The Guardian has an excellent article out today where they showcase twenty young stars in England, who are 18 years old or younger, and yes, Nile Ranger of Newcastle United is one of them.
Nile Ranger - 17 year-old tipped for the top
Here’s what the Guardian writes about our 17 year old striker, who Dennis Wise signed from Southampton in the summer.
The word among Newcastle United’s youth and reserve ranks is “Ranger is the danger”. The prolific striker, spirited north from Southampton’s youth set-up, has sat on the first team bench a few times already this season and is tipped for Shearer-esque scoring feats.
Well if Nile can become like Alan Shearer that would be just fantastic, but he’s still got a long long way to go, and it will be important for the Newcastle coaching staff to keep the lad’s feet firmly on the ground,
They can do no worse than look at the way Arsene Wenger beings through his young players, and Arsene is surely the master at this. Look how Theo Walcott has blossomed under him, when it seemed for a while that Wenger just wasn’t playing the youngster enough. And Theo himself still has a long way to go to be the finished article.
But Wenger knows exactly what he’s doing, and England boss Fabio Capello has today praised the way Arsene brings his young players through at the London club.
Nile has now scored 15 goals for the Newcastle Under-18 and Reserve sides this season, and he got a hat trick last time out for the Newcastle Under-18 side against Huddersfield lat Saturday. The Under-18s are now top of the Academy league, and will hopefully do well in the upcoming FA Youth Cup.
We expect Nile to make his first team debut, at some suitable time before long, and he’s been on the bench a few times already this season. And if he manages to score some goals in the Premier League, watch for him to become a top player sooner rather than later.
Certainly the Newcastle youth set up has been great this year, when we’ve brought in so many excellent youngsters to the club.
Comments welcome.
75 responses so far ↓
1 hitman // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:48 AM
its time,give him the last 20 mins,against wigan,lets see what hes got.
2 Karltoon // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:54 AM
Aye.. The word’s getting round about him like.. 15goals this early in the season is impressive no matter what level your playing at.. (Save sunday league and that).. His reputation locally is snowballing now.. Defo just give him a little run out only if we are a goal or two up and looking comfortable..
3 dougnufc // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:55 AM
I scored 16 in 5 games but at the level he is playing he is damn good
4 garyfret // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:56 AM
we got nothing to lose bringing him on at the end of each game if we dont try then he we wont know if he can make it
5 Ausgeordie // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:58 AM
I agree. Give him a go. We dont have enough players that are good enough to scare the opposition. An unknown element, a young kid with pace and an eye for goal might just give them something to think about and be afraid of.
6 AO // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Here is a message for the whining, whingeing, self-pitying, self-indulgent and deluded fans on Tyneside, otherwise known as the Toon Army: Kevin Keegan is not the Messiah; Alan Shearer is not an aspect of the trinity; Mike Ashley is not the Devil; Tony Jimenez is not on the secret payroll of Sunderland; and Dennis Wise is not an evil dwarf.
Newcastle United are not a “massive” club and do not have a divine right to remain in the Premier League; St James’ Park is not the world’s greatest stadium; and, in case you were wondering, your team will not break into the top four any time soon, with or without Ashley, Keegan, Wise or any of the other men who are heroes, villains and sometimes both in the febrile imaginations of the world’s most whimsical supporters.
Oh, and you are not the most loyal, valiant and wonderfully dependable fans on the planet. Check out the attendances when Newcastle were languishing in the second division at the start of the 1990s and you will get the measure of the myth that has clung to the black-and-white-shirted men and women for far too long. That’s right, they were often much fewer than 20,000 and with the Gallowgate end partially deserted. Is that what you call loyalty?
The banners castigating Ashley for being a southerner during Saturday’s comically self-important protest were the final straw for many of us who have long endured the tedious soap opera on Tyneside. That and the ill-informed, conspiracy-laden and melodramatic messages posted on the dozens of message boards that these fans seem to spend their lives reading.
