KaKa

I'll be getting Fabiano ...

 

And yes I do have my sources.

Have they ever been correct though?

Sure!

I'll be getting a number 9 with "Tottenham Slayer" on the back as well, just in case Fabiano opts for Tottenham instead.

I'll be getting Fabiano ...

And yes I do have my sources.

Weren't we late in our approach for Woodgate though? So they hardly stole him from us.

It's only been Modric so far and we can probably attribute that to the media coverage particularly out of Croatia.

Not sure I agree with you on this one.

Regarding Modric ..

"It is obvious by the fact we went in for Modric that there is some money there," Keegan said. "A lot of it has been put in the public domain – we were going to pay over three years and it was around £20m, so we were going to spend in this current year, something like £6.5m on that player, plus wages.

I think this is what has really set things off. He is clearly smarting from losing out to Spurs for him. Real shame looks like we had a great deal too.

Kevin Keegan reprimanded as Mike Ashley sets out vision

George Caulkin

Kevin Keegan will meet Mike Ashley this morning for talks aimed at “mapping out” Newcastle United's future. The manager, who has reiterated his long-term commitment to the club, can expect a reprimand over his recent comments but he, the owner and Dennis Wise, the executive director (football), will discuss transfer targets, funding and the separation of duties at St James' Park.

A senior figure at Newcastle has confirmed that Ashley - who has played a hands-off role at the club - Keegan and Wise will sift through a list of potential acquisitions, the money available for new signings and how best to utilise the talents at their disposal. If there has been a lack of clarity concerning positions and communication, that will also be addressed.

While the gathering, which will take place in London at 11am, has been billed as “not a crisis meeting”, Keegan's assertion last weekend that Newcastle are “a million miles” away from the “big four” clubs and his lack of input in their transfer policy or dialogue with Ashley has brought uncertainty back to Gallowgate.

The billionaire retailer is not enamoured with the publicity that Keegan's statement has brought, particularly when he had, in fact, met the 57-year-old in the light of Newcastle's 2-0 defeat by Chelsea on Monday. Keegan has welcomed Ashley's participation in the discussions today as “a good thing”.

The context is paramount. Ashley has owned Newcastle for less than a year, Chris Mort, the chairman and a lawyer, is new to football, while Keegan's appointment in January was closely followed by those of Wise, Tony Jimenez as vice-president (player recruitment) and Jeff Vetere as technical co-ordinator. With a new administrative structure in place, teething problems are inevitable.

Keegan has also expressed frustration at delays in opening contract talks with Michael Owen and Steven Taylor, but the club recognise the need for urgency. Ashley should also be aware that, with his choice of manager in place, supporters expect Keegan - who has transformed the mood - to be backed, financially and emotionally. In turn, he understands that planning is needed.

“I've never thought to myself, ‘What have I done by coming here?'” Keegan said. “I remember saying to Jean, my wife, after four or five weeks, when we'd not won a game, that there must have been a reason why I came back here and of course there is. It's a great club with a great support and a great future. But the future needs to be mapped out and planned. We all have to be working hard for that.”

Given Ashley's lack of public utterances, his decision-making cannot be predicted with any confidence, but the club have been investing time and money on long-term projects. Keegan hinted that he may stay at the club beyond the terms of his present deal. “I've got three years, I am looking forward to the next three years - at least - and you know I'll only be 60 then,” he said.

The gap between Newcastle and Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool has not seen his passion wane. “Definitely not,” he said. “The challenge is there for all of us. If you are a light-welterweight, you don't say you are going to win the heavyweight championship of the world. We have to build our muscles up first.

“I have really enjoyed coming back to the club I love. It's like a big ship; when it's listing, everything is exaggerated and it is a major problem. But when you turn it round, the momentum starts to go with you and it can go quicker than most clubs.”

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/article3897715.ece

He will never get a game in the middle of the park for us, if anything he will filter between left back and left midfield, like riise used to. He is worth no more than 10 million, id say about 7. At the moment he is a big fish in a small pond.

