5m + rozenhal for pandev

    OR

    straight swap rozenhal for behrami

    would be quality, oh and did i get post 200?

  • 203 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:16 PM

    no you

  • 204 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:16 PM

    no

  • 205 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:17 PM

    did not.

  • 206 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:18 PM

    Cheers GG7, you spoiled my master plan…..

  • 207 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:18 PM

    haha hammy, same idea. i just won a trop to the carribean for being the 200th poster. yessss” how bloody bored i must be. butt yes 5 mill and pandev would be qaulity

  • 208 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:19 PM

    but fair play we dragged this article to 200. we did struggle though

  • 209 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:22 PM

    When do the European Championships start?
    Who are the teams to watch?
    Are the Polish any good, my mate Kryz reckons they are but I reckon he is talking out his Polish arse….

  • 210 Steven1979 // May 22, 2008 at 10:22 PM

    40 min later I have a news for u guyz..
    new thingss about Turan,,
    just wait 40 min.

  • 211 liamtoonbirchy // May 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM

    samba from bburn would be good at the back also if campbell has years in him sign him

    how u gona know in 40 mins den?

  • 212 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:25 PM

    what? poland are shit.they start on the 7th. iv got my footy fines weekend in minehead butlins. such a mad weekend went last year, was just full of welsh

  • 213 liamtoonbirchy // May 22, 2008 at 10:29 PM

    gg7 my footie team went 2 weekends ago to same place, there were loads of welsh then and they ended up naked for most of it

  • 214 Marat18 // May 22, 2008 at 10:29 PM

    GG7,
    hope you are right about Turan.
    btw, what’s your source?

    And it’s said above that we bid for Arshavin, Joaquind and unknown DC. Where did you get this info?
    Because, Zenit’s representative claimed yesterday that no offer for Arshavin has been made.

  • 215 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:33 PM

    Guy goes to doctors.

    “Dr I have just been raped by an elephant”

    “What? you had better pull down your pants and let me take a look”

    After somme humming and harring the doc says:

    ” How come you have an 11″ hole in your arse and an elephant only has a penis with a 3″ diameter?”

    “The bastard fingered me first”……..

  • 216 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:33 PM

    haha liam, exactly the same happned last year, all big rugby players getting bollock naked and whipping each other with leather belts. great craic, cant wait no sleep, no food just get stella’d up and talk shit. ideal. i dont have a source, im just speculating mate. i dont know about that arshavin thing but i doubt its true mate

  • 217 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:35 PM

    lmao, qaulity

  • 218 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:39 PM

    Man and wife in bed…..

    Mans hand reaches over, brushes against her arm, over her breasts, slowly down her side, round her bum and then gently pulls her legs apart and carefully sweeps up and down her inner thigh…………he then moves his hand away

    “Why did you stop?” gasps the wife…

    “I’ve found the remote, you can get yourself back to sleep”…….

  • 219 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:42 PM

    even my missus laughed at that joke. lol

  • 220 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 10:45 PM

    remember the one on the last transfer day ?? it almost hit 1000 posts, i remember getting the 500th and 700th post……oh the memories……

  • 221 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:46 PM

    Tarzan and Jane think it is time to move further in their relationship, Jane quizzes Tarzan over his sexual exploits…..

    “Tarzan have sex with hole in tree” says Tarzan

    Jane takes off all her clothes, lies on the ground then opens her legs……

    “No Tarzan you stick it in here” says Jane pointing to her pussy.

    Looking puzzled Tarzan takes a step back and gives Jane an almighty kick in the fanny.

    Screaming with pain Jane asks

    “What did you do that for?”

    “Tarzan check for bees first”

  • 222 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:46 PM

    haha! i think this is where that person got the arshavin rumour:

    Toon to swoop for trio
    EDUs_LoveChild (Arsenal) : i have just heard from a very very reliable source that newcastle are on the verge of three VERY big signings. Firstly a deal has been brokered for ronaldinho, and the player is expected to visit newcastle this coming monday. the second name was the russian arshavin, from st petersburg, expect to be confirmed by a week friday, after medical etc. the 3 of which is due to be a centre back, with newcastle argreeing a fee for vincent company! 3 very big coups

    Rate this Rumour:
    Stonker (77) Maybe Baby (29) Stinker (99)

  • 223 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 10:47 PM

    some self irony is the best :

    Fire brigade phones Bobby Robson in the early hours of Sunday morning…
    “Sir Bobby, St James Park is on fire!”
    “The cups man! Save the cups!” replies Sir Bobby.
    “Well…the fire hasn’t spread to the canteen yet, sir.”

