Shola Ameobi, who looked hopeless again last night, has had the misfortune to pick up an injury, when he limped off during Newcastle United’s 1-0 defeat to Hertha Berlin.
Shola Ameobi – will not be at Newcastle come September
This is bad news because the club want to unload Shola before the end of the month, and like his strike partner last night, Alan Smith, they are not good enough for Kevin’s squad – at least that’s our opinion.
Those are the only two fit strikers Newcastle have right now, and we could have done a lot worse than fly out Italian Under-19 youngster Fabio Zamblera, and given him a 45 minute run out in one of the games.
Ameobi apparently felt his hamstring in the second half, and was replaced by Damien Duff in the 59th minute. The good news is that Shola will be out just 10 days, so there’s still time to unload him before August 31st comes around.
Ameobi told the Shields Gazette today:
“I felt my hamstring tighten up, and, as soon as I felt that, I came off. Hopefully, I caught that in time.”
“I’m just hoping this little niggle won’t hold me back, as I need to stay fit.”
There are a few clubs that have tracked Shola, but there’s just two things stopping them, his transfer price is too high, and his current wages at Newcastle are too high.
That’s the real reason he hasn’t been moved out – sounds too familiar doesn’t it.
Ameobi added:
“I still want to be a Newcastle United player, and I still am. That’s where my focus is.”“I had quite a few injuries last season.”
“There were different things that kept me back, and stopped me being as fit as I should have been.”
“I missed a lot of pre-season last year with a thigh problem, and that’s what held me back. I wasn’t fit enough to challenge for a place in the team.”
“This season I’ve made sure I’ve been right. I’ve worked very hard. The manager wants us to be one of the fittest teams in the league.”
We heard the same thing from Shola before last season started, but he still managed to have his worst season ever at the club. Too much talk and not enough action, is what’s wrong here.
Newcastle are willing to let him go for the right price – understood to be £3M – and Ameobi is well aware of this.
However, we think we’ll do very well to get £3M for him, and we wouldn’t be at all surprised if we accept any offer over £2M that we get before the end of August.
Shola continued:
“I’m still a Newcastle United player, and I have to be professional about it,” “Whatever happens in the next month or so, I have to make sure my head’s right.”
“Football’s a frustrating game at times, but you have to keep your head up and hope for the best.” “This is the fittest I’ve been in a few years, and hopefully, that can translate into playing more games. I need to improve my form.”
“I have to look after myself, and, no matter how much I love the club, I have to satisfy my need for first-team football.” “I’m working hard. Fitness has been a big issue for me in the last two or three years.”
“I’ve made sure I’ve had a good pre-season by keeping myself fit over the summer.” “Regardless of what’s happening I have to be professional, make sure my body’s right, and that I’m in the right frame of mind.”
“It’s just about me keeping up my fitness – that’s the main thing for me.” “The last couple of years have been frustrating for me.”
“I need to be playing, regardless of how much I love the club.”
When you look at who’s left in the squad right now, the club have made an excellent job of getting rid of fringe players and those that were overpaid for what they gave back to the side.
Assuming Shola moves on, the only other player we’d still like to move out is Alan Smith.
Why?
Because he’s just not good enough for the team, and he’ll get very few games this season if he continues the very poor form he’s displayed this year.
What do you think – let us know.
Comments welcome – but keep them civil – thanks.
153 comments so far
Dondatta13
Aug 2, 2008 at 6:45 PM
Comment #1Im sorry but it happens EVERY SINGLE transefer window. Shola Bambi-obi ALWAYS claims he’s injured (cant sell an injured player can we, how will he pass a medical?) In the past the guys needed hip surgery, then when the window slams shut this pillock then makes an amazing recovery!
Get Out Of My Club you complete waiste of space!
Rob Davis
Aug 2, 2008 at 6:48 PM
Comment #2Alan Smith is world class and we should definitely keep him.
51times
Aug 2, 2008 at 6:51 PM
Comment #3Dondatta – You’re saying Ameobi got hip surgery he didn’t need just to stay at the club? Do you realise what a fool you sound?
And if it’s ‘your’ club because you support Newcastle, isn’t it his too as he’s a Toon fan as well? Surely he has more of a right to call it his club, as he’s actually played for the first team.
Dondatta13
Aug 2, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Comment #4No what Im saying is …. transfer window opened, he was in need of surgery. Said player didnt get surgery during that window. Window closed, said player suddenly feels better and makes himself available. I shall try and come back with dates and windows ..
Sparky G.
Aug 2, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Comment #5Shola and Alan… what can I say… never have two people deserved moves to League One more than them. Put them up for sale. Let’s sell them and cut our losses. The longer they stay, the worst the season will go for us.
