Rich

Agree. I still don't want us to waste money, no matter how rich the owner is. Not saying Woodgate is a waste of money btw. Argh, this is my exact point though, how can we say we've "wasted money" until after the event? None of us are intelligent enough/know enough to accurately call every transfer, unfortunately. Add: If we did pay £9M for Woodgate, then it would mean that the club (Keegan, chairman, etc.) thought he was worth it, and those are the blokes that matter and those are the blokes you'd expect to know best. Guess I'm referring to the Owen transfer. That was pretty fucking obviously a silly move. Everyone likes to debate transfers and fees, I just wouldn't want us to spend so much on a player that has such a history of injury problems. Same with Barton and his disciplinary issues. If we'd paid £8m or whatever for him I'd have been gutted, even if it's pocket change to Ashley. Speculate to accumulate by all means, but don't go daft just because you can. Guess I'm just used to seeing things fail for us, that's all. There weren't that many people calling the Owen move that at the time were there? I remember Wullie being unimpressed, but most others were delighted with such a signing, even for the money we paid. It's proven to be a bad transfer so far though, and he's going to have to go some way to turn that around now. That end point is the crux of it, and it's understandable. So many people have been embittered by the numerous "failed" transfers over the years that they instantly declare an amount "too much" without a second thought. I'm far too optimistic for that sort of approach though. I'd rather give the blokes running the place a fair chance, give the players they sign a fair chance and THEN berate them all when things go tits up. Before we get a new manager in and the cycle starts over again, of course. For the minute I trust Keegan and Mort to do the right business for the club, and I trust Ashley to provide the necessary funds without endangering the club. What would he have to gain from that? Apologies for the topic swerve, anyway, but to get things back on track: if we were to sign Woodgate for £9M (which I reiterate is probably an overestimated guess) then I just hope more people would judge the deal in time, rather than immediately and be waiting for it to fail just to say "I told you so". Which a lot of people love to do on here.

Agree. I still don't want us to waste money, no matter how rich the owner is. Not saying Woodgate is a waste of money btw. Argh, this is my exact point though, how can we say we've "wasted money" until after the event? None of us are intelligent enough/know enough to accurately call every transfer, unfortunately. Add: If we did pay £9M for Woodgate, then it would mean that the club (Keegan, chairman, etc.) thought he was worth it, and those are the blokes that matter and those are the blokes you'd expect to know best.

You're not wrong there Yorkie, good argument Although I do think that sort of thing is inevitable anyway, especially in the modern market. As long as the performances on the pitch improve and the club is financially stable, then like you say this approach is fine. It's when there's the potential to be the next Leeds when you have to start worrying. I do think we're going to get ripped off anyway, most of the time, but it won't be anything new to us - and this time we've got more of a safety net than we did under Shepherd (if Ashley invests/sticks around). The likes of Man Utd and Chelsea probably pay what people would consider "over-inflated" fees regularly because teams know they can afford it and milk them dry as much as possible, but I don't think that would stop them spending like they do if they really wanted a certain player. That's why they pay record fees for players. If the people running the club are smart enough and we get a slice of luck along the way, then we should be alright taking a high-risk approach to transfers. I can't see any other way of getting in amongst the top-four, personally, we're going to have to break a few egg shells to make an omelette. I still believe that people go for what they're worth, though. You can only judge the value of a signing after that player leaves the club, usually. If we spent £9M on Woodgate and he played every game, was made captain and helped us back into Europe with some solid performances then I think people would probably say he's worth the money. It's a big prediction to say "that's a bargain", or "that's too much", nothing more, because none of us know what the future holds. That's why I tend to just "let it be" when fees are mentioned these days. I'm reckless with my own money, mind, so this is just my personal take on things.

