There are reports coming from Norway today that both Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United have made bids in the region of £6M for Rosenborg midfielder Per Ciljan Skjelbred.
Per Ciljan Skjelbred - Newcastle move for the player
Make sure to take the poll on the right
Newcastle have been linked with the 21 year old youngster since early July, but whether we went for him depended on how things went with some of our other targets.
The youngster is a central midfielder who has just turned 21 years old in June, and has been a Newcastle United supporter since he was a child.
We therefore think that if Newcastle can agree terms with his club, that Blackburn Rovers will have no chance of beating Newcastle to this youngster.
The news is that his Norwegian club Rosenburg, are set to decide on the offers they have received at a board meeting, and we hear that Tottenham and Portsmouth also linked with Skjelbred.
Tottenham linked with one of our targets? Boy that would be a big surprise.
Skjelbred already has three caps for Norway and feels he has nothing more to prove in his country’s native Tippeligaen - the Norwegian Football League.
We have reported a number of times over the summer that Newcastle have been scouting the youngster, but it appeared he was in our secondary list of targets, those that we’d go after if we cannot get the primary targets in.
His agent said to the Evening Chronicle in early August:
“All the clubs from the big leagues have been watching him.” “So far what I can say is that nobody from Newcastle has come to me.”
“There has been no contact in that way yet.” “He is very ambitious, and if Newcastle came to us with an offer then we would have to seriously consider it.”
At the time the youngster was holding off on signing a new deal with the Norwegian club, which he has since done, but that was to protect Rosenborg’s interests as much as anything.
We said in early August that we would need to see if we can sign other targets, and if not it could well be the club will move in for the Norwegian 21 year old, who has stacks of skill, and our readers in Norway seem to think he’s a star in the making.
That made sense to us at the time and it looks like Newcastle have now moved for the player - and we think we will have an excellent chance of attracting the boy to Tyneside.
And you have to believe he will have the necessary passion and pride to wear the world famous black and white striped shirt of Newcastle United!
Make sure to vote in our new poll on whether Per Ciljan Skjelbred would be a good buy at around £6M.
Stay tuned - and comments very welcome.
236 responses so far ↓
1 scottish mag // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:17
just by someone who is creative plz, can he cut it in the prem?????
2 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:24
i know what will happen, a few people will come on here saying “great signing” “watched him many times” and pretend they know all about him, when in reality they have never evan herd of him, let alone seen him play.
if keegan whats him, i’ll accept that
3 Chris H // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:26
great signing” “watched him many times
4 catawbamag // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:29
Ed,
Hes a great signing. Watched him many times. Know all about him. Surefire if there ever was one.
5 Toon1978 // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:31
Never seen him play, cannot really find anything on You tube either just to give us a hint.
6 Nundo Fer // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:33
Great signing, watched him many times, will be fantastic, plays basketball on his days off with Stephen Taylor
7 mitch // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:34
never heard of him any good
8 Ally // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:35
I think he is an attack minded midfielder, which is what we need, also an international and at the right age
9 Tore Torell // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:37
6m is way too much for a unproven player like Skjelbreid. At 3 maybye, but 6 is madness.
10 Nundo Fer // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:38
Mitch he holds the world record for 3 pointers in one game, Taylor will be soooo jeallous
11 daiv // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:38
Is he the “wow” signing promised by MA? I have a feeling Mike has something up his sleeve because he knows being outspent by Sunderland by some 25 Mil is not the way forward. 47 thousand on Saturday are being to vote with their feet and the restless natives will force our reluctant owner to put his hand in his pocket. I have never been so upbeat all season. Watch this space for a top signing this week. Or watch MAs credibility plummet and he does not want that. How can he stand with the away supporters. No fun there Mike is there?
12 Tommy // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:41
Never heard of him, but being a Newcastle fan already, and the rumours are to be true that he is quality… Then…
13 Chris H // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:44
I’m not too bothered about a WOW signing Daiv to be honest, but another 3 or 4 players of the calliber of Guthrie, Jonas and Coloccini and I’ll be well chuffed.
I do think they are trying to get one though.
14 Kurt // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:44
Well I’m from Norway and I have seen this boy many times. He is a boy with great vision and can be a good player for Newcastle. He had a bad injury witch set him back some time ago but are over that know. He is a creative player with a great engine.
