I’m not the only Newcastle fan who thinks Graham Carr is worth his weight in gold to Newcastle United.
Papiss Cisse – Carr watched him when he was playing in France
The players he has scouted for Newcastle – Ben Arfa, Cheick Tiote, Yohan Cabaye and Papiss Cisse to name but four, cost Newcastle around £18M – and how much are these players worth today?
A decent estimate may be north of £60M, and that’s the point – Graham is worth an awful lot to Newcastle, and we hope he’s being well compensated by the club.
Graham has been scouting for various clubs for about 14 years, since he left football management with Weymouth, and of course when he arrived at Newcastle, the players he was following became possible Newcastle acquisitions.
And so it turned out, with the above four being worth a collective £40M more today, than when they were signed on by Newcastle.
While Graham scours the French market the most, Germany is also a happy hunting ground for him, and that’s where he scouted both Papiss Cisse.
Graham talked about scouting Cisse, who has been a sensation with 13 goals in 14 appearances since joining Newcastle in January from SC Frieburg:
“ I spend a fair bit of time in Germany because I think Germany’s style of football is similar to ours, and of course that’s where we signed Papiss Cisse from.”
But I watched Papiss Cisse long before Freiburg – I was watching him even before he had a European passport! I watched Yohan Cabaye for a long time too.”
“I’ve been doing the job for 14 years for different clubs; Tottenham for five years, Manchester City for seven, so it’s not as if it’s new to me, the job. And the players aren’t new to me either.”
Papiss Cisse was signed by SC Freiburg in December of 2009, and before that Papiss played at French club Metz, and was on loan during his time there at Cherbourg and Châteauroux, so it looks like Graham first spotted the Senegal striker when he was playing in France.
And it seems Newcastle are also very disciplined in the transfer market these days, and if no suitable player is available, like a striker to replace Andy Carroll last summer, then Newcastle just don’t make the signing.
As it turns out, it was really worth the wait for Pasiss Cisse.
Comments welcome.
344 comments so far
cupiddstunt
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:21 PM
Comment #1So Carr has been doing it for some time
cupiddstunt
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:26 PM
Comment #2I get the impression that Carr at both spuds and citai was maybe not used to his maximum effect.
As it happens so regularly you shine when you finally find the jigsaw you are suppose to fit into and I think GC has been good at those other clubs but never used the same way NUFC are doing.
Maybe the other clubs were inclined to go for the made man and accept the prima donna attitude that goes with some of them whereas at NUFC the whole package is what we are after and that is what GC appears to see.
cupiddstunt
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:32 PM
Comment #3If you think back to before the MA times we would probably not have maximised that GC effect as we were buying names for big money and big wages, and the “let’s bring in this guy who no one has heard of” method of team building really did not apply.
Now we are building from the bottom up and it’s just these sorts of players that we want and GC spots, players that have room to develop, even the first team players that we have are developers.
Long may it continue.
fungus44
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:42 PM
Comment #4found this on an other site hope it paper talk Galatasaray look to be the first club to try and activate Demba Ba’s £7 million release clause.
The 27 year old Senegalese international joined The Magpies from West Ham on a free transfer last season.
But we all know about the infamous “release clause” … and Alan Pardew is ready for the queue to form.
Galatasaray official Bülent Tulun is currently in England to discuss a potential move.
cupiddstunt
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Comment #5My one real worry is on the comment from GC about not buying a player just to fill a gap and the fans reactions to that very thing if we are unable to get our targets at the price we are prepared to pay.
How many doom and gloomers will come screaming out of the woodwork if we do not sign what they see as sufficient players this window is anybody’s guess.
Although what he says in spot on we should never sign a player just to fill a squad spot the d’s and g’s will definitely see the lack of player personnel as a “lack of ambition” instead of sensible business.
toonincheek
Jun 8, 2012 at 1:47 PM
Comment #616oz to the pound
Not sure how much GC weighs – but
a quick calculation shows the answer is –
YES
cupiddstunt
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:03 PM
Comment #7Toonincheek @ # 6
Looking at his son for height and build then looking at GC I would put him around 14 st. so at todays prices of just over a grand an ounce he’s worth around three and a quarter mil.