  • 224 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 10:49 PM

    Quasimodo asks Esmeralda, “Am I really the ugliest b**tard in the world?”
    “Why don’t you go upstairs to the Magic Mirror and ask ?” says Esmeralda.
    Quasimodo goes upstairs to the mirror and returns a few minutes later.
    As he hobbles in Esmeralda asks “Well, what did the mirror say ?”
    To which Quasimodo replies, “Who’s Peter Beardsley?”

    Q. What’s the difference between the Toon keeper and a taxi driver?
    A. A taxi driver will only let in four at a time.

  • 225 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:50 PM

    Guy Robs a bank and takes some hostages…

    Says to first hostage:

    “Did you see me rob this bank?”

    “Yes” he replies

    The robber produces a gun and shoots the guy between the eyes”

    He the says to the second hostage

    “Did YOU see me rob this bank?

    “No but my wife did”…..

  • 226 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 10:51 PM

    that’s brilliant Hammy

  • 227 Marat18 // May 22, 2008 at 10:52 PM

    GG7,
    this EDUs_LoveChild is quite naive. how can it be true if Arshavin is with russian national team at the mo, and cannot pass the medical in newcastle.
    and ronaldinho rumour… i think it’s the worst kept secret in world football that rony moves to AC Milan.

  • 228 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 10:52 PM

    A couple of New Jersey hunters are out in the woods when one of them falls to the ground. He doesn’t seem to be breathing, his eyes are rolled back in his head. The other guy whips out his cell phone and calls the emergency services. He gasps to the operator: “My friend is dead! What can I do?”

    The operator, in a calm soothing voice says: “Just take it easy. I can help. First, let’s make sure he’s dead.” There is a silence, then a shot is heard.

    The guy’s voice comes back on the line. He says: “OK, now what?“

  • 229 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:53 PM

    v.impressed with these jokes.

  • 230 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 10:54 PM

    A man and a friend are playing golf one day at their local golf course. One of the guys is about to chip onto the green when he sees a long funeral procession on the road next to the course. He stops in mid-swing, takes off his golf cap, closes his eyes, and bows down in prayer.

    His friend says: “Wow, that is the most thoughtful and touching thing I have ever seen. You truly are a kind man.”

    The man then replies: “Yeah, well we were married 35 years.”

  • 231 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:54 PM

    its from teamtalk rumour room, such a shit place to take anything from, he obviously a naive 12 year old

  • 232 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 10:55 PM

    Nice one Toon King…last one for this evening:

    Zoo Keeper says to Paddy

    “Paddy the Zoo Gorilla is in heat, do you fancy shagging it for £500?”

    Paddy has a think and then decides he’ll do it on three conditions…

    “Firstly, I’m not kissing the bloody thing”

    “Secondly, there is no way my family can find out”

    ” And lastly, can you give me a couple of weeks to get the cash together”….

  • 233 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 10:55 PM

    When NASA first started sending up astronauts, they quickly discovered that ballpoint pens would not work in zero gravity. To combat the problem, NASA scientists spent a decade and $12 billion to develop a pen that writes in zero gravity, upside down, underwater, on almost any surface including glass and at temperatures ranging from below freezing to 300°C.

    The Russians used a pencil.

  • 234 Geordie Gerrard7 // May 22, 2008 at 10:56 PM

    toonking- the funeral one best so far. sooo funny

  • 235 ToonKing // May 22, 2008 at 11:00 PM

    ok, last 3 here too, i love these :

    Two guys are sitting on a bar stool. One starts to insult the other one. He screams, “I slept with your mother!” The bar gets quiet as everyone listens to see what the other weasel will do. The first again yells, “I SLEPT WITH YOUR MOTHER!”

    The other says, “Go home dad you’re drunk.”
    —————————————–

    A woman gets on a bus with her baby. The bus driver says: “That’s the ugliest baby that I’ve ever seen. Ugh!” The woman goes to the rear of the bus and sits down, fuming. She says to a man next to her: “The driver just insulted me!”

    The man says: “You go right up there and tell him off – go ahead, I’ll hold your monkey for you.”
    —————————————————–

    An Alsatian went to a telegram office, took out a blank form and wrote, “Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof. Woof.”

    The clerk examined the paper and politely told the dog: “There are only nine words here. You could send another ‘Woof’ for the same price.”

    “But,” the dog replied, “that would make no sense at all.”

