The Newcastle United Blog

108 responses so far ↓

• 1 Cool Hand Luke // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:28 AM

  Shola for prime minister

• 2 Cool Hand Luke // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:29 AM

  RE: Debuchy, stop f*****g about Llambias, get the readies out and get him ‘over the line’

• 3 Magpies-till-d3ath // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:30 AM

  Where does it say that we had a £10m rejected?

• 4 magpiemover // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:31 AM

  follow toon travel 2 on twitter any 1 intrested in going to chelsea everton games contact me on 07858653200

• 5 No Plain Saylor // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:32 AM

  Ashley may have to suck it up, not his gut, and just pay it. Can’t see us gettin too many more great deals, cabs and cheik for a combined what 7.5 mill? Never again!

• 6 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:33 AM

  Aye I don’t blame lille and twente for wantin more cash! We pulled their eyes out last time haha!

• 7 No Plain Saylor // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:33 AM

  Also I would.love aome actual fcukin news!! :/ nothin is happening, and hasn’t in ages

• 8 geordie157 // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:34 AM

  I still think we’ll sign alderweireld

• 9 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:38 AM

  The brotherhood of shola is here!! To uphold valour and integrity in a digital world haha!

  Lookin forward to the game tonight, wanting france to win big time!! Hope benny boy is cush over there

• 10 Indian Magpie // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:38 AM

  SHOLA Out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• 11 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:40 AM

  @Jesper

  Rumours already said Nasri will be punished (and Ben arfa too), but after the Championship.

  Nothing special about Ribéry and Ben zema.

  Blanc’s cotnract indeed end this summer. But he probably sign a new contract whatever will happen tonight (well, if Spain rout us, and if an unrest occur in the dressing room like two years ago, this is maybe a bit different…).

• 12 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:41 AM

  Repost

  niafron

  I fear the same

  I really think Blanc should balance out the midfield more and play with two DM in M’Vila and Diarra and a box to box midfielder in front of them in Cabaye.

  If France lose to Spain do you think Benzema, Nasri and Ribery are in the line of fire?

  What about Blanc? his contract runs out right?

• 13 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:45 AM

  From a spectator’s point of view I just hate it when three players ruins it for everyone else

  I don’t know what HBA said to Blanc and he should of cause respect his coach’s wishes, but clearly HBA was not the only one dissatisfied with the likes of Nasri, Ribery and Benzema.

  Now I may not be entirely objective here, but I would have subbed Nasri against Sweden, not HBA.

• 14 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:45 AM

  Jesper

  Should i repost my post above to answer your repost?

  Ahah!

• 15 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:46 AM

  Pppfffffffftttttttt

  I’m not even gonna tackle your opinion indian, everybody is entitled to one. Obviously you were stuck in a lift full of shola posters when you were a lad haha

  However, even if you dislike shola you should show him the respect he deserves

• 16 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:48 AM

  niafron

  I am gonna keep faith with France tonite mate

  and hoping I have seen the last of Nasri, Benzema and Ribery, because I think France will be much better without.

• 17 Indian Magpie // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:48 AM

  Did i irritate any 1

• 18 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:49 AM

  —diplomacy mode— : D hahahaha

• 19 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM

  pbNcl

  I will tell you this, and ths come from someone that those not spend his time talking about Shola.

  If you look outside Newcastle and outside England – I don’t know if that happens mate lol

  But if you do and you talk to other football enthusiast you will find most people don’t rate Shola as a football player. He might be nice and all that, but who cares?

• 20 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM

  Not me indian

  You may of stirred a few others tho….

• 21 DannyboyNUFC // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM

  Not sure if the conversation has been had but is the Debuchy Twitter account official? Because if so he tweeted saying “Everything is ready #Newcastle”

• 22 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:51 AM

  * those = does

• 23 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:52 AM

  I agree Jesper, but this is always the same with Hatem, his pride will lost him (it it’s not already done)…

  Most of the players don’t like to be subbed by the coach, but they aren’t fool enough to say it openly.

  One more time, we don’t know what really happened, but you got to understand this:

  Hatem burned all his second chances in the past.

  This time, people expected him to be perfect at least outside of the pitch.

  You know, many guys who were Hatem’s haters in the past genuinly believed this time he really changed.

  So they are furious today.

  Being myself one of his greatest fans, i have to say it’s hard to defend him if really answered to Blanc as it is reported.

