There seems to be a lot of activity in the transfer market ahead of the January opening of the next transfer window.
Mobido Maiga – will be first through the door in early January
News yesterday that Mobido Maiga of Sochaux was in London for his medical, and it seems if there are hitches then he will become a Newcastle player in early January.
The Newcastle Board – read Ashley and LLambias - seem to have made a nice recovery from the disaster of August 31st when the deal to bring Maiga to Newcastle fell through at the last moment, and this bodes well for January.
It was good to see that Newcastle have also gone after West Ham’s 22 year-old center-back James Tompkins, and while I was watching the Hammers game at Reading on Saturday, I was thinking what a good player he would be at Newcastle.
And looking through our archives there was a report out last February that Pardew could be interested in the 22 year-old England U21 defender, and of course Alan will know a lot about him from his contacts at the London club he used to manage.
Pardew had said he was tipped off about how good Demba Ba was at West Ham earlier this year, although the Senegal striker’s record of 7 goals in 13 games, for a relegation side, told you that he was a very good striker.
And there’s news that Newcastle have even opened negotiations to bring left-back Taye Taiwo to Newcastle on loan in January, but we don’t know if that bit has been made up.
The story yesterday was that Taiwo is very unhappy at not getting many games at Milan, whom he joined as a free agent in the summer, and Newcastle were certainly interested in the former Marseilles player, and of course he’s also an excellent left full-back.
And with Danny Simpson not wanting to sign his new improved contract at Newcastle, the emphasis will be on bringing in another full-back in January, and of course we also need a center-back.
If we can do that next month, and also bring in Maiga, that will have been a decent transfer window for Newcastle, and then we would look to Newcastle to bring in more good players over the summer, even if they are unknown commodities.
Newcastle will be able to bring in more players because it seems that a number of squad players will leave Newcastle this summer.
Those to leave the club will likely include Alan Smith, Peter Lovenkrands, James Perch, Nile Ranger, Danny Simpson, Tamas Kadar and of course Kazenga LuaLua, who will join Brighton on a permanent basis next month, with the terms already agreed.
We could see as many as six players coming in over the summer, in addition to the three we expect to come through the door in January.
We have great faith in Graham Carr and the scouting staff at Newcastle, and we believe the Magpies will have a much stronger squad come next September – and that has to be very promising for the Newcastle club and for us fans too. 
Comments welcome.
NUFC News 24/7
104 responses so far ↓
1 Klatoon // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:22 AM
Heard Arsenal may try to scupper the Taiwo deal with Andre Santos set for a long spell out with his injury.
2 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:39 AM
Think you can add some of the players linked in the summer also! Cissokho, Pieters, Clyne…. Wouldn’t be shocked if we were still interested in Erdinc aswell because we will still be short of strikers if ranger and mcloven go! Personally I expect us to spend 20m on 4 players! But I expect us to sell Tiote for 25m!
3 cyprus // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Ed,
In form Sammy? Why that title? It’s not as if he scored or contributed drastically to any game. Ok, he didn’t fall on his face, he can control a ball (frankly, I’d expect that from a pro, I can do that too!), but still we need to see a lot more to justify anything more than ‘squad player’. I’m not saying he won’t be a shining star, just that he hasn’t done it yet. Now, on this post, hope this Maiga guy is a very good footballer and can make a difference, 15 goals as he did last year will do nicely. Shame if Simpson goes, he’s been solid throughout, helped us get promoted, and looked a proper right back following disastrous spells there from the 2 Taylors
4 Graeme // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:43 AM
To me, the biggest worry in January is not who’s coming in – it more about who they are going to cash in on!!!!
If they do an “Andy Carroll” in the last 10 mins of the window for maybe Tiote, Krull, just how do they expect the team to flourish and get into Europe??
I hope we see a real display of AMBITION from FCB and his merry men with NO first team players leaving but some strength being added to improve what we have.
Roll on January 31st!!!!
