The Newcastle United Blog

144 responses so far ↓

• 1 ACD // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:04

  I really hope we get this guys contract sorted out asap!

  the guy is a legend and a great goalscorer !

  Come on the KK, lets build a team around owen and supply him with the ammunition because he will get the goals!

• 2 Ever seen a mackem in Milan? // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:13

  Second that ^

• 3 HalftimeBovril // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:16

  I hope he does too…Otherwise we’ll be up sh*t creek!!

• 4 chinzaknuk // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:17

  I hope he can stay fit as even if he’s not the player he once was, he’s still capable of 20 goals a season if he’s playing regularly.

  It wouldn’t be a surprise if no new contract is signed until MO sees how we get on next season. I think he’ll hold off on a decision until Jan 2009

• 5 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:25

  Has he had, measles, chicken pox etc. Hopefully he has.

• 6 Danish_Magpie // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:36

  I think we will be signing a left-back within a week or two. I am not sure there will be too many more signings.. Like everyone else, I would love to get 4-5 quality players in, but I’m just not sure it will happen. Our squad at the moment:

  Strikers. Owen, Oba, Viduka, Smith, Carroll, Ameobi

  LW: Duff, Zoggy
  RW: Milner, Gutierrez
  CM: Barton, Guthrie, Butt, Geremi

  CB: Faye, Taylor, Cacapa, Edgar
  LB: Enrique
  RB: Beye

  GK: Given, Harper, Krul, Forster

  I still think Ameobi will most likely leave this summer, and we will bring in a left-back. I think Keegan will stick with Duff and Smith although a lot of people would like them to be sold.

  To be honest, I would not be surprised if we brought in a left-back and possibly one more signing (striker, CM, rb cover, who knows?)

  Current squad, we should line up with the following for the Man United game:

  ………………..Given…………………
  Beye…..Taylor….Faye…..Enrique

  Gutierez…Milner…Guthrie..N’Zogbia

  ……………….Oba……..Owen…………..

  I think the midfield is full of hard-working players, and I think they would work together well as a unit. Guthrie would have to be asked to stay a little bit further back and use his passing to distribute the play as a deep playmaker, to the aggressive running of the rest of the attacking players.

  On the bench we would find:

  Subs (7 in the new season):
  Harper
  Cacapa
  Butt
  Geremi
  Duff
  Smith
  Carroll

  What do you guys think? I am not asking what you think of whether we should sign or not sign more - I would LOVE more signings - I am after your opinions on who should start given our CURRENT squad.

• 7 domtoon // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:36

  I should bleeding well hope he starts scoring again - he’s our captain, star striker, and arguably biggest signing of recent times!!!

  Stop the talking, stop the illness, stop the injuries…

  Starting with Man Utd - START BANGING THEM IN MICHAEL!!

  Thank you.

• 8 John // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:39

  Need to get this guy signed to a good 5 or 4 year deal ..That would show our intention’s to possible targets off the ambition we have as a club…

• 9 ToonEskimo // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:41

  Anybody else think he’s gonna walk for nothing at the end of next season??? let’s face it MO on a freebie is a very attractive proposition for any of the top four clubs, he’s got the toon by the short and curlies…..

• 10 Kaler // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:43

  Owen is like the rest of us, waiting until the transfer window closes to see if Ashley is going to actually do anything.

  I don’t know why but I half expected a signing today.

• 11 Owen_10 // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:47

  Slow day for news eh

• 12 HeronMag // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:50

  Danish Magpie - yep, with the current players we have that’s the line up I would send out - perhaps exchanging Guthrie for Butt…

• 13 Danish_Magpie // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:54

  Perhaps his experience and defensive-minded-ness would be good.. it’s just his passing is much worse than Guthries!

  Note: The reason I do not have Viduka on there is because I believe he will still be injurd. No Barton is because God knows if he is out of jail/fit mid-august..

• 14 9 Shearer // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:11

  I agree with Danish But i accept two more signings a CB and LB. The rest of the squard members will keep on impressing and Keegan will have no choice but to keep in touch with his squard.

• 15 Shearer#1 // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:12

  He won’t sign unless we get quality players in. Aimar’s gone to Benfica, Reyes to Monaco, Arshavin to Spurs, SWP to Pompey. What have KK & Dennis Wise been doing all summer? We should be signing these players. It’s driving me mad!!

• 16 greg // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:14

  v Manu

  Given

  Beye - Faye - Taylor - Enrique

  Geremi - Guthrie - Butt

  Gutierrez - Duff

  Owen

  OR

  Given

  Beye - Faye - Taylor - Enrique

  Guthrie - Butt - Gutierrez

  Owen - Dukes - Duff

• 17 sirjasontoon // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:15

  Look at our front line for Doncaster;

  Smith-Ameobi

  That is before the season has even kicked off..
  I am staying positive but we need to off load and replace players like these..the squad is threadbare..like me granny’s doormat.

• 18 shearer4pm // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:20

  duff has also cover left back for us aint he?? if worst does indeed come to worst

  given
  beye,taylor,faye,enrique
  guthrie
  milner, n’zogbia
  owen(c)
  martins, viduka

  subs:
  harper
  cacapa
  geremi
  butt
  smith
  ameobi
  barton :(

  with two subs could easily change the whole shape of the team for the nitty gritty away games

  given
  beye, taylor, faye, enrique
  geremi, guthrie, butt
  milner, n’zogbia
  owen/viduka/martins

  now i quite like that, thats all our current players, but we do need more, cus there will be injuries and bail conditions, but id be happy with that to start the season if we are a lil slow off the mark and leave it till the 31st of august, but we more quality in the subs.

• 19 shearer4pm // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:26

  missed duff off da subs bench, jus replace jail boy with duff

• 20 LondonToon // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:27

  With the news of Oba’s mum’s death, he may well not be ready for the new season which sucks, but put into context, isn’t really that big a deal.

  So, minus Martins, I reckon we’ll start with:

  Given

  Beye Taylor Faye Enrique

  Gutierrez Geremi Butt Duff

  Owen Smith

  Subs:

  Harper Cacapa Edgar Guthrie Milner N’Zogbia Ameobi

  Don’t think Viduka will be fit. Milner perhaps will start ahead of Geremi. Don’t think Barton will be fit enough either.

