Last week we were talking about Kevin Keegan arriving back from his US holiday, and that this week things would really start to move in the transfer market.
Kevin Keegan – pointing to where Newcastle are going – upwards!
They haven’t, in fact this has been the quietest week surrounding the Newcastle club for quite some time.
Nothing from the club whatsoever, as far as transfers are concerned.
That’s not necessarily bad of course, but pre-training starts a week come Monday, and we would have thought that we’d have at least a couple of players join the club before then.
On the other side of things we’ve done a very good job of clearing out fringe players and those who have left the club this summer include Diatta, Troisi, Ramage, Carr, Emre and Rozehnal. We expect Shola Ameobi to join WBA or some other club within a matter of days.
So that’s 7 players from our first team squad who have been moved out, and the wage bill will have been reduced nicely, and those players were either on the fringe of the first team, were way overpaid, or both.
So the club has done a decent job of moving out fringe players, but the most obvious player that hasn’t yet been moved out is Alan Smith, who is already probably our 4th striker behind Owen, Martins, Viduka and Carroll, and we ‘ll have another top striker coming in before the end of August.
Because Kevin has said he will only use Alan as a striker, we just don’t see how Alan can get a game next season, and remember he didn’t even score last season.
With no announcements coming from the club at all, they’ve just got to be hard at work on who the club can bring in, from their long list of targets. And Mike Ashley will also be involved with the transfers.
Arda and Arshavin are gone, and are probably far too expensive now in any case after the Euro 2008 Championships, in which they both played very well.
But we are still upbeat about Newcastle’s ability to bring in top players this summer, because there are a lot of players out there who can do a good job at the club for us next year.
And certainly, on the positive side, the 3 we didn’t get but were at least tracking- Arda, Arshavin and Modric, were of the very highest quality.
And in 12 months time we should be in a much stronger position to attract even better talent to the club, when hopefully we’ll at the very least be back in the UEFA Cup.
Then our goal will need to be somehow breaking into that elusive top 4 – and Kevin can take us there.
Let’s not worry about Kevin’s outbreak after the Chelsea game – he was just frustrated at how badly we played in that second half, if the truth be told.  😀
Yes, maybe silence is golden right now at Newcastle United – while the real work gets done.
We certainly hope so.
Comments welcome.
98 comments so far
Faustino
Jun 27, 2008 at 6:18 PM
Comment #41I still think the argument that any agreement with Arda and Arshavin done before the Euros would have been in principal only and they would have gone to Juve, Barca etc. regardless of the fact we’d ‘got in quick’ is totally valid and not to be ignored.
Any deal done before the transfer window opens is as dodgy as a horse with red eyes.
At present our lot could turn up a decade before the likes of Barca and have the players sleeping in toon bed clothes with a platinum club badge stitched directly on to their chests and we’d still lose them to Champ league clubs when players like Arshavin are concerned.
The trick is to have the tactical nous and player knowledge to build a competitive side out of lesser know ,class players
Magpie6699
Jun 27, 2008 at 6:24 PM
Comment #42Faustino – spot on.
Let’s stop working ourselves up to thinking we can have Arshavin, Turan, or Maria Sharapova (just a thought), and rely on KK to build a team from where we find ourselves in the pecking order right now.
Ameritoon
Jun 27, 2008 at 6:28 PM
Comment #43Vicar,
I watched Arda Wednesday too. His performance from the stands was very unimpressive.
I agree with you Ed letting everyone know our budget and who we’re going for is just gonna raise the price tag.
Ross G
Jun 27, 2008 at 6:32 PM
Comment #44”And certainly, on the positive side, the 3 we didn’t get but were at least tracking- Arda, Arshavin and Modric, were of the very highest quality.”
Please highlight the positive part here? Because I really cant see how waiting for players tht we could have signed for a decent fee, to being both out of our league financially and too good for us can be a positive thing. I know you smash out about 30 stories a day but lets at least keep it necessary.
harrier
Jun 27, 2008 at 6:41 PM
Comment #45I posted this on another board but here it ya go:
There is a good chance that there will be players playing in other leagues that you have never heard of that might imporve our squad. We don’t need a bunch of Arshavin’s to get us back where we were – we need the Arteta’s and the Santa Cruz’s – the players other clubs are capable of finding for little money. When we were in 5th in 03-04 everton finished 17th. They have finished 4th, 6th, 6th and 5th since then. Don’t say it cannot be done.
Hadji
Jun 27, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Comment #46I’ll take Ana Ivanovic instead…thank you very much.
Hadji
Jun 27, 2008 at 6:56 PM
Comment #47I caaaaaaan’t believe,OMG,Bolton signed Elmander.If anyone else tells me that not being in Europe we can’t attract top players i swear i’ll break his nose in 4 pieces.
Danish_Magpie
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Comment #48Elmander for 9-10m… why on EARTH were we not in the race for him?? We could have got him over Bolton.. and he is quality. I also don’t think the price is ridiculous. A bit frustrated at the moment.
Hadrian
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Comment #49elmander is hardly ‘top players’ in my book, be lucky to get ten goals out him this season , bolton will strugle for goals unless they bring another striker to work off him .
