James

Parker, Dyer, and even Shola have had decent bids. Clearly we have better negotiators when selling than in the past. I think people would take advantage of Shepherd's "I'll carry him there for you" attitude towards less popular players.

I feel bad for enjoying all of these pieces on World. Habib Beye's daughter is his "sunshine". Fantastic man. Good idea, but I don't think Craig Hope is subtle enough when he asks the questions, while the post production is horrible.

Played really well in the friendlies didn't he?

I think a big problem is that modern day football has become awash with a few talented kids, probably only just as much as before, but improved scouting, coaching and television gives these young players far more exposure and brings them to the top teams at a much earlier age. Hence I think an expectation amongst some people that if a player isn't a world beater at 22/23, they aren't worth getting. However, many players need longer to fully mature, especially in defence and central midfield, and don't look like top players until later in their careers. Examples would be Barry and Engelaar. Compare their 22 year old selves to their current selves. I'd say Wes Brown also. The likes of Huddlestone, Glen Johnson and Seb Larsson are current players others will turn their noses up at, but I wonder if they'll be saying the same in five years time.

Because we can sack him and stop him playing for anyone else for four years. Its not going to be that straight forward, naive to think it is IMO Agreed, his right to work is guaranteed under the Human Rights Act and we could be seen to be infringing on that right should we stop paying him and yet still refuse to let him play for anyone else. See Adrian Mutu.

If you believe the Chronicle then yes. There were quotes from Roeder iirc.

Exactly what we had paid for him then if true.

How much?

Didn't Roeder get offered Radoi and Rat for peanuts, and refused to have them as he was told by one of his mates that they weren't any better than what he already had?

http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1325497,00.html Think some people on here would be very good at some of these jobs if they don't already have a job with better perks/wages.

Merged actually.

Because we can sack him and stop him playing for anyone else for four years.

Agreed. Back him or sack him, there can be no in-betweens.

Conversely, imagine you are told to halve your wages or get sacked. Are you going to want to play for a club that holds you over a barrel?

Yes. These players are always the best squad players to have.

It has been known for players to sign a contract out of loyalty to their club so that the seller can make more money (plus the player gets a signing on fee bonus).

Shearer has been Top 10 in the ladies equivalent of FHM iirc.

Dawson is blunder prone, but there is a good CD in there somewhere. Still young? He'll make Martins the most confident player in the world through Martins' improved training performances.

Not looking good at all: http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2003/06/06/come-and-get-me-72703-13039673/

Apologies to catmag, toonlass and toon amy, but it is that time of year when non-football fans have regular football forced onto their TV screens and inevitably say something stupid. What are your experiences? While I was watching Turkey vs Portugal: Female housemate: Ronaldo doesn't deserve to be doing well for Portugal. Me: Why? Housemate: Because he doesn't play for them when Man Utd are playing.

Skirge, that story is weeks old...

I said this in the Realistic Transfer Targets Thread, but we are employing a 21 year old Spanish scout who has done wonders for Racing Santander for reccommending a string of obscure players that helped Marcelino lead them to a top 6 finish. If there are any legs in this, I reckon that he will be involved.

With regards to Keegans holiday, something like this happenned in January. Keegan: OK Mike, I can become Newcastle manager, but there are some loose ends with my Soccer Circus that will need to be tied up as soon as the season is over, commitments that can't be undone, so I'll need the time off. Ashley: Done So in other words, there wasn't much that could be done about this.Of course Keegan could have broken his word, but it is good to have a man with integrity as our manager. FWIW, Allardyce only got back from his holiday the week before this time last year, and his first deal was on 7th June.

Is this something to do with that 21 year old Spanish scout of ours who found a bunch of cheap obscure players good enough to make Racing Santander a top 6 club in Spain?

From what I have seen of Larsson, I'd say he has similar attributes and ability to Geremi, albeit fitter but with less experience. I'd be happy with that to be honest, especially if the amiable Geremi stays around to compete and teach him a few tricks. When Geremi missed games last season, the team ethic and team discipline at NUFC was almost completely eradicated. Given Geremi's fitness troubles, I can see why we'd want Larsson. However, because of the similarities, I can't see many of the Geremi haters taking to Larsson either.