Newcastle missed out on Dujuan Richards after the teenage striker signed for Chelsea late last week. The Phoenix All Stars Academy product had impressed during a two-week trial with Newcastle, who did make an offer to sign him permanently.
However, Chelsea beat Newcastle to the youngster’s signature with what is being described as a better offer with a clearer path to the first team. The Chronicle has published the following from Phoenix All Stars Academy president Craig Butler:
“It wasn’t a sudden switch, whenever you manage a player it is important that you look at all available options and choose the best possible offer.
“Newcastle really did a great job and made a big effort to get him and we appreciate everything that they have done. Newcastle presented a very good offer and so did Genk and Ajax. But for us, Chelsea presented the best one.
“Chelsea were not just better from a financial perspective but also in terms of his football pathway and the plan for the player. He will be in the first team and that is very important to me.
“If he is to go out on loan, I will be integral in the decision as to where he goes. But Chelsea are looking to put him in their first team and they have provided a plan, and that plan really fits ‘Whisper’ going forward.”
Richards had spoken to the Chronicle last week expressing his belief that he had impressed during his trial. His head was likely turned by the Blues with a better financial package. The clearer path to the first team rings a little hollow.
Newcastle are still hunting for talent. The Sun is reporting Fleetwood Town’s Stephen McMullan is now firmly in the Magpies’ sights. The report claims Newcastle have already met with the 18-year-old goalkeeper’s entourage.
McMullan hasn’t made his debut for Fleetwood though he is a Northern Ireland U19 international. He put pen to paper on a long-term contract to 2024 in January of this year. He had joined from Northern Ireland’s Warrenpoint last summer.
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289 comments so far
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:05 PM
Comment #41Magic – I’d love to meet up and I’m more than happy to travel up to Newcastle. But I’m only going if I definitely have a ticket. Who’s sorting your ticket out?
cleveleysbob
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:10 PM
Comment #42Davas, I watched that clip on iPlayer thanks. I did see it “live” but was so nervous those last few minutes I hadn’t taken in what a lovely bit of football it was! 😆
I’m like that with good tv shows or movies, I miss loads of the detail the 1st time I watch anything because I’m into following the story. 2nd time is amazing as I notice brilliant stuff that went right over my head 1st time of watching. 😀
The Taco Taker
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:12 PM
Comment #43I see Ed and Neil’s comments policy around not talking about politics is being widely ignored yet again. Not only is any political topic divisive most of it is staggeringly tedious. This blog (a footy blog) is far better off without it.
Raj,
On the owners I agree, these days any link to any player that does not result in them signing for NUFC is perceived by some as a miss in some people’s eyes yet it we signed every player we are linked to to we woukd have a squad of at least 800 players by now. Aside from not sacking Bruce pretty much as soon as they met him I dont thing they made put a foot wrong (and even in the case of Bruce they didn’t wait long)
My only upcoming concern (and I expect I am in the minority here) is this Amazon documentary. I get that it will bring in about £20M which is good and widen our audience (also good) and I know that I will be glued to it when it is released but I do fear it could cause harm – having said that I hope I am wrong and that is simply attracts more fans to NUFC globally and especially in the USA.
magicmac54
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:15 PM
Comment #44TDS
I can understand you not traveling without a ticket mate, as far my ticket i`m an NUFC Member but also receive assistance from Raj if i have any problems in obtaining a ticket.
magicmac54
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:20 PM
Comment #45Magscar
Good evening mate, talking about Damian Duff the link will tell you where he is now.
https://youtu.be/4ObXIWoGdBk
wynsleap
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:21 PM
Comment #46The Taco Taker @ 43
Yes I agree with you we can’t sign everyone we’ve been linked with as a great many of the links are ridiculous. Many not feasible, many overpriced and many just not good enough. However good young talent, especially when we have watched them, studied them and in Richards’ case brought them here should be pursued. We keep hearing about our drive for these top young stars for the future but we’ve already missed 3 or 4 brilliant prospects that we seem to have put loads of scouting and work in for. Is Gabriel the next?