• 24 Alain Pardeau // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:52 AM

  We need a good CB in Alderweireld
  Also get in Debuchy and Clyne
  Luuk De Jong and Hoilett and also another CM to cover Danny Guthrie then we should have the depth for a full on assault on the premier league

• 25 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:53 AM

  DannyboyNUF

  Someone posted yesterday I think, that is was a fake. Apparently the tweet came from Chile and during the French game I think.

• 26 cupiddstunt // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:53 AM

  No Plain Saylor @ # 6

  So why do you not go looking elsewhere for it??????

  Ed’s in the states on a completely different time zone to us an yet he is able to hunt around and find info on the club he loves so why don’t you and then you can help Ed by bringing it on here and letting everyone know about it.

• 27 Toonboy_84 // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:54 AM

  Reading between the lines……… Indian wants shola’s babies

• 28 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:55 AM

  niafron

  I guess we’ll find out tonite mate

• 29 DannyboyNUFC // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:56 AM

  jesperfuglsang thanks I thought as much.

• 30 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:58 AM

  Garcia’s answer about Newcastle’s offer for Debuchy:

  “THey probably confused him with another player…”

• 31 Oldgit1 // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:58 AM

  @ jesperfugIsang

  Yes the comment was aimed at you which means you are the dick head thanks for confirming that.

  I give an opiniun like everyone else and accept theres, so dont tell me to get off my high horse,

  Who the fcuk do you think you are.

• 32 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:58 AM

  jesperfuglsang

  My gaze and my interests both fall well outside the gates of newcastle and england. I am well versed in things which are culturally very different to westeners, from far out east. I study. I am not short sighted my friend. But I am loyal

  And I honour great brother shola, as the mackem slayer and defender of hope in horrible grim battles with the unwashed. And he has paved the way for sammy of ameobi, the next generation of blood for battle

  And who cares? The loyal newcastle fans who do not have a fickle eye, but love and respect for a man who commands that so deeply from within the club itself

• 33 cupiddstunt // Jun 23, 2012 at 11:59 AM

  Indian Magpie @ # 9

  Careful Indian you are allowing yourself to slip back into stupidity again.

  You have over the passing of time been able to drag yourself up to being semi-sensible with your posts on here but that post just shows you are not a changed man (and I use the term man loosely here) but merely someone that has flattered to deceive.

• 34 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:00 PM

  It seem Lille expect 8 millions euros for Debuchy. But now, we can assume some clubs could offer more.

• 35 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:02 PM

  Anyway, i still believe Debuchy is a decoy. For me, the club is looking for a LB.

• 36 Indian Magpie // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:02 PM

  cupid,

  is shola been sold or not

• 37 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:03 PM

  niafron – Doesnt Debuchy have an 8million euros release clause in his contract though?

• 38 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:03 PM

  pbNcl

  that was a good laugh mate

  …but I have to take it with a bit of irony even though you probably meant in all …but good read though!

• 39 bollance // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:04 PM

  Don’t think we will sell Shola. Sammy was coming to the end of his contract and linked with Chelsea last season. Shola signed a new deal which was surprising due to his age and the clubs policy of retaining playing assets which grow in value (ie not players over 30). Sammy followed suit shortly after and signed a new deal. The club rate him highly and shola’s role may be to mentor him and keep his feet on ground. Having met sammy he comes across as thinking he has made it already. May be wrong but simply for this reason alone he will not get to the level of Shola. Time will tell.

• 40 GeordieToon89 // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:04 PM

  niafron – If thats the case that Debuchy is being used as a decoy then who could Cabayes mate be that Pardew said were after

• 41 ck1978 // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:13 PM

  Mathieu Debuchy’s twitter account had this written in the early hours @MathieuDebuchy: Tout est prêt #Newcastle…. which translates to “ready made for Newcastle”. I would assume that means he thinks he’ll be perfect for us. I really hope he signs for us as he looks a quality player

• 42 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:13 PM

  niafron

  you might be right; but then again I do think we are interested in Debuchy and even de Jong, I just don’t think we will pay does kind of money that are being reported.

  We are probably just looking for the best deals possible and if they don’t come along we might not even sign any this transferwindow.

