News today that Alan Pardew is interested in signing Jonjo Shelvey for Crystal Palace, just like he was interested in signing the former Charlton player when he was the Newcastle manager, but couldn’t get Graham Carr and Lee Charnley to agree to buy him.
Shelvey started his career well at Newcastle – well at least in the first game at home to West Ham on 16th January – when he looked majestic stroking the ball around in midfield in the 2-1 win.
In that game he looked like the player we had been missing since Yohan Cabaye was allowed to leave in January of 2014 and was never replaced.
Jonjo Shelvey when Newcastle captain at Leicester
Rafa’s first game in charge of Newcastle United
But Jonjo is inconsistent and when Rafa Benitez came in the new manager he complained of his Hollywood passes and benched the England International, although he did bring him on in future games as a substitute.
Rafa stripped him of the captaincy and surprisingly gave it to that would be Champions League player – Moussa Sissoko.
And Jonjo had also been full of praise for Rafa since he arrived saying that he put a smile on players’ faces and they look forward to training.
Here’s what Jonjo said the day before our last game against Spurs – before we took them apart 5-1:
“Rafa has come in and done a great job.” “He’s been superb and every single one of the players are working their socks off in training.”
“It has been about coming together and getting three points in games.” “He has instilled togetherness in the squad.”
“Everyone was coming into training with a smile on their face which is what you want.” “That has seen us through the last few weeks in terms of getting results.”
“We have hung out in games and seen games out.”
There’s a very good player in there with Jonjo, but if there is interest in the player this summer, it’s a good question as to whether Rafa would sell the 24 year-old.
Jonjo has already said he wants to stay on Tyneside and that may because his wages are said to be a massive £80K/week, so if Jonjo was sold we could save a lot on the wage bill.
But with Rafa in charge the squad is more important than money in the bank and Jonjo could really be a star in the Companionship next season for us and help get Newcastle straight back to the Premier League – which is the plan.
Alan Pardew was the Charlton manager back in 2008 when he gave Shelvey his debut as a precocious 16 year-old, so Alan knows all about the skills of the former Liverpool midfielder, who Rafa signed in 2010 just before he left The Reds.
We’d like Jonjo to stay at the club and let Rafa work on whatever he sees as his weaknesses.
If Jonjo listens to the Spanish manager he can improve his game – and from the positive things Jonjo has said about the manager – he also seems to understand that.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
48 comments so far
Spoof
Jun 16, 2016 at 8:59 AM
Comment #1Why are players wages mentioned so much, who gives a flying ?uck what they earn, all I’m bothered about is what they do on the pitch, is anyone really bothered how much the club saves on wages when a certain player is sold, when a player is sold does anyone really say “oh yes, fantastic, what a saving we have made on wages”, ffs why is there now such an obsession with wages !!!!!
Spoof
Jun 16, 2016 at 8:59 AM
Comment #2sorry !
rant over ?
martoon
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:13 AM
Comment #3Spoof – because people know there are budget limits so if we get a high wage off the books we can probably bring in, maybe, 2 new players on average wages.
Rotonda heights
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:20 AM
Comment #4Yes w.h.u home game apart, absolutely zilch from shelvey. 80k is an obscene amount for a championship player…charnley strikes again with no relegation clauses!
Of course wages are a factor now we missed out on the tv bonanza. 4M a year on one player’s wages is huge, no matter who you are, especially as a non pl club.
Spoof
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:21 AM
Comment #5martoon
you get what you pay for, pay peanuts get monkeys, pay average wage get average player, I’d rather pay top brass on one good player and use the kids as back-up because the chances are the kids could be just as good as your average player.
Spoof
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:24 AM
Comment #6Rotonda
I’m not on about Shelvey, I’m on about this morbid obsession with wages.
Spoof
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:25 AM
Comment #7if the club decide that they can afford to pay it who are we to say that they shouldn’t be paying it ?????
Rotonda heights
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:35 AM
Comment #8yeah that worked well with shelvey, cabella, thauvin, rivi etc. Big prices, big wages, no end product.
re – previous we aren’t a pl club any more, no tv money, no decent sponsor to speak of etc, etc.
Spoof
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:47 AM
Comment #9Rotonda
what are you on about m8, I’ve never mentioned what player has earned what or how it has helped or hindered us, all I am saying is that there is a morbid obsession with wages and to be quite frank there if f all we can do about it, if you don’t like a player you can make that clear at the ground, but his wages ?, wtf are you supposed to do, create a new song “shelvey you get paid too much, paid too much so take a cut you greedy c?nt you greedy c?nt” wtf is wrong with people.
