Unwanted at the Toon?As QPR pull out of contention to sign Newcastle United’s Wayne Routledge, the player will be back with the club for pre-season training. But does he have any sort of future at Newcastle?
Wayne Routledge, who spent the second half of last season out on loan to QPR, appears to be somewhat in limbo at the moment.
He was originally loaned to QPR to cover for Jamie Mackie, who was crocked by an injury to his cruciate ligament and, although Mackie is expected to be fit again for next season, Routledge was allegedly at the top of Neil Warnock’s list of players he wanted to sign permanently.
Allegedly, Routledge was available to QPR for £1.5m. QPR have however taken themselves out of contention to buy Routledge now. It is thought they have done so in order to keep money back to sign a new striker after losing Danny Graham and Steve Morrison to other clubs and finding they couldn’t afford Peterborough’s Craig Mackail-Smith. A QPR insider apparently said:
“It’s a question of budget and priorities.” (more…)
Hard times at the Palace.With the announcement that Crystal Palace have finally succumbed to their financial difficulties, being reportedly £30 million in debt and having gone into administration, you would guess that their players and staff may not be in the best frame of mind for a visit to St James Park tonight to take on Newcastle United.
You’ve got to feel sorry for Palace, as yet another long establised football club faces very difficult and uncertain times. Only 2 points off the play offs earlier today, they now face a 10 point deduction and suddenly the season could turn into a relegation battle. I’m sure Neil Warnock must despair as Palace have lost just twice in their previous 15 games in all competitions and are currently on a very good run of form.
The squad, depleted through injury, has left Warnock turning to several young players who have risen to the challenge admirably. Only last weekend they managed to force a replay in the FA Cup when they drew 2-2 to Premier League Wolves. (more…)
One of these will own the club.There are rumours that Newcastle United will make an announcement about the sale of the club on Monday, although I can’t find a direct quote from anyone at the club about this announcement. Other rumours suggest it may be late next week before we find out anything.
Sky Sports claims that talks are continuing with Barry Moat and two other consortia, as does The Guardian, and both claim some sort of announcement is set for Monday.
The Telegraph claims that negotiations between Moat and Ashley are at an advanced stage and some sort of deal could be closed next week. They also mention that Barclays would like to see a reduction in the £40m loan the club uses to operate before they’ll stamp their authority on any deal for Barry Moat. (more…)
