Bigirimana: We should find out soon if rumours are true.There seems to be mounting evidence that the signing of Coventry’s Burundian youngster, Gael Bigirimana, is on the cards at Newcastle United.
As regular readers may know, I don’t usually go in for these transfer rumours without solid evidence, however site regular, “Stephen C,” referred me to this story claiming that Bigirimana would be having a medical tomorrow, suggesting it was from a source he trusted so I thought I would check it out further.
Since then two independent sources claim that he has already been seen at the club’s Benton training ground, one from an NUFC fan on Twitta who I don’t know, and another from someone I do know. So, after all that, whilst I wouldn’t claim that it is certain by any means, after checking it out, I certainly wouldn’t discount it entirely either, but whatever the veracity, if he has indeed been at the club for talks and a medical is due tomorrow, we should know soon. The player has been the subject of speculation as a possible Toon signing for some time, with fees of anywhere between £500,000 and £1.2 million being suggested. (more…)
Alan Pardew has the final sayNewcastle United manager Alan Pardew talks about Joey Barton’s potential selection for Saturday’s game against Arsenal and a dispute between the board and players about bonuses.
It appears that there will be no further ‘boardroom revenge’ against Joey Barton for his renegade Twitter activities beyond the fine he has already received and that Alan Pardew will have the final say as to whether he plays against Arsenal on Saturday.
The usually reclusive Pardew gave an interview for once and had this to say when asked whether he needs to clear Barton’s selection at board level:
“It’s my decision. I’ll probably talk to Joey before the start of training on Friday but I’m not sure whether he’ll start on Saturday, whatever answer he gives me.”
On whether or not Joey will actually see out his contract at Newcastle, Pardew said:
“Only Joey will determine that.
“I’ve said to Joey that he won’t play for me and I won’t include him unless I think he’s pulling for us. He’s in the process of weighing up what he needs to do.(more…)
No more Twits at NewcastleOn the back of Joey Barton’s Twittergate situation, Newcastle United get heavy by making it clear that using Twitter to attack the club is forbidden.
Inevitably, Newcastle United have laid down the law regarding Twitter and all players have been issued with strict guidelines as to what they can and cannot to on the loathsome application.
Basically, they’re not allowed to use it (or other social networking sites) to reveal ‘privileged’ information about the club that might give other clubs a competitive advantage and they can’t use it in a way which might undermine their colleagues at the club.
Joey Barton – along with all the players – has been given a letter from lawyers telling him that he’ll be in breach of contract if he uses to Twitter to comment on club affairs again so, unless he’s prepared to risk his salary, we’ve probably heard the last of his Tweets until he leaves the club. (more…)
Not a hope in hell?This is old news as we all know but there seems to have been an interesting development regarding this outburst by a certain Barry McIntosh.
In a slightly amusing twist of fate, and if North East football correspondent for the Sun Steve Brenner is to be trusted, Mr. McIntosh doesn’t even represent the player! This actually makes a lot of sense as Swiss TV was reporting Barnetta was on a £27k p/w deal – whether or not that is converted or in funny money, I have no idea – nor do I know the difference.
The words the spook agent used were:
“They have made an approach, but their offer equates to somewhere in the region of £40,000-a-week – which is just ridiculous. Why on earth would Tranquillo move to Newcastle for less money?”
“No offense to Newcastle, he would possibly consider going to Arsenal, Liverpool even Tottenham for less – but not Newcastle.”
If truth be told, that’s a rather scathing attack on us for very little reason but, seemingly, to get his name in the press. Personally I think this is all hilarious now the truth has came out – and it certainly appears to be true as Sky Sports have pulled the article from their website. (more…)
Finds his voice againNewcastle United manager Alan Pardew returns to the public eye today with comments about Barton, Enrique, Twitter and Tranquillo Barnetta.
Inevitably Alan Pardew eventually had something to say on the whole Barton debacle. Allegedly the Newcastle manager’s tongue had to be put in a splint following an accident as it attempted to break the land speed record, but it’s now back in action. Pardew said:
“I’ve never closed the door on anyone and I’m not closing the door on Joey.
“He trained with the development team today and, who knows, he may train with the first-team soon.”
Who knows indeed. Pardew continued:
“It’s a situation I didn’t envisage being in.
“Joey is a great player and you want great players in your team. It’s very important as a football club that you are all pulling in the same direction – at this moment of time where Joey is not pulling in the same direction. That’s not to say that can’t change in a short period of time.
“I’m still reflecting on the situation, as is Joey at this present time, on how best to resolve this issue. I think that is important at the moment.” (more…)