5 cyprus // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Jay,\
hope we hold on to Tiote mate. Not easy to find a replacement of that calibre
6 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:44 AM
Just a note, following on from a previous poster commenting on Blackburn – Both Junior Hoilett and Christoph Samba’s contracts are up in the summer….heard Pards mention how good samba is a bunch of seperate occasions! Our side would be immense with those 2 and Maiga! Think we’ll sign a right midfielder as Marveaux is left sided anyway and Obertan literally is the only choice out there currently!”
7 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:52 AM
@jay photo
we showed real ambition in the summer by giving waste of time space money SHOLA AMEOBI a new contract in the summer
i know guthrie was not as good then, but he deserved a new contract
8 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:55 AM
cyprus – on Sammi. You are right.. he is very green and hasn’t had his ‘breakthrough’ game yet. Having said that he has scored more than Ober this season and looks more threatening with the ball at his feet, it’s not as if he’s keeping nobby Solano out the side whilst he cuts his teeth.
On Simpson – agreed. I don’t think fans appreciate someone doing an able job each week for the team- the Playstation warrior mentality. As you say – we were all over the shop at RB for a long time.
9 LGFUAD21 // Dec 14, 2011 at 10:55 AM
Carroll for Tiote would be ridiculous. Ba is a much more skilled striker. And just the principle of Carroll leaving.
The problem with Obertan is he does all those pointless step overs and the like which most defenders can now deal with. He basically buys time to stay still. Really wish Marveaux hadnt been injured
10 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:02 AM
Indian Magpie – You and your personal prejudice again. ‘Waste of space’? That’s disgraceful talk. Shame.
11 LGFUAD21 // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:05 AM
Shola deserved a contract extension purely for his character. He wasnt signed up for his ability, I think he and the manager both know that the days of him playing a full 90 are pretty much over, however, I have heard nothing but good things about the mans impact and influence in training.
And he looked decent at times against norwich
12 Graeme // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:09 AM
LGFUAD21 – agree, would much sooner have Torres from Chelski.
Once Torres feels the love of the TOON ARMY he will regain his confidence and start banging them in for fun. After 12 months FCB can cash him in for megga bucks and buy a few more great players with the profit!!!
13 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:13 AM
LGF – Really? He has tonnes of ability, hardly a lame duck and lasted 90 min’s against Norwich fine. Goal against spurs, shot against chelsea, assist against norwich just from this season. It’s not 90mins -it’s 2 or 3 games in a row which is the issue.
14 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:13 AM
so shola ameobi is the new Gerd Muller and i am not allowed to have an opinion
15 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:25 AM
Indian Magpie – Except it’s not your opinion, it’s a line that you’re repeating- nay flogging to death. It’s a platitude. Transference. Prejudice- unable to assimilate data intelligently. Jaundice. Call it what you want. It’s not an opinion.
16 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:26 AM
So lots of activity hey? Obertan out, Simmo out, Shola out, Smith out, Perch out, who else that we know off..
17 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:29 AM
Ah Indian Magpie – everyone is allowed an opinion, its just that your seem to be ill thought out and mostly attacks on players.
If anyone disagrees you take the huff and accuse people of having vendettas against you.
I personally have backed Shola on here a number of times and will stand by my man…he has given us more than Ben Arfa (the second coming as he is deemed on here by many) this season and loves the club passionately.
18 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:30 AM
Indian & Boater:
Now play nice chaps! LOL Perhaps Indian Magpie hasnt seen the likes of Billy Whitehurst / Frank Pingel to understand the real meaning of ‘waste of space’……………
19 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:30 AM
I funking hate that’ ooh he’s not Messi’. It’s like taking your lass to Mcdonalds for an anniversary, and when she complains, say ‘what you want, the ritz?’.. have you heard of something called middle ground?
He’s not Gert Muller, he’s someone who comes in and out as part of the bigger squad picture, assists/scores/holds up the ball and helps the team get points.