15 daiv // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:44
We have signed two quality players and a steady midfielder in Guthrie. Muck like Butt. We have sold or released 7 players. We had a small squad and are presently 4 players in deficit. How the hell are we supposed to better last seasons 12th? We have top strikers but they are always injured. And they will always be injured. Owen and Viduka in their late 20s or 30s are not going to improve their fitness record. Answers on a postcard please.
16 Coloccini's Curls // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:46
Any one seen that AC Milan have signed Senderos On Loan for the rest of the season with a view to a permanent move..
Didn’t want him anyway!!!
17 Warwick Hunt // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:47
Know absolutely nothing about him anyone know if he’s any good?
WHERE’S TOM TOON WHEN YOU WANT HIM????????????
18 Ben // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:47
Change the record, daiv.
19 Todd // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:47
He is just like Deco. Only unproven.
20 daiv // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:48
Chris H
My point is the owner has promised us a “wow”signing and it is important as to his credibility. No “wow” signing means you cannot believe a word he says. Selling the Club springs to mind and his denials? Not that I have ever believed a word that cometh from his mouth.
21 billy // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:49
I wonder if Keegans meeting on Wednesday with MA and co is also a meeting with a new signing.
22 Dan13 // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:49
i’m happy with our cheap signings, spurs prove that spendin big doesn’t always pay off, same with us a few year back with luque, emre etc for a total of around 50mil.
I’m a hppy bunny so far like
23 Lloyd // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:51
He would be a fantastic signing! As a norwegian I know about his skills, and I don’t see why he shouldn’t be good enough. His technique is good enogh for the PL as well as his work rate is among the best in Norway. He also has experience from Champions League.
When he was 14/15 he trained a few times with Liverpool. He was invited back, but never did.
24 A.L 9 // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:51
Daiv are you a spud or mackem by any chance?
I tink a toon fan would know we’ve signed 4 players not 3 (Bassong ring a bell), and the 7 we let go were rubish and were not all from the senior squad.
25 Kevin // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:51
Another young creative midfielder would be a very good purchase at this time. Obviously not a Wow signing - boy, am I getting tired of that phrase - but to throw petrol on my own fire, does anyone else have the sneaking suspicion that Berbatov may be the Wow signing? I’ve seen very few ACTUAL quotes ever linking him to ONLY Manchester. He’s stated that Newcastle were his boyhood favorites. We’ve apparently got money to spend and he’d be an absolute hero here. I would hate to get myself excited over nothing, but I can see some logic in it.
26 daiv // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:52
Ben
The eternal optimist.
3rd 4th or 5th this season then? Over to you. The team is obviously good enough and big enough and has no real weaknesses. We can all blow sunshine up each others orifices.
27 Legs // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:53
As far as I’m aware there has been no promise of a wow signing, daiv
28 Ross G // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:53
I know a bit about him, to be honest would prefer someone who has top league experience in such an important position. I must say though to sign a player that wants to play for and will work his socks off for you is as importnant as their ability. There are many players that have immense ability but are wasters like Ronaldo (Brazil), and Adriano. So far we have brought in players with the right attitude in Gutierrez, Guthrie, and Colo, and Per certainly joins them in coming in to prove themselves rather than solely on their reputation. It is a little odd though as when i have seen him play he usually drifts into wing positions which is not what we need.
29 Robert // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:54
buy him,pure class,though afraid that he’ll be injured by some of big epl defenders
30 JP...from The Rock of Gibraltar! // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:54
Ed- How do you know he’s coming??
31 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:55
we need a creative midfeilder to sit alongside danny/barton in the midle. the think i like about danny is he plays it simple, keeps it simple in the middle, which is what we have needed since rob lee. but it’s ok having a player like this if you have a creative player alongside him; if you have two players of his mold in the middle, it wouldn’t be great.
cheers, ed
32 Chris F // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:55
some folk are never bloody happy, are they?
i’ve never seen the lad play myself, but know a norwegian rosenborg fan who says he is quality, so if there’s any truth to it, could be a good bit of business.
