We were linked with 19 year-old Derby County and England U21 central midfielder Will Hughes last year, and we wonder if this lad in on Newcastle’s target list for this summer?
But we will continue the series from last year, when we profiled players who would seem to be excellent acquisitions for Newcastle United this summer.
Will Hughes – England U21 creative midfielder
Will has played another full season with Derby and has 5 goals and 5 assist in 50 appearances for Derby, who have qualified for the Championship play-offs under former Middlesbrough and England Manager Steve McClaren, who was hired in September after Nigel Clough was fired.
Derby are in third place with one game to go and are 8 points behind second played Burnley and 15 points behind Champions Leicester, who have both qualified for automatic promotion, and former Newcastle coach Nigel Pearson is the manager at Leicester City.
The left-footed Weybridge-born Hughes has played 9 times for the England U21 side, and he joined Derby almost three years ago in the summer of 2011.
He made his debut for Derby in November of 2011 against Peterborough, as a 16 year-old and has gone onto play 85 times for the Rams, and is one of the up and coming creative young midfielders in the Championship.
And since Newcastle are interested in signing British players, maybe Newcastle can try to bring this lad to Newcastle this summer.
Hughes has been described as a flair player and not unlike former Newcastle youngster Paul Gascoigne, and Will is a great passer of the ball, and can create holes in the opposition defenses, with his vision and passing ability.
Sounds exactly what we need at Newcastle right now, and he is valued on transfermarkt.com at a low £6M.
And eighteen months ago Will said on the BBC that bases his style of play on central midfielders Xavi and Andres Iniesta of Barcelona, and if he turns out anything like those two – he will be a top player for sure.
The 6″tall Hughes could attract some top clubs this summer, but we just hope that (for once) Newcastle could move quickly and get this lad on Tyneside – he’s a player the Newcastle fans would just love, and that’s especially true if Newcastle are to sell the mercurial Ben Arfa this summer.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
116 comments so far
toon22
May 2, 2014 at 9:10 PM
Comment #81Dont be fooled by this.
That land is part of his attempt to asset strip.
Do people here beleve it would be actually sold to developers or to someone hoping the club would pay way over the odds due to the proximity?
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 9:13 PM
Comment #82OG,
I haven’t said, like. But keep digging. I may be around later, and hope to catch up. Time for a slug of whisky and stroke of the cats for me too 🙂
toon22
May 2, 2014 at 9:13 PM
Comment #83Shill.
toon kk
May 2, 2014 at 9:21 PM
Comment #84Stuart
your more or less agreeing with what I’m saying. The majority of fans just hand there hard earned money over to MA, sit and watch dross, they may not be happy with the results of late but the vast majority will keep turning up who ever we field, however we play and whoever our manager is. Meaning MA can run the club how he likes.
HBA Blood Twister
May 2, 2014 at 9:59 PM
Comment #85It seems a lot of people are afraid to say it on this blog because it is frequented by an unrealistic and very vocal majority. I am happy that we are financially well run – meaning we can slowly build to a more competitive outcome in the league.
I don’t want to win the league like Man City. I’d like us to sign more English players, which it looks like we are going to do – and if Pardew finishes outside the top 10 then I think Moyes would be a great choice.
But let’s not forget that it wasn’t his choice to sell Cabaye (which, by the way was good business) and not replace him. A panic buy, over the odds would have been the way we used to do it – and where did that get us?
That sale left us needing to change our whole way of playing – he was our playmaker.
But headbutting the hull player should have lead to his immediate dismissal – and if Moyes had been sacked prior to that – he would be our manager now. I think we all know that he is a level above Pardew.
stuart no9
May 2, 2014 at 10:03 PM
Comment #86toon kk— apologies , i was looking at it from 2 different kind of supporters , but yeah the bottom line is your right – time for bed i think , long stressfull day tomorrow. lol
MacToon
May 2, 2014 at 10:23 PM
Comment #87OG, received/understood/forwarded.
jimmysmith
May 2, 2014 at 10:25 PM
Comment #88“I listened to the interview,” said Mourinho, whose side lost 3-1 to Atlético and play Norwich in the Premier League on Sunday. “There was nothing critical in what he said. When the comments come from a player like Eden it’s normal because he’s not the kind of player to sacrifice himself for the team. Normally you get these kind of comments from players like him, from players that can’t resolve a problem like we had in the first goal.