Wise likes a challenge but this is lost cause
Where is the gallows humour, the sense of irony, the satirical edge? Where is the old-fashioned self-mockery that characterises most other groups of English football fans when their team are having a bad time of it?
The only way that Newcastle fans are ever going to be truly happy is when they have formed a collective to buy the club and have made a pig’s ear, as they inevitably would, of a kind that would make Freddy Shepherd’s last remaining strands stand on end. When they have rehired Keegan to manage the team, Shearer to be his assistant and the ghost of Jackie Milburn to do the scouting. When they have got control of the club and discovered that their own volatility makes it practically ungovernable.
Sure, passion and commitment are great things and we all know that in a big city with only one football club, there is bound to be a siege mentality and more than a little self-absorption. But many Newcastle fans have turned navel-gazing into an art form. They need to get out more and discover that their beloved club, who have not won a trophy for decades, are virtually unknown beyond these shores. They need a little perspective, not least in terms that passion does not equate to knowledge, nor does enthusiasm equate to expertise on how to run a football club.
This is a group of fans who agitated for the sacking of Sam Allardyce after only six months because the football was not pretty enough, even though he had put in place a much-needed science support structure and cleared out the dead wood from the Shepherd era. These are fans who want nothing to do with Ashley because he is from “down South” and because he insisted on a continental scouting system to support a manger who, by his own admission, had not attended a live match for three years and so was the last person who could have done the scouting job.
Sure, mistakes were made by Ashley, not least in the appointment of Keegan – something that was bound to end in tears – and in spheres of responsibility not being properly spelt out to the main protagonists. But let’s get real. The fundamental problem with Newcastle is no longer the corporate management, but those who used to be described as the club’s greatest assets: the fans – or at least those who are making all the noise at present.
7 beyethegreat // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:05 PM
i am desperate to see how good he is
8 Timberhead // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:05 PM
Gotta be better than what Carroll has showed so far. Lets slowly bring him in unless necessaty dictates. He’s only a bairn but he does look good.
9 hitman // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:08 PM
please everyone ignore this A-hOle….
10 Ever seen a mackem in Milan? // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:10 PM
All of this makes you wonder why Southampton released him. I know he had his problems but if he is so talented would you not keep him on and hope he changes his ways?
11 AO // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:12 PM
hitman- this is a great piece of writing that should be read by all!
12 Ever seen a mackem in Milan? // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:15 PM
AO, does us all a favour and get a life.
13 beyethegreat // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:18 PM
ao lol
but seriousely there are a few parts in that article that are correct but the whole article was completely over the top and exagerated (which is in part what he criticized us for) what i dont like though is liverpool are oing the same thing and no one is sying anything to them
14 Rem // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:19 PM
AO -
No one cares what you think.
We do not think we will break into the top four any time soon, or that we are a force to be reckoned with. That is all crap made up by the media, and what a few 15 year old kids high on sugar believe,
I Truley think you are sad coming on here trying to get a reaction. This is a place for fans to disccus OUR team. No matter how far fetched OUR opions on OUR club is we can have them. If some fans want to think we can win the league LET THEM. Its called an opinion! and were all entiltled to one.
I dont think ashley is evil. I would lmind if he stayed.
I dont see why you have to comment like this on a disscusion over a promising young player.
And yes i agree Keegan shouldnt be scouting himslef, but there is a difference between a scouting team recomending players, and them being forced upon you.
Especially when the squad is made smaller than it previuosly was, even thou it was to small to start with. Which has been proven with injuries.
You really think the system set up did a good job a bringing in the required players?
15 Xisco Stu // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:23 PM
The Guardian have written Wise’s scout report on young British players for him.
I’m surprised Joe Mattock didn’t get a mention though.
16 Fergie // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:25 PM
A (lan) O (liver). well done on that copy and paste…
17 Rem // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Everyone just get back to Ranger. ignore this lad. he as nothing better to do with his lunch break, cause he is etiher a kid, or has no mates to sit with at uni/work on his break. If anything feel sorry for him.
