When all the dust settled after midnight last night, the facts were that Newcastle United had brought in two seemingly good players in 22 year-old Spanish striker Xisco, and a loan signing from Valencia – 26 year-old Inglacio Gonzalez, a Uruguayan on a one year loan deal.
Kevin Keegan - good news bad news – quality great – quantity not great
So we did what we had to do in attack, because we needed a tall striker, and we did what we had to do in central midfield, because we needed another play-maker.
But we really needed to replace James Milner – and we didn’t do that, and we needed more defensive players – another center back and left-back, and we haven’t done that.
So it looks to us we were three players short of what would have been a good squad – if still a little on the small side.
So our squad is as follows with the incoming and outgoing players and their approximate transfer fees:
Goalkeepers
Squad – Given Harper Krul Forster
Defense
Out Carr (free) Ramage (free) Rozehnal £2.8M Faye £2.3M Diatta (free)
In Coloccini (£10M) Bassong (£1.5M)
Squad – Beye Taylor Edgar Bassong Cacapa Coloccini Enrique
Midfield
Out Milner (£10M) Emre (£4M)
In Gutierrez (£2M) Gonzalez (loan) Guthrie (£2M)
Squad – Gutierrez Geremi Gonzalez Barton Guthrie Butt N’Zogbia Duff
Strikers
In Xisco (£5.5M)
Squad – Owen Viduka Martins Smith Carroll Xisco
Of course the above squad will be augmented now with some of our up and coming youngsters like Tozer, Kadar, LuaLua and others, in case on injuries in the squad. We cannot see too many of them going out on loan, until maybe January at the earliest.
We also think we will be doing some business in January, but by that time we have to be somewhere near the top six, and the Recruitment team have plenty of time to get any targets lined up.
But that’s what we said in June, and it looks like Kevin has a quality squad, no doubt about that, but there’s just not enough players to see us through injuries and loss of form.
Overall the Newcastle fans seem disappointed, but until January, we are just going to have to get on with it, and support the lads.
It also appears we didn’t sell Smith to Everton because we didn’t have any replacement for him set up, and it may still be possible to sell both Smith and Ameobi in January, but we need players coming in more than players leaving.
In terms of the money, we got around £19.1M for outgoing players and paid around £21M for incoming players so we are down about £2M net.
It’s all over now until January, but let’s support the team, and let’s try to keep upbeat, because we have some very good players, just not enough of them – good news bad news.
Comments welcome.
161 responses so far ↓
1 The Entertainers // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:49 AM
These are direct Keegan quotes:
“The owner is 100% committed to this club. I would think there is a very good chance of getting three or four players in, but Mike Ashley can only give us the ammunition – that is the finance.”
(WHAT FINANCES 5-7 MILLION SPENT NET THIS SUMMER!)
“With Dennis Wise, Tony Jiminez, Derek Llambias and Mike Ashley we’re working really well to get quality players in,”
(QUALITY???? A SPANISH BENCH PLAYER AND ANOTHER UNKOWN THAT VALENCIA DONT WANT)
“I do not think we have ever been closer than we are now”
(REALLY…??? ONE WORD….MILNER…..IN FACT HERES ANOTHER WORD…. BARTON…STILL CLOSE?)
“I haven’t got enough players. I have lost five forwards and I’ve not got any people to come in”
(AHHHH REFRESHING THE TRUTH)
“The fans shouldn’t be worried. I’m certainly not – and, if I was, I would tell them.”
Well Kev, i am worried and you integrity has been called into question this summer. Prehaps this has been down to others, but as your the one the fans look to, your comments are what a lot of fans hang their faith on and have been let down.
Now show yourself to the fans and please explain our summer of discontent……please someone, Mr Ashley you do need to explain. Particularly when you had the chance to sell to the arabs at Man City. Mr Llambias come out from where ever it is your hiding and please comment on the apparent FAILURE of Wise and his very expensive recruitment team!
We know Kev will face the fans, he always has. Now we need the big boys to show some face and tell the truth……or it wont be long before Ashley will not be wecome at the home he owns, never mind have a ‘pint with the fans’!
VERY DISGRUNTLED FAN!
2 Optimist // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:51 AM
To those who say the squad looks good when there’s no injuries. Sure. You’re right. Unfortunately Newcastle are prone to injuries. You can’t go through a season just hoping that no one goes down. Take 3 out of the starting line up and we’re in a world of trouble.
I’d say we could’ve had a decent cup run this year, but with such a thin squad we can’t afford to play our first team midweek, and we can’t afford to give them a break if we want to win anything. A massive catch 22.
3 kenny g // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:52 AM
Ed, your figures are seriously tainted.
We’ve actually spent about 5-6mil, not gained 10mil.
4 ed_speed // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:53 AM
‘mon the lads.
keep the faith.
regards,
ed speed
5 paulthepom // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:55 AM
cant beleive the negativity ed.spiderman is on the right wing ,he has milners spot.duff and zog fight for left side.barton ,guthrie butt and nacho fight for other places .plenty of competion in all areas without having any big names sulking on the bench.
6 ed_speed // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:56 AM
also nacho looks a tastey signing (no pun intended)
regards,
ed
7 Fandi // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Yes Big Mike,
You have made a net profit on transfers for two consecutive seasons. Nice job done. We expect some good and honest explanations, as well as some concrete promises for January. Else prepare to face the biggest backlash of your life at SJP against Hull. Banners will go out, boos and whistles will ring out. Fans shall demand your departure. Fat Fred had the same. Do not think you are any exception.
8 Zero Cool // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:58 AM
I never thought this was going to be a very active transfer season for us. January will be our time after the big boss pays down some more of our debts. In all fairness to mike Ashley, he promised us a “wow” signing this season, not this transfer window. So I’ll hang off on hanging him till February.
9 Rob Davis // Sep 2, 2008 at 9:59 AM
Absolute joke, what happened to the Milner money then?!! It looks like Milner was sold to balance the books. I can’t believe that Keegan lied to all of us in front of the cameras. Very upset and can see us struggling in the bottom 6.
10 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Ed – pretty much agree with your assessment of the squad, youngsters not accounted for yet of course.
What are the facts here?
DEFENCE
- 5 defenders gone, 3 who wouldn’t be near the first team except as cover (Ramage, Diatta, Carr), 1 who didn’t want to play for KK (Rozenhal), leaving 1 we might have played (Faye)
- 2 replacements who will play (Colo a lot and Bassong some)
Verdict: defence cleared of dead wood, world class addition at CB, still lack cover at FB
MIDFIELD
- only Milner has left who contributed anything
- 3 replacements of good quality (assuming Nacho is good, which he appears to be)
Verdict: excellent additions on wing and at CM, still need permanent playmaker to sign
FORWARDS
- no departures
- 1 new young sriker with growing reputation (Xisco)
Verdict: when everyone’s fit one of the best strike force’s in prem
Does this mean we shoud be happy? Well, if you thought we were going to spend stupid money to buy one player then no. But if you expected us to build up slowly and steadily then quite possibly yes. We are improved but still thin. But sooner this than one megastar who gets injured in his first match!
Lads, back to Toon. We’re as good if not better than Everton, Blackburn, Spuds, Pompey and probably Villa (although maybe a season behind them). We can and should be in the top 8 and hunting for europe by January.