I don't understand why people get so het up about fees for players (especially speculated ones.) It's not like it's our money Keegan is spending. It could be better spent elsewhere and it's an over-valuation, especially now that his form's thrown into question aswell as his fitness issues. That's my gripe, anyway. It is tempting though, i loved Woodgate. If there's a part exchange deal in there somewhere, then it'd be good business. £5m and Shola, or something, and i'd be happy. It looks like Keegan likes Shola though, which is a pity. What if there is no transfer budget, per se? And it's not taking money away from other players? What if Woodgate is the only defender available, who Keegan wants? What if he's Keegan's first-choice out of everyone else he could get? Like I've said, £9M is probably an over-estimation anyway, and the story itself could be bollocks, but I love how almost everyone on this forum seems to know what a footballer is worth. I always believe that a player is worth what he goes for, and then the proof will be in the pudding after his time at the club. As for your latest post, when we signed Woodgate £9M was considered a fantastic deal, because Leeds were in deep, deep trouble financially and were getting bent over and rammed off anyone and everyone. Valuation isn't simply a number, there is no set variable that allows you to calculate a player's value, there is loads that goes into it (timing/form/injuries/availability/the needs of the buying club/selling club, etc. etc. etc.) Hyopthetically, 'Boro being a rival club could put the price up, they might not necessarily want him to leave anyway, he's still got a fair bit of time on his contract, they don't have any dire need to sale, etc. Stuff like this affects values. You can only really judge a player's worth with hindsight, if you ask me.

I don't understand why people get so het up about fees for players (especially speculated ones.) It's not like it's our money Keegan is spending. I can understand people not being happy when we're on a tight budget but that doesn't seem to be the case anymore. Exactly my point. If Keegan has identified Woodgate or whoever as his first-choice target, then surely he has to pay what it takes to get them here (within certain reason, of course). If we can do it with no risk to our future, then it's surely the way to go? For the record, I'd be surprised if the deal was actually for £9M.

I don't understand why people get so het up about fees for players (especially speculated ones.) It's not like it's our money Keegan is spending.

Would rather have Sol Campbell, simply because of Woody's fitness issues, although he did manage 40 games or so last season, and has played in 20+ this term as well. It's obviously a big, big gamble, but it could turn out to be a masterstroke - especially if Ameobi goes the other way. Consistency at the back is absolutely vital, though.

Gus Poyet wants to fight every interviewer in the world. Angry man.

I am one of those people, but fair play to them after that performance. They've played some lovely football for a few years now and on the balance of that, they deserve a night like tonight. They'd better not fucking win the cup, mind

It killed my firefox every time I opened it, should I be thankful?

interesting you say "freddie shepard". Why is this ? Do you blame him when it rains, or are you prepared to accept the fact that as a minor shareholder at the time, the decision to go PLC rested with the major shareholders ie the Halls, and therefore they are the ones responsible for going PLC, losing Keegan and selling Ferdinand ? What did you make of Wor Les, gaffer?

Howay the Ivorians.

I think Rozehnal can play a big part under Keegan, especially if he gets his belief back. Of all our current centre-halves, he looks like the one with the most technical ability and he can use both feet as well. If this short-passing thing from the 'keeper is here to stay (which I hope it is) then having two centre-halves who can "play" a bit becomes as important as having two centre-halves who can dominate aerially, etc. Fortunately, I think of the four seniour centre-halves we do have, all can play a bit and look fairly alright in posession. This will only improve given time, too.

Why waste X amount of money buying a defender just for the sake of it, if that's all that's available? Bringing in recruitments like Campbell or Brown or Bridge (i can't speak for Van Buyten) will do very little for a defense that craves continuity - i'd rather spend that cash elsewhere. It's only worth signing a defender if they're absolutely quality imo. I have faith in Keegan though, if he thinks we need a defender than that's OK with me. Sol Campbell is absolutely quality, if you ask me, although it's a very valid point when used about van Buyten and Brown. Bridge is also top quality and would be a massive asset to the squad as well. Like your good self, I'm a bit young to remember the original Keegan days brilliantly, but his first signing was Brian Kilcline and he was immediately made club captain, because KK thought we lacked leadership. So he went out and bought a captain, who was also a centre-half. I think Kev later said he was the most important signing he made at NUFC (just checked, and yes he did). Yes it's not incredibly long-term, but if we need leadership again (which we blatantly do, in all areas of the field), then surely Sol Campbell is the best we can hope to attain to fill that role? That's the way I'm looking at it, anyway. Not every player is bought on ability alone, which I'm sure you know, and Campbell could be brilliant for Taylor and the other defenders if he keeps himself fit and keeps his head. I've been howling for an experienced CB for seasons now, and Campbell has headed my personal preference list (not that I actually have a list), somebody like him or Hyypia could still be invaluable here - even though time is quickly running out on their respective careers. I know people like Faye, I like Faye, but I can't see him being an automatic starter under Keegan like he was under Allardyce. If Keegan gets Campbell, if the reports are true, then I'm assuming we'll see Campbell/Taylor if both are fit and available for selection, which I do understand won't go down too well with some.