Hadji
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Comment #50Yes Hadrian you’re probably right,we should stick with Viduka or maybe Kitson.If Elmander is not a top player then i really dont know what else to say except…..GOD BLESS US.
Ed Harrison
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:13 PM
Comment #51Dondata13 – there’s only a couple of times you get “comment waiting moderation” – that’s the first time you enter a comment.
Believe that was why you got it – the other time is when you use either the f word or the c word – then I have to alter it – or if it’s too bad i’ll not let the comment on – but that is rare – it’s easier not to put those words in – for others reading this comment. It’s certainly less work for me, that’s for sure.
The hardest thing on this site is to keep the comments reasonable and clean – believe me. 😀
Ed Harrison
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Comment #52Elmanader was not impressive in Euro 2008 – there are better players out there for us to get. And he was at Toulouse so he wasn’t getting any Euro football in any case – so going to Bolton he may have got a wage increase. And he’s not worth £10M – give me a break.
Danish_Magpie
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Comment #53I know he was not impressive in Euro2008, but there is more to life than the 1-2 games in that tournament (where Sweden were poor in general). I watched him up close for 2 seasons at Brøndby and have watched him a fair bit at Tolouse and i DO think he is a top quality player who scores and creates goals alike. I think judging a player on one or two games is harsh/ignorant.
The Entertainers
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Comment #54I still have every faith in KK pulling off some major transfers. There is of course the chance we have done the ground work on many, but we’ll just have to be patient a bit longer.
If indeed we have scouted Arsharvin and Arda before the tournament, before the prices went through the stratosphere, then at the very least our scouting team can spot a bloody good player. Again this gives me faith for the future signings.
There is one word of caution in my opinion which slightly contradicts my argument and that is the speed in which the heirachy has acted in other departments. I have not been impressed with the lack of progress over contracts for Taylor and Owen. The last minute organisation of friendly fixtures again seems unprepared. It appears we having certainly been concentrating on other departments, the clearance of unwanted players (great move) and we have imo a very impressive boardroom now, from Ashley to Kev (Yes thats my opinion and am not one who slags off Wise either)
Ed also metioned Smith. I’ve bitten my tongue on this site regarding him, when others have critised him. Yes he deserved the critics, terrible season. But i was very impressed when we initially signed him and still believe he could do a job under KK in a 4-3-3. The bottom line will be for Kev to write and i have a feeling that like it or not Smith will be an integral part of Newcastle United for at least another season!
harrier
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Comment #55I have a believe that if Kev thinks he can fix Smith and Ashley will pay the wages without sacrificing better signings then fine keep him on board. I trust whatever Kev decides, and the ones who have left are the ones Kev wanted rid of. I pretty much agree with The Entertainers.
micepie
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Comment #56Someone’s post on the sky sports comments section –
Newcastle to sign 2 players next week, rumours have Lennon from spurs and Shaun Wright Phillips from Chelsea, 2 good wingers to supply the bullets for Owen. Duff then to go to the Mackems….you heard it here
So why would we go for 2 more right wingers if we’re keeping Milner?! I know it’s all speculation. I’d be very pleased with SWP but I wouldn’t even think about wingers right now til we’ve beefed up the middle!
mikeygd
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:56 PM
Comment #57testing123
domtoon
Jun 27, 2008 at 7:59 PM
Comment #58People who say “WALL VIRGINITEEEEE!!!!!” should be incinerated.
And yes, these are exciting times indeed. I see two things happening. Either come pre-season training we’ll all be ecstatic that we’ve signed a few quality quality players, or we’ll all be at the edge of despair realising that nothing’s happening. I’ve always said give the management and backroom staff time to get their heads together and prepare bringing players in but that time is fast approaching where you expect to see new faces trickle in.
I for one am very glad about this Aaron Spears chap – any idea where we can learn more about this up and coming youngster? New Wayne Wooney I heard somewhere? (might have been here – what is it based on?!?!)
KEVIN BROCK & HIS SOCK
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Comment #59Maybe Kev sees Milner as a central player??
I think its worth a shout.
And re transfer dealings.
Back in the day when Kev was first boss I seem to recall he did much of our business behind closed doors. We signed Andy Cole and we only knew about it when it was in the Chronicle – NEWCASTLE BREAK TRANSFER RECORD 1.75M!!!
I remember only finding out we’d signed Ruel Fox when it came up on the late night Look North!!
We’ll find out what we need to know when we need to know it imo
keep the faith – as long as there’s Kevin there’s hope!
harrier
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Comment #60I’d trade duff for lennon and wright-phillips. We would have four good wingers, two with lots of pace and one that can actually cross….crap! Tho having lennon on left, swp on the right, martins and owen up top, and zogster in the middle, that would be a pacy side!
Bob
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:13 PM
Comment #61Bolton doing decent business in the transfer window…. Muamba and Elmander are decent/good signings.
Having said that, if BOLTON can get someone of Elmander’s quality, who can we get?
Real Zaragoza were relegated in La Liga and have good players; lets raid them.
