Hughton can spend in the January Sales, with players already lined up?
Posted on December 23rd, 2009 | 54 Comments |
Having been impressed with the start we’ve made to this campaign, it would appear that they do not want to jeopardise the good work and insists that there are no plans to let any players leave in January.
He also apparently revealed (though he’s not quoted), that they are close to finalising permanent moves for at least two players ahead of the January transfer window, with Sheffield United centre-back Matthew Kilgallon on the verge of sealing a switch to the North East.
“We have been absolutely delighted with the job that Chris has done,”
“There is a fantastic spirit in the camp and he has managed to change the whole atmosphere surrounding the club. It seems like a different place to what it was a few months ago.
“To see a crowd of nearly 50,000 people inside St James’ Park last weekend was tremendous and shows what a fantastic football club this is.
“When we offered the job to Chris on a permanent basis, Mike and I couldn’t have asked for anything more.
“We are ten points clear at the top of the Championship table and we are on target to make an immediate return to the Premier League, which is where this club belongs.”
With money still being an issue, the likelihood is that Ashley will have to invest some more of his own money in spite of the ill-feeling that remains towards him. However, Llambias hopes the club will be able to announce some new signings next month and pledged funds will be available, but stopped short of giving any indication about the future of Danny Simpson or Marlon Harewood. Their loan deals expire next week, but Llambias stressed “that is something Chris must talk about”.
Llambias said:
“Mike is totally committed to the club and fully focused on promotion, that is what he wants more than anything.
We don’t envisage anyone leaving in January because we want to make sure Chris has the players he needs to get us back up.
“Chris has given us things to work on in January in terms of signing players – and we are trying to make those things happen.
We will have to see, but we want to help and Mike will put the money in to help if Chris feels that it gives the club a better chance of returning to the Premier League.”
Llambias then went on to praise Hughton and Calderwood and insisted they deserve credit for reorganising the squad into a happier camp. He also echoed Shearer’s comments on MoTD on Sunday, that the right players remain at the club and determined to prove a point by getting promoted:
“Enormous credit has to be given to Chris and Colin for the wonderful job they have done with the support of the players.
I think one of the biggest changes has been the spirit in the camp. We have got some excellent characters in the dressing room, the players want to be here and there is a good mix of youth and experience.”
“They feel as though they have something to prove and they want to put things right after what happened last season.
We haven’t achieved anything yet, there is still a long way to go and we cannot be complacent. But everything feels a lot more positive around the place. Hopefully that will continue to be the case.”
So more promises from the board, but fans will be sceptical until that window closes and we haven’t lost any of our big players. It’s also an opportunity to prove that Ashley has learned from his past mistakes and make some early moves in the transfer window, rather than waiting until the last minute with half-hearted gestures, as it has appeared in the last few windows.
The indication that deals are already close is encouraging but given recent history, forgive me if I don’t get carried away until they’re pictured in the black and white stripes and signing a form. It’s also fairly presumptuous of Llambias that all will be forgiven and forgotten. There’s a great deal of water to go under the bridge before that happens as far as many are concerned. Though promotion will no doubt go some way to improving relations. I’m not sure whether anyone will ever feel inclined to buy Dekka a pint though.
NUFCBlog Author: bowburnmag
bowburnmag has written 234 articles on this blog.
Let’s hope Newcastle can announce the two signings on January 1st – but it’s clear many fans will not get carried away before they see it really happen. I hope we keep all our 3 loan players – either on extended loans or buying them at a nice low price.