sempuki

It looked a definite penalty to me and the commentator on TV said it was one before the referee even signalled for it. Anyway, who cares? We won!

Trevor Bennett (board member) popped off.

I'm surprised they can get away with that. Shay's dad's a big lad!

Excellent result - just hope Solano isn't crocked. Onyewu looks decent too.

An example of when "bad news" can be "good news"! Get in!

There's a guy on Toontastic who does appear to be ITK (check out his past predictions) saying this one's going to happen: http://www.toontastic.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=11609

I don't know whether to believe this one or not but Barnes would certainly be the kind of player Roeder would sign and he's admitted his admiration in the past.

On the main site - is No. 15 and already has a work permit.

I think I'd like to watch for a few games first as we all know when Boumsong first arrived heplayed really well for the first season, and what happened after that. I think he's asking whether people think we're gonna sign someone else or not Yes!

Now he's in the bag does anyone think that's it or will we be "pleasantly surprised"?

Nowt on the home page yet but sounds promising!

Totally off topic but who is that in your avatar!

Glenn sweats on Gooch bidJan 29 2007 By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle Newcastle United were forced to play a waiting game today in their bid to get Standard Liege's American defender Oguchi "Gooch" Onyewu and St Etienne striker Frederic Piquionne on loan. And the stumbling block to both deals was the same - neither the Belgian or French outfits are keen to let their players go out on loan unless United agree to making the moves permanent at the end of the season. But unfortunately for United fans desperate for a signing, reports today that Roeder was on the verge of signing the "next Thierry Henry," Ajax striker Ryan Babel, are not correct. With the closure of the January transfer window now just a couple of days away, there is no time for United to make any permanent signings. And I understand if the loan moves of Onyewu and Piquionne fall through then Roeder will have to make do with what he has got and rely on his current squad for the rest of the season. All Roeder would say today was: "We want to take Onyewu and Piquionne on loan and we are now waiting for permission for their clubs to do so." I get the impression that Roeder is more confident of landing "Gooch" than he is of persuading St Etienne to release Piquionne, a player that they value at £5m. Roeder's big pal Gerard Houllier is keen to take Piquionne to Lyon to play alongside his former Liverpool striker Milan Baros, who the Frenchman picked up from Aston Villa last week. Real Betis and Portsmouth have also been keeping tabs on the St Etienne striker. Gooch is a 24-year-old American international who started his career with United's old friends DC United before having spells with Metz in France and La Louviere in Belgium. He moved to Standard Liege in 2004 but would love a crack at Premiership football with United at St James' Park. Piquionne is a 28-year-old striker from Martinque who, Roeder says, is very highly rated in France. United fans I have spoken to are upset about the lack of activity in the transfer market and they have every right to hope that Babel would have come in, especially as those reports today claimed that Albert Luque was supposed to be going in the opposite direction. Roeder said: "Reports that we are paying £5m to bring Babel to St James' Park are pie-in-the-sky." As a result, it looks as though Roeder is going to be lumbered with Luque sulking around the training ground until at least the end of the season. Meanwhile, Roeder has denied that United are to make a bid for Deportivo La Coruna's Argentinian defender Fabricio Coloccini.

Babel from Babelfish!: http://www.ad.nl/sport/article1034363.ece English offer worth millions on Babel MARCEL OF OF THE TAP NEWCASTLE/Amsterdam - sell United Ajax definitely today or the Ryan Babel to Newcastle and Spanish... Ryan Babel in duel with Dominique Kivuvu van NEC. PHOTOGRAPH ANP... international Albert Luque takes over League of the English club from the premier. Newcastle want pay seven millions euro for Babel and Luque in so-called ` package package-deal. President Freddy Shepherd van Newcastle United confirmed yesterday evening that there are discussions proceeding and that he has to much obtain Babel to United Kingdom. Also technical director Martin of yolk of Ajax confirms that there is interest of Newcastle for Babel, but of yolk says that the British club has laid down official offer still no. Ryan Babel (20) is already lasting several weeks with the control of Ajax in conversation concerning lengthening of its contract. Oranje-international the weet that he the confidence has Henk of coach at Cate, but he has also ears to a removal to United Kingdom. During the winter top visited he a game of Arsenal, where its bosom friend Robin van Persie plays. Babel has observed which progressie Van Persie, and also peak hours have made such as Dirk Kuyt in United Kingdom. The player is also lured by the salaries worth millions in the premier League. Babel receives salary at Ajax records and is possible with its transfer to Newcastle in a time miljonair becomes. On Saint James park one gasps to new peak hours. Michael Owen the complete season have been already injured and substitutes have - with exception of the nigeriaan Obefemi Martins - have been disappointed. Van Luque, that came in 2005, for 15 millions euro of Deportivo drawer Coruna - the club wants finished. He cannot earth in United Kingdom. A transfer to PSV did not continue recently. PRINT REACTS SEND a FRIEND

If this is true, which it may be not as it's in the Sunday Sun it's still a bit surprising as FF vowed never to deal with Depor again after the Luque transfer. I am sure our obese chairman now wishes he hadn't bothered after all.