33 Nundo Fer // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:55
Daiv is a Newcastle fan, I know him, he drinks in the Golden lion in Newcastle City
34 XabbaR // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:55
Im from Norway so I know a little bit about this player. He is a creative, attacking minded midfielder whom can pass the ball well. His technique is good, and he often sets up the forwards with great trough balls. Aint no Lampard or Gerrard, but he is young and one of the most consistent young players in Norway. The fact that he has established himself on the national team speaks for itself. Only problem though is that he recently signed an extension to his current contract with Rosenborg. And I personally dont think that he is worth 6M.
35 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:55
get him in please i cant wait for the first english comeentator to say his name rong. by the way does anyone no how to pronounce his name i rekon it is.
per skill bread.
but i havent a clue
36 Ross G // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:56
he is just like Deco only unproven wot a comment
37 Chris H // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:56
Daiv, I can’t remember Ashley promising us a wow signing. It’s other people taking his quotes out of context.
Like I say, if we get one then I’ll be happy, but if we don’t I won’t blame Ashley for something he hasn’t even said.
We don’t need prima donnas at this club mate. They’ve done nothing but hold our club back and cost us a fortune.
I think if we can get into Europe next season we’ll see some big names come in, but it must be near to impossible to tempt WOW signing ATM.
38 Tom // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:56
I am from Norway, and I dont think he is good enough for our team. He was a huge talent 2 years ago, but a nasty challange on him in a CL game, has set him back. He has never reached the level he was at, and he does not play every game for RBK. So 6 mill is way to much. If we can have him for 2mill he will be an ok squadplayer.
39 nightfall // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:56
first of all i hope this big signing is not owen’s contract extension…
as for this guy..don’t know anything about him..but if our new scouting team sees a potentialn in him…bring him!
one question…what do you all think of obi mikel? he’s quite impressive, already experienced and still very young…i wonder if scolari has plans with him…i mean with essien, lampard, deco, possibly kaka, ballack, kalou…scolari just might let him go… what do you think of mikel?
40 daiv // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:57
AL9
Bassong is credited by Keegan as being one for the future along with several other juniors. Admittedly Bassong is on a different level. He is a squad player not a first teamer. Some here seem to want to fiddle while Rome burns. The fans who actually go to support the team know there is a serious problem. Thats why they did not fill the ground for the first time in ages. And that was the first game of the season which is very worrying. Lets hope we do not have a bad run.
41 Robert // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:57
Roos G i agree with you totally,and he will certainly work his socks off for us
42 Toonboy // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:58
Sign him up,great player and suited to the prem.
43 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:58
beye collocini senderos nzogbia
top 10 defense
malouda guthrie skiieifjjojebred gutierez
top 5 midfeild
martins owen
top upfront
44 scott9 // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:59
hahahah i agree with that ed speed il hold my hands up before our interest i had never even heard of him but he does seem to hav a lot of clubs interested in him so theres a chance he cud be a promising young talent
45 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 20:59
nightfall ( it has done now) mikel would be a great signing. so you think he would be available though?
regards
46 Robert // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:00
@ robertsa,senderos is off to Milan,and Malouda is too expensive and overrated
47 JP...from The Rock of Gibraltar! // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:00
Damn Tom that’s pretty sad news. I thought we ere getting somewhere. Does anybody know if Mike Ashley actually said we’ll get the ‘WOW’ signing, quotes anyone??
48 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:01
ok thanks scot (for holding your hands up)
would you welcome a player like this at the toon?
regards
49 Oystein // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:02
According to RBK , there is no bid….
50 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:02
With regard to signings and formations, what does everyone think?
I think what we really need is a player of the Mikel/Essien mould, if we are gonna play a flat 4 man midfeild, to play with Guthrie in the centre, who can tackle, and pick a pass.
If we will revert to the diamond formation, then a central attacking midfeilder in the shape of Moutinho, or more likely Kallstrom mould, as a neccesity.
It really does depend on what Kevin has in mind, because we might even revert to a the 4-3-1-2 formation we had last season, with owen dropping back, but that will only work with a target man, derdiyok/the duke (if he ever gets fit), or even Huntelaar, if we are getting a WOW signing, but who knows.