I dont think he should be brought up to the first team yet. Should be kept in U18, then reserves for a bit.
Rushing a player especially a young one can be depremental. He wont be ready for it and may be put off or may play well and then be put off by that.
18 Marguerite // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:26 PM
OA – no wonder you do not put your name to what you write, and what has all that you have written got to do with the article about Nile Ranger?
To take a leaf out of your book, you are such a bumptious, obnoxious and supercilious mouthpiece who dares to present your febrile writings on the Newcastle blogs insulting everything to do with its supporters.
Please go away you impress no-one.
19 Rem // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:26 PM
just realised i wrote put off twice in that sentece. was paying attention
20 SuperShearer // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:32 PM
AO you are wrong on all accounts….sorry…..You’ll get over it though.
21 samthecat // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:33 PM
All the arguments about Ashley/Keegan have been done-everything has been said before ad infinitum.
Its nice to see we have a decent player in the Academy-it makes a change and i think Richard Money is doing a good job.
22 Rasko a.k.a Hadji // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Woow…These Spuds are getting louder and louder every day….why being so quiet when under Ramos.
Cos you havent been in CL since god knows when i’m gonna start calling Tottenham…
….”The last English virgin”….
23 Karltoon // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:47 PM
My mams an english virgin..
Im either the second coming of Christ… Or my star sign is Pyrex
24 Rasko a.k.a Hadji // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Karltoon….Forget the messiah(KK),you’re the man for the Toon
25 Monster // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:53 PM
I’d rather see Ranger on the bench than Carroll.
26 ELFER // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:53 PM
AO isn’t wrong in all, but what the media (and also you AO) don’t get is that we are not requesting a place in the top 4!
We are requesting proud players, who give their all week after week and play in a certain style that entertains us. There’s no need to brake into the top 4 right now! We only want improvement.
I think it’s not fair to say that we do not deserve to be in the EPL. I think we deserve it, but some things must be staibilised at our club! Not everything is bad in what MA and even Wise did and I’m sure every true toon fan appreciates that.
27 Karltoon // Nov 13, 2008 at 12:56 PM
Rasko – I’ve been saying that for a while!
28 tyneside tommo // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:00 PM
Did AO miss breakfast?
29 Rasko a.k.a Hadji // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:03 PM
Tyneside….Yes he did cos they took his lunch money at school….poor boy
.
Its ok son you’ll get them next time hahaha.
30 tyneside tommo // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:05 PM
And get real Fergie. Oliver has never been that articulate in his life . I’m convinced English is a second language to him. but he’s made a great career out of obtaining the mobile phone numbers of all things Toon FC
31 lesh // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:20 PM
I see that Shola’s got the fans’ vote for player of the month – a prodegy who’s taken a long time showing any promise.
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/11/13/shola-ameobi-wins-player-of-the-month-award-72703-22248343/
Congratulations Shola, keep it up and you’ll shine!!
32 lesh // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:25 PM
He’d certainly bring a fresh pair of legs and lots of ambition were he brought on for 20 minutes or so.
Let’s hope Joe thinks about that while being mindful that he’s still young, has a lot to learn and needs protection from overexposure and media hype.
33 HarryToon. // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:37 PM
Is He Quick ?
34 Kevin Nichol // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:42 PM
AO i bet you regularly attend the pink triangle; i’m politely suggesting that you infact are probably a queer
35 Kevin Nichol // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:52 PM
…back to the real discussio point here; I think its very early to talk about introducing ranger inot the first team right now. Let him contiune his education in the reserves for now; train with the first team and let him blossom!
Carrol has done this for a couple of seasons now and he deserves his place on the bench. We don’t want to jump on the ranger band wagon too quickly, lets give this lad a chance. Remember the goalscoring records chopra broke at this level and he has never cut it in the premier league. The one place we are not short right now is upfront with ameobi playing well; supported by either owen/martins.
