madras

so we cant strengthen the squad in case it upsets 1 player ? What I said was that we have to make sure that we DO strengthen. It's detrimental buying a worse player and giving him the first team slot, especially if the player in possession of the shirt has been playing well which Zog had at the time. at the time i wouldn't have said duff was a worse player. we had n'zogbia mainly left,milner right and little else. then we had the chance to get duff a quality international who can play on both sides. it hasn't worked out but at the time it was a no brainer. just maybe duff got his place due to n'zogbias attitude.

so we cant strengthen the squad in case it upsets 1 player ?

didn't need him ? an experienced quality (he was at the time of signing) international who can play on both wings in theses squad days. If he was bought as a squad player to fight for the shirt that would have been fair enough. In reality Roeder was too weak to drop senior players and Duff became an automatic choice even though his performances on the pitch were powder puff to say the least. and when n'zogbia played there that season he was worse...whats a manager to do ? Before Duff came N'Zogbia had been on fire. Zog doesn't take kindly to playing second fiddle, which isn't a great attitude, so it was (and is now) imperative that we buy someone as good as or better to compete. Otherwise if it ain't broke don't fix it. duff's adaptability and quality (at that time) made him too good to turn down. who was to know that charles would have a hissy fit because a manager does what he views is best for the club.

didn't need him ? an experienced quality (he was at the time of signing) international who can play on both wings in theses squad days. If he was bought as a squad player to fight for the shirt that would have been fair enough. In reality Roeder was too weak to drop senior players and Duff became an automatic choice even though his performances on the pitch were powder puff to say the least. and when n'zogbia played there that season he was worse...whats a manager to do ?

didn't need him ? an experienced quality (he was at the time of signing) international who can play on both wings in theses squad days.

That's what I was getting at and that's where I think we might have a weakness with our current setup. the vast majority of under 30 multi-millionaires or soon to be multi millionaires would pick london. the only way we'd beat that is with cash or proving that as a club we have more going for us than said london club.....cash is doable...the rest isnt so easy

I might have rose tinted specs but I think the area will sell for players, it's got loads going for it if we're bringing players in who want more than a smoke filled city. go abroad and ask people who dont know the area...where would you like to live newcastle or london ? london is a huge pull for all we know it's a shit hole that we can't wait to escape fromon the occasions we have to travel there

I don't think I would take issue about Keegan talking to players as I would hate to think that he wasn't involved although I don't think he should also do the scouting of players or the negotiation of transfer details. I think the two lists of names that we had produced is a good idea especially as Keegan has been away from the game for a while and only been at the club a matter of months. I agree about Keegan having to be involved in transfers, I think he'd finalise more deals than lose out to the competitors, especially those outside the top 4. I think Keegan should choose every player that signs for the club that is in contention for the first team. I also think that he should talk to them one to one, all of them. I think its the only way to do it. But you disagreed with this when I said it once before ? Crouch might be tempted to sign for Redknapp, so if we want him, then Keegan has to get him on his own and talk to him. A decent signing like this is what the club needs to open the door for others to see. Get Owen signed up, and a midfield player to replace Solano, and that would be 3 good steps forward. do you think keegan has the verve anymore ? i'm not so sure. was watching the premiership years [93-94] on sky earlier. I'm not sure, he is definitely different. Maybe he's more mature and wiser now. Hopefully that is all. It might need a bit of good progress to light the spark again. Can't think who to get if he went, it would just be a hell of a blow. if he left i think we'd be looking abroad. he just seems like his enthusiasm has gone. admittedly this is what i see on tv etc so it may be he can't be arsed with that side as (naturally) the word from inside the club is the enthusiasm is still there. it's going to be a very interesting summer for good or bad and the frenzy that has already whipped up aint helping.

Agreed, I think different players want different things. Some will want to feel wanted, some will just want money, others will want a lifestyle which fits whatever circumstances they have at the time. A player who is married with no kids might want London, a player with kids might want something away from a city where his kids can get out and about. I see your point. But a player who wanted the night life of London ? I would terminate the transfer as soon as I detected that. Sign players who are dedicated to football and have hunger to succeed. Not players who look for the night life. One thing Allardyce said , quite rightly too whatever happened to him in the end, is that players can live where they want when their career is over but while they are playing they should put football first and give it everything they have. nice sentiment.....unlikely in reality shame its right though. it's what we'd all like....highly unlikely to happen as I said. Shame its right though. Sadly for you, its the policy the top 4 adopt and apply good character judgement to, but adopt your 2nd rate attitude and lower expectations instead if you like. Unfortunately, they also have debts to sit alongside their trophies mackems.gif The only thing unlikely to happen, is signing loads of 16 year old kids that all turn into the new Rob Lee i'm not going to bite this time NE5. we aren't going to agree and you're dragging every thread to that argument. you're ruining the board whilst making yourself appear a tosser congratulations for continuing to disagree with everything I say. Some people will understand what I'm saying here, obviously not you though. I find it quite amazing that people like you call me a tosser for saying that I would like the club to sign what is, in my opinion, a good player that would come straight into the team and improve it. Why don't you add something constructive to my comments instead of making silly insults ? no i say you make yourself lookm like a tosser by turning every thread you enter into the same debate. yes i disagree with you and we are at the point where its pointless going on as we aren't gpoing to agree on that issue yet even when i agree with you on something else guess what you dredge up again. Well I think you are looking like a tosser by turning everything I say into a vendetta with me. I'm not bothered if you disagree with me in the slightest, but making insults instead of commenting on what I say doesn't say much for you. I'm not "dredging" anything up at all. I think something is wrong with the setup of the club, but I would be happy to sign Crouch, it may be the start of more success in the transfer market and hopefully will be. re read this pyramid....if you aren't dredging up your same old argument then i;m wrong but i think most will see exactly where i'm coming from. as for crouch i'd be quite happy. nowhere near as bad as some make out. not my first choice but rather him than marcus bent or harewood types.

