KaKa

Just to add ... If Tiago keeps being a pansy about coming back to Engalnd or joingin Newcastle, I would like for us to try for De La Red. Double deal for both De La Red and Saviola would be very nice.

Agree completely. hadn't thought about it the shak puts it there before but i like it yeah, a strikeforce of pace, power & technique built around playing it on the floor as he rightly points out the CM would be key though Thinking about it further I would actually leave Owen in the hole as he was last season, and allow Martins and Saviola to really stretch teams with their pace, with Owen arriving late in the box. Support that front three with a hardworking midfield three that can pass the ball e.g. Jonas, Tiago(?) and Guthrie, and we are set. We would be especially devastating on the counter attack.

Agree completely.

England's uselessness is down to two people. Beckham and Gerrard. For supposed "top class" midfielders they sure do love to play the wasteful crossfield long ball a hell of a lot, often onto the oppositions defenders heads. I feel for Lampard and Barry. They try to play it short and move into space to receive the ball, but once Gerrard and Beckham got a hold of it, that was the end of any hopes of keeping the ball on the ground and playing a pass and move game. I really was startled at how awful Gerrard and Beckham were. The odd screamer from Gerrard and the odd cross from Beckham cannot forgive such poor play and waste of the ball. Beyond a shadow of a doubt the midfield should be Barry/Hargreaves with Lampard. Ashley Young and Joe Cole out wide. Will it ever happen under Capello though? Hell no.

One game has now become two ... very frustrating situation. It's just the same old thing. Well, I hope this at least puts us in a much stronger position regarding contract negotiations. Although, I really am beginning to lean more towards not giving the guy a new deal at all. http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2008/08/20/michael-owen-losing-bolton-match-fitness-bid-72703-21567929/

I think maybe Enrique doesn't get forward enough for Kev's tastes. Pocognoli is very attack minded from what I've seen of him in the olympics. It doesn't make sense to have two left backs this young Enrique might move on with another more experienced left back coming in.

Be very careful. If you really think about it, it isn't that funny. Rafa was an absolute idiot and didn't exploit the guys strengths. I'm just hoping he signs in time to thump three past Tottenhma this weekend. Yes, it will definitely happen.

Do you lot not understand that Kolo Toure is about to become the world's most dominant defensive midfielder. Never doubt the evil genius that is Arsene Wenger. He just wants to maintain a prem experienced centre back pairing while moving Toure into centre mid. I bet Silvestre performs a lot better under the more relaxed Wenger too, and alongside all his fellow French brethren. Ash you'll be applauding this move in a few months.

Kompany in at DM to replace Butt would make me say "Wow" fo sho!

Would be a good signing for Sunderland if they pull it off. His pace would be a huge asset for them, and he would form a pretty athletic and speedy partnership with Jones when he returns. Interesting.

I would rather Silvestre at Centre Mid

Toure most likely moving into centre midfield as your defensive midfielder if the Silvestre story is true. Toure would be a beast there for you i.e. CM.

Suazo linked with a move to Benfica. Is Cardozo coming then?

De La Red should be available as soon as Gago returns to Real Madrid after the Olympics. He could be a great option for our DM position. Wouldn't be surprised if we are waiting to make a move tbh.

Don't get me wrong, Lampard has certainly delivered the goods for Chelsea, but *one hundred and fifty thousand pounds* *a week*. We're so used to these figures we shrug it off. Let's get the c***s on the maximum wage again, and shoot Jimmy Hill. And Murdoch. Yeah, I know. Lampard's salary is so absurd as it is, but to actually pay someone who has been so absent a similar amount is infinitely more absurd, is my point. David Icke makes an interesting point regarding the far east but still ... craziness.

Hmmmm ... this better not be the Wow! signing We could pay two very good players salaries with that money. Our recruitment team could easily find a player that would replace Owen if we cut him loose. I have faith in them. Owen just doesn't deserve this money. Brummie I agree with what you say about footballers salaries as it really is out of control. However, in Lampards case he has at least been very productive for Chelsea. Offering Owen such a deal is definitely insane though.

---------------Given-------------- Beye--Taylor-----Colo--Atouba(?) -----Barton--Tiago--Jonas----- --------------Saviola-------------- ---------Owen---Martins--------

Yeah, your probably right, but it's interesting to just discuss some of these options. Atouba is an international for Cameroon, has prem experience, is a good age at 26 and is apparently available as he is in his last year of his contact. Geremi can also offer some insight into the player. It seems a likely option I think.

Atouba linked yesterday. I would be pleased. Seen him a fair bit recently for Cameroon. Very good attacking left back who is 6 ft 3 and has tons of energy, pace and power. strong in the tackle. He loves to dribble the ball and will leave you with your heart in your mouth when he dribbles out of defence sometimes, but he is so strong he never gets pushed off the ball. Very entertaining some of his crazy runs from the back. Watch some of his videos. There is a misconception he failed at Spurs but he never really got a run and he was much younger then. He is now 26 which is a good age. In the final year of his contract too so very affordable. Another bargain.

Yeah, that would work. More of a 4-3-1-2. Tiago instead of Butt though. I think with Saviola, Owen and Martins upfront, it will be vital that everyone in our midfield is capable of passing the football.

Would rather see: Given Beye Taylor Coloccini Taiwo Tiago Guthrie Jonas Saviola Owen Martins If rumours are true and we are after Tiago and Saviola on loan then the above formation would be well worth a go, we can then sign them permanently next summer if it works out well. The passing amongst our midfield and strikers would be phenomenal. That's quite a sexy team except I'm not sure who's gonna be holding the ball up, up front. With a front six that can pass the ball so well I would hope for a more pass and move game of football. We had Oba as a lone striker yesterday but yet we still looked okay. I think it could work.

Would rather see: Given Beye Taylor Coloccini Taiwo Tiago Guthrie Jonas Saviola Owen Martins If rumours are true and we are after Tiago and Saviola on loan then the above formation would be well worth a go, we can then sign them permanently next summer if it works out well. The passing amongst our midfield and strikers would be phenomenal.

Nearly he says. Whatever dude.

Do you not feel that all of our new signings should be so committed and fired-up when making their debuts..? Our previous signings may have lowered debut expectations somewhat...when was the last time we were 'impressed' by a player on his debut? Owen...not really, Barton...injured, Beye...quiet, Enrique...overweight, Viduka...overweight?, Smith...booked, Luque...injured, etc That was why it was so brilliant. It wasn't just his commitment but his ability also! He was electric. I loved the instance where Rooney tried to chase him down and he just blew past him with some brilliant footwork and change of pace. It's been a while since we had the pleasure of witnessing such ability in our team and I can understand why people are so excited.

TBF Nicky Butt was insanely bad today. I'll forgive him the odd misplaced pass, but the way he kept getting caught on the ball was crazy. He was totally unaware of anything going on around him. He was so slow and laboured. I think people have every right to be worried about it.