At the end of this week I think we will know alot more from how Kevin wants us to play, but for me personally, I would prefer a Battling midfeilder, like Mikel/Essien, who can pass, and win the ball, as I dont think young Guthrie can pull his weight as the only defensive, battling midfeilder in midfeild…. yet.
Views?
51 Ally // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:02
i totally agree with the club purchasing players who are Young and hungry, these are the type that we want at our club
52 Robert // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:03
Chelsea’s Mikel anyone?he could be available,and is a good player
53 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:03
last i herd senderos was pikin between us and milan???
two days in a row we have been linked with malouda. i agree he is over rated but it wudnt be a terrible signing. much rather pay 12 million for malouda than 19 for keane.
54 Robert // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:04
Tom,totally agree with you
55 Toon1978 // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:04
6 million for a youngster….must be fairly decent, there are a number of clubs after him aswell.
56 Robert // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:05
@ robertsa,he is overrated,but that’s alot money mate,for that money we could find much better and younger player
57 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:06
@ ed speed we are all starting to forgive you for the nonsense that happened on the first week you came on this site. I applaud the change of attitude. just please dont make this ‘ regards ‘ thing another gay trademark. apart from thatyour comments have been spot on tonight.
58 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:08
agree robert (good name aswell) but it doesnt look like we will be signing anyone else for large amoounts of money.
59 Geordie Lumberjack // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:08
I know this isn’t the right place for this link, but anyway:
http://www.theoffside.com/world-football/prem-could-be-getting-a-bit-more-dangerous.html
I’ve heard of Cana before, but never seen anything on him. Butt isn’t getting any younger, an dI would love to see this guy protecting the CBs. Everton are after him which means he’s in our price range.
Butt can start whenever Cana is suspended.
60 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:09
must say like if we will get a midfielder before next tuesday i just have a feeelin it will be inler.
61 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:11
ok thanks robertsa i just thought it would be polite to end with “regards2, or “cheers, ed” , but it is obviusly not the done thing.
thanks anway, though, i appreaciate the time you have taken to write the post.
62 Robert // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:12
thanks,and agree with you robertsa,Taiwo,skjelbred,Derdyok,yes please,and if true that “wow”signing,top 6 surely
63 nightfall // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:12
speed - we won’t know if we don’t ask..
p.s. nice sense of humor
64 GaN // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:14
I am a Norwegian NUFC-supporter and have followed Ciljan’s carreer for many years. He first became known to the norwegian public when he won a football-talent show on TV a few years back, which gave him a trip to train with Liverpool for a week or so, and he impressed! He is a top quality midfielder that needs to move to a bigger league, if you compare him with John Obi Mikel, same age, played in the same league (Norwegian Tippeliga) - Ciljan is way better than Mikel ever was before he left for Chelsea. He is only 21, but still he is a dominant character in midfield. And the fact that he is a NUFC supporter is true, this is something he has revealed on seveal occasions.
If we sign him, I’m SURE he would be a terrefic player for us in the coming years
65 Tom_Toon // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:15
Mikel is definitely in Chelsea’s plans.
I like Skjelbred, energetic CM, good work rate and can pass prety well.
Skjelbred, Mantorras and a LB please!
66 Marty // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:16
@ ROBERTSA,his name is pronounced SHELL BREAD…….not takin the piss!
I live in Norway n this guy is pretty good player but he aint worth 6mill,i`m with TORE on that.
The Norwegian league aint that great but MIKEL did play in Oslo before Chelsea.
The difference between Mikel n Skjelbred is that Mikel is way stronger n More physical than Per ciljan.
Good squad Player but you don`t pay 6mill for a squad player unless it`s Smudge and we all know how that has worked out
67 Tom_Toon // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:16
Geordie Lumberjack - I dont think we would pay the required fee for Cana.
68 Ciljan-fan // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:18
I’m norwegian,so I know this player pretty well. He would be a great signing,one of the hottest prospects in norwegian football,without a doubt.
69 The Entertainers // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:18
6 Million seems a bloody lot for relative unproven.
However would we pay 6 million for a player from the Scotish premier?
Yip, Cuellar, Viduka, Boumsong (sorry) all left that league for over 6 million. This lad plays for a CL team and gets a not too similar exposure as the players mentioned.