  Hope we can add a LB, a CB, and a CM.

• 21 51times // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:32

  Owen_10 - This is a Newcastle United blog, what do you expect us to talk about? It’s amazing you know, people whinge when Ed posts lots of transfer rumours and when he doesn’t they still whinge.

• 22 Blue Drag00n // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:36

  i hope he scores more, his goals tend to be scored at crucial times as many point out on here.

• 23 Ericles // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:37

  Hope you do Michael. Get the goals and lead the team onwards. NUFC and the Toon have had to take some flak recently with the death of two loyal young fans, and now the tragedy of Oba’s mum, not to mention a hostile media. Time to show everybody just whatwe can achieve starting now. We have a small squad but we’ve more balls than anybody else.

• 24 DC Magpie // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:49

  Agree with calls to get MO’s contract sorted!

  Without European tournaments to attract players MO is one of our few remaining allures for TOP players.

  I still think we need to add some steel to our midfield.

  It doesn’t look like we can afford Inler
  Anyone know of some cheaper alternatives? either from the championship or abroad?

• 25 Jim // Jul 25, 2008 at 15:57

  On the subject of diminutive strikers… anyone remember Bellamy. Check out this story!
  http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/football/article-1038558/West-Ham-young-gun-Sears-guided-controversial-father-figure-Bellamy.html

• 26 OLIVER // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:01

  yeah lets build a team round owen.He is small,doesnt link up play, is always injured and i cant remember the last time he scored more than 20 goals in a season. Let alone scoring them for a club that will be struggling if ma doesnt spend.

  I can imagine it now. Our new midfield powerhouse (guthrie)alongside the awesome butt will thread balls through all day long. Thats it , build the team round michal owen.

  Or we could not.

• 27 Taiwantoon // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:04

  not a very good news, the Daily Mail says SWP is about to sign for Pompey.

• 28 adaaaam // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:20

  anyone wonder if his contract will say he stays if we get into europe but if not he goes?

• 29 Robert from Serbia // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:24

  lets sign Taye Taiwo !!!!One of the best defenders in the world,and he plays on the left back !!!He has powerfull shot from free-kicks too!!!

  Sunderland wants him,and he plays for Marsille

• 30 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:31

  The squad is weak and minute. Ed, we have no chance of getting into Europe and any such talk is just fantasy. Any Europe takers out there want a bet?
  This is the weakest NUFC team we have ever had in the Premiership and yet some of us think all is well and we will be challenging for Europe. We’ll be near the bottom after the first few games and then reality will set in. Smith is our striker and will start against Man U. God help us.

• 31 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:37

  Oh and regarding Owen…..
  MA wants him to take a big pay cut and sign a long terrm contract. Or he could run his contract down which has less than a year to run and sign for a club for nothing. They would only have to pay his wages. MA has no ambition for NUFC who will win nothing, so what do you guys think Michael is going to do? he’s a winner and is not stupid. You know the answer don’t you?

• 32 HalftimeBovril // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:43

  I believe i’m correct in thinking that if he doesn’t sign a new contract he’ll be free to talk to other clubs in January which is only four months away

• 33 bob marley // Jul 25, 2008 at 16:45

  could someone tell me what the legue is for the premierleague official fantasy football thing!!!!
  thanks

• 34 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 17:23

  The media is not that hostile. Its just telling it how it is. We have let a lot of average players go and signed two players for a couple of bob.We have the smallest squad in the Premiership and to my mind the weakest Newcastle team since the Premiership began. How can the press say nice things about that?

• 35 scott9 // Jul 25, 2008 at 17:36

  we really need 4 more signing if we want to get in europe a left back centre back and we definatley need another central midfileder and a striker but i suppose a striker is not neccesary but i think one would definatley help as viduka is injured alot and oa might miss the start of the season and smith and ameobi are both s*it

• 36 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 17:43

  Anybody got any idea who we can afford. I get the impression we are paupers waiting to see who is left after Pompey, Fulham, Villa, Everton and the rest have decided who they want to buy. We’ll buy late because we will be buying the leftovers. Warnock for £2M is typical… but he might be too dear.

• 37 toonarmy08 // Jul 25, 2008 at 17:48

  anyone know if jonas is playing at doncaster ?real madrid have had a 5.5m bid 4 vdv rejected !!

• 38 ToonKing // Jul 25, 2008 at 18:07

  no, Jonas, ain’t playing against Doncaster, i don’t think he’ll even play in Mallorca, but we’ll see him 100% against PSV.

• 39 Frankieboy // Jul 25, 2008 at 18:17

  He needs contract soarted asap cos i feel he will jump ship next season as a free agent.
  Then the “buying” club will fork out a fortune on his wages as no initial layout.
  All the big 4 will be after him in that scenario.
  Anybody back up my fears.

• 40 dick // Jul 25, 2008 at 18:36

  more good news, amiobi and smith are our only two strikers available for weekends game. this season is starting to be a nightmare before it has began, I just hope we are good enough to finnish 4th bottom and toon get a buyer with a bit more ambition

• 41 Taiwantoon // Jul 25, 2008 at 18:39

  amiobi and smith, let’s hope they both do a duff.

• 42 Jeremy9 // Jul 25, 2008 at 18:53

  For some reason I think he will get signed by someone else this year. I am okay with that, but we have to start signing some people. Come on billionaire MA, as you say, come on, get in.

  I will say I can’t wait to see spiderman play. I think he will be great.

  As for Owen, would like to keep him, but I just think he wants to play elsewhere, maybe because the press printed something about him leaving every other week. I don’t get why your papers just make stuff up all the time.

• 43 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 18:54

  If we encourage Smith instead of always being negative about him, he could become the best striker in the Prem

• 44 Jimi // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:00

  Oliver your a muppet…Owen’s class…

• 45 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:01

  the bottom line is if fat boy wants owen to take a pay cut he will just run his contract down and leave on a free….. and make no bones about it there will be plenty of takers…

• 46 micepie // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:01

  Honestly, some of the posters on here are so negative before both a) the transfer window is closed (quite some while yet) and b) before the
  freakin’ season has even started!