11 carl // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM
QUALITY! JUST WHERE IS THAT? IM ASHAMED, EMBARRASED, AND VERY VERY ANGRY ABOUT THE STATE WE ARE IN. MR ASHLEY, MR WISE CAN F**K RIGHT OFF. WEVE GOT BUTT, BARTON,SMITH,GEREMI STILL ON OUR BOOKS!!!!!! FFS ME AND MY MATES ARE BETTER, FITTER PLAYERS TEN THEM MUGS, AND THEY TRY AND SMOOTH OVER THE MILNER DEAL BY SIGNING SOME SPANIARD BENCH WARMER AND ONE UNKNOWN URAGYUAN. WE ARE NOTHING BUT A RELEGATION BATTLING SIDE NOW.ID LOVE TO MEET MR ASHLEY AND MR WISE IN A DARK STREET
12 Michael // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM
Let’s be honest.
Newcastle Squad – Not Good Enough.
The recruitment team has failed, there’s no doubt about it. We’ve signed some good players and two unknowns.
Kevin wanted a left back and didn’t get one. We needed a creative midfielder but only managed a last minute loan. We sold a promising right winger and completely failed to replace him. If Coloccini were to get injured we have nothing of real quality to step in. If Butt gets injured or suspended, we have nobody who can play the holding role.
I couldn’t watch SSN last night because it was too depressing to watch as Man City showed infinitely more ambition than us and became a bigger attraction to players in the space of a few hours. I was hoping to wake up and find out we’d announced at least an extra signing but of course we hadn’t. A season that started with such promise will most likely fade away because of our terrible squad.
13 ELTSACWEN // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM
can we still get loan signings in
14 The Entertainers // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:00 AM
What also is a shame is when for the first time in a while we have some quality youngsters coming through our ranks and i believe thier progress will be hurt.
In a coming season where we are painfully thin on the ground there will be no youngsters loaned out. So they be stuck in the reserves, prehaps picking up the occasional bench places. But niether of these options are better than learning your trade in the lower leagues.
15 cooldj // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:01 AM
ok so we all knew about gonzalez the day before and the xisco rumour came through about 7.30am. so what the froop were wise and co doing for the rest of the day. it would be nice to know who else they bid for (if they did) becuase then at least we could gauge just how serious they are about this club. I’d say we’re 2 or 3 players short of a decent squad (a 1st team LB and DM and one more squad defender + a right wing cover) crap thats 4. oh well!
16 Andy // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:01 AM
Why did Shola not take up any of the offers on the table!
If he is thinking about dragging his heels in order to get a lucrative free transfer than I’m sorry to tell him that it will only be the likes of Ipswich, Norwich, West Brom & Stoke who come in for him (The teams he’s already turned down).
17 ed_speed // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:01 AM
shut up all u negatives. (-)
be positive (+) its mech better for the long term, and the press hate positivity from newcastle fans.
regards,
ed
18 KevinHann // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Really?|
We are at least a player short to have a good STARTING lineup! I’ve been anxious to get a LB and we didn’t. Trust me, Enrique isn’t up to it! He needs some bench time, to learn from someone, to have someone pushing him for his place! At Arsenal, both the penalty and the second goal came from Jose’s area, and he wasn’t even present!!!
19 Baz // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:02 AM
Another false dawn, i only hope keegan and owen dont walk. Who the hell is Dennis Wise and mike iam warning you Newcastle Fans won’t accept wise as a replacement. However you look at it the fans will follow the team but you and your cronies are under scrutiny.
20 WTF???? // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:02 AM
I sat from 7 esterday watching sky sports news praying for development in tranfer activity at newcastle…..we get a young squad player at depor (people say 12 goals in la liga) lets not forget if you look at ameobi’s stats when he was a youngster we could have said he was potentially a great) and the only other signing is to give a valencia player experience for a year….IS THIS WHAT WE HAVE BECOME???
its fair to say i am digusted…..
21 cooldj // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:04 AM
unless the window rules have changed we can’t get in any loan signings. however we can get in bosmans. freddie ljunberg isn’t that good anymore but a one year deal would at least be another body through the door. who else is still without a club??
22 carl // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:04 AM
god- the thought of having to watch nicky butt all season is appalling, wyes we all knew that we wouldnt sign huge players for huge sums of dollar, but at least cover for what we need , and theve failed it. we have an ok defence and extremely shit centre mid.ashleys picked the wrong supporters to pi*s off
23 Kash // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:04 AM
We’re really really light in defense and central midfield. We definitely needed a LB at the least, with possibly a CB. We desperately needed a CM as Barton will be banned for 100 years!!!
MA is an IDIOT, WISE is an IDIOT, JIMINEZ is an IDIOT and KEEGAN is an IDIOT for believing these toss pots and getting suckered into coming back home!
I feel sorry for KK, what has he let himself in for!!!
24 Neil B // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Some really clueless people on here, as has been said time and time again, Keegan can only go out and sign players who want to play for the club and are quality, there is not point signing ‘big names’ for silly money and giving them massive wages – we’ve tried that before and it really doesn’t work.
Doom and gloom from too many fickle supporters who jumped on the Keegan bandwagon when he was first here, and now are in line to push him off. Utter ridiculous, the club hasn’t been this stable for years, we have a few quality players and the potential to bring in some more either via the youth team or in January.
Think we’ve signed astutely, if we give the club the right backing and stop reading the utter tripe from the red-tops, on SSN and from anyone with an agenda against the club I think we can shock a few people and turn some heads along the way.
Now ffs, BE POSITIVE AND BACK YOUR CLUB!
25 Yorkie dave // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Directed at the moaning support of NUFC.
Do we have cover for every position?
Do we have quality within the squad?
Are we now safe from emulating Leeds Utd?
Have we yet to see the 2 new signings contribute to the team?
Funnily enough the answer to all these questions that ive asked myself is YES.
I want an answer to the following question?
How many of Keegans signings first time round did anyone know anything about?
If this is all the support that you guys can give then Please go and suport Man Citeh!!!
We are NEWCASTLE UNITED FANS we Sitck with our team and support them no matter what!!!!! Be proud that we have sold the club to Ashley and we are now financially stable.
Anyone asking where all the money has gone from sky and other income MA will be putting that towards the £27 mill still owed for players!!!
Please PLease stop moaning and start supporting the team!!
26 Kotzilla // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Hi im Newcastle fans in Thailand.
in my Opinion. im ok with our squad now.
only thing to worry is injury of a player
let them show us a performance
on january is not too late to get some player in market
??=)
27 euanpolo // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Agree with paulthepom, the negativety is a disgrace. We’ve got a quality squad with, like ed said, lots of good youngsters coming through. Robinho – what’s happened to Abramavich’s money? I know the new guy at Man City is meant to be richer but surely Robinho would have joined Chelsea rarther than City if they’d put in an acceptable bid. Bring on Hull! (After the stupid international break)!
28 Midsmag // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM
Moan Moan, winge winge,
We have a small but good side, we will be ok
29 Andy1 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:05 AM
In – Jonas -2mil
Guthrie – 2.5 mil
Bassong – 1.5mil
Colo – rising to 10.3mil
Xisco – 5.7mil rising to 7.5mil
Gonzalez – loan
TOTAL = 23.8mil
OUT – Faye – 2.25mil
Rozehnal – 2.9mil
Milner – 12mil
Emre – 4mil
TOTAL = 21.25mil
We haven’t made profit but we have still kept costs down which can be quite frustrating when you see the cash being spent at other clubs.
The price for Xisco already seems somewhat inflated as he is unproven and still young. This sort of overpricing on deadline day means you end up spending loads on players you might not really want. I thought we could have found players to fill holes at right and left back but perhaps the club wasn’t prepared to pay silly money for squad players. McCartney for 4.5mil is crazy, and what about Feilani for 15mil – I can understand why we wouldn’t want to get forced into buying so late.