“Eden is the kind of player that is not so mentally ready to look back to his left-back and to leave his life for him. If you see the first goal of Atlético you completely understand where the mistake was and why we conceded that goal. The perfect team at the top level cannot make these kinds of mistakes.”
Willian and André Schürrle performed selflessly on the left in Madrid and in the win at Liverpool, respectively, but Hazard’s error on his return from a calf injury was costly. Adrián’s equaliser eight minutes after Fernando Torres had put Chelsea in front gave Atlético a crucial away goal and Mourinho’s men could not respond.
“Normally in this game if you go to half-time winning 1-0 the game is another game because Atlético has to chase the game,” Mourinho added.
Hazard has been praised for his defensive duties this term, but Mourinho insists he still has work to do. “I’m not happy,” Mourinho said. “I speak all season and I try to improve him all season.”
GeordieTwo
May 2, 2014 at 10:26 PM
Comment #89Huzzah BandB @54. Lovely. Lots of nice quotable bits, but it’s got an edge to it as well. Tomorrow will be an interesting day for the club. The message to the owner should be clear. Many unhappy supporters who have been served up a load of bollocks too often in the past.
GeordieTwo
May 2, 2014 at 10:34 PM
Comment #90Personally I believe in strong, honest leadership from the top down. The honest part is crucial. You can’t hide behind a wall of silence then carry out some bizarre plan involving Joe Kinnear as DoF and then be surprised when the criticism pours in after two completely disastrous windows. So let’s get on with it Mike. Do something positive for the club or get out.
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 10:38 PM
Comment #91Thank you very much G2.
I was hoping Mactoon might have given it the seal of approval too.
After the crass, one-upmanship of earlier today.
They got lucky with the march. It got a result as the result of Ashley’s stupidity. They may have a lucky face.
But I would invite them to re-visit an exchange with the poster Geremi yesterday and ask themselves who the f*ck they think they are.
GeordieTwo
May 2, 2014 at 10:39 PM
Comment #92The message should be clear tomorrow from the supporters before walking out. Mike is the cancer in the club. He needs lopping off. He has nothing positive to offer. My comment above is just dreaming. He won’t change. He’ll hide, he’ll lie, he’ll blame others or say nothing. He’ll continue to advertise his shoddy camel droppings disguised as sports gear for free at the ground.
felix char
May 2, 2014 at 10:46 PM
Comment #93Cant believe I have just seen Keegan mentioned, things can never be that bad, threw the title away and left the club in a right mess.
beermonkey
May 2, 2014 at 10:48 PM
Comment #94GeordieTwo
I hope it all works out, looks like its going to get some good coverage
jimmysmith
May 2, 2014 at 10:51 PM
Comment #95I suspect things aren’t as bad at Newcastle as we often imagine under this owner, nor on the other hand, likely ever to be a good as we might want them to be. I really hope this walkout happens. Ashley may have better intentions for the club than might appear, who can tell, but he seems to see the fans purely in terms of season tickets and turnstile clicks and that can’t be tolerated any longer by a paying public with buying power, a voice and a passionate need to support their club. He’s had 7 years, and so have we.
GeordieTwo
May 2, 2014 at 10:54 PM
Comment #96I’m actually looking forward to it beermonkey and jimmysmith. This should help focus the twit at the top. He seems to have trouble understanding we’re fed up. If we lose it might get ugly for Pardew in the second half if anyone’s left at the ground that is. That’s the way it should be. No more excuses Alan and Mike.
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 10:54 PM
Comment #97G2
I have replied to you. It has not appeared.
I wonder if. “I think Mike Ashley is effing great and Alan Pardew deserves a million c!ntin extra chances is let through?
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 10:55 PM
Comment #98Yup!
MacToon
May 2, 2014 at 10:56 PM
Comment #99“Alan Pardew has accused Newcastle United supporters who are considering walking out of St James’ Park during their final home game of the season against Cardiff City of disloyalty.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/newcastle-united/10804883/Alan-Pardew-urges-Newcastle-fans-not-to-walk-out-in-anti-Mike-Ashley-protest.html
Oh dear!
Average_Contents
May 2, 2014 at 10:59 PM
Comment #100Damn you Mactoon lol
We are showing passion you Fcuking dimwit, we want you and him gone now just fcuk off!
“I just think the club has to come first sometimes and I think that is an occasion where this has to happen,” said Pardew. “The passion of the fans towards the club needs to come out because the team needs them.
“It’s not about the board or me, it’s about 11 players wearing the black and white of Newcastle at 3pm on a Saturday afternoon. You’re going to walk away after an hour and leave them to it? I don’t think that’s right and I really, really hope they don’t do that.”
