KaKa

I think Sam likes his DM's bigger than Chelsea's Diarra though.

Linked with Bolton today. Whatever happened to this kid? Wasn't he one of the next big things at some point?

Anyone still familiar with him. How has he been doing?

Think you meant 3-5-2 which you played at one point and which i think Sam might return to at Newcastle as has been rumoured to be the case.

 

We have never, repeat NEVER, played 3-5-2! Big Sam plays with ONE up front in a 4-5-1 formation.

 

Football: Bolton's lack of home comforts hurt Allardyce

 

Independent, The (London),  Jan 14, 2002  by Guy Hodgson

 

THE THREE flags waved as part of the pre-match entertainment had the wrong message below the Bolton Wanderers' crest. "I feel good", it read, which is some way from the truth. Worried, fearful, concerned maybe, but good, surely not.

 

Apprehension swirls in the biting wind at the Reebok and with good reason. Bolton have 24 points this season which is about eight more than most people outside Lancashire expected them to have in January, but 20 were accrued before November was out. Since then it has been a weak midwinter for Sam Allardyce's team.

 

This result, grafted from the unpromising position of twice being a goal down, spoke volumes for Bolton's spirit, but the lack of a win shouted even more. Slowly, inexoriably, they are being dragged into a relegation battle they thought they might avoid when they headed the Premiership in September.

 

The reason is not difficult to find for their supporters have had the weakness laid bare before them: Bolton do not get enough from their home matches. Two wins, 11 points and nine goals is relegation form. No wonder the second part of the club's name is Wanderers.

 

"We have to start winning games," the manager Allardyce conceded. "We had the two good opportunities before Chelsea had a sniff and if we had gone ahead I think we would have been resolute enough to hang on for three points. But all of a sudden the Premiership kicks in and the quality of the player punishes you."

 

The frustrating thing for the home supporters was that they knew all about the quality of the player who inflicted most of the damage. Eidur Gudjohnsen had two seasons at the Reebok before he was transferred to Chelsea and on Saturday, without his normal foil, the injured Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, he was a plane above every one but the inimitable Gianfranco Zola.

 

Strong and inventive, he lit up the first half and transformed the second with a goal of power and simplicity. He passed to the right wing and then exploited the doziness of Bruno N'Gotty when Mario Stanic returned the compliment to turn and shoot low into the corner.

 

The second Chelsea goal, too, had few frills - a thumping drive from Mikael Forssell - which contrasted with the anxious fretting at the other end. Kevin Nolan got his just desserts with the second equaliser, but him apart only Michael Ricketts appeared to have the necessary aplomb. His goal was a poacher's pounce on a ricochet and a lovely dribble round Carlo Cudicini.

 

"I think he's done enough to warrant a look at by England," Allardyce said. "He's got 14 goals now, and we don't create as many chances as the bigger sides, so his ratio of goals per chances is fantastic. At the moment centre-forwards of his size and stature are not scoring so he's worth a look at."

 

Imagine a strike force of Ricketts and Gudjohnsen, who Wanderers had to let go to help the club's financial problems, and you understand why Bolton goes to sleep to the sound of sobbing. I feel good? Make that desperately wishing for what might have been.

 

Goals: Gudjohnsen (52) 0-1; Ricketts (55) 1-1; Forssell (65) 1-2; Nolan (78) 2-2.

 

Bolton Wanderers (3-5-2): Jaaskelainen 5; Diawara 6, Bergsson 6, N'Gotty 5 (Barness 5, 77); Southall 5, Nolan 7, Frandsen 6 (Gardner 5, 71), Farrelly 6, Charlton 6; Ricketts 6, Pedersen 5 (Bobic 5, 56). Substitutes not used: Johnson, Poole (gk).

 

Chelsea (4-4-2): Cudicini 6; Melchiot 5, Terry 6, Desailly 6, Le Saux 5; Stanic 5, Morris 6 (Jokanovic 5, 76), Lampard 6, Dalla Bona 6; Zola 7 (Forssell 6, 64), Gudjohnsen 7. Substitutes not used: Ferrer, Keenan, De Goey (gk).

 

Referee: J Winter (Stockton-on-Tees) 7.

 

Booking: Chelsea: Stanic.

 

Attendance: 23,891.

 

Man of the match: Gudjohnsen.

 

Copyright 2002 Independent Newspapers UK Limited

Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning Company. All rights Reserved.

 

I think if we lose Martins and end up with Owen, Eidur, Viduka and Ameobi then he would be well worth bringing in. This is because if Owen is injured it would be good to have another striker who offers us the type of pace we would lack, which Ritgers would do.

Would probably be bad news for Ameobi but so be it. We could then alternate between Owen and Rigters for samller faster strikers and Gudjohnsen and Viduka for a striker with more presence.

This is one of my fears about Allardyce. He will probably build a squad around his desired formation but some of our better players on paper like Duff and Owen would probably operate better in a 4-4-2.