You can only sign what's available/who is attainable though. I'm sure Keegan knows what we need and the sort of player he's going to have to bring in. People need to start screwing their sensible heads on again, delirium is very so "last week".

And that ball through to Owen with the outside of his left boot, that was fucking sublime. Rozehnal looks a good footballer to me, any problems he's had so far have been more physical (he's not the strongest, is he?) and mental (the adjustment to the new surroundings, etc.) Far too early to write off a bloke who is a full-time international for a nation of the quality of Czech Republic if you ask me.

we need a dominant CB Faye's pretty dominant tbh. We really don't need any defenders. Left-back. We've only got one. There should be two players vying for each position, if at all possible. A LB and a CB wouldn't be exciting, but they'd be useful additions, in the LB case it's a necessary addition.

Surely tomorrow we need Local Hero blaring out in the build-up to kick-off instead of the Blaydon Races. Would add to the atmosphere, if you ask me. Thoughts?

It's massively unlikely, but even if we only signed SWP between now and February 1st then I'd be happy enough with that.

If true, I had a feeling that this is what would happen. How could they spend so much sacking Allardyce and risk so much bringing Keegan in if they weren't going to back him to the moon? I'm trying to keep my feet on the ground, so that if anything big does happen then my socks will get blown off, but I can see why people are getting carried away.

Agree with Wullie, I'm snubbing logic for as long as I can with this, it's brilliant. If any cheeky bastards say "what's new there then", I'll have them

I've seen George Caulkin (author of this) slagged in the past, but I've found him a joy to read in the past few weeks. I've been reading mostly all of the broadhseets online, and he's stood out head and shoulders above the rest. He blatantly loves the Toon.

Can't believe I haven't posted this until now, and this seems the best thread: As some will know, I'm down in Hull these days for university, and even here the Keegan impact hasn't gone unnoticed. Most of the lads on the course are always on at me about football anyway, most of them are Liverpool/Arsenal/Man Utd, those sorts, I'm the only Newcastle fan on the course from what I can see, there is another Geordie but she's a Mackem... Anyway, in the exam this morning, the invigilator (bloke who's job it is to oversee exams and make sure phones are off, etc.) was doing his rounds, when out of nowhere he starts going on about Special K in front of the assembled 200-or-so people there, this bloke isn't a Geordie, he isn't a Newcastle fan and he's a fucking invigilator. These blokes aren't well-known for being much more than bookworms/pencil pushers/sticklers for rules, as far as I'm aware. He's an older fella, typical looking from what you'd expect of someone who oversees exams. Anyway, I'd never seen anything like it, but here he is running through the rules/regulations and relating practically everything he's saying to Keegan and Newcastle. Finishing with, "well it's approaching 9.30am, good luck everyone, and good luck to Kevin Keegan". Just tickled me, in all honesty, and I thought it might raise a smile on here from a few too. After the exam I managed to grab a few words with him and it turns out he's not even that into football, more a rugby bloke (as many are in these parts), but classes himself as a Liverpool fan, but he was asking loads about who should be the new assistant, etc. It was bizarre, seems that even people without any true affiliation to us can sense there's something in the air. Now, like I've said, it's nowt new for people down here to be on at me constantly about NUFC, but for it to be totally random and in front of an audience like that just seemed special to me. That's the impact of Kevin Keegan.

The tight-arsed bastards. I'm sure a swift phone-call to Virgin with the words "Sky" dropped in there (provided you're not on a minimum contract) and you might be able to sort something out. Shy bairns get nowt, as they say.

If you're on Virgin's Max package you get Santa included, don't you?