  Some of you don’t deserve that we even stayed up last season. It probably would have done you some good had we gone down, because you could
  have enjoyed wallowing in complete despair.

  Anyway, never mind. I’m not going to read any replies to this. Of course posts on here can’t all be positive by any means, but it’s just the nature of some of the negative ones, as if they’re written by big whiney babies.

• 47 nightfall // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:08

  daiv - good one

• 48 DanToon // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:12

  Daiv, you must be joking!

• 49 DC Magpie // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:15

  Bob Marley…soz mate been searching and couldn’t find the code. I left a message on the league forum so hopefully someone gets back to me. I’ll try posting it on the most recent blogs once I get it.

• 50 shearer4pm // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:19

  http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11095_3864937,00.html

  

  i think that we shud pay more attention to players like this, will prove to be a very valable addition to our squad, is gud mates with beye, young africian player of the year 2 years ago and would provide great competition for enrique

  certainly not one for the mackems, way to much calibre

• 51 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:21

  5.5mill for vdv off real madrid, that sounds like the type of bid fat boy would put in….. the ba****d could peel an orange in his pocket…

• 52 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:25

  Taiwo is far to good for Sunderland.

• 53 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:32

  god how good would it be right now to find another gazza in tyneside…..or gas meter or shearer…

• 54 tom tomb // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:32

  Michael Owen will score the goals, just wish they would sign a midfield dynamo to create. We have too many midfield dominos (central). Also get a striker , top centre back , lb and rb cover.Make them all quality. We should just have a big enough squad. Anything less and the trap door awaits.

• 55 tom tomb // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:35

  Does Keane know that Taiwo is not from Eire? He should go for Steve Carr ( I know Carr is a rb and Taiwo is Lb before I get put right)

• 56 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:40

  here here tom tomb someone finally has the balls to speak the truth….

• 57 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:43

  aye can anybody remember that old cartoon thingie ” dont you open that trapdoor…coz theres something down there” hehehe…class that like.

• 58 tom tomb // Jul 25, 2008 at 19:43

  Cheers Normski- and you don’t ? We know you do mate!

• 59 DC Magpie // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:14

  KK has issued a take-it or leave-it 8M offer for Collocini. He has also put a time limit on it by insisting that the player join before we head off to Mallorca.

• 60 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:19

  where you gettin this information from then dc mag????

• 61 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:19

  You know this how?

  £8mil wont be enough either.

• 62 Bill F SPLASH THE CASH ASH // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:34

  Daiv, comment 36 I’ve been saying that for weeks.

• 63 GraemeR // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:35

  Looking at the paper thin squad fills me with fear for next year. As well as being small there are players there that I could quite happily see the back of - Smith, Ameobi, Barton, Duff and spoilt brat Zog. Coupled with the fact Viduka is past it, Owens got mumps and Oba on compasionate leave we are stuffed for the start of the season.

  Every day goes by another possible signing goes - Derdiyok apparently lined up by Fernabace. What I dont get it the fact that MA was prepared to sanction £15-18 million on a player before the Euros but now appears to be frightend to spend.

  Dont care what the rest of you say but KK was not the normal bubbly/confident self after the HPool game. If there are no new signings - and I mean 1st teamers not ones for the future - KK may not last till Xmas - walking or sacked. Either way we need to get moving.

• 64 Leo // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:39

  come on owen, i just seen that taiwo is interested in going to blunderland- he is a player i rate that we should look at

• 65 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:42

  i think maybe about 9 to 11 mill if am honest coz this guy is quality and quality costs…so will billy bunter want to pay that…i very much doubt it…..i think by the end of this window alot of nufc fans are going to be very disappointed…

• 66 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 20:52

  graeme r ya bang on mate i have been sayin on here for weeks on end i think that the modric thing was all just spin for season ticket sales and ppl take that for gospel…if and its a big if we spend it aint gonna be on players like that but youngsters like arsenal(but they have just spent 16 mill on nasri) along with the bairns…thats the way it has to work..youth and experience..me and hate prawn sarnies thought the same …super positive about the team and the second the reporter strated talking about signing it was blurry as f**k…

• 67 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:10

  For me this transfer season has split me. Because IMO for too mlong have we failed to give youth players who are clearly good enough to play more than 1 game a season a chance, so lack of playes may mean this.

  But on the other hand we may struggle with strength in depth, but our first 11 is pretty good IMO, bu we could do with another CB a CM and possible a big striker, so no drastic changes are needed.

• 68 Tom4Nufc // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:11

  If he plays 70% of matches, a 20+ goal season

• 69 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:15

  Did NUFC try to buy Modric? I doubt it. It was spin to coax season ticket sales which are down. If we did try to buy him, how come we are not interested in others like Arshavin. How come we have only spent peanuts. In fact I think its disgraceful the way the club is treating the fans… telling them nothing. Where is the communication strategy. We all know who the top 4 are after but there is total silence from NUFC. Some of you may like that (because the big one is just around the corner… oh really!!!)but I think it stinks and shows disrespect for the fans.U

• 70 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:18

  Tom Toon
  You must be on drugs. No drastic changes needed!!!!! This is the weakest NUFC team since the Prem started and it is probably the smallest squad in the Prem. Do you really think we are heading for Europe. Unless we buy 4 top players we are looking at the trap door side of the league. All the other mid table teams are strengthening with quality and we are buying reserve players. Look at the other clubs. They are moving forwards and we are going backwards.

• 71 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:19

  tom all we need to do is strengthen the backbone cb,cm amd cf and we will do ok but i am very worried about waht we will bring in coz them three players have to be quality….

• 72 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:21

  Tom Toon
  half the first 11 is constantly injured. We are in a mess. KKs lost his bounce. How many weeks or months before he walks?

• 73 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:21

  Villa have a squad of 16 and only had 18 last year wih not a great amount of quality, they did well.

  Drastic changes means like 9 new signings etc.

• 74 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:23

  Daiv - I agree tht KK has slightly lost i, said this at the beginning when he was appointed.

  BUt half the first 11 constantly injured?

