Remy – On his way to Newcastle, apparently.QPR forward Loic Remy is undergoing a medical on Tyneside today (Monday) after terms have been agreed for him to spend a season on loan at Newcastle United.
Speaking after a charity cricket match at Totteridge yesterday, Newcastle United’s Director of football, Joe Kinnear, had this to say about the pursuit of Remy:
“I would think that we are very close to agreeing that. By maybe Monday or Tuesday, we would be in a position to say yes or no.
“I’m very happy with how that deal is going at the moment. I’m very happy with the conversations we’ve had. I’ve been to QPR and spoken to the people who represent him (Remy), and in my opinion there is every chance that the deal could take place.” (full interview here)
Though the the exact terms are uncertain, QPR manager Harry Redknapp had the following to say a couple of days ago on what they would be looking for out of a loan deal for the 26 year old hitman: (more…)
Triffic 'Arry!Venue: White Hart Lane, Tottenham. Date: Saturday 11th Feb, 2012. Kick-off: 5.30pm. Referee: Andre Marriner.
It would be tempting to think that Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp had been distracted by one or two other things this week whilst preparing his ‘Spurs squad for this weeks game, but that would probably be folly. With the weather and his other “distractions”, ‘Arry couldn’t even make it to Tottenham’s last game against Liverpool away, and they still drew 0-0 against the mighty Reds.
One could also say that the ‘Spurs supremo is having something of a “lucky” week too, up before the beak as a suspected tax evader one minute, and hot favourite as England manager the next. Though some might even think that the could be more damaging in the long run, a perfect way to ruin a glittering career if some of the previous incumbents are anything to go by. Even our own Silver Supremo, Alan Pardew, felt the need to rule himself out for some reason, though one or two of the media have been quick to link him not with the England job, but with a certain managerial position in North London which may or may not be coming up in the near future. But enough of such silliness, let’s get on with the game!
Praying he gets the England job?Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew rules himself out for the England manager’s job, if indeed he was ever a serious contender anyway.
Pardew’s 10 game undefeated start to the season has had him ‘in the frame’ – at least according to the press – as a potential replacement for Fabio Capello as England manager after next summer’s European Championship, but the man himself isn’t interested in the job, at least for now.
Pardew Said:
“It’s nice to hear your name mentioned with things like that, but in terms of the England job, it’s not for me at this time. I’m just not interested in it. I don’t think I have the experience to do that job.
“There’s someone in hospital at the moment (Redknapp) who could definitely do the job though. I think he’s at the right age and he’s had the right experience in his career.
“When it comes to the England job, I think the most important thing about the position is that the general public need to buy in to whoever the manager is. I think they would willingly buy in to Harry Redknapp, and I think that’s very important. He would definitely be my choice.” (more…)
Was Droopy intimidated by Magpie midfield?In the absence of one of my usual match reports this week, for what was possibly the finest and most interesting game in our season so far, I thought I would take a more abstract view, looking at just one aspect of our midfueld battle with Tottenham on Sunday.
It was certainly an important game for both sides in terms of keeping up momentum, and a good test of the Newcastle’s credentials against a strong side.
One of the first things that struck me was that from the start of the game, Newcastle United were outnumbered in midfield with Tottenham manager, Harry Redknapp, fielding five in the centre against Pardew’s we’re unbeaten, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it 4-4-2 same team as last time approach. With Tottenham possesing midfielders of the quality of Van der Vaart, Modric, Bale and Parker with Emanuel Adebayor alone upfront, this seemed like something of a daunting prospect to start with.
Now I don’t profess to be the greatest expert on Tottenham, but Redknapp. like Pardew, seems to have been playing a 4-4-2 formation usually this season, and with some success having four straight League victories in the run up to the game. So why the change? (more…)
Maybe it's because I'm a Lahndoner...In the wake of Jimbob’s thoroughly excellent and extensive Tottenham Hotspur match preview and tactical musings the other day, I thought As a kind of addendum to that, I would add a piece about what the manager’s were saying on the eve this important game.
Bearing in mind the undoubted quality of the oppostion, this could be a watershed in Newcastle United’s Premiership campaign. After what has been a very good start, a victory would certainly greatly enhance our credentials and be a huge boost in confidence which would take us forward. On the other hand, a right old pasting would be a real reality check for the lads and could make it look like we have been somewhat “lucky” so far. (more…)
