STM

Even without Owen we have a good strikeforce. When Martins and Viduka are fireing on all cylinders Owens fitness will amazingly recover, just you see.

I haven't heard any quotes about a price. I'd expect it to be less that 4m, regardless fo how good he is.

The reason it gets to me is the fact that so many believe what he is saying. This forum is unique in the fact that we all universally despise him for the words that come out of his mouth but there are ALOT of toon fans who actually believes what he says as gospel. Then they regurgitate it as fact when discussing football.

Parky is corrrect.

From that same article: "Meanwhile, the Chronicles report that Oba Martins may have to be sacrificed to fund moves for a couple of defenders was described as speculation by United last night." Actually Alan, I think it was described as 'complete and utter fabrication'. Don't see you quoting that one He also goes on to say that we would still sell him for 10m pounds. I actually feel like killing the man he is an utter prick. AAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!

Sam: "i'm very confident that in the near future we will be picking up 1 or 2 players" followed by "the defenders have done well in the last few geams, but that is the area we are concentrating" I like the sound of that.

Its another number to our squad but a suprise (in the context) to say the least. I assume Dyer is heading south imminently.

Baring in mind he's only been in his job a few months, looking at that list doesn't half tell you that hes done a decent job so far.

TBH its not a bad idea. Spontaneusly come up with a random story and see if the media pick up on it. Will tell us alot about the truth in the media and more specifically who actually reads the forum.

I salute you. You've pretty much sumed up my feeling of the last few days.

I think thats the conspiracy theorist coming out in you. Nobody with half a brain would go out of their way to upset there boss, so just because allardyce gives nothing away doesn't mean mort is holding a gun to his back.

I think there will be a few questions on transfers tbf, they are the hottest topic at the moment. Allardyce is well aware of our/his frustration and will without a doubt be looking to inform/reassure us. You won't get anything controversial but maybe a few " hopefully a breakthrough soon", " we have a few irons in the fire" type comments.

Good post, I said I'd reply, and being a gent I am LOL I don't disagree with most of this. I can accept that I am maybe being hasty, however it is the words of Allardyce and his apparent frustration which worry me. Be honest, he must know whats going on if anyone does, it does appear to be the case he is frustrated. You don't need to understand football to see that we are short on numbers, maybe not quality if we had our full team out to do quite well, but how often will we put our full team out. We are short on numbers, and personally, I am not in favour generally of buying "squad" players unless they come at a particular "gift" price, by far the better way is to buy outright quality first off, who push the current first teamer into the "squad" pile. I've seen us lose 2 good managers in the past, Arthur Cox and Gordon Lee. They both expressed similar frustrations to what Allardyce has said, before walking out. Having wanted Allardyce since Bobby Robson left and got him I do not want this to happen again with a manager I want to keep. When the club became a PLC, I was unhappy because I thought it would hinder them in the transfer market and compete for top players. When it didn't happen, I was quite relieved and pleased about it. If or when Ashley backs his manager as much as he can, and I don't mean throw money at him Abramovic style you can't ask or expect this, then I will feel the same. If you think that I would have taken a different view had the old board been here and we only spent 1.7m net on transfers, then you are probably right, but that is because they had shown their intentions to back their managers over the years so there was no reason to doubt them. Is this fair ? BTW, ToonsTaylor made a good point last night when he commented on the fact that the lack of public statements and comments is attracting bad publicity. I believe this to be true. I think Newcastle United are a club that needs publicity. I know that Shepherd said daft things but I think people will get fed up quite quickly of having no PR info coming out of the club, in spite of the fact that they said this is what they wanted. Time will tell. Good post, very sensible and i agree with most.

7m? 3m would have been a risky move.

N'Zogbia would be a great loss to this football club, although i would reluctantly let him go if : (a) he wants to leave (b) he will fund some defenders for us

If he's a direct replacement for Dyer then i will be happy. If he and Dyer leaving aren't connected then i will be worried with how Big Sam is utilising his transfer funds. Time will tell i suppose but i'm not against signing Smith.

We know fook all about him but he's versitile, experianced and seemingly rated by a good club so he does tick a few boxes. Lets hope this one doesn't slip through the net.

The hit the target three times in the whole match. Only twice did Given have a real save to make. Nedved was good and Iaquinta looked dangerous but apart from that they were very average.

I love this guy!

Robinson Vidic Carragher Dawson Evra Milner Lampard Gilberto Bentley Owen Berbatov I think you will all agree a spiffing side.

Good lad, it cheered me up. Although currently my first 11 would be: Given Nobby Rozehnal Taylor Zoggy Butt Barton Geremi Milner Viduka Owen

The chronicle is fairly useless. I have no idea whether the echo is any good but you could understand why they would be interested in the story due to the everton link. The Echo reckoned Everton had signed Emre and Parker ahead of us Ha, like i say i can only say how accurate he ronny is. Have no idea about Liverpool.

I'm a massive fan of Gudjohnsen but we plain and simply don't need him. However, we dont particulalry need smith either.

I don't trust anyone..... accept Sam hahahaha.

The chronicle is fairly useless. I have no idea whether the echo is any good but you could understand why they would be interested in the story due to the everton link.