  Viduka and Owen is 2. And that is only dependant if we dont play Martins.

  normski - we need a CB most but we could live without a cf and cm although id prefer to have them.

• 75 daiv // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:24

  Tom T
  Villa were lucky with injuries. We never are. And their squad is better anyway

• 76 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:27

  daiv we need to strengthen the backbone kid with three quality players in the three positions ive talked about we will do ok…

• 77 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:28

  Their squad is very marginally better.

• 78 Punk Skunk // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:43

  The voice of reason!..

• 79 reillers // Jul 25, 2008 at 21:44

  Taiwo is a very good player, African young player of the year in 06. Speaking of Sunderland they just signed David Meyler, a wee lad, 19 years old, from Cork City. It might sound like a step down, crap signing but that kid’s got massive potential. At least they’re buying players. Taiwo is an excellent player. If he wants to leave his club we should try and get him.

• 80 tom tomb // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:06

  It is really important now that we get at least 2 players in by next week. They need to integrate with the current players. Settle down in the region etc etc. Anything later and we will be chasing our arses again. The last thing we want and need is to be saying, is thats it the season is fu—- by the end of the deadline. That has happened for years now, we really need a decent start. Otherwise it is the pervading sense of doom and gloom. Then a sh– atmosphere at the ground. Even KK will struggle to lift things if that happens. We need players in and fast, to lift things you can tell what the players think too. Just judging on Given and Harpers statements.

• 81 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:08

  if the truth be known we are in desparate need of a decent backbone of the team….right now taylor,butt, and viduka well thats the 12 to 14th position covered or we could go for 6th to 8th with some quality purchases….

• 82 Spyro goodbye-0 // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:15

  i may support newcastle just like you’s
  but i have te agree you geordies are a right bunch of eejits/idiots

  can’t even spot a spuds fan in your own blog

  I refer YOU to my name

  How are you spyro,

  must admit dos santos is looking a quality buy.

• 83 John // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:17

  I wouldn’t say Villa’s squad is better they just have an excellent manager in O Neil

• 84 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:18

  With the squad we have now im pretty sure we’d get 10th which i’d be very happy with, provided we play some nice football and get some good results along the way (drubbing spurs x2, maybe a scalp of one of the top 4 at their place and ours).

• 85 GraemeR // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:18

  The longer it goes on the more I get the feeling of daja vu. Its like FFS never left - wait till the last minute and save a few weeks pay - apart from the fact you are buying players no one else wants and for ridiculous fees (becasue they know you are desparate). Its a strategy thats never let us down

• 86 ObaFan2 // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:20

  chinzaknuk // Jul 25, 2008 at 14:17

  I hope he can stay fit as even if he’s not the player he once was, he’s still capable of 20 goals a season if he’s playing regularly.

  —————————————————-

  Funny he’s never scored 20 EPL goals a season in his entire career …………yet !

  Still, we need him and he should sign a new contract as it wouldn’t make sense for MA to have him leave for free and need to spend lots to replace him.

  ….and before the neg-heads start I still believe we’ll have some good signings this summer.

• 87 GraemeR // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:22

  Tom Toon - whilst I feel 10th is a bit optimistic with th e current squad I think a few injuries to key positions and we are well and truly stuffed.

  Hope I am wrong -and John - I would mmuch rather have KK instead of the wet fish MO’N anyday

• 88 nightfall // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:24

  daiv..i disagree..it’s not the weakest NU team..i mean…last season we only had problems in the midfield..and we already got 2 very good players…midfielders who can defend and create…so stop with negativity..it’s contagious

• 89 normski1930z // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:24

  if i tell the truth all i want is three players that i have mentioned in the backbone that is why we are weak…. lets just let these ppl move on…the likes of ameobi,smith,edgar even, they do not contribute….

• 90 Geordie Nick // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:26

  nightfall- u havin a laugh or wat? we only had problems in midfield???? u not see our defence last season or summit?????? ffs

• 91 neville brewis // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:33

  Hi its Neville- back from Clacton and ready to blog. Good old Kevin keeping spirits up, but I do feel he will be doing this for a while. It appears we will not be diving into the transfer market. Bargains only I think , like his shop. I got a nice pair of Bermudas for Clacton from the silverlink shop . They were only £3.75 ! I also got some flip flops for 99p.

• 92 tom tomb // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:40

  Yeah your right Normski, we are tending to forget the players you mentioned. Also add Duff he has suddenly become thought about as great since his Hartlepool hat trick. Fair play to him I hope he does well but up to now he has been a carthorse. We cannot go into a season with just those 4 cb’s at any cost.Welcome back Nev.

• 93 gorskino10 // Jul 25, 2008 at 22:50

  stop making every topic go to the spurs team no one cares about them. Please buy a defender and tall striker.

• 94 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:09

  Must agree with a few, normski, daiv, angryman etc you are right we need a backbone running from given or harper through the centre of the squad to our captain!! but what sort of quality and backbone are we going to get!? each area defence, midfield etc needs one top, top quality experienced player to pull togethetr and learn there squad areas! its great bringing in youth for the future but if we have to rely on reserves injury prone forwards and our smiths, ameobi etc we are knackered!! KK he can only work with what he is given and it hasn’t been a lot!! very very worried for next season!! we need money spent on the squad and alot! we’ll be lucky to get £20million max for signings! I garantee you that by jan MA will panic and we’ll spend and over spend on crap! we need to get rid of our crap! buy quality and the only way that will happen is if ashley spends money!!

• 95 Toony Soprano // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:09

  Jail Boy joey will be back soon - how much wos he worth when he hit his purple patch at Man city before he sparked Darbo, Roy Keanesque?

  He will either implode or become a hero out of adversity next season.

  He could run our midfield, get him switched on for one season and flog him if need be

  Smith, milner, Zog & Duff have loads to prove
  this season - surely there is some room for a revalation there?

  Enrique, Carrol, Faye, Taylor will only get better this season

  Two in seem ok ,we need some signings, however we have some good players who need to perform, fingers crossed

• 96 toonoot // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:29

  Ameobi, Smith and Duff (the scourge of the ‘pool) up front. I can hardly wait.