I would prefer a young unknown talent, as he will not play every game as there will be times (most away games) we will need to be compact and rely on holding or box to box midfielders. This lad would provide something different from the bench, an estabilished star wouldnt settle for that!
70 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:18
cant wait till deadline day. thats when it will all happen. pocognoli derdiyok inler maybe a cheeky look in at shaun wright phillips and a desperate lunge to get saviola. that would keep me up watchin sky sports next monday.
71 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:20
jesus christ marty dont have an 0rga5im. his name is complicated. skjellbred
how do i no that says shell bred
72 Toon Graeme // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:23
Been a quiet day in the transfers.
Why is it anal Oliver writes the complete opposite to the journal sports writer and the journal comes out first!! Read into that what you will.
I too would like to know the source of the “wow” signing speech by MA. Did he actually say that? I doubt it and dont think there will be one. Go on prove me wrong! Im ever optimistic and have faith in our boys - but Sunderland have more chance of signing someone else to their squad.
Actually here is one for thought. Im sure that we were linked with Anton Ferdinand and he turned round and said he didnt wasnt to come to the north east. Erm hello - your on the verge of coming up here!! Im not arsed about having him anyway and am sure i read he was injured but the point is - what is the pulling factor over to them mackems? Hate them with p a s s i o n.
That leads me onto MA. Off the beaten track but I happened upon a Sports Direct shop today and the service and staff were shockingly thick and useless. Which happened to reflect another one of their stores I was at the other week. How did the man make millions out of Sports Direct if this is the kind of service you get?
Anyway he has his millions and his football club and the BEST fans in the world and he needs to spend the cash. If we are hitting the reserve list as noted then that doesnt hold well does it. If this lad is any good then I hope we do land him and he doesnt end up going off elsewhere. We need to be a club that players want to come to.
Whats happening with all the others we were linked with last week then?
Im hoping that on Friday we announce some signings, head off the London and stuff Arsenal. I can dream but if last season is owt to go by and the fact we is striker less-ish we may have have a nil score line on our side unless we can provide a Man U like performance (the way we played).
COME ON TOON - Top 9 finish!!
73 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:26
who do yaz reckon we will sign at centre back then lads?
by the way marty my last comment wud have been sed in a jokey way. not insultive.hard to do expressions on internet.
74 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:27
good article greame
75 Toonboy // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:28
@ robertsa
no-one ,imo we dont need another centre back
76 The Entertainers // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:29
I wonder if Milan are signing Senderos, than the rumours we are signing there Czech LB may be on the nose?
77 Nick 69 // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:29
dont think we will sign a cb personally, its not a priority, we need lb, cm and striker first
78 beyethegreat // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:30
the only thing to do is trust king kev i will be honest i think we should get someone like piatti/bounanotte/bresciano/pedretti and if possible though i doubt it is montolivo
79 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:30
Tom_Toon, I am not sure Mantorras is the sort of striker we are looking for, and I think 26 might be too old, also is he target man we are looking for?
But I do trust your judgement being a Benefica fan, and all that
80 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:31
Tom_Toon, I am not sure Mantorras is the sort of striker we are looking for, and I think 26 might be too old, also is he target man we are looking for?
But I do trust your judgement, you being a Benefica fan, and all that
81 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:32
Sorry for double post
82 Dave // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:32
So, are the comments in full working order again?
83 51times // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:32
£6M is todays market is nothing.
84 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:32
dunno like stevey taylor is bloody risky. im happy lookin at n’zogbia at lb.
beye colocini ???? nzogbia
depending on who the queston mark turns out to be we cud finnaly have a mint defense. at the moment its an average one.
85 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:33
Yes Dave, they are
86 robertsa // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:35
miles away from what the article is about but burdisso wud be a perfect cb.
he knows collocini like the back of his hand. he argentianie and hes good.
just sum1 clear this up for me. are collocini and burdisso gay loveers?
87 Dave // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:35
Nice one!
Prediction:
Skjelbred, Derdiyok and Pocognoli.
88 Marty // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:35
Robertsa,Orgasim sounds good but just in from playin football n stink so i think the wife wont let me near her till i wash my pits…………..:-)
Lets get a wow feckin wow signin n we will all be happy.
