Newcastle target for the last 12 months, the highly-rated Norwegian midfield player, 21 year-old (he is 22 tomorrow) Per Ciljan Skjelbred, still wants to join the Tyneside club he has supported since he was a boy.
Per Ciljan Skjelbred – still keen to join Newcastle
That’s despite the disastrous drop into the Championship, and that’s something we like to hear and it will give the Newcastle fans a little lift – once a Newcastle fan – always a Newcastle fan.
And it’s these type of players, who want to play at the club, because of the club itself, and its legendary fan base, are players we need to bring in during the summer.
And sources close to the player have suggested he would even turn down the chance of Premier League football with Sunderland, or nay other club for that matter, to fulfil his ambition of playing at Newcastle.
The Norwegian international is interesting new Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, while Tottenham, Fulham and Italian club Torino, are also interested in the youngster.
The Evening Chronicle is reporting today that Alan Shearer, who has been virtually ignored by the ever-increasing weirdness of owner Mike Ashley, and is said to be still interested in the hard-working Rosenborg playmaker. Shearer is likely to follow up that interest should he finally be given the Newcastle job.
But if he is handed the job soon, the question will why the hell wasn’t Alan appointed earlier before a lot of his tergets have gone?
But in truth we’ve lost all confidence in Mike Ashley, who appears to be being even spiteful, by his conduct of the last couple of weeks. It’s not the fault of Newcastle fans that he’s lost £150M or whatever, it’s his own incompetence at the Newcastle club which caused that.
The Evening Chronicle is now reporting that Shearer has not missed out on five potential new signings because of the stalemate at St James’ Park, but Skjelbred, like Jermaine Beckford at Leeds United, is prepared to play the waiting game for Newcastle and Shearer.
How long will Ashley be allowed to screw up the club becomes a very good question right now.
Skjelbred was born in Trondheim, Norway on June 16th, 1987, and has been capped for the Norwegian U-16, U-17, U-18, U-19, U21, and he has played 8 times for Norway with a single International goal. The youngster has played 112 times for the Rosenburg club scoring 15 goals.
In October 2007, Per Ciljan Skjelbred was named as one of the world’s 50 biggest talents by Italian football magazine Guerin Sportivo.
A source close to the Norwegian 21-year-old told the Chronicle from Rosenborg today:
“He is unconcerned about Newcastle’s relegation, as he’s certain they’ll be back up in the Premier League after only one season in the Championship.”
“And he is hoping to get to play for Alan Shearer, who is one of his heroes.”
“There was talk of a move to Sunderland, but he has his heart set on Newcastle. If he doesn’t go to Newcastle, he is unlikely to sign for their greatest rivals.”
The Norwegian’s wage demands would be minuscule compared to the high earners and low producers at the club right now.
In fact, the Chronicle today is saying that Skjelbred wants no more than £8K/week, which we may even be able to afford, given our current circumstances.
The transfer fee for this play-making midfielder would be around £5M, and the boy wants to come – so let’s sign him – please!
There were significant rumors that Newcastle were all set to sign the youngster last September 1st, and the deal had been arranged.
But because of the Xisco, Gonzalez, Wise earthquake with Kevin Keegan on that Monday, we understand the plug was pulled on the Norwegian deal, and the lad was more than a little upset at that time that he wasn’t joining the Magpies.
Let’s break our deadlock of doing nothing for the last 3 weeks, and sign this boy!
Comments welcome.
48 responses so far ↓
1 dougnufc // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:35 PM
Takeover…Sign Shearer…Sign this lad!!!
2 sirjasontoon // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:41 PM
No to Shearer he couldn’t manage a chip shop.
3 Phillippe Alberrrrrrrt // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:41 PM
I hate these player rumours – nothing will change until the club is sold. Ashley is quite happy to set us down the league 1 river. Did anybody else read the filth that Llambias sent out in the season renewal packs?? ‘Newcastle have had a good 16 year stay in the premiership’ patronising f****r it’s as if we should shrug off relegation because we’ve had a good run!!