20 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:31 AM
“I personally have backed Shola on here a number of times and will stand by my man…he has given us more than Ben Arfa”
HAHAHAHAHHHAAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
Wait a second HAHAHHAHHAHAAHHAAHHAAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH…
ofcoarse he has ….he has been at the club for an eternity….HBA just needs one more week of playing we would have done more…..
What I am sorry to say STUPID comment….
21 toonincheek // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Indian Magpie – you are allowed your opinion (even if you are wrong)
And so are others (especially when they are right)
And so am I.
22 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:34 AM
Gorgonzola you moron my qoute about shola included the words “this season”. Perhaps trying to read whole sentances would help.
Perhaps yoou perhaps need to rethink who made the stupid comment.
23 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:34 AM
boater can you please expalin this as part of your comment #19
“helps the team get points”
24 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:35 AM
First of all…. I am not a moron…
second of all… if I am a moron you are a the pit of the sceptic tank…
my comment still stands as AMEOBI pretty much sees MORE GAMES and playing time than a lad that desperately needs it…
games like Norwich for example…. where Ameobi was a bit…slooooowww….
25 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:36 AM
putting HBA and Shola in the same bracket is blasphemy,
here we go again
26 WWJBD // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:36 AM
Oh joyus another thread bashing our players…wonderful support
27 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:37 AM
I bet a month afer fracturing his leg HBA cd have dome more than shola
28 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:37 AM
Idnian Magpie…m8 I really do wonder what goes through these peoples minds….
29 WWJBD // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Shola has done more for NUFC than HBA this season
30 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:38 AM
Gorgonzola – you’re another one. You spent the whole weekend ranting and raving on here about all the players you hate. Calm doon lad.
31 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:38 AM
I know gorgonzola
32 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:39 AM
can’t knock shola! Hes put himself on the line for newcastle and played through the pain barrier more than a few times! He’s scored some important goals, and is the consumate professional off the field! You need a few players in the dressing room that know what it is to play for newcastle and shola is 1 of them! I wouldn’t ever want to see him be 1 of our top 2 strikers, but i’d always have a place for him in our squad as a number 4 striker! Plus, if he left, you know he’d haunt us everytime we came up against him!
33 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:40 AM
In fact I will not take this further as I can clearly see there is no common sense about even arguing about Shola..
( Although I know why people defend him now he saved us 2 points vs spurs and now he is purged of all the crap he has caused us season in and out….)
I do agree he is not complete waste of field space like Perch but he is on that end of the scale…..
You can say what you want its a free blog calling me a moron straight out is pathetic even though I think the whole of the football fraternity knows that HBA cannot be put near Ameobi on almost every level…I just cant believe I am hearing this
34 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:40 AM
toon in cheek
opinions are subjective no right or wrong there
35 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:40 AM
Gorgonzola – Oh and my dad is bigger than your dad.
I wasnt expecting any form of apology but neither did I expect petty name calling.
HBA is not getting game time as he does not currently warrant it.
His permormance against Chelsea was enough to see him get dragged off after 45 mins ie poor/lazy/selfish in my opinion..
Games like Norwich were Shola set up our 2nd goal – there is more to football than being quick my friend – its a team sport which Ben Arfa seems not quite grasp yet.
36 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:41 AM
Right.
Indian Magpie, on the naughty step.
Gorgonzola: 100 lines on ‘ I must learn to read the full comment before replying’.
For Gods sake lads man, chill ooot. Its not like Perch is playing central defence again on saturday against a big handy mobile strong target man.
What’s that you say? Danny Graham? Doh!
37 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:42 AM
i will give shola 10 out of 10. oh wait -10
38 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Japhoto so a player that tries hard but is utter crap you cannot knock…
How about this..I will put on the number 9 shirt this weekend I will try my heart out there I will break my lef in 9 places I will piss blod for my club….
but it doesnt make a diff…I am absolutely pathetically crap at playing pro football..
end of story.
39 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:44 AM
Indian Magpie – it is blasphemy. One has contributed over a number of years and one is just starting out.
