Carew: Too old for Hughton?United have found themselves linked with yet another Premiership forward this week with talks of our interest in Aston Villa forward John Carew – but we do really need him?
He’s powerful and good in the air with an eye for goal and he’s experienced and 37 goals from 87 starts isn’t a bad record in the Premier League.
But an average of 10 goals a season in three years – is it any better then what United already have? A fit Shola Ameobi could achieve that and could Carew form a partnership with either Carroll or Ameobi? so like for like.
I don’t expect a move for Carew, he doesnt fit in with the kind of signings made by Hughton, players he can develop and who can be moulded into the side. (more…)
Harper: The one with the s**te sculpture (again).Anyone who doubts Newcastle United’s players total loyalty must take a look at comments made since the derby victory.
Shola Ameobi, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton have now been joined by long serving, and long suffering goalkeeper, Steve Harper, in endorsing Hughton’s hopes for a new contract.
Harper, who has worked with 10 managers since joining the club in 1993 should be more knowledgeable then as to what United need from their boss.
And Speaking to the Telegraphy. Harper has now outlined the characteristics which make Hughton “perfect” for United:
“He has been the ideal manager for us. He doesn’t work the crowd; he just gets his head down and gets on with the job. He doesn’t milk it; he gets on with things irrespective of things going on around him.”
“He is incredible. He is always the same, he doesn’t get carried away when things are going well and he doesn’t get too down when they are not. He is very level-headed, which is what this club needs. He is the perfect man for the job.”(more…)
L to R - Jose, Colo, Willo, Carroll, Nolan, Barton.Newcastle full-back, Jose Enrique believes that the Tynesiders can compete in the Premier League, without spending millions of pounds on new talent.
With Chris Hughton’s future still undecided the United boss has, so far, had to work with a shoe-string budget compared to the days of old at Newcastle, and it appears that the days of record-breaking signings are over, for now anyway.
“We haven’t signed too many players or big name players. Look at Sunderland – they have spent a lot of money and we outclassed them 5-1,” Enrique told The Daily Telegraph. “Some teams spend money and will think they have more of a chance of staying up or getting a strong finish in the Premier League, but we have a good squad.”
“When new players come in and have been here for a month or so, it feels like two years because they are made so welcome. It’s a really important quality”(more…)
Taylor: Return imminent.Transfer listed Newcastle United defender, Steven Taylor, claims he is in the best physical condition he has ever been in as he closes in on a United return.
The 24-year-old who has been sidelined since January, with injuries of off-field incidients slowing his return, but he is finally back on the training ground.
Speaking to the clubs offical website Taylor said:
“I was nervous before training – when you return after so long out its like being back at school.
“After the first ten minutes I was blowing abit but once I got into it felt back to normal; just like it was in pre-season.
“I’ve got alot of respect and alot of time for all the medial staff. They have put me through lots of runs and lots of fitness schedules and it was been tough.(more…)
“Le Professeur” on Carroll and Campbell.Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has described Andy Carroll as a player to watch due to his “presence and charisma.”
In a season of high and lows for our new no.9, which has seen the Gateshead born forward appear on both the front and back pages for all the right and wrong reasons, Wenger beleives Carroll is simply fearless.
Speaking ahead of tonights Carling Cup last 16 meeting between Arsenal and United at St James, Wenger was quick to praise Carroll who will most likely be rested tonight.
Wenger told Arsenals offical club website:
“On the pitch he has a presence and a charisma.
“This guy is just scared of nothing and that’s why I believe he has special charisma. It looks like he can carry the weight on his shoulders.
“You just think there is something there for him from watching from the outside.”(more…)