4 Toon Graeme // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Phillipe – Aye mate I read that and said pretty much the same thing.
Didnt stop me from signing up for another year – roll on 8th August – lets hope we have a home match to start the season. I think that would raise spirits – whoever is in charge.
5 Phillippe Alberrrrrrrt // Jun 15, 2009 at 2:55 PM
Graeme – You’re a better bloke than I am! I read it and thought there’s no way on this earth i’m giving you £600 until you sell up and ship out mate. I will never forget his smug look at the hull game – I still believe they engineered a relegation and they’re doing their upmost to engineer a second one
6 AussieToon // Jun 15, 2009 at 3:00 PM
I must say I love this kid.
He is one of us and if he does arrive at St.James’ Park, he should be given a special welcome.
We don’t have many that would go to teh lenghts of coming to this football club like this boy.
Just wish Alan would be signed up and some signings and selling can be done.
Not long till season starts.
7 AndyT // Jun 15, 2009 at 3:10 PM
What the hell can we do to get these idiots out of our club?! Can we write a letter to the FA??
8 RyanToon // Jun 15, 2009 at 3:19 PM
skjlebred would be a top signing
9 Macas35 // Jun 15, 2009 at 3:24 PM
Might be a daft question, but is this kid actually any good?
10 Partizan // Jun 15, 2009 at 3:49 PM
Too bad i didnt get the chance to speak with this lad on June the 6th when they played Macedonia.
He went to bed at 10 pm unlike John Carew and Pedersen who stayed till 12.30 am and had a nice conversation with those 2.
I asked Pedersen if Skjelbred is a good player….he told me”Skjelbred is more inteligent than our whole midfield put together.
Well can’t really blame him for that,can i?!
11 lesh // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:07 PM
Bd’s Q….. “but if he is handed the job soon, the question will why the hell wasn’t Alan appointed earlier before a lot of his tergets have gone?”
My A…. Could it be that Al said he’d flush out Ashley’s intentions for the club and did. Ergo, MA don’t trust him and won’t appoint him.
In short, Ashley’s was fund oot!
12 lesh // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:08 PM
Bd’s Q = Ed’s Question!
13 Partizan // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Tomorow is his birthday
14 Rangerman // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:19 PM
The Chronicle’s sources had him as a done deal in January if Kinnear was still here which turned out to be b0llocks, ditto last Summer.
3 windows running the Chronicle have been pushing this story now and still people believe it.
15 Rangerman // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:22 PM
I would be interested in hearing who these targets are that Shearer has missed out on, because unless it’s Kaka or Gareth Barry then it looks more like propaganda by the local rags to fire the fans up to try and put more pressure on the club to give Shearer the job.
16 Partizan // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:29 PM
Ranger…..Shearer will get the job with or without the pressure,and Mike will be gone by then.
17 Whumpie // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Interesting theory, lesh. I hope it’s wrong, but I can’t think of much evidence except Big Al’s silence on the issue. If he has fallen out with Ashley, he’d have said something by now.
I’m with Toon Graeme – I’m just hoping that things are actually happening in the background and that it’s legal and financial constraints – plus Ashley’s unbelievable lack of communications skills – which are keeping things mushroom-like.
Does anyone know of any players we’ve been after but who have signed elsewhere? Until that starts happening I’m grimly clinging to the hope that these guys are all ready to sign.
18 boater // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:35 PM
@Macas35 // Jun 15, 2009 at 3:24 PM
“Might be a daft question, but is this kid actually any good?”
That is a daft question.
An un-named source in a re-hashed story claims the brother of his agent overheard him saying something about supporting Newcastle over 10 years ago.
Is that not good enough for you lad? At least join in with the rest of us seeing it as more ammunition to mount vitriolics against Ashley …. who by the way is TRYING OPENLY to sell the club for the SECOND TIME.
What more can he do at the moment to move things along? I’m curious.