 

He WILL build a squad around his desired formation. Remember we had Jay Jay Ockocha and Youri Djorkaeff in the same team and they were expected to fit into the 3-5-1 formation!

Think you meant 3-5-2 which you played at one point and which i think Sam might return to at Newcastle as has been rumoured to be the case.

If Owen stays I don't see him playing in a three man attack. He wouldn't be happy playing there and I don't think it would suit him, either. I think Duff, Dyer, N'Zogbia and Luque could potentially play as wing-forwards in that 4-3-3 system but I could never see Owen doing it. He's a predatory finisher who needs to be playing off the shoulder of the last defender.

 

Anelka is also a 'predatory finisher' who plays on the shoulder of the last defender. When we bought him, everyone expected Big Sam to switch to 4-4-2 with Davies and Anelka up front, but instead we got Davies on the right and Diouff playing on the left of a front three. Anelka played a lone striker role and was expected to hold the ball up as Kevin Davies had done before. Big Sam has always played 4-5-1/4-3-3 at every single club he's been at from Blackpool to Notts County and then Bolton. If he was prepared to play Anelka as a lone striker then you can bet he will do the same with Owen! It was a source of constant frustration to most BWFC supporters that Big Sam refused to adopt a more flexible approach!

Anelka is half decent at holding the ball up though. Owen just isn't physicaaly capable. Allardyce also was familiar with the 3-5-2 at the clubs he has coached in and I think there is a chance he will adopt this system.

Ohmelads I think we have quite a few players that would suit that system and so I think it would benefit the whole team and not just Owen.

trotter58 nice to have you on here.

The formation thing is interesting. I think Sam loves to have his 3 central midfielders, and because Owen doesn't really work in the 4-5-1/4-3-3 I think there is a strong possibility that we play the 3-5-2.

I remember him playing this formation at Bolton at times. How did it pan out for you guys? Do you recall this at all?

Very promising stuff and a pretty exciting read ...

 

Plotting a course

for success

 

 

Pre-season preparations are in full swing

 

 

From The Sun, Saturday, Sam Allardyce quoted about the construction of a planning centre for him and his staff at the club's Darsley Park training ground:

 

"The war room we had at Bolton was where we worked out all our strategies and planning.

 

“There would be a staff of 22 in there, comprising coaches, physios, psychologists, masseurs, even the kit man.

 

“Everyone made a contribution and everyone was equal. We could be there three hours sometimes and no one else was allowed in.

 

“We would talk about our players’ strengths and weaknesses, their mental toughness or lack of it, the lot.

 

"We would look at videos, stats and anything relevant. We would also discuss the opposition and examine their players as well.

 

“We would write our objectives for the short and long term on the wall and go back to them at various points of the season to see what we had achieved, where we had gone wrong and what we needed to do. Nothing was left to chance.

 

“Professional football is a huge industry, very important to thousands of people’s lives — particularly in a football-crazy city like Newcastle.

 

“You must not leave any stone unturned if you are going to be successful.

 

“The war room was where we worked it all out and it will be a fundamental part of making Newcastle a team to be reckoned with.

 

“To achieve what I need for Newcastle, we have to do it my way or there’s no point me being here.

 

“I’m used to people laughing and mocking me and then proving them wrong.

 

“At Bolton I was accused of buying mercenaries. But if they had been, they would not have been so committed to the club.

 

“I was criticised for signing old men past their best. Yet those saying that didn’t know what they were talking about.

 

“We signed a World Cup winner in Youri Djorkaeff and he was magnificent for us when no one else was prepared to gamble on him. I brought in Jay-Jay Okocha, Ivan Campo, Kevin Davies and Bruno N’Gotty, all of whom were under 30, and the only one who cost us a fee was N’Gotty at £500,000.

 

“That lot together nowadays would cost you more than £20m and they could all play.

 

“But any manager will tell you the pool of top-class players is getting smaller. Football just is not developing the way it used to.

 

"They used to roll off a production line in Holland. Not any more. Germany is suffering the same as we are in England.

 

“Portugal is the best place for young talent now but we’re all like piranhas trying to get in there.

 

"Africa turns out some phenomenal players, yet they cost a fortune. It means you have to work even harder to get the right players. But I must make Newcastle the place everyone wants to be.”

 

http://www.nufc.com/

 

Most overrated player in the world bar Torres.

See I kind of agree with you in a way.

I'm not sure he is so good that all the top clubs will be clamouring for him as he turns 30, but I do think he would improve our team a lot.

I think he is a really good player, but certainly not one of the best in the world. He isn't on the level of the Kaka's etc.

times a million.

Too cheeky?

So Barcelona want Lampard but they will not go for him until they sell Deco who it appears is available at Barca.

There hasn't really been any speculation regarding teams going after Deco. Do you think it would be worth a go? Do you think we would have a chance? Finally, do you think this is something we are looking into while at Barcelona?