We broke the transfer record with WOR AL didn`t we so why can`t MA do just that and make us the envy of all.
HERE`S HOPIN
89 andy // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:38
he is a great prospect indeed, except for the fact taht he cant finish for shit..! he doesnt score nearly enough goals, and that is a quality we cant afford to disregard in a new midfield signing this time
90 Lew Davies // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:39
Any further news on Pocognoli?
Does anyone know how belgium came on in their playoff?
Can this shel bred score goals or if not how good is he at running round in circles aka parker?
I wish we could have got Deco, he is going to be class this season
91 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:40
anyone else wathching ( listening) to he man u game?
andy grey can’t stop praising man u, he needs to take his cock outa pual sholes ass.
“id love to know how many passes paul sholes has made” “id hate to play keep ball with the man u team”
what a retard a disgrace to sky.
pompey have a good move and its “lucky pompey could nick a draw here ”
abolute tosser. end of.
92 beyethegreat // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:41
marty i doubt we will break any records with our signings as the only players that are worth breaking records for i.e kaka ronaldo messi would nt come to the toon unfortunately personally i think the wow signing might come in the form of a striker that is if there is a wowsigning but as you said
HERES HOPIN
93 Tom_Toon // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:42
Mantorras is no specific striker, he can do everything well.
Could have been the best african striker ever if he didnt have any injury.
94 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:42
Lew,
Brasil won 3-0, meaning Belgium came fourth
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/football/7577762.stm
95 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:43
Yer,
Didnt he like destroy his knee or something?!
Or am I thinking of the wrong player?
96 Toon Graeme // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:43
Ed - agreed mate. Biased isnt the word. Lets hope he aint commenting on tomorrows match!
The ref is having a good game eh!! Not.
Ive been wishing pompey on all night and thought the first five mins were promising.
97 Tom_Toon // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:44
that injury*
Ed Harrison - It still say this article has only 11 comments.
On the Taylor article it says it still has 66 even though when i open the page it has roughly 80, could you sort this problem out please?
Everything else is working fine and keep up the good work.
98 Danny // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:44
Meh, i dont know about Skjelbreid, im a norwegian myself, and i know pretty much about the lad. Ever since he broke his leg, he’s not been the same.
And, at 21, i think he’s too old (truly) to learn the speed of the Premier League…
Can’t think of one norwegian player that has ever made it at this level, and in that..
Norwegian Tippeliga is like Championship at BEST!
Sorry lads, i do not think he has a future with Newcastle, or, i do not think he has the potential to have a good future with us.
I may be wrong, but i dont think I am…
99 Chris F // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:44
hangon what, you rate n’zogbia as a left back more than tayls at centre half?
that’s like sayin you’d prefer harper as a left winger to martins as a striker.
charley boy is never a left back, and doesnt look like he ever will be, he doesn’t have a defensive mindset and gets caught out all the time whenever he plays there.
100 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:44
Lew,
Brzail won 3-0 Belgium came fourth, click my name for the link!
101 Tom_Toon // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:45
Tom4NUFC - Yep his knee, he was out for almost 3 years, he is lucky still to be playing football. He is fit now but Benfica dont play him even though they should be Cardozo cant play lone striker if im honest.
102 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:46
yh same been wishing pompey on all night. not playing too badly but shows how well we did to get a draw last week.
cheers
103 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:47
I cant edit my comments once they are posted!
104 beyethegreat // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:48
personally i dont think andy gray is biased atleast not when you compare him to the rest of the sky sports team i.e merson thompson and all the others on the panel and i especially hate chris kamara the only one i like litissier and stelling
105 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:49
Ok, cheers Tom_Toon,
So ‘if’ we got him, where would you play him? Also what price? Also he said he wanted to play at Benefica till he retires, regardless of if he gets payed or not didnt he?!
106 Tom_Toon // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:51
Yes but he also said he wants to leave.
I recon we’d get him for about £2mil quite possibly.
Id play him upfront obviously.
107 Lew Davies // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:51
Tom4nufc- thanks for that.
Try deleting your temp internet files, it worked for me
Belgiums defence looked a bit like ours last season!!!
