We had a piece on Haris Vuckic yesterday, who is currently struggling at Newcastle to get any first team games, and two other former top youngsters – Gael Bigirimana and Shane Ferguson – are also struggling to make it on Tyneside.
21 year-old Gael Bigirimana trained with Yeovil for a couple of days this week, but has now returned to Newcastle, and he continues to look for a loan deal at a Football league club, before the cut-off date of November 27th.
We’re not sure what’s happened with Bigirimana, since he had a really good first season at Newcastle two years ago, when he played 25 times for the first team and looked a very good young player, but since then he has appeared only once for the first team.
And 18 times capped Northern Ireland international Shane Ferguson is now 23, and he’s made 32 appearances for the Newcastle first team, and is also looking for a club to go out on loan to – and Shane hasn’t even been given a squad number this season.
Shane is coming off a fairly unsuccessful loan spell at Birmingham City last season, when he found it hard to even make the bench towards the end of the season.
But along with Haris Vuckic – these three players can take heart and look at how Mehdi Abeid turned his career around last summer when he went out on loan to Panathinaikos, and the lad had a great season and made 38 appearances and scored 10 goals.
The French-born Algerian is starting for Newcastle at the moment and playing very well, and the 22 year-old has just been called up for the full Algerian squad..
So there’s certainly hope for these three youngsters, and Alan Pardew is giving them maximum time to prove themselves.
This is what Alan has said today about Abeid:
“He’s definitely a gauge for other young players – not just at this football club, but other Premier League clubs,” Pardew said.
“He’s shown that going out on loan can help massively. He came back from that loan spell a much better player. We need to thank the club for what they did for him. But it worked both ways because he did very well.
“It’s a system I’ve always believed in. We’ve got players out on loan at the moment and we’ll continue to do that, because I think it works.”
We hope to see all three players hooked up with clubs before the end of this month, but they will know that time is starting to run out for all three.
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49 comments so far
70TWO
Nov 13, 2014 at 9:27 AM
Comment #1With all the clubs in the whole of UEFA these three must be able to get a club some where.
lesh
Nov 13, 2014 at 9:38 AM
Comment #2Ooh expatmag
That reference to Pard’s time outside of the Prem was below the belt, it’s Mannah for Catchy.
Speaking of Mannah, you had a few tinnies today?
It can’t be bad out there and there’s your pal Tuff, shivering and counting his pennies to see if he can afford cup o’ tea and a slice if dry toast. Maybe you could spare a thought for him and if you can, a couple of bucks so he can get top up the meters and get the gas or electric on?
You’re not a hard man, have a bit compassion for your owld mucker.
Chris
Nov 13, 2014 at 9:45 AM
Comment #3“…and Shane hasn’t even been given a squad number this season.”
Yes he has. He was given the number 39, but he ended up not being named in the 25 man squad because of Charnley’s incompetence.
Slank
Nov 13, 2014 at 9:52 AM
Comment #4Young players very often make it to the senior squad and cement a permanent place in the starting eleven through either being an exceptional talent or by good fortune often at the expense of somebody else’s ill fortune.
Injuries to Santon, Tiote, Cisse, De Jong, Riviere and Obertan together with the loss of form of Anita and Gouffran have given opportunities to Aarons, Ameobi, Dummitt, Abeid and Perez which they all have taken.
There is only a limited number of places in a starting eleven that can accommodate young and relatively inexperienced players, alongside the experienced pros, at any one time. I’m sure we would have seen more of Armstrong but circumstances dictated otherwise.
I cannot see Ferguson and Vuckic making it as positions they would expect to fill have now been taken. Bigi has age on his side but needs to play regularly in a first team. A loan spell is his best and probably only option. Same for Campbell.
expatmag
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:12 AM
Comment #5Lesh
No compassionate one here mate. Tuff as old boots if you pardon the pun.
However, I have had a great day. Nipped down the road to the beach and had a swim in port philip bay. Kicked the arse off a couple of 20 metre GWS’s and rode the back of a very nice dolphin. Popped into the local beach bar and downed a few cold beers while devouring some very nice mixed seafood tapas.
As for poor old TUFF, I have little sympathy for him in facing another hard cold penniless winter in deepest darkest northumberland.
He brought it all on himself…..lol
Reyantoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:15 AM
Comment #6Switching playing position might help revive players sometimes.I personally think Harris should play up front as a striker.He is big,can play as a target man like Carroll,even Harris has better dribbling abilities.
If he continuously trained as a striker,he can find his form and will be valuable player & good back up.
