sempuki

Excellent article - once again this transfer window has been a massive disappointment.

Roeder has been adamant all along that he wants to lower the age of the team (although at the moment that's quite difficult!) I thought it could maybe be someone like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oguchi_Onyewu who was linked with us at the weekend.

i'd be happy with that, he's a left back ain't he? On quite a few sites but still speculation at the moment.

Downcast stuff from Uncle Alan: Don't waste your time Jan 23 2007 By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle Newcastle United have warned Spurs they are wasting their time making a £7m move for their Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff. White Hart Lane boss Martin Jol is desperate to solve his left-sided midfield problems and is ready to make a second attempt to take Duff to North London. But as in the close season, when the 27-year-old chose to travel north to St James' Park in a £5m switch from Chelsea, the Spurs boss is wasting his time. Speaking from Warwick University, where he is on his Pro- Licence course, Glenn Roeder told me today: "We have read the reports of Spurs wanting Damien Duff over the weekend, but we have heard nothing from them. "In any case, they must know they are wasting their time. Why would we sign Damien Duff in the close season and then sell him on before that season is over? "We are trying to build a good squad here at Newcastle United and Duff is very much part of our plans." Roeder would rather be talking about new signings, but with the transfer window closing at midnight a week tomorrow it does not look as though he is going to get any, apart from a couple of loan deals. Certainly talk over the weekend of Roeder making a £5m bid for Ajax's 20-year-old striker Ryan Babel is wide of the mark. It's not that Roeder does not rate the Dutch international, but more that he feel he is way of out his price range as things stand at St James' Park at the moment. And so too is his No 1 target Curtis Davies, who came to prominence at West Brom as the Championship's top young defender under the influence of Roeder's own No 2 Nigel Pearson in his time at The Hawthorns. There has been talk of United trying to do a deal by offering Titus Bramble as part of a package to bring the 21-year-old Curtis to St James' Park, but this looks a non-starter. For West Brom could not get anywhere near to matching the wages Bramble picks up with United. Meanwhile, United have been puzzled about reports that they are in talks with James Milner to tie the England Under-21 international down to a deal until 2011, especially as they have him under contract until 2009. But then they realised Milner had been seen at St James' Park with his agent Mick Maguire, who works under strict PFA guidelines. Milner and Maguire have been making a documentary for the PFA, sparking off inaccurate reports that the young winger has been offered the chance to extend his contract with United. But this does not mean United are not absolutely delighted with the form of a player who is a role model for any youngster coming into the game - the reason he has been chosen for the PFA documentary. NTHE talk-in at St James' Park with Lee Clark and John Beresford has been changed from Monday night to a week tonight (January 30) due to United's Reserves Cup tie with Whitley Bay having been re-arranged for January 29. This talk-in has been arranged by The Army to raise money for disadvantaged youngsters. Tickets at £15 including a pie and pea supper from Graeme Forster on 077697 06611. And a talk-in with Les Ferdinand, Robert Lee and Terry McDermott, again at St James' Park on February 8 in aid of Wallsend Boys Club, is already sold out.

Shay's out for month Jan 22 2007 By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle Shay Given has been ruled out of the Newcastle United side for the next month after he hurt his groin in Saturday's 2-2 draw with West Ham. And while United are waiting for the results on Peter Ramage's hamstring injury, it is likely that the young defender will be sidelined for a similar time to his vice-captain. But on a brighter note, Glenn Roeder fully expects to have Titus Bramble, Celestine Babayaro, Damien Duff and Emre back in a black-and-white shirt by the time Aston Villa come to St James' Park, a week on Wednesday. And Roeder will have a, hopefully, more mature Steven Taylor back from suspension as the wholehearted defender comes of age with his 21st birthday tomorrow. Given has already pulled out of the Republic of Ireland side for their European championship qualifier in San Marino on February 7 and he will not be back in action for United for a couple of weeks after that. United will look at the scans of the keeper's injury in the next few days and determine whether it has anything to do with the horrific stomach injury he suffered in the first game with West Ham at Upton Park on September 17. And if United can get Ramage back around the same time it will be considered a bonus for Roeder and Nigel Pearson. Ramage has been tremendous for United from the moment we got our first glimpse of him in the first team when he came on as a sub against Olympiakos at St James' Park just under two years ago. But he has looked both mentally and physically shot in the past couple of games against Birmingham City and West Ham and his injury will give him the chance to build up his confidence again. However, while he recovers Ramage knows that he has the full backing of Roeder and the rest of the coaching staff. In the meantime, Roeder was delighted at the way the United defence recovered on Saturday when the looked like collapsing completely in the first half against the physical power of Marlon Harewood and Carlton Cole. And David Edgar in particular was impressive when he came on as a substitute for Ramage in what was his first chance in his preferred central defensive position. United came out for the second half with two central defenders who had started their season in the reserves and with a player operating at right-back who is a recognised midfielder, but they still managed to stop West Ham from scoring again. And Roeder said: "We just told them to go out in the second half and defend. To win their headers and not to try anything clever and to let the midfield and the strikers play their football. "To their credit that's what they did and it was very pleasing."