• 43 Indian Magpie // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:13 PM

  Apocalypse may come earlier than the time when the word AMEOBI is not synonymous with NUFC

  Any 1 simmering

• 44 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:14 PM

  jesperfuglsang

  I’m glad I’ve amused you. Funny thing these internet forum’s

  Long live the toon

• 45 benarfa23 // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:16 PM

  how about aissati?
  is carr ever scout him?
  http://www.goal.com/en/news/462/netherlands/2012/06/23/3194989/ajax-set-to-offer-ismail-aissati-new-deal-report

• 46 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:16 PM

  GT89

  Yes, my mistake, it seem there’s a 8 millions euros release clause in his contract.

  But there’s still the problem of his wages. Big clubs could offer him far more…

  And for what pardew said… Well i guess there’s only a mindless french barabrian to believ a perfect british gentleman could lie!

• 47 graham cwarr // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:17 PM

  Maggiemover spambot

• 48 cupiddstunt // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:17 PM

  Jesperfuglsang @ # 18

  To be very honest I do not give a ***k about what people outside NUFC think about Shola I am more concered about what NUFC supporters think of him.

  I also find it somewhat short sighted if not just downright ignorant of supporters that slag Shola off for his performances when it is well documented that he played for a season or two with injuries that should never have been played with and he did so because he is a supporter of this club as well as being a player in it.

  If anyone was to believe that you reap what you sow then Shola should be part of this club for a long time to come, he has never been a demanding player but gave his health for the club when they asked him to play when he should have been on the operating table.

  He should be part of this team as long as he can do a stint on the park and when that is over he should be moved into the back room squad he gives everything for the club and the club should respect that.

  Incidentally so should the fans but as it is exhibited on here on a regular basis some are just too blind or should I say thick to see the wood for the trees.

• 49 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:18 PM

  We need a LB, simple than that.

  So if we buy Debuchy’s too, could you really imagine Ashley spending 12 millions at least just for the side backs?

• 50 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:18 PM

  Why does everyone hate shola? He isn’t the best but he is a very useful player to have in the squad.

  He is ok coming on or the last 10/20 minutes in a game.

  Where else will we find a lad who is happy being a 4th choice striker an doesn’t cause a problem.

  Unless you play in the chanpions league you can’t get away with having 4 top strikers.

  Even man utd and city have found it hard keeping 4 forwards happy, look at tevez and berbatov.

  Until we have somebody better people need to accept that he is ideal to keep in the squad as long as it is not at the expense of a younger lad with potential.

  He has scored some important goals over the years and whilst he may not be great over the season he does score some important goals. He will always be remembered as not quite good enough but people will remember a lot of his goals due to their importance.

• 51 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:19 PM

  Shola deserves respect. We all know he has his limitations but he has been praised by every manager he has played under and been loyal to the Toon.
  Indian, it’s best for you to drop the subject, we all know your views, and you’re entitled to them but Shhhh!!! you just wind up the rest of us

• 52 cupiddstunt // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:20 PM

  Indian Magpie @ # 35

  That I do not know

• 53 pbNcl // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:22 PM

  The cavalry!!!

• 54 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:22 PM

  @ niafron

  It depends if the club and santon see his future as a right or left back. If he is equally happy to play left back that would work. Depends where he sees his best position, might be different now that he has played a full season as our left back.

  And you’re right about debuchy, we might meet his release clause but Chelsea could offer him triple wages and a huge signing on fee.

• 55 ~Perchinho the Pheonix~ // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:22 PM

  Prediction for the France vs Spain game?

  I’m going 2-2 with Spain unfortunetly edging it on Penalties.

• 56 Indian Magpie // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:24 PM

  Okay No More shola, for now, but, things just dont go away

• 57 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:26 PM

  Rich
  For me, Santon on the left is a waste. This lad is pure class, he would easily match Debuchy on the right.

  So he would be far more logic to buy a true LB, someone able to do what Santon can’t on the left: to cross.

• 58 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:26 PM

  Niafron

  We also need a CB. We really don’t have enough cover at a high level of capability. Our goals against cost us last season.

  If we do get two defenders in, then we also need AM cover with Guthrie on the move – Perchinho can cover DM if he holds his improvements in form and we do need another quality forward.

  So that’s two defenders, one attacking midfielder, one forward as an absolute minimum…

  I don’t care who they are – if Carr and Pards are confident in their choices then fine by me. But if we miss out on the cover in one of those positions then it will cause problems sometime mid season – especially if we get injuries in key positions.

  I think Jonas is being reinvented as a utility player, but we’ll need more than that.

• 59 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:27 PM

  Tonight I think Spain will win 1-0

  Boring, boring Spain.

