Shearergol

I've been waiting for years to see the smug arsehole Liverpool fans singing at the end and only at the end to be fuked over like that. That is a magical moment, magic. We were singing louder when they scored, and win or lose next week i dare say. I fancy us to grab a goal there, but they probably will again, to be honest thats what you get if you carnt kill the game with chances we had, if we go out we only have ourselves to blame. Thought Carragher coped well last night with Drogba. You really need to sign a decent right back in summer to let JC play in the centre. To be honest i think agger and skirtel are the future CBs for the club, i thought skirtel was superb last night. I don't think JC is a very good right back, that's the point I'm making.

I've been waiting for years to see the smug arsehole Liverpool fans singing at the end and only at the end to be fuked over like that. That is a magical moment, magic. We were singing louder when they scored, and win or lose next week i dare say. I fancy us to grab a goal there, but they probably will again, to be honest thats what you get if you carnt kill the game with chances we had, if we go out we only have ourselves to blame. Thought Carragher coped well last night with Drogba. You really need to sign a decent right back in summer to let JC play in the centre.

I'd be happy with Kuyt like. Underrated imo. Can't see it happening though, especially if Crouch is away. I think a lot will depend on whether or not Liverpool win the CL, as I'm sure they'll be targeting some top players to replace some of the deadwood in their squad.

Heard a little rumour that we're launching a joint bid for Riise and Kuyt in summer.

I don't know where you got your figures from but I've just checked his league record for Liverpool and it's: 1996-97, 1 league start in his break through season, nowt to do with injuries. 1997-98, 34 league starts. 1998 - 99, 30 league starts. 1999-00, 22 league starts. 2000-01, 20 league starts. 2001-02, 25 league starts. 2002-03, 32 league starts. 2003-04, 29 league starts. 2004-05, 29 league starts. What has Shearer got to do with it? Edit. Owen started 221 league games Shearer started 233 during the same period, Owens record got worse Shearers didn't, Shearer managed 31 during his last season which was better than his average. Right then, we agree that 1996-7 is pointless to look at (he played twice, scored once). But his appearances at Liverpool (as opposed to starts) was not always due to injury -- they did have other strikers that played, especially prior to 2002. In fact, if he appeared at all, that would indicate he was not seriously injured, would it not? So, looking at Owen's record: 1997-8: 36 of 38 apps, no injuries that I recall -- he was benched to be rested because the manager felt too much was being demanded of a 17-18 year old body. 18 goals, shared the Golden Boot (youngest, I believe to win this) 1998-9: 30 apps, matches missed in two periods, both for hamstrings. Most were after the serious injury in April. 18 goals, shared the Golden Boot 1999-2000: 27 apps, missed early part of season with old hamstring injury, then a couple reoccurences. 2000-01: 29 apps, primarily missed after serious concussion v. Derby County in Oct. and another hamstring problem in Jan. 2001-02: 29 apps, a series of niggling injuries -- the season he was "diagnosed" with a genetic defect in lower spine which affects both his posture and fitness. End of 2001, won the Ballon d'Or 2002-03: 35 apps. To be honest, I don't remember what he missed those three matches for, but I'd guess some niggling little thing. 2003-04: 29 apps, a series of niggling injuries, as well as one match missed directly after his wife's riding accident, iirc. 2004-05: 35 apps, others he was left on bench. Only one missed (not on bench) and that was out with the stomach flu. In summation, Owen had three non-consecutive seasons beset by repeated and relatively minor injuries (1999-00, 01-02, and 03-04). The pattern would predict Owen would be having niggling problems in 05-06 -- as he had done, as well, before the metatarsal. He was fit the entirety of 2004-05, though not always heavily used by Real Madrid which probably had some bearing on that. His record in 02-03 was solid, and 00-01 was not niggling injuries but two fairly serious ones (he was hospitalised for bleeding to the brain after his concussion). Still, absolutely none of that could possibly have led anyone to logically conclude that Owen's fitness record would be as abysmal for Newcastle as it has been. There seems to be some hindsight coming in here, lads. If Owen had averaged 30 league matches per season for Newcastle (his career average prior to his horrific record 1 Jan 2006 to 1 Jan 2008), and maintained his standard goal-to-games ratio, he'd have about 45 goals for Newcastle at this point. Personally, I don't think that would have been a disappointing return. One thing, lads, while we're talking about the Owen signing. Didn't Souness just come out, around February I think it was, and denounce that signing entirely as Shepherd's work? Whether he's denying credit or blame is for each to decide for themselves, I suppose, but while I quite rate Owen that deal was hinky from the start. Owen wanted back to Liverpool, Liverpool were apparently willing to offer some form of fee (around 8-10 mil I believe) and Madrid refused to loan him (according to Owen's book). Newcastle made an offer that would guarantee that Madrid would do just as they did -- tell Owen that he could take the move to Newcastle or stay at Madrid, but Madrid would not take half as much money from Liverpool simply because Owen preferred that English club to another English club. Once Newcastle made the 16 mil bid, Owen's option of returning to Liverpool was gone. Personally, I think Shepherd wanted another Shearer-esque signing -- a great "hero" brought in who would score goals enough to camoflouge the massive issues with other portions of the squad. I don't blame Owen for the move in the least, as he never lied about his first choice or his reason for coming to Newcastle. But it was massively hinky, imo. Shepherd's willingness to throw money about resulted in an absolute mess -- a manager who didn't want his new "star", a player who wanted to be at another club, and fans suspicious of the whole thing. Thanks, put it much better than I could have done

