Demba Ba – They’re Stupid Dudes

Demba Ba – They’re Stupid Dudes – They Have To Grow Up

11:30 am, Monday, August 6th, 2012 by Ed Harrison · 244 Comments

It was very disappointing to say the least, when there were racial chants coming from the home section of the crowd at Den Hagg on Saturday, and while most of the players didn’t hear the chants, Cheick Tiote did, and he was said to be extremely annoyed and angry at the end of the game, in which he played really well for the Magpies.

Demba Ba – in action on Saturday at Den Haag

Demba Ba, Papiss Cisse and Cheick were the three players who were picked out for abuse, but our big striker Demba Ba said he didn’t hear the chants:

“I did not hear it because I was focusing on the game.” “If they do that they are really stupid dudes. They have to grow up.” “People have to man up.” “There are many people on earth and you have to be responsible.”

We are really pleased that Demba Ba has chosen to stay on at Newcastle, and he’s not only a great player, but he’s also a smashing person, and he has become involved with Show Racism The Red Card, since he joined Newcastle last summer.

And it seemed that Ba conducted himself almost perfectly over the summer, as he continued to deny the reports that he was seeking a move elsewhere, and every single time he was interviewed he said he had no intention of leaving the club he seems to love playing for.

Demba continued:

“I have always said the same thing. So far nothing has happened.” “There is nothing new to talk about on that.” “Everybody has stopped talking about it now.”

“We are in good shape.” “We have two weeks to go now until the first game so I think we will be OK.” “If I do not score and the team wins I am happy about it.”

“I just want to have fun on the pitch.” “You will see me smiling when I play.” “When you see me smiling you know I am all right.”

Demba Ba is a really good guy, and we look forward to seeing him playing in the famous black and white shirt of Newcastle United for many years to come.

And finally, to put these events of Saturday into a little perspective of history, and to paraphrase Martin Luther King in his I Have A Dream speech, he hoped one day his children would “not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”

By that measure Newcastle’s Demba Ba is a credit to himself and to Newcastle United.

Comments welcome.

=============================================

Tags: Demba Ba · Newcastle News · Other News

244 responses so far ↓

1 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:32 AM

repost

im not really concerned about signings atm

what concerns me a little bit is the fact that atm it seems like pardew is going to play 442 for the majority of the season as he wants to accomodate ba and cisse

I dunno about everyone else but i find us much more of a threat playing 4 33

thoughts anyone??
2 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:33 AM

aaaaah I didnt say first

I hope nothing bad happens
3 rich_toonfan // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Terrible from some fans.

Must remember this is usually a vocal minority so let’s not accuse all their fans of this.

What I would like to see made compulsory is that anyone found guilty of racial abuse at a game or any other means directed to players should be given a life ban from all grounds unless they undertake some race education seminar to show they are willing to learn an change.

Similar system use to educate motorists of the danger of speeding.

Hopefully it will educate those who are just ignorant and the life ban will apply to those who genuinely have such horrid prejudices.
4 Jail for Ashley // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Gateshead,
I don’t think we’ll stick to a rigid formation all season,as a manager of the year Pards proved he isn’t the tactical numpty that a few people thought he was,I think 4-4-2 will be used as and when Pards see’s fit imo.
5 Bloody Marveauxlous // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:36 AM

Transfers In:

Debuchy – £7M
Anita – £7M
Douglas – £4.5M
Caroll / Remy – £15M

Cleverly (on loan) – I think he would look good in the no. 7 shirt!

———————Krul——————–
Debuchy–Douglas–Colo—-Santon
—————-Tiote—-Anita————-
HBA—————Ba————Cabaye
——————–Cisse——————–

/

———————Krul——————–
Debuchy–Douglas–Colo—-Santon
——————–Tiote——————–
HBA————Cabaye———–Remy
—————Ba———Cisse————

I think our team for Europa next year should have similarities to our team of 2010/11 and 2011/12 :

———————–Krul———————
Simmo—-Saylor———Colo—-Santon
Obertan—-Bigi——–Cleverly—-Jonas
——————–Shola———————-
——————–Caroll———————-

What do you guys think?!
6 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:37 AM

I am massively concerned about signings.

No signings now means a near impossible task to cement top 6 come January, means players debating their futures come next season, means this blog will melt down with hatred and anger.
7 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:39 AM

jfa

Aye a trust pardew, a just think hes put alot into trying to keep ba and promising him that role

I think having ben arfa back and fit will probably open our formations up a bit aswell
8 SuperShearer // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:39 AM

@Bloody Marveauxlous, think you’re dreaming mate. No way Utd will let Cleverly go out on loan. He was a starter for them last season until he got injured and unless they sign someone new then he’ll start for them again this season.
9 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:40 AM

Gateshead…You are doomed. That is all.

Signings, formations, whatever, I just want the season to start.

Top contribution there me thinks
10 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:41 AM

bloody

i’d love cleverly I think hes class but i cant see saf sending him out on loan when hes just getting him back from a season long injury
11 Jail for Ashley // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:42 AM

Beattie,
I’m hugely massively concerned about signings patience is wearing very thin,is the million or so we’re going to save in stalling on talks worth a player taking an extra six games to settle in.Points mean prizes.
12 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:44 AM

peterrwrightt from last thread

Van Der Weil is a good player in my opinion. I read and article that said he was pretty much like for like with Simmo but that is not true at all. The main reason the article said was that he lacked the attacking ambition of Debuchy. But again, this is not true. He is not as attacking minded but he is solid defensively and certainly attacks more than Simmo. Has a decent shot on him. but what stands out most to me is the partnership he manages to form with whoever plays in front of him. Excellent link up play. Always pushes up to support attacks. But is not as fast as Debuchy.
13 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:45 AM

ibiza

just got over a cold, and now am doomed

what a week
14 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:46 AM

Beetle…I can’t say I’m enjoying our constant disagreeing today.

Let’s just see what happens over the next little while. We still have to qualify for the EL group stages.

Rich….Nice idea. Either that or have them put down.
15 seantoon // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:47 AM

Affellay on loan anyone? He’s available his agent says
16 dave 1961 // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:47 AM

on topic i feel more sorry for the racist as they are mentally retarded, with no life outside their twisted comfort zone, i would be happy to live next door to a black family, but not a racist one.
17 Jail for Ashley // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:47 AM

I don’t know anything about this Anita but the fact that he plays at LB as much as he does in midfield and that Carr has reccommended him makes me think we should go all out to get him.
18 Super Magpie // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:48 AM

JFA

Exactly, spending the extra £3-4m on a couple of players could be the difference between CL/ EL or not. So if we did get back into Europe we’d be getting that money back.

We need a couple of players in before spurs, especially a RB and maybe a striker.
19 Tommyy // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:50 AM

My concerns (in no particular order) :

1) The nonchalant manner in which we are approaching transfers. No matter what anybody says we need a full back, and could do with a striker and Center back.

2) The way Pardew is trying to utilise both Ba and Cisse in a 4-4-2. 4-2-3-1 is the way forward.

3) Ben Arfa and his lack of discipline, we need him fit and focused, he will be integral to any success we may have this year, especially if we are going into the season weaker In numbers than last season.

4) The opener against Spurs, for me everything seems to relaxed and half arsed for this stage of pre season. We needed the bodies in, everybody back to fitness with some minutes under their belt, a few runs out in with a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, not our god awful 4-4-2. You just know Spurs will be up for it and come at us like a bullet train.

Doesn’t seem to be that many concerns, and some are arguably not particularly concerning concerns but they are concerns to be concerned about nevertheless. Concerns.
20 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:50 AM

I know.

And for every person that says ‘but Will was part of the team that got us top 5′ I would love to have the ability to see an alternative reality where we actually signed a CB last season and see where we finished.

We don’t have the luxury of out of form out of the team or at least didn’t last season.
21 Levi // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:51 AM

i think the only reason demba ba didnt hear it is cause its probably in dutch. and tiote speaks that.

just seen some 1 suggested cleverly. i dont think thats an option. sir fergie rates him so high
22 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:52 AM

jimmymagpie

2 posts back.

Pieters, Major injury concerns???

He has had 1 bad season for injury. A knee injury that he was most likely put back into the first team too soon after and aggravated.

And I suppose now you think he is crocked.

Did you say not to sign HBA when we did because of his major injury concerns?

If anything I’d think Van Der Weil’s injury the past year is a bigger concern. Groin injuries can be very problematic.

Pieters is 23 and almost certain to recover from his injury fine.
He came back too soon and got injured again (mistake by PSV) not uncommon in the world of football. So this time they are likely being extra careful with him so as not to repeat the past. Hence being out of the game for 6 months.

You make it sound like a year. Its hardly worrying like Wilshere.
23 Robby Bobson // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:52 AM

Ba draged his herls in saying he didnt want to leave…i think he waited till it became clear certain people werent infor him.
24 Gateshead-Mag // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:52 AM

jfa

agreed a think altough id love us to get all our targets, i think hes the 1 that will really make a real difference to the starting line up
25 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:53 AM

Gateshead…A cold and a missed first opportunity? You have to ask yourself whether it’s worth living.
26 Super Magpie // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:53 AM

Beattie

Totally agree, it was the goals of Ba,cisse and Ben arfa that kept us in the top 6 all season, once Saylor got injured our defence collapsed. I honestly think if Saylor had stayed fit we would’ve finished top 4.

