Minhosa

I'd be just as happy with Geremi to be honest.

Think you are right Ian. Shame as he has all the attributes of a Sam type signing. I can't think of anyone (that we can realistically get) that I'd rather have at right back TBH.

Why's that? Just wondering. Would be interesting to find out where you'd play him... presumably you'd have the idea of selling someone first? He'd be my attacking midfielder in a 4-3-3 formation with 2 of Butt, Barton and Emre just behind him, if he stayed fit he'd easily get into double figures in a season and has the potential to create just as many IMO. Viduka, Tevez and Martins up front. But what about Shola?

My thoughts too. I'd like one of Baines/Shorey/Boko (Think he's the Ivory Coast LB?) here along with Geremi as a cert at right back. Geremi is such a good player and has wasted his talent a bit at Chelsea IMO. Great strength, skill and versatility. Waste if he goes back to the Boro. Regardless of who we do actually pursue I reckon Sam will realise he's desperately short at full back and I hope he sorts this next.

Me too, didn't expect but I was just reading this thread when they said he was on the phone so I thought I summarise what he said for those who don't have Sky.

God knows mate but that's what he said. I typed as he was talking so it probably makes no sense at all. If you need anything clarifying let me know!

In summary, here is what he said:- - good week - Viduka gives everyone a lift - he's a great talent, can get goals and lots of experience. - More than just a goalscorer - Liked him since his Celtic days - Great business for the club - NUFC had a disapointing season, part of his remit to change that and sort injury record - Hopes the Viduka signing plays a part in helping Freddie recover - Barton nearly there, hoping to complete in 2 days - Wishes Scott Parker well in his move to WHU - Confident he can handle Barton and his baggage - Ashley and him met briefly at ground/facilities. Not sure what's happening financially yet as they only met for a few minutes - Hopes more signings to follow. Hopes that there'll be another few signings starting with Defenders being the key area. - Wouldn't mention the Ben Haim link - Owen etc will be a strong forward line.

Sam live on SSN talking about Viduka buy!

I'd take him if only to bin Carr. He'd be a useful addition to squad and has a good fitness record and limited disciplinary problems. For £2m we could do A LOT worse!

The majority of the shots would go over or wide though. My thoughts exactly. Couldn't stand the bloke shooting on site myself. He wasted so many 'play building' opportunities it was unreal. He was to build up play what Scott Parker is to the Attacking Centre Midfield role. I was delighted we got rid of him. Comparing him to Parker is bollocks, at his peak he was immense for us. Yes a lot of his long ranges efforts wouldn't go in but he would score a fair amount of goals and get a very good amount of assists. The fact that he could shoot from 40 yards with a decent chance of it going in made him and exciting player and someone you would let off for having a go. Would I? Fuck off Gejon - you just don't like people disagreeing with you. Not a patch on Ginola for skill, flair and excitment.

The majority of the shots would go over or wide though. My thoughts exactly. Couldn't stand the bloke shooting on site myself. He wasted so many 'play building' opportunities it was unreal. He was to build up play what Scott Parker is to the Attacking Centre Midfield role. I was delighted we got rid of him.

Les Ferdinand.

Nice that it appears he leaving on good terms. He was hardly welcomed with open arms but he gave his all and chipped in with some important goals. Best of luck Sibbers.

Its not - is it?

Surely the daft wonky faced git is on a wind up? You can just imagine Lampards Agent now............ Agent: "Oh yes Frank, we'd better pass on the word to journalisms very own "Mr Big" up North about the interest from Spain" Lampard: "Who's that? One of the tabloid boys? Sun? Mirror? or how about the Times, they're normally bang on with rumours" Agent: "Errrr No, they're based down south Frankie, this guy has got sources all over the shop and has some readership figures. People ringing him from all over, never off the phone apparently" Lampard: "Ok then, have a word but make sure it get plenty of coverage, I'm sick of being called a fat bastard by all the English fans" Fucks Sakes! If he was off to Real Madrid don't you think it'd be ALL over every national and some piddly regional paper? As for Dyer as Lampards replacement? Obviously, as Frank has averaged about 20 goals a season for the last three years Kieron will be the perfect replacement, what with this thunderous shots from distance and his clinical eye for goal. Jesus :'(.

He's got some pedigree for £4m when you think how much Nugent and the likes will cost this pre-season. I'm not sure about him though mainly because of his disruptive attitude. Do we really need another moody frenchman?

A lad in my office is a Charlton season ticket holder and they have promised to give their fans the following season (2008/09) free if they get promoted back to the Premiership as long (as they renewed by end of April 07) next year. Charlton chief executive Peter Varney said: "As we said at the time, the response we received from supporters before the deadline on April 30th was extraordinary, and we are extremely grateful for such backing. "By keeping season-ticket prices at the same price for Championship football we obviously want to encourage as many fans as possible to become season-ticket holders. "But we are also very keen that the loyalty shown by those 17,000 fans is rewarded which is why, apart from the U11 category, only those who acted before the deadline will qualify for our special potentially free season-ticket offer should we return to the Premiership at the first attempt - as we intend to do so.” http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=30861

Its difficult to say whether I would've kept any of them on when we don't know who the replacements are going to be (or indeed if Big Sam gets the faces he wants through the door). If he doesn't we might be criticising him for letting 3 centre backs go. That said, I'm sure he will. I think its a shame Gooch went without a good run in the side nor a regular partner when he did play. Whilst he didn't look a world beater he didn't look dreadful and with the time to acclimatise to the Premier League he could have established himself as a decent partner to an experienced centre back along side. As for Bramble, I would've been interested to see what Allardyce could've done with him at Bolton and that still stands now that he's at the Toon. There's no question he's had plenty of time to sort out his toddler-like concentration though, so fair do's.

No ta. All the Arsenal fans down here haven't had a good word to say about him for 18 months.

Aye

How does everyone feel about this? Kevin Bond getting sacked and Allardyce (who was the star of the show, arguably) getting appointed seems a bit off the wall to me. Has he actually sued them or not? Anyway, does this put anyone off the appointment of Sam or not?

Aye because kids, with nowt to do on their summer holidays, going down to SJP, to make a £17,000,000 signing feel welcome, is embarassing. Righto. No one complained when it was Shearer. Not bothered whether you agree or not NSG. Most people that are interviewed at these things look like a bunch of bamps and don't really reflect that, in my opinion, we have one of the most knowledgeable crowds going.

There are in that you don't see best part of 20,000 of them turning up when a player is signed.

Agree Jol. Carvalho ahead of either Ferdinand or Vidic for me.

Not trying to be an internet hardman at all. Just find it embarrasing and a sad reflection for people who don't know what Newcastle is really like.