TRon

It's a reasonable concern. That's why a loan would make most sense, but says that's definitely not happening. But is it? A squad needs balance to it. You need the right mix behind youth and ability, and experience and quality. We can't build a team of Andy Carrolls and Tim Kruls, but at the same time we can't build a team of Jose Enriques and Cheik Tiotes, nor a team of Kevin Nolans and Robbie Keanes. Put them all together and we've got a good mix of a squad. Putting Keane in the same bracket as Smith, Geremi and Owen just isn't fair IMO. He's better than that. And he gives us proper PL experience in a position that we need. He'd compliment Carroll brilliantly too. Having pace in certain areas is also part of getting the right blend. None of our current forwards have it and I agree with Pardew that it's what we need. Adding Keane to the Nolan's and Shola's isn't going to give you that. It depends what the alternatives are at the end of the day.

I'm not fussed either way. He's definitely a quality finisher but whether he'd be right for us with our already slow side is debatable. We've been down this route before with Owen and Viduka. Worth a shot on loan if we can get the right deal.

It was like Amoebi was falling over his feet for 90 mins and Ranger was playing blind man's buff trying to locate him.

I thought that previously but I'm sure they started a game together earlier this season and had no chemistry whatsoever.

Shola needs another striker alongside to have any chance. Just can't see him scoring if he plays up front by himself or with Nolan.

well duh! I think people are just looking at possible permutations from a supporters point of view, in reality it's obvious that we will stick to the safe option of Shola/Loven.

Does anybody really feel that good about Shola or Lovenkrands starting? My only reason for going with Xisco and Ranger is because I think as a team we might knock it about better with those two up front rather than Ameobi/Lovenkrands playing like strangers.

This. in all seriousness, how the hell do you pick between Ranger, Shola, Lovenkrands, Best and Xisco? f***ing hell we're s***. I can't believe people were actually turning their noses up at the prospect of Keane with that quality we've got. I'd probably go: Krul Simpson Willi Colo Enrique Barton Nolan Tiote Jonas Ameobi Ranger No doubt, Pards will go: Krul Simpson Taylor Colo Enrique Rout Barton Tiote Jonas Nolan Ameobi Despite the fact Xisco, Lovenkrands and Ranger are unproven in the premier, I honestly feel playing two strikers would make us much more effective. I would quite look forward to seeing Xisco and Ranger up front as they are both decent on the deck.

Double whammy. With Carroll out Pardew will probably put out a defensive line up which is definitely the recipe for defeat.

Bentley would be a good signing but he's probably out of our range.

Good to see Fergie isn't taking this personally...

seconded.

I think we'll get at least a draw if we pick the right players. We have players who can produce under pressure like Carroll, Nolan and Barton. That might be the difference between the two teams on Sunday.

The question in everyone's mind at this point is "will Ashley shock us all by backing Pardew with substantial cash because it's "his man"? The answer is of course "will he fuck"

I'm sure Pardew mentioned we needed some pace and directness up front so Keane doesn't fit into that category. Maybe AP will be looking more at a Marlon Harewood type.

That's my view as well. I don't consider myself anti-Ashley in particular but I don't think either him or Llambias have much idea about football. So when the decision is made to sack Hughton and bring in a manager like Pardew I think it's fair to expect some high level consideration to have gone into it. Pardew isn't a Jol or a Owen Coyle who most football people could see the reasoning for appointing. It might well turn out to be a master stroke decision - but to be honest it needs to be because there could be no other reason to have done it.

