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Why are we so crap in the second half?

Butt O.G!

"Poor defending by Rozehnal".

That's that.

Fee agreed according to Southgate.

Rafa's gone if it stays like that.

Smith off the line! Am I hearing things?

Looks like a cracking player to me. Keegan said he wanted Premiership players only although didn't rule out exceptional players from overseas - clearly this describes Modric. Any foundation to this?

According to everyone's favourite journalist they are Woodgate, Bentley and Defoe: Woody waits on Keegan Jan 26 2008 by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle MIDDLESBROUGH defender Jonathan Woodgate has stalled on a £7m move to Spurs – and could yet get his wish to play for Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United. Jonathan Woodgate It is believed that United last night contacted Boro chairman Steve Gibson about the 28-year-old England international, although neither club would confirm this today. Spurs had their bid accepted by Middlesbrough for Woodgate yesterday and they were expecting the former Leeds United, Newcastle United and Real Madrid defender to travel to London. But Woodgate did not make the journey with Middlesbrough, saying it was because of treatment for an injury which kept him out of their FA Cup fourth-round tie at Mansfield today. However, sources close to Woodgate say he would love the chance to play again for Keegan – the man who handed him the first of his six England caps against Bulgaria in 1999. The Chronicle revealed United's interest in their former central defender on Wednesday, but yesterday it looked as though he was on his way to Spurs. But the fact that Woodgate is prepared to turn his back on the bright lights of London, and the chance to play for a Spurs side which is on the way up, is testimony to the pulling power of Keegan. I was told at the beginning of the week that Keegan's three targets were Woodgate, Jermain Defoe and David Bentley – and what a difference this little trio would make to the United squad. But it looks like Woodgate is the best bet. Cockney boy Defoe is very much a home bird, yet he was ready to join United a couple of years ago when his former West Ham boss Glenn Roeder was in charge at St James’s Park. And as far as Bentley is concerned, Blackburn Rovers have made it very clear that they will pull out all the stops to keep their England winger. This leaves Woodgate, and the prospect of a central defensive pairing with England Under-21 skipper Steven Taylor certainly looks very appealing. But the ball is very much in the court of Middlesbrough now. Gareth Southgate and Steve Gibson know that Woodgate is not happy at the Riverside Stadium – and so do the Boro supporters. Woodgate is injured at the moment but he hopes to be fit for next weekend – when Middlesbrough come to St James’s Park for their Tyne-Tees derby on Sunday lunch-time. With the transfer window slamming shut again on Thursday, everything has to be sorted out before then. Middlesbrough would not want Woodgate to play against them if a move to United was completed, but any transfer would be permanent and really they would be powerless to stop it.

Isn't he always? A great player when he plays although I'm not sure what to think about this.....

From .com: Incoming: Woodgate on way back? We hear that Jonathan Woodgate is on his way back to Tyneside after the player rejected an offer from Tottenham. Confirmation had come on Friday that former Magpies defender Woodgate had been given permission by his club Middlesbrough to speak with Spurs over a transfer. This followed a public statement from the Riverside on Thursday that no bids had been received for any of Southgate's smoggie squad at that point - amid media claims that Newcastle were looking at Woodgate. Other sources claimed that Newcastle had enquired about the 28 year-old Teessider earlier this week, but thought he was over-valued at the allegedly-quoted £8m. Should Woodgate return, it might have implications for Cacapa - current wearer of the no.6 shirt. When Woodgate left Newcastle for Real Madrid for £13.4m in August 2004, Freddy Shepherd declared that his shirt would be kept ready for his return. We'll see....

Looks to be on!