But when can Saylor ever stay fit?
27 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:57 AM

Beattie…That would certainly help
28 Tommyy // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:58 AM

Ah yes number 5:

5) Saylor’s fitness. In my opinion, and I would hazard a guess at it being many other fans’ opinion, this is a massive concern. A fit Saylor could see us though to the top 6 with Collo beside him. A fit Willo could see us lose to low table opposition and struggle to hit the top 8.
29 jimmymagpie // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:03 PM

@ 22 – it’s a foot injury. He was in plaster, came back, including 45 mins against England at Wembley, then broke down again and was put back in plaster, and informed the Dutch FA that he wouldn’t be fit for the Euros, and still isn’t fit.To go in plaster twice for the same injury does not sound good, there could be a weakness there which will plague him for the rest of his career. That is why we dropped interest.
30 jimmymagpie // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:06 PM

By the way, I never mentioned Ben Arfa in those terms, I said that the injury he sustained would take some getting over psychologically, and so it proved.
31 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:11 PM

Jimmy…Weren’t we looking at Pieters before we signed Santon? Memory isn’t great, so could be well off
32 MagpiesFlyHigh // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:12 PM

jimmy

If it’s a broken bone then Pieters shoiuld be okay at his age. If it is a soft tissue injury then that might be a problem longer term with higher risks of recurrence.
33 Dannyo // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:18 PM

@jimmymagpie
Does it look like we’ll sign anyone at all this summer from where u’re standing? Blue Chip players that is.
And have u heard anything on the Le Mans striker we had on trial?
He did well in his match atleast.
34 jimmymagpie // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:19 PM

Ibiza – yes mate we were. Magpies – as I understand it, there was a deep rooted fracture, which didn’t heal properly, and as a result there were other problems. I obviously haven’t seen any plates, but I do know that the medics strongly advised the club not to proceed with their interest. Of course, in the interests of balance, they advised the same about Maiga, and he’s just passed his medical West Ham. Look at Demba, Stoke didn’t want to know. Different medics, different opinions, but of course Demba was a free transfer.
35 TorqToon // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:22 PM

Jimmy – I believe the blame for the continued issues with the break is a poor treatment plan and rehab by the club. That’s the word floating around holland.
36 TorqToon // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:24 PM

Just seen Ravel Morrisson has been loaned out for the season to Birmingham. Apparently he is struggling to fit in with west ham and the London lifestyle. There’s a shocker! We definitely sidestepped a problem child there.
37 Dannyo // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:26 PM

@TorqToon
He’s struggling with the London lifestyle, so he moves to Birmingham… Hmmm….
38 TorqToon // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:27 PM

My thoughts exactly!!! Very strange decision.
39 davybtoon // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:28 PM

Bloody hell ppl chill we will sign players
40 jimmymagpie // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:29 PM

Dannyo @ 33 – gut reaction mate? Debuchy – no, unless Lille backtrack. Anita – not unless we offer substantially more than at the moment. Carroll – catergorically no. Doesn’t mean there won’t be others, but I don’t believe that Pardew honestly knows.
41 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:29 PM

Jimmy….Then isn’t it safe to say we withdrew interest then as we didn’t need to sign an injured player as we pursed a non injured player at the time?

Now, as he’s nearing return he may be an option again?
42 Bloody Marveauxlous // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:30 PM

I think our team for Europa next year should have similarities to our team of 2010/11 and 2011/12 :

———————–Krul———————
Simmo—-Saylor———Colo—-Santon
Obertan—-Bigi——–Cleverly—-Jonas
——————–Shola———————-
——————–Caroll———————-

What do you guys think?!
43 BelfastMagpie87 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:30 PM

Maybe he got some bloods in Birmingham? in it….
44 tweaked // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:31 PM

excellent attitude from ba, if i’m smiling you know i’m alright
45 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:32 PM

Bloody

Have you been sniffing glue?
46 BelfastMagpie87 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:34 PM

I think Pardew has very little to do with transfers..

Just my observation…
47 BelfastMagpie87 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:35 PM

When did we sign Cleverley??
48 Big Pappa Cissé // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:35 PM

@ Bloody

Can’t see why you rate Cleverly so much, he is no better than Gosling IMO like
49 jimmymagpie // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:36 PM

Could be mate, but I think the club would like to see him in action first, and the fee would have to come down a bit as they were asking min of £6m. The next 3 weeks will tell us an awful lot about which direction we can expect the club to go in this season. Lunch awaits. Thanks for the craic, lads, see you later! HTL!
50 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:36 PM

Belfast…Seeing as he has said him and carr write up their wishlist and then it’s out of their hands, I would say you’re right

Beattie…It looks that way
51 stk85 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:37 PM

ages since last post but somehow venting thru commenting will make it all better.. temporarily!

firstly, anita, is he really a next level player? will he not obstruct abeid, vuckic and bigi’s route to the first team?

also, on debuchy, yes he wants out but to offer only 6 mill euros is just ridiculous. i like this hardball policy as it’s got us some real steals, but the best rb at the euros, come on, he’s so worth the extra outlay, 5 mill quid is an insult to lille, unless it’s all a smokescreen for corchia or whatever his name is, unless that is another cwarr boob of a rumour.

VDW, capped 35 times by holland, so not too bad but from what i’ve heard about his attitude, i dont want him.

douglas, hmmmm, again temprement issues. would rather get zouma or sakho. tav, willo, perch are our back up cb’s with streete pushing by end of season. if we can overload with cm’s then we also need one cb brought in.

and carroll is effectively ours but for that deal there is absolutely zero rush. let liverpool stew and when they decide to just accept and cut their losses, fine, get him, but not for more than 12 mill.

remy, worth it, but just wait 12 months, or get him signed on a free in january when he can discuss terms.

anyone else i’ve missed?

but a new rb and it should be debuchy, just for the love of god del boy, get it over the line!!
52 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:38 PM

Jimmy…Have a good one. The next few weeks will be extremely telling indeed.
53 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:39 PM

stk…Did it work, feeling better?
54 stk85 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:41 PM

yea i feel good! like after a massive curry or a good night with the lass. i know the feeling will come back but for the next cuple of hours, im happy!!!
55 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:42 PM

Anita is completely different to anything we have both in the first team and youth team.

A deep lying playmaker that cam control the pace of the game.

I think he wouldn’t stop the progress of youth and if our young players are good enough then in time theyll dislodge him from the team.
56 davybtoon // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:43 PM

I think u lot are bunch if drama queens are squad is top 6 team n without signings I still think we’re on for top 6 but with 3 good signings we could push top 4
57 BelfastMagpie87 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:43 PM

Ok I know I’ll probably get into trouble for doing this but f*** it….

*Breaking News*

dan_bu ?@dan_bu

Heard from a reliable source that Hamburg will sign Paul Scharner this week. #HSV
Expand

Reply
Retweet
Favorite
58 BelfastMagpie87 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:44 PM

Im sorry It was a moment off madness…

Wont happen again…..
59 stk85 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:44 PM

thats true re anita. i guess i just really want vuckic and abeid to make it at the club
60 BelfastMagpie87 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:46 PM

I just think if Graham Carr & Llambias really wanted a certain player,but Pardew wasn’t keen on the player.We would sign the player…
61 Transfer Sage // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:49 PM

I don’t think a player comes in without Pardews approval.

The club would not go above him a sign a player he may not want.

They learned there lesson from xisco. After the money wasted on him the club will only sign players the manager wants.
62 Rake // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:52 PM

@ Beattie. I agree i think Anita will sit nicely alongside tiote without the ball and with the ball be better at building attacks.
63 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 12:53 PM

Abied and Vuckic will make it but maybe not for another 4-5 seasons.

We forget they are 19 and will be 24 when Cabaye and Tiote arethe wrong side of 30.

That’s when they will step up to claim the mantle.
64 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:00 PM

The unsung hero in our superb start to last season was Jonas. I hope he gave Raylor half his pay because he covered and tracked back. Jonas is the most disciplined player on our books – he carries out Pardew instructions to the letter. The regular supply of goals kicked in later. It was the system we played not the personnel that got us to lofty heights – sure Saylor was influential but not as much I would suggest as many posters would have us believe. but times move on and opposition managers Sussex you out. I hope the thinking is not
That we can just put Saylor into the back four and away we go. Our defensive weaknesses are widely known- Simpson and Williamson.
I don’t include Santon because he has undoubted talent and has grown in confidence from time in the Premiership.
65 davybtoon // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:01 PM

Why do ppl think abeid, vukic, biggie, fergie, sammi, Tav n good won’t make an impact this season there 20 year old it’s a joke ppl are treating them like reserves
66 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:02 PM

jimmymagpie

I know you didnt say that about HBA. I was just hypothesising. I wasnt around on here when Benny got injured.

But my point was the reason for the second plaster was because he was rushed back too quick. And wasnt eased into the game.

But I must apologise for not registering it was you I was talking to.

It keeps getting reported that the club had a agreement in place to sign him before the injury with some reports even suggesting that the deal still stands if he can prove fitness.

Im wondering if this is why there is a hold of on a full back signing. With the club waiting til the end of the window to see if Pieters is ok. Wouldnt surprise me if we switched Santon to RB and signed Pieters come January. We were strongly interested in him for as good as 8 or 9 months BEFORE last January.