United? Jan 21 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Newcastle United chairman Freddy Shepherd last night launched a stark ultimatum to major shareholder Sir John Hall... Back us or bail out, because the future of the club is in your hands. With Hall thwarted in his attempts to sell his family's 41.6 per cent stake in United to two would-be buyers, Shepherd is demanding he now comes clean on his future plans. He wants an end to the uncertainty which he says has made it "impossible" for him to run the club, affected Glenn Roeder's transfer plans and cost United an estimated £1m-plus. Hall invited a Toon takeover from the Belgravia Group and American investment fund Polygon, but both have withdrawn their interest in the club. Jersey-based Belgravia backed off soon after the Sunday Sun exposed the controversial investments of its sister company in Gibraltar, while Shepherd told them to "put up or shut up". Shepherd, who succeeded Hall as chairman in 1998, also revealed he could launch a takeover bid himself . . . if the price is right. He said: "Sir John Hall has to decide what his role in the club is. He has to decide whether he wants to stick or sell. For the sake of the club, the shareholders and supporters, Sir John must decide quickly what he's going to do and make his position public. "We can't allow this uncertainty and speculation to continue for another 12 months. The business must go forward, whether it is with me, Sir John, or someone else. "The uncertainty is making it hard for me to run the club, and I'm not prepared to put up with it." That uncertainty has lasted since June, when Belgravia first expressed an outline interest in a takeover, and is blamed by Shepherd for Newcastle's patchy form this season and lack of transfer activity. He said: "The offer period has been damaging and difficult for everyone at the club. The manager, the coaches, the players and our administrative staff have been left wondering whether they would have jobs when it was all over. "All I'm asking of him is a clear decision. I want him to be honest with me and the supporters. "Our fans read that Belgravia were going to put £24m in for new players in January. That created problems by raising fans' expectations and causes clubs to raise their prices when we ask them about players. "When you are a plc under offer, there are certain rules that must be adhered to which mean you must be very careful on expenditure. That has affected our ability to compete in the transfer market this season." But Shepherd, whose own stake in United stands at 28 per cent, admitted: "I would consider buying the Halls' shares at the correct price. "I have shown my commitment to Newcastle by buying shares in the club and I have never sold a share. "I can't prevent Sir John selling the shares he controls, but I'm not going to let any would-be buyer take the Mickey out of this club or its supporters."

Shola set for shock return Jan 21 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun Shola Ameobi could make a shock return to action for Newcastle this season. The striker was ruled out for the campaign when he underwent hip surgery in November. But United boss Glenn Roeder has confirmed that the operation - performed by Colorado-based specialist Dr Marc Philippon - went perfectly. And although Roeder is refusing to pencil Ameobi into his plans, other sources insist the former England Under-21 star is hopeful of a comeback before the end of the current campaign. "Shola has been back to Colarado this week seeing Mr Philippon," Roeder confirmed. "Without getting too excited, he said that at this moment in time, he could not be one per cent more pleased with Shola's progress." And Roeder himself is tipping Ameobi to bounce back so strongly from injury that he forces his way into Steve McClaren's senior England squad. "Michael Owen will attract all the attention when he returns, but Shola is a fans' favourite," added Roeder. "He has great technical ability. "I have a great relationahip with him off the pitch and I will get Shola pushing hard for an England place. "It's a long way away, but it's a goal which should be at the back of his mind. First he has to get back fully fit, get his shirt back and hold his place down. "But then he can get the attention of the England manager."