However the club had plenty of time to bring in Keegan’s targets and there is no excuse for not finding a cheap right and left back if we desperately need cover there. I would have liked to have seen us spend big on a quality central midfielder to take over from Butt, but if 15mil will only by you someone from the Belgian League its not worth it.
30 ELTSACWEN // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:06 AM
we could get ljungberg on a free transfer even thought hes not that good
31 Kash // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Steven Appiah is still available. Ljungberg is crocked!!!
32 ed_speed // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM
eactly my piont niel.
well said.
regards,
ed
33 ANDYGLOSTOON // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Small squad anyway ,even kev admitted that before the transfer window ,now its closed we are one less than it began,beggars belief!Sorry to say but i believe kev has sold out this time knowing that this is his last big payday,he wont walk out,money talks.
34 kenny g // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:07 AM
Entertainers… dry your eyes mate, your not doing anyone any favours
35 teamstoof // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:08 AM
This sucks!
championship here we come… look on the bright side next year we might have a chans of winning the championship,,
36 The Entertainers // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:08 AM
I’m sure Keegans summer has been even more heart breaking and embarassing for him than the fans.
why because he knows the truth, the truth about players turning us down and wanting nothing to do with us.
Granted i dont wnat players here who dont what to be here, but thats not the point. Players are no longer seeing us as a top club.
Etouba: Decided training was a better option
Zayette: Chose HULL!
Nasri: ‘Barton’
Silvetsre: ‘Barton’
Nasri aside, these are not even good players!
And unfortunately i bet there were many, many others.
37 ANDYGLOSTOON // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:09 AM
Ps .its ok too critize the club and its goings on ,it doesn’t make you a disloyal whinger like some of the militant supporters say.
38 lesh // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I posted this earlier re the media…
From BBC football gossip….
Kevin Keegan’s future as Newcastle United manager was back in the balance after a summit with the club’s hierarchy. (Daily Mail)
Why the southern media’s seemingly continuous mischief? Just get off NUFC’s back!!
Can I suggest that the some of the doom merchants and so-called fans do likewise.
If you are one and you’re reading this, your negatives are giving the Mail and the like the bullets to fire.
Lighten up for goodness sake, it’s done ’til January, live with what’s gone by and support your team. Bring your banners to SJP by all means but please have positive and supportive slogans on ‘em or you’ll be giving incentives to the opposition.
Think aboout it, cold be worse eh….. Big Sam for example?
39 David Dutch // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:09 AM
When will some of our so called fans ever learn. We are not the only team to not sign all the players they wanted, not even Chelsea with all their millions. Player power rules football today and no amount of look at the size of our club and the fans and the stadium count as much as money in their every growing pockets. We have to be realists and having got together a squad, albeit a thin one, we the fans have a duty to get behind each and everyone of them and lift them with our enthusiasm to believe that they are capapble of beating any team on the day. I tire of so called supporters bemoaning situations that they cannot influence, I know the defence is they have a right as they pay good money to watch. I would rather have aclub on solid financial grounds with a skillful set of players than one hopelessly in debt waiting for the creditors to call them in. As far as Barton is concerned in my mind he has paid the penalty for his crimes, in civvy street he would be helped to get back into society not berailed by a squad of morons who cannot think for themselves, I personally would take the season ticket off anyone who does not get behind him in the coming weeks. He is from a very bad background and that would influence anyone, give him a chance to make amends to the club and us the real fans. Regarding Ashley he is trying to get the club on a firm basis, buiding slowly at first achieving goals which they have set out, which may not equal the goals of overenthusiastic and unrealistic suppporters. We have a duty to fill the stadium with supportive noise for 90 minutes every game jsut like we did when SJP truly was a fortress, forget the dream of a golden era that is over let us work together to build a golden era that is to come. We can do it if we become UNITED!
40 Toon Toon 25 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:09 AM
I’M SICK OF IDIOTS USING CAPITALS TO WRITE ABUSIVE TEXT> Calm down! Go and have a wash and wake up, all the above points about our team being good are right. If your so good why don’t you go and have a trial then? You’re deluded. Haway the Toon. Honestly you’re pathetic fans to not back what we have! Hull home, West ham away, Blackburn home, we can win all these games still!
41 Bill F Ash Didn't Splash :( // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:09 AM
My new name say’s it all. To all those who did the night vigil, it must have been a bummer waiting for something that was obviously not going to happen.
MA has taken a massive dive in popularity and unless the thin B&W line somehow manages to perform above and beyond the sum of it’s parts then he had better make sure he has plenty of pints available to drown his sorrows and the boos coming his way.
KK (if he stays) is going to have to blood the youngsters and hope they can do the biz quickly as injuries are inevitable.
Still it is early days in the season and adversity can be a good stimulis, so I will (as will most of us) continue to hope.
HOWAY THE LADS.
42 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:10 AM
@Entertainers – what? Keegan’s integrity called into question?
@Rob Davis – Keegan lied to us?
Weren’t you lisening? Keegan never promised dozens of signings. He promised the club were working to find quality – and they have (Colo, Jonas, Guthrie, and I expect you’ll be surprisd by Xisco and Nacho too).
He said all through the summer that he “hoped”, not expected, 4 or 5 in. Add Milner and that’s 6. Well we got 6 in total. We all know its not enough depth. But we also know he wanted Malouda – that was on till Robinho went to city. We also know he wanted Warnock and was’t prepared to settle for a shite LB instead.
Even last week he said we had two that were almost done – the two we’ve signed – and 3 maybes. How on earth has he lied to us? Please don’t take the lack of big money signings as lack of intent.
Again – we are NOT in europe, we are NOT paying stupid wages anymore, we are NOT currently a top 6 side. This club has to build its reputation on the field again and then we can think about the bigger signings.
Besides when was bringing in 6 new faces during a summer a bad record? When was getting rid of lots of dead wood on big wages (Milner excepted) a bad thing? Over time we’ll continue that policy and become a better team and club for it.
Stop bashing KK. He and the lads in Black n White need your support, not your moaning.
43 The Vicar // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:10 AM
In general very encouraged. I’d have liked to see Alan Smith move on as a striking berth is clearly not for him at NUFC. Also would have liked some cover in both full back positions. CNZ can replace Milner, so I don’t see a problem there.
The critics should remember whose money is being spent. Spending money might sound a fun thing to do, but it is NUFC money being spent i.e. YOUR MONEY.
Question: Would you let your lass spend like the fat one (aka Freddie). I think not.
Also who would welcome foreign (and especially middle eastern) investment? Not me thanks.
44 ed_speed // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:10 AM
i am sick of the negativity.
regards,
ed
45 Raul // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:11 AM
why havent you spent your net worth on players for newcastle yet MA ! I want ROBINHO, HUNTERLAAR, INLER, TURAN and co signed to nufc .. its so easy to do it on fm, how hard could it be in real life.
You stating that you are willing to spend money on quality players isnt good enough!
I write off players Ive never heard of before (before seeing them play!) I overrate players that Ive never seen play but heard are good from other posters. I also recommend players I’ve bought in my footy game before! even though I’ve never seen them play in real life (aprt from their youtube hl videos)
I have to put a negative spin on everything that happens with the club because Ashley has not lived up to over-the-top expections that I have!
46 tynside tommo // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:11 AM
How many players did Arsenal sign? None cos their squad is packed with young talent. Ashley wants us to adopt the Gunners Blueprint. We’re signed up six seniors and about 12 very talented juniors. That’s a lot more than most. The squad is still thin but we are heading in the right direction. KK’s integrity shouldn’t be questioned. I’ve no doubt he did want to bring in up to another five by midnight. We don’t know what went on behind the scenes but I suspect bids were made and rejected and know doubt there would have been the odd player who didn’t want to move to SJP.