Redknapp's already said this week they are looking to get Keane out. Apparently he will take a pay cut in order to get a loan move according to the Mail: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1342528/Robbie-Keane-pay-cut-leave-Tottenham-New-Year.html

Why is your theory any less conjecture than anyone else's? Unless you have some evidence that "there is someone/some people who do an incredible job of looking after the players and making them believe that NE1 is right for them". Because my suggestion is exactly that, a suggestion. The Ash Bashers are pronouncing the end of NUFC as we know it and that all the negative tripe is fact (see the HBA thread for a pertinent example). I'll freely admit that I don't have the reason why the players' views appear to be in contrast to the fans, that's why I started the thread. Perhaps a bit of 'blue sky thinking' can help to put the state of the club into perspective? With all the negativity flowing through the place, I'm curious to know why this hasn't filtered through to the players. i.e. "the club's losing its core supporters, Ashley will be struggling to half-fill the stadium next season" - why would any half-decent player want to associate his career with the terminal decline of NUFC if the writing is on the wall? Because they are on big wages which are unlikely to be matched elsewhere I would imagine. Like others have said, let's see what the situation is like when these players have to negotiate new contracts.

Why is your theory any less conjecture than anyone else's? Unless you have some evidence that "there is someone/some people who do an incredible job of looking after the players and making them believe that NE1 is right for them".

Likewise a lot of us (myself not included) have since gone over the top in taking the piss out of Perch. He's not the best footballer but he's not a bad defender as such.

There's no way he'd sign for anyone else. He f***ing went on strike to come here man, and after the reception he's gotten, there's no doubt in my mind that he wants to stay and return the favour. f***ing brilliant piece of business if we get this lad for £5m. In all honesty, it would be cracking business to get him for twice that. Over the f***ing moon if this comes off. Is this a real bargain? I remember that when we signed him everybody (even here) was pretty cautious, cause he's talented but also completely moody, and the few games he could play for us proved it. Now, he got a broken leg, we sign him BEFORE he fully recovers and he suddenly becomes a bargain? Of course for 5m I would sign him as well, but I think it's way too soon to celebrate anyway... Fair comment. No it isn't a fair comment. I was screaming for this signing to be made permanent from day one. If Ashley has decide belatedly to agree then I am not going to knock him for it. Better late than never.

There's no way he'd sign for anyone else. He f***ing went on strike to come here man, and after the reception he's gotten, there's no doubt in my mind that he wants to stay and return the favour. f***ing brilliant piece of business if we get this lad for £5m. In all honesty, it would be cracking business to get him for twice that. Over the f***ing moon if this comes off. Is this a real bargain? I remember that when we signed him everybody (even here) was pretty cautious, cause he's talented but also completely moody, and the few games he could play for us proved it. Now, he got a broken leg, we sign him BEFORE he fully recovers and he suddenly becomes a bargain? Of course for 5m I would sign him as well, but I think it's way too soon to celebrate anyway... what sort of bargain would you prefer?

Krul needs to dominate his six yard box Said this a while back, needs to learn when and when not to come for corners/crosses. When he gets it right, it's great, when he doesn't, he often misses the ball entirely and lands us into trouble For a keeper his size that should be a given. I think it's probably just a confidence issue. He's been thrown in the spotlight and been under intense pressure for the first time. He's done well for the most part and even if he's rested for a while he'll come back stronger.

Probably why we signed him on loan first, to take the credit twice. If he signs more players of this quality he could rename the Leazes end to the Llambias Stand for all I care.

And regardless of everyone's opinion of it, it goes completely against the current regime's apparent lack of wanting to talk in public about club issues. So he's making them look like liers....again. if the stuff abiout enrique was when he was asked if he'd be fit for wigan,, he replied he'd find out in his tweet.....that was a good reply and is being deliberatly made out as something more by people on here who are looking for sticks to throw. the ranger one is a bit different and only rangers reaction will say whether it was right or not. people ought to remember the documentary on bobby when all the players were eating and he was talking about players today, being particularly scatrhing about a player wanting the bus turned round to go back and get a diamond earring, his eyes never moved and he was looking at one player, thought to be dyer. as bad if not worse than pardew on ranger. Bobby was a different person, if I was a player I would take any amount of shit from someone like him but the minute a jumped up arse like Pardew started acting like Billy Big Boots my back would be up. That said, Pardew backed Ranger publicly for the last two weeks and was set to give him his first start against Brum. If Ranger has let him down since he deserves being slapped down in public. Same goes for Enrique I suppose. If you are going public on twitter you can hardly complain if the manager goes public to clarify the situation.