  They will have 70% possession and pass it around at a slow pace until they decide to thread it through eventually for a tap in.

  I just hope ribery, nasri and benzema really turn up and stuff the Spanish.

• 60 graham cwarr // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:28 PM

  Sorry for saying it again but would i be the only one happy with 1 (2at most) first teamer and 4 young bench players and another half dozen u-18/reserve boys?

• 61 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:28 PM

  Perchinho

  France never being defeated by Spain in official game. 5 win, 1 draw.

  So i fear we ‘re at the edge of an historical event…

• 62 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:30 PM

  Niafron

  I think santon has his uses at left back though. Can cut in to shoot, people will show him outside so if he can work on his left foot be might be able to take advantage of this.

  But I do agree, I would prefer a left back to sign, do you think there is any on France who would suite us?

  And does anyone know much of pieters now? Gone very quiete

• 63 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:31 PM

  @MFH

  So, you see my point. With all these players to buy, it would be stupid to waste the money on Debuchy when you already got Santon, but no one single left footed defensive player.

• 64 graham cwarr // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:31 PM

  @rich by benzema nasri and ribery turn up do you mean escaping from the grip.of their own backsides while leaving their egos behind and actually playing as a team?

• 65 nobby sol // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:32 PM

  interms of fullbacks it gunna be either;

  pieters debuchy clyne or cissokho

  all of which are better than simpson (im aware that 2 of the above are left backs but santon will happily be moved to right back)

  so im relaxed, yes we’d all preffer debuchy (at the right price) but any of the 4 will be an improvement.

• 66 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:33 PM

  Rich

  Trémoulinas is availlable and i still warmly recommand him.

• 67 graham cwarr // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:33 PM

  @rich pieters is injured so it has been quiet on him

• 68 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:34 PM

  @cwarr

  I think we need a couple more, maybe 3 would be an acceptable amount to sign.

  I think we need a full back, centre back and centre mid as priority, possibly even a striker too

• 69 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:34 PM

  cupiddstunt

  I you are just concered about what NUFC supporters think of Ameobi than show those how don’t rate him the same respect you want to be shown.

  It might be difficult for you to comprehend but that’s truth. Shola has been a part of the first team for more than 10 years and he has never lived up to his promise and expectation.

  He has had plenty of chances over the years to prove himself and we all most shipped him out to Stoke a while back.

  I short we are plenty on this forum that don’t rate him as a footballer and don’t spend every single minute talking about him.

  Respect that mate!

• 70 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:35 PM

  danm this phone.

• 71 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:37 PM

  Anyway, tonight’s game is a classic.

  Always the same with our Spanish cousins, they want a revenge of that:

  http://www.larousse.fr/encyclopedie/data/images/1312285-Francisco_de_Goya_El_tres_de_mayo_de_1808.jpg

• 72 Rotonda heights // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:38 PM

  I wish we hadn’t made it so public about Carr’s 8 year deal. Would have been much better to keep it in-house. Carr’s not exactly difficult to spot at games now! On the other hand he could lead other scouts down false leads and off the scent.

  Would be good to get some players in, but apart from replacing Simpson (hopefully) and finding a M’Biwa type rapid, footballing centre half, we still have hardly seen the likes of Abeid, Vuksic, Moyo, Fergie, Robinson, Marveux and of course now Amaltifano.

• 73 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:39 PM

  Niafron

  Take your point but I’d take Debuchy anyway as he’d clearly strengthen the side but I wonder if he may be a red herring anyway.

  I still wonder if there is anything in the Anita story – he’d be the new Guthrie and hopefully and an improvement – in terms of being injury prone and consistency at least..

  And we do need the CB… and CF

• 74 jesperfuglsang // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:39 PM

  damn this phone oh well hope the mean come along.

• 75 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:39 PM

  I don’t think anyone rates shola as a top player but there is a difference between rating somebody highly and respecting them.

  He has done a lot for the club, ( and the club has done a lot for him) and he has scored some truly memorable goals.

  Ad I think benzema will want to prove a point tonight for two reasons.

  1. He wont want to be the man blamed for France’s exit from the tournament

  2. He plays in Spain for Madrid, spanish side is mainly made of barca players so he will want to beat them and he won’t want his club mates to be able to laugh at him when he gets back

• 76 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:39 PM

  After yesterdays announcement and subsequent inquisition into my hair colour, I’d like to now officially be addressed as ‘The Tangerine Dreamboat’, thanks!