19 waddler // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:35 PM
l don’t know how good this lad is but if we had 20 or so players with his attitude we would be in Europe next season and not the championship.
20 Rangerman // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:40 PM
Ranger…..Shearer will get the job with or without the pressure,and Mike will be gone by then.
…….
I think you’re missing the point.
The papers are trying to force Ashley to appoint Shearer now, not when someone else comes in and Ashley has left.
21 Whumpie // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:46 PM
boater: he could tell us what the hell is going on, for a start.
22 GatesheadMag // Jun 15, 2009 at 4:52 PM
No.1 will sign for us until ashley leaves or we have a manager. I mean whos going to release the funds, and who has singled out a player to sign at the minute? Cant believe that were getting linked with loads of players!!
23 Toon_Factor // Jun 15, 2009 at 5:05 PM
Ed- “once a Newcastle fan – always a Newcastle fan.”
Unfortunatly I was deepley sad to see one of my close friends stop supporting Newcastle as soon as the final whistle blew v Aston Villa- Now a Sunderland supporter ! True story! But I guess some people are like that
24 GatesheadMag // Jun 15, 2009 at 5:13 PM
Cant believe you said friend. Shouldnt that be ‘former friend’. The scum, was never a true Newcastle fan then was he?
25 jim // Jun 15, 2009 at 5:46 PM
Ed-nice header pic change mate-get Gascoine and Waddle on and ya sorted! haway- u cant leave Gazza out mate! one of our own! and waddler!
26 Stardust // Jun 15, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Boater “What more can he do at the moment to move things along? I’m curious.”
They say he MUST give it away apparently – like he owes that lot a dam thing.
27 Mexes // Jun 15, 2009 at 6:58 PM
Im from Norway, and i’ve been watching Skjelbred in every national game and many games for Rosenborg. This kid is gold. Plays with passion and doesnt stop until the final whistle blows. He played a poor game for Rosenborg later the same day we lost at villa park, and u could see the dissapointment in his face. He looked absolutely gutted! He made several comments after the game, about how tough it was for him to see Newcastle go down!
He needs to be signed up asap, before any other big club comes in for him.
28 ToonRy // Jun 15, 2009 at 7:04 PM
jim
but waddler is a pr*ck tho cannit put him on nd not bovad bowt gascgoine i wud put keegans entertainers up mixed with bobbys entertainers
29 jim // Jun 15, 2009 at 7:21 PM
toon wry-i disagree- Waddle WAS an entertainer! One of the very best and first! An eighties’ Ginola! He could turn a game with his runs down the wing and dip n curl crosses and goals-he helped us get promoted ! He scored loads every season-and gazza was the best young talent to ever come from the region……
30 punk skunk... // Jun 15, 2009 at 7:44 PM
jim,
a friend of mine, who is Roma thru & thru, actually told me the other day that he thought Gazza( a former Lazio player, Roma’s arch rivals) was the greatest english footballer ever…Make of that what you will…
…Gazza’s mush would be a worthy addition…Regardless of his divvy personality!..
31 CcB // Jun 15, 2009 at 7:49 PM
In Norway he is famous for throwing up during games… true story!
Big talent, great workrate.
32 KevinHann // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:01 PM
The vision we have about this player is exactly what we need right now – even if it costs say 5mil.
Though whether the vision we have is true or it has been manipulated by the papers is another matter. He is our fan? Why don’t I see an interview with him saying that then? He is prepared to wait and even turn down Sunderland for us – who claims this but our local papers?
33 madman67 // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:12 PM
punk skunk – totaslly agree with ya about gazza, a grt player whilst at toon, always prefered watching him to waddle.
nd the way he played up to the corner in late 80,s was so funny nd a joy to watch mate. was there at the infamous vinnie ball crushers game, class image that 1 lol. truly a grt geordie footballer, without doubt.
34 jim // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:17 PM
punk skunk-exactly what i was on about mate-famous great Newcastle United players…..