Now Pablo Aimar - although this would again contradict what Keegan said in the Journal today as he has no Premiership experience: Liverpool & Newcastle Interested In Real Zaragoza’s Aimar: Report Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly eyeing up a move for Real Zaragoza playmaker Pablo Aimar. The 28-year-old Argentina international had played under Benitez at Valencia, but moved to Zaragoza in July 2006. According to the Liverpool Echo, Benitez is alerted of the availability of Aimar and as such the Spaniard is weighing a swoop and with £9m reportedly being close to be available from Momo Sissoko’s immiment move out of Anfield, the Merseysiders could make the move before the transfer window shuts next Thursday. Newcastle United are also reportedly interested in Aimar, who was once dubbed by Argentina legend Diego Maradona as his “legitimate successor as the world's best player."

Ian Holloway always tells it as it is: TOUCHLINE SPAT WITH GLENN ROEDER During Leicester's 0-0 draw at Norwich last Saturday. He was bang out of order. He came down out of the stand and swore at me and said 'stop trying to get people sent off you...something or other'. I wasn't (trying to get anyone sent off). My goalie, Ben Alnwick, had got two-footed by Darel Russell, reacted unprofessionally and dived on the bloke, which he had no reason to do. And then this melee happened. Clarky (Norwich assistant manager Lee Clark), who I know really well, was saying my goalie should be sent off - so he was trying to get someone red carded - and he had a laugh about it with me. Then his manager came running down after another two-footed tackle by Darel Russell, who is sometimes a bit over-competitive - although I love that in people. He really wants to win and I haven't got a problem with that. I just pointed out to the referee that it was another two-footed tackle but I didn't try to get him sent off. I was complaining about the tackle on my goalie. So Glenn came down shouting at me and he was bang out of order. He did it for effect, he did it to affect the fans around him, and I more than told him so. I said 'who the hell do you think you are?' after the game. But never mind. Good luck to him and good luck to his team. They clawed their way back from five points adrift at the bottom of the table, so well done to them.

Where did you see the Barnes link?

The odds of Smith scoring or those two fit, playing in the first team. Which odds are longer?

Spot on. Think so too.

From .com: Ex-Mag: Woodgate Spurs talks Confirmation came on Friday that former Magpies defender Jonathan Woodgate had been given permission by his club Middlesbrough to speak with Spurs over a transfer. This follows a public statement from the Riverside on Thursday that no bids had been received for any of Southgate's smoggie squad at that point - amid media claims that Newcastle were looking at Woodgate. Other sources claimed that Newcastle had enquired about the 28 year-old Teessider earlier this week, but thought he was over-valued at the allegedly-quoted £8m.

Uncle Alan says theres "interest" from KK: KK hails Smith – and knows his strengths Jan 25 2008 by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle KEVIN KEEGAN has already decided Alan Smith’s best position – but he will not say where he plans to play the England international in tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth-round tie with Arsenal at The Emirates. Smith was used in several positions by Sam Allardyce after paying £6m to bring him to St James’s Park from Manchester United. And as a result, he has not produced his best form in a black-and-white shirt. However, when I asked Keegan today what Smith’s best position was, he immediately replied: “Up front.” However, he added: “Alan Smith is one of those guys who can play anywhere, even if goal if you ask him, but I don’t think Shay given need worry about anything at Arsenal tomorrow. “I had Alan Smith with me when I was with England – I think in the Under-21s – and he is a great guy to have around.” Smith was the United captain on their last visit to the Emirates, and he was also Allardyce’s last skipper. But while Keegan has already said Michael Owen will again lead the team out tomorrow, Smith will be lifted by his manager’s support for him. Smith and Nicky Butt are free from suspension, but Emre will sit out both matches against Arsenal before being available again for the Tyne-Tees derby with Middlesbrough at St James’s Park a week on Sunday. And as far as injuries are concerned, Keegan said today that he is not certain whether Viduka will be ready to return tomorrow or wait for the Premier League match at the Emirates on Tuesday. Keegan has explained why he will not consider Joey Barton at the moment even if his bail conditions allow the £5.8m man to play for United. The United boss said: “Joey is working his socks off in his bid to get back to full fitness and all credit to him on this score. “But he is obviously lacking in match fitness and I cannot put him ahead of other players who are match fit. “He needs games, but this is something I cannot give him at the moment, and if he is at the match tomorrow it will be purely as a spectator.” Keegan woke up headlines today from Pascal Chimbonda saying that he was walking out of Spurs to join United. There is interest from Keegan in the pacey French right-back, but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be done with the player and his agent Willie McKay. One deal United fans will be hoping is soon done and dusted is a new improved contract for Oba Martins which would remove that £13m get-out clause from his situation. :: GEORDIE striker Andy Carroll today confessed that even a place on the bus to the Emirates Stadium tomorrow would mean the world to him. The young striker blasted home a hat-trick for the Reserves against Middlesbrough in midweek. “I’d love to just get on the bus for the trip to Arsenal,” he said. “There are many injuries, so I’d be delighted to get on the bench.”