• 97 51times // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:34

  We’re after another teenager who’s from Denmark according to nufc.com, Niels Bisp Rasmussen. Here for a week long trial.

• 98 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:36

  Ashley is happy only spending what he thinks needs spending and that wont be a lot! Ive always thought he bought the club to fix up a bit and flog on at a huge profit! there is only two things he cares about is money and more money!! and how fast he can make it! why do you think he’s become a billionaire at the age of 40 odd! he’s good at disceet and manipulation!!!
  I HOPE HE GETS A BUYER SOON, SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO INVEST! ASHLEY OUT! PLEASE! or at least invest a descent sum of money into the playing staff!
  If you think ashleys out for the fans, your dumb! daft! his number on fan is himself!!!!!!! no one matters unless he loses money!!

• 99 Spyro goodbye-0 // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:52

  gorskino10

  First off all, no i will not stop i started it with the intention of finishing it, and thankfully now i can.

  this is the last time i will ever post anything about spuds on here

  these comments were taking from the caught offside website regarding robbie keane to liverpool transfer

  spyro 07.25.08 at 8:24 am

  cant wait to see robbies face when he spends half the season on the bench and then misses out to spurs for a champs league place.

  spyro 07.25.08 at 8:10 am

  Keane has only looked good since berbatov joined spurs . he will be average at the bindippers and rafa will have to change his usual formation which will hopefully weaken them. As long as we can keep hold of berba we should be able to replace keane quite easily and then take the bindippers champs league spot that they have looked like losing for the past few years.

  PEACE OUT IDIOTS

• 100 Tom_Toon // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:54

  and what thread was that on?

  I just hope Lualua plays a fair bit this season, exactly what we need on the bench, a midfielder full of skill and energy and can make things happen.

• 101 Spyro goodbye-0 // Jul 25, 2008 at 23:59

  Tom toon if you were replying to me there

  here is the link http://www.caughtoffside.com/2008/07/25/bad-bad-news-for-tottenham-fans-striker-to-join-liverpool-in-next-48-hours/

  lok for comment 11, 23 and 25

• 102 Tom_Toon // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:02

  Doesn’t sound like Spyro to me and he has been on here for about 1 and a half years, so i doubt it.

  Its that Fernando imitating him, you are probably Fernando, yet another new name, cant trust anyone new atm.

• 103 Neville Brewis // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:04

  Toony Soprano what does that name remind me of? Was he a character on Dr Kildare?

• 104 tom tomb // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:05

  Don’t care who he is sounds like a knob to me.

• 105 Spyro goodbye-0 // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:07

  and yet the idiocy continues
  look, i could go through posts throughout this sight and show you blatant blatant stabs at nufc dating ages ago
  but i won’t cus i said im not going to post about spuds anymore so i wont, i wont waste anymore of my time, nor my energy trying to persuade absolute idiots.

  But please continue to feed his ego and his sense of humour…

  *time for a name change

• 106 tom tomb // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:09

  Too late for a personality change-loser.

• 107 reillers // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:09

  I don’t like Owen as captain. I don’t think that the armband should have been given to someone who is STILL in contract talks, trying to get as much money as possible of the club, and if he doesn’t he’ll probably leave. What kind of leadership is that. I’ll stay if I get more money.

  While our two keepers are the only ones in our squad who actually do their job well all the time. They are extremley loyal. They’re both natural leaders, Given has captained Ireland and Newcastle a good few times. Harper has stayed with us, stayed on the bench for 12 years, without one word of complaint or talk of contracts, not to this extent. He could have easily looked for somewhere else. While Given has put up with some of the most ridiculous excuses for defenders that I’ve ever seen, never a word of complaint or want to leave when he could have gone to Arsenal or any of the big clubs around, like for Christs sake he had his bowel ripped open at the end of a match that we had won anyway because he wanted to keep a clean sheet, he literally ended up putting his life on the line for the club. Did he complain then, no, despite the pain and agony and the groin injuries that followed. Did either of them whine about managers, money or spend months on contract talks. No.

  They’ve stayed in this underachieving club, watching more managers come and go then players. They have been our two most loyal outstanding players and I’d be honored for either to have the captaincy and both would deserve it.

  The captaincy that has been given to Owen for I’m sorry, what, scoring 12 goals last season. It just seems like a pay off, if he’s given the armband almost in the hope from Keegan that he’ll tie down this contract. I don’t care how many goals he scores. If you want real loyalty or real talent you look at our two lads. They say keepers most have a wee nut loose in their head to be keepers yet they always talk the most sense. When they say something they don’t say it for the sake of it or for media headlines. They say what they actually feel and think and don’t give us the run around. There is no I in team yet we’re treating Owen like there is. This team would fall apart if we didn’t have the 2 most unappreciated players on the pitch, yet were giving Owen special treatment. A player who in my opinion is past it, he scores, well when he scores, it’s off other peoples hard work.

  I’d be proud to say if either keeper was our captain. I’m not too thrilled to say that a player who is still in contract talks to try and get more money is being given the captaincy so it’ll help him stay. He shouldn’t need a reason.
  Our keepers don’t need an armband to lead, they do it anyway. But I think giving it to, in my opinion Given, would just be deservedly given in recognition for all his hard work over the years.

  It would have been nice because we all know that strikers get the headlines, even if they’re not the heroes, which in our case is a lot. How many times have we seen the player who scored the goal grab the headlines and Given or Harper who did everything but score the goal, kept us and won us the game, barely get a mention. It’s the way it is. Keepers only get a mention when they make mistakes, which thankfully in our case isn’t a lot.

  I’m sorry it’s just more then a wee bit irritating to watch all this unfold. Captaincy, where I’m from, is something you most earn and deserve. What’s Owen done to deserve this, under preform again or have a record long time in discussing contract talks.

• 108 Tom_Toon // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:18

  That is clearly the fake Spyro aka Fernando.

  The ‘real’ Spyro sounds like a NUFC fan and has hated Spurs from the day he joined this blog, long before Fernando.

  The only other team i could even contemplate thinking the ‘real’ Spyro supports is Arsenal because he does refer to them a lot and in a positive way, but even that is far fetched in 99% of his comments.