Big Pappa Cissé
May 2, 2014 at 11:01 PM
Comment #101Just when I thought I couldn’t hate Pardew anymore .
I hope a fan runs on the pitch tomorrow and gives him an open handed slap .
Average_Contents
May 2, 2014 at 11:02 PM
Comment #102After that little put down I would think he’s just lost the last bit of credibility he had left!
DELUDED CRETIN CNUT!
GeordieTwo
May 2, 2014 at 11:03 PM
Comment #103In other words Pardew is begging the supporters not to bring more negative attention to him from Mike. Forget it Alan. Anyone with any self respect would have walked by now with no support from the owner in the last 2 windows and several windows before that. The man at the top is useless but working for him is just an exercise in self delusion.
GeordieTwo
May 2, 2014 at 11:04 PM
Comment #104With Pardew it’s always “Oh it’s going to get better in the future” or “The future is bright.” Bollocks Alan, Ashley is a parasite.
MacToon
May 2, 2014 at 11:04 PM
Comment #105At least he’s directed any protest at Ashley and not himslef ha ha. He’s a card lol and soz Average. Not often I can be arsed with exclusives ha ha
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 11:09 PM
Comment #106Ed,
I understand your urge to not rock the boat and risk your little money maker.
People imagine you are up at all hours writing posts, when it is just a free stacking system.
The blog is a bit tetchy these days. It is time, as you have said to me privately, to stop rocking the boat.
I presume you mean Mike’s boat and your boat.
I hope you will continue to offer Mike the balance that will stop him going after you by writing a series of truly obsequious articles. After all, what is PRIDE to a lifelong supporter.
Huh!
Average_Contents
May 2, 2014 at 11:14 PM
Comment #107BandB
Instead of beating around the bush, why not just tell us how you really feel lol 😉
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 11:15 PM
Comment #108Average,
Am I coming across as rather cross?
Average_Contents
May 2, 2014 at 11:18 PM
Comment #109And on that bombshell I’m off! I hope to see the walk out happen tomorrow as anyone who stays after that bullshit from the puppet has either serious mental health issues or a gluten for punishment HTL!
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 11:18 PM
Comment #110🙂
Average_Contents
May 2, 2014 at 11:19 PM
Comment #111Not at all just a tad brash! I like it! Speak your mind, I always do!
yo-yo
May 2, 2014 at 11:20 PM
Comment #112Although I can understand Beattie’s frustration – I think slagging off the fans is not a clever move on a Toon blog – but then he got loads of support for it on here. Not from me though. Protest – yes, slag the fanns off – no. It is the only think that unites us is support for the Toon.
There is a classic problem for a large audience in protesting about anything in an organised manner – unless there is co-ordinated and strong leadership it cannot happen. And there simply is no established leadership of a fan revolt at SJP. Certainly not from NUST. So it cannot really matter when you walk out at all – what does matter is that people really do make the protest. Banners in the ground or walking out – still a protest. Still visible = still effective.
The great co-ordinated walkout is highly unlikely to work – but if enough folk go prettty much at any time in the second half and the ground is clearly emptying then the point will be made anway. If the idea of the protest has already got AP doing some PR on behalf of his boss then they must be worried. That is a good start. Being ignored would not be.
Maybe I’m naive about this and am missing some great political point about NUFC agitprop, but then I think Pardew is already toast and will be gone after the Fools put ten past us to win the league on goal difference. Wonder if Ashley will have a wee spread bet on that one ?
beermonkey
May 2, 2014 at 11:20 PM
Comment #113I like the idea of a walk out
I haven’t been able to watch a whole match all this year but that’s cos we play so poor
its good as the man at the top cant ignore this
but do we think he will act on it and sack pards
Graeme
May 2, 2014 at 11:25 PM
Comment #114B&B – have you stamped your foot??
BandB
May 2, 2014 at 11:27 PM
Comment #115yo-yo
Beattie outlined his position perfectly today.
He no longer cares.
“Oh, Vanya, I’m, so BORED!.
Missing in action for a year
Fiddling with his ennui somewhere.
Who gives a toss what he thinks?
Sav
May 3, 2014 at 2:17 AM
Comment #116I know Hughes is still a youngster but 5 goals and 5 assists in 50 matches for a Championship side is hardly worth getting excited about. A defensive midfielder should get you that. Knowing how tight Mashley is, I can’t see how we can afford 6 million for that kind of return.