Hopefully nothing is at 70% offIs it really time to hold our breath? Could the end really be nigh?
Sky Sports News is reporting that Wolfsburg have agreed a £9m fee with us for Obafemi Martins. Though it’s yet unconfirmed by Newcastle, Oba was left out of the squad for the friendly against Leeds, which has given credence to the claims.
Speculation is also mounting about an imminent agreement with Spurs to ship Bassong off to White Hart Lane. Habib Beye threw a paddy after being taken off in the game against Leeds and given his recent comments, he could also be on the way out. Guiterrez, Coloccini and Xisco are all being monitored by clubs in Italy and Spain and Krul is apparently being monitored by Arsenal.
So if the Martins sale becomes fact then it stands to reason the other speculation could materialise into reality. Of course, more pertinently or at least as pertinently, is the implication that if Martins is allowed to leave then the ’embargo’ placed on transfers has been lifted. Which means either new owners are now calling the shots and making their first business decisions. Or Mike Ashley is getting his fire-sale underway and it’s anyone’s guess what that could mean for us. (more…)
Shearer scores but still in limbo.Today I can begin with some good news. England beat Germany 3-2 to win the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy with goals coming from Les Ferdinand, Alan Thompson and Alan Shearer. The night, however, belonged to Sir Bobby Robson and his cancer research foundation to which the proceeds of the game were donated. Sir Bobby is, and forever will be, a shining example of the good side of football.
Alas I must now move on to less celebratory news. Shearer has spoken of his frustration about the current situation at Newcastle United, saying:
“I am the same as everyone else, I am in limbo – I don’t know what is going on.
“I know as much as you. I would dearly love it to be sorted out one way or the other then the club can move forward.
“Everyone is telling me there are people in to buy the club. If that is the case, then great.”
He was also keen to dispel rumours that he’s close to walking away from things:
“I don’t know where that’s come from, it’s certainly not from myself. I want it sorted out as quickly as everyone else does.
“I’m a fan like everyone else and I don’t like to see the situation the club is in.” (more…)
Oba returns against Orient.In a day that appears largely bereft of Newcastle United news, I’ll have to pick out our reserve win over Whitley Bay as the headline news. Apparently Hughton and Calderwood were amongst the 1,075 crowd that saw us win 3-1 with two goals from Brad Inman and one from Wesley Ngo Baheng.
According to The Chronicle, Oba Martins and Geremi are set to make a return against Leyton Orient on Saturday, although Bassong is complaining of a ‘muscle ache’ and remains doubtful.
I have to admit to being a bit nonplussed about such news because I’m guessing that all three of these players will be clearing off as soon as Ashley’s transfer embargo is lifted. I’m not sure what we’re gaining in the long run by getting them into the pre-season squad and wonder if we’d be better off giving more of the youngsters some first team time – at least they’ll still be here for the rest of the season.
The article also explains how Hughton has been left to contemplate starting the season the season without Nicky Butt. He told The Chronicle: (more…)
A terrier or one of the gargoyles from Ghostbusters?Tonight sees us meet some old acquaintances at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield for our latest friendly. Die-hard Mag Lee Clark will need to rely on his professionalism to prepare for tonight’s game against his boyhood idols and for who he played a pivotal role before and during the Keegan era as a player.
The Huddersfield manager made great progress after taking over in November last year, winning 8 out of 9 games but a dip in form resulted in a mid-table finish. Having cut his teeth as assistant to Glen Roeder at Norwich City, Clark will be looking to realise the potential that people see in him to make a thoroughly decent manager.
Clarkie has some other familiar faces in his management team. Namely Terry Mac, buffer supreme to King Kev, tremendous former player, adopted Geordie and all-round decent bloke. Derek Fazackerley, who was assistant manager and coach under Keegan in the ’90s revival is acting in a similar role at The Galpharm. Paul Stephenson, who played for us in the ’80s is also part of the coaching set-up. (more…)
Bassong: Leaving ASAP.Newcastle United Centre back, Sébastien Bassong has given an interview to the media about the reasons why he is deperate to leave Newcastle, saying:
“I have to leave – for the sake of my career!”
The 23 year old defender, linked with several Premier League teams, has now been relegated two years in a row, leaving relegated French Ligue 1 team, Metz to join the Magpies after impressing ex-Director of Football, Dennis Wise, and ex manager, Kevin Keegan in a trial for the club.
He has, of course, become a very popular player with fans since making his first appearence in a friendly against Doncaster, where Toon fans chanted “If number 46 (Bassong) scores, we’re all on the pitch!” He was also voted as Newcastle United’s “Player of the Year” by fans last season.
Bassong continued, saying:
“I have a lot of respect for Newcastle and the supporters – everybody knows that – but I want to play in the Premier League, and I think I deserve to play in the Premier League,”
“I would like to play in the Premier League with Newcastle but, for the moment, it’s not possible.(more…)