Liverpool fan?

I disagree. Barry will replace Alonso if he is succesfully signed. It will be Mascherano and Barry with Gerrard behind Torres.

Lampard moved to Chelsea when he was 21 tbf.

Still ... I respect Frank's game and he does score a hell of a lot of goals from midfield, but for me Barry is a better all round player right now even. If you put Barry on a team with the likes of Gerrard and torres and Mascherano he would be disgustingly good I feel. In the same way Lampard has greatly enjoyed the luxury of playing with Makelele, Essien and Drogba.

In regards to Alonso I think Benitez wants someone with a bit more toughness which is where Barry comes in.

If Barry moves to a top 4 club he will surprise a lot of people I think. High quality player who has surprisingly continued to maintain a high standard of play despite being with Villa through their tough times, and despite being moved around a fair bit position wise.

Carrick and Lampard we're seen to be okay players at their previous clubs too. I honestly think that of the three Barry has the most potential. He's fitter and more mobile and athletic than Frank and has more presence and strength than Carrick.

I like Barry. He's certainly as good as the Carricks and Lampards for sure.

ameobi at this rate... lol

klaas jan huntelaar? or would he be costing silly money?

 

There is no chance of us signing Huntelaar when teams like AC, Man Utd, Real Madrid and Barcelona are interested. I think it could be worth bringing Gudjohnsen back to England.

I'm not so sure. The Huntelaar hype really does seem to have died down quite a bit.

I think he will end up being one of those that goes to another team before the big clubs show any real interest.

I'm not sure they will cost more looking at the prices of Modric and Veloso, more likely they won't be worth f*** all in 3 years time.

Well I meant cost the club more in terms of higher wages and being of no further value to us after they are done, like you say.

What’s going on, United?

May 8 2008 by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle

KEVIN KEEGAN will meet Newcastle United club owner Mike Ashley and director of football Dennis Wise in London tomorrow.

There are all sorts of theories that Keegan is going to be hauled over the coals after his comments on Monday night and the defeat by Chelsea at St James’s Park, when the manager questioned which way the club was going.

But my information is that there will be no screaming match at tomorrow’s meeting and no parting of the ways from either party – and it is likely to end in handshakes all round.

I am told that Keegan has been summoned to London by Ashley to be reminded that when he was appointed in January he was informed of the direction the club was taking, and that things have not changed.

However, the situation is still bound to be causing the United fans concern and, after his Press conference for Sunday’s final match if the season at Everton was brought forward 24 hours to today, journalists were instructed only to ask questions about the proceedings at Goodison Park.

But United fans will want answers on what is rapidly becoming a worrying situation for them, as there was no official comment from the club today.

They have complete confidence in Keegan and they have welcomed Ashley and his No 17 black-and-white shirt into the fold.

But those fans know that this is Ashley’s first big chance to act in the transfer market in the close season so that a squad can be built which will get the club back to the right end of the table and even further in time.

One question often asked is if Keegan does leave St James’s Park, would Wise be installed as manager.

Well I have been told today that having being a manager with Swindon, Millwall and Leeds United, this is the last thing on Wise’s mind, especially as he has a young family in London.

Instead, Wise will continue beavering away in his role as director of football, and in the summer he will bring Geordie boy Alan Thompson back to St James’s Park.

The 34-year-old Thompson will take a coaching role looking after a certain age group at the United Academy as he gets the badges necessary to move further up the ladder.

Thompson was actually sold by Keegan to Bolton Wanderers for £250,000 in 1993 because he could not guarantee the local boy regular first-team football as he assembled a glittering array of inter-nationals.

http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/05/08/what-s-going-on-united-72703-20879530/

Now having read that and particularlyu the bit in bold, I can't help but feel that Keegan having been brought in and told of the direction i.e. younger upcoming talent, Keegan is now pushing for bigger and more established stars who cost more and who will not represent as much value.