• 77 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:40 PM

  rich

  We definitely need four players….FB CB AM CF

• 78 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:43 PM

  I think we need a dm in the mould of alonso at Madrid.

  Somebody who can sit next to tiote and feed passes into cabaye and the front 3. Cabaye is more useful pushed into the final third than sitting deep.

• 79 Rotonda heights // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:46 PM

  rich toonfan,

  Personally I love watching Spain and barcelona play great passing and technical football with quick feet and the ball staying on the deck.

  The likes of Barcelona would be lost on you as you’re probably one of these who screams for it to be lumped forward at every opportunity and gets on the players’ backs if they keep the ball.

  What you fail to realise is that if you have the techncal ability to keep the ball away from the opposition and have them chase shadows for 90 mins, it is killing and totally knackering and frustrating for the opposition.

  Spain aren’t World & European champions for nothing to those who say tika taka football doesn’t go anywhere. Look how the ran Ireland in to the ground 4-0. Most teams Spain finish off in great style. Give me Iniesta and Xavi any day over the hoof merchants.

• 80 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:47 PM

  Rich

  Ben zema want many things… And that’s the problem. He want to do everything on the pitch when he would be more usefull front of the goals.

  It show something important: he don’t trust his teamates to make him good pass.

• 81 Oldgit1 // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:53 PM

  @ jesperfugIsank.

  Dick head has spoken, he speaks rubbish, and is disloyle to shola.
  Its well documented what Shola short falls are but he brings alot to the team and can see that he will bring alot to the table in the season ahead esp in europe with his past experience.

  Give the man a break, and dont attack supporters who voice their support of shola. As you previously stated its their opinuins. Perhaps you should get off you high horse or should I say high chair.

• 82 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:54 PM

  Flamini would be a perfect fit alongside Tiote, was in the top 3 midfielders in the PL before he left Arsenal, much like our very own Yo, he covered the most distance in the entire league the season he left. Has PL and big match European experience. Imagine him and Tiote protecting the back 4, allowing Cabaye to knit together play!

  Financial side – reports say he was willing to take a pay cut to €2.5m with Milan, so I reckon we could offer him a viable package.

  AP and our French crop would help revitalise him and extract his best once more!

• 83 Ben Arfa (Either love him or Hatem) // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:54 PM

  Yes Santon can play on either side BUT I believe he has shown that he prefers playing down the left – I understand Pardew and Co. may want to save a bit of bob and buy a LB instead but then Santon wouldn’t be performing as well as he would have done down the left.

  RB should be the priority but if all the good ones have been taken/are out of our budget ONLY then should we go after a LB.

  Luuk de Jong can play as a CAM / ST so would definitely be a good signing regardless because he has bags of potential to be as good as, if not better than, van Persie. He’s also more versatile and so fits the Newcastle mould perfectly.

  As for the CB front; have the club stated any interest in Alderwiereld? Douglas doesn’t look like it’ll happen so maybe Carr has found someone but who’s to blame if he doesn’t want anyone to know?

  That leaves the DM / AM position. We could use fringe/youth players to act as cover for Tioté when he goes on ACON but I’d like to think that Pardew bring in another player to add competition for that position – maybe not Anita but someone nonetheless.

  Anyone else is just a bonus.

• 84 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:54 PM

  @Rotonda

  Yes they play well, but there’s way to beat them if you could assume some risks.

  For my part, i’m convinced the best way to kill them is to make something defensive players are forbidden to do since childhood:

  To pass or to run with the ball straight forward when they got the ball back near their own goal.

  Simply, all Spanish style work like that: they attack slowly and they take risk only when all the team is inside opponent’s half.

  Which mean they always loose the ball very high. Then they do not come back, instead they run to the wings.

  So there’s a gap center pitch. If you’re audacious and skilled enough to use it, i’m sure this is the best way to kill them.

• 85 Gateshead-Mag // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:57 PM

  Rotonda heights

  i dont like watching spain or barcelona as much as i like watching real madrid or germany, altough i can appreciate the way they play as they are great at what they do, i find it boring

  much prefer the more direct play and flair of madrid etc

• 86 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:58 PM

  Really think Flamini would be the pedigree of player to really allow us to leapfrog the likes of Spurs.