Jib
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:52 AM
Comment #10Spoof
I quite like that .
I may sing it next time at SJP !
What tune do you suggest ?
cyprus
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:56 AM
Comment #11Derfinitely sell. When we got Shelvey and Andros, I was thrilled for the latter, thought the former was vastly overrated, got derision.
Hollywood passes, yes (more rarely than was thought), silly mistakes, slow, only basic footballing skills, also yes.
I agree with Rafa. Not good enough. He’s part of the reason we were relegated: see opportunity cost. We brought him in to ‘save’ us, he didn’t deliver. Of course the people who brought him in are ultimately to blame, but he cost Steve his job, in a big way. Before you jump, I’m not defending Steve, relax…
He’s on a massive salary too. Sell.
Rant over.
Spoof
Jun 16, 2016 at 9:56 AM
Comment #12Rotonda
just for the record can you explain why Shaqiri, Krkic and Imbula went to Stoke, why Mori, Miralles and Deulofeu went to Everton, etc etc, so are we the only club who attract players who are attracted by money !!!!!
JAMSHA
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:13 AM
Comment #13if roma want gini foe 15mil take him but give us leandro paredes or ezequiel ponce aswell
carl
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:19 AM
Comment #14Cyprus
Shelvey is overweight and not currently an athlete. He’s been told to work on his overall fitness He apparently agrees with Rafa’s verdict of the need to stop eating junk food and eating between meals. His argument apparently was that he was into hotel room service and he will address before and during pre season training.
carl
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:22 AM
Comment #1511carl // Jun 16, 2016 at 10:11 AM
Spoof
You could well be right about dominating clubs at The Cathedral. I can see a number of sides parking the bus and getting players behind the ball. With that in mind pace and creativity would be required.
Townsend and Aaron’s and good delivery into the box. In the absence of Cabaye then Shelvey with Tiote and Colback would be a good balance. Injuries/ suspensions aside o can see Mitrovic getting 15-20 goals but I would like a strong, quick and direct ST.
Bobby
I see a role for Adam Armstrong but it’s asking a lot to see him hitting the ground running with goals
Defensively we need 2 CB’s and a full back. Clearly all of the above is variable depending on any departures. Above all else we need a balanced squad after years of lacking cover as yesterday’s long running saga of CB’s v Norwich testified.
When you look into your crystal ball just what do you see for the coming season?
No rush I am sure it’ll be worth waiting for.
cyprus
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:24 AM
Comment #16Carl,
I wasn’t aware of that. If true, ie. he’s not an athlete who managed to get 80 k to ply his athletic trade, then wow.
Veltmann
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:28 AM
Comment #17I have to say Shelvey disappointed me.I was one of those who got delighted when we signed him.
But after his bright display on his debut, he went missing since.If Palace offer what we paid for him,I will let him go.But then again,who will replace him as he was supposed to be a playmaker? And it looks difficult to attract good playmakers to the championship.
carl
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:35 AM
Comment #18He was not a regular feature at Swansea and his training record towards the end of his stay was poor according to his former club. He also was not match fit and being bored and looking to join a less hostile club he over ate.
We were prepared to pay wages and fee because of our situation and his potential. To date he has underperformed but that’s not to say that he won’t become a key player. A lot will depend on his level of motivation. Rafa has made the position crystal clear to him.
SPRINGY
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:37 AM
Comment #19morning all
depends on the amount palace offer whether rafa allows shelvey to leave….no denying the lad can pass the ball better then most, if not all the squad,but his fitness is a big issue…he never really looked fit and lean since he came….a fit, sharp, shelvey could score or create a high percentage of goals in the championship….but if he’s not fit when they return to training rafa will probably not be happy and cash in…if the money is right.
carl
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:42 AM
Comment #20I agree.
WWSBRD
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:43 AM
Comment #21Tbf Shelvey tried to take on too much and force things to happen in a team devoid of any confidence
If he stays I can see him becoming very important at NUFC against weaker teams (which the league is filled with) then once his confidence is up he could dominate the middle of the park
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:46 AM
Comment #22I can imagine pre season under Rafa being like one of those Tough Mudder boot camps every single day which is exactly what our highly paid babies need !!
Shelvey has such good ability but he looked woeful in most of the away games but I think he will realise he is in the last chance saloon and will get the finger out in pre season
One of the good bonuses about Janmaat , Sissoko and Wijnaldum are that they hardly miss games with injuries which would be crucial in a 40 odd game season we need more players signed who dont get injured !!
