toontownman

Not every club would allow permission if they were intent on keeping the player. Pleased yes, but hardly a rarity for us to be taking people on trial, the rarity is that we actually signed him. We came close with Francesco Coco in 2005 but turned him down because we didnt think he would play enough games through injury, apparently Souness was right, he has player 31 games over 3 seasons .

because they got relegated, he wants to go, they need the money? Ask the chairman.

Happy with this. good age, price, promise and versatility.

Cant grumble at much of that. Although Bowyer was a beast against Bolton a couple of seasons ago at SJP. Scored a belter.

Feck me, there have been some big moves. keane for 20m madness. there is still hope for getting money for smith!

We know where Anal can go. Keegan seemed happy with him, he seemed to play well, 1.5m for a 22 year old French U21 defender is nothing. I dont think signing Coloccini would have a bearing (if true). We still need/want three defenders.

not sold on this one. Hope it turns out to be true, but not convinced at all. That said, if both the reported bids for Coloccini and Baptista are true they would probably just sit tight in spain until weds when we are over there.

It must be like interviewing Shola every year.. trying not to laugh? "And its how many... 20 goals your going to score this season shola.. ok, i cant do this anymore! You are the height of too muchery!"

SAVIOUR!! http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/45442/Al-be-your-shooting-star-Kev/ AL BE YOUR SHOOTING STAR, KEV ABOVE: Alan Smith 28th July 2008 By Jeremy Cross ALAN SMITH wants a regular striking role at Newcastle and the chance to show Kevin Keegan there can be life without Michael Owen and Mark Viduka. The England star failed to shine in a makeshift attack alongside Shola Ameobi as a depleted Toon side crashed to a 1-0 defeat to Championship newcomers Doncaster courtesy of Stuart Elliott’s 86th-minute goal. Smith was turned into a midfielder during his time at Manchester United and spent most of his first season at St James’s Park in a similar role following his £6m switch from Old Trafford last August. He failed to score a single goal last season, but insists he hasn’t forgotten how to find the back of net – providing Keegan gives him the chance to do so. With both Viduka and Owen battling to be fit for the new campaign and Obafemi Martins back in Nigeria mourning the death of his mother, Smith might get his wish. The ex-Leeds star said: “When I was playing for Manchester United, before I broke my leg, I was playing in central midfield. “I then missed 18 months with my injury and when Sam (Allardyce) brought me to Newcastle, he played me all over. That never really helps you. “It doesn’t allow you to become consistent and it doesn’t really allow you to become settled. “The gaffer knows where he wants to play me and if he’s going to play me up there, I’m going to have to start scoring goals. I’m going to have to start playing as a centre-forward, like I did when I was at Leeds and like I did when I first went to United. I know I can do that. “I’d enjoy an extended run at centre-forward and I think everyone knows that’s probably my best position. “It’s what’s natural to me, but if I’m going to play there and stay in the team, I’m going to have to score goals.” Keegan vowed to make some new signings in the wake of this defeat and Smith admits the pressure is on their threadbare squad to finish in the top half of the table this season. He added: “We had a lot of players missing, but hopefully they will be fit for the start of the season. “Realistically, for this football club, the top half of the table is a must. “When you look around the dressing-room, the quality is there, but football now is more and more of a squad game.”

If we could sign a juggling midget clown most of the board would be in raptures.

Dont worry, the press and reality will manage that over the course of the week.

Nice little interview that. Nothing new, but always good to have KK reinforce things!

Any more of that and it will be goodbye Sir Les, welcome Les Ferdinand V.I.P. Naughty boy.

For 2.5m i'd take Diouf here in a heartbeat, Keane building a good team there. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/sunderland/7527361.stm

Unless we sell a striker or a club comes in for Ameobi and signs him... (surely there isnt anyone stupid enough) ...then I dont see us coughing up for another striker. Not that a couple deserve to be credited as strikers, but we have, Martins, Owen, Viduka, Carroll, Smith and Ameobi. Granted the first three will get injured, some more frequently than others and you could argue Carroll might go out on loan, I would be suprised if we end up with another striker. Priority will be to get the defenders we need, a creative midfielder... then if we have time, money and one of our boys leave, get another striker.

Just saw the goal, classy finish! Shame Robert wasnt picked, suprised Guevara wasnt picked either with the game being in Toronto.

West Ham one up against MLS All Stars - Dean Ashton Christian Gomez equalises 30 seconds later 1-1 after 28mins. P.S. Ashton looks like he is in his 40's.

Would be decent to have a minutes silence at one of the friendlies.

Tragic she was due to move over next month I do believe, as mentioned in the other thread, he probably couldnt be at a better club for support I think Keegan and the lads will really rally behind him and give him all the support he needs.

Obviously not as gutted as me because I was moved to create a new thread about it! I would be devastated! Someone we should completely be looking at. Maybe we are mentally scarred from looking at any Nigerian left backs, we have reason. Fair play to the mackems, looks like they might even give us a game next year. That said it should just be another 6 pointer season if they are signing half the spurs team!

Bit more info on him at Wiki Sebastien Bassong is a left-footed centre back but who can also play on the left side of defence at left back. He plays at centre back for the French under 21 national team and has been likened to the Nigeria and Everton centre back, Joseph Yobo. Both players are good on the ball, like a pass and have good aerial prowess. Bassong is a real athlete on the pitch and is also very fast. If Keegan rates him, looks like he could be decent cover.

would bloody love collocini. would be third summer lucky.

Cant see us being interested, we have enough on the wings, also doubt we would offer less than monaco if we were in for him.

Sad news. hope the squad and fans rally around him upon his return.

Bresciano has always impressed me when ive seen him. suprised he hasnt moved to the uk already. wont end up here though.