New deal for Milner Jan 21 2007 By Neil Farrington, The Sunday Sun James Milner has agreed a new contract which will keep him at Newcastle until 2011. The winger, 21, has won an improved, extended deal just five months after coming within minutes of being sold to Aston Villa. Milner's current contract lasts until 2009, but his advisers met United officials at St James's Park on Friday and agreed a pay rise and two-year extension. But while Milner has signed up, Newcastle's bid to buy West Brom defender Curtis Davies and land an Arsenal youngster on loan look doomed. As we revealed last week, Davies' £12 million price tag is way out of United's price range. And their loan bid - also revealed by us a week ago - for Gunners kids Armand Traore or Johan Djourou has been knocked back. Meanwhile, Galatasaray are interested in re-signing Emre if he is found guilty of his racism charge and forced out of English football. And Aussie defender Craig Moore has abandoned any attempts to win a new deal at St James's Park and looks set for a lucrative move to Dubai.

Roeder's quoted on the main site of saying he'll definitely sign 2 loans although I get the impression he's not confident of getting his main signing - he said he'll wait until the summer if necessary.

Terrible today and probably at fault for both goals. May have been playing with an injury though.

Shocking in the first half but I thought we played quite well by the end. Shame about Given getting injured again although he'll have more time to spend with his new baby!

To sign for L.A. Galaxy according to CNN.

Curbs will turn to £1m Smertin By DAVE KIDD January 10, 2007 ALAN CURBISHLEY will sign Russian midfielder Alexei Smertin — after being snubbed in an audacious bid for Scott Parker. The West Ham boss expects to complete the £1million capture of former Chelsea man Smertin, 31, from Dinamo Moscow this week. But Curbs had first tested the resolve of Newcastle chief Glenn Roeder with an inquiry for their captain Parker, the man he brought through the ranks at Charlton. Curbishley hoped Parker, 26, could be lured back to the capital with a weekly wage packet of £50,000, but the idea was rejected. Ironically, Curbs fell out with Parker and Smertin during his time in charge at The Valley. He froze out Parker during a bitter transfer struggle with Chelsea three years ago but the pair have since made up. Smertin upset Curbs last March by cutting short a season-long loan at Charlton when Chelsea received a £1m offer for him from Dinamo. Curbs was caught on the hop, not realising the Russian transfer window was open until March and Smertin insisted he wanted to return home. But 10 months later, Smertin has told the new Hammers chief he is willing to return to London. And he is expected to follow Nigel Quashie, whose £1.5m move from West Brom was revealed in SunSport last week. Smertin’s agent Paolo Barbosa said: “We’ve reached an initial agreement - Smertin will be allowed to leave Dinamo. “Both the player and the club will now look at various offers.” Under-fire Hammers skipper Nigel Reo-Coker is ready to fight for his future at Upton Park. Reo-Coker, 22, met Curbs for talks yesterday after the board told him to slam in a transfer request or knuckle down. Curbs said: “I want to reiterate that new players coming in doesn’t mean I’ve got to let people go. “The competition for places will be important to us as we fight to move up the table.”

Lassana cops £60k Jose fine By IAN McGARRY January 10, 2007 JOSE MOURINHO is to fine Lassana Diarra £60,000 for defying his authority. The Chelsea boss got tough on his midfielder after three breaches of club discipline in two weeks. The midfielder, 21, first argued with Mourinho after being denied permission to join Paris St Germain on loan. In protest, Diarra turned up 40 minutes late for the team-meeting ahead of the FA Cup third round match with Macclesfield on Saturday. Diarra had been told he would start that match 48 hours earlier, his first start of the season, and his decision to arrive in a suit rather than the regulation leisure gear was viewed as another blatant act of defiance. Frank Lampard was forced to play even though Mourinho had planned to rest the England man. SunSport understands Diarra has since aggravated the situation by being absent from training on Monday without permission. Now the club is to hit him with a massive fine of six weeks’ wages. Diarra’s actions are being seen as agitation in order to be allowed to leave the club. He is likely to be left out of tonight’s Carling Cup squad.