WWWJBD got it spot on.. shola has contributed more this season alone, as much as we’d all like Arfa to do well in time.
40 Indian Magpie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:46 AM
Boater
one more goal and HBA will catch up, & shola is not as bad i agree he is worse
41 WWJBD // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:47 AM
Shola will always win this arguement for 1 very good reason no matter what his knockers say he is playing football and they are talking about it
Instant Shola victory
42 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:47 AM
“Games like Norwich were Shola set up our 2nd goal – there is more to football than being quick my friend – its a team sport which Ben Arfa seems not quite grasp yet.”
Yeah you are right man lets just sell HBA too in Jan if he is as bad as you say man he is pathetic…
LIsten man, really…. I have watched Ameobi since his damn debut and he is HORRIFIC at times… How can a good player of a good calibre bee put in the HORRIFIC bracket tell me…
The day I see HBA as horrific is will SHUT THE ***** UP then again horrific with the frequency of Shola is pretty hard.
Then again you are all titled to any opinion I will not argue that… to say that shola is done more than HBA …as I said .. of coarse it is HBA played 3 damn games or what…. Shola I will give him that sometimes is a good sub SOMETIMES…. Spurs game was one, then again in that shot could have been BA….
But to even entertain the idea with a cheeky comment with HBA…I am sorry I dont buy it…
43 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:49 AM
By the way you people seem to forget Norwich had injury woes of their own they where also missing they KEY CB…….
Shows how bad we really where….
44 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:50 AM
please dont take this the wrong way
indian
magpie but can you tell me a bit more abot your background ie how old you are, where you are from , why you support Newcastle.
Im just trying to get a handle on you as an individual…
45 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:50 AM
“is will SHUT THE ***** UP” sentence is meant to read I WILL…
46 toondra // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:50 AM
hi guys
it’s not fair to judge a player like ben arfa in such a little time after coming back from an injury
for example, he played 45 minutes quiet against chelsea, and now he is dropped, he has to play to find again sharpness.
And if 45 quiet minutes deserve a drop, what about ba at the beginning of the season, jonas most of time recently, don’t talk about obertan…
before judging a player, he must play some match ( and not against teams where you don’t have the ball), like for obertan
then you judge
47 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:52 AM
Gorgonzola/Indian – with all respect, you aren’t answering points just lots of huff and puff.
Like i said Indian, saying ‘shola is -10 out of 10′ is not an opinion, it’s an incredibly childish comment, not exactly searing football insight.
48 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Of coarse its not….Toondra
Unlike in Sholas case we know him for decades…..we all deep down know he is not the most capable lad there is….
49 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:54 AM
Indian Magpie and gorgonzola collective:
So Shola is not your favourite player and HBA is the nearest thing to Lionel Messi, Cruyff, Maradona and Pele rolled into one.
Player one plays through the pain barrier, goes in where it hurts and occasionally puts in a great shift, terrorising defences. Player two has had a few injuries, is prone to streaks of poor decision making, capable of wonder goals, and puts in the occasional world beating performance.
I defy you to correctly name player one and player two in that order. I rest my case, now get on with SUPPORTING your team you pair of dimwits.
50 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Boater….why? perhaps not -10 but a close 3….
when you give me after 10 years if HBA is still here this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PRyGLC8Qyc
come talk to me
51 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Gorgonzola – I have been around as long and would never claim Shola is a top draw striker. However several people better qualified than us ie Sir Bobby, KK and Pardew seem to rate him highly enough to retain him and extend his contract then he must be doing something well enough.
52 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:56 AM
I am supporting my team very wll Lynx …so hard that I dont want a player of Sholas “ability” in it…i want to win something….
53 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:58 AM
By the way, anyone using Norwich as a yardstick……
I have watched them for a few games recently (OK only on TV) but they played exceptionally well against Man utd at Old Trafford (should have had at least a point if not 3), at Anfield against Luckypool they should have won, and Arsenal were extremely lucky to get 3 points at Carrow Road. So we are not exactly shite becasue they beat us. A bit of rational thinking here guys…. Norwich are not a bad side. If it had been Blackburn or Bolton I would have been worried.