From The Daily Smog: Spurs home in on Woodgate Jan 25 2008 by Anthony Vickers and Adam Steel, Evening Gazette Jonathan Woodgate SPURS were today set to open transfer talks with Boro defender Jonathan Woodgate. The London outfit were given permission to discuss personal terms with the classy England stopper after the clubs agreed a fee believed to be in the region of 8m. Tottenham boss Juande Ramos is rebuilding his defence and wants the cultured Boro-born stopper to be the king-pin in that. Woodgate had been linked with interest from Newcastle and the club insisted they were not under any pressure to sell the centre-back to balance the books or fund a move for Brazilian striker Afonso Alves. But Boro boss Gareth Southgate also stressed that he was ready to shuffle his squad if he thought it was to the long-term benefit of the club. Woodgate arrived at Boro on a loan term loan from Real Madrid in August 2006 as he looked to rebuild his career after a serious injury and was outstanding as he helped the club to Premiership safety. He sealed a permanent 7m move in May but since then his career at Boro has stalled with renewed injury lay-offs and a struggle for full fitness. In the meantime Boro have been blessed in central defence with the emergence of David Wheater and return to fitness of Robert Huth and Emanuel Pogatetz and clearly now find a Spurs offer too tempting to refuse. The news that Boro are willing to sell may tempt Newcastle to firm up their interest with a concrete offer to take him back to St James Park. Kevin Keegan is a big fan of Woodgate and gave him his international debut at the age of 19. Southgate, meanwhile, believes there is a “pretty good chance” of Boro signing Afonso Alves but efforts to sign Fred appear dead. Boro are yet to agree a fee with Heerenveen for Alves but Southgate is optimistic that a deal will go through in time to beat the transfer deadline. Chairman Steve Gibson and chief executive Keith Lamb are currently trying to reach an agreement with the Eredivisie outfit over an acceptable price tag. The Dutch FA’s ruling that Alves did not sign a binding contract with AZ Alkmaar has left the door open for Boro, who will have to pay a club record fee to land him. Southgate said: “I think the chances of getting Alves are pretty good. I can’t put a time scale on it. Keith and Steve are dealing with that and dealing with Heerenveen but obviously we had to wait for the outcome of the court case to progress. Most of the parties are willing but we have to try to agree a fee with the club and that is not going to be straightforward. “Eighteen million euros was the fee agreed with AZ Alkmaar but the player doesn’t want to go there.” The Gazette’s latest on-line poll reveals 44% of fans would sell Jonathan Woodgate while 48% wouldn’t and 8% would sell only to fund a new striker.