The Toon is huge to us but to others we’re just a middle-of-the-table club and they don’t usually attract the best.
We just have to keep the faith. But could we ban all talk of January signings. I need 24 hours to recover from yesterday
47 The Entertainers // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Kenny G
I’m not here to do you any favours pal.
I have put alot of faith in Ashley etc this summer and have been let down. I’m proud of my team and when i feel let down, i will voice my opinion.
Keep your head stuck in the sand or where ever you’ve put it, if it helps keeping your eyes dry.
Ignorance is bliss as they say.
48 Micky Toon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:11 AM
NUFC.COM are reporting that Keegan has walked. If he has then he has just proven what I have been saying for ages. He is a bottler and we needed someone who wasn’t so emotional at the club.
It isn’t confirmed so take this with a pinch of salt.
No doubt this will just fuel the sack the board idiots.
49 Fergie // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:11 AM
To all you moaners and groaners. Shut up. We’ve had a decent start to the season on the pitch, why can’t you be even slightly optimistic? As paulthepom says, jonas is our milner replacement, with duff and zog fighting for the left wing spot. you cannot have all three of them fighting for the one place. as for back up on the right wing, we have Geremi and you can say what you like about him, but the facts are that he is an assist machine. The team that we put out at the end of last season which played so well had Geremi in it, not Milner. I agree that the squad looks thin, particularly in defence, but there’s no need to whine about it. whining won’t bring in any more players. hopefully we can get a good run going until januray, when Keegan can have had a good look at the squad and Wise et al can scour the continent for new blood. For gods sake, stop moaning.
Keep the faith
50 Fandi // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:11 AM
yeah of cos we’ll be ok. ok enough to be a midtable club again.
51 syd reppin // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:12 AM
line ups any1 for hull
———–Given———–
Beye—Collocini—Taylor—–Enrique
Gutierrez—Nacho—-Butt—–The Zogstar
Owen Martins
sub
Barton, Geremi, Xisco,Bassong, Harper, Dukes?
52 James // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:13 AM
The new Man City Owners have revealled today that they offered to buy Newcastle from Mike Ashley but he said no.
53 Oleg G // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:14 AM
The Entertainers – I AGREE !
its not about what we have, it is about the things we were told we gonna have.
No 4-5 players. no WOW signing.
where is all that hard work of “The Team” of Wise and others ?!
get them off the pay check and put it in the pay check of players.
MA is cheap. there are alot of good players out there, but u need to put the money up front, you don’t get a player to try and then if you like you pay.
And indeed, KK, first time ever your integrity has been called into question. I love the King, but even Kings sometimes are wrong.
54 paulthepom // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:14 AM
we are paying the price for all those managers who spent all them millions on crap players that we never made any money on .in fact milner is the first person we made good money on in about twenty years.we cant keep on sacking managers and demanding world class signings.good players only go to good clubs and over the last 4 years we havn’t been.FACT.so all you whingers on this blog should zip it and get behind the team that ma and his management team are creating.
regards
lifelong toon fan sick of moaning c—-s
55 none4TOON // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:14 AM
agree – assuming minor/little injuries and players in decent forms. we r just couple players from a top6 or 7 squad. a tricky, pacey and skilful RW (i’d been dreaming we r still after Arda Turan, or maybe someone like Lennon but able to cross and pass w/ his head up) and a solid 1st team attacking LB (why dont we try get Shorey at least?). Nacho seems decent playmaker who needs a chance so we may be okay in that position if lucky enough. but when r we gonna get the couple players lacking?
56 The Entertainers // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:14 AM
It gets better………rumours Keegans walked!
57 The Vicar // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:14 AM
Benjitoon. Spot on.
Carl, suggest you go for breast enlargement.
58 ed_speed // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:15 AM
no he hasnt mickey toon
59 ed_speed // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:16 AM
oh yup sorry micjey toon, i didnt press refresh.
sorry, my mistake.
regards,
ed
60 Matt // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:16 AM
How on earth do you think we will get relegated when you compare our squad to that of Bolton, Fulham, Hull, Stoke, West Brom, Wigan, Middlesbrough, Sunderland and even Everton to some extent.
We will be fine and we will finish top half. Splashing the cash is not essential in order to bring in the quality we need. You don’t have to spend 30 odd million to bring in a top class striker, it’s ridiculous. Arsenal very rarely spend more than they sell and they manage alright.
Grow up, wait for the team to play and get behind them. If in 6 weeks it’s not working then start worrying but until then let’s have some faith eh?
61 jay b // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:17 AM
what’s wif all this negativity? the fat freddy bought the big names but where did it get us?
lets not jump the gun and slag the new regime off, has fat freddy really got you believing his methods worked? Big names to please the fans have got us no where really have they.
what matters is what happens on the pitch, get behind the toon army and help them push for europe
62 Rory // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:18 AM
Well i am in the minority with being very happy with the way things are going we have got rid of alot of crap carr etc, or players who where always injured emre and faye who keegan hasnt played since their fall out. dissapointed to lose milner but 12mill come on everyone would have accepted that. And we have replaced them with good playerd for reasonable fes. we have managed to bring in three under 21 internationals bassong, guthrie and xisco. two top players collocini and spiderman and the creative midfield we neded in nacho. I’d rather take our signings than have a solitary signing such as robinho or berbatov for silly money.
63 euanpolo // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:18 AM
We could still sign Thomas Gravesen and Nicolae Mitea on a free!
64 kenny g // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:18 AM
I for one applaud the stance taken by the new regieme. We are vastly improved upon last season, we’re playing better football, and most importantly displaying passion for the shirt.
Why some of you MORONS think that a couple flashy signings is the difference between relegation and top 6 is beyond me. Its little wonder why the press enjoy winding you all up, as your idiotic ramblings play right into the southerners hands.
Now get a grip and get behind your team, and that by the way includes Ashley.
65 blerred // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:19 AM
fact about xisco – people talk about him only getting 12 la liga goals – but he’s only played about 1800 minutes of football. someone yesterday pointed out that makes his goals/minutes strike-rate bettered by only 4 strikers last season – guiza (top scorer) and david villa were two of them. give the kid a break, have we not all had enough of big-name expensive flops i.e. luque, kluivert, owen (to an extent)
66 Raul // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:19 AM
if keegan has walked, then hes an ass.
67 Lekech // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:20 AM
While the transfer season turned out to be quite a disappointment, I for one will continue to pledge my passion to the team.
Will a WOW player drastically improve our teamplay? Maybe… but will one guarantee success? Perhaps not (remember kluivert?). Lets understand that this club is in the football business, not player-trading. As long as the players play as a team and churns out results, I don’t really care if they belong to the WOW or WOOH categories.
I actually rate the 3-4 players we signed earlier, so lets have faith in the 2 new ones coming in. Above all, trust KK!
68 The Vicar // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Can’t understand the negativity. We have proved conclusively that spending for spending’s sake does not work. Let’s use our brains for once.
69 Andy1 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:22 AM
With Zayatte I think its slightly disingenuous to say that he chose Hull over us.
1) We don’t know if we actually offered him a contract after his trial. He was also on trial at Everton so maybe we just thought he wasn’t worth it.
2) There is no way that he could think Hull is a more attractive prospect than Newcastle.
3) They could offer first team football and that is the most important thing as he is on loan and looking for a permanent deal at a better club.
Also I think its stupid to even think that the only reason that Nasri would reject us is Joey Barton. What about the fact that he is a world class player, we are a midtable team and he had the chance to join Arsenal, who showed how much better they are on Saturday.
Silvestre – well that was last year and he is shit anyway.
