We didn’t expect a lot of signings this summer, given that we brought in five good Frenchmen in January, but this summer has to be the slowest we’ve experienced since we started this blog back in April, 2007.
Darren Bent – Newcastle balking at fee – that’s a surprise
And with Joe Kinnear’s announcement as Director of Football, having a specific person in charge of transfers, we would have thought that would have provided some impetus and momentum to get things moving in the transfer market, and get the two or three players we needed through the door this summer.
And then when Joe Kinnear said he was the best Director of Football in England, and could get any manager anywhere in the world on the phone, we maybe should have been more upbeat – but somehow we weren’t, as it seemed another example of Joe’s delusions about himself. 🙁
But no, nothing has happened other than we seem to have missed out on two of our summer striker targets in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who went to Borussia Dortmund, and Wilfried Bony of Vitesse who Swansea were able to afford at £12M, but we suppose was too much for Newcastle, although it’s not clear we were really after him.
And there is some news today that Newcastle are balking at the £8M or the £6M Aston Villa are asking for 29 year-old Darren Bent – and that will not be very surprising to most of our readers.
It’s all very good to get bargains, but as we’ve said before, sometimes you just have to pay out a decent fee for a good player, and we had the ridiculous saga last summer when Newcastle refused to sign Mathieu Debuchy from Lille because of the transfer fee.
But we’d love to have found out what fee Newcastle paid in January for Debuchy, and what fee Lille wanted last summer, and we would bet there’s not too much difference, if any.
Perception is reality – and the perception this summer is that Newcastle are moving like snails in this summer’s transfer market.
But hey, we have to look on the positive side of things, and it’s not like we need a lot of players brought in this summer, and at least Joe Kinnear hasn’t given another one of those daft interviews – not yet anyway – and we at least have to be thankful for that. 😀
I feel a lot better now.
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255 comments so far
Joe Sophistication
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:32 PM
Comment #241G
JS became a wrestler
Colombus
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:33 PM
Comment #242Guys , heres the norwegian with a theory about the keeper-situation. I actually think it’s Ørjan Nyland, the Molde keeper that we are after. Not Jarstein. He has been outstanding this year and is a fantastic modern keeper-talent. Maybe it’s just wishful thinking but he would be the perfect buy and he would be cheap aswell..
james589
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:35 PM
Comment #243@234 Wouldn’t go so far as to say it’s an addition to the coaching department, looks like she’ll be in a consultant-type role.
But agreed, if we can keep our top players (especially the likes of HBA) fit then it’d be a massive improvement.
It’s been an issue for years mind, I remember years ago when everyone was doing their hamstrings and they blamed the training pitch…
@231 I agree re. Tioté- I think he’s a liability at times and last season he was a shadow of the player from 2011-12. I’d happily let him go if we can get decent money for him to use on other transfers. DM is Sissoko’s natural position (yet to play him there mind) and Anita has proved he can play well there too. That said after last season I can’t see there being the same level of interest in him that there was the summer before.
Sazzer
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:36 PM
Comment #244#NUFC have hired @FayeDowney as a fitness consultant to deal with injuries, according to @MailOnlineSport
We couldn’t get Spiderman so we got this Spiderwomen to reawaken Jonas.
Ginger
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:36 PM
Comment #245I remember I was at a Newcastle game, friendly match I think no idea who against though and before that Fraser Forster was out training with one of the assistants. Anyway, the person was crossing it in and Forster was coming out to catch it.
Bare in mind nobody was in the box, just him.
He never caught it once.
Towards the end the bloke chipped it up to Forster at close range and he fumbled it once again. Played the game, was absolutely dreadful and got subbed at half time. Ever since then I never trusted the bloke.
Ketsbaia9
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:36 PM
Comment #246It’s time for us to step in and make a formal offer for Alderweireld.
Boudebouz will end up at Norwich.
jimmysmith
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:38 PM
Comment #247If it is true that Pards is not up to snuff tactically, and there is plenty to suggest that is the case, then that 8 year contract really speaks volumes for Ashley’s lack of discretion as a football club owner. Actually, add that to all the other circumstantial evidence and the jury is surely in on that count.
Joe Sophistication
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:38 PM
Comment #248Jonnobad
I didnt even post it in that context ! I did not even think about it ..as he is from out east though I can see why someone might jump on it ..but really, chrissakes ! IT was not even meant as a punchline but it turned out that way when I read it after posting it ..I wonder if I can use it in a stand up context ..will Have to run it by my mate Phillip Lee, first … owns a few bizz’s around county Durham and tyneside ..he has a season ticket at the toon and loves his footie . great bloke
toonarmydownsouth
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:40 PM
Comment #249Mister Tuff
Thanks for looking into that mate!
Mr T had certainly put himself into a tricky situation but tend to agree that the courts will be inclined to give him a huge fine and a bit of community service
Wonder the clubs stance if he got a imprisoned?
Wonder if they would be as lenient as they were with Barton?
Joe Sophistication
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:43 PM
Comment #250Marco Polo
YOu are a worky ticket ..I will engage in a bit banter with you for a while ..but if I get bored will you understand ?
james589
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:44 PM
Comment #251Slightly off topic and I’m sure someone would have mentioned this on here before and I’m sure it’s not even a possibility… But what would people think about us signing Gary Hooper from Celtic instead of Bent from Villa?
If news reports are true, we’re baulking at the fee for Bent but QPR are looking at Hooper for £5m… Proven goalscorer (albeit no PL experience). I’d take the punt as a 3rd striker/impact sub. Also if he’s willing to play in the Championship for QPR he’d also be happy to play in the Premiership… even if not a regular starter. Seems like a potential good buy to me. Saw him play in the lower leagues of England and he knows where the goal is, no bones about it.
I am finding it frustrating that the likes of Norwich are showing more intent in the transfer window than we are… Hopefully some action this week though.
Joe Sophistication
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Comment #252Tads
they might just make an example in tiotes case ..RE : Steven Gerrard Liverpool crown court ..Liverpool jury ..He punched someones head in on camera ..and got off ! amazing mcoj we or tiote might not be so fortunate ..what think ?
Joe Sophistication
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:47 PM
Comment #253scuse my grammar , its late
Joe Sophistication
Jul 15, 2013 at 11:56 PM
Comment #254This blog is a hoot at times
People arguing about arguing during an argument ..! f******g hilarious !
robbeer
Jul 16, 2013 at 9:24 AM
Comment #255sick hearing people say we signed some people early(january window) who was meant sign this one. So we arent buying to much this time. Couple reasons why thats BS one is we never signed anyone really who has come in first team (except anita) from start of last season. second our team just wasnt good enough last season so that blueprint goes out the window or your relagated its simple. While im on also as far as im concerned Ashley owns the club so therefore he owes himself the loan money he bought the club and whatever comes with it .Its his problem not ours. total bullocks . free advertising every year must be worth more than 10million to anyone else. the carroll money all rest players . all rest of revenue . parachute payment etc etc . dont be fooled by good accounting hes taking us to the cleaners