Keep up the good work young nile; your time will come if you do but i dont think (in my opinion of course) that time is just yet…
36 Geordie69 // Nov 13, 2008 at 1:55 PM
As I keep saying over over and over again! Nile Ranger is the best prospect I have seen since Gazza! Hes already good enough for our first team. The boy has everything!
37 bowburnmag // Nov 13, 2008 at 2:02 PM
Karltoon – I think it’s fair to say we should add AO’s patella to that adorning Northumbrian necklace. Not pride of place like Keano’s but definitely high up for his valiant efforts?
38 bowburnmag // Nov 13, 2008 at 2:06 PM
By the way, I’ve never seen the Ranger kid play, although I’ve seen clips of his goals. Judging by the stamp of him i.e. knows where the goal is, bit of a handful, he could be one to drop in sooner rather than later. Sometimes pays off and it’d be something to cheer us up.
39 It Could Be Worse, We Could Be Spurs! (DC) // Nov 13, 2008 at 2:07 PM
AO…and how long did you spend writing such an elaborate piece of tripe? I would bet a substantial amount of time was spent thinking and writing about a club you obviously don’t support and claim not to be massive.
Surely the point that we have non-supporters going to such lengths to try to justify the notion that we are a small club only strengthens the fact that we are a MASSIVE club!
40 BT9MAG // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:01 PM
As a few people have said – AO makes some good points – UNFORTUNATELY the majority of them are based on what red tops and SSN report…Still not 100% sure as to why he’s come on here to say them though…
Nile Ranger looks to be a real talent and I agree with everyone on here, if it’s a toss up between Carol or Ranger I’d take Ranger any day!
Finally, well done to Shola – I’ve never rated him, even when he actually did scuff and miskick goals away fairly regularly next to Shearer…He does however deserve this award and some of his play with his back to goal has been quality – if he can keep it up, I can see this 4,3,3 formation working again!
41 Ageordiedoonsooth // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:04 PM
AO Crawl back under your stone if your going to write such a long winded load of tripe make sure you’ve got your facts correct. I’ve been to every stadium in the premier league plus Real Madrid & Barcelona’s stadiums STJ is right up there with the best & is better than most. I bet your real name is Richard Head.
42 AO is A Mackem // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:17 PM
This is a Blog for Newcastle supporters to discuss OUR team. Not some out of towner who reads everything he sees in the paper and believe it as gospel. Get a life and write on your own teams blog and leave this one to the real Geordies.
43 AO // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:19 PM
kevin nichol- you are indeed correct, i am gay. if you would like a date please facebook me. Jermaine Innis
44 NUFutureCowboy // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:26 PM
AO. look out ya window mate. i’m the one waving with me hand up ya birds skirt
45 Little Willie // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Ranger is a great prospect but he isn’t ready for the first team yet, he’s got the ability but he’s still a skinny kid for the style of football he plays.
In a few years when he’s bulked up he’ll be a quality player, his playing style reminds me of Kenwyne Jones and he gets a good share of assists for others as well as goals.
Give him time and we will enjoy the rewards.
46 TOONADDICT // Nov 13, 2008 at 3:56 PM
AO…… nobhed!!!!
ive seen nile ranger play and he is a good strong quick player but to be compared to the likes of alan shearer at this stage is a bit over the top but he is an exciting player for the future!
47 AO // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:09 PM
cowboy- I hope your waving with your free hand. She is as tight as a mouses ear down there and i would like it to stay that way.
In all seriousness is that supposed to be a funny put down. Maybe when i was at school that might have amused me but now you have just come across as an inbred moron. Try harder.
48 Tom_Toon // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:14 PM
AO – Kill yourself, just die.
Ranger can be 4th choice striker next season.