While it’s disappointing that we cannot attract top class players I think we have to realise that in the past it has only been money that has attract players and they have often turned to shit as soon as coming here. Now that we aren’t prepared to offer big wages – with the exception of Owen – who is definitely worth it – we just can’t expect players to choose us.
The squad has been improved and we need to make sure we can get in the top half at least – which is a reasonable expectation.
70 Big Al // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Lets face it for the last few years we have been at best a mid table club, we have won nothing in 39 years, so why would the best players come to newcastle?
Lets face it the only reason we got top players like owen etc is because we paid him stupid money, and thats the only reason robinio went to man city, £96k a week is a big insentive.
But as we have all said we dont want mercs, lok at luque for a prime example, so if we only want players that want to play for us we are limited in choice because we are not a top four team, not even a top 7 team, we dont have any european football and we havent won anything so until we have some of the above we are going to have a hard time attracting quality to our club.
We are going to have to do it the hard way, do well in the league and cups and the quality players will follow
71 Kash // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Keegan was promised something, that was obvious, and he obviously didn’t get it!!!! If he has walked, then it’s all on MA’s head!!!!!
72 Davies // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:24 AM
I agree with ed (speed)
‘mon ed speed
(Davies)
73 Marty // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:24 AM
David Dutch,Chelsea already had a good squad.
Almost a stronger bench than our first team so you cannot compare them.
They will challebge for honours and we will be fighting for 10th place-Quantity and Quality
74 Micky Toon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Look, whatever happens we’ve got to be seen as being UNITED. Whatever I may think of KK a lot of you think he is the best manager in the world, and I respect that view. But you’ve also got to take into account where the club is at and who is best to take it forward.
The Arabs that bought Citeh, they probably were interested in us why would they lie? So what? Get over it there is nothing we can do about it.
If Keegan does walk then it is his fault and no one elses. The club cannot attract players like we did when he was first here and I think he is realising this and has been shocked back to reality. Keegan is niave and so are a lot of you. KK probably thought it would be easy, just like the old days. But the game has moved on so much we are also rans to the top 4.
I hope KK doesn’t go, just because of the turmoil it will cause and because people will not see it for what it is, but they will see it as the owners fault.
We needed stability, we still don’t have it.
75 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:24 AM
If Keegan does walk I hope all you moaners and gripers are happy!
76 robby bobson // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Steven Appiah on a bosman?
he’s a v.good playmaker………
77 Matt // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:26 AM
Bassong – Calm under pressure and solid, quality.
Coloccini – Proven quality.
Guthrie – Hard working, quality.
Gutierrez – Hard working, quality.
Nacho – A midfield goal machine, qaulity.
Xisco – One of the best young strikers we could’ve hoped to get in, quality.
Where’s the problem exactly? Who needs Robinho when you can get ALL of those players for less than him and I guarantee you as a unit they will make more of an impact.
78 Fergie // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:26 AM
completely agree with paulthepom, matt, rory and kenny g.
The club is headed in the right direction. we may not have made the signings that some of you hoped for but at least we are a sustainable club that are in no danger of relegation/bankruptcy and the the squad we have is both hungry for success and with the desire to play for the club, unlike Robinho etc. And for those complaining that we havn’t spent much money… money doesn’t gurantee you quality, just look at Spiderman for proof of the pudding. I sometimes think that if we signed Messi on a free, you would still complain that Ashley hasn’t spent any money…
79 Davies // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:27 AM
KK didn’t lie to anyone. Things don’t always go to plan. If you want to think that KK hates you, go ahead, he probably does. I hate you too.
WE ARE NOT CHELSEA. If you want a club that signs Deco, or some other hugely expensive players GO AND BY A F*CKING CHELSEA SHIRT AND LEAVE ME ALONE!!!
I’m also sick of the moronic hypocrytes posting here. Bitching because Mike Ashley is going to sell, and complaining that he’s in it for the money and then crying like a woman when he doesn’t sell the club to some rich Arabs. Make your f*cking minds up.
If you can’t decide whether you want him to stay or go, if you have nothing but complaints about our team, if all you want to do is complain, please take your comments somewhere else. I’m sick to death of them.
Get behind your team or F*CK OFF. It really is that simple.
‘mon ed (speed)
80 Toon Army // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Well Im a little gutted that we only signed the two players. Although saying this I feel as though the only areas that we still need strengthed are right midfield and left back, possibly another attacking midfielder incase barton gets a lenghty ban. But we have young kadar, tozer and bassong who can all play left back if needed. Right midfield will be the area that could be bother if Guttierez picks up a knock.
81 Ericles // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:27 AM
Well said Yorkie Dave. We must get behind the team and KK. Wise and his suited cronies can go jump as far as I am concerned. See that that so called man of the north east for the Daily Mail is crapping on NUFC again. Where in the north east does this Colin Young come from? Is he a mackem?
82 dick // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM
NEWS FLASH— Bccause of the sad demise of Northern Rock NUFC have new sponsers, Carlsberg are toons new sponsers with the catchy slogan—CARLSBERG DONT DO PUB TEAMS BUT IF THEY DID IT WOULD BE THE TOON— THE BEST PUB TEAM IN THE WORLD
83 The Entertainers // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I understand times have moved on.
One time a millionaire in charge of your club was the best thing possible.
Now you need a family of multi-billionaires.
These players make our own billionaire look a poor relative.
However i do hope Ashley, who must now realise he cant compete and Newcastle cant compete, looks for the backing of others. He has between now and next summer to find that investment. If not hes holding us back, when clearly there has been interest from others wanting to invest and be apart of Newcastlte United.
84 James // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I love KK but sacking Barton should always have been Ashley’s decision not Keegan’s. It’s Ashley’s business that Barton is killing with negative publicity.
If you believe the rumours Ashley and KK had a big fight after the Arsenal game with Ashley telling the board that Barton must go.
85 Davies // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM
I love my team!!!
86 Marty // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:29 AM
ANDY,Shola didn`t say no to the move to Ipswich,he failed the Fitness test as he has a Hamstring Injury they said even though he was able to play(WALK AROUND) the whole Arsenal game…
)))
I think he wanted to leave because he knows he wont get his chances here.
ED;you left Shola out of the Squad there.Wonder why?How could you forget him?
87 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Dick – you are!
88 good, bad,thebadand the beardsly // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:32 AM
chant for hull game :-
hes big ,hes round,
he wouldnt spend pound
MIKE ASHLEY!
getting started in the gallowgate from yours truley
never usually blog bt after last nites performance
ashley needs 2 know why the supporters are turningthere bks on home games DISGRACE!
89 Mikey24 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I have mixed feelings today…
On one hand Im a bit disappointed I stayed up until the death of the transfer window and was half expecting “Breaking story from the North East, Newcastle buy Arda Turan for £18mil” or something along those lines. Instead I sat there and saw teams slog it out for their targets upping bids, having medicals etc and Newcastle just confirming signings they pretty much announced first thing in the morning. We have done very well in the transfer window and have definitely improved the squad but to what extent? Arsenal seriously mauled us, will the 2 new signings stop this happening on our next meeting….I doubt it.
On the other hand the squad does look a good en with a scary looking strike force, 4-3-3 with Owen, Martins and Xisco as strikers, all have pace, all can score and if they keep fit can all possibly be 20+ goals a season. The defense is better than we’ve had in god knows how many years. The left/Right midfield I’m very happy with but the centre is average but has the potential to be good, just need to see how Barton and Nacho fairs really.
Nice to see us finally run like a business though, some great young ‘ens signed for us, a few seasons hopefully they’ll be ruling the roost. For now I hope they do get half hour run outs here and there to give them a bit of experience.