Dondatta13
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:01 PM
Comment #651 Times, are you one of those silly seals that will clap anything wearing a black and white top? sounds like it. I pay good money to watch NUFC play football, I buy the tops and try and support them as much as I can. This tool is not worthy of that shirt and I for one am sick of watching him amble around whilst I help pay his wages!
DC Magpie
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Comment #7no question about it…taxi bus for Smith and Strolla!
I am much more intrigued by this news:
Sources close to Rosenberg suggest that Newcastle have the player (Skjelbred ) on their shortlist but are waiting to see how other potential deals pan out.
A source from the Norwegian club told the Chronicle: “What is interesting is that Newcastle are still following Skjelbred and are preparing to lodge a £4.5m bid for him if their bigger transfer targets slip out of their hands.
“Which is also why Skjelbred is putting off signing a new deal with Rosenborg. He does not want to make things messy if Newcastle or another club he might find interesting comes in for him before the end of the transfer window.â€
Seems Skjelbred is happy to be our back-up plan assuming we don’t land a better player first, Diego possibly? That works for me although the thought of not getting either makes me really uneasy!
sean667
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:02 PM
Comment #8Man i do like smith but im beginning to think you might be right ed, he was woefull last night as was shola
elliston
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Comment #9i AGREE but i do like alan smith. I am constantly worried about our club at the moment we need 11 players to cover our first eleven and then next year the next loada players have got to be even better than them. I as a newcastle fan are started to give up on the game because our team is getting seriously boring. Im sorry but how many youngsters get that much better. Buy good youngsters young!!! Anderson nani cristiano. Players do not improve so talk about young ones in my opinion is rubbish the age for good
players is 18. Our new players are not even that good but collicini is awesome. Another john terry… Be excited by that
I hate Spuds!
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:03 PM
Comment #10I would rather keep Ameobi who actually cares about the club than Smiff who is an absolute disgrace. We’ll be relegated if we have these 2 lethargic lumps up front. The excuse that Smiff gives 100% every game is tosh! I’d give 100% and more if I had the chance to play for this great club!
Ross G
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:04 PM
Comment #11They both need to go, and I think Ameobi still might late on. I must say though I prefer Ameobi to Smith, at least he knos how to score ad can keep the ball. I watched the Berlin game and Smith was static, didnt contribute, and when he got the ball he lost it, the guy is trash I would offer him to Sunderland as Keano loves him. Get around £6m for both of them we can bring in Derdiyok.
dougnufc
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Comment #12Steve “Batman” Harper
http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1357094,00.html
bennufc
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:06 PM
Comment #13the pair of them ruind a decent trip 2 doncaster with some abysmal finishing especially ameobi he missed 3 good opertunaties
Ciaran
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:08 PM
Comment #14I’ve said before, Ameobi needs to realise he is a Championship player. He seems to think a move to Norwich is beneath him, tha’s whats infuriating about the whole mess. He sits around waiting for a Premier League offer that never comes, so he sticks around wasting space on the squad. Completely agree with you Ed, where’s the harm in seeing what we have in Zamblera instead of watching that lumbering fool mince around until he picks up another injury?
Mad_Magpie
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:10 PM
Comment #15Ameobi always looked half-decent alongside Shearer, but playing alongside someone like Smith makes for a comical showing. They shouldn’t get any near our squad, let alone our first-team. Shola has always thought he is better than he actually is and it’s time for him to move down into the Football League to his standard of play. He’s a local lad so it is understandable how much he wants to prove himself, but he needs to face reality.
It will be a sad day for NUFC if those two play together upfront in a competitive game.
Jeff
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:10 PM
Comment #16it can’t be better if Smith get offloaded …but is there any club potentially interested in him?
any club will pay us 3-4M and pay Smith 60K per week?
definitely, he has his price with no market…
51times
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:12 PM
Comment #17Haha, Dondatta, you can’t afford to watch Newcastle at SJP, be honest.
And even if you could, you’d be the type to boo at half time. If you don’t like the way the team plays, just don’t clap them off. Those types sicken me by claiming to support this club.
SINGAPORE
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:12 PM
Comment #18FINALLY!
ALL newcastle fans have been waiting for this article for ages!
Sell SMITH n AMOEBI@@!!
KK, read this!!!!!!!!!
Norway Toon
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Comment #19First of all. Sell Ameobi and Smith. Huge paycheck, and the play like crap.
Second: Skjelbred is one of the biggest talents in norway. A fantastic player. But 4.5 millions sounds a lot!
1.5 – 2 million should be enough for Rosenborg to sell him. After all, he wont sign a new deal.
And the best part is that Skjelbred is a huge Newcastle fan.
I would bet all my money that he will score more goals alone, than Smith/Ameobi combined.
I have said it before, his a mix of Batty and Lee and would adapt pretty soon to PL..
A suberb signing if we can get him.