• 87 toonincheek // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:59 PM

  What worries me about the Debuchy and De Jong transfers –

  NUFC EXPECT – transfer dealings to be kept confidential.
  They do NOT like it when the selling club makes anything public.
  If details are leaked, they are likely to back off.

  Selling clubs loss – maybe – and ours too.

  But longer term, other clubs must realise how we do business – or not.

• 88 cupiddstunt // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:07 PM

  Jesperfuglsang @ # 68

  Never said “just concered about what NUFC supporters think” I said “more” concerned there is a difference.

  As for difficult to comprehend, there is nothing difficult to comprehend in the “football fan” in general they can be divided up into just a handful of categories.

  A footballer is associated with the club for several hours a day several days a week and he plays sometimes for 90 mins on a Saturday and the general fan rates the player on what he sees on any given Saturday so rates him on 90 mins max a mere fraction of the time he is working for the club.

  We have posters on here suggesting players they have seen once or twice in the Euro’s and suggesting we get them as they are the next best thing.

  Posters have been shouting long and hard about Sturridge who it appear has an attitude problem the same as three French players mentioned in this thread but some can’t see this and will just go on shouting to get these players.

  Finally you ask me to respect those that do not rate Shola?????

  Forget Shola for a minute and just pick any player, when a poster comes on here and just comes out with a none constructive criticism of a player where is there any room for respect????

  Respect is something to be earned and few detractors on here earn that.

• 89 Sazzer // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:08 PM

  I wouldn’t mind Flamini if it happens.

• 90 graham cwarr // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:18 PM

  @mfh all those 4 positions in the first 11?

• 91 niafron // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:27 PM

  All right, got to go lads.

  Bonne journée messieurs.

• 92 chris_g // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:33 PM

  Oldgit1 // Jun 23, 2012 at 12:53 PM

  @ jesperfugIsank.

  Dick head has spoken, he speaks rubbish, and is disloyle to shola
  ————————————–

  Actually, I don’t think it was jesperfugusank. I think you’ve just sankurself.

• 93 Readingmag // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:38 PM

  In Shola we trust …..My true Hero.

  Never moans, never in trouble. EVERY manager loves him a role model for the club.Not a superstar …not the most gifted.Long serving , a Geordie (well nearly) 100 % every game…looks like He gives 10% and His brother is not bad either.

  The mackem slayer……One Shola

• 94 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:46 PM

  This is why i never comment during “silly-season”. No offence to Ed or what he is trying to do with the blog but in these few months there are nothing but non-stories, and those who live and breathe the sport need their news, so what do they do? They resort to making things up or in Indian Magpie’s case, stirring the pot to get a reaction.

  I don’t know why I seem surprised by all this because as a follower of the blog for many years it has become the norm. Just thought I would pass social commentary and let you all know I am still alive and I will be posting again once the season kicks off! Cya later pals!

  HWTL!!!

• 95 MagpiesFlyHigh // Jun 23, 2012 at 1:53 PM

  GC

  As equals so we can start two teams of quality. If Colo or Saylor or both are injured/suspended we do not want makewights like last season. Remember Norwich at Carrow Rd ?

  The LB / RB arguments on here are really about fielding two FBs of top quality so we can attack down either wing with players capable of delivering left footed and right footed crosses and who can cut inside too, to support the flanking players in the front three. We can’t do that yet.

  If Cabaye is injured or suspended then who takes on his role without the side losing its shape ?
  We do need adaptable and versatile signings, but we do need four top quality starters to keep the starting side good enough to compete in Europe, EPL and the Cups.

  We’ll only bring through 2-3 players already on the books, so we need more squad depth and quality, particlarly in those four positions

• 96 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:05 PM

  Rotonda

  there is a difference between technical ability and entertainment.

  I never said spain were not technically good footballers I just think they are limited.

  They have one way of playing and if a couple are off their games or they come up against a team that is very organised and doesn’t press high up he pitch giving them room they have no plan b.

  Technical skill is admirable but so too is good organisation and positional awareness.

  Its like saying the best pentathlete is the one who is best at javelin which ignores the other 4 disciplines.

  For me Germany have been the stand out team in the tournament, they have great technical ability with the passing and vision, seem well structured at the back and also if needs be can get the ball out wide to wingers and whip in the crosses for gomez or go long to him also.

  I find spain have a slow build up which isn’t exciting to watch although I do appreciate how difficult it is to pass and move whilst been tightly marked by world class defenders.