90 Jacob // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:33 AM
STOP BEING SO NEGATIVE!!!
We have 6 players who WANT to play for Newcastle. Unlike Robinho to Man city – he’s only going for money and he hates the Real coach.
It was always going to be hard to attract the big players, but we have – Jonas, Coloccini. We a going in the right direction. Mike Ashley wants to help the club.
Keegan will not walk
Owen will stay
Newcastle will finish top 10
Be a fan, support your team through these tough times.
91 su4 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:34 AM
why dont the Abu Dhabi guy offer ashley big money and force him to sell up…..surely a excellent deal for both him and the club… somemore we have a much larger fan base.. gutted..just gutted….wise appointment is the worst of all….
92 dick // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Sorry lads missed out PROBABLY because they are THE BEST PUB TEAM IN THE WORLD
93 Davies // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:35 AM
Apparently, WIse and co were busy trying to buy Valdo from Espanyol yesterday. We outbid Blackburn, but the club still turned us down.
Valdo had an 8m euro buyout clause in his contract, but nobody reached it. According to Goal.com he chose to stay at Espanyol because he knows he’ll get more first team action there now that Riera has gone to Liverpool.
94 faustino // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:36 AM
I’m sorry but that’s the best looking squad we’ve had in years. Could be better, two more would have been nice, but tbh I expect 3 in January.
OUT
Milner – average, ineffectual against 85% of the prem.
Emre – perpetually unfit.
Faye – Dangerous, old.
The rest we’re so useless that they don’t even need mentioning.
IN
Bassong – look’s to be solid.
Guthrie – Why people think he can’t fill Butt’s role is beyond me.
Gutierrez – Nothing needs saying here,
Coloccini – Give him a year and any mention of Woodgate next to him will be laughable.
Now we have an U21 spanish striker [and the Spanish aren't doing bad at churning out strikers at the mo. ey?] and a Uruguay international playmaker [ And let's be honest Jimenez and Vetere ain't done bad from South America]
I’ve been saying for months on this site don’t expect much out of this window as we as a club are about as attrative as a fart in a wet suit. Give it ’til January.
Yeah Man City have just spent a fortune on one player who, let’s be honest, is going to be pretty sick when he realises that instead of being at Real he will be spending the majority of his life playing teams like Bolton, Stoke and Hull will lose interest and be happy to just turn up and collect his wages.
95 Micky Toon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:36 AM
The Entertainers – I agree and so does Ashley. He has said it for some time now that he is looking for other investors.
96 Davies // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:37 AM
su4, please see comment number 77 and wind your neck in.
97 Marty // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Davies,are you gonna have a heart attack mate?Anger management might be a thing or a night out with Joey might help ya!!!!
Take a chill pill with the Cursing we are all fans and can express how we feel about this wonderful club.
We want to be winners n see some glory days in the North west in our life times.
We are a little short on players with the injury toll but our Quality is lookin much better i think all can agree.
Howay the TOOOOOON
98 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:38 AM
You know what – if Keegan hasn’t walked then it proves that this whole “Newcastle United soap opera” tag we’ve got is such a load of f***ing press bullshit! The bookies are going mad for KK leaving. Why? Because The Daily Mail said he had a bad meeting yesterday? At the moment that’s all there is to prove it.
If he does walk then fine. I’m sure he has his reasons and we can debate them endlessly. But at the moment its just speculation. And it exists becuase the media love to knock us. We didn’t buy big – must be internal problems. We sold Milner – must be a fight between owner and manager. We haven’t won a cup for years – must be something in the water that makes any player who comes here rubbish.
They might as well say all Geordie’s are thick and our women are ugly…oh hang on, that was our last chairman wasn’t it! It’s because of that history we’re an easy target. But that doesn’t mean us fans have to play along.
FFS JUST SUPPORT THE TOON!
99 Edd Case // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:39 AM
Some of you lot are total tools.
You can be disappointed about lack of transfers but why all the hate?
Let’s just see how the team does in the next match. I think this is one of the better looking teams we’ve had in a long time.
We’ll score goals and look better at the back – Arsenal match aside.
Come on, lets support our team, not slag off our senior management.
100 happy toon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:40 AM
lets see how the team does….so what if city get’s robinho….remember shevchenko and what i a flop he was…he is no doubt one of the best strikers on the planet.
101 su4 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:41 AM
davies…perhaps just too frustrated at the lack of more quality signings to cover the squad…a thin squad.. but no doubt quality
102 derekm // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:41 AM
what part of ” we still owe 27 million to fat freddie’s transfer dealings ” didn’t the moaners hear? Ashley has saved this club – end of story. If people are too stupid to realise where we are. what standard of player we are able to attract whilst not offering stupid wage deals, and taking on players who don’t give a toss about the club – the go somewhere else. This transfer window marks the end of stage three – stabilisation and then the removal of sam and bringing in someone to trust in kev.
103 robby bobson // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:42 AM
something about keegan walking out on nufc.com – anyone know anything?
104 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:43 AM
man last night was disapointing oh well lets hope the team gels quickly and we get an injury free run or it could be a long wait till january.
Ed ido hope you emailed the sun yesterday flamming cheek, although were all now famous.
105 Keeeguuurn // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:43 AM
As I said in a different thread IF we did get a 30M player in I just know we would break him and wait all season for him to return from injury. Ring a few bells?
Lets be happy we are building a squad from the ground up. In time we can then add ‘wow’ individuals that can fit into and compliment a TEAM.
I understand people being downhearted but let us see what happens before complaining.
I am totally behind this team and everyone involved and wish them luck.
The ‘loyalist football supporters’ would give them a chance.
106 su4 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:44 AM
anyway how u guys rate kompany and zablelata??? hmmmm…
107 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:45 AM
is it just me or is anyone thinkin that man city stole our thunder
108 Ohmelads // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:45 AM
I would have been more worried now sat here if we HAD signed Robinho – He doesn’t want to be there and has gone for the money and cos he hates schuster! Stop harping on about WOW signings who don’t make a team. The players we’ve signed are decent and WILL make a difference. We’ve had 3 good results and got turned over by a much better Arsenal TEAM. Enven if we’d had Berbs and Robinho, we’d have still got done at the emirates.
109 Fergie // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:46 AM
good, bad,thebadand the beardsly:
“ashley needs 2 know why the supporters are turningthere bks on home games DISGRACE!”
I think ashley knows why people are turning their backs on home games… because a small minority of people like you (not supporters by the way, otherwise they WOULD go to the game and SUPPORT the team) are fickle idiots who only go to games when we’ve just signed Kluivert, Luque or Owen. No big name signing this year so a few thousand of you piss off to probably watch Man City or Chelsea on tv. Frankly, the club is better off without dickhe@ds like you on match days and i would rather see the stadium with a few thousand empty seats, knowing that the 47,000 people that have turned up are fully behind the team. I’m glad we havn’t made any big signings for you glory hunters to feed off. stay away from games if that is your attitude. you are not wanted.
110 Davies // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:47 AM
su4 and Marty, my apologies. I am frustrated, but not with the club, the owner, the manager or the team.
I am frustrated with the idiots who are spitting their dummies because they can’t spend Mike Ashley’s money for him.
I don’t need to go on about it, there’s plenty of comments from people who agree with me here. This type of negativity is no show of support for anybody. It just feeds the red tops more crap to wind us up with.
Like I say, if you don’t back your team, go somewhere else. Another supporter will enjoy your seat.
111 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:47 AM
anyone seen this,
http://www.thespoiler.co.uk/index.php/2008/09/02/unhappy-newcastle-star-shows-passion-for-quad-bikes
i wonder who that could be?