Torres was pants tonight though his finishing was abysmal. He wa soff colour tonight but fucking hell, where would they have been if it hadnt been for him this season Careful mate. Most people on here think they'd still be top 4 without him and Gerrard

Boumsong was at Rangers for half a season, during that time he faced nobody of any note and looked clueless any time he was put under pressure, I wouldn't really hold up a few games in a second rate league as a reason to think he's any good. How many players come here for Scotland as the next big thing only to fail? Rangers sold Barry Ferguson to Blackburn and he was shite here, in Scotland he was a hero. The fact that Boumsong played 2nd division football in Italy means what? As for now, he's playing back in France, he's played a hand full of games for Lyon. Nice selection of seasons for Owen, he averaged 30 games a season for Liverpool over 7 years so I would guess that he actually played less than 70% of the total number of games they played when you add cup games. I can't understand how anybody can try to argue that he wasn't injury prone, you've selected 2 seasons at Liverpool and in those two seasons he played 92 games out of his total of 216. Most of his games at Madrid came from the bench, he hardly ever started and that's one of the reasons he wanted away. I agree the cost per goal is hindsight, I don't see anything wrong with hindsight. As for links to posts, the current forum doesn't go that far back. I selected his last three seasons. It was hardly being selective to back up my argument tbh. 2001/2002 = 43 games played 2000/2001 = 46 games played 1999/2000 = 30 games played 1998/1999 = 40 games played 1997/1998 = 44 games played So ONE season where he missed a fair amount of games, and you knew full well that he wouldn't play enough for us on the back of that?? He only missed 11 league games that season by the way. Want me to put up Shearer's injury record? He averaged less games in the league for us over those 7 season. Shit signing?

That's convenient, I thought the holes were so numerous it would not have taken long to respond. Well that makes no sense does it. I guess it did in your head though, as you're obviously laughing inside. Anyway, to go through the points: Boumsong was actually on for Rangers' player of the year award, and their fans were gutted he was leaving (although happy with the £8.5m). You're proving my original point by trying to claim you thought he was shit already (again, can you link to one of your posts where you claimed this please?). In fact, I'll even give you the chance of finding some posts from Rangers fans on other forums who claimed Boumsong was shit for them, before he was sold. At the time, the only thing bad about the deal was the fee, and clearly only you had the foresight to see that it would be a bad signing. Well done at that As for the "how's he getting on now?" - he's playing for one of the top teams in France, after playing for one of the top teams in Italy. What's your point? He clearly wasn't suited to this league (everyone can see that) but he's still playing for top European clubs. Funny that eh. Right, Owen being injury prone: 2004-05 40 games played 2003-04 38 games played 2002-03 54 games played So basically, until he signed for Newcastle he was playing consistently. Yet you want to claim now that you KNEW he was a bad signing because he wouldn't play enough games?? The cost per goal is 100% HINDSIGHT. Again, show me your reaction when he signed, and I'll back down. You're your own worse enemy Mick - in your debates with NE5 you end up losing out because it would kill you to ever back down on anything. Prove you're right by linking your posts.

Why wait? Don't have time? Logging off now.

Boumsong wasn't class at Rangers and I was unfortunate enough to see a bit of him while living in Scotland as Rangers and Celtic were given something like 90% of the football coverage. Boumsong just made me laugh when he pissed about with the ball and seemed to take twice as long as anybody else to realise what was happening, he looked OK against pub teams who would struggle in our third division, nowt flash. If he "just just didn't work out in this league," how's he getting on now? Paying £17 million for an injury prone Owen was crazy, and no I didn't know he would get the two serious injuries that he's had since joining us, I expected two or three pulled hamstrings a year and thought our money could have been spent to improve the team more than it did, Anelka would have been my choice. Owen has cost something like £2 million a goal averaged over the best part of 3 seasons now, he's good when fit but the same use as any other player when injured, no use at all. "I personally thought" There's so many holes in that paragraph which I don't have time to answer. I'll do it later

I haven't been right about everything at all, I guess you must be wrong more than most seeing as how ofter you use hindsight as a response to posts, I was right about Souness, Roeder, Boumsong and Owen, plenty of other were also right so it's no big deal. What was your thoughts when they came to the club? Gutted about Souness and Roeder. Happy with Boumsong and Owen. I personally thought Boumsong was class at Rangers; it just didn't work out in this league. In what way were you right about Owen by the way? Are you now saying we'd have been better off without him?

