TRon

I was thinking the same thing in relation to the point made by @Lush Vlad re him combining well with Woltemade. I can see that working, but just not under Howe. It would probably need a totally different method of football and build up play. Also, just not sure that having two of your three forwards lacking genuine pace is a recipe for success.

Arsenal are a good cup side because they are difficult to beat, and they can score from set pieces. But they had a relatively easier ride in the KO stages this time round, I think this was their best chance to win it. PSG were very cagey with it being the final, but in a quarter or semi, I think they would have been far more adventurous.

He's a good footballer, but lacks the pace to really frighten defenders. I think for him to be effective he needs to get Hall overlapping, then it could work. Not sure Howe would be comfortable with that from a defensive POV though.

I have a feeling we are definitely interested, but heard Liverpool and Chelsea being mentioned as suitors as well. I guess it will come down to how much he wants us or whether his agent is using us to bring other clubs into the mix.

If we get Abde I am going to start taking Wilson seriously. If we get Camara and the Jaowen GK fella as well....he's the man.

Not sure if Glasner would have been the right fit for Liverpool but when I suggested him as a replacement for Howe it got a fair bit of blowback. He's not too popular, maybe because of what is perceived to be a defensive style, but he's won silverware twice now at a small club. I think he is seriously underrated.

Tbf, if we had gone after Iraola, he might just have waited for Liverpool anyway, same way as Ekitike did.

Same. But I liked Klopp before he went to Liverpool. But tbf, him turning out to be an insufferable cunt didn't really have much to do with Liverpool. Maybe 15%.

Yes but we are Newcastle fans so what do you suggest?

Would you be happy with another Mike Ashley type owner or do you have higher expectations?

The "FUCK PIF" brigade tend to stop there as well. I mean that's all well and good, but once they are fucked, who takes over?

Be surprised tbh. Another Elanga type of deal when we should have done it before he went elsewhere for much cheaper.

I don't think he's saying that, just voicing concerns. Your stance was fuck PIF when they took over I imagine.

He was pretty good at carrying the ball forward at least. End product wasn't quite there but I think his defensive attributes made up for it mostly. My main concern is his injury record is crap so far.

It's an odd one. At his best I really like him and I wanted him to sign a new contract. But because of his constant niggles and layoffs, I was thinking it might be better just to get the money while we can. But looks like that has also put City off as well. Best scenario would be he signs a new contract and then has a couple of relatively injury free seasons.

He's not the most skilful winger you'll have seen, but he's fast and direct. Great running up and down the flank, will win pens and score them. His end product is ok, not terrible, not high class either. I think he'll look good in your team personally, your manager might prefer having someone who doesn't mess about on the ball and just runs at defenders.

Hopefully it's not relevant any more then!

Made the mistake of watching his video after yesterday's links. He looks great, of course today he's now linked with Liverpool.

This has been my biggest doubt about retaining Howe tbh. He just seems to take an age to shift his plan of thinking. If we buy a bunch of technically gifted players, would he even know how to deploy them given how committed he is to Plan A?

Change it back to John by deed poll if it clears any lingering doubts for Eddie.

Camara would be a big one for me. Exactly the sort of signing we fiddled too long over last couple of years.

Just on the football that Emery plays, he went for Tielemans who would never have worked in a Howe team. Just shows the difference in approaches and where each manager puts the emphasis.

Agree. I thought the fee was quite low, but a lot depends on how we spend the money. If we get that right instead of spectacularly wrong like last summer, then it can still be a good deal. That does put the focus on Ross Wilson now though. He's negotiated a quick deal to get it done. Now he has to use that money wisely.

Find it hard to be too bitter about it if they are leaving tbh, they both gave it a good crack here. She was really positive about the move and if she wants to bring the baby up at home it's not a massive surprise. I just don't see how we get what he's worth from an Italian club, so not sure he he will move back permanently with her.

Yeah weird that he would end his association with Bournemouth without having something lined up. I had assumed Liverpool would be the logical choice but they have kept it quiet if that's the move.