Debuchy would be and upgrade at RB but I think Anita would be the signing to add most to the starting XI.
67 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:03 PM

Our team is top 6 until injury and suspension.
68 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:04 PM

Abeid is 20 today and will be a regular before too long or he will be snapped up by a top side for relative peanuts. He’s that good.
69 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:06 PM

davybtoon

I do. With Abeid, Bigi, Sammy. I just worry about the defence personally. And Im not discrediting Tav and Fergie. Tav looked decent against Braga. I just feel that the back 4 are not really positions you can throw younger players in to. Its a sure fire way to kill confidence as well as gamble with results. And Fergie is no full back to me. He is a winger until he develops some more strength
70 lesh // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:10 PM

Tommyy @19, your point (4) hits the nail on the head and further illustrates the folly of not getting the players we need through the door before the season starts.

(“The opener against Spurs, for me everything seems to relaxed and half arsed for this stage of pre season. We needed the bodies in, everybody back to fitness with some minutes under their belt, a few runs out in with a fluid 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3, not our god awful 4-4-2. You just know Spurs will be up for it and come at us like a bullet train.”)

Remember last season when we had that brilliant run of results at the start, when we played supposedly easy games? Yup, the points we amassed then made a major contribution to our attaining 5th spot.

However, our openers this season are against much tougher opposition and we’ll likely have no points after the first three or four games. Great eh? Nine to 12 points off the chase before the season’s got into its stride!

How much will we lose in terms of placings-points at £800k a position if we remain adrift of the top three?

For the sake of playing games with selling clubs and spending a few million over what we estimate values to be for the likes of Anita and Debuche, we could lose a damn site more in terms of revenue.

And then, players cite our lack of ambition to progress and then the rot could set in.

Pessimist? Me? Possibly.
71 lesh // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:11 PM

*playing games with selling clubs and NOT spending a few million
72 Tommyy // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:12 PM

The youngsters will make an impact, but not all together. As we’ve seen they are not yet good or experience enough to play together in the first team.
They will be on the subs bench and will start the odd cup and Europa league game, filling in for injuries if and when necessary. That will be their role. They will not be miraculous starters nor should we hype them up to be. I think Fergie and Bigi are the only 2 ready to slot in if needed.
73 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:19 PM

Not only are we treating the Spuds game half heartedly we are also taking the Europa league for granted.

There is no guarantee we can even qualify and we expect our team to get 4 results in 11 days with youth, lack of depth and questionable quality?!
74 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:24 PM

Negativity is draining and non-productive.

Also, credit to our players for getting on with the game in a hostile environment. I think if I was the victim of that kind of abuse I would have a hissy fit and walk off the pitch.
75 rainrix // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:31 PM

League has to take priority over europa although hopefully we get drawn against a horrible latvian team.
76 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:34 PM

I think Abeid and Bigirimana will be utilised a bit. Not sure about Vuckic at the moment. I am hoping that we will sign Debuchy, Anita and Remy and a decent centre back. In my opinion, this is how the squad will look like this season:

Goalkeepers (In ascending order in terms of quality)

Krul
Harper
Elliot

(Think it was a mistake selling Forster as he is better than Harper and Elliot and would’ve been a good number 2

Defenders

Right-back

Debuchy/Santon
Raylor
Perch
Tavernier
Dan Gosling
Simpson

Left-back

Santon
Anita

Centre-back

Coloccini
Douglas
Saylor
Good
Streete
Williamson

Midfielders

Right-midfield

Ben Arfa
Marveaux
Gutierrez
Raylor
Obertan
Sammi Ameobi

Left-midfield

Ben Arfa
Marveaux
Gutierrez
Sammi Ameobi
Ferguson

Defensive Midfield

Tiote
Anita
Bigirimana
Debuchy
Perch

Central/Attacking Midfield

Ben Arfa
Cabaye/Marveaux
Abeid
Vuckic
Gosling

Strikers

Cisse
Ba
Remy
Xisco
Ranger
Shola Ameobi

We will probably need to strengthen the midfield in january as someone will be injured.
77 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:34 PM

Beattie 25- I assume you are referring to posters taking Spurs and
Europa half heatedly . Rest assured that the planning by Pardew and
coaches has been meticulous even to vetting already likely opposition in the Europa qualifier. This before the draw is made on Friday.
You might accuse managers of the past of being unprofessional (because that’s what your implying) but not this coaching team. They are the last bunch to rest on their laurels. Last season is history.
78 G // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:37 PM

Why is everybody so frightened of Spurs all of a sudden? Sure they aint an easy team to beat, but they have a new manager, and only 1 striker in the squad (Defoe). Personnaly I think that match is a banker.
79 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:38 PM

I’d also put a £2m bid in for Konate as well as going for Remy.
80 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:40 PM

I have forgotten to include Amalfitano. He would be behind Abeid in the pecking order.
81 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:41 PM

Fatman….I like you
82 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:43 PM

Beatie

You’re letting your positivity mask slip. Take a few deep breaths.
83 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:46 PM

Ketsbaia…I thought Kanote was £1.5m last time we chatted. Also, we pretty much had to sell Fortser. He made it clear he did not wish to be a number 2, so not too many options on that one. But I do agree, he was a better option that Harps and Elliot.

G…I would assume it’s because it’s August, no first team players have been signed and people are generally happier when they have something to be worried about. Far healthier than relaxing.
84 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:48 PM

If Spurs sell Modric and if we sign a couple, we’ll have a chance. Spurs’ defence is fantastic. No need to strengthen there. Selling Pavluechecko was a big mistake. They need 2/3 strikers and maybe a winger to have the perfect squad.
85 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:50 PM

Ibiza – reciprocated.

We can best spurs definitely. At home. They have a new manager. We have taylor back and I’m sure will have a new defender by that point.
86 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:52 PM

Haha, Spurs have Vertonghen, Kaboul, Dawson, Gallas and Bassong who can play centre back. We need to sign at least 1 class centre back in order to compete.

I have a feeling that they may sign Remy. I don’t want us to pay over the odds for Carroll. Instead of paying £17m, we could sign Remy, Konate and Douglas for £17m.
87 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:54 PM

AVB likes to play 3 up front. However Spurs dont currently have the players for it really.

I think they will lack an attacking threat so long as Bale and Van Der Vaart can be kept at bay. Alternatively getting Tiote to silence Modric as well. It will isolate their 1 striker (Defoe).

This time there is no Adebayor to tear us apart. It would be nice to have someone like Anita in and ready for then. But we I think we’ll need a packed midfield to man match theirs.

They can also be exploited through aerial threats. Which is why I think Pardew has been working on set pieces a lot this week.
88 nimo // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:54 PM

People are forgetting spurs are loosing players an haven’t yet replaced them.. Soon as modric is gone i expect them to spend big but they lossed modric or if still there head won’t be right.. Lossed adebeyor who tore us part at there’s.. Bale only supposed to be 50/50 for game.. I aren’t worried.. Sure it won’t be easy but we haven’t lossed any1 they have.. The have new management to get used to.. We don’t.. Can’t wait to stuff the spuds .. However reckon chelsea will rip us a new arsehole.. Had a ton on them to win the league
89 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:55 PM

Gallas – old over rated
Bassong – won’t be there
Vert – untested in the league
Kaboul – inconsistent
Dawson – see Kaboul

We have better strikers and I believe our midfield can dominate.
90 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 1:59 PM

There is no such thing as “in the bag” or “impossible” games. We currently have a team that IS capable of beating Spurs and you all know it.

Kets…They may have a good defenders, but they can’t play all of them. Although, with their current lack of strikers they may have to

TDS…I think he misses Ruddy.
91 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:01 PM

Sorry…* they may have good defenders…not a good defenders as that makes no sense
92 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:03 PM

Don’ confuse our preparation for the new season with our current
lack of senior signings. The two are not connected and there is far too much negativity on here on transfer developments . It’s a marathon not a sprint there is no point in buying for the sake of it let ‘s get it right. Get a grip of yourselves- you know who you are.
93 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:03 PM

Honestly, we’re not such a different team to Spurs. The main difference for me is the fact we seem to play as a team and a complete unit. Spurs have the whole Modric wanting out hanging over them, plus we don’t know what impact the new manager will have. Basically, it’s a hard one to call, regardless of whether we bring anyone in or snot.
94 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:05 PM

Ian…I’m pretty sure that wasn’t aimed at me I’m getting better, slowly but surely!
95 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:05 PM

Earlier reference should have been Raylor giving half of his wages to Jonas .LOL
96 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:05 PM

I second you on that Ian.

People need to calm down.
97 outsidethebox // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:05 PM

ketsbaia9 ..iam sure we are covered for all positions except at centre back …we need a dominant left sided quality centre back i would not like to start with sicknote saylor and collo as first choice centre backs ..williamson and perchino are good squad players but not imo top 6 centre back quality.
98 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:08 PM

Outside….” i would not like to start with sicknote saylor and collo as first choice centre backs”

Really? Is that just because STaylor has a poor injury record? If he’s fit at the start of the season, why wouldn’t you want to play him?

I agree we need some depth for CB, but your comment there is madness imo.
99 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:08 PM

Why would you not like to start with Taylor? He’s quality. Calling him sicknote is a strange reason not to play him – if he’s available to play then he’s not injured, is he.

Think about it.
100 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:09 PM

Hey Fatman, I said I liked you not that I want you in my head
101 Transfer Sage // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:10 PM

I think outside means he wouldn’t want to start the season with those centre backs.

Implying that Taylor is good enough to start but will end up injured and the other two mentioned are not good enough for long term cover
102 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:11 PM

Well i’m not budging
103 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:11 PM

Ibiza—- your not that sensitive or insecure . It just seems to me that
there are ” I am a regular blogger on here we don’t challenge the higher order” types. Spouting what you earlier had described as the if ‘s and but’s of pre- season. The point is know two pre- seasons are the
Same. Sorry my brain always works quicker than my typing.
104 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:17 PM

Fatman…That’s alright, lot’s of spare space up their after all

Transfer Sage….So, basically, he wouldn’t be happy with not signing a CB before the end of the window?