Nigel for England Jan 28 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Newcastle coach Nigel Pearson will be given a key role in the England Under-21 set up under Stuart Pearce. I understand the FA have sounded out Newcastle about the prospect of releasing Pearson for England duty in anticipation of Pearce agreeing to succeed Peter Taylor as Under-21s boss. And United are willing to allow Pearson to work at this summer's European Under-21 Championships. Manchester City are reluctant to allow Pearce to combine managing at Eastlands with taking charge of England's youngsters. But Pearce is intent on doing both jobs - and has made it clear he wants Pearson on board with him at Under-21 level. If the situation is resolved quickly, Pearson and Pearce will link up for the first time with the Under-21 squad ahead of the friendly against Spain a week on Tuesday. Pearson only joined Roeder's backroom staff in October, but has quickly made an impression at St James's Park. Before joining West Brom as assistant to Bryan Robson, he spent more than two years coaching England's junior sides from Under-16 to Under-20 level.

Send Luque back to Deportivo for him!

Champions have been after Oba Jan 28 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Glenn Roeder has again warned off clubs eyeing Obafemi Martins - and hinted that Chelsea have failed in a cheeky swap bid for the striker. Newcastle manager Roeder last night revealed the depth of his frustration at failing to land his top targets during January. But he insists Martins' impact this season is vindication of his ultra-selective transfer policy. And the United boss revealed how his commitment to building a talented young squad meant he missed out on one of those targets this month . . . After the player's club - apparently Chelsea - demanded one of Roeder's stars, believed to be Martins, in exchange. "You couldn't buy Oba for £10 million now. I wouldn't even take the phone call," said Roeder, who has admitted an interest in Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. "There have been rumblings about Chelsea, but it's impossible. I am building a squad. "I enquired about one player, and they said `we'll let you have him, but we want that player'. But one in, one out isn't any good to us. "So I had to say `no, the player I want has to stay where he is, because you're not having the player from here that you want'." Martins' largely impressive recent form has subdued those who believed Newcastle paid over the odds for him last summer. And Roeder admitted: "Look at some of the other players who haven't settled as well in the Premiership as yet - like Shevchenko and Ballack. "These are world-class footballers who haven't done as well as Oba, so I feel vindicated. "Anything he does this season is a bonus anyway, because next season he will really take off."

Sounds like he's given up! Frustration over failed transfers Jan 28 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Newcastle have made failed approaches for up to six would-be buys during the transfer window. Glenn Roeder admits the failure to land any of those half-dozen permanent signings has made January "even more frustrating than I had anticipated". And the United boss, left, also concedes he is gambling his reputation by refusing to consider buying lesser targets before Wednesday's deadline. Though his selection options are still seriously rationed by injuries, Roeder's quality control remains resolute. "It's tough going out there at the moment; even more frustrating than I anticipated" he said. "From January 1, we attacked targets we thought we could get in on a permanent deal that would make us a better team. "It became pretty apparent within the first two weeks that that wasn't going to happen. "There are five or six players who we'd have liked to get here who we've been told are not available in January. "Contact has been made with their clubs. The response has been: `Not now.' "In the summer, the position could change - and the players I have wanted in January, I will still want in the summer. "But in terms of being able to bring someone in permanently now, that is looking very difficult." Many fans would see Roeder lower his sights in order to plug the gaping gaps in his squad. But the manager fervently believes the long-term benefits of being choosy will far outweigh the immediate impact to be made by mediocre signings. "Quality players are not there - or rather, not there in abundance - to buy in January. This year, there doesn't seem to be quality available even abroad. "And I hate it when people say: `We need a body.' A body is no good unless Newcastle can use him to good effect. "The whole point is I'm trying to get the average age of the squad down to just under 25; I'm trying to buy players who will increase in value. Like Oba Martins. "That's my policy. That's what I want to do. It is a big gamble for me, but I'm prepared to make that gamble. "If I do that, I know we will come out of the other side in two years' time with a better team." That said, the transfer activity of several top-flight rivals this month has piled yet more pressure on Roeder. "There are Premiership managers - naming no names - who live their lives successfully going from window to window to window," he added. "Yes, they survive, but with old players - players that I don't want to work with. Players that have had their shelf life and are past their sell-by date. "The way I think Newcastle should be managed is as a buyer of younger talent that will increase in value and help Newcastle get where it should be in the long term."

Argy bargy! Jan 28 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Newcastle have failed in a bid for Argentinian defender Fabricio Coloccini, according to sources in Spain. United – urgently seeking a centre-half – are said to have offered Deportivo La Coruna around £1.5 million for Coloccini. But Deportivo want £2.7 million for the 25-year-old, who is out of favour at the club but now resigned to staying put until the summer. “Newcastle’s offer and others were presented to Deportivo, but the president said no,” Coloccini’s agent, Marcelo Lombilla, told the Sunday Sun. “The problem was the price.” Tottenham have also eyed Coloccini, who was part of Argentina’s World Cup squad last summer, and started their quarter-final against Germany. He began his career with Boca Juniors before joining AC Milan, only to be loaned out to three clubs over four years before making an appearance for the Italian giants, then joining Deportivo in 2004.