What's not to like if we get this guy?

 

You?

Harsh.

I'm a lovely guy really. Just a tad exictable. No more Motta I promise ... well until he signs.

 

Motta's comming to Newcastle I tell thee!

 

Only 25 years young and injury free!

 

Did I mention he was left-footed also? Can never have too many of those. Nice balance in midfield with Barton, which will hopefully be rounded off with the addition of Alou Diarra.

 

We can make this thing work if you believe with me people!

 

Please believe!

I guess you are aware that if Motta does sign for NU, and turns out to be the biggest flop in the history of the club, this thread will be brought back up? You will have to take the blame, or at least you will be slated (either for a lack in football knowledge or for being vain, i.e. for wanting to be right). Still, I agree that Motta would be an almost infinitely better signing that Edmilson.

Look ... he will be fairly cheap both transfer fee wise and wages wise. He is no doubt a talented individual who is still young, so of course I would be happier bringing him in.

How he will do is difficult to say, but I like his chances with Sam at the helm. If it doesn't quite work out it doesn't look as if it will cost us a great deal anyway.

What's not to like if we get this guy?

probably rubbish tbh.

It's a very strong possibility though. Weren't you guys interestred in Alan Smith as well?

Bent, Keane, Defoe & Smith next season?

Imagine if they got both Berbatov and Owen ... yikes.

I will laugh so hard ... oh my God!

Tottenham fans, and believe me I know quite a few, have been so arrogant about the whole thing throughout too.

The signs have been pointing this way though ...

Gave Robbie Keane a new contract, but not Berbatov.

Then pay what has to be considered a large amount of money to Charlton for Bent to sit on the bench? Unlikely ...

I actually don't really want this to happen because I like to see really good players stick with teams outside the top 4. However Spurs probably deserve this if it happens.

Motta's comming to Newcastle I tell thee!

Only 25 years young and injury free!

Did I mention he was left-footed also? Can never have too many of those. Nice balance in midfield with Barton, which will hopefully be rounded off with the addition of Alou Diarra.

We can make this thing work if you believe with me people!

Please believe!

I don't really want Motta here either. Haven't seen much of him, he looks a good player but he's missed a lot of his career through injury. As a club dogged by injury crises it's about time we stopped buying this type of player.

Had one knee injury a while ago that he has long since recovered from. Any other injuries have been niggles. He is a talented player with potential as he is only 25 this year. On a free or a minimal fee which is what he will be on by all accounts he is well worth it.

He will be a younger version of Campo for us.

Is this thread real? Or a figment of my imagination?

I want those 2 minutes of my life back NOW!!!

If Oba wants to go to Arsenal he will never sign a new deal with us. If he does it will be because he has decided to stay with us.

I for one hope we don't start offering him a ridiculous contract i.e. £90,000 a week or something stupid like that just to make sure he stays with us rather than join Arsenal. If he wants to go then let him, as long as we move quickly for another striker we will be fine.

The Marca quotes basically say Barca haven't received any offer from Newcastle, he hopes Edmilson recovers above all for the player's happiness and so he can get playing again, and confirmed he expects the player to be back before the end of this year.

And the El Mundo Deportivo carrying the same quotes, they are usually Barca's mouthpiece.

Motta!! Motta!!

Slowly but surely ... the revolution has indeed begun!

THIAGO MOTTA!!!

I see that as the usual talk you get from clubs. Barca would be happy if we came in with a bid and took him off their hands to be honest, he's hardly vital to them and they're paying his wages to p*ss about in the gym until December. They tend to move their older players on anyway, Van Bronckhorst has just left and already been replaced by Malouda.

Abidal not Malouda.

The Marca quotes basically say Barca haven't received any offer from Newcastle, he hopes Edmilson recovers above all for the player's happiness and so he can get playing again, and confirmed he expects the player to be back before the end of this year.

MOTTA!!!

And before you start Kaka, he hasn't turned around and said, "It's actually Motta they've asked about".

The beginning of the end for you sir ...

My money is on that you're talking b*llocks again.

 

It's Edmilson man.

 

-I am yet to be proved wrong and you are yet to be proved right.

 

-Yet you speak with such venom, aggression and spite.

 

-You are no doubt envious of my wisdom and foresight.

 

-And soon enough I will most likely be proved right.

 

-At which point you will feel as though you have been shat(?)upon form a great height.

 

*An original ditty by KaKa

you suck

You've got to let it sink in man. That stuff is deep. You can't rush through it like that.

By this time tomorrow you'll love it. I promise.

My money is on that you're talking b*llocks again.

 

It's Edmilson man.

-I am yet to be proved wrong and you are yet to be proved right.

-Yet you speak with such venom, aggression and spite.

-You are no doubt envious of my wisdom and foresight.

-And soon enough I will most likely be proved right.

-At which point you will feel as though you have been shat(?)upon form a great height.

*An original ditty by KaKa