54 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Saving grace might just be that Maiga is coming we wont be seeing much of Shola so amen to that…. pointless arguing here you love Shola good luck to you…
55 toondra // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM
with maiga coming,
best ben arfa ba maiga shola ( and more) for two places
it will be ruff
56 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:00 PM
Never said that they where bad, but we PLAYED like shite..loosing possession as we always to too nervous on the ball I dont know we are like that…
57 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:01 PM
toondra – if you read back, the only ‘judging’ is courtesy of Indian/Gorgonzola’s daily player bashing daubings.
No one is writing Arfa off. He is a key player for the future but needs time, he still looks like luxury goods at the moment and the 4-4-1-1 doesn’t bring the best out of Ba. Tinkering and time and Arfa will shine hopefully.
58 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:02 PM
I think player bashing is pretty much when you put Ameobi and Arfa in one sentence you starter it….
59 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:02 PM
gorgonzola @52:
I would be delighted if we had a team winning things and if it happened that Shola was not in it, then thats fine. However, on CURRENT ability (not your fantasy Football Manager line up of Tevez, Messi, Ronaldo, etc) Shola is EFFECTIVE. Ask John Terry, who he gave a torrid time to last week. When someone better comes along, and they put in consistently good performances (thats the key: consistency, even t=for HBA) I have no doubt that natural selection will come into play……
60 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:04 PM
Maiga from what i have seen appears to better suited wide right.
now i dont claim to be a french football expert and im basing this on little bits i have seen and read.
Theres my disclaimer before i get ripped to shreds by the Dennis Wise types / budding Graham Carrs
61 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:07 PM
Just for the record, our lack of creativity is a result of our paper thin squad, and the drop in collective ability when our forst team players are out for any reason. Guthrie is no Tiote (played well recently but lets face facts), Gosling is yet to justify the hype, and Obertan is regularly showing us exactly why Sir Alex must have lost patience (or got rid of him to lower his blood pressure). When the defence is depleted, the midfield get overrun, and the strikers look lazy. The truth is out there, and it is that we are about 5 players short of having a squad capable of seeing the season out.
62 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:08 PM
selbymag LOL
63 gazza going fishing // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:10 PM
Is this a Football blog? Or politic’s? Everyone seem’s too have arguement’s with eatchother, and competions of who can come up with the longest, and best sounding word.
On subject I heard Tiote for Torres? I would have too say I would take Torres. If hypothetically his wages decreased.
Say that deal did go through (which it 99.99% won’t). Who would you’s lot want too replace the enforcer?
64 Toon-Barmy // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:11 PM
I reckon we probably need about 7 really good players in order to compete with the top sides. If Simpson does leave we will need a right-back. Steven Taylor’s injury means we need 2 centre-backs. The form of Obertan means we need a right-winger. Central midfield will also need strengthened, if Cabaye/Tiote are out we are only left with Gosling/Guthrie, and in my opinion they aren’t good enough and it seems Abied/Vuckic aren’t quite ready yet. And of course we need at least one striker.
If we are to get these new players in we will need to sell a few, here’s my list of players that could leave in january or next summer:
Lua-Lua
Xisco
Forster
Smith
Lovenkrands
Kadar
Ranger
Guthrie (Some may disagree but i don’t think he’ll get a new deal)
Simpson
Perch
Soderberg
Donaldson
Adjei
65 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Gorgonzola – No one is slagging Arfa off over here -or saying Shola is the greatest player ever, they are trying to show you your ‘opinions’ lack perspective.
An angry view will stop you from being reasonable. Hence, it’s not your opinion – it’s your prejudice, same as Indian.