Michael
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:15 PM
Comment #20As much as I dont think Sholas good enough for Newcastle a few people on here need to wise up when it comes to questioning his commitment to Newcastle. He delayed hip surgery to play for us for a long time and despite his ‘lazy’ looking style that doesnt mean hes actually being lazy. Im not defending him in terms of quality because I agree we need better, but in terms of commitment I dont think he should be questioned at all.
GraemeR
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Comment #21KK needs to get these two wasters into the office and ask them if they are actually pleased with their own performances or even effort. I cant imagine either of them having the balls to say that they have been trying.
Tom Thumb
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:16 PM
Comment #22Sell em both for whatever you can get. This preseason was the perfect chance for both of them to shine (like Darren Bent at Spurs).
Hull sounds like a great place for Smith, and Norwich for Ameobi. If we can net $5m for the two you have to take it, given the high wages they are both pulling in.
Clarke_19_rangers
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:17 PM
Comment #23Dc magpie : R U MAD???????? WHAT HAVE U BEEN SMOKIN??????
DIEGO??? i would be surprised if he signed for man-u never mind us! werder would never let him go!
get Smith and Amadonkey out NOW “KING” KEV! What a waste of our money
Bmore
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:18 PM
Comment #24They were bloodty awful!!
Our midfield looked clue less because these 2 nupties never ran beyond the defence, never tried to stretch them or move to create space for someone else.
Unless we get forwards in the team who are willing to work hard – then no matter which creative CM we have – they will be ineffective.
Must admit – I think Guthrie looked a good tidy player – seems a bargin. The spider shows promise too!
GraemeR
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Comment #25OK after Colloconi we need Derdiyok (for Smith and Ameobi), Moutinho (for Emre), Larrson (for Emre), Inler (for Butt) and Burdisso (for Rozenhal and Ramage)
Toon1978
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Comment #26IS HE ON HIS WAY HERE?
http://www.newsnow.co.uk/h/Sport/Football/Premier League/Newcastle United
harrier
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:19 PM
Comment #27DC Magpie – I got excited by the same thing! Great minds I guess… 🙂
Dondatta13
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:21 PM
Comment #2851 Times, Im not going to drag this blog down with personal insults. You go ahead and love Shola Bambi-obi son. I will continue to watch and follow football without my B&W tinted glasses on!
dick
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:22 PM
Comment #29i think where stuck with them what other club is going to pay the wages that there on, they will just sit back and run down their contract
sirjasontoon
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:23 PM
Comment #30Steve Coppell reckons Shorey is leaving anyone think he is coming to us?
Hope so decent player.
Shola would struggle in the fizzy pop lge.
sean667
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:23 PM
Comment #31still at least spiderman and guthrie looked promasing in a fairly poor performance.
Toon1978
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:24 PM
Comment #32I feel a little sorry for Ameobi however he has been given many chances and blown them. I think its about time he moved on along with Smith.
Big Ricks Black Nd White Army
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:26 PM
Comment #33they are the 2 worst players you could have upfront together they wouldnt even score if it was a 3 day match
Black and White Blood
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Comment #34It’s so simple, he’s just plain old….
Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy Greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy greedy
Please, just go…don’t turn around now, you’re not needed anymore…bla bla bla..
nightfall
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Comment #35i’d “sell” them both for free…they’re useless and they cost our club way too much…
hgjfkd
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:32 PM
Comment #36the day we get rid ov these two is the day you will see newcastle united improve
personly im better then shola
what was the point in playing them /how my shots did we have? we neva even looked like scoreing
why not play kasenga lua up front /i went to school with him an played up front with him for benfield and hes a very good player
also i was impresed with jonas looks quick
WE HAVE GOT THE SMALLEST TEAM IN THE LEAUGE AND WE NEED A LOT OF SINGNINGS
ATT CARDAZO OR SOMEONE ELSE GOOD IN AIR
MID TURAN OR INLA
LB BUDDISO
pontus
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Comment #37Ameobi sure get rid of him but smith needs to stay!! Give him a break he will do better trust me. you just need patience, wich is something we newcastle fans dont look to have very much of. besides he wasent worse then any one else last season. taylor, butt, geremi, milner, cascapa etc did you think these players were superstars last season and are good enough for the squad?
dont axe him just because he is a smudge:)
Dondatta13
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Comment #38Toon1978, I wouldnt feel too sorry for Shola. He’s lived the dream mate. How many people do you know who would kill to play in that team? He even played with Shearer, how many people will be able to say that!
He’s lived the dream, got payed well but it obviously isnt working out, time for him to jog on (pun intended)
Big Ricks Black Nd White Army
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Comment #39even i am better than shola ameobi and im a goalkeeper, i probably have a better touch and a better finish than him, im probably better all around than him
sirjasontoon
Aug 2, 2008 at 7:36 PM
Comment #40I agree get him and smith off the wage bill and get some hungry strikers in that can score.