Which is well worth it, on current performance he is definitely worth his weight in gold.
graham cwarr
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:35 PM
Comment #8So…..slow……today.
Well at least there’s games to.look forward to.
Jonny
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:38 PM
Comment #9Where is Pardrew? Is he still alive?
tarie4
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:41 PM
Comment #10Funny how different websites and papers view the same story,
http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/08062012/58/premier-league-ben-arfa-settled-newcastle.html
I think what he means by a serious offer is that he gets to play a big part in that team ie start a lot of games, he won’t get that at any top team at the moment, and judging from his quotes he is talking about the future, like 2 seasons down the road, not this summer so nothing to worry about.
But we all know that a day will come (if he continues to develop) that real, barca, both Milans etc will come knocking wanting his signature, just have to hope he stays long enough to transform us into a top side in the bpl. Just like Mr Bale at spurs, its just a matter of time really.
tarie4
Jun 8, 2012 at 2:47 PM
Comment #11http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2156371/Newcastle-make-signings-summer–Graham-Carr.html?ITO=1490
Hmmm guess we are hard buyers as we are hard sellers. This is a good approach I feel, lets selling clubs and agents, know that we won’t go into bidding contests and offer silly wages etc and that the deal has to be right for us, value for money.
super magpie
Jun 8, 2012 at 3:03 PM
Comment #12Newcastle United likely to play Kaizer Chiefs in Joburg in pre season tournament. Details yet to be finalised.
super magpie
Jun 8, 2012 at 3:05 PM
Comment #13Just saw that on twitter, looks like we’ll be playing in that SA tournament that spurs were in last year for pre-season.
JAMSHA
Jun 8, 2012 at 3:17 PM
Comment #14australia lookn sooo doomd
ballerfan2
Jun 8, 2012 at 3:43 PM
Comment #15Strange – the tone from practically all media outlets suggest from his interview that HBA is very happy and not ready to move from Newcastle. On the other hand I have read a couple of local blogs, including this one, referring to exactly the the same interview with the inference that HBA is preparing to move on. Gee – we do have a major inferiority complex don’t we?
Perhaps the thing to take from this is that if there was any suggestion in the interview that Ben Arfa was unhappy, then those same journalists would have pounced on it gleefully to stir things up for NUFC. That much we know from recent history.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 3:57 PM
Comment #16Ochy…From previous thread.
Technically, this is my 3rd name. First was Ibizatoon, then CODARM (Ibztn), and now back to Ibizatoon again…so really only two 🙂
Tsunki….Moving to the sunshine then?
V
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 3:58 PM
Comment #17Tsunki…OV is still in my heart and all around. As soon as the OV sign is lit in the sky I shall return to my chambers, throw on my leathers and get back to the streets in the name of optimism!
graham cwarr
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:09 PM
Comment #18“Ibiza. The sign. Quick, to the optimismobile”
Yeah that could work.
Tsunki
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:16 PM
Comment #19Ibiza – know what you mean lol.
I know news is slow but what did we all expect? The real action takes place AFTER the euros and no agent worth his bugatti veyron will peddle their protege until that shop window draws the blinds. I know I am not enthusiastic about Blighty`s chances but no doubt I will enjoy the top flight footy (anyone else like me hopes hatem tears the English back line several new ones…anyone?) And then the madness will begin.
At the moment though I am not missing the weather back home. Ibiza – what made you jump ship?
Tsunki
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:28 PM
Comment #20Ibiza – sorry chuck didnt read your post at 16 properly. Yep been coming to this barren volcanic wasteland for years ha ha, but now closing in finally on getting myself sorted here. I gave ol` Blighty a fair chance to sort out her attitude and weather but 50 years is enough. Time to get away from the hard slog and do someting good. I have to learn Spanish though – I am NOT coming here with flip flops, knotted hanky hat and getting by on `por favor` and `grassy`ass`! Serious move mate. How did it go for you?
sweendog
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:29 PM
Comment #21http://www.talksport.co.uk/sports-news/football/premier-league/transfer-rumours/120608/newcastle-brink-anita-signing-173955
our second signing
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:29 PM
Comment #22Cwarr…Lets get in touch with Ed. We need a negativity alarm on the blog which will switch the light on. Then all we need is the optimismobile!