Then again that was brazil!lol
108 billy // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:52
Has anyone read this from a meeting MA had with corporate fans
There has been a massive reduction in sales of corporate box renewals
> so last night NUFC had a meeting with 20 corporate clients last night
> to try to get them to renew. Ashley, Wise and Lambidas where all there
> to give their vision for Newcastle. My mates, father was one of the
> people invited. It was supposed to be an hour long meeting but it went
> on for 3 and Ashely didn’t duck any questions.
>
>
> On Newcastle - He was asked why he bought the Toon. He said wanted a
> football club but originally he was not interested in Newcastle simply
> because he never thought he could get it. His advisors rang him on the
> Friday and asked him if he was interested in the Toon, he said yes and
they
> said he’d have to wire £150m there and then. By the following week he
> has also spent another 100m of his money to pay off the debts. He
> doesn’t expect to make money as most premier league clubs haemorrhage
> it. Everton last season finished about 7th, spent nothing in transfers
> and still only made £2m, their chairman is getting sick and looking to
> sell. Apparently Liverpool are “in the sh!t” with no money. Benitiez
> has spent all his
money
> on Keane and has no more for Barry. He also said under Shepherd’s
> regime NUFC could have quite easily gone under.
>
>
> On the papers - Don’t believe anything you read in them, for example
> apparently the Sun had rang him a couple of weeks ago to ask about the
> takeover story that they where going to print . Ashley said it was
rubbish
> but they still printed it anyway. The only press they do is the Sky
Sports
> commitments. The only paper that they do talk to is the chronicle,
however
> he said only believe them if the story is an “exclusive” and they are
> directly quoted.
>
>
> On Investors - He is looking to sell 25%, preferably to Newcastle
> based investors. He would also be willing to loan another 100m of his
> own cash for transfers, this would need to be paid back. He doesn’t
> want any Asian investors because he doesn’t trust them (look at Man
> city) but would be willing to look at an African deal as no-one is
> doing that at the moment (offer them exclusive rights to market NUFC
> in their country) but there isn’t much taking off on this so far.
>
>
> On Keegan and Wise - Keegan makes all decisions on players coming and
> going. All wise is charged with is bringing in 6 under 17 players a
season
>
>
> On players - Ashley wanted to sack Barton, Keegan said no as he said
> he
was
> good at Man City and expects him to be a good player here.
>
>
> Smith - Ashley wants to sell him to Everton, Keegan said no as he said
> he is the best trainer, very popular in the dressing room and thinks
> if he scores he will get his confidence back, become better on the
> fans will
like
> him ala Nicky Butt.
>
>
> Guitterrez - There was about 7 clubs in the Premier League after him,
> including the top 4 but he wanted to come here. Keegan is delighted
> with him as he thinks he is class.
>
>
> Coloccini - said it’s a done deal. Keegan is thinking of playing him
> in midfield as a playmaker as apparently he is very good at it.
>
>
> On Transfers - There is lots of money available but the trouble is
> attracting players because we are not in Europe. Keegan lists the
> players he wants and puts a valuation of them. They obviously try and
> get them
for
> less but if the selling club wants more money it’s Keegan decision to
> say if they are worth more or not. There is no wage limit, if they
> think someone is worth 120k a week they would get it, but at the same
> time they won’t be held to ransom and offer more than that.
>
>
> He still has to pay £3m a year for the next few years to Deportivo for
> Luque Modric had agreed on terms and was willing to sign but as he was
> waiting
at
> the Malmaison for the paperwork to be raised, Tottenham offered him a
deal
> and he flew down to London, apparently Ashley is furious with spurs
> and Modric as once a deal has been agreed that should be sealed.
>
>
> Aimar and his agent had agreed on 70k a week and they were delighted
> but his wife said no as she wouldn’t move here. Apparently they had a
> blazing argument in front of Ashley. He moved to Benfica for half the
> wages we offered him.
>
>
> He said we should get 3 big transfers in before the end of the season
> and one of them is going to be such a nig name that no-one will
> believe it.
He
> expects it to happen nearer the end of the transfer deadline.
>
>
> Overall the opinion was that he was very convincing and positive, so
> much so that this guy has decided to renew his box. It sounds good
> that he is backing Keegan. I’m not sure about Smith and Barton,
> personally I didn’t want either of them when we bought them.