Aimar, Milito. Sergio garcia? Matuzalem? Pavon?
Danish_Magpie
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Comment #62Yeah.. I mentioned that a few days ago… Milito, Aimar, D’Allessandro, Zapater are all quality players who may be available. Sergio Garcia signed a new contract right after they got relegated.
Pavon I don’t really rate..
Spyro
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:26 PM
Comment #63there are some dosey idiots on here who know nowt about foreign players. WHY THE F**K WOULD WE WANT ELMANDER FOR TEN MILLION!?!?! That is a poor buy if i have ever heard one, obviously there is a o.oooo1% chance he could light up the premiership but i for one dont see it ever happening
Nobby's Dad
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:28 PM
Comment #64Breaking news that Lampard has joined Inter on a 4 year deal
Spyro
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Comment #65I cant believe City are going to get Jo for around 20 million, he is a good player, but they are being taken for idiots
Spyro
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:32 PM
Comment #66serious nobby?
Hantstoon
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Comment #67Do you honestly believe we will make Europe.
No chance, can’t see anything above 10th.
Nobby's Dad
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:40 PM
Comment #68Yes – been on Talk Sport as coming out in France magazine tonight. This is apparently a highly regarded source. 4 year deal – didn’t say fee but expect this to be big news tomorrow.
Neil
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:41 PM
Comment #69Dear Ed,
Keegan surely took the view it was better to do no interviews, so he couldn’t deny or confirm anything. Something is brewing and it isn’t Terry Mac’s tea!
Regards,
Neil
PS. Loved the Vicar’s comment about Arda!
Nobby's Dad
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:43 PM
Comment #70http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/ma...
Spyro also above link tonight
domtoon
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:54 PM
Comment #71Ed you do a sterling job mate!
The Entertainers
Jun 27, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Comment #72I think we could still do with a real tricky, speedy right winger, but have also said that Milner could do a more central role and believe this may well be the position he ends up playing long term.
But i dont understand why we would need Lennon and SWP. I’m not a fan of playing right sided players on the left and vice versa. Out of the two would prefer SWP and we know KK really rates the lad and was one of the first players mentioned when he returned in January.
Not at all disappointed in missing out on Elmender, just my opinion of course.
Tom_Toon
Jun 27, 2008 at 9:12 PM
Comment #73I like Barnetta, can play left, right, he can cross and split defences in a pass and score.
Finally an well known english player has the balls to move to a foreign club. Lampard has just gone up in my estimation.
The Entertainers
Jun 27, 2008 at 9:19 PM
Comment #74Cant stand ‘Lundan’ clubs in general, even less time for Chelski, never been a Lampard fan.
But after what he went through last season in the public eye, his estimation went up in my opinion at least and hope he is a massive success in Italy.
Besides he often plays well against us!
valle
Jun 27, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Comment #75Wtf is up with all the freakin namecalling everytime someone has a different opinion to you guys, grow tf up will ya!!!, im sick and tired of this kindergarden attitude on what should be a site for “supporters”, sometimes its hard to see how we can call ourselvs united…
IanG
Jun 27, 2008 at 9:55 PM
Comment #76I have an idea about how to reduce the wage bill. What about getting rid of more fringe “players” like Wise, Jiminez and Vetere? …………………….
but seriously though
I am really hoping to be proved totally wrong but what exactly have they got to show for 3 months work?
GSfan
Jun 27, 2008 at 11:13 PM
Comment #77Something I noticed on this blog is that some people like slagging off players and even call them bad in general when they don’t perform for just one match out of loads. Arshavin, Arda, Modric…
These are all really good players and they’ve shown what they can do in their regular season/european club competition games. Sure their prices inflated, that’s what tournaments like the Euros does to players! We all knew this. Calling them rubbish in general just cuz they don’t perform for just ONE match out of the 2-3 matches you ever seen em play in is rather awkward. Heck I’ve seen people who even rate Viduka’s performance for Newcastle last season come around and say these 3 or any of the other players who shined in the Euros are bad. Irony?
No offense guys, I just want to look realistically but you guys certainly ain’t got the power of a Manure, Chelski or ARSEnal and slag off players like these easily. These players are overvalued now unsurprisingly but you gotta move on and find some others like em who haven’t been discovered yet as many others point out here in this blog, cuz these guys might not live up to the value of the asking price you gotta pay for em. You don’t become one of the top 3 teams in England overnight (Exception: Chelski. I love how their fans claim they would be in this situation even if Abramovich hadn’t bought them but that’s a different matter!)
gorskino10
Jun 27, 2008 at 11:28 PM
Comment #78To be fair i hate them pointing out a few players out of a team whock is annoying if i was another player in that team, also look at the fact arda carried turkey through with his goals and that, and same with asharvin.
51times
Jun 27, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Comment #79GSfan – It’s because we’re all jaded and bitter after following the Toon for so many years. Some days it’s just hard to put up with everything that’s happened in the last 15 years or so.
Tom_Toon
Jun 27, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Comment #80On the note of Inter Milan lets hope for some fall off from there, maybe Maxwell 🙂
Ok, maybe not 🙁