Perfect example of a signing to appease the fans. I honestly don't think he'd be a success here. How would signing Ronaldinho 'appease' the fans? I didn't realise they needed appeasing. Our lowly current standing in world football (in terms of success, not finances) may well mean its a moot point, but fwiw if KK signed him it would be because he thinks Ronaldinho would improve the team. A fit and motivated Ronaldinho would improve the current first team spectacularly. The "appease the fans" quote comes from the other thread btw. Ok, but signing Ronaldinho this summer still wouldn't be appeasing the fans. That's your opinion. I've stated mine. Thanks.

It wasn't just Wullie who didn't get carried away although he may have had the most to say on the subject. I've noticed recently that you've been right about every single decision made by the club, yet haven't seen any posts to back it up. Strange that.

Perfect example of a signing to appease the fans. I honestly don't think he'd be a success here. How would signing Ronaldinho 'appease' the fans? I didn't realise they needed appeasing. Our lowly current standing in world football (in terms of success, not finances) may well mean its a moot point, but fwiw if KK signed him it would be because he thinks Ronaldinho would improve the team. A fit and motivated Ronaldinho would improve the current first team spectacularly. The "appease the fans" quote comes from the other thread btw.

Give over man, Chops never played as many games for us as Giggs did for man u. Chopra never won league titles and won a european cup like Giggs. Giggs = man u legend Chopra = was never going to make it top flight, released from newcastle never being a legend. poor comparison really. Plus we never booed Chopra when he played for us.

Perfect example of a signing to appease the fans. I honestly don't think he'd be a success here. Not sure how he'd be coming to appease the fans when he's better than anything we've got in the squad by some distance. Because he's been shit for over a year now, and he'd be signed on the back of his name and reputation. There are better players out there currently who would cost less in transfer fees, wages, and wouldn't spend all of their spare time getting pissed up in the local nightclubs. Shit for over a year? Last season was the best he's had in terms of goals in la liga, he wasn't as good as he was the year before but he was the best player on the planet at the time so you can't expect him to keep that form, very few players can keep up that sort of form. As for this season he's missed a fair bit of it with niggling injuries, similar to Eto'o and Messi who haven't had a good run of games either. Not that I think we could get him anyway but who are these better players out there who cost less that we could attract? I actually don't think we could attract him, so it's a moot point. However, if we were talking comparable, then I'd rather try for Diego, or Van Der Vaart. Both could do a better job on the pitch for us IMO.

with hindsight yes, I think there was some justification for giving him a go, it just didn't work out. Lots of clubs take this path or promoting a caretaker who does quite well, Manu, Liverpool, Chelsea have all been there too. Agree, especially taking into account numerous polls on here that said the majority wanted him to stay on. I'll ask again. Link?

It was just so obvious he was going to fail, I don't think anyone thought he could make a success of the club. Then why did the majority want him to get his chance as permanent manager? Maybe you didn't think he would be a success, but most of us wanted him to get his crack, including me, but maybe that's one for the "owning up" thread. Link???

with hindsight yes, I think there was some justification for giving him a go, it just didn't work out. Lots of clubs take this path or promoting a caretaker who does quite well, Manu, Liverpool, Chelsea have all been there too. I can't think of another team in the league who'd have thought about giving him a job at the time and I thought he'd turn out to be shit so I'm not purely employing hindsight. His track record shouldn't have been overshadowed by his doing well as a caretaker here. It should have been a case of thank you and back to the academy to continue your good work there. I thought that at the time too. 99% of the forum said exactly the same thing. There is no hindsight to apply with the Roeder appointment; it was an awful decision, and destined to fail from the start.

Perfect example of a signing to appease the fans. I honestly don't think he'd be a success here. Not sure how he'd be coming to appease the fans when he's better than anything we've got in the squad by some distance. Because he's been shit for over a year now, and he'd be signed on the back of his name and reputation. There are better players out there currently who would cost less in transfer fees, wages, and wouldn't spend all of their spare time getting pissed up in the local nightclubs. World player of the year 3 years ago and all of a sudden he's too good for us? What if transfer fees and wages were not a problem? Also, it's not as if KK has never dealt with party boys before is it. I just think there are more suitable players out there, and the main reason to sign him would be to excite the fans. I don't know why you think wages wouldn't be an issue though tbh

I think we'll spend just over £25m, but we'll be getting some of that back from selling 3 or 4 players.

what about Warren Barton? Joke, surely? Warren Barton was the best attacking right back in the league at the time. Just a shame he didn't defend quite as well. The opposite of Beye.

I think Wullie did

err....no, Big Sam! I've watched Beye for years and I've always felt he could do a job on the wing as he is good going forward and can defend as well. I'm not suggesting it should become his position, I'm just saying it would be interesting to see how he played there. To me he never looks comfortable when he's attacking with the ball. Superb right back, just leave him there.

Ok, maybe a bit longer then.