Ian….I was only having a little joke off the back of my previous misunderstandings with you I agree with your point on the mixing of preparations for transfers and games. I am sure the club are fully prepared for the Spurs game and that is what Pardew is fully focused on at this moment in time.
105 outsidethebox // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:18 PM

ibizatoon and fatman joe ….starting with taylor (injury record not the best ) and collo for a season that has more games than ever with imo no suitable quality replacements for injury and suspensions spells trouble …really hope curtis good comes thru ..but would feel better if they secured a top class centre back ….and again imo saylor as good as he is at set positions has problems backing off when strikers run at him …
106 nufc786 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:22 PM

ppl in australia describe curtis good as the next jaap stam…….. he will need to bulk up for the physicality of the prem……
Good has been likened to Jaap Stam down under and has a fearless style of play. Robust and clinical in his approach he should fit in to the Premier League mould reasonably well. Although at the tender age of 19 a spell in the reserves and perhaps loan experience is a much more likely avenue for the immediate future.
107 TOONCHRIS // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:22 PM

WELL I MUST SAY GIRLS,ITS BEEN MONTHS SINCE I COMMENTED ON HERE BUT CAN STILL SEE IT IS FULL OF DAFT DIVVYS BICKERING N TALKING A LOAD OF SHIIIITTTTEEEE,THINK I WILL GO BACK TO JUS READING EDS HEADLINES N LEAVE THE COMMENTS TO YOU NOBHEADS
108 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:23 PM

In that case you’re right. Of course we need centre back cover. But I wouldn’t be upset about starting the season without it.
109 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:24 PM

Ketsbaia9

Spurs may have the CBs but they dont have the attacking force we do atm.

The game will heavily lie on who can dominate the midfield. Because that is where Spurs can do damage from.

People have mentioned 4-2-3-1 with Cabaye in an advanced position. I like Cabaye there, he has greater potential to score and do some damage but I think Pards would play him next to Tiote if such a formation were to be implemented.

Pardew sees Cabaye as a Deep lying playmaker. He wants him to be the next Pirlo. Which is something that has only recently come back into the game. It makes sense when you consider Cabayes long ball ability paired with his generally aggressive style of play. The problem is that it would only further isolate our attackers (already a problem we have) this is why we need to find someone that can play the CAM role in the hole.

Even though Anita is seen as a DM I still wouldnt bet against him being played in a more advanced position than Cabaye if he were to come as his short passing game is excellent.

So if Cabaye is deep lying who do we play in the hole? do we use 2 strikers. If so it surely has to be Ba who still needs to develop strength on the ball in order to keep possession but that immediately nullifies his full attacking potential.

I honestly think a 4-5-1 would be best against Spurs due to their skilled midfield. Sub: Cisse for Ba or vice versa.

With current squad:

——————–Krul——————
-Simmo—-Saylor—-Colo—–Santon
————-Tiote—–Cabaye———–
Obertan———-Jonas————-Marv
—————–Ba/Cisse—————–

That gives use enough bodies in the middle for a range of passing options. Enough defensive ability in the middle which Pardew likes. Marv out on LW because he is probably the option most likely to get the crosses into the box. Obertan out right because HBA is apparently not match fit and he has a tendency to cross more. Jonas in the middle because of his all around ability to defend and attack (but lack of a decent cross).

Alternatively.

Play the formation we did against Manure last season with Ba and Cisse up front and Raylor on RW. He lacks pace but I dont think we are going to beat Spurs on pace with the defenders they have. And as I said we can exploit them aerially. Cabaye through diagonal balls from the middle to Ba (given freedom to roam from side to side). Raylor and Marveaux getting crosses into the box.

This is a 1 dimensional tactic i know.
110 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:28 PM

TOONCHRIS

Thanks for writing in capitals. We may not have been able to read your marvellous contribution to the blog otherwise.
111 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:28 PM

man, this blog I tell ya…

i read the comments religiously but, and i don’t know why it’s only now dawning on me, it’s the same thing from each habitual poster day after day…

Ibiza will always quip something about ‘sack par dew! relegation for sure!’ and then end it with a smiley face but you know he’s really actually going crazy…judging by the number of posts he racks up in a day

davybtoon continues to talk about the youth as if they’re ready-made super stars and calls everyone stupid who might have a concern about any of them

beattie’s fluctuation in temperament is really the only thing to count on

ketsbaia STILL manages to piss everyone off when everyone knows he’s trying to do just that

it was so much nicer when this was more of a discussion…this past year it’s turned into this ridiculous boys’ club….of lonely, socially awkward, half-wits

i’m thankful there are still posters around like Brutooon and Kets to at least keep this blog a little interesting past the loaded, hyperbolically-titled headlines themselves
112 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:30 PM

matty

And taking time to post insulting messages online is any better?
113 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:31 PM

@Kets 9
“I have a feeling that they may sign Remy. I don’t want us to pay over the odds for Carroll. Instead of paying £17m, we could sign Remy, Konate and Douglas for £17m.”

While i agree to signing Remy over Carroll, you once again have some intresting valuations placed on players.

Also i very much doubt we will sign Douglas, unless all other options are exhausted.

Why would we be intrested in signing Konate? hes another sengalese striker, and it would take somewhere in the region of 2-3mill to aquire him. thats alot for a bench warmer.
114 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:32 PM

nimo

The question is. By the time Modric goes, who will they get in and will they be ready for the Prem?
115 FatmanJoe // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:33 PM

I don’t understand people who criticise the blog. No one is forcing you to read the comments. Rather than criticising the blog why not debate with people? Seems less whingey.
116 pardews plan B // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:34 PM

Matt seemed to forget my childhood footballer of the day segment.
Speaking of which. Ahem…..
My childhood football of the day is Dave challinor whom i only remember for having a very long throw.
117 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:35 PM

Outside…So it’s not the first game you’re worried about, but the season itself. Fair enough, we all want some cover for when wor Stevie likely gets injured
118 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:36 PM

mattyNUFC

It’s Cabin fever mate. Combined with the school holidays i guess.
119 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:36 PM

…regarding transfers

i’m all for playing hardball

but not this late into the transfer window. Imagine if we had gotten cisse this time last year. we payed 9mil for him and depending on who you believe, the price this time last year was 11-13mil….

4mil max difference. what is the cash payment for CL group stage football?? Of course last year there was no way to gauge where we’d be, or even to think we’d be within punching distance, but we should’ve gotten another CB in january and didn’t.

we know what we’re working with now and are playing with fire again. fine and well all the eternal optimists, but i don’t think anyone here is under any illusion; we don’t qualify for CL this year, Cisse, Ba, Cabaye, HBA and perhaps Tiote could all be on their way
120 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:37 PM

mattyNUFC

Im trying to drum up discussion.
121 Tsunki // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:37 PM

Toonchris – we already look forward to you doing just that. Caps lock makes you look intelligent though.
122 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:38 PM

So guys, who’s gonna be our breakthrough player of season?

Who’s gonna be the most improved?

and why?
123 Big Pappa Cissé // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:39 PM

Chris and matty should go on a date. Two whiney little bitches, its a match made in heaven
124 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:40 PM

My childhood footballer of the day is a toss up between David Ginola and Eric Cantona.

Ginola due to the hair style and Cantona for the inspiration for showing me flying kicks had a place in football.
125 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:40 PM

TDS
126 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:41 PM

Matty….And there was me thinking I occasionally discussed matters with other posters. Yes, I do joke with the “ash out, pardews a muppet” line, however, seeing the amount of times I’ve read it on here from people, I personally think it’s a fair enough joke. I have however been wrong before.

Please do start a discussion, as that is what you sorely miss rather than just criticize.

Chris…From that post, it would seem a good idea for you to just stick to the headlines.
127 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:41 PM

Also someone said about not taking Europa serious. I would rather focus on the league until we are in a position to have a good squad to compete in all competitions.

Plus if you think about it. How good will our development/youngsters be after getting proper runs out in Europa. Bet the likes of Abeid will be chomping at the first team heels after it.
128 Ketsbaia9 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:44 PM

Yeah, Lee Hughes is available. We could make a bid for him. He should be cheaper than £2m.
129 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:44 PM

Big pappis cisse

haha, good one, mate!

look at what those two comments have done! chris and i have thrown the normal order! you guys can’t scroll quick enough to hit those re-load buttons!
130 Tsunki // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:46 PM

Mattynufc – what did you expect? There’s nowt to talk about and all that occupies us are trolls, ITK’s, WUMS, unrelated sporting events, ridiculous speculation and stupid humour.

Unless of course you want to put something of value forward instead of just stating the onbvious

Oh damn almost forgot the smiley
131 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:49 PM

@122

most improved player thats a tough one ill hedge my bets on it being between Bigi, Amalfitano since i honestly believe they will get more starts than our other youngsters.

Although you also have to consider Obertan and Marvs they are bound to come on massively.

but my heart says Bigi, why? the lad wants it more than anybody, his passion and drive is insane i think he will be regular first team by Christmas following closely in the steps of the Toitinater.
132 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:50 PM

Tsunki

i hear there’s some retarded spectacle down in London that lasts three weeks showing activities most have never heard of and is displacing loads of families for the sake of advertisement hoardings and security
133 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:51 PM

matty

I assume there was a message there, rather than just my name?