66 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:12 PM
you lot need to lay off the youtube clips of Ben Arfa in france! He plays in the PL now and its clear to anyone he’s not adapted yet! Put in the worst performance of any toon player this season in the first half against chelsea, didn;t look like he could put a 5 yard pass together! He’s a talented lad, but so far he goes missing in games more times than not, I’ve no doubt he’s going to be a top top player but hes not played 10 premier league games yet, he still needs to adapt!
67 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:18 PM
SelbyMag – Maiga is a uptop player that will drift out to the flanks! Very similar to Ba, tho a lot stronger and drifts to the right rather than the left! Those 2 up top will be difficult for teams to handle! for those who haven’t seen Maiga, I have many times, he’s like nothing else in the premier league! He’s good with the ball at his feet and go past players, a bit like Ba, he’s tall but very strong with it, he’s hold up play is good and his work rate is excellent! He’s not the best in the air but not the worst! To be honest, his attributes are all 7.5 out of 10, he’s an allround player,
pace-7.5
strength-8
heading-7
workrate -8
teamwork-7.5
defensive set pieces – 7
Hope this helps anyone whos not seen him! Which is probs anyone whos not excited by his arrival! Gonna be a great player!
68 Sav // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:19 PM
Eric Pieters is crocked until Feb with a busted foot so that lets him out of the reckoning.
69 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:20 PM
were there not stories doing the rounds about us taking torres on loan.
this was a while ago but had half decent sources attached.
a loan deal with chelsea paying a decent % of his wages would make sense
70 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Jay
And guess.. what…
TELL THAT TO PARDEW…..
71 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:20 PM
Lynxie – spot on regards injuries to midfield. The makeshift defense was always going to be under pressure against norwich but I was amazed at how light-weight our midfield looked, no protection whatsoever. Guthrie’s absence – just as critical as the central defenders being out in the end.
72 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Cheers Jayphoto well rounded review thank you.
73 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:22 PM
Jay on the maiga thing from y9uor mouth to gods ears…
74 toondra // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:22 PM
english people you are really funny sometimes with your “not adapted to premier league”
ok it’s diffrent kind of football, but what do you think, french ligue 1 is really a lower level?
man u and man city away from CL, chelsea could have been out too, look at the engand team, please stop to think your the best league in the world.
75 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:23 PM
well said toondra..
guess who who passed the group in cl and who didnt…HAHHAHHA
and manure had the easiest group by far…what a joke..
76 toondra // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:23 PM
but it’s the most attractive football for me ( except barça)
77 Lynxie // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:24 PM
Lets get real here. Tiote is as good as gone. Despite running around in training looking as fit as ever (alledgedly, several first teamers have been privately mystified as to why he is not back in the team), he will mysteriously be ‘not quite ready’ again this week. I have no doubt that he will be in tip top condition for the ANC, free of injury, and prisine in the shop window of the January sales and I have no doubt it will emerge that terms have been agreed with Chelsea/Man Utd (delete as applicable). No doubt we wil replace him with a 3rd division prospect, or someone from the bargain bucket of ‘out of contract players’ (if we do actually replace him at all). Lambiarse will state publicly (with his fingers crossed behind his back all the while) that all of the money will go back into the team / club (depending upon if you were listening properly), and Mike will ker ching another 25 big ones into his trousers. Cynic? You bet. They have admitted lying to us previously…….
78 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:25 PM
To be honest I hope we wont be seeing shola again this season….but on another note….
we will need a RW ….. hope Pardew sees this atleast after the new year cause Obertan is doing my nutt in…….
79 toonincheek // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:26 PM
I don’t go much by any youtube videos of Ben Arfa in France, but just look again at the highlights of the Everton game last year – BA was outstanding.
Interesting that he was playing wide left in that game, yet now he’s seen as playing a free role behind a sole striker. He certainly has the ability to do that.
But give him a bit more time.
He is CLASS.
80 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:26 PM
Lynx…
yeah all my fears soon to be realised…..
and its …I will say it again Tiote goes …its not that we can get a another player in god forbid….but its a:
lack of ambition by this club period…..