112 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Davies – well put mate!
113 reedos // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:50 AM
I’m constantly astonished with the whining that goes on here. Lets face facts we have been a poor side for a number of seasons now, we cannot offer European football this season and (rightly) in my opinion Ashley is trying to get the wage bill down.
So we aren’t going to sign Berbatov, Robinho etc etc – and Man City wouldn’t have if that Arab company hadn’t bought them (which BTW shows what Robinho is all about – did he not say in an interview on Sunday that he wanted to join Chelsea).
By my reckoning Ed has listed 25 first teamers – we can still only play 11 – now som of them, in fact a lot of them wouldn’t make the Top 4’s starting 11 – if they would they’d be there now not with us.
I’m as black and white as the next man, but we have to stop kidding ourselves that we will be a top 4 team anytime soon, unless we are bought out by Arabs, Russians or whoever. Mike Ashley is rich by most people standards – but by these guys standards he’s a minnow.
As far as Wise is concerned, would people be half as bothered about him, if it were Peter Beardsley or Rob Lee or an ex Newcastle player doing the job – I suspect not – the difference is people didn’t like him before he was appointed. Does anybody really believe that anybody else could have encouraged top top players to this club, without paying over the odds for them in terms of wages and transfer fees. Has everybody forgotten the names Marcelino, Luque, Boomsong & Kluivert and other mercenary money grabbers who came here on huge wages and did nothing.
None of us know how this season will pan out, we’ve made a decent start, lets get behind the lads (ALL of them) and see at the end of the season where we end up. The time to judge our progress is then
114 Micky Toon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:50 AM
Ashley DOES NOT WANT TO SELL. That is the reason he didn’t accept their money.
I agree with others we have a very decent 1st team. If we could keep everyone fit for the whole of the season we would be top six nee bother.
115 Davies // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:51 AM
On NUFC.COM -
Tuesday morning brought widespread but unconfirmed claims of problems behind the scenes at SJP, with movement on the betting exchanges following rumours that Kevin Keegan had walked out on the club.
We’re trying to find out what’s going on now.
116 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:51 AM
blimy i hope you dont mean me Ohmelads & Fergie.
117 Ian // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:52 AM
The tools are the ones who think that those who moan about transfers wanted £30m signings.
Most just wanted a full squad of players and a signing such as Fraizer Campbell with a lot of promise would have been good.
The team is black and white but the comments arent.
118 Ally // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:53 AM
Skybet are already betting to see who is gonna be our next manager!
http://www.skybet.com/skybet?action=GoEvType&id=10002896
119 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:53 AM
fair comment ian
120 Edd Case // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:54 AM
What’s with the Keegan walking out story???
See NUFC.COM
121 Liam // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:54 AM
Agree I think a big WOW signing like robinho would have been wrong becoz he’s only gone for the money theres no passion to play for the club so keegan wouldnt have brought someone like him in anyway, but must say im desperately worried about the size of the squad especially in CM and at LB, but now ive calmed down abit after alot of disapointment on what seemed was going to be a exciting transfer deadline day, lets just hope the new two signings are like the other 4 they’ve brought in and hopefully we’ll get no injuries, would be very suprised though if keegan or ashley dont come out and speak about whats happened as every newcastle fan ive spoken to is disgraced at whats happened on deadline day so they must be aware of how unhappy we all are.
122 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Ally – thanks that’s really cheered me up! NOT!
I must be in the absolute minority but I actually think Wise is an alright bloke…however if we our next manager I’d be very close to shooting myself in head! No. No. No. No. Nooooooooooooo!
123 dick // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:56 AM
just heard on metro radio toon have had to bring in extra staff to cope with 1000’s of supporters wanting to snap up the season tickets that are still avaiable
124 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:57 AM
BTW not saying I think Keegan has gone, just commenting on the Sky Bet thing. Again, more media hype and tripe.
Don’t prove me wrong KK – just stay.
125 neeraj // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:57 AM
isn’t it possible that players didn’t want to come to newcastle
we had bids where player rejected and in some cases the teams also rejected the bids……….
our team looks way better then last season both number wise and fitness wise
lets hope we have a good run till christmas, may be we would be in top 10 or something with couple of good result which might attract some players to our club
coz its easy to find another smith or ameobi
and the output would be nothing
and abt ameobi and smith
i would ask u a question, as a mgr who wopuld buy those players, one who doesnt know how to control the ball and other has forgot how to shoot……….
and its not easy to masnage 10 new comers in a squad, so we have brought in 6 hopefully in january we mite land in another 2
waiting for january
COME ON NEWCASTLE
126 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 10:58 AM
In my defence boys with so much negitivity around the club i just wanted to be able to say see were heading in the right direction and like many fans was hopeing that the trabsfer window might deliever that hope and silence the negativity around the club.
Unfourtunutly even though we brought in some good players we have not atchieved that.
Now yet again we are going to be picked to pieces in the press and the circle continues and that is why im frustrated so save your anger for someone else.
127 faustino // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM
Shortest odds of 4-1 for Wise…hmmm aye right. Fools bet.
128 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM
see what i mean
http://www.rivals.net/news/pgarticle.aspx?artid=13498_4085429&id=55
129 DH7 Mags // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:00 AM
we have a squad at the minute which will not even get in the top 10. we cant live with teams like villa, man city, pompey, we were a million miles ahead of teams like this 4 years ago. i reckon the next home game against hull, we will be lucky to get 45,000 turn up. gutted.
130 The Crooked Mag // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Will all the moaners, whingers and naysayers please either shut up or go and support the mackems. Take a look at what the mad irishman has done all summer, buy loads of players and the go and get stuffed at home by man city. I know where I stand, a bit disappointed but still 100% behind the club. Signings without quality make no sense.
However I’d still like to see that irritating mockney Wise kicked out on his arse. Does anybody know what he really does all day ?????
131 Neil Snowdon // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Dear Ed,
I’m delighted to see the positive comments coming from many on here. Let’s look at a few facts :
We don’t own the club. In our case we have a wealthy businessman, who has spent a lot of money in ridding us of debt, although we still owe some on transfers. He is making an effort to balance up our wage structure. He is doing this in a bad economic climate which is affecting his core business. He is looking for potential investors to work alongside him. These may materialise. We cannot choose who owns ‘our’ club. If you look at Villa’s Randy Lerner he has taken 2 years before starting to back MoN.
When fit we have a reasonable squad – not brilliant, but more than capable of holding our own.
I fully support KK, but can also offer constructive criticism. He chose the wrong player to support in Barton and sees more potential in Smith than most of us.
I would now like to see MO signed up in the next two weeks. This would do much to quell the rumour mongering of the press.
I echo the calls for positivity. I’m glad the TW is closed. Looking back we all wasted far too much time on it!
Regards,
Neil
132 dick // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:02 AM
wise 4 to 1 fav, will get some money on that
133 Edd Case // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:04 AM
I think Keegan has gone people….
There’s something not quite right somewhere…
Why isn’t the new lad pictured with Keegan???
Why hasn’t Keegan come out and said how happy he was with Xisco’s signing etc???
I think Kev’s walked out again…
134 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:04 AM
Dick – what is your problem mate?
We don’t know what’s happening with Keegan yet and you’re already saying your taking a bet on the next manager? My point earlier was that this is all hype and very, very annoying. Not something tom revel in mate.
Go away please.
135 Edd Case // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:05 AM
EVERYONE REPORTING KEEGAN HAS GONE – WTF?!!?!?!!?!?
136 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:05 AM
there seem to be reports that KK has quit im getting texts from spurs fans
137 BenjiToon // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:08 AM
Edd Case? Who’se everyone like? I make it a few fan sites and NO serious press sources or the club itself. It might happen, anything could happen. But its not happening yet. Its not official. Its just speculation. Calm down.