  • 236 Marat18 // May 22, 2008 at 11:01 PM

    Two guys are walking down the street when a mugger approaches them and demands their money. They both grudgingly pull out their wallets and begin taking out their cash. Just then one guy turns to the other and hands him a bill. “Here’s that $20 I owe you,” he says

  • 237 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 11:06 PM

    ToonKing, some great jokes there.
    Right this is defo last one

    Guy sees girl on top of cliff
    “Yer not ganna jump there pet?” he asks
    “Yeah” she replies
    “De yer fancy giving me a blowjob first?”he asks again.
    “O.K” AND SHE PROCEEDS TO GIVE HIM THE BEST BLOW JOB HE HAS EVER HAD.

    “Wow, that was sensational, with talent like that why are you going to kill yourself?” he says.

    “My parents just can’t accept that I wear girls clothes” she replies……

  • 238 Marat18 // May 22, 2008 at 11:14 PM

    steven1979
    40 minutes gone…

  • 239 Marat18 // May 22, 2008 at 11:16 PM

    They say animal behavior can warn you when an earthquake is coming. Like the night before that last earthquake hit, our family dog took the car keys and drove to Arizona

  • 240 Hammy // May 22, 2008 at 11:20 PM

    Nice one Marat18….

  • 241 bailey // May 22, 2008 at 11:27 PM

    What is it with this site and its inferiority complex about Spurs.
    Nearly every alleged transfer target comes with a Spurs Health Warning.

    Give over

  • 242 John // May 22, 2008 at 11:32 PM

    crzcking jokes fella’s

  • 243 Hadji // May 23, 2008 at 12:26 AM

    Tom Toon believe it or not i’ve never ever seen one single game from the Greek league even though we’re neighbours.But i’ll give you one perfect RM cause thats where we need reinforcement.
    Sotiris Ninis from Panathinaikos.
    Just watch this kid in few years

  • 244 Tom_Toon // May 23, 2008 at 1:08 AM

    Ye, i mentioned him further up, but i dont think we will be able to get him.

  • 245 Toon_Ksk // May 23, 2008 at 1:53 AM

    I think you guys are going berserk.

    PATIENCE!!

    We will get the players we need…eventually…

  • 246 Hadji // May 23, 2008 at 2:02 AM

    Off course we can, we just have to try little harder cause he’s not fully developed yet.But for sure we wont be able to get him if we wait 2 more years.

  • 247 ToonKing // May 23, 2008 at 8:00 AM

    anyone watching the toulon youth tournament ? there’s this guy, his name escapes me, number 14 in the Chile team, brilliant player. also the italian captain number 4 and number 10 are brilliant.

  • 248 toonoholic // May 23, 2008 at 9:35 AM

    Kevin Keegan is looking to bolster his squad in all areas, and reports in France suggest he will look to add Le Mans midfielder Sessegnon for a fee in the region of £5million.

  • 249 ronaldeano // May 23, 2008 at 9:37 AM

    @Toonking, i missed that joke telling session last night, so heres one for ya..

    Man and woman are driving down a country road and mow down a skunk

    They stop and the woman gets out to help the poor little thing. She picks it up and takes it back to the car.

    “The skunk is shivering” the woman says. Her husband replies “well why dont you put it between your legs to keep it warm”

    “But it stinks” she replies..

    “Well hold its f**king nose then”!!!!

  • 250 Rem // May 23, 2008 at 10:23 AM

    Y is everyone panicking!!!!
    The vast majority of transfer dont occur till August.

  • 251 Nobby's dad // May 23, 2008 at 11:44 AM

    REM….I’m with you on this. Some of the nonsense being written …if we don’t act now etc. I remember when Dalglish bought Stephan Guivarc’h from Auxerre before the 1998 World Cup…..then we all sat down to watch him!! What a plank.How the hell we got back the £6 million when we sold him I’ll never know. It’s not always wise to buy before a tournament….it’s a judgement call.

    I actually think the guys in control now are being professional, taking time and not paying over the odds . People saying splash the extra £4 million etc. are crazy. Like Modric if we don’t get Turan it’s not the end of the world.

    I have a family friend who goes onto the NUFC payroll on 1/07/08 as a scout (he worked with Lil Fuccillo at Leicester). He’s met Wise and the backroom team – he’s we’ll travelled having scouted for Blackburn and a couple of other clubs. He ’s very impressed with the set-up and says they are building a structure to take the club forward and all seem to have a clear vision of what they want to acheive. So lets have a little less of the negative stuff and more of the positive……..UP THE TOON!!

  • 252 gas fan down under // May 23, 2008 at 12:34 PM

    answer to gsfan
    emre is arda’s idol no doubt about that. The two are very close they share when on national team duty.

    As for other talent from Turkey if newcastle are after a left winger i suggest looking at fener left winger ugur boral he absolutely tore the highly rated brazilian right back alves apart with pace and skill during feners champions league match against seville this year.
    newcastle should also keep a close eye on the co co cola kid colin kazim richards. Zico has cultvated him well this year and im sure that he will be a top class player in the epl very soon. I know zico and roberto carlos have a very high opinion of his abilities.

