toontownman

In January we found we would have to deal with clubs putting "Newcastle" or "rich club" tax on top of regular fees they ask for players. We are now also finding the stepping stone experience with agents and players using us as leverage to get the real move they want. It's going to be a transitional stage before we can really compete. That's nothing new to anyone though. The odd gamble on us picking up a world class players due to being a fall back should the bigger club move failing to materialize is fine imo but not if we put all our eggs in that basket. Like in January those players can also just decided to stay put until January and certainly hold out for deadline day. We are just in the friend zone until the right personality comes along like Bruno. Hopefully Ashworth and his team have that list formed.

I don't remember what was around growing up other than the town/area football clubs growing up. It's interesting looking at how it is evolving or works in Canada with Tim Hortons "Tim bits" soccer the biggest thing with massive participation and has done a great blanket job of getting kids started. It's generally down to the local community associations as to the level of coaching though, which at u5, u7 and even u9 is rarely at an experienced level and they are begging for coaches. The training and standards are slowlu getting better but there is always a need for volunteer coaches and while the word volunteer is attached it will likely always be counterproductive to advancing the game. Huge numbers though. Local academies seem the way forward and they are at least set up with experienced qualified coaches at least. That doesn't stop parents throwing money at the expensive big name clubs from Europe "identification" camps or similar which are simply money grabs. Big business everywhere these days I guess. Should add as a country that only just got its National League in 2019 there is a lot of backfill needed and in the works. A coast to coast div. 3 is slowly starting which can grow up to a regional div 2 and maybe a Canadian premier league 2 in time (likewise womens leagues). There was a commitment to pro/rel but when push comes to shove i am not convinced CPL founding owners will let it go through and risk relegation. It's slow progress but it's coming. It will only trickle down to help the kids programs but it's a long process.

https://www.transfermarkt.us/victor-osimhen/verletzungen/spieler/401923 A serious of unfortunate events.

Nailed on to Arsenal isn't he? Unless we can resurrect any exploratory talks with us and peform a miracle.

Anyone else find it disrespectful to the extreme all these manager names are being bounced around, yet no one has mentioned Steve Bruce? #MadDisrespect

As much as I want Paqueta. Eriksen on a free with saved money split to get a better striker and Sangare would be fantastic.

Probably be back at spuds before the end of the season.

Foots in a cast but he is with the team.

WelI this all turned out lovely.

We definitely need another DM and a #10/creative/flair AM if we want to step up a level and compete. Willock and Longstaff are good depth. Shelvey probably leaves if we get 2, arguably he creates more than the former two but is more deficient all round.

"Unconvinced".

And we are not making lyrics to sing to "Do the Bartman" why??

https://www.newcastleworld.com/sport/football/newcastle-united/newcastle-united-make-transfer-promise-with-portuguese-wonderkid-3724984 Long term ASM replacement? Roger Fernandes, 16 , broke through to the Braga team last year.

Surely best for everyone. If he struggles to adapt he can return to France.

Absolutley great decision all round. He deserves this chance. It's a great price and means we can put the budget to use in other areas. We can revist a more attacking LB in due course. A hopefully now recharged and injury free Lewis will get his chance in pre-season too. I'm happy to wait until January at least on a more attacking LB.

Dickman of Atkinson out? Or just hiring more coaches?

Great move for both parties. Think he could have happily stayed in the Premiership but he will be a big part of their promotion push next year. Great servant for us and wish him all the best.

Make this happen! Good like to Dwight and I hope it works out.

Maybe why we are looking at Sarr? Not worried. We will get there but we aren't at the competing stage with the top clubs yet. We will get the pieces we need to get closer whether that's Hugo or someone else.

For not rolling over with the narrative.

Wales to become the most hated team at the world cup if they beat Ukraine?

Not sure I believe all the press with Liverpool and wingers/wide forwards. Didn't they essentially buy Manes replacement with Dias? Expect they are looking at another 9. Jonathan David rumours make more sense imo.

RIP absolute beast at his best. So sad.

Played both left, right and centre. Is left footed though.

Yep I think we have a few fall back options. Not worried at all. Badiashile looks a bit more rash than botman but quicker and more exciting. The fact he can play as a RCB makes me think he could still be on the radar, Botman or not. Botman/Ake Badiashile (Burn) (Schar) Then Lascelles/Dummett or Fernandez as the 5th squad CB. Could see us doing that in 3 windows with the 3rd window replacing the squad CB, buying someone young or pushing Schar/Burn down the ladder.