St Etienne starlet Bafetimbi Gomis has revealed he would rather move to Italy than the Premier League.

 

The 22-year-old striker, labelled by some the new Didier Drogba, has really found his goal-scoring touch in the last two seasons with double figures on each occasion.

 

Newcastle have been strongly linked along with Bolton, whilst Marseille chairman Pape Diouf has stated his admiration for the young Frenchman.

 

In an interview with L'Equipe, Gomis stated he was attracted by a possible move to England - but revealed Serie A would be his preference.

 

"It is better to go to Italy playing than to England in a team at the bottom of the league," he said

 

"Anyway, I still have a lot of things to learn."

 

Next season

 

Gomis admits that he is very happy at St Etienne, particularly with coach Laurent Roussey - but he does not know whether he will be staying put or not.

 

"I am very happy to play for St Etienne, but I don't know if I will still be there next season," he continued.

 

"The coach did his best for me to stay last summer, and he has improved me a lot.

 

"I am very happy with him at the helm. His stay at the club will be an essential factor for my future."

 

Meanwhile, Senegal are ready to compete with France to cap Gomis - who is open to the idea of playing international football for either country.

 

"I don't have to choose between the French or Senegalese teams, as I have not been called yet," he insisted.

 

"The French team? It would be pretentious to ask for it, but I am not adverse to the French team."

 

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11678_3537575,00.html

Take that Bolton!

was that not where hugo 'flatter to deceive' viana came from?

Yes and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Nani came from there also.

What kind of cretin writes off a player based on him coming from a club where one of our less succesful players came from.

Bizare concept.

Not sure if its been posted but.

 

http://sport.setanta.com/en/Sport/News/Football/2008/05/08/BWINLiga-Veloso-chase-hots-up/

Newcastle United are understood to have entered the chase to sign Sporting star Miguel Veloso.

 

The highly-rated Portugal international has previously been linked with Manchester United and Tottenham but reports in his homeland claim Newcastle are the only club to make a firm approach for his services.

 

Sporting chief Filipe Soares Franco is extremely reluctant to allow the classy midfielder to leave and fresh terms are on the table in Lisbon.

 

However, sources suggest Newcastle are willing to offer around 20 million (around £15 million) for Veloso, with a five-year contract ready to be drawn up at St James' Park.

 

Sporting have previously suggested they would not sell for less than 30 million (£23.5 million) so any deal could still be a long way off.

 

Newcastle watched the 21-year-old in action during the Uefa Cup tie with Rangers at Ibrox and were impressed with his performance.

 

Nevertheless, manager Kevin Keegan has admitted it is difficult to persuade his targets to head for Tyneside with Luka Modric recently opting for Tottenham instead despite a more lucrative deal being tabled by The Magpies.

 

Keegan is to hold crunch talks with owner Mike Ashley after his recent comments about the harsh reality of the situation at the club amid reports that Dennis Wise and Tony Jimenez's thoughts on the transfer market differ to those of the manager

 

 

Now this would be some timely good news.

Classy player with a fantastic left foot. His set pieces are a thing of beauty.

Maybe it's about time we hired a manager who can't speak English.

Surely ths is the perfect solution?

You know, I totally agree with Keegan. You guys were talking about "The REAL test for Mort and Ashley" in another thread. Well, for me this is the real test. Ashley has no other option than to fork out some cash. What's he suppose to do? Sack the Messiah? mackems.gif

 

Well THAT would be the end for this club, surely!

 

It seems as though Ashley does not have the money to back his managers in the transfer market. After he bought the club and paid off the debt, it seems like little "Big Mike's" bank account is close to 0 (Zero). Really a shame! And you know what.. of all the people at the club, I have the most trust in Kevin Keegan.

 

I seriously doubt that.

However it is more likely that while the club is happy to spend big money on a Gomis they will not on an Henry.

This may be the sort of problem that is occurring.