• 97 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:12 PM

  Hopefully vuckic can have a bigger role next season if he keeps fit. He could slot in behind the striker in cabayes role if needed to, also benny could play there if we cabs was missing.

  I think we have beeny, marvoux, ba (not ideal but can be done), sammy and fergusen for the wide positions so not too bad but could do with another.

  We are short in players for the middle of the park. We have tiote and cabaye (although he is better further forward). Perch and raylor can fill in but they shouldn’t be first choice.

  We need a CB to cover for saylor and collo and we need a full back as simpson doesn’t seem any closer to signing a deal so could well be out the door.

• 98 ToonDownSouth // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:12 PM

  There’s no need to start insulting people. Christ. It’s an opinion.

  Rich did not say he didn’t appreciate technical ability. He said he does not find the style of football that entertaining to watch.

  I’m in agreement, I actually find a lot more excitement in watching a rapid counter attacking side like Real Madrid or Germany of 2010.

  I guess I’m just another moron who wants long balls launched up to forwards am I?

• 99 rich_toonfan // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:15 PM

  @tds

  I think some people just look to cause arguments on here.

  I think Arsenal, a couple seasons back when they had nasri nd fabregas, had the best mix of technical ability, attacking at pace and hitting people on the break.

  When they played barcelona a couple seasons ago in the champions league they beat them 2-1 at home and also were looking decent in the nou camp until RVP got that disgraceful red card for kicking the ball away (turned out to be 0.4 seconds after the whistle went)

• 100 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:15 PM

  Rotonda is a football hipster.

• 101 Beardo // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:18 PM

  I’m going to huckster AP into signing Flamini, the end result will be me being issued with a restraining order or, Flamini will join us.

• 102 Tsunki // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:21 PM

  Nice to see Ruddy stay in touch.

  Ok been away so just to sweep up -

  Cupid – well observed re my pope/rome statement it was indeed a silly saying and I think you spotted I was fooling around . Mixing metaphors is a pastime of mine in fact I usually say `does the pope live in the woods` and have been widely credited for coining the term ` rocket surgery` many many years ago, heard it on tv the other day and I thought about calling my lawyer….

  In conclusion, DMAC – 1/10 for being able to read my post but a low mark for mistaking my juvenile and largely irrelevant musing for a `mishap`. You have need of humour you biff.

  As far as the article goes, I wish I had the resolve to steer clear of the blog as he does but I cannot resist the urge to torment.

• 103 Ruddy Marveaux-lous // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:25 PM

  On day Tsunki, you will learn the ways of Ruddy, and the light will be bestowed unto you.

  With that I actually am off until the start of the season. Great to see ya Tsunki!

• 104 Magpies-till-d3ath // Jun 23, 2012 at 2:29 PM

  Starafrica.com are now reporting that BA has signed an 11m euro deal with Galatasary

• 105 Batfastard // Jun 23, 2012 at 3:43 PM

  For an example if u said to any big club in the prem that need a right full back debuchey or santon I think most would chose santon by the time he is 25 will be Italy’s best defender still think we will sign erik pieters he can also play at cb

• 106 ToonJovi // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:41 PM

  We should put everything into buying Clyne, even if he would cost 3-4 mil in agreeing his contract settlement! young, great potential could walk into first team and is touted to be breaking into England senior squad in the near future! he would have a great potential sell on fee! might not be the final product that is Debuchy but he will be by the time he is Debuchys age! who will be in his 30s come the end of his contract here if we were to sign him….

  also take a cheaky pop at Sigurdsson for 6.8mil! would be a great purchase to play in a middle 3 with Cabaye and Tiote!

• 107 HullMag6 // Jun 23, 2012 at 4:58 PM

  I’m all for pieters for positional flexibility lb/cb, no panic for rb as we already have plenty of options but I’m never against extra quality. Is like to see for 1st team 2 defs, another mid, winger as Jonas isnt as quick as he was and 2 forwards. Then more development players. In pardiola and carr we trust.
  HWTL

• 108 NEWEXPATMAGPIE // Jun 23, 2012 at 10:42 PM

  EXCLUSIVE:

  Dutch Tv Programme sender NOS Sport just reported that Totenham and Ajax have agreed a deal to bring Vertjongen to Whitehart Lane! The Fee is reported to be 12Mil euros,s!

  You heard it here first! How the Spuds do this when a new trainer has not been announced is beyond me!

  I have an idea we were never in the race to get him anyway!