I seem to recall you telling me off the other, after I was offensive.

Your post gave me the impression that you were a man without falt, and someone to look up to. I’m devastated to find out I was wrong.
134 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:54 PM

Matty…Apologies, I was taking too long to break my normal mode of “ash out” and you have since made a football post.

So, if I may, I will try and keep up with your wonderful contribution to the blog and world in general.

“i don’t think anyone here is under any illusion; we don’t qualify for CL this year, Cisse, Ba, Cabaye, HBA and perhaps Tiote could all be on their way”

You’re right. They “could” be on their way. But then again, they may see that we’re ahead of schedule with regards to the plan set out by the board and likely the plan that was sold to them before joining. You’re speculating. I doubt any of those players were told, “within 2 years, we’ll be in the CL”.

Would you prefer the club resort to panic buying? It doesn’t seem to have done us too well in the past. I do agree, we need a CB in.

If not, you know what’s coming…Ashley Out, Pardew’s a muppet!
135 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:56 PM

Well LGF and PPB i tried…..but people are going to be intent on feeding the trolls.

Kets: Lee hughes really…seriously really.
136 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:56 PM

TDS

no, i just put TDS there. figured you’d launch some offensive i could crease a smile at before my work day’s concluded. thanks, mate
137 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:57 PM

LGFUAD21..Agreed. We can’t possibly compete on all levels yet. So this is a great chance for the younger players to make their mark and gain some great experience. All the while, the normal first team players make sure we qualify for next season.
138 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:58 PM

Ibizatoon – Back by popular demand

Your wry sense of deadpan humour never fails to make me chuckle. Assuming it is intentional.

Zero

Cantona pioneered it. Then De Jong cemented it.

I never do this but i’ll go for it.

My childhood footballer of the day is…..Mark Bosnich

For later going on to direct great films such as the Dark Knight and Inception (google image him and Christopher Nolan)
139 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 2:59 PM

There’s little more pathetic than people insulting others over the internet to give themselves a sense of superiority.

I bet you feel really big now.
140 WWYCD // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:00 PM

So if we dont get CL this season Cabaye Tiote Ba Cisse and HBA will all be on their way?

Well if thats how it’ll be thats how it’ll be the incoming money from selling them would probably buy us a new starting 11 anyway
141 leavemyarselona // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:01 PM

Ibiza .. Hi,, erm i dont think any of the players were told 2years maybe champions league,, but we had a really good successful season ahead of plans dont you think expectation had risen alot And if we dont do well enough we could lose players ,, but then again we dont need to concentrate on that now.. Ive been on blog for while now n rarely comment i argue with my girlfriend over playing to much fifa i argue with my site manager and now i read comments on hear i hope never to bloody argue with any of you guys hahaha what is up with all the bitching and pointscoring and the “your punctuation is bad” comments this blog is insane haha ..
142 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:02 PM

Ibizatoon – Back by popular demand

Qualify again…..for the next batch of youngsters. Kony would be envious of our child soldiers.

**KONY JOKES ARE FAUX PAS YO**
143 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:02 PM

Zero…I have a sneaky feeling that Biggy will do well this season. Show’s a lot of strength and wil, which should take him far.

If we don’t bring in any strikers, I would expect Sammy to get some games too. I like the kid and hope he can chip in with some goals.
144 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:02 PM

Why do you think we carnt complete on all levels yet?

Im under no illusion that we will fail in both the league and fa cup, however i think it will be due to a poor/hard draw this year and not to a horrid performance to a championship club.

I think from the build and design of our current starting 11 and potential break throughs we should favour well in both the EPL and European cup. I dont think we will win either, however i thik making it into the top 6 again should be easily obtainable pending injuries or rediculous ref descisions.
145 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:03 PM

ibiza

you make a good point but if these are our targets, is paying around the asking price panic buying? of course not.

ruiz would have been panic buying, so to say we’re golden in our transfer approach i think is dead wrong. i think we’re still susceptible to making big errors and i think we’ve escaped a few (Thompkins from WHU, think Douglas would be a mistake, imo)

our transfer policy HAS worked well, it did work well last year, but it doesn’t mean it’s infallible
146 Nufc-83 // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:03 PM

Why do people post on here and make themselves look stupid if they know nothing about football.

BLOODY why would SAF loan out Cleverly who played a good number of games for untied last season and is seen as a top prospect along with Welbeck. ESPECIALLY to a team who will just play him in europe as you show wtf. If he does go on loan which i doubt he will then it would be to a club where he starts every game.

Then i seen somebody say Cleverly is not much better than Gosling think it was Pappiss are you for real??
147 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:05 PM

TDS

i’m only 6′
148 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:07 PM

Well you’ve got an inch on me there. I’ll back off.
149 mattyNUFC // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:07 PM

haha gosling might someday be half the player cleverly is
150 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:08 PM

LGF: Mark Bosnich hahaha id totally forgot about him wasnt he the cocaine taking nazi saluting keeper. a legend by all accounts.
151 leavemyarselona // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:08 PM

Tds. Hello bud we had bit crack other week how you.. Im going to that pardew carver q and a .. My mate been to loads of sporting dinners through work to newcastle related says there a good laugh.. Apart from transfers is their out you would say to pards
152 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:11 PM

LGFUAD21…I would hope by next year, the youngsters would no longer be perceived as just youngsters and would be a valuable part of the squad.

Leavemy….Expectations will obviously have risen. It’s down to Pardew and co to keep them realistic.

I’ve been trying to say this a while, but obviously doing a bad job of it.

Do people think, that because we had one really good season, that Ashley will just fund the “next level team” in one window? I really doubt it. They have a plan and they will stick to it.

As yo said, if the players aren’t on board and want to go, then off they will go and we will take the money and re-invest.

On the basis of your argument of keeping players. What happens if we qualify for CL this season, will the players expect us to win it next year or us risk losing them?

I agree, there are far too many arguments in the real world without having to have them on here. Apparently though, i am some tw@ that needs putting in his place. Oh well, life goes on.
153 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:12 PM

leavemyarselona

Ah, sweet. Yeah, transfers will likely just prompy Pardew’s standard list of non-answers (; Might be good asking him about long term plans at the club. Everyone’s always so focussed on the next game and the next transfer window, he rarely gets asked about where he sees us in a few years time.
154 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:14 PM

Does anyone think Pardew may get offered a new contract soon?

He’s meant to be one of the lowest paid managers in the league – yet last season he was by far the best.

Thoughts? Maybe wait and see how he does this year?
155 Big Pappa Cissé // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:16 PM

Is there some other Tom Cleverly I dont know about like. What has he done fore some of you to rate him so highly. He was anonymous at the Olympics, injured for most of last season and has never been that impressive at Man United anyway.

I’m glad Graham Carr does our scouting and not some of you lot. My God
156 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:19 PM

Matty….No that’s not panic buying. I was referring to your comment about we should have got a CB the year before. Granted, if they had lined up targets properly, there may not have been an issue.

You’re absolutely right with regards to our transfer policy and Ashley’s reluctance to pay “going rates” may prove costly. They haven’t so far (unless of course you want to say if we had Cisse 6 months earlier we would of finished higher) and me personally have faith it will be ok.

Foolish? Perhaps. Maybe I don’t hold the clubs best interest at heart?

I see it as realistic optimism (not that word again – run people) and that is how I choose to live my life (not just on here). It works for me and can only apologise if it p*ss*s others off.
157 NUFC_LEAZES END // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:20 PM

Our future line up

krul
Tavernier. Streete. Good. Fergie
Abeid. Bigrimana. Amalfitano
Sameobi. Campbell. vuckic
158 Lalas 2012 // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:20 PM

Where’s Tsunki?
159 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:23 PM

Zero…Missed your post there, sorry.

Just based on last season really. We did well in the league, but had nothing else to play for.

With extra games, players released / sold and lack of new team members it would seem silly to think we could compete on multiple levels at this time imo. I would love to be proved wrong though.

I just think we’ll have to use more youth players in the EL, as I don’t see a lot of them being able to play in both tournaments due to fatigue etc. If we did, we’d start to see a hell of a lot of them with injuries. Thoughts?
160 leavemyarselona // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:25 PM

Ibiza. I just think were in a position were we have exceeded expectations and i think the current team is brilliant but we have to strengthen to hopefully give us as much chance as possible to repeat last season. If we dont then we could of missed out on an really good opurtunity to be successfull in future .. We not always going to pluck signings like cabaye and tiote. I just think we got our chance now we need to take it and really make ourselves a dangerous team ..
161 Rake // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:25 PM

Campbell should get a run in the league cup if he’s mentally up for it.
162 leavemyarselona // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:30 PM

Tds i was thinking about plucking up a good question about does he think that we can sustain a successful team in future and stick to wagecap which other top teams are not doing. Obviously i think were doing the ryt thing by it but im just worried that in longterm we wont always make beauty signings on low wages we may drop down table by not buying any top established players that are obviouly greedy twats do you get were im coming from
163 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:32 PM

leavemy….I get that. The truth is, I don’t have a clue what’s really happening with our supposed targets, so find it hard to jump on the “it’s Ashley being cheap” bandwagon. Although, it’s quite a likely reason.

It would seem they are in the market and trying to get players over the bloody 20 mile long line we hear so much about.

I also get a little put off when people say we may be missing out for the future. Based on what? Do they think we’ll get left behind forever? We were relegated, what was it 3 years ago? So, from Championship to Europa in 3 years? One window of missed opportunity, whilst frustrating, is not the end of the world imo. I am willing to accept I may be proved wrong, but that is how I feel about things.
164 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:33 PM

Same here tbh hence my statement pending injuries.