138 neeraj // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:09 AM
another media speculation….
media is really tough on us
one we say that we shouldn’t trust the media and next thing when media comes up with some crap they start blaming MA…….
we all knew if we didn;t sign a big player then, would probably have come out and said
“KEEGAN LASHES OUT OF MEETING”
139 DH7 Mags // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:15 AM
kevin keegan has quit. reports are ripe everyone. nothing official from newcastle as yet. if this is true, he has had no dealings with anything.
140 DH7 Mags // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:20 AM
its over barton. they said he could talk to other clubs behind his back. he’s been undermimed. this is not good news at all.
141 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Oh man this sucks, not wise takin over surly
142 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:24 AM
setanta news not saying anythin any body got sky ?
143 neeraj // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:24 AM
people its daily mail reporting
144 faustino // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:25 AM
Yep… have to say things aren’t looking good.
145 Geordie Nick // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:26 AM
i hope keegan has walked, not cos i want rid of him, but because he will ruin his reputation and hero status if he stays as mike ashleys puppet, cos thtat all he is, coming on camera and lying to the fans under mike ashleys orders, just because he thinks we’ll all believe it and be happy if KK says it, dont ruin your status in newcastle for some fat southern prick kev cos laready people are disapointed in the lies being told. SELL UP AND SHIP OUT ASHLEY.
146 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:28 AM
http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/09/02/Prem-Keegan-confusion/
147 Ian // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:28 AM
He might of stomped out of the meeting, but he may not have left the club.
Ashley and Wise are smart**sed know alls.
Mickey toon is right we DO have a very good team if everyone gets fit, the problem is they never are and Keegan is trying to give us the best chance possible on a nothing of a budget, even operating on that small budget they tried to sell another player!!
One thing that the press were correct on, Wise and Keegan would never work because Wise would always have one eye on the Newcastle job, Ashley said it wouldnt be an issue!!-idiot.
The best way to show how we feel if Keegan leaves is for no-one to turn up at the match after he leaves, hit Ashley in the pocket, it is the only place he feels anything.
148 ToonRich // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:36 AM
It’s great that we want to follow in the Gunners blueprint…but when will our talented youngsters get their chance??? KK has never pitched the young lads in. I’d have rather seen Ranger or Zambrella play on sat than Strolla…
149 Berkshire Geordie // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:41 AM
For Heaven’s sake…get a grip you whinging morons. You’re worse than Louise Taylor writing in the Guardian. Keegan, Wise and Ashley have done the club a huge favour this Summer. For the first time in a long while the team looks as though it has something approaching genuine all-round quality.
Look at the actual squad now. Remove Ameobi and Smith and you have at least 19 players who I’m happy with. Could we say that last season? Hell No! Carr? Ramage? Rosenthal? Emre? Diatta? Most huge wage-earners contributing nada.
And as for Milner – £12m for a kid with 2 assists last season? Yes please! What on Earth is all the fuss? In the dictionary underneath ‘flatter to deceive’ is James Milner. He’s never improved since joining us from Leeds. The only time I’ve ever agreed with Souness was when he said “you’ll never win anything with 11 James Milners”. He’s got a few tricks, bags of energy but the most important thing lacking in the modern game. Pace. When did he control a game for us? When did he contribute against any of the top-4? There’s a reason why he’s not in the England squad yet Jimmy Bullard is…
The criticism of the club is completely brainless. Grow up and have a look at the reality kids. Ashley is turning round years of financial mismanagement to give us a platform to build on. Rome was not and cannot be built in a day. Look at Spurs for Christ’s sake. We’ve tried the Tottenham and S***erland approach and failed. Consistently and repeatedly failed.
If you could all remove your heads from your a***s and actually look at what the other Prem Teams have done this Summer, you’d realise what a shambles they are. Look at Keane at S***erland. He’s brought in 11 players on top of the twelvety-seven last year. Would you really have any of them at NUFC? Gordon? Anton Ferdinand? Cisse? McCartney? Diouf? I wouldn’t have single one. They’re looking more like the Peter-Reid era S***erland, when the wages accumulated by a scatter-gun approach to buying players killed them. Pretty similar to what we’ve done for years – buy anyone, pay clubs high fees + players huge salaries to attract them to the North then struggle to buy better when they inevitably prove to be sh**e and we shift them on for peanuts losing money to spend on new players etc etc etc.
Tottenham? £16m on Darren Bent last summer? Sell your best two players to rivals? Corluka £9m as well as Hutton for £9m? 1 pt in 9? Everton £15m on one unknown midfielder? Man City, £33m on a moody, inconsistent Brazilian?
We’ll finish top-8 this season. And frankly, after the sh**e we’ve had to put up with in the last 3 or 4 years I’ll accept that. Top-6 in season 09/010 plus a cup. Top-4 season 010/011? Who knows.
150 DH7 Mags // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:44 AM
there is still nothing on sky sports.
151 reedos // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:46 AM
Might that be becuase nothing has actually happened ?
152 Keeeguuurn // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:48 AM
Ian … well said
153 dick // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:48 AM
benji toon get your blinkers off, could see this coming a mile off, was a 15 year old toon supporter when NUFC last won a competion 44 years ago seen it all before, I think more than 44 years of mostly pain gives me my right to an oppinion
154 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:49 AM
setanta have reported that there is discontent via times reporter, but not confirmed walk out but suggested the possability
155 sean667 // Sep 2, 2008 at 11:50 AM
5 live are also reporting problems
156 reedos // Sep 2, 2008 at 12:01 PM
But everywhere is using the same initial story – even the BBC website is talking about a meeting on MONDAY not today.
There may have been a dispute – but all we can do is wait and see what happens rather than get hysterical now
157 Matty Maxwell // Sep 2, 2008 at 12:02 PM
guys, this is my first time writing anything, but after reading what some of the fans have been writing on the blog the past couple of days has wound me up literally no end. will some of you guys ever be happy? Probably not. We are in a much better situation than the majority of the teams in the prem. Will all you moaning gits get a life, thats nothing that can be done about it now. lets get behind the team and KK and support what we’ve got. enough said.
158 obaforpm // Sep 2, 2008 at 12:34 PM
He better not leave! Hes done wel coaching,and even if the trnsfers werent his decisions cn you blame ashley? well you shoulnt cause kk himself stated when he rejoined us that he hasnt been watching football since he last managed so you cant be surprised that he doesnt know any of these players togo for. The players we’ve signed are quality and are better than the ones we had before. We got gutierrez who is better than milner and cost us next to nothing which is great business. Nacho will be good and bring creativity to the team which everyone wanted but cause none of you have heard of him he obviously cant be good! We cant attract the players we used to so get over it! Coloccini is the biggest signing we have had and he plays first team for pretty much the second best national team in the world – and WE GOT HIM! thats a wow signing!
159 Chris C. // Sep 2, 2008 at 1:25 PM
Top 6? WAKE UP!
We’ll be wrestling to climb the mid-table.
160 clinta // Sep 2, 2008 at 2:41 PM
Not counting keepers (4 is plenty, especially with the first 2 we have!) we have 21 players in our squad, 18 players are now needed weekly for pitch and bench, so if we have 3 injured we have to put up young lads which it turns out is already the case!
having 3 keepers on the bench is going to be interesting if we have one another (quite common for us) injury crisis.
161 matty // Sep 2, 2008 at 3:35 PM
get ready for a creepy season like the last one. thank god hull, stoke, fulham, west brom, mackems, boro and west ham are worse than us.
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