Trotters & Magpies eye PSG ace Paris Saint Germain defender David Rozehnal has revealed Premiership clubs - including Bolton and Newcastle - are showing an interest. The versatile Czech international, who is also able to fill a midfield role, has been scouted on several occasions this season but it is thought that Bolton and Newcastle are the two clubs that are seriously considering a bid before the current transfer window closes. Rozehnal's agent Pavel Zika says he is well aware of the interest but also confirmed that PSG are unwilling to sell the stopper at this point in time. Speaking to CTK, he said: "I know about two clubs who are interested in buying him but PSG do not want to release him at present."

Latest injuries: Emre blow Jan 27 2007 By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle Emre is out of Newcastle United's game with Aston Villa at St James' Park on Wednesday night in the latest injury setback for manager Glenn Roeder. Roeder is not expecting to see the little midfielder back in a black-and-white shirt for another couple of weeks because of his calf injury, while Celestine Babayaro continues to drag his feet following his hamstring injury and a bout of flu. But there was better news for Roeder regarding Damien Duff and Titus Bramble, who both came through a full-scale practice match at United's training ground yesterday to put themselves in contention for Wednesday night. The pair both played 80 minutes, while Stephen Carr - who returned against West Ham last Saturday after his long lay-off with a foot injury - topped up his fitness, with Steven Taylor also getting a good work-out after serving his one-match suspension against the Hammers. In my view, Emre has been terrific this season and so committed to United, but the Turkish international's situation has to be of increasing concern for Roeder, with the 26-year-old suffering from a calf problem and struggling to come to terms with the FA racism charge - which he is denying - hanging over him. Before the West Ham game I said the longer Emre is out the harder it will be for him to return after he was "knocked sideways" by the racist allegations, and this remains the case. Roeder said today: "Emre's on the treatment table, and I don't expect him back for a couple of weeks." Babayaro and Craig Moore will return to training on Monday, but the Villa game will come too soon for the two defenders. However, Antoine Sibierski is ready to return after missing the West Ham game through concussion. Meanwhile, long-term absentees Shola Ameobi and Michael Owen are making good progress from their respective hip and knee injuries. "Shola's had fantastic news from his surgeon regarding his hip," added Roeder. "He's got good movement now, and is making good progress. He tells me he cannot remember the last time he had no pain in his hip, but he hasn't now. "But while he is feeling great to be back around the training ground, we are still not expecting him to play again for us this season. In his absence, I think people are now realising how much Shola has done for this club. "For the last 18 months he's put his career on the line for Newcastle United. "And Michael's working like a Trojan in a bid to get fit and is focusing on playing again this season. "Both Shola and Michael deserve to be fit as soon as possible." Midfielder Charles N'Zogbia is still four to six weeks away from a return from the knee injury he suffered in the Premiership defeat by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in December, while the groin injury which saw Shay Given limp off against West Ham will keep the keeper out for the minimum of a month. Peter Ramage is expected back slightly earlier after his hamstring problems. Young keeper Tim Krul has had another cartilage operation and United are not putting any date on his return.

Roeder's closing in on target Jan 27 2007 By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle Newcastle United are edging slowly closer to signing the two players Glenn Roeder wants before the January transfer window closes at midnight on Wednesday. Roeder told me today he was going to spend the weekend sitting and waiting for his mobile phone to ring in his bid to bring a central defender and a striker to St James' Park on loan. It's not an ideal situation for the United boss, but he is managing to keep a brave face on the fact he has been unable to add to his buys of Obafemi Martins and Damien Duff. Roeder knows he faces competition for the foreign striker he wants from clubs in both France and Spain, but he seemed fairly confident of pulling off the loan deal early next week when I spoke to him today. And I understand that, as in the case of most of his targets, the two players would jump at the chance to come to St James' Park, and would probably be available to play for United in the rest of their UEFA Cup campaign. But one player who will not be coming to Tyneside is Copenhagen's central defender Michael Gravgaard, who has been linked with a move to United across in Denmark. The United fans I have spoken to agree with Roeder's insistence that he wants to bring in only quality players to St James' Park, but, nevertheless, they are disappointed that at least one player has not been bought in the January window at this moment in time. Roeder said today: "When I look at the players who have been on the move in the current transfer window, I do not feel that we have missed out on anyone we may have wanted." What would be the ultimate nightmare for Roeder and his chairman Freddy Shepherd, is if Aston Villa's two new signings, Ashley Young and John Carew, swing Wednesday's game at St James' Park the way of Martin O'Neill's side. Both Young and Carew are expected to play, while Stilian Petrov, one of O'Neill's first signings, hopes to have recovered from injury to return. Wednesday's match will be refereed by Howard Webb, who failed to spot two Bolton fouls which led to their two goals when they beat United on Boxing Day.

Tres drole!

I thought he had a serious hip complaint?