Martins
Hugo Almeida
Owen (if he signs – not bothered if he doesn’t because he doesn’t do anything but poach goals, however this saves us spending more money)
Ranger
49 AO // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:21 PM
Tom toon. haha. have you just got back from school. I love your childish remarks. Just die! hahaha. priceless.
i bet you have never even seen ranger play but as always i appreciate your inputeven though you dont have a clue.
50 THE BEAT. // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:23 PM
AO,of course spurs are ahead of newcastle trophy wise your current standing is 17 ours is 11,this is due to newcastle having a bad 70,s and 80,s.
but AO,the way your going on you would think we,d never won anything.
we are still in the top 10 for honours won,so your arguments are irrelevent.
during the 90,s we had a right go and were unlucky not to win more honours,so lay of the toon and stop coming on fishing trips.
51 lesh // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:46 PM
C’mon guys, just ignore this idiot AO guys….. s/he’s obviously got nothing better to do than waste space and air!
52 Tom_Toon // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:51 PM
..
53 TOON LAD // Nov 13, 2008 at 4:59 PM
hope Newcastle do what barca did with messi
bring him young and he’ll have experience when he’s still young.
messi is the best player in the world?
54 Toon_Ksk // Nov 13, 2008 at 5:01 PM
AO takes joy at laughing at our demise when his club is nowhere near Champions League football. Pathetic.
55 NUFutureCowboy // Nov 13, 2008 at 5:05 PM
AO. inbred…nice. i must have touhed a nerve there then. your lass is still tight because your very small mate. not only in your pants but in your mind as well.
56 CHUCK // Nov 13, 2008 at 6:13 PM
Gotta say AO. really wound you guys up good.
Nothing hurts more than the truth I guess.
Not that I agree with every thing he said but he did mention a few home truths.
It just happens that Nile Ranger was a D.Wise signing, along with Coloccini and Jonas, does that mean he is doing a bad job ?
57 51times // Nov 13, 2008 at 7:39 PM
CHUCK shows his true colours. About time, people actually thought you were an NUFC supporter. I’ve always seen through you though.
Go post on a Spurs blog you kike, leave us be.
58 THE BEAT. // Nov 13, 2008 at 8:20 PM
i think your being a bit tough on him wilford.
59 vic // Nov 13, 2008 at 9:06 PM
AO – Shearer is one of the greatest players/personalities ever. Keegan made a histoy in this massive club the same like sir Robson. I hope nightmare with ashley-wise-lambias will finish soon. They damaged this gret club – it is how we remember them. I hope they go somewhere otherwise they are able to destroy eveything. Ranger should play first team. It does not matter how old he is. If he plays good football it is mean that he plays good football.
60 CHUCK // Nov 13, 2008 at 9:15 PM
51 times
why does everyone you disagree with have to be a Spurs fan or Jewish ?
One thing I am not is an anti semite racist with what appears to be a Neo Nazi/National Front ideology.
And yes been a Toon fan for over sixty years,
which does`nt mean i dont have differing opinions from other fans, which I will continue to express .
I was under the impression this blog was about that, giving and reading differing opinions.
Not however making racist type remarks and insulting people, think you need some professional help son.
61 jim // Nov 13, 2008 at 9:22 PM
wise done great at leeds and only ignorant fools who can see no wrong in keegone cant see hes done great for us-i mean the blokes trying his hardest even now! scouting french under 21’s etc, always on the lookout for us-if we had only given it time instead of taking keegans side-agreed, he had a massive point, but compromise was the answer not to run away,was in it solely for the millions! he feared the challenge after a few games u could tell by his face and comments-he wanted out and waited for his chance-then seen the pound signs and took it! anyway get Ranger and Sammeobi on the bench! sell owen-hes old wood-we need the youths-like mike ashley and wise were planning for the long term! and tell me this-why did keegan say to the fans he couldnt get them in the top 5 or higher and tell them it would take a few years to progress-only to spit the dummy out in his first full season? because he didnt want to wait-just like us-he wants instant success-so he contradicted what HE said in his press conference!