I really dont see us going far in the FA or league cups so there wont be those added matches.

The EL is where i think we will show more promise.. providing we rotate the team efficiently and our break-through players step up to the plate.

But i think both the success in the EPL and EL is dependant on the draws and schedules, if we get ‘easier’ EPL games around our EL matches it will allow for the resting of players.

My biggest worry with the EPL is one of the reasons of our success was simply due to the lack of performace from previously dominant teams… i.e. Arsenals poor start, Spurs poor second half and Chelseas dismal season. These teams i feel will be quick out the blocks this coming season and we will be hunting the sixth spot. Liverpool i reckon will finish even lower this coming season.
165 jakesome // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:35 PM

GREAT POST ED AND GREAT WORDS dEMBA
166 tarie4 // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:38 PM

NUFC_LEAZES END // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:20 PM

Santon 22??
Oberton 23?
Gosling 23?
I am sure they will also be in that line up?
167 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:39 PM

Zero….Very true. Those 3 teams didn’t perform as normal and if they do this season, we will likely find it hard to compete over the course of a season. I suppose that too plays a part in my relaxed thinking. I don’t really see us breaking in to the top 4, top 7 is our realistic place as things stand…even with the addition of 2/3 players.

There are no guarantees in football, but we’re certainly up there now and making the so called “big clubs” take notice of us, which is great.

As long as the players give it their all, then I’ll be happy.
168 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:41 PM

Matty…Have you gone? Am I over posting as always? Should I only expect a 2 or 3 post discussion or is a big whopper of a post coming my way as I type?
169 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:43 PM

Tarie…I think they’ll be gone by then. Moved on to a club that shows ambition and that can keep their star players

Are smileys allowed now?
170 Markaccus // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:43 PM

Many people post on here mixing there own names with former toon footballers with the same name. I wish to do this, however, I am short on good players called mark who played for us. I can only think of stimson, hottiger(?) And, alarmingly, lawrenson!
171 leavemyarselona // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:44 PM

Ibiza i think the basis on missing out on the future means that we have sort of exceeded expectation last season and if we dont get right up amongst the top 6 this season we are more than likely going to lose our top players and obv if they want to go then let them but we dont want to be put in that position in the first place imean we were kinda helped out by out teams slacking last season but also we done well.. I just think if we are put in that position were we lose players yes we will have money to reinvest but imo we will defenitely struggle to even half match the quality we bought in previous 2years
172 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:44 PM

3 in a row…I think I’ve answered my own question there. Going to take a break.
173 Big Pappa Cissé // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:46 PM

I just wish Ashley would show a bit more intent. I thought he had turned a corner last season after stumping up 9 million for cisse and seeing what you get for a decent amount of money.

I know there is still time but I feel if we dont invest now and fail to get Europe next season we wont be as big a draw to potential targets. Missed oppertunity if you ask me
174 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:47 PM

I think we need to focus on harnassing the power of our players, getting them to interlink and forming essientally two squads/formations to deal with added matches of the EL this season coming and future seasons. Pards said we were ahead of schedule and i dont think even signing Remy, Debuchy and even a Euro slammer in Guidetti we would make a top 4 finish, maybe cause an upset and displace Spurs but we cannot realistically challange top 4.

Im hopeful of a few more signings, and that Bigi, Ama, Good, Abeid and Fergie will come through as serious and reliable alternates to the first team current 11.

Hence why i think Euro league is very important infact just as importnat as our league performance.
175 tarie4 // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:48 PM

Ibizatoon – Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:32 PM

Well said, people forget our target was top ten last season and we got top 6. And we tend to forget that we started the season with shola, raylor, best and oberton all having a staring role. I think its not about the team U start with, but the team U end up with. as the Season goes, U need evolve.
raylor, shola, best all didn’t have a look in, in April.
If we do sign Anita, and the lot this week, do pple really think he will displace Spiderman or whoever now??
Maybe come November yes, but not at the start.
176 toonarmydownsouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:51 PM

Markaccus
Aug 06 – 3:43 PM
Viduka!!!!!!
177 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:51 PM

At least no one could reasonably accuse Ibiza of cocking a deaf un.
Very much a front up sort of guy. Mind you I firmly believe that his attempts at humour need some work . I agree with the suggestion by an earlier poster that his best jokes are pure happenstance. ( Ibiza this is my weak attempt at humour- I realise you will find that hard to believe).
Having not been around I personally would go with Saylor from the of- fitness permitting. Picking up a poster on Taylor backing off an attacker and then having to make a desperate tackle – up to his injury he had pretty much eradicated the habit from his game.. Unfortunately
Simpson picked up the habit hence the. Saving tackles. A strong pacy
Centre half alongside Colo is called for- Tavernier looks promising but he should not cut his teeth at present other than in the Europa.
Beattie 25 – I am not taking for granted that we will qualify- LOL.
Although I don ‘t see any reason to adopt your negativity.
And – I do remember we failed to qualify once under Bobby.
178 toonarmydownsouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:52 PM

Howay ibiza lad look at you hogging all the post space again!!!!
179 Nufc-83 // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:53 PM

Papiss Tom cleverly looked excellent for Man u last season and that’s why he got full international call ups. I am not saying he is a brilliant player as he is certainly not (yet anyway) but you compared him to gosling so that says it all for me really no need to carry this debate on when you are writing drivel like that.
180 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 3:54 PM

leavemy…Absolutely possible. I suppose at the end of the window we will know a bit more and can judge if it’s been a successful window. I do believe they are trying to improve the squad, I don’t completely believe the figures mentioned in the press and really don’t know what to believe with regards to what’s a smokescreen and what isn’t.

If come 31st August 2012 we have signed no first team players, I would fully understand fans being angry, after all, they have told us they would be signing at least 1 or 2. I will wait to see how the team performs and support the current team all the way (that wasn’t meant to imply that if you were unhappy with lack of transfers you’re not supporting the team).
181 Big Pappa Cissé // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:00 PM

@ nufc-83

If you actually read the post I said he wasn’t much better than Gosling, which I believe is true. Alot of players can look half decent in a Man United midfield. Lets just see how much Fergie plays him next season then and end it at that.
182 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:03 PM

tads…What can I say? I just need the satisfaction of most posts regardless of what I say.

In fact, I could start posting one word at a time?

Ian…Obviously you’ve never met me, so have to make assumptions. My way of dealing with things is to joke / laugh them off. Life is way too short to get wound up by little things, especially on here.

I genuinely believe what I type and like to think if someone posts a differing opinion I’ll think about it before dismissing it. We are all on this planet to learn and no one is born knowing everything, it would be stupid to think otherwise.

As for the humour comment, not sure what to say really. I suppose we can’t all have the same humour, otherwise that would be boring. If you think my humour over steps the mark, do let me know as I can get carried away at times.
183 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:04 PM

Im amazed people have doubt on the signing front, we have 20 million to spend on ‘the right’ players. They may not be world beaters, we may not have even heard of them before, but they will become world beaters when they hook up with our starting 11. Look at how much promise our supposed young signings are showing.
184 rainrix // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:07 PM

So absolutly no transfer news? Wow talk about a sllllllow day hopefully a sudden fee agreed story will pop. Maybe not.
185 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:08 PM

There is also some merit I believe in the following thought process…

We have a £20m budget for transfers “this season”. We may be better served to save some of this until January, where top targets on Carr’s list are available on the cheap due to expiring contracts, changed situations etc. Is it best to spend it now or see where we need improving and what is available?

Obviously not 100% to work, but not completely ridiculous either.
186 roadfighter // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:10 PM

@ Ibizatoon – I couldn’t agree more [as always]…

Perhaps I am also part of the silly crowd who isn’t yet panicking due to our lack of signings of first team players. I have faith in Alan and the rest of the club, and in the way the club is run these days.

I also choose to live my life in an optomistic manner, and haven’t had much issues to date.

There is still 3 and a half weeks or so left until the transfer window closes. Priority for me is CB cover, and a back up striker. I’m not too phased with the RB position as I assume if we don’t sign anyone during the window we will at least have Simpson present and there are a few other players that can cover this position [Raylor, Tav, Gosling... ]

I apologise if I have hardly or any people who agree with me, but these are my thoughts…
187 leavemyarselona // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:10 PM

Ibiza suppose thats all we can do bud .. Haha.. Erm just asking hows the name ibiza come about are you lucky enough to be there right now or summit
188 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:12 PM

What is interesting if you bother to read through the posts( I exclude the ranters, obsessives, chip on the shoulder types, rude / bully type comments and Ibiza when he is doing his St Francis of Assisi bit for people who don ‘t realise there on this site but think their posting to a
behavioural psychologist convention. Is how opinion evolves. Hence
You don’t need to engage with posters ( I tried that with Beattie 25 and failed miserably but others picked up the point later on .
Disclaimer – Ibiza I seriously am joking . I read your contributions
as a matter of course and your great value.
189 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:13 PM

We already know what’s needed so waiting until january is a big risk.

Just because it worked for Cisse doesn’t mean it’ll work again.

We were luck freiberg were heading for relegation. There may not be a repeat of that!
190 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:13 PM

i agree ibiza,

we will know if staylor is still fit, or if we need a replacement.

we will know if bigi and co step up to the plate and can come into our first squad as regulars.

it will give NUFC more bargining with the Debs transfer.

If bigi and others step up, it frees up cash for other areas such as bench strikers and cbs/rbs.