>
>
> I guess the proof in the pudding regarding the transfers will be if we
get
> these big names in. I hope we do because at the moment I think we will
have
> another poor season as our squad is terrible and we are desperate for
> new players.
>
109 ed_speed // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:52
yh who ever you support you have to agree jeff sterlling is an absoulute legend! love the guy to bits.
i don’t think merson is too bad on newcastle?
but the top four is like the “sky four” to me.
cheers
110 Tom4Nufc // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:53
But playing him upfront means you got just a skillful striker, similar to what we have already? I have watched him a ‘few’ times- not as much as you no doubt, but he didnt seem as much of a target man?! Or am I wrong?
111 Patrick // Aug 25, 2008 at 21:53
Maybe this is not the best place, but I would like to get some criticism or good feedback (better):
This week, again, King Kev has told us about his plan of signing three players before the transfer window is closed Monday night UK time. The question we frequently ask is “who they are” or “if it is going to happen” because we all know “what we need.”
In fact, in our reserved squad, we have players who could serve our needs. The question, instead, I would like to ask is “what we have.”
1. Left-back
This is the most critical position since we do not have any experienced specialized left-back. We have been putting Charles N’Zogbia over there and we are hoping Jose Enrique to be better. I admit that we need to buy someone to fill the gap. In the meantime, though, is there anything that we could do? I am suggesting to try Ben Tozer or David Edgar in that position. Ben Tozer and his identical-twin brother Tamas Kadar, tipped as two of the glowing starlets in the future, should start being given playing time with the first team matches. I think they are ready! Additionally, David Edgar actually has EPL experience in our defense line. It also makes sense that if we can play Edgar there, but I actually would prefer more asking him to be the backup of Habib Beye and the central defense lads.
So, what’s the solution? Stephen Warnock! We have been mentioning Sebastien Pocognoli, Herita Ilunga and Emiliano Insua. If Warnock is available, given that he has EPL experience, we should seek for him instead of all three others. We may argue that Pocognoli is younger and better in terms of international level experience and his attacking skills; however, we really want someone to teach Jose Enrique how to be an EPL-proved left-back, not another left wingback or left wing.
To be more honest, I’d think Ian Harte, if he is available, will be more ideal since he has been playing with Leeds in EPL before. He is going to come with cheap price and cheap wage with experience. A way-much-better-but-expensive option is Gabriel Heinze. He has everything we need and he is probably not in the WOW (crap) signing level anymore.
One more question (if we don’t sign any left-back before the window closes) is… can Seb Bassong play there too?
2. Creative (?) and Defensive Midfielder
I am not worrying about this position, but given that we just have box-to-box midfielders right now, more creativity (like Emre was supposed to give us) would be very helpful. There would not be many choices in this position unfortunately, but did anyone tell you the KK Entertainers needed a player like that? In EPL, a player like this is hard to find. Even you have found one, you can’t utilize the player well because this midfielder needs all the players around to be cooperative so that this player can do his job of passing. This position is not a decisive one with the way we are playing now, so don’t mention Mutinho or others because they can’t fit in. Eventually, due to KK’s wish, Michael Owen could be a resurrected version of Peter Beardsley, if we really want to seek for a KK-type creative “midfielder.”
However, we all concern about Nicky Butt’s age and he starts to get worse. This position is a more important to work on. Geremi is not that capable of carrying on this position as well as he is not as fit as he used to be in the Real Madrid days. The best imaginary option would be the resurrected version of David Batty or Dietmar Hamann. Of course it’s a joke, but this is what we dream of: where can we find the next Batty? We look to Scott Parker, Abdoulaye Faye, and even David Rozehnal… and recently Cacapa! But there’s no Batty or Hamann!
So, what’s the solution? I can’t answer that question, but there are a few past rumor that I would like to go through -Torsten Frings would be a good one to go for. Regardless of his age, he could be the very next Hamann and he could provide us the experience to our youngsters. This is indeed a long term solution. We can also look at Xavi if he is really unsettled like we have read before, but he is more like an imaginary signing to me and it will not happen.
There are also some long-shot solutions available. Xabi Alonso is one of them, but let’s hope that Liverpool is done with Gareth Barry’s deal before the wind