• 109 A Peronality Change Apparently // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:19

  Tom Tomb- your an idiot, your simple, you cannot process information rationally

  You’ve seen me type what two comments? and think i need a personality change, i think someone needs a brain operation, re-educated from the lowest level possible and castrated

  The Irony is now that the actual Newcastle fan is being targeted here

• 110 tom tomb // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:20

  Abba fan returns-tool.

• 111 51times // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:22

  Fernando should have been delt with the minute he started posting…look at the problems we’re having now because of this. I knew it would end up like this, I’ve been saying for a long time to ban opposition supportes outright if they come to start trouble. Instead the mob and our admin turned on me. Hilarious.

• 112 A Personality Change Apparently // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:25

  51 times hallelujah, rationality

  Dont know how many times i called for bans as well, now it looks as if i continue to speak the truth, unveil smart ass’s, i will be banned myself? LOL

  and for anyone who thinks im fernando, spyro whatever other names that douche uses, im pretty shure ED could vouch for me saying as there would be two different e-mail adresse’s

• 113 Chris // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:28

  WOW a thick spurs fan thinking he’s got one over on us Toon fans. Thick twat, how many of us responded to you idiot.
  Another fernando attempt at getting a rise from us. At least we actually support our team and not spent hours of our lives on other supporters blogs. As for not posting again, how many times you going to promise that Dufus!
  I can’t believe how thick you f*cking are. LOOK ARSEHOLE “WE@RE SORRY FOR THRASHING YOUR SORRY TEAM EVERY SEASON” I’d like to promise we won’t do it again, but thats against our religion. Tosser.

• 114 A Personality Change Apparently // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:35

  you know, the general feeling im getting here is one that i just can’t comprehend, i present you people with numerous statements, facts, now im the one getting it in the back, LMAO

  only on a newcastle website could a newcastle fan be targeted for trying to resolve an issue i felt needed resolving simply because of the low intellect involved in you lot not catching onto these jibes, i tihnk its becasue i called you idiots that now you must somehow think wow if he called us idiots he cant be a newcastle fan, he insulted us wah wah you native geordies are a different set of supporters compared to other international supporters, your paranoid, conspiracy theorists, always on teh clubs back when you dont have things your way, getting emotionally involved with transfers we dont even know if were were in there for.

  i dont know whats worse, that ive posted this many posts of someone and something that is of little concern to me

• 115 A Personality Change Apparently // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:36

  or that even after ive handed the facts to you on a plate, you turn around an accuse me of all this

  Love Newcastle, Hate geordies

• 116 tom tomb // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:40

  Spyro numb heed fernando or whatever you call yourself. Learn to spell before you call people idiots. Sight ha ha ha ha IDIOT! Now go away and talk to yourself as you have no friends at spurs or anywhere. -saddo. Now night night little one cuddle in your teddy nice and tight!

• 117 Donegal toon // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:44

  Lol Unbelievable

  This was my name to begin with btw not that any one cares now or prolly remembers

  Thick people man!

  Oh hi , I hope correcting someone over the internet makes you real proud big man, it doesn’t make you smart though, just really really sad

• 118 tom tomb // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:48

  Really really sad is having multiple names and only them to talk to.

• 119 Donegal toon // Jul 26, 2008 at 0:58

  lol, any way moving on, this is the name i will keep from now on regardless man ive tried, and apparently failed

  strictly newcastle from now for me, but apparently even now newcastle fan’s can’t post on here

  any way, really happy Gardner has nearly signed for Hull, taking that almost insulting link he had with us with him

• 120 Reb // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:06

  @Reillers…

  where were you lad for the last 20 matches of last season? Owen’s been captain for all of Keegan’s matches (bar Hartlepool last week and Doncaster this week), it’s not as if he’s just been given it now. I’m not quite sure what you are on about. For that matter, you want to take the armband off him because he’s in contract negotiations? For pete’s sake, every player is in contract negotations at some point, and every one is mad if he’s not trying to get a good deal for himself — so who would be captain then? That’s nonsense that is.

  A lot of what you credit (rightfully) to the two top keepers at NUFC is generally also credited to Owen: an honest lad, keeps it quiet, doesn’t play things out in the press, respected by teammates, opponents, etc., keeps his head, doesn’t complain — all has been said about Owen before as well. What exactly has Owen done to deserve a slagging off? I mean, fair enough if you have a go at him about his injuries, at least that’s a genuine complaint but to complain about Michael Owen’s attitude and personality? That’s bollocks. The man’s a model professional, everyone agrees on that except a few still-bitter LFC fans.

  I’m not at all sure what your point is. Do you think taking the armband off of him, after the last ten matches last season shown him to be a very good captain — respect of his teammates, adjusted to a new role that the team needed that is not his preferred position, says the right things in public, all that — and the best football player at the club, would induce him to sign a contract? What example is that to the next captain? And besides, you think KK is going to give a keeper the armband? I think he’d prefer a more forward, involved position — and in Given’s case, I’d trust him to marshal a team when he can marshal his own defence. He’s a good, loyal club favorite no doubt, but not captain material from what I’ve seen.

  I’m not even sure why I bothered replying. On balance, your post reads like someone who didn’t bother to watch Newcastle play for the last half of the past season. I’m surprised no one else tore apart your poor reasoning and mildly incomprehensible “logic”. Then again, they seem to have been distracted by something else. Forget the team “falling apart” without the goalkeepers — try imagining staying up without Owen’s influence from March onwards last season.

• 121 HATE PRAWN SANDWICHES // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:26

  just get owen signed up on a new contract!!! apart from scoring goals and being our captain he will and could attract quality, if it wasn’t for tight arse!! ashley!!

  ASHLEY NEEDS TO GO NOT OWEN!!!

• 122 Spyro // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:31

  how are you HPS, still ranting? lol

  Just read through the comments and i cant believe there is someone on here dumb enough to believe those comments made on a Spurs site is actually me. I am a 21 yr old uni student…if i was truly a Spud fan surely i would have the brains to go by a different name right? lol
  Also, like Tom Toon says, i have been on this blog for well over a year now, something no Spud fan would be willing to do.

  Anyway thanks to everyone with a brain cell who instantly recognises the fake Spyro from me.

