What’s the real story on Cabaye?My latest blog on metro.co.uk is now up!
Entitled “What is the truth on Yohan Cabaye and Arsenal? Newcastle fans may never know,” as you might guess, I take a look at current Yohan Cabaye transfer imbroglio. This includes conflicting stories in the media about whether Cabaye is actually on strike, or whether he is just being protected from injury in anticipation of a “world class bid” that would “blow the doors off” (to use two of Pardew’s recent terms).
I also look at Alan Pardew’s approach to the drama, where instead of either keeping his mouth shut and refusing to answer questions, or alternatively, making some kind of honest disclosure on what is going on, he has chosen to resort to innuendo and riddles, usually followed by something like “but I can’t say more than that”. Along with the conflicting media reports, especially the ones from the Evening Chronicle’s Lee Ryder about Cabaye allegedly refusing to play, this has led to alot of unhelpful speculation. (more…)
Pardew on probation.Venue: St James’ Park, Newcastle. Date: Sat 24th Aug, 2013. Kick off: 3.00pm. Referee: Phil Dowd (Staffs). UK TV: None.
Hello, good afternoon and welcome to our “match banter” for today’s first home fixture of the Premier League season, which sees the Magpies taking on Fat Sam’s West Ham.
Pardew on probation.
In Alan Pardew’s last 12 competitive games with Newcastle United, his record is Won 2, Drawn 3, Lost 7, Goals For 7, Goals against 26. With a record like that, the sharks should be circling, and I don’t mean the loan shark from Wronga, who, incidentally, will be staging their first Wronga “experience” at sunny St James’ Park today. One of their new half time pursuits for this season is called “Straight walking football,” where “two fans will race head to head through a course packed with obstacles to test their balance and skill. Whoever keeps their cool and finishes past Teenie and Tynie will take home £150″ (quote from the Hearts website). Think I’ll give that a miss next time I’m at St James’ Park. (more…)
NUFC Blog on metro.co.ukMy two latest blogs for metro.co.uk are now up!
The first one, entitled “Pardew – Is he deluded to the point of insanity?” takes a look at some of the talking points from Monday evening’s game with Manchester City. Talking points such as the gossip surrounding Yohan Cabaye and not least, something all we Newcastle United fans have become wearily familiar with, Alan Pardew’s total lack of a grip on reality in his post-match assessment of games.
The second one is called “Were Newcastle’s ‘Three Stooges’ in Nice to sell Cabaye or buy Cvitanich?” (The sub-editor changed the original title so don’t blame me!). Basically, it is my ruminations on what Newcastle United’s “Three Stooges,” Alan Pardew, Joe Kinnear and Graham Carr might have been doing at Nice airport, where they were spotted and photographed by a Northumbria University student and Toon fan who calls himself “Sewelly” on Twitta. (more…)
“Howay man, stay here wor Bafétimbi” says Aulas now. Well there have certainly been some very strong hints so far, but now it has finally been confirmed by Olympique Lyonnais chairman, Jean-Michel Aulas that there are currently no parties currently in discussions to sign Olypique Lyonnais striker, Bafétimbi Gomis, confirming that Joe Kinnear and Newcastle United have finally got sick of all the complications and have fianlly walked away from the proposed deal.
Here’s what Aulas said to Olympique Lyonnais’ official website:
“Of course, the departure of Licha (striker / winger Lisandro López, recently sold by Lyon) poses a new problem. I look forward to trying to get everyone around the table to discuss,” said Aulas to Olympique Lyonais’ official website.
Getting to the most important bit, he then dropped the latest bombshell that there were currently no longer any offers on the table for Gomis any more, confirming, albeit in a roundabout fashion, that Newcastle United had actually pulled out of the deal: (more…)
Jean-Michel Aulas: Dark forces at work in Gomis deal?Newcastle United’s pursuit of Bafetimbi Gomis is rapidly becoming what Churchill would have called “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma,” and for once, it doesn’t even seem to be Newcastle United’s fault!
Below is the latest bombshell from Olympique Lyonnais chairman, Jean-Michel Aulas, speaking after his side qualified for the Champions League playoffs against the Grasshoppers of Zurich yeterday, which might also be a factor in this labyrinthine tale which seems to have had everything but the kitchen sink so far judging by the stuff I have been following in the French media. Without further ado, here’s Aulas’s latest incendiary words on the frustrating Gomis deal:
“I am very disappointed that operations have not been concluded with Newcastle. I am very pessimistic, it needs to be said that someone behind the scenes is pulling the strings. I think a number of people will be unmasked. I have also tabled yesterday (Monday) a complaint to the Committee on Legal Affairs for the destabilization of some players. Some clubs have made dishonest proposals.(more…)