He done nothing wrong, the media have had nothing to bash us with over the last few weeks with us being on that 7 game unbeaten run.  Lose to Chelsea and KK tells some home truths.  The media start playing soggy biscuit over us.

 

 

 

 

It seems the players weren't too impressed by Keegans words either. No one likes to hear their manager publicly telling the world his team are a million miles away from Chelsea and that we haven't got a hope of finishing in the top four in the next three years. It might be true but you don't have to moan about it in public.

 

 

Let me tell you what I found so surprising about all of this ... it's the fact that we played so well in the first half and we were actually the better team I thought!

We all know why the second half was so different, it was due to Viduka going off and Smith coming on and then Duff being introduced as we switched to a more traditional 4-4-2.

In other words all of this is Alan Smiths fault 

If the meeting is true one of two things will happen

 

Ashley will back KK with loads of funds in the transfer market or KK will be gone

Well at least it's the summer now so if we do have to start afresh with a new manager so be it.

It'll be thanks for keeping us up Kev and we'll just have to move on swiftly.

Just when things seemed to be calming down with the club and we were becoming relatively normal ... hey presto!

Pretty upsetting to be honest.

I don't care what Keegan was trying to achieve, he really didn't need to go about it the way he did and cause all this.

Kaka makes some good points, there are some top quality footballers out there and that seems to be the area Vetere has scouted, if you look over the past few years how many people who don't play FM had heard of the likes of Berbatov, Elano, Corluka, Kranjcar, Pedersen, Manuel Fernandes, Luis Valencia, Gelson Fernandes, Yakubu etc? Perhaps the football manager comment is harsh but I wouldn't say any of that lot is household names, the best thing about them though is that not only have they come over here and looked the part but they're are/were at a decent age when they got here so there was plenty of room for improvement.

 

Keegan on the other hand comes across as someone stuck in his ways and even though he's done well for us in the transfer market the last time I still have my doubts about what he'll come up with this time, talk of Riise and Wayne Bridge hardly set the pulse racing and my biggest worry is that's the sort of player he's going to go for, well known Premiership players who have hit their peak and will soon be on the way down.

 

It appears the club have gone about putting together a quality scouting network which will hopefully be as good as any in the Premiership yet Keegan comes across as not being happy to use it, which would be a waste.

 

Mort's comments in the match programme were spot on, for this club to ever move forward we need to sign players who are not only good enough now but who are nowhere near their peak and can get even better over the following years, players like Modric or any of the above when they first came over here who can possibly stay here for the next 10 years if they're good enough, not the likes of Henry who will need replacing in 2 years time.

 

Seems like there could be some truth in this going by the reports in the papers.

Wouldn't be at all surprised considering the scouting staff we've brought in who are clearly well equipped to identify and recruit some top upcoming talent in the world of football.

Keegan  isn't likely to be aware of a lotof these players and with his mantra of not signing plaayers he hasn't seen and wanting prem experienced players first and foremost it could be a bit tricky.

I just wish Kev could be a bit more open minded abou tthings tbh. I really would rather start brining in some top players of the right age rather than older established sorts who aren't going to be around for much longer.

Come on Kev get with the programme!

If only king Kev could keep his mouth shut because he's brought this all on himself.

 

I don't see it that way, he's made a few comments and people seem to be falling over each other to create something out of nothing.

A few comments he didn't need to make in public, which he should have known would be twisted to discredit the club. That is the whole point.

This is exactly why Keegan should have never made all those comments.

Drama at Newcastle once again and right when we should be focused on rebuilding the team.

Just great!

Christ whos Shola going to play for ...Fenham fc?....having said that i agree that he wouldve been better than Smith on monday...in fact could Shola in a 4 3 3 actually do better than if he was in a 4 4 2?

Don't you dare ...

Don't even let yourself believe it for one second. Pure fantasy.

Not a target for us, but i can't believe Roeder hasn't offered Huckerby a new contract

He's lined up Kuyt to replace him.