Tsunki….What made me jump ship? Weather, lifestyle and opportunity mate. Haven’t looked back since 🙂
I’d love to see Benny take the tournament by storm. For me, he is one of the best players in the PL, but hasn’t had long enough to shine and no disrespect to our own squad, but he isn’t surrounded by many similarly skilled players. Only downside to that is the extra attention he will get from other “bigger” *shudders* clubs.
Got to say I’m glad we have some football starting today. At least we’ll all have something “actual” to discuss rather than this endless painful speculation. grrrr….
sweendog
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:31 PM
Comment #23I worry about Tiote .. in saying that we need the strength in depth though .. maybe a replacement for alan smith 🙂
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:31 PM
Comment #24Tsunki….Well, my Spanish isn’t as good as it should be 7 years down the line. Although it has improved a lot and is far better than the usual add an “o” to the end of everything…o!
I make myself understood and think the locals generally appreciate that I try. Just speak loud and fast and can you wing most of it 😉
sweendog
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:32 PM
Comment #25Vurnon anita’s a good player too .. another gem by Carr no doubt.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:33 PM
Comment #26sweendog….Players coming in is great. I can’t worry that with each signing it’s the departure of one of our big players. If it happens, it happens and I’ll worry about it then.
I started this summer with a full head of hair and it’s starting to come out in clumps….I can’t handle this stress 🙂
sweendog
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:34 PM
Comment #27Ibizatoon … agreed .. take the positives he’s a great young player .. cover for tiote during the ACN too..
nufc90
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:35 PM
Comment #28doesn’t he play left back aswell?
fits the remit perfectly young and versatile would be very happy with this
Tsunki
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:35 PM
Comment #29Sweendog – yeah but its talksport. Talksport I said.
sweendog
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:36 PM
Comment #30my worry is Man U are starting to sort out their team for next year … Tiote was on the list .. Modric next, then Kagawa and the Polish striker .. still Tiote is our player and only top money will get him .. hope he stays
Dannyo
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:36 PM
Comment #31Signing Anita, talksport claim it pretty strongly imo, but they’ve done that in the past too.
sweendog
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:37 PM
Comment #32Tsunki .. we were linked with him before .. I think this rumour has legs ..
Tsunki
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:39 PM
Comment #33Ibiza @24 – cheers mate that sounds like my plan then lol!
I still go by whoever Mr Carr gets is whoever I want. Wait until the euros are over, although come to think of it, maybe Mr Carr will slyly pull a blindside with a non-euro wonder kid while everyone else`s eyes are in eastern europe?
Tsunki
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:41 PM
Comment #34Sweendog – just good practice not to keep hopes up ha ha
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:41 PM
Comment #35Tsunki….I hope it all goes well. Are you going over their for work or are you lucky enough to have that behind you?
I would think Carr and Pardew have a few players their watching at the Euros, but given our policy, I would imagine there are some others that no one knows about quite yet…hopefully. The Euros are a nightmare for buying clubs imo.
sweendog
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:42 PM
Comment #36Tsunki .. true .. but sounds like he’s imminent .. if not by tomorrow then talksport is full of it ..
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:42 PM
Comment #37I go along with what you say about Carr though. It’s getting to the point that when I get dressed in the morning I wonder whether it’s the outfit Sir Carr would pick.
Tsunki
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:43 PM
Comment #38Ibiza – hopefully the dirty 4 letter word is behind me! Several plans all involving me doing something healthy but non-work.
Dannyo
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:43 PM
Comment #39@Tsunki
@sweendog
It’s the way they claim it, they write that it will be our 2nd signing of the season.
Linked in the past, yes, the rumour has legs, but i’d like to see more media run with this first before i start thinking it might be belivable.
Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand
Jun 8, 2012 at 4:44 PM
Comment #40So lads….predictions for today’s games?
I’ll go…
Poland 2 – 1 Greece
Russia 3 – 1 Czech Republic