Michael Owen was interviewed on nufcTV yesterday, and he says he is looking forward again to playing with 20 year-old Andy Carroll up front.
Michael Owen – captain appreciative of fans’ support
Michael told nufcTV yesterday:
“I appreciate the reception I have had from fans. They are a big part of this club, more so than any other and all the lads are indebted to them for showing their support.”
“Me more than anyone, right from the start, when I first signed.”“Despite some troubled times, it has been good since. Fantastic to get their backing, I think they realize I have not said I want to go.”
“I will fight for the cause, just like I did last season when we had a bit of a battle at the bottom.”
“I have been sick of the constant speculation since I got here. I am quite pleased because the announcement has stopped some of it. In that respect it seems to have done the trick.”
There is a news story in the Daily Express this morning that Man City have a verbal agreement with Michael, that he will join them in the summer, but we don’t know how true that story is, probably not very – hopefully not very true.
Owen will be partnered again today, against West Ham, by 20 year-old 6’4″ Andy Carroll up front, because of injuries to our other strikers Shola Ameobi, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, the youngster is being given his chance.
The Newcastle captain will be helping the youngster through a difficult test in the next couple of games, but Andy has good raw skill and a big physical presence up front, and we think he can give the West Ham defense all they can handle this afternoon.
The 20-year-old has provided plenty of amusement on the training ground this week with a new braided hairstyle, but Owen knows he has more serious things to worry about this afternoon.
He explained:
“He’s good. If you are going to use the phrase rough diamond, it probably suits him. He is fantastic at certain aspects and needs to brush up on certain aspects. But he knows that and the coaches know that.”
“Everone will try to help him improve his game. Certain parts, you think he has a real future and then certain parts let him down. If he can brush up in those areas, then great.”
“He was a handful away at Hull and is a handful for any defender. At home it is a different matter because you get more of the ball.”
“Everyone knows his hold up play and link play need improving and at home, that is where that part of the game gets tested. I will try to help him along the way.”
And Michael laughed at Andy’s new haircut, and said he was having one himself yesterday, but nothing like the braided haircut Andy had on his 20th birthday.
Michael said:
“I said to him I would refuse to play with him if we are selected together for Saturday’s game, it’s pretty dammed poor” 😀
Th haircut has brought some light relief this week with the players in training, and Michael said he will get his haircut (he said it will be an ordinary one) – so look out today for the hairstyles of both our attacking pair up front, but much more important than that – let’s hope they bang in a few goals.
Howay The Lads!!
16 comments so far
bobbynufc
Jan 10, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Comment #1first
Ian
Jan 10, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Comment #2Thanks for the support?? Tongue in cheek I think. At least we know he will play to impress his next targeted club and try and keep fit for the rest of the season, if he injures again or goes off form he will be either unemployed at the end of the season or working for very little (by his standards).
Shanghaitoon
Jan 10, 2009 at 10:51 AM
Comment #3I don’t really care what their hair looks like as long as they bang in some much needed goals today!!
simon376
Jan 10, 2009 at 10:52 AM
Comment #4He is still our player, we should still give him support and backing. Also think it shows it rubbish in the papaers today. He may still leave and to be honest, I would if I were him, but while he’s here, get behind him and watch him score for us. He will get at least one today
Chris F
Jan 10, 2009 at 11:13 AM
Comment #5why would he only make a ‘verbal’ agreement, when he is now legally able to sign a proper pre-contract agreement?
sorry, but that daily express story is a load of utter tosh.
Joe Aussie
Jan 10, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Comment #6Michael Owen says “I have been sick of the constant speculation since I got here”.Well what has he done exactly to stem that speculation? He hardly ever makes a statement that puts the record straight,he just lets the rumours roll on and then has a bitch about it.
Ericles
Jan 10, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Comment #7All we want Michael is a concrete and sincere public assurance to us, the fans who pay you in the final analysis, that you really want to stay at NUFC and play your balls off for Toon. Not much to ask? Save the cotton wool for your ears when we play the mackems, eh?
Chris G
Jan 10, 2009 at 11:50 AM
Comment #8I’m a bit worried that Andy Carroll is in the starting eleven, to be honest
I think Michael described him quite well –
“If you are going to use the phrase rough diamond, it probably suits him. He is fantastic at certain aspects and needs to brush up on certain aspects”
“Certain parts, you think he has a real future and then certain parts let him down”
“Everyone knows his hold up play and link play need improving and at home, that is where that part of the game gets tested”
So I’m just wondering why Michael is looking forward to playing with him in such a vital game.
CLINT FLICK
Jan 10, 2009 at 11:53 AM
Comment #9Haven’t we got anyone else who can start?
& stick him on at the end.
GeorgeO
Jan 10, 2009 at 12:05 PM
Comment #10FCUK OFF OWEN.
Toon Graeme
Jan 10, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Comment #11You have got to start somewhere. Lay off the lad and give him the chance.
I dont think NUFC supporters will be happy unless we have mega huge cash names.
Not gonna hapen.
Chris G
Jan 10, 2009 at 12:24 PM
Comment #12Joe Aussie – G’day mate, nice post
ps. I’m in Melbourne – are we neighbours?
Gallowgate 83
Jan 10, 2009 at 3:54 PM
Comment #13All this “Owen should say blah, blah, blah” or “Owen owes us loyalty”, etc is complete and utter garbage. He owes us nothing! At the end of the day he is a professional footballer, you know, these lads just look after themselves and their families, much like we do when we are offered new jobs or promotion, i.e. WE TAKE THE OFFER IF IT’S BETTER THAN WE ARE GETTING NOW (or most of us do). And another thing, why should MO have to constantly deny stories linking him away? He’d never be out the papers if he was to deny everything! Some people need to get a grip and realise that MO will look out for MO. Good luck to the lad, scored some great goals for us and to an extent, kept us up last season. If he leaves, so be it. Get over it.
timo - singapore
Jan 10, 2009 at 6:22 PM
Comment #14i really feel the whole gameplay and vision is lacking. passing is only one way, i don’t know if it’s the players or the way the coaches have been training, but we are definitely missing attacking prowess, as compared to the days where we had the brilliance of asprilla, brilliance of ferdinand, or even robert.
oh well. at least we didn’t lose in 2009 yet.
Gallowgate 83
Jan 10, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Comment #15timo – singapore – you’ve just proven a point I’ve been making for years. The fact that a lot of supporters still haven’t moved on from the era of tino, sir les and robert. this is and the fact that keegan is still wanted at management level is a major, major hold back of NUFC. Forever looking back, never looking forward…
ScottishMagPie
Jan 10, 2009 at 10:42 PM
Comment #16I’m glad owen apprciates our support but lets hope he shows how appriciative he is by signing a new contract if not at least score us enough goals to keep us up this season