Ty21
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:21 PM
Comment #47The Taco Taker
Yeah, have to go around so much stuffs……..
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:22 PM
Comment #48TTT,
It would help the situation massively if we didn’t have people calling each other ‘lefties’ and ‘wokes’ for no reason at all, it just starts off unnecessary political horlicks.
onmeedsun
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:26 PM
Comment #49Magscar
Pleased to see you’re engaging on this mad blog again. Sorry for your loss. It’s always the ones left behind that have to deal and cope with such losses. Which is why it’s so important that we all have cultural and social pastimes to occupy our time and to interact with each other. I hope you never lose your wonderful memories with your missus, and are able to continue to fully participate in life going forward, which of course includes everything to do with NUFC.
magscar
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:26 PM
Comment #50Bob
Whilst that guy you mention is the epitome of wrong un’s there were others ( in Italy and Spain) at that time and other horrors dictating their countries in later years
I don’t want to get into Linekergate but it is the specific language of those times he referred to ( as I understand it) and they are many examples currently across Europe ( eg Germany,France Scandinavia and here) of growing groups expressing a similar extreme doctrines regretably
In general I don’t think the majority of good people here are in that category – far from it but when there are emotive issues such as the boats I do believe that politicians have to be very careful in their choice of words and language to avoid stoking the fires
Unfortunately i believe ( others will disagree of course) that the words were deliberately ( not casual or illjudged) chosen and for a certain effect and to create a wedge to suit the situation
The row is an unintended bonus and as on here draws lines between different views in the Country which they wish to exploit
Ok some will say no they are calling it as it is – fine but there is another viable alternative arguement that also stand up to scrutiny – you pays your money and………….
Ignore History at your peril
Sorry to put in my twopennyworth in but this just drags on even after Lineker and BBC have made up ( for now)
onmeedsun
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:29 PM
Comment #51Munster/Pug,
Thanks for the comments yesterday regarding rail refunds. I actually surprised myself and was able to apply for my delay repay refund whilst on the train going up to the match. I’m only due £38 so not a kings ransom, but will buy a round of beers at my next match!
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Comment #52Magic – well, if Raj or someone else can volunteer for helping me get a ticket then I’ll start my planning to get up there. I missed the boat to become a member as I was incorrectly informed that I could join at any time but it turned out to be for a limited number.
Looks like it’s bank holiday the day after the game so I’d come up for 2 or 3 nights if I get a ticket.
The Taco Taker
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Comment #53Wyn,
The thing is though that there will always be competition for top young players so we are bound to miss out to the likes of Citeh or Chelsea on occasion. That does not make it a failure of NUFC it is just the law of averages. Also just because we watch someone or offer them a trial does not mean we really wanted them it is just part of the scouting process.
Raj,
I know these labels (especially when people don’t really know each other) are just simplistic, dumb and often wrong. I for one have loved Tory, Labour, Lib Dem and Green at some point in my life. So what label am I? A floating voter? Or just someone who considers parties policies at a given moment and the thing I care about then votes according to that as opposed to some sort of lifelong support of specific party based on an entrenched (and often inherited) position?
Anyway that is as close to politics as I am going to tread on here.
onmeedsun
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Comment #54I was so pleased to see Murphy getting a start. He may never become a regular starter, but his cameos and attitude deserve to be rewarded. And by the way, in my view he strikes a ball and delivers crosses as cleanly as anyone else at the club. Much better than Maxi who has a tendency to scuff his strikes. Murphy has pace to burn as well, and because he’s not carrying too much timber, unlike others, can run all day. Murphy, Miggy, Isak, Willock, Gordon. They are all fast and have great engines, and glide across the pitch. Wilson and Maxi more in the boxer mould.
Mister Tuff
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:36 PM
Comment #55Mongrel – cheers.