62 wsq // Nov 13, 2008 at 9:40 PM
i don’t believe this article,
i’d believe it if he had went to man utd or arsenal or chelsea not us.
63 Bakerman // Nov 13, 2008 at 10:34 PM
What does a semite refer to CHUCK?
64 Ado // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:48 PM
AO = chocolate starfish!! complete garbage. Every manager has confirmed that managing the Toon is unique. Get your facts right before you come on here spouting your tripe.
65 Grae_NZ // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Ed.
Shouldn’t we have a code of conduct regarding posting articles that aren’t related to the subject?
AO may be right – in the wrong place -
Could you please add a note at the top stating no parallel discussions – take note of the subject and do a separate one on that subject?
Could we get Marguerite to do the statement?
Great Riposte Marguerite – “febrile” absolute quality post!!
Thanks,
66 CHUCK // Nov 13, 2008 at 11:54 PM
bakerman
a memberof any of the peoples descended from Shem.
A member of any of a groupof peoples of southwestern Asia, chifly represented by the Jews and Arabs.
But an “anti semite ” is a common term used to refer to those who are anti Jewish .
You smart ass punk.
67 Losing the love of Premierleague // Nov 14, 2008 at 12:41 AM
AO hates himself, its obvious. I bet he wakes up every morning, looks at himself in the mirror and is disgusted. Thats why he wants to put others down. Piss off to your own blogs mate. This is for newcastle fans ok? oh shit hang on….can you read this? I forgot, you are probably retarded. Its ok, just get your helper to aid you.
68 fredydownunder // Nov 14, 2008 at 3:43 AM
hey dudes i think we will be alright. i would like to see bassong in front of cappaca.
69 Norway // Nov 14, 2008 at 4:03 AM
If he’s good enough, then he’s old enough.
70 hunwick mags // Nov 14, 2008 at 9:15 AM
AO ….. if as you say mags spend all there time on Quote “sad message boards” what does that make YOU ?????? What all that has to do with Nile Ranger escapes me !!!!
71 Michael // Nov 14, 2008 at 5:41 PM
Give the lad a chance, 15 goals already this season for the reserves is wikid, bring him on for last 20 minutes against wigan am sure us toon fans will get behind if he comes on to make his debut.
72 London Mag // Nov 14, 2008 at 11:00 PM
AO, please move onto another site and spew your bile. “NUFC are unknown outside of these shores.” Are you aware that this is a US blog!!!
Why is it we infuriate supporters of some of the other clubs. Probably because we are massive even though we haven’t won owt for donkeys.
In regard to Ranger, I agree that at some stage this season he should be exposed to the first eleven, but gradually and not fully. He’s a big lad, but is not ready for full blown exposure. As for Sammy, he’s 6′2″ tall but like a stick insect, he’s only 16 years old and is not yet physically up to playing in the first eleven. It would be silly to throw him into the deep end. Nile is slightly different, he has explosive pace, and is likely to be a handfull, even at seventeen.
73 Len // Nov 15, 2008 at 3:45 AM
Rem, correct, play him and either way we lose. If some cb kicks his lights out his confidence gone for years. If he does well delusions of being Shearer set in and we have another Dyer. Follow Wenger and bring him on slowly. Only first team appeaance should be in cup against lower league sides.
74 Yorkie // Nov 15, 2008 at 7:29 AM
That posting by AO is an article by Martin Samuel that was published in the Times months ago. Samuel is renowned for writing articles just to get a reaction. This bloke’s obviously just trying the same thing. Don’t give him the satisfaction.
75 Heavy hitters // Nov 16, 2008 at 6:44 PM
Enjoy reading all the hype Nile because when you do get you’re chance and have one poor game all the “Championship at best comments will surface”. A good player and I do watch him but I also remember watching Chopra at 17 and thought he was going to be a world beater. I dont feel he’s ready yet but is certainly one for the future !
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