We'll have to agree to disagree because I don't think the three wise men will do a good enough job selling the area and no matter what others think it's very important as a player will train for 2 or 3 hours a day and play once or twice a week. Other than that they have more free time than most of us on here and they need things to do during those free periods. The 3 people who are involved will be able to rattle off a load of names but they'll not know anything like a local who knows the area well. I probably know more about the areas they come from then they know about here and I couldn't go into too much detail about London even though it came up regularly in school and is all over the TV. I think they will do a good job at selling where the club is trying to go but I think they will be lacking in a lot of details which could swing a signing, something I hope Keegan will bring to the table. unless it's london,madrid etc the area won't sell for the player...for us provincials it's purely about the club

could be an 8million deal ? ie wages ,signing on bonus,being fit for more than half the games bonus

I don't think I would take issue about Keegan talking to players as I would hate to think that he wasn't involved although I don't think he should also do the scouting of players or the negotiation of transfer details. I think the two lists of names that we had produced is a good idea especially as Keegan has been away from the game for a while and only been at the club a matter of months. I agree about Keegan having to be involved in transfers, I think he'd finalise more deals than lose out to the competitors, especially those outside the top 4. I think Keegan should choose every player that signs for the club that is in contention for the first team. I also think that he should talk to them one to one, all of them. I think its the only way to do it. But you disagreed with this when I said it once before ? Crouch might be tempted to sign for Redknapp, so if we want him, then Keegan has to get him on his own and talk to him. A decent signing like this is what the club needs to open the door for others to see. Get Owen signed up, and a midfield player to replace Solano, and that would be 3 good steps forward. do you think keegan has the verve anymore ? i'm not so sure.

Agreed, I think different players want different things. Some will want to feel wanted, some will just want money, others will want a lifestyle which fits whatever circumstances they have at the time. A player who is married with no kids might want London, a player with kids might want something away from a city where his kids can get out and about. I see your point. But a player who wanted the night life of London ? I would terminate the transfer as soon as I detected that. Sign players who are dedicated to football and have hunger to succeed. Not players who look for the night life. One thing Allardyce said , quite rightly too whatever happened to him in the end, is that players can live where they want when their career is over but while they are playing they should put football first and give it everything they have. nice sentiment.....unlikely in reality shame its right though. it's what we'd all like....highly unlikely to happen as I said. Shame its right though. Sadly for you, its the policy the top 4 adopt and apply good character judgement to, but adopt your 2nd rate attitude and lower expectations instead if you like. Unfortunately, they also have debts to sit alongside their trophies mackems.gif The only thing unlikely to happen, is signing loads of 16 year old kids that all turn into the new Rob Lee i'm not going to bite this time NE5. we aren't going to agree and you're dragging every thread to that argument. you're ruining the board whilst making yourself appear a tosser congratulations for continuing to disagree with everything I say. Some people will understand what I'm saying here, obviously not you though. I find it quite amazing that people like you call me a tosser for saying that I would like the club to sign what is, in my opinion, a good player that would come straight into the team and improve it. Why don't you add something constructive to my comments instead of making silly insults ? no i say you make yourself lookm like a tosser by turning every thread you enter into the same debate. yes i disagree with you and we are at the point where its pointless going on as we aren't gpoing to agree on that issue yet even when i agree with you on something else guess what you dredge up again.

senegal ?