The Taco Taker
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:41 PM
Comment #56On Murphy I think he is a good option to have in the squad for the next year at least. Not a starter for me when everyone is fit but still a decent option and we have other people to move on ahead of him. So I happy to have him around the place for now.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:44 PM
Comment #57TTT,
I don’t think we’ve much choice with Murphy, I think he has another four years on his deal, however with performances like yesterday he has to be way down on the list of priorities to replace, he’ll be an integral part of any UEL or UECL teams, not sure about the UCL though.
cleveleysbob
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:46 PM
Comment #58Magscar, I agree there is a rotten divisiveness in politics Today which is counter productive and largely destructive. I was kinda joking when I said I blamed Devolution, but that was the starting point to where we are today. It was naive in the extreme to effectively break up the U.K. by allowing greater “devolved” powers and not expect that to kick off nationalism and the demands of further independence. Once that horse was out of the stable, it kicked off the whole leaving the EU debate and the enormous divisions that has caused even within families.
Unfortunately we’ve followed the US model of predominantly 2 party politics which with the advent of Social Media has turned the World toxic. Some of the stuff I read appalls me.
I wish I had an answer, but voting for any of the motley mobs available to us currently makes me shudder.
I’ll get a good kicking from Lesh for writing this and rightly so, so I apologise to everyone on here, I’m just saddened by the current state of humanity.
Novocastrian66
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:46 PM
Comment #59Are Shelvey and Wood eligible for the game on Friday?
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:48 PM
Comment #60Taco – I think the status of players like Murphy, Krafth, and Lascelles will depend on who we bring in and also their desire for first team football. It’s pretty likely that Ritchie, Dummett, Lewis, and Fraser will be gone plus the players currently on loan too so that already frees up a few spaces for new signings. Pretty sure Manq will go too, if we’ve got Trips, Krafth, and Ashby at right back.
So yeah, I expect Murphy will still be here next season unless he really wants regular football or we get a decent offer for him.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:49 PM
Comment #61Novo – Shelvey was sold wasn’t he? If so, he’s eligible. But Wood is officially on loan until the end of the season I believe so can’t play against us.
It’s possible the Shelvey deal was structured as a loan too but I think it was permanent.
Mister Tuff
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:51 PM
Comment #62ZG – yes you are correct about the citizenship issues, however I think it is safe to say that those Jewish people were German citizens, just because the regime removed their citizenship rights does not mean they were not citizens of that county.
(if that makes sense).
Mister Tuff
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:53 PM
Comment #63All our current politicians in the UK are shite- all parties. No stars amongst any of them.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:55 PM
Comment #64TDSarf,
I can only get so many tickets, magicmac54 is on my friends and family list and one of the spares I can get, someone on here should be able to sort you out, Soton on an early Sunday afternoon isn’t a high profile game either.
magicmac54
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:55 PM
Comment #65TDS
I wish you all the very best in your quest for a ticket mate, are you not an NUFC member TDS?
Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:56 PM
Comment #66Magic/TDS I would come up but no “away” tickets and no chance of home tickets. I would need 2 so no realistic chance.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 13, 2023 at 4:57 PM
Comment #67I’m not sure why people have Krafth on the list to go, he’s a full Swedish international who can cover both RB and CB and he was excellent once Howe came in, if he’s happy being a squad player he can stay for the next five years imo.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:00 PM
Comment #68I wonder where Wilf Zaha goes in the summer.
Raj of Hailsley
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:01 PM
Comment #69I wonder if him being the main man for so long would affect his gelling with our team ethos.
Novocastrian66
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:01 PM
Comment #70TDS, I’m not sure of their official status, hence the question. I read somewhere that Wood’s move had been made permanent.
I think Shelvey’s position is a little clearer.
magscar
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:02 PM
Comment #71Omeedsun ( and others who have posted kind thoughts today)
Thanks
I do have and treasure many good memories and they do both sustain and sadden you sometimes but it is what many have to go through, some without as many good memories or even the chance to have made many at all sadly
It’s been nearly a year yet is still raw but I have made steady progress in coming to terms with it from those first days with a mutually supportive family ( and I have a big role to play in that still)
We all know the cliches that have arisen such as “day at a time” and of course they are nontheless true
Not long after her passing as i stood at the graveside feeling sad, in my head her voice chided me to stop feeling sorry for yourself I’m the one that has passed – get on with your life 🙂
As those who have suffered loss will know it’s a fine line between self pity and grief and i have sought to live on bearing that in mind
I am in reasonable health , financially OK and have more freedom that i have ever had but still little if any inclination to expoit that – my passions like NUFC and music and especially my kids and grandkids are and have been my way forward – we all went to SJP for NUFC ladies cup game recently (only way i as with others can now get in!)