• 123 reillers // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:37

  Reb..He was made captain the first time to bury what bad relationship they had in the past. He’s not a good leader. He’s not captain material. The 2 keepers, either one, what has he done to deserve captain. I hate this typical attitude about strikers.

  I’d rather a team without Owen, then the 2 lads. Given has captained both country and clubs and numerous occasions and he has done bloody well. The fact that you say he can’t even control his defense is more then insulting.
  He’s done that for 12 years. I get that some fans are “forward” fans. Who believe that teams are all about the strikers.Clearly you’re one of them. The media have that influence. But just because they score the goals doesn’t make them great captains.
  What has he exactly done to prove himself a worthy captain?? He hadn’t a good season, so he played well for the last 10 games, well done. I’m sure that balances out the 12 outstanding years we’ve gotten form our keepers, and also, he barely scored, what was it, 12 goals and now here we are months later and he’s still discussing his contract, still trying to get as much money out of this club and if he doesn’t like the end result, if he doesn’t get paid as much as he thinks he deserves he’ll leave.

  I’d much rather see Owen leave then either of the 2 lads. Owen, with all due respect because he was a good player, in the little time he’s been with this club, when he wasn’t injured, which isn’t his fault has proved that he, in my oppinion is overrated, the goals, when he scores are usually of other peoples hard work. I gather, clearly by your comment that that’s not what a lot think, he’s an English player, so ya it’s all right to be a wee bit bias towards him.
  But he is not the best player at this club, he’s the biggest name of course, that’s clear by far, but even looking at Martins, he’s a better forward then him, and younger.

  I didn’t say Keegan would make either captain, some just don’t like keepers as captains, but it’s not like anyone on our team outfield leads, it’s not what you want to here, I know, but it’s true.

  But I honestly believe that he’s done nothing worthy of getting the captaincy and I think, and I’m not the only one, that he was given the captaincy in hope, by Keegan, that he’ll commit to his future here.

• 124 tom tomb // Jul 26, 2008 at 2:56

  Reillers All I can say is, you don’t know which keeper is best. None of us really do it is so close. So who is going to start as No 1? Don’t know-so how can you pick a captain from one of those 2. You need a player that will be captain throughout the season and play. A captain also needs to be an outfield player, preferably defence or midfield. I also think one of Givens poorest qualities is organisation. I sit at the front of the SJH stand 10 yds behind him- he does not communicate well.

• 125 reillers // Jul 26, 2008 at 3:07

  Either one, who ever is playing. Look I don’t even know if a keeper would make a good captain. What I’ve seen of Given when he’s captained Newcastle and Ireland, has been impressive, he seems to thrive even more, if that’s possible, when he has that responsibility. He plays better when he’s under pressure.

  I think he was a very good organizers of his defense at one stage, but this batch of genius players we have now do their own thing. Even when Harper has been in goal, I actually remember a match where 2 of our lads actually ran into each other.
  I thought at one stage when he seemed to struggle with this lot we have now was because he panics, if that’s the word, when players got in on them because of what happened at West Ham. But then I’d see him with Ireland and he has complete control over his defense, I was sitting right behind his goal in Croke Park, and he was roaring at them, bossing them well and they listened. I’ve seen him do it countless of times. So I can’t figure out why he can’t with Newcastle. There has to be a reason. I think maybe with our ones, there’s a communication barrier still..language wise. Being shouted at in a thick Donegal accent isn’t the easiest to understand even if English is your first language. What also helps is with Ireland, he has Dunne to help him, with us. Our defenders play their own game, run into each other and don’t seem to want to listen to anyone.

  The point is, my point is that Owen shouldn’t be captain, who should, I don’t know. The keepers deserve it, whether that’s enough, again, I don’t know.

• 126 tom tomb // Jul 26, 2008 at 3:38

  Reillers some fair points, either way he is a magnificent servant and it was horrendous what happened at West Ham. He also is a real hard worker, ironing out problems he had over the years with graft. Terrific example to all, club captain-big yes. Team captain - not for me, but then I could not pick one , possibly Beye or Butt. Even then not convinced, it aint easy leave it to KK.

• 127 ToonDerry // Jul 26, 2008 at 4:18

  i know il prob get stick for this but i think next season BARTON is going to be a big player for us,if you forget about all his off field problems his got the ability to be great

• 128 Egar // Jul 26, 2008 at 4:20

  Re: reillers // Jul 26, 2008 at 3:07 (Comment 121)

  “Either one, who ever is playing. Look I don’t even know if a keeper would make a good captain. …”

  Leave it to KK. Keep the faith, man.

• 129 Taiwantoon // Jul 26, 2008 at 4:28

  Here it comes, varies sources claim Owen is asking the club to improve their offer or he will leave on bossman.

• 130 Phil // Jul 26, 2008 at 5:08

  yeah, it was only a matter of time.

  i will be gutted if we lose owen on a bosman just because we won’t stump up the extra cash.

  i think if this contract thing is true where they offered him a pay-as-you-play deal and if he performs he gets the same money he is on now and he won’t sign that then he is a wanker.

  we’ve been paying his salary for three years and he’s hardly done owt. he should show a bit of gratitude and sign the contract.

  still, he has the power now because of bosman so we have no choice. pay him what he wants.

  i have a feeling though that he will leave on a bosman anyway because he’ll get a nice fat contract as a thank you for saving the club a transfer fee

• 131 One Foot Wonders F.C. // Jul 26, 2008 at 6:22

  Yeah but there is no quotes in those reports.. and if he isn’t offered at least the same pay then of course he could leave on a bosman.

  But then it drops our wage bill from 71mil to 65mil… we could get 3 quality players in for say 30k each although not with our current high earner as everyone else wants parity with their wages.

  Ideally we should give Owen a straight out extension.. Hope he stays fit which i think he will and a fit Owen will always score goals. Then sell him at the end of the season or Jan the following year to free up his wage for players, whislt hoping the likes of Zamblera & co are pushing into the 1st team by then.