Agreed, I think different players want different things. Some will want to feel wanted, some will just want money, others will want a lifestyle which fits whatever circumstances they have at the time. A player who is married with no kids might want London, a player with kids might want something away from a city where his kids can get out and about. I see your point. But a player who wanted the night life of London ? I would terminate the transfer as soon as I detected that. Sign players who are dedicated to football and have hunger to succeed. Not players who look for the night life. One thing Allardyce said , quite rightly too whatever happened to him in the end, is that players can live where they want when their career is over but while they are playing they should put football first and give it everything they have. nice sentiment.....unlikely in reality shame its right though. it's what we'd all like....highly unlikely to happen as I said. Shame its right though. Sadly for you, its the policy the top 4 adopt and apply good character judgement to, but adopt your 2nd rate attitude and lower expectations instead if you like. Unfortunately, they also have debts to sit alongside their trophies mackems.gif The only thing unlikely to happen, is signing loads of 16 year old kids that all turn into the new Rob Lee i'm not going to bite this time NE5. we aren't going to agree and you're dragging every thread to that argument. you're ruining the board whilst making yourself appear a tosser

Agreed, I think different players want different things. Some will want to feel wanted, some will just want money, others will want a lifestyle which fits whatever circumstances they have at the time. A player who is married with no kids might want London, a player with kids might want something away from a city where his kids can get out and about. I see your point. But a player who wanted the night life of London ? I would terminate the transfer as soon as I detected that. Sign players who are dedicated to football and have hunger to succeed. Not players who look for the night life. One thing Allardyce said , quite rightly too whatever happened to him in the end, is that players can live where they want when their career is over but while they are playing they should put football first and give it everything they have. nice sentiment.....unlikely in reality shame its right though. it's what we'd all like....highly unlikely to happen

Agreed, I think different players want different things. Some will want to feel wanted, some will just want money, others will want a lifestyle which fits whatever circumstances they have at the time. A player who is married with no kids might want London, a player with kids might want something away from a city where his kids can get out and about. I see your point. But a player who wanted the night life of London ? I would terminate the transfer as soon as I detected that. Sign players who are dedicated to football and have hunger to succeed. Not players who look for the night life. One thing Allardyce said , quite rightly too whatever happened to him in the end, is that players can live where they want when their career is over but while they are playing they should put football first and give it everything they have. nice sentiment.....unlikely in reality

What I like more is that some people (naming no names of course) think every player should see NUFC like we do, including 22 year old Croatians. Having played over 100 times in europe, the vast majority since he was born, a lot more than Spurs, I think its a bit of a no brainer that he wouldn't have heard of us more than clubs such as Spurs. Nice to see someone else who's expectations have fallen. your right on this ...however you also sometimes make out that we are as big as liverpool without thinking of us as spurs in the equation.

8million sterling being reported........surely not ?

2200 (and darren fletcher stands silently in the corner of the bedroom awake and alert should ronaldos quilt drop too far down,fletch tucks it back up to chin level)

If he's that good why are 'shiteholes like Portsmouth' his best option? that's what i'd like to know Get real pls. As stated in my previous posts, Pompey is obviously a better proposition. If we are to compete for players with the likes of Spurs and Pompey, we will lose out as we are a lesser club. We are only big because of our crowd. It also these statements saying Portsmouth are shiteholes that make us butt of jokes for our constant delusion that we are great. Sad but true..but have accepted this fact long time ago. Btw, as revealed in an interview Utaka in France, he rejected us even though we offer higher wages cos he wants regular football but he did add, Portsmouth is a rising club while us yes he did say specifically in French, that we are a club going nowhere. i see what you're saying, but you're not 100% correct - it would surprise me if any player chose pompey ahead of us in a one on one fight for him, only thing i could see swinging it would be some type of affiliation with redknapp or the geographical location (in Dunne's case maybe a hatred of Barton) many NUFC fans (IMO) know that our club can ignite very quickly (perhaps like no other in the PL although that's arguable) and overtake these other clubs like pompey to challenge the top four if we get it right my issue with that viewpoint isn't that it's wrong but more that the likelihood of us getting it THAT right THAT fast is very slim, very slim indeed...i think there are going to be some very disappointed NUFC fans after the summer and next season, there's simply too much to do at the moment but to say pompey is a better proposition than us is a joke really They are in Europe, that in its self can be enough for some players if a player is short sighted enough to choose a club in europe for the first time in 'X' amount of years (ever?) over newcastle who've been in it a lot for the past decade plus and have won a european trophy then we're better off without them surely? For the peaking players, it is understandable that they are short-sighted especially for a Prem league veteran like Dunne who can see we are not going to be a Pompey (in terms of Europe & silverware, stability, ambition, more quality players) in the next 3-5 years. Not saying that we cannot reach that standard but it takes time especially our huge spending days are over as well as difficulties in attracting good players. So i put my head, unless we are the only one interested in him, he is going to Spurs and Pompey, clubs that can achieve something in the short term rather than in a steadying-progress-ship like us. run it by me again why spurs who finished just above us in the league and we have beat on the last 5 occasions are that far ahead of us ?

Proper Brazilian goal. i always like pausing the film just as pele hits that final pass and looking at how far away carlos is.

carlos alberto V italy in the 1970 world cup final. i've always preferred team goals as opposed to one off blasts. technically bernards v chelsea was as good but i've had about 30yrs more of wathing that brazil goal for it to sink into my soul.

gavin peacock at leicester. aesthetically. ?....i'll have to have long long hard think.

can't see diane mentioned in your post