35 punk skunk... // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:44 PM
Madman & jim,
…That’s what i’m talkin’ about!..
…Pure skill, class & entertainment…World beater,
in anyones book-Surely!..
36 punk skunk... // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:47 PM
Interestin’ mexes,
ta for thaat!..
37 punk skunk... // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:47 PM
That
38 Lasse // Jun 15, 2009 at 9:58 PM
KevinHann
Trust me, he is a BIG fan of Newcastle.
He was interviewed the day after we were relegated and he was heartbroken.
By the way he makes around 12-15K in Norway, no way would he accept 8K in Newcastle.
£3-3,5M should be enough to get him.
39 LoonyToony // Jun 15, 2009 at 10:18 PM
Lads an Lasses,
Have we all made a nice little donation to Sir Ed Harrisons site?
40 CcB // Jun 15, 2009 at 10:24 PM
Lasse:
Surely he’s on 12-15K a month, not a week…?
8K a week would be a big payrise for him.
41 Norwegian_geordie // Jun 16, 2009 at 8:02 AM
I urged to sign this player in an article on NUFCBLOG about a month ago.
He’s been a true Geordie all his life.
I do however believe 5 mill is a bit high, considering I think we had an offer in for him when Keegan left, for about 1 mill or so. The transfer deal broke down as we all know, and Keegan left…
However how wierd this sounds… I don’t think I’ve ever been as optimistic about Newcastle as I am at the moment. Considering the circumstances we’re in, I know, it’s ludacris.. But I just can’t help from thinking, from now on it can be only one way for NUFC. And that way is up, up and beyond!!
Howay the lads!
42 balubas1 // Jun 16, 2009 at 10:26 AM
As some others here I am from Norway.. Have been a big time Newcastle and Rosenborg supporter all my life.
Questions about Skjelbreds abilities should be answered: He is NOT Premier League standard YET when it comes to physical presence. Also his shooting could be better. Where he definately does not come out short is cleverness and teamplay. Short passing in tight situations and a great workrate (also off the ball movement) is some of his greatest strengths. Also, he is a dedicated professional, not very unlike Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. No nonsense off-pitch. Like someone here mentioned… he goes to bed early, where the other teammembers would stay up late having their coctails.
He doesnt have the ability to lift Newcastle straight away, but would be a great addition to the squad if we are looking for a box to box midfielder. (who doesnt?)
He plays with his heart, and never gives up. True warrior.
43 Sav // Jun 16, 2009 at 1:33 PM
Its great that this lad is a fan. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if his Ma has a chipshop on Westgate Road or what. % million is a lot of dosh we probably don’t have. Is he that good?
44 Tom_Toon // Jun 16, 2009 at 1:36 PM
Rumours wee Keegan pulled the plug because he didnt want him, not because he left.
£5mil to too much to pay for him when we’re in the championship, but really, anything to get Nolan out of central midfield.
45 balubas1 // Jun 16, 2009 at 1:44 PM
we wont have to pay £5 mill for him. i reckon a fee between £1 – £3,5 million will be accepted by rosenborg
46 DJG // Jun 16, 2009 at 1:47 PM
We should sign him. I mean come on he’s young, a playmaker and WANTS to come not just for money. We need to sign and keep Shearer long term and let him start building for the long term with players the calibre of Skjelbred and Campbell and Ranger.
47 Incentino // Jun 16, 2009 at 2:04 PM
Umm, I have one thing to add about Skjelbred tho. See, I’m from the same town as him and we both support the same teams.
In Norway, you often support two teams: one Norwegian one and one foreign one (most often English). Skjelbred has played for Rosenborg since he was 15/16. Rosenborg is his favorite club besides Newcastle – it’s the club in our town.
Rosenborg participate in Champions League about every season… See where I’m going with this?
If you have further questions about Skjelbred, I’ll be more than happy to respond, considering I watch him live about every week.
48 Tom_Toon // Jun 16, 2009 at 4:21 PM
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