WWSBRD
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:51 AM
Comment #23I see Gini has admitting to wanting out? Personally I think he should be the first out the door though not sure who will pay the 20-30 mill we want (people keep mentioning Roma but last I heard they were getting the young lad Madrid bought from Inter not too long ago)
As for Sissoko beautiful Arsenal may not be interested but boring West Brom are? Ouch
anthc
Jun 16, 2016 at 10:53 AM
Comment #24I’d sell him in a heartbeat along with gini and moussa. They feel hard done by and think they deserve to be playing at the highest level. News flash lads you did and you failed miserably! Let them go and sit on the bench else where like the rest before them.
Realistically 15mill for moussa, 20mill maybe for gini and we’ll be lucky to get anywhere near 8mill for shelvey.
Excited for the new season more than I ever was under previous management in the pl.
Rotonda heights
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:02 AM
Comment #25spoof
i thought your rant was over…apparently not! thought you said you weren’t talking about shelvey. make your chiffing mind up. wtf are you on about…!
Jib
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:12 AM
Comment #26Moussa Sissoko changed his tune from
“I must have CL football”
to
“I have to play in the top echelons to get selected fot Les Bleus”
Of France’s 189 minutes played so far in Euro 2016 he has played 17 !
WTG Moussa lad
😀
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/see-viral-moussa-sissoko-warm-11466338
He is rapidly becoming a real hate figure on Tyneside
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:17 AM
Comment #27If we could sell Sissoko and Wijnaldum for around 30 million between them that would be insane business !!
If that could get us the best from the championship such as :
Dunk
Hughes
Mccormack
Cook
Knockhaert or Redmond
That would improve our squad straight away and then we can go looking at some promising English youngsters and Spanish wonder kids as well
WWSBRD
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:26 AM
Comment #28LCBP
30 mill won’t buy that many of them mate Dunk saw a 10 mill bid turned away and Ross is being touted at 15 mill, Hughes Redmond 10mill+ each and Cook I have no idea about in terms of price but I doubt it’ll be less than 10
Blackley and Brownlie
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:26 AM
Comment #29Adam Armstrong has done enough to be given a chance this season. If he’s not worth a chance now, he’s not worth keeping. Surely Rafa can look at the lad and decide now on whether he can play a part this season? If he goes, put a sell on clause in his contract.
The overrated Frenchman
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:29 AM
Comment #30Spoof, this is not football related, but I’m just interested to know what you have against full stops?
Bobbybee
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:30 AM
Comment #31Jib, use your magical skills to get a video up marra. It’s adam armstrong | the edge |skills and goals. Not just his goals, but his assists and general ability., in what was, tbf, a bang average team. It’s on youtube but i’ve no idea how to get it on here. Only six minutes or so, but well put together and a wicked backing track to boot! 😉
lochinvar
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:34 AM
Comment #32“An investment group supported by the Chinese government is attempting to buy Liverpool for £700m ? (Independent)
That’s a lot of dosh to get some lucky red shirts !
Must make Everton feel very inferior.
clinath@ed
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:34 AM
Comment #33Bobby: is this it..
https://youtu.be/FLJwjC-QcM4
Bobbybee
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:35 AM
Comment #34B&B, he won’t be sold mate, natural goalscorers like him don’t grow on trees and I’m confident Rafa will take a look at him and find a way to fit him in, if not build a team around him. If you get chance, go on youtube and check this vid out. I’d put it on here but i’m not very techy. 😉
Jib
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:39 AM
Comment #35Of the bail out crew in 2009 – Obafemi Martins , Sebastien Bassong , Habib Beye , Damien Duff –
only Martins had any sort of success after leaving NUFC ( a flukey League Cup winners medal).
Jib
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:41 AM
Comment #36https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLJwjC-QcM4
Bobbybee
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:48 AM
Comment #37Cheers clin and jib. That’s the one. How long since we had anybody who finds the space and finishes like that? In a team that was a collection of loanees and journeymen? More importantly, he’s one of wor very own. 😉 He won’t let anybody down!
clinath@ed
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:51 AM
Comment #38love watching this lad move, he’s sweet across the turf, and is angles are instinct. Can finish with both feet, not mane examples of heading, but let Mitro look after that.
The two together are mouthwatering..
SPRINGY
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:54 AM
Comment #39i do like armstrongs ability to score with either foot,left or or right looks equally as strong hope he’s given the opportunity to show what he has to offer…but the striker search would imply that he’ll be a squad player or even loaned out again….but thats just my opinion at the moment as they are not back in training as yet.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jun 16, 2016 at 11:54 AM
Comment #40@WWSBRD
Well thats the scale of the rebuilding job Rafa will need to be allowed to spend at least 50 million this season so any money raised from the clowns that want to leave will need to be invested