81 Selbymag // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:27 PM
toondra – its a different type of football mate – more physical less time on the ball.
But to be honest how many of Frances top players have stayed in Ligue 1 over the years most have played in England and in the past France/Spain
82 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:28 PM
toondra – who said ‘better’? It is a quicker tempo league as Cabaye, Obertan and many other French players have said themselves. It is more physical, pitches are bigger and the season is longer. That all takes adapting to. No one said it is better.
83 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:30 PM
Gorgonzola – well I hope we won’t be seeing you again this season, but I know it isn’t going to happen.
84 Rotonda heights // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:31 PM
Lynxie,
You say another 25m. Do you have any concrete evidence or proof he’s actually take a penny out of the club, despite giving us a 130M interest free loan to cover the debt accrued during shepherd’s reign. One look at the club’s audited accounts would suggest he hasn’t.
85 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:33 PM
Gorgonzola – Im a photographer mate, I’ve worked a lot in France and to go to french games is a damnsite cheaper than in england so will go when I have chance! Sochaux are 1 of the best to watch over there as theyre pacey, exciting and attacking! Always had a soft spot for St. Ettiene aswell as Niafrons Red Star 93! The game there isn’t as bad as people make out here! Theyre top 5 teams would all give our top 5 teams a game, EPL is superior, but not by miles!
86 Rotonda heights // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:34 PM
jayphoto,
thanks for that description, there must be something about maiga to warrant such a long drawn out transfer.
87 boater // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:36 PM
Lynxie – Not saying any of that is untrue, but why stop an exiting player from playing 6-7 games? Maybe one to ensure a medical goes through. And even then, he is set to play in ACN so they can’t keep him in cotton wool until he switches clubs anyways.
I happen to think he will leave, and a replacement is coming from Celtic: Brown or Ki is my guess.
88 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Jayphoto…
no way mate i am a photographer as well
)) not sports its more of a massive hooby 
))) cool mate…
Its amazing was reading about Red Star in france the other day
)))
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FC_Red_Star_Saint-Ouen
this club hey?
))
Cool mate I must say I have a lot os soft spot for the entire French league love watching the teams play. Watched Sochaux the other day…..Really njoy waching them play and Lille too that Sow fella and Hazard is something else feel sorry for them infact now that they got plundered…
89 toondra // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:43 PM
yes Marseille who is shit this year, was equal to arsenal during there cl matches.
pitches are bigger ?? ( barcelone got the biggest pitch, but i vread for example stoke had to enlarge is pitch to play in europa leage) and they are 20 clubs in ligue 1, french cup and league cup, don’t know how could the season be longer…
But im agree, it’s more physical, but there are more spaces too, look at the little silva, aguero and mata perfectly ” adapted” like you say..
if french players leave the league 1, it’s cauze of the money mainly, but now with the petrodollars of psg, even tevez could come…
the video of shola is…….sholaesque
90 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Yeah, they seem to have tapped into the african market over there, got such athletic, skilled players! I’m more fashion photographer when working in france but i’ll always take sports when offered coz even tho it pays less, gets you so close to the action! Still a fan after all! Mostly in england I end up doing glamour style stuff and model portfolios!
91 gorgonzola // Dec 14, 2011 at 12:47 PM
toondra it is isnt it
92 Sir Alan // Dec 14, 2011 at 1:01 PM
On Kazenga Lua Lua, I have seen more in him in that one game against Chelsea than I have with Sammy Ameobi all season. I’m sorry but i am not seeing what everyone else is seeing in young Sammy at the moment. It is beyond my belief why we are letting Lua Lua go and it may come back to haunt us.
93 jayphoto // Dec 14, 2011 at 1:05 PM
Sir Alan – Sammys a bit younger than Kaz! Think its more a potential thing! Sammy has nearly a foot on kaz in height aswell, and i hear he’s attitude and willingness to learn is brilliant! Whereas Kaz wanted to leave if he wasnt given a starting place and lets be honest, neither of them are getting past jonas atm!