Newcastle interest in Bent tempered by caution By Damian Spellman Published: 10 January 2007 Newcastle will not rush into a move for the Charlton and England striker Darren Bent as he recovers from a knee injury. The club's manager, Glenn Roeder, had considered the 22-year-old after Alan Pardew admitted he is available. However, while the Londoners expect Bent to be back in action within a month, fears that his absence could be more prolonged mean the Magpies are likely to suspend any approach until the summer if the player does not leave The Valley this month. Newcastle's stance is understandable - they have seen their forward Michael Owen make just 10 starts since his £17m move from Real Madrid in August 2005, and while he may play again towards the end of this season, Shola Ameobi is unlikely to play until next season after hip surgery. Roeder's admiration for Liverpool's Peter Crouch is well known, although the insistence of the Merseyside club' manager, Rafael Benitez, that the England international is not for sale means he needs contingency plans. Newcastle have been interested in Bent for years - he turned down a move to Tyneside as a teenager, preferring to stay at Ipswich. But the Magpies have been encouraged by the noises coming out of south-east London after they were forced to disregard him last summer when he signed a new deal with Charlton. Roeder instead turned to the Nigerian Obafemi Martins, who has now settled to such an extent Newcastle have had to dismiss speculation he could be sold to Chelsea this month. The manager and his chairman, Freddy Shepherd, have been scouring Europe for reinforcements in recent weeks with a striker and defenders their priorities. Roeder said: "It is going the way we expected. When you are looking for quality players, they are never easy to get out of the clubs they are already at. Managers do not want to sell their better players, so it is difficult - but I expected it to be. We are working hard and we will see what the next few weeks bring." Roeder has insisted he will not invest in players without being certain they can do a job for him for the length of their contracts after being saddled with expensive flops following his appointment as manager. He managed to offload the £8m Frenchman Jean-Alain Boumsong to Juventus during the summer and will hope he can move on Albert Luque, who has also failed to live up to his reputation. It is understood the Dutch side PSV Eindhoven want to take the £9.5m Spanish winger on loan with a view to a permanent deal. But the player's £40,000-a-week wages could prove the stumbling block, with Newcastle unwilling to meet any shortfall between that and what PSV are prepared to pay. They are adopting a similar stance to the one they took with Boumsong, and will hope for the same outcome. The 28-year-old Luque has started only six Premiership games for the club, none of them this season, and was left on the bench at Birmingham on Saturday when the youngsters Matty Pattison and Alan O'Brien both played ahead of him.

West Ham are interested in signing Jonathan Zebina but the deal is not likely to happen because Juventus have injuries to other defenders. One defender who may be on his way out of Upton Park is Anton Ferdinand, who is attracting interest from Newcastle United.

Martins to Chelsea in tomorrows press apparently.

Home to Reading or Burnley

Hammers in SWP talks By Graeme Bailey - Created on 8 Jan 2007 Skysports.com understands Shaun Wright-Phillips has held talks with West Ham. A host of clubs are looking to land the England winger but The Hammers - fresh from their recent takeover - are flush with cash and are ready to match Chelsea's demands - which are in excess of £10million. Newcastle, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Portsmouth are all very keen - but they would all be loan deals initially and Chelsea are more inclined to take the cash. It is believed a deal between West Ham and Chelsea is very close, which is why Wright-Phillips has been given permission to talk terms. At this point it is not known how keen Wright-Phillips is on a move to East London - but the relegation-threatened Hammers will be hoping to convince the 25-year-old to make the switch. Since appointing Alan Curbishley as manager, West Ham have been quick to bolster their squad - having already snapped up Luis Boa Morte from Fulham. As well as Wright-Phillips, it is understood the club are also closing on West Brom's Nigel Quashie. Quashie is believed to be holding talks with The Hammers and could represent a double midfield capture with Russian star Alexei Smertin set to be confirmed as a West Ham player this week.

I don't trust the Mail - they said we had been sold and we all know the rest.

Barnes was on the bench for Derby and didn't come on. Could have been rested or being kept non cup-tied.

From another board: His career is finished, according to a mate at work who's ma is mates with his ma, he is finished!!! After getting that injury which doubled the size of his calf, he got thrombosis, and according to specialists, he can no longer play football, (not that he ever did)kinda feel sorry for the lad, fair enough he would have left us soon enough, but thought his last few appearences were alreet!!! Believe this or not but it's a reliable source!!!

Meanwhile, Roeder has told fans not to expect any imminent arrivals. The United manager could go back in for Darren Bent after Charlton Athletic revealed their intention to sell yesterday but the bulk of Newcastle's dealing may be in the loan market. "There will be no activity before the weekend," he warned. "It's going to have to be a balance between trying to improve the quality with permanent signings and trying to find one or two loans to get us over the second half of the season. "They'll come in, provided they do well, with a view to making a permanent move." Shearer was 17 then, 35 now, and he finished as he started, scoring and winning

There are actually 2 totally unbelievable rumours of Taylor being traded to Chelsea for SWP and Martins on loan for either SWP or Shevchenko. You can tell it's "silly season".

Yeah a nutter of the highest order. Kudos for taking a dump in Lawro's bag though!