We will also need to see if we are losing Tiote or our demba pair.

Rash spending now will be worse than more expensive but tactical spending later
191 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:14 PM

Roadfighter…Time will tell. Let’s hope we’re not wrong, or we’ll be chased away along with Ashley and Pardew

Does that count as an Ash out joke? I don’t want to upset anyone.
192 Novocastrian66 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:15 PM

Markaccus. McGhee.
193 Transfer Sage // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:15 PM

It’s hard to judge transfers really.

Be good to have the players in a early as possible but if you over pay that takes money away from future deals.

I think pards will get the current squad doing very well and he will know when to play the youngsters and how many in each game.

There is no point in us getting stressed over signings. Just enjoy the football we see with the current team and anything else is a bonus.
194 Kyo // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:18 PM

What a horrible window for us. We’re supposed to be challenging for top 4 not….this
195 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:20 PM

Kyo no we are not supposed to be challenging for top 4 at all.

We are realistically looking at 6th in the EPL, and hopefully a good run in the EL and possible with a lot of luck a decent trophy run, if liverpool can do it why carnt we…i guess lol
196 Transfer Sage // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:22 PM

Top 4 is difficult. Man itd, city and Chelsea are ahead with spending power and current team.

Then arsenal have had 17 years of chanpions league money and are spending it this year by the looks of it.

We ate gradually building, we don’t have the money to throw around like others. If we spend 20/30 million now and don’t get champs league it could cost us in the long run like Leeds and portsmouth
197 MUTINYbyLEMONS // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:22 PM

Lucky they were heading for relegation? Could it not have been a calculated guess that they will be struggle and are relegation candidates?
198 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:23 PM

Ian…Is that your backward way of asking if you can join as one of my followers?

Leavemy….I’m one of those lucky b*st*rds that lives in the sun. I moved over here about 8 years ago…someone has to do it.

Beattie…What we need is to improve RB and have decent cover at CB. Well, we can survive half a season with Simpson and “if” STaylor stays fit we can also survive until January. I’m not saying we should wait, just that if we can’t get what Ashley deems good value, then all is not lost as some make out.

Someone will always be heading for relegation or a player not renewing his contract. Whether we can actually get this is debatable.

I didn’t say it was a great plan, just an idea.

Zero..Whoa! Where did find out if Tiote and Demba’s are going come from? We’re trying to calm the blog here mate
199 Nick 69 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:25 PM

Ibizatoon – I think history will tell you that more often than not January is a LOT more expensive for players, we got lucky with Cisse. Teams don;t have time to find replacements and therefore do not sell there players cheaply.

Zero – How will waiting until Jan, give us more bargaining power for the Debuchy deal exactly? and as far as waiting until Jna to see if Saylor is still fit then find a replacement, makes no sense at all. Buy another CB, then if he is not fit you have someone to step in, is a much better way to go about it than wait to see if he gets injured then play without any backup until Jan, what if he gets injured the 1st game in Sept?
200 Toon1978 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:26 PM

Another day passes without in progress. Look’s like Ashley may have lost all that money in his ocean deep pockets. What a bloke….love it hahahaha.
201 Nick 69 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:27 PM

Ibizatoon – I think Zero was getting at the ACON when saying find out if Tiote or the Demba’s are going, well thats what I assumed he meant
202 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:27 PM

Kyo…Since when? Granted some of the players have said they’re going to give it a go, but nothing from the club saying that is our target,

Transfer Sage…I hope you can see the irony in our own transfer sage telling us not to worry about signings I do agree however.
203 Kyo // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:27 PM

I don’t have high expectations. I don’t EXPECT top 4, but I WANT top 4 and there is NO REASON why we can’t achieve top 4 with the likes of Debuchy, Anita and a good CB.

Those of you aiming for 6th place are probably also content with Simmo as your RB. Which would say it all really.

This was our chance to push ourselves into CL football once again. Now we’re most likely going to struggle around stronger teams and end up losing Tiote, Cabaye, Ba and Cisse next season. Back to square 1.
204 LGFUAD21 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:30 PM

It’s a very important window and a tougher season ahead. Like Zero pointed out. So many teams underperformed which allowed us to jump up the league (not saying we didnt perform well because we did).

But look at the start of the season. Unbeaten for 11 but we drew so many games we would never have been that high if Chelsea and Arsenal weren’t both playing like cr@p and Liverpool (no need to mention).

I think AVB and Spurs could go either way. Either the players miss the pally ‘Arry or AVB is a success. But I also think they need some signings which you wonder if they will or not.

If Carroll stays Rogers is pretty much stuck with Dalglish’s pile of dookie to work with. I think he can get them playing better but I cant see him being their messiah returning them to CL. They are lucky they have been able to brainwash players like Agger into staying loyal. While getting rid of Bellamy will be a mistake because he was one of the decent performers for them. And Gerrard is showing his age.

Arsenal (with or without RVP) will be a force next season in my mind. They have made some savvy signings and I expect more to come and they have blooded in some good youth in the past year. Diaby is back (but for how long?) and their players bar RVP really do seem to believe in their cause.

Citeh will be much the same as with Manure. The difference is that Manure will improve as their younger players do. But an ageing (and overrated) defence should worry SAF.

Chelski is anyones guess. They look to be bringing in some dangerous new players and Torres may have grown into some form. Hazzard has all of the attributes to make it in the EPL.

My guess for this season is:

Citeh
Chelski
Manure/Arsenal close for 3rd place

after that it’s anyones guess.

One thing though, is that the strong looking mid table sides will not be as strong with Swansea more than likely set to slip. But I cant see any of the newly promoted teams or current teams in the league performing as poorly as Blackburn, Wolves and Bolton did this season.

QPR, Wigan and West Brom or Norwich to go down I reckon.

We already have a very good squad. In fact stronger than at the beginning of last season. And I think it is likely to improve as the players do.

Gabby will improve, HBA will become more consistent. Bigirimani and Abeid will come through. Marveaux is “like a new signing”. Gosling will improve too I think. These are just the ones i think will significantly improve. Santon will also come on leaps i think.

It basically means that our season will rely on injuries and Pardew’s tactics.

We have 2 very good strikers. But can they function together. WIll Pards rotate them and play 1 up front?

The frustrating thing about the window is that there has been a £20m chest mentioned (which is generous) and my mouth waters at the thought of what we could do with that.

a RB/LB with more attacking abilities.
a CB of Colo’s quality.
Another playmaker/holding mid to hold it together.
A CF would be good as opposed to an out and out striker.

with those additions we could have a phenomenal season. Potentially CL and a good run in the Europa.
205 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:31 PM

Nick…Cheers, need to think a little more perhaps

As to January signings….I didn’t say it was cheaper or better to buy then. What I said was some of Carrs targets “may” be cheaper due to expiring contacts or other situations. Obviously not guaranteed and maybe Cisse was a one off. Bit short sited to say that there is no chance however.
206 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:31 PM

*sighted…honestly, I can spell!
207 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:32 PM

@Ibiza i ment for ACON not transfer lol

@Nick it will give us bargaining power as if Debs is truely p*ssed off about them not letting the transer go through he can play badly or do a Tevez to force them to sell him.

As for waiting to see if Staylor is fit or not… really you expect us to sign a top class defender just to sit on the bench for when/if he gets injured? If thats your view point then we should just sell Staylor or replace him and make him an impact sub. He is bound to stay fit untill around christmas, if we are unlucky we will have a few games without him before a suitable replacement can be found. If god forbid he gets injuried in the first game then we will be in bother but that goes for any of our ‘top’ players… what if cisse gets a broken leg or bas knee finally gives way. We have not got the money atm to cover all bases effectively best spend themoney wisely where and when its needed
208 Transfer Sage // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:37 PM

Kyo

Top 4 is what we all want but we know it’s a huge huge ask.

If you want to think that 3 signings would guarantee that spot then do that but even with those signings it’s unlikely.

I accept these signins would be good but the club is building slowly, patience is what we need as fans.
209 ashwin say's // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:37 PM

affeley is avail for cheap £6m and
personally i think anyone who is on pitch while vanderwart and huntlar are heating benches will definately improve our squad.
i am all open ears if you think otherwise but put it with logic.
210 leavemyarselona // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:38 PM

Kyo much agreed thats what ive been saying past hour 100% with you there mate
211 BelfastMagpie87 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:40 PM

No chance of top 4 in my opinion.

Only reason we were close last year was because of how poor the other top teams were.

Doubt Chelsea & the likes will be that poor again..
212 Ian Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:40 PM

Serious question. Wouldn’t we think less of Debuchy if he were to play up in order to get agreement to a move from Lille?
That was my one reservation about Ben Arfa’s joining us in the manner he did. It’s the if he could do it to them ……..
213 Toon1978 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:41 PM

We have a great team atm. Our best players being Colo, S.Taylor, Santon, HBA, Cabaye, Tiote, Krul, Ba and Cisse. We must build on that to push us on. We don’t need a lot to be fair. 2 or 3 players and we will be there or there about’s. I would love Debuchy here but Lille are really standing firm. If Debuchy want a move then it’s up to him to put in a transfer request. If he is not willing to do that then we must move on. I have not seen much of Weil but from what i have read on here he supposed to be pretty good. Seen a little of Anita and he would cover Tiote when off to ACN or fill in at FB when injuries occur. Forget about Carroll as he doesn’t know his ar2e from his elbow atm. Would love to see Sturridge or Remi but someone on here was saying Sturridge has a bad attitude. When will then wanting end hahahaha????
214 Transfer Sage // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:42 PM

Ashwin

Affelay would be good but he will not be as amazing as some think.