Very bitter from The Smog Gazette: Rumour Alert.... Woody Wanted? Posted by on January 23, 2008 10:37 AM | Permalink SUGGESTIONS on Tyneside are that Kevin Keegan is poised to make a bid for Jonathan Woodgate. Those good old "sources close to the club" up there have let it be known that far from all out attacking football, cavalier Keegan's priority is to shore up the defence and - no doubt encouraged by Mad Mike Ashley's five thousand strong away day focus group that is now running the club - Woody is the number one target. A good transfer rumour has to tick a lot of boxes. It has to make some sense for both clubs to be believeable and develop a life of its own in a lot of ways this one does that. Woodgate is a cultured defender with international experience and so much quality he made Titus Barmble look good last time he was there. He is still very highly rated by the fans at Sid James' Park, he played under Keegan for England, they are a club with money to better his Boro wages, he has some good friends already in the team up there and could commute easily. Meanwhile Boro are well endowed in central defence with Huth-Wheater-Pogatetz and while a fully fit Woody is the crown jewel of the backline he has struggled to reach a state on injury-free efficiency this term. And if, as we have discussed before on here, some of the higher value chips must be cashed in to fund Alves then some may calculate that it should rather be Woody than Downing. It would leave Boro needing a left back but arguably that is a priority area for cover already and a reshuffle may just bring that investment forward. And it should be remembered that for all the emphasis on attacking, Kamikaze Keegan's first signing at Newcastle last time was a shaggy haired central defender too. He splashed out £250,000 to snap up footballing grebo Brian 'Killer' Kilcline, a purchase that stemmed the flow of goals against and helped build a platform for the all out attacking football that was to follow. Of course, this all just conjecture. There has been no bid, nor yet even any formal inquiry. But it is a word from sources that are usually very well informed. So on a par with Downing to Spurs stories then, although not yet with the persistence. There may be nothing in it but we are fast approaching the witching hour, transfer window wise and anything can happen.

how old is the bugger these days? 68 I think.

1 defender 1 creative midfielder And 1 fast right winger would do very nicely. Totally impossible but we'd be a different team with Richards, Carrick and Bentley. Big Mike might need to sell a few more Lonsdale tops though!

Signings are no.1 priority Jan 21 2008 by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle KEVIN KEEGAN will concentrate on strengthening his squad this week – and push all talk of adding to his backroom staff into the background. Kevin Keegan The $64,000 question in football today is whether Alan Shearer will be joining the man who brought him back to his native Tyneside from Blackburn Rovers as his No 2. But Shearer has gone to Uganda to do some charity work for homeless youngsters and it is unlikely he will have any contact with Keegan this week. This will allow Keegan, who only had 10 senior outfield players at his disposal against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday, to focus on bringing some much-needed new blood to St James’s Park. And he knows that he is facing a race against time with the transfer window slamming shut again in just 10 days’ time. When I asked KK if he had made any decision on his backroom staff, he told me: “Not yet. Obviously my first priority now is to see if we can get anyone in. “The players are saying ‘we need players’, and if the players are saying that, and I’m saying that, you can be assured we’ve got a small, but good quality, squad. “There were only 16 players we could pick against Bolton. When the African guys come back, and the guys who are suspended come back, we’ll have a strong squad if we can get one or two in. “That’s what you need in the Premiership.” However, one familiar face has already joined Keegan at St James’s Park. Arthur Cox, who signed Keegan for Newcastle and was part of his team during his first managerial spell at United, will take up a role in his new regime. I was surprised when Keegan came back to United and equally surprised when “Coxie” decided to retire from football with Manchester City. For in all my time covering Newcastle I have never met anyone in football who loves the games as much as Arthur Cox. And it is clearly Cox’s wisdom which Keegan will be banking on at St James’s Park where, like Terry McDermott, he may or may not be given an official title. It will come as no surprise that Keegan is surrounding himself with people he knows, and while he concentrates on signing players he knows, he will have to decide on the massive backroom staff he inherited from Sam Allardyce. I am told there are 23 of them and it is highly unlikely that they will be kept on under the new regime.

An article from nearly 4 years ago - easy to see Keegan rated him: Keegan to lose Van Buyten Manchester City boss Kevin Keegan admits they will struggle to hold on to on-loan defender Daniel van Buyten. The Belgian will stay at City until the end of the season but Keegan fears his displays will attract other clubs. "He is a terrific player and I don't think we will keep him at the end of the season as I feel he will go to a big club then," said Keegan. "The deal we have is not tight and other teams are sure to nip in," he told the Manchester Evening News. Keegan added: "Anyone who watched him against Chelsea can't fail to have been impressed."