  • 253 scott9 // May 23, 2008 at 4:48 PM

    get the deal sorted now

  • 254 Sun'lun's Burnin' // May 23, 2008 at 8:06 PM

    This is gonna sound daft but ive just been playing online poker and some turk came in the room and so i asked him about Arda and what was being said in the turkish press about a move and he said that all th papers are saying that he will be moving to the premier league and the only team who have been mentioned are newcastle. So for al of you that are sweet on this kid its good news i suppose.

  • 255 GS Congressman // May 24, 2008 at 7:29 AM

    Hey Guys,

    I am a member of Gala congress and I know Arda personally.

    First of all he is a wonder kid. If you need proof, here is a small collection of his magic.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pi1dukjIKZQ&NR=1

    Now…if we come to his transfer to Britain, it does not seem probable in near future.

    1st of all the kid is a true Gala fan. I mean he is crazy about the team like the people you see in Ali Sami Yen stadium. So unless our president forces him to leave, he won’t go anywhere.

    2nd, Gala is definitely gonna wait for EURO 2008 to see if Arda can catch one of the big boys’ interest, which is highly probable. He may head to Spain instead of Britain.

    3rd, Gala is building a stadium right now and getting financially stable so to lose a star, we will be asking for a significant sum of cash. I was chatting with one of the guys in charge the other day and he was talking about 15 million pounds at the least. He also said that he did not expect Newcastle, Everton or Spurs to come out with that kind of money.

    So looking into the inside information, in my opinion, Arda is gonna stay with us for a couple more years before he finally takes off for Europe.

    I will give you guys an update if I hear anything else.

    ps: I would try to snatch Mehmet Topal before Euro 2008 instead of Arda. Topal kid will be a top star defense midfielder soon and they are rare. He started to look like the young Patrick Viera. And he is much cheaper compared to Turan. But of course everybody likes the glamorous wonder kid attacking midfielders these days.

  • 256 Ben_BKK // May 24, 2008 at 7:58 PM

    Thought another joke was in order.

    While I was driving down the M1 the other day, (going a little faster than I should have been) I passed under a bridge only to see a policeman on the other side with a radar gun, laying in wait.

    The policeman pulled me over, walked up to the car and with that classic, patronising smirk, asked: “Runway too short”?

    To which I replied. “I’m late for work”

    To which he asked, “What do you do?”

    “I’m a rectum stretcher,” I responded.

    The policeman was surprised and confused. “A what”

    “A rectum stretcher”

    “And just what does a rectum stretcher do?”

    “Well,” I said “I start by inserting one finger then I work my way up to two fingers, then three, then four then with my whole hand in, work side to side until I can stretch and stretch and then I slowly but surely stretch the hole until it’s about 6 feet”

    Then the policeman asked questioningly and cautiously. “And just what do you do with a six-foot arsehole?”

    To which I politely replied, “You give it a radar gun and park it behind a bridge…”

  • 257 toonoholic // May 24, 2008 at 8:44 PM

    lol ben , good one

  • 258 toonoholic // May 24, 2008 at 8:59 PM

    A nufc and a mackem fan collide in a huge accident on the motorway. Both cars are a wreck, but both men are unhurt.
    “This must be a sign from God that we are meant to be friends” says the nufc fan .
    “I agree” replies the mackem fan.
    The nufc fan then returns to the wreckage of his car, and finds a bottle of whiskey he had been saving.
    “Look” he says to the mackem fan, “this must be another sign from God,we should drink this whiskey to celebrate our friendship and survival” .
    He hands the bottle over to the mackem fan who takes a large gulp from the bottle before passing it back to the nufc fan, who then puts the top back on & returns the bottle to his car.
    “Aren’t you having any?” asks the mackem fan.

    “No” replied the nufc fan, “I think I’ll wait til the Police get here.”

  • 259 toonoholic // May 24, 2008 at 9:03 PM

    Roy Keane walked into the locker room before a game, looked over to his star player(Richardson) and said, “I’m not supposed to let you play since you failed math, but we need you in there. So, what I have to do is ask you a math question, and if you get it right, you can play.” The player agreed, so coach looked into his eyes intently and asked, “Okay, now concentrate hard and tell me the answer to this. What is two plus two?”

    The player thought for a moment and then answered, “4?” “Did you say 4?” the coach exclaimed, excited that he had got it right.

    Suddenly all the other players on the team began screaming…, “Come on coach, give him another chance!”




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