He can be selfish, injury prone and not managed to establish himself in any team so far in his career.

I wouldn’t be against signing him but I wouldn’t go all out for him either
215 MagpiesFlyHigh // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:43 PM

I don’t care if we exceeded expectations last season. I want 5th again this year or even one better. I’ll feel let down if we finish below 6th.
We need to consolidate where we are and need one or two bluechip players as well as the amazing young lads we have signed to cover CB injuries etc.,
Toon fans have waited so long to win something that we all seem to have a kind of collective inferiority complex…don’t hope for too much. It’s the toon after all…Lower expectations. NO NO NO .
We should aim high. Better that and miss than aim average and fail..
This is the best team we’ve had for ages and a stable and solid backroom team. Aim higher Mike, aim higher…just a wee bit..

rant over…for now.
216 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:44 PM

Zero… My bad

Kyo…I have no desire to battle with that comment, so, here’s song…

“And I went down to the demonstration
To get my fair share of abuse
Singing, “We’re gonna vent our frustration
If we don’t we’re gonna blow a 50-amp fuse

You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
You can’t always get what you want
But if you try sometimes well you just might find
You get what you need ”

LFGUAD…I generally agree with all of that well balanced opinion. Some of the big boys certainly under performed this year and whilst some may get back to their old ways, others may not. Let’s hope we do use some of the budget and improve the sqaud, as it obviously would be best to have players available sooner rather than later.
217 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:44 PM

isnt Huntalaar in talks about renewing his contract now?

Id love to see him at NUFC he certainly would allow us to strike fear in the top teams.

But id prefer Guidetti he wants to prove his metal in the top leagues.

What happened to Sakho has he signed a new contract with PSG?
218 GatesheadMag // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:45 PM

Just to say before all this gets confusing, Im not the same gateshead-mag who has posted earlier. Just incase people think hes changed his tune since a few hours ago
219 TOONARMY4LIFE // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:45 PM

If we Finnish top 6 and have a decent run in the cups I will not complain!
220 Transfer Sage // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:47 PM

Zero

Guidetti wants regular first team football, not sure if he would get that with us
221 GatesheadMag // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:48 PM

Personally I think chelski will be the team to watch… theyve made some good signings which I think will compliment Torres’ ability. He will be red hot next year
222 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:48 PM

Belfast

I think 4th is probably out of the question even with a few signings.
223 Nick 69 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:49 PM

Zero – Debuchy will not play badly to force through a move, as it will jeopordise his position in the France squad, and as far as ‘doing a Tevez’ and forcing them to sell, is that the same Tevez who hasn’t been sold and is still at the exact same club?

And your point on Saylor, I expect us to buy a top class CB to challenge Saylor, we have a lot more games, theyll both get plenty of time, and then we have someone to step in if an injury occurs. Just because we buy another top defender doesn’t mean we might aswell sell Saylor, its called having a SQUAD. And your point about Cisse breaking a leg, thats why we also need to bring in another ST, which we are trying to do.
224 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:50 PM

Magpies…I’m generally all for “shoot for the moon and if you fall short you would have still hit the stars”, except when it comes to Newcastle fans

If we say, we’re going for CL and don’t, what would happen? Absolute chaos.

Last year the aim was top 10 and we smashed that. Why can’t we smash whatever “target” we set this year?

Ian…I agree. As and when they need another “new challenge” why would they treat us any differently? I’d love him here, but would completely respect the guy for honouring his commitment to his current club if they’re not willing to sell…for whatever the real reason is.
225 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:52 PM

GatesheadMag, i agree chelsea will be scary with Torres coming into form with Hazard feeding him through balls. however they have a shoddy defense i think they are going to try and adopt a pirlo kind of play with 5 midfielders and dominate the game through pass and move.

But that shouldnt be any less intimidating than facing cabs, ben afra, marv/remy with cisse or ba up front.
226 Nick 69 // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:52 PM

Ibizatoon – I agree, we may stike lucky in Jan again with signings, however, is it really worth taking the risk of waiting until then? and then possibly having to pay over the odds, or go without for the rest of the season? We may be in desperte need of a player for a position come Jan, and then sellers will just bump up the price knowing we’re desperate, and we’ll either overpay, or effect our season by not buying the player we need. I wouldnt risk it personally, but thats just my opinion
227 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:57 PM

Nick69….It is a risk, agreed. I’m not sold on the idea, just putting it out there.
228 GatesheadMag // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:57 PM

Zero, I think if they sign a good right back, Luiz, Cahill, Terry and Ivanovic arn’t bad centre halfs to choose from. I thought at the back end of the season that Luiz looked top notch.
229 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 4:58 PM

Right, I’m off for a siesta Please do feel free to add to my many ramblings…I have no doubt I’ll be checking in later.
230 MagpiesFlyHigh // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:04 PM

TDS

4th isn’t out of the question, but it is unlikely.
5th is reasonable again.

Ibiza

What is the point of aiming mid level and exceeding. How many Olympians aim for the Bronze ?
At the very, very least you aim to exceed your PB.
Our PB is 5th….
231 Marty-Toon // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:04 PM

Spurs only have Defoe up front for season start.
Saha is gone n they can’t get Adebayor
Should expect a better result that last season
232 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:07 PM

Simple process look at where we need extra cover, who would fill those spots challanging for first team or replacing first team.

Now calculate how much it would cost to buy them and compare with how much we have to spend.

Im all for summer signings and wonder signings but this is NUFC, people on here too often list a load of players that we should sign with supposed transfer costs such as.

defenders

debs 7 million – more likely to be 8
anita 6 million – more likely to be 7-8
douglas 3.5 million – 4-5 million
weil 3 million!!! – yeah right
Sakho – 9 million – 12million or higher most likely wants CL anyway

strikers
Carroll – 11-15million – no liverpool want 20mill
Remy – 11million – most likely 15million
Guidetti – 5million – again most likely 7million
Huntalarr – i heard someone state 10 million – think itd be up at 15-17 not sure on this one.

even if you pick one striker and two defenders it still runs too high. I figure from past deals and from media reports out of NUFC we have rougly 20 million to spend.

so who would you sign and who would they push to the bench or be sub for?
233 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:11 PM

Zero

I’d have Debuchy – Not going to pretend I’ve seen him play, other than at the Euros. But he seems to really want to come here, and that’s something important. He’s also Cabayes mate – team spirit is always a plus.

Striker wise, I wouldn’t have any of them, because none of them are realistic
234 Beattie25 // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:14 PM

We are nufc.

It would be a sad day when most of the PL, Championship and even league 1 has spent more than us.

We deserve better if it is to be the case that we don’t sign anyone.
235 MagpiesFlyHigh // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:15 PM

Marty

If Spuds have to play a lone striker as they’re short handed then we’ll have to boss the midfield to nullify their threats. It probably means a 4-5-1 for us too.
236 MagpiesFlyHigh // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:16 PM

Zero

Somebody at last understands simple arithmetic !!
237 MagpiesFlyHigh // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:17 PM

Beattie

Cheer up
238 GatesheadMag // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:23 PM

I might not be seen as being optimistic here but.. id rather us keep the players we have now, Im not that bothered who we sign. Don’t get me wrong if we sign players then good, but this is the best side weve had in a while
239 ToonDownSouth // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:23 PM

Gateshead

After all, who’d have thought that all our ‘star players’ would still be here?!
240 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:24 PM

Having the choice id would sign Guidetti giving him the primary striking role in our Euro league and league cup.

as for defenders, id love to see Debs signed and if we live in fantasy world sign van der weil aswell.

net spend 7 + 8 + 5? = 20 million

bing bang bosh nice squad capable of a cup run, euro league and potential 5th in the EPL.
241 GatesheadMag // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:25 PM

Exactly, Especially Demba Ba for me. I think he’s one of the best. His display against the 3-0 man u was the best ive seen since big Al
242 Zero // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:29 PM

My worry with Ba is not his talent but how he ‘wants to play in the centre forward position’ i dont see how we can keep playing the beautiful football we were in the 433 whilst accomadating both ba and cisse unless we switch them between games? we certainly will have enough of those.
243 Ibizatoon - Back by popular demand // Aug 6, 2012 at 5:41 PM

MFH…Not sure we can treat a long season like the PL to a one off Olympic event, but maybe I’m missing something in your comparison.

Last season the aim was top 10, we got 5th. Does that mean 5th then becomes the new bottom line? I personally don’t.

I know targets are needed, but for me, they should be trying as hard as they can, giving their all and we will be where we will be.

That’s not a reflection on signings/ambitions, just a general view point on whatever team we have.
244 miggy // Aug 6, 2012 at 11:31 PM

theres no place for racism in football or in any way in liofe it self its a self satisfied ignorance n if u think its ok to have these meaningless thorts then u need to be put down urself its awful n ne way shud any one have to be put thru this childish behaviour n demba ba n tiote n cisse r the heart of our club n me like most people adore these players wot eva colour or creed they are football is a beautiful game n should be left that way so all them dutch supportere who think they clever w the monkey chants grow up n get a life ya so sad n a disgrace to your nation n football as a whole

previous post: £176K Tim Krul A Great Example Of Newcastle Policy

next post: Let’s Hope Fabricio Coloccini Can Stay Fit

The Newcastle United Blog

News, Views and Commentary On Newcastle United Football Club By Ed Harrison, A Proud Geordie And Lifelong Fan