Filling your days is the challenge and whilst I have started doing different things in last few months the rejoining the Blog yesterday ( without planning it!) has further helped me utilise some of that time whilst i am not out walking, doing all the necessary day to day house stuff etc
Back in the day I tended to post often and lengthily in spells then as life ( and disenchantment with some dialogue at times) caught up disappear for days weeks and even months
How I’ll move forward on here i don’t know but if i do disappear again it certainly won’t be for any lack of kind thoughts and encouragement from my felloow bloggers
Thank you all again and sorry if i have unintenionally strayed too personal as i typed – will try and stay on topic 🙂
The Taco Taker
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:04 PM
Comment #72Correction to @53 – I have never “loved” any political party (with the possible exception of when the porn star Chiccolina ran for Government in Italy! Somehow autocorrect swap loved our voted.
Raj,
Correct, Murphy is under contract until 2027 (joint longest contract left from the Ashley era along with Willock)
That reminds me, TDS the other day myself and a couple of others were discussing Hayden and if he might come back into the fold. I noted but didn’t have time to reply that you wondered why this was being discussed. I for one was not advocating that he should have a place in the squad I was simply point out that it is highly unlikely Norwich (or anyone else for that matter) will buy him so he will return to training in the summer and we will either keep him (with or without a squad place) or loan him out again. The main point of the conversion (at least in my opinion) is that he has a contract until 2026 and therefore may not be easy to shift given his recent injury record. Having said that he at least has always appeared open to a move and strikes me as someone who wants to play football more than just collect a big pay check so perhaps he will move on.
I guess the real issue is Hayden or not we have lots of players to replace but we are still limited in terms of FFP so we wont do everything in one Summer CL footy or no CL footy. Therefore there is the chance EH takes a look at Hayden in the Summer and decides to give him a place as a DM option given other possible movement in that window.
The Taco Taker
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:08 PM
Comment #73My understanding of Shelvey/Wood is the same as TDS.
– Shelvey was sold so can play.
– Wood was loaned so I imagine he cannot. He may have met the conditions for his deal to be made permanent (I understand he has) but that does not mean his deal HAS already been made permanent. That will likely be a formality that is addressed in the summer for a variety of reasons.
magscar
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:10 PM
Comment #74Magic@45
Good evening mate
YT clip – yep Shelbourne in final certainly would blow away anything he ever did here 🙂
Mind was in the Blackburn PL squad that won it? presumably not
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:11 PM
Comment #75Novo – I think Wood’s will become permanent at the end of the season. So I think we will see Shelvey but not Wood in our game.
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:11 PM
Comment #76Raj – so, no chance you can get me a ticket for that game then?
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:12 PM
Comment #77Magic – as I said, I don’t as told I could become a member at any time, which was incorrect. There were only a certain number available and then that was it. So I missed the boat.
Ty21
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:13 PM
Comment #78The Taco Taker
Hayden’s future looks bleak. Got injured, then now he is not even making to match squad. Not sure if he has recovered though?
ToonDarnSarf
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:15 PM
Comment #79Taco – I still think Hayden will be loaned out again or they’ll reach agreement to terminate his contract. He was an ok player a few years ago but injuries have meant he’s regressed. If he’s in our squad next season, I’d see that as a failure for our recruitment team. I just don’t see it happening.
CLINT FLICK
Mar 13, 2023 at 5:17 PM
Comment #80😀
No wonder ‘politics’ is asked to be avoided on here… there’s a definite paucity of political nous, that’s for sure!
Eeesh!
Stuck in the past, or what?
Sorry like!