Shane is small thin player which may find it difficult to play in PL from now on.As for Gael,he needs loaned out to other clubs,preferably to the CC.He needs playing time continuously to find his form like Abeid.Otherwise it’s gonna be sad to lose this youngsters for free.
Phatoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:18 AM
Comment #7Chris,
How is it Charnley’s fault he wasn’t named in the squad?
mag92
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:21 AM
Comment #8Some players look great and then don’t progress any further, Vukic, ferguson and biggi, look to be those ones!
Phatoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:24 AM
Comment #9It’s a shame about Bigi and Vuckic. Bigi seemed to be a tidy player with a good attitude, so I’d really like to know the issue with him.
Vuckic I guess is just too injury prone 🙁
Never thought Ferguson was all that exceptional, should have just been pushed as a LW and not even tried at LB, may have turned out better.
geordielad880
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:25 AM
Comment #10Vuckic if he plays has to play as a no 10, cant play anywhere else, he lacks the work rate and engine, and tacking ability to play CM, and he cant play as a striker, he doesnt have the natural instincts to play there, timing, movement etc, a free role in a 4-3-3, behind the main striker, or withdrawn in a 4-4-1-1
geordielad880
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:28 AM
Comment #11ferguson is a LW and never was a LB, he has bags of talent, he needs a run in a side somewhere, I personally think he is a championship player, or lower prem player, and bigirimana needs to go out on loan, but stil think he needs to work out more in the gym, I have heard newcastle are not renewing streete’s contract either, he has not progressed apparently, same with satka
Phatoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:46 AM
Comment #12Didn’t Satka sign a “long term contract” last season?
Streete has just been recalled to cover the 1st team injuries. So hopefully they still have faith.
geordielad880
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:48 AM
Comment #13phatoon satka has signed no contract as far as im aware, streete is the only option they have as cover, collo has damaged calf, it could be 2-3 weeks, streete’s progress has been halted severely by injury,
mag92
Nov 13, 2014 at 10:56 AM
Comment #14Williamson, will come back and ruin the team!
Graeme
Nov 13, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Comment #15Yet another coincidental injury for Colo to have a jolly back to Argentina!! If he is injured, why isn’t he on the treatment table being treated for the injury to ensure he is available for our next game.
Instead, within hours of “Limping Off” the pitch, he is on a flight home, once again. No doubt, this will coincide with a deterioration of the condition which will delay his return by 2 or 3 weeks!!
Phatoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 11:09 AM
Comment #16geordielad880,
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/adam-armstrong-lubo-satka-freddie-6872968
geordielad880
Nov 13, 2014 at 11:28 AM
Comment #17I stand corrected on satka, but streete definately wont get a new contract unless he picks up soon, thanks phatoon
Reyantoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 11:33 AM
Comment #18It will be a blow if we lose Colo at this moment, esp in a long term.He is one of those exceptional and instrumental player in our recent success.
Don’t know streets much but looks promising from what I read.As for sammy,he should stay and get a new deal.He is not consistent yet but deserve a stay longer considering his recent good form if not best.
Even if he isn’t playing regularly,he can be good back up as he obviously has a talent like vuckic..
Reyantoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 11:35 AM
Comment #19*…streete
hibbit
Nov 13, 2014 at 11:53 AM
Comment #20i dont think many on here have seen a lot of vuckic play… no doubt about his talent but for such a big lad you would think he was made of glass never going to make it in the prem has problems at under 21 with the physical side of the game
Go toon gooooo
Nov 13, 2014 at 12:34 PM
Comment #21And the loan made Abeid better player? :).Silly comments.
Vuckic and Bigirimana can go but we’ll lose good left back if Feruson goes.Good left backs are rare.
Graeme
Nov 13, 2014 at 12:39 PM
Comment #22Go Toon @ 21 – you are right, there – we generally use 2 or 3 LB’s, most games, prior to the latest 4 game streak!!
optimistic prime
Nov 13, 2014 at 12:42 PM
Comment #23Graeme
When I saw Streete recalled and after Colo said he’d be seeing Jonas this week I thought exactly the same as you.
Mid season holiday for Colo.
Bit suspicious thinking but a justified jump to a conclusion after last year and the fact we get nearly no news on injuries from the club.
70TWO
Nov 13, 2014 at 12:43 PM
Comment #24If the Qatar World Cup bid was gained through bribes, what was the attraction?
70TWO
Nov 13, 2014 at 12:43 PM
Comment #25Sorry, that should have been:
If the Qatar World Cup bid was not gained through bribes, what was the attraction?
martoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:00 PM
Comment #26Graeme @15 – That is exactly what I thought – if he was injured then why the hell was he allowed to go to Argentina he should have returned to Tyneside for immediate treatment!