94 Benton Toon Exile // Dec 14, 2011 at 1:17 PM
So here is what I’ve heard from friends and friends of friends at other clubs.
Chelsea after Tiote. He is refusing to speak to them.
Liverpool after Colloccini. They wont match the asking price or his salary.
Sunderland after Shola. Fee in region of £5m
And to all those Shola hater’s I for one would not like to play against him. Lets hope the Toon dont have to either.
95 Dude // Dec 14, 2011 at 1:38 PM
BTE, that Tiote story squares with the general word around the campfire from this time last year. Can see a transfer fee being the issue on Colo – esp cos Liverpool have blown near enough 80M on dire rubbish over the last 12 months. Risk is that he lets the clock tick down on the current deal and walks off in a year for peanuts. Game of chicken ? As for Shola I can’t see it. Have only warmed to Shola over past 2 years when he’s started putting himself about more, but I don’t want to see him in the red and white.
96 Rozzy // Dec 14, 2011 at 2:14 PM
Modibo Maiga will do very well
97 yohan ben arfa // Dec 14, 2011 at 3:21 PM
hatem ben arfa is the best player in our team. what are you lot talking about?! hes gonna make you guys eat your words after talking about him like that. Ive been reading this blog for months and have just finally signed up because of how stupid people have become by leaving him out of our best starting 11 with sammy ameobi on instead. He had one bad game which he shouldn’t of been subbed off. hes also a left midfielder who cuts in and makes chances. he needs that 5 yard space to run at people but when your sticking him in a riquelme role behind a striker. it doesn’t suit him because hes a skillful playmaking winger. watch out for him!
98 max // Dec 14, 2011 at 5:12 PM
taiwo left, santon right
99 Symo22 // Dec 14, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Magia.. Fer..Clyne..Peiters..Tomkins please!!
Smith Loven Perch Simpson Out as well
100 West Lancs Geordie // Dec 14, 2011 at 7:04 PM
For me priority 1: Sign 2 good centre backs Samba & Tomkins would be good. Then make sure Capt.Colo gets signed new contract esp.as Saylor out for season.
Priority 2 : Make sure no depatures esp. Tiote,Cabaye & Krul no matter what the offers from Man U , Chelsea Spurs etc. We are a progressive outfit again not a selling club.
Priority 3 – Strengthen up front. Looks like Maiga may now be finally coming but also need somone with pace like Sturridge would have been for bargain £20M at start of season.
Then start clear out : Smith, Perch, Kadar, Ranger & Simpson he wants to go.
Play Raylor centre mid until injury crisis improves & bring young Ferguson in at left back.
101 valle // Dec 14, 2011 at 7:42 PM
Im pretty sure he is called Modibo, not Mobido… Just sayin
102 JBax97 // Dec 14, 2011 at 8:20 PM
Between January 1st and August 31st this is what I want to see happen:
Out:
Lualua, Lovenkrands, Simpson, Ranger
In: Pieters, Hoilett, Tomkins, Zaha, Maiga.
I estimate around 3m for Lovenkrands, Lualua and Ranger and then another 3-5m for simpson. Total income 6-8m.
I estimate around 6m for pieters, 5m for Hoilett, 3m Tomkins, 2m Zaha, 7m for Maiga. Total spent: 23m.
Net spending: 15-17m
So after 2 windows of strengthening we’d have a squad good enough for a top 6 finish and 20m from Andy Carroll. Surely 15m over two windows when the money is physically there isn’t too much to ask is it?
103 moonraker // Dec 14, 2011 at 9:32 PM
yohan ben arfa
were not stupid we know how good HBA is, but at the moment he’s not up to the pace of the PL and can be a liability in some games especially when Tiote has not been playing. If he loses the ball we find it difficult without Chiek.
He will be a great player for us but we need a stronger midfield to be able to play him.
When Chiek is back HBA will get game time and gradually build up he speed again
104 Jersey // Dec 15, 2011 at 9:15 PM
Maigia is a good player.
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