Cathcart signed on loanToday is of course deadline day for the transfer window, so what can we expect?
Well I’m not convinced we’ll actually buy anyone but I would hope there’ll at least be one or two loan signings to strengthen the squad.
Hughton told The Journal:
“We have good players here and it’s only right the young lads are given an opportunity in this squad because they deserve it.
“But we need some players in before 5pm because we realise that the squad is not strong enough to compete for the whole season. The club are aware of that.
“Once we have injuries, the squad is going to be stretched. (Fabricio) Coloccini was missing against Leicester, Jonás (Gutiérrez) has a hamstring problem and will be out for four weeks and Shola Ameobi has a stress fracture in his foot which needs to be monitored.”
Barcelona-style Toon.Remember Graham Roberts and his plan to put Newcastle United in the hands of the fans?
I thought that had faded into oblivion. In fact I thought it was a complete non-starter and imposed a reporting embargo on myself about it, but I’ve lifted it in the interests of amusement.
It seems this bid is still simmering away and Sky Sports are reporting that Graham Roberts thinks his chances of turning the Toon into a Barcelona-style club are 75%. Things didn’t get off to a good start though. Roberts said:
“There’s a few people who have put some money together, we went to meet the Newcastle board but they didn’t turn up. [Derek] Llambias didn’t show up, we had the financial director and the club secretary.”
That doesn’t sound too promising, although I suppose they could have sent the tea lady. (more…)
Exit rumoursRumours abound that Andy Carroll may leave the Toon before the transfer window closes tomorrow.
As far as I can tell these rumours emanate from The Mirror, which might be good news if we apply the oft used yardstick that the red-tops can be taken less seriously than the broadsheets, but they claim that Carroll is wanted by Wolves and Bolton.
Apparently Carroll is involved in some sort of tug-of-war between two agents who are trying to find him a Premier League home and both Mick McCarthy and Gary Megson have made enquiries as to his availability.
The Mirror claims that Carroll is ‘keen to go to the top level as soon as possible‘, although I’ve never read about him expressing any desire to leave the Toon before now.
Hughton recently said that he was ‘very confident’ that there would be no more players lost before the transfer window closes. I believe Hughton but (more…)
Star-spangled Toon.According to The Mirror, Alan Shearer is the fairest of them all.
Or at least that will be the case if the Sheard-fronted American bid is successful.
The Mirror claims the consortium is close to signing a deal, although forgive me for not getting all excited but we’ve heard this sort of stuff before and it has so far come to nothing.
Apparently these Yanks have a background in the American sports industry and have the funds to pay Ashley’s £100m asking price, build and market the club and sign players.
A source close to the bid (yawn) said:
“This bid is both serious and credible. The difference between this and other bids is that the funding is there to buy the club if agreement can be reached on other financial areas such as the club’s £39million overdraft.
“Ideally, the consortium would have liked the business completed before the transfer deadline closed but they are serious about buying the club and won’t rush.
“Talks are under way and Mike Ashley’s original asking price shouldn’t be an issue. But it will take time and because of all the other disappointments the Americans have to play their cards close to their chests.” (more…)
Hughton confident fire sale over. Very confident.Chris Hughton has told The Journal that he thinks the fire sale has ended and that no more players will leave before the transfer window closes on Tuesday.
Hughton said:
“It would be wrong of me to say it would be an impossibility anybody could leave, but I would be very confident – very confident – of keeping what we have. Very confident.
“I certainly don’t think there have been the offers that have been put around (in the media), that’s for sure.”
Hughton has apparently pressed for more players. He said:
“I think my concerns are being heard.
“The club are aware of the position we’re in.
“I would be hopeful we can add to the squad as soon as possible.The decisions on who comes in and at what stage will be made by the club, we’re just hopeful that come 5pm on Tuesday we’ve brought in the players we need to bolster the squad. What you want is your ideal squad now, but there are other issues at this club (regarding its ownership) and arguably bigger issues.” (more…)