70two @25 – I simply find it unbelievable that nobody realised it would be too hot to play when the bid was submitted!
mag92
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:07 PM
Comment #27Ferguson couldn’t make the Birmingham city bench!
Go toon gooooo
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:09 PM
Comment #28Graeme
I saw Shane Ferguson couple of times and I’m sure he is quality left back.If not in the first team then he will be strong replacement for Haidara.I don’t care about Birmingham spell.Birmingham is not a club for judging for quality of a player.And Dummet is slow left back.Shane is electrical.But Pardew needs 2 years to figure out some basic things and probably some other club will steal this player.Ferguson was not given a number just because of bad spell in poor Birmingham.But our eyes can’t lie.He hasn’t played a bad game for Newcastle.
dazzler
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:13 PM
Comment #29Go Toon,
A player who can’t get into a struggling championship side can hardly be considered a good anything.
Out of the three I would be most concerned about Bigi leaving, he’s the only one I’ve seen enough of to think he could amount to a top player for our club.
mag92
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:13 PM
Comment #30They can’t get into the squad, because they plainly aren’t good enough!
dazzler
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:16 PM
Comment #31If Colo does pull a mid-season sicky, and it’s looking likely then the emergence of Dummett as a quality CB leaves me less concerned. Dummett & Taylor could work with Willo & Street as backup, maybe even Good if he heals quick enough.
mag92
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:19 PM
Comment #32All this rubbish about Streete and Good, they’ve never pushed for a first team spot and they’ve only got Williamson to challenge and an ageing Coloccini!
70TWO
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:26 PM
Comment #33martoon @26
The temperature was raised as an issue by the FIFA medical body but ignored. Now the investigator who compiled the corruption report is claiming the inquiry body has not dealt with all the issues raised, or skewed them.
Graeme
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:27 PM
Comment #3470TWO @ 25. That is the million dollar question mate. Qatar have only 4 football teams, all based in the capital, Doha, about 30,000 go to watch, mainly Indian & Pakistani workers. They are going to build 6 stadiums that nobody will ever use again.
The world cup is played in July / August which is simply not feasible in Qatar as temperatures will vary between 40C+ down to maybe 34C+
It has been suggested that the World Cup will be moved to December / January which will completely devastate european football leagues – does FIFA give a damn?? Most unlikely, as long as they get their loot!!
James RS
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:31 PM
Comment #35Vuckic definitely has talent and should be given a chance…but where…maybe behind the strikers. He came on off the bench for first team year before last and even my missus says coo who’s that he’s a good player so there you go :).Pardew could start by putting him on the bench or in cup ties. I agree with Phatoon though never thought Ferguson was that exceptional either too small and fragile . Bigirimana …maybe a loan spell like Abeid would help him but he’s also bench material .
Graeme
Nov 13, 2014 at 1:42 PM
Comment #36That should read 14 teams, not 4 – sorrry
Reyantoon
Nov 13, 2014 at 2:08 PM
Comment #37Qatar willing to build atleast 12 stadiums, not 6,that are able to regulate high temperature. So I don’t think the temperature will be a problem for playing. The only problem to adjust is gonna be when?
Mid Dec through mid Jan may make sense by pulling European leagues to start early and pushing to end through June.
gonufc (Newcastle United Sports Direct Advertising Club)
Nov 13, 2014 at 2:10 PM
Comment #38How on earth, in the last thread can Sammeobi be described as a “Top Youngster”?!?
He is just awful. Seriously not good enough.
Does anyone here rate him? Shola was FAR better.
jayphoto
Nov 13, 2014 at 2:34 PM
Comment #39Think Vuckic problem is workrate! Pardew seems content to give younger players a chance providing they have a high work rate! Players that seem to get given a chance are very hard working!
Vuckic is definately style over substance! Got some friends at Benton and they say he does outrageous acts of technique in training and in the reserves but that hes quite content to rely on technical ability and rarely gives more than 50% in work rate!
Reminds me of Berbatov, with correct coaching he could be a similar player but Pardew isn’t the manager and the EPL isnt the league to make a break through as this kind of player! He should have started in Holland/portugal before getting experience in italy/germany before playing in the EPL
jayphoto
Nov 13, 2014 at 2:39 PM
Comment #40So many problems with Qatar! Think the heat is a worry more for fans outside the stadium too!
Also, the countries political stances are questionable and they won’t recognize Israel even if they qualify which would be a disaster should they by chance make it!
Also the police there is so corrupt and they enforce Sharia Law which will be a problem and at the minimum make it a poor WC to attend.
A shambles that this country was chosen over Australia!