Kanji

Short memories. I guarantee that half of the "Good news/alright backup/stop overreacting!" brigade will be calling him worse than s*** the next time he plays and puts in a Shola performance. Bit supercilious, that, JH. As Ian W said, Shola is a known quantity. Aye, so why are people happy?! Takes cracking penalties for a start. Scores regularly against our rivals. Provides an aerial threat to opponents and team mates alike. () Provides quality entertainment. Probably more than anyone else at the club. His finishing is deceptively decent too. He is committed to the club, has a rapport and connection with the area, is highly affable, and despite the hyperbolic criticism vented at him and how ready people are to start on a twenty minute tirade at his first misplaced pass every game... he actually does a reasonable job when called upon. Popular among the players, too. Doesn't get in trouble with the police/press (which, admittedly, should be a given - but clearly isn't with our squad). Never setting the world alight, but for a club of our standing with owners who aren't in a hurry to take us places very quickly, he is a good back-up striker. well said - exactly what I was thinking.

Excited for this signing.

Brilliiant article, well done.

I hope he does start tbh. No. I hope he does start TBH, he's been in real fine form this preaseason for us.

Funny, said the same thing to someone this morning.

great news as long as everything works out OK. Looking fwd to Cabaye and Tiote kick off their partnership in the middle.

Who cares where he recieves treatment? Just get him healthy and on the pitch, if he has to be in France, America, or Asia - just get him fit and on the pitch.

Potential to have a complete french speaking midfield/attack no? sans Barton/Jonas when in/out of team. Marveux - Cabaye - Tiote - Obertan ---------------HBA------------------- ----------------Ba-----------------

Didn't know we had to whipe his a$$ for him too. I get it, hes a professional footballer, arguably our best player - but its 50/50 here, for all the details that are out there.

what kind of pup is that?

True, and funny. I've been a supporter from far - from the states, roughly 15 years of my life I've followed this club...I get right p*ssed off when I read what goes on over there in regards to the mismanagment of such a beautiful and brilliant club, it aches my heart - I can't imagine what it does to you all in the city or near, born and bred Geordies who've given much more than I have to the club. I've done the best I could with the money I have and the resources available to me (tv channels, ppv, internet) to be able to able to watch or listen to nearly ever match. Today is the first day I'm really just tired of it all, falling out of love with the game. Its the whole lot - the contracts, the twitter, the anti-board, the pro-board, everything. For the first time in ages, at the beginning of the summer when we were making a dash with signings I felt excited...just to be kicked in the f'ng teeth again by not only Joey Barton, but those running the club. Oh Newcastle United, you absolutely rip us to shreds every single time we have any optimism don't you?

Give Best service and he's proven that he'll get us goals - he may not be a 20 goal striker - but with a good run of form and some decent service I can easilly see him getting 10 goals for us. I like him, think hes a bit Raw at times - but nothing against him at all.

Deserves to be disciplined.

s***, now I'm nervous about August. Yeah, i was wondering if you'd be in otwn Ronaldo - generally speaking - you are here every summer...I wonder if Alan Smith will take a trip to BBQ Bar on Orange ave for old time sake... Yeah mate, i'm spending a month in Florida from the 25th August. If he does, glass him and i'll take the blame. lets all meet up for some drinks if you are up for it.

Cubaricho was updating me while at dinner, I nearly had a heart-attack reading that.

s***, now I'm nervous about August. Yeah, i was wondering if you'd be in otwn Ronaldo - generally speaking - you are here every summer...I wonder if Alan Smith will take a trip to BBQ Bar on Orange ave for old time sake...

i'll let you know when i speak to the orlando city folks. are you up for some tailgaiting before game? They have a "pub" in the stadium but it's super expensive and really really fake. That's why I am trying to get everyone to meet up at the Celt before the match because it's a great place with awesome local owners who really support soccer here and have great prices. The Orlando City people usually do a cheesy tailgate before matches though. Might be worth a pass through but nothing more. Where are your seats? and where is everyone sitting? section wise, want to purchase my tickets today...

I'll be there with my girlfriend, going to the Celt Pub on Magnolia Ave in Downtown Orlando before the match. Can't wait to meet up with whoever is going.

Can't wait for this one in Orlando on Saturday...

NBA all-star game is a ton of fun to watch as its fun, the players actually do some exciting stuff and its all a good laugh. Don't know how one would work with football, the MLS one and NHL ones are better than people think - but wouldn't mind seeing this. You don't think fans in America get worried about their top player in an all-star game who may get hurt? It's not just you lot across seas you know... me, would fancy the match - but know it won't ever happen.

I had high hopes for David Rozenhal too.

if hes going to go, then leave the EPL. I'm not even going to think twice if its to Barca too.

I had that bright blue shirt, my god was it terrible.

I like everything about offering this good, young and hard-working lad a deal. If we ever decide to sign someone more offensive or someone better, then so-be it. But I'm happy with him in our back-line and hope that he works on his attacking side of his game. He's improved massively on his defensive-side too. My only knock on him is that he tends to give too much space and allow for the cross to come in. But I like the player and this should be good business for us.

Interesting - great bit of info. thanks for that. I'd love to hear who else would bid for us - its painfully obvious that our club supporters buy an absolute ton of shirts - its a win/win for any of the top brands. I'm still clutching that Nike / Umbro would come to us....