• 132 Reb // Jul 26, 2008 at 6:50

  Reillers — I wasn’t implying anything against the ‘keepers, I’ve long rated goal as NUFC’s finest position (best covered, I mean). And you aren’t wrong in that I don’t much rate keepers as captains. More importantly, I don’t think it’s good policy to have an “either/or” captain, but rather one, set player to captain the side. So, which player(s) at Newcastle will apparently play most matches: Beye, Enrique, Faye, Taylor (?), Gutierrez, Butt, and Owen. Which of those would you pick to captain? Assuming you don’t want someone whose been regularly playing in the Premiership for one season or less, it leaves Faye, Butt and Owen. There aren’t a lot of options, in my opinion.

  Owen’s goals were essential to Newcastle staying up last season. His adaptation to a new position, which is not his preferred or strongest position, showed that he is not looking for an “I” in team as you implied. Keegan clearly rates him highly and personally I trust Keegan’s opinion on players (esp. strikers). Owen clearly has the respect of his teammates (look at his huddles starting v. Fulham, for one visible example) and is easily the best and most widely known player at the club. His reputation alone can attract players — didn’t Derdiyok say he’d love to play with Owen? That doesn’t mean such a transfer would happen, but it is a reminder that Michael Owen is better known than the club is abroad.

  You seem to base your argument that Owen doesn’t deserve the captaincy on hearsay. You assume Keegan gave him the captaincy to quell rumours of bad feelings — but there’s no way to know if that’s the truth or if Keegan was telling the truth when he said he chose his best, most senior, most experienced outfield player (I think this was supported by Butt taking the armband v. Hartlepool). All the mess about his contract is paper talk, no quotes from Owen saying anything near what you claim, so again you have no way of “knowing” any of it.

  You clearly don’t rate Owen for some reason. I’m a fan of Owen, I can’t and won’t deny that, but I don’t think I’m being bias. I was concerned when Keegan give him the captaincy, because he’s a reputation as a quiet lad, but it seems to have worked out well for both the team and Owen (who, btw, has never lost a match as captain for his country: the second youngest person to have ever led England out). I just don’t see what he’s done to deserve having it taken off him, and for who? Given’s 12 years of loyal service don’t make up for his inability to organise his defence — and I don’t see why you’re offended, that’s common knowledge. He’s a great keeper, but organisation is not his strength.

  Then again, I’m “arguing” with someone who just stated that Obafemi Martins is a better player than Michael Owen. The fact is, Owen has won a Ballon d’Or, and did it when he was younger than Martins is now. Owen is internationally renowned for a reason. He had the best goals-to-minutes ratio in all of La Liga during his year in Madrid. He’s scored 40 goals for his country and he’s only 28 still. He’s won two Golden Boots in the Premiership. His movement is phenomenal. It’s not Obafemi Martins that managers like Arsene Wenger talk about fearing every match played against his club (Wenger said this in January ‘08, when Owen was at something of nadir in form even). Forgive me if I take the likes of Wenger’s and Keegan’s opinions over yours.

  Just to clarify, so the words can’t be spun or twisted: I LIKE both Martins and Given. I want both to stay for some time. But I don’t understand the slagging off for Owen. He’s blatantly Newcastle’s finest asset.

• 133 Egar // Jul 26, 2008 at 7:17

  @ Reb, you missed out Owen denying Arsene Wenger’s Arsenal one FA Cup trophy, his hattrick against the Germans in Germany, etc

• 134 Egar // Jul 26, 2008 at 7:28

  And not forgetting that England would have been out the Euro qualifiers much much earlier without Owen’s goals.

  To quote Bill F: “SPLASH THE CASH ASH”

• 135 Frankieboy // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:13

  Look lads Spyro thought someone else was using my name to post anti Toon blogs recently.
  Like I said to him(the real Spyro) lets just ignore any posts from who we suspect are non Toon fans and theynwill quickly get bored if people do not “take the bait” and move on to other sites.
  Like I said they target this site cos it’s the best around.
  Disregard any posts as if they are not there…we will see.

• 136 Egar // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:14

  Here’s another quote I recall from someone some time back:

  “Keepers can save you from defeat, but they can’t deliver you victory. You need strikers (goals) for that.”

  Controversial?
  Definitely, if you consider penalty shootouts.

  Comments???

• 137 jonny // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:36

  to all you people who stopped up all night to write this blogg ”get a life” the toon will carry on regardless with what there doing no matter what you say

• 138 Reb // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:43

  @Egar — I thought if I listed ALL of Owen’s accomplishments an already long post would just end up ridiculously long. It’s a lengthy list, when you stop to consider everything he’s accomplished — and he’s only 28.

• 139 Sparky G. // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:46

  Newspaper reports claim that both Andrei Arshavin and David Villa would be interested in a move to Tottenham.

  Damn.

• 140 Egar // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:49

  Spot on, Reb.

• 141 sirjasontoon // Jul 26, 2008 at 8:55

  These people that either pretend to be toon fans and then say Ha Ha fooled ya..what do you want a medal?

  Just appears to me there is some very lonely unstable people around..with far too much time on their hands,

  ZZZZZZZZZZ

• 142 stumpofthetoon // Jul 26, 2008 at 9:22

  owen yet again saying not happy with money. little mersanry twat get rid me thinks martins is better and no injury problems

• 143 NEZSURF // Jul 26, 2008 at 9:52

  With regard to lack of transfer activity, i remember when MA took over and looked at the various contracts and realised the likes of Owen and Martins signed partly on the basis that they had get out clauses written into their contract allowing them to leave if we didnt qualify for europe or if a bid came in to trigger their release. NUFC have since stated that this would not be their policy in the future, which i think is having a bearing on our forays into the transfer market. In the last 5-8 seasons i have struggled to remember players we have made a big profit on apart from woodgate and maybe hamman. I totally agree with this new strategy and it could be having a bearing concerning the ongoing negotiations with Owen, who i feel has started to settle and enjoy his role as captain and as long as he stays injury free for the majority of the season by rotating him with our other strikers, should score some vital goals. We need Owen to stay to attract other quality players.

• 144 nightfall // Jul 26, 2008 at 11:20

  Geordie Nick - our defence was shite ‘cos of our midfield..there was no protection from our midfield…and no creativity… just some running and fouling…

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