AyeDubbleYoo

Loving the random USE of capitals! Doubt the lads would use any words like "astute" though

Exactly, at least we won't be shrugging our shoulders anymore, apathy was in real danger of setting in with a succession of underwhelming appointments. Redknapp or Hughes would have just been a continuation of that.

I think from what we heard from Shearer he respects KK and would not pose a threat to him as number two. Based on that I would love him to come in...

I want to be cynical, but the mood at the moment means I agree with this!

Yep Tears and other bodily fluids...

Well fasten your setabelt for the next KK era then!

Aye, gettinthere!!!!

Woop!

Fuck it, we're a mental club at the best of times... now at least we have somone who understands and loves us!

Hmm, head says it may not be the best option, does he know any players etc now? But can't help but be excited!!!! Really hope we get Shearer in as assistant... if we're going to be the laughing stock of the league we may as well do it properly! Pleased...

So true, shame no journos are mentioning that in these articles.

It's alright, he doesn't.

To be honest I'm warming to the idea of the Shearer/Keegan thing, we may as well give it a go if we can get Kev out of retirement. I think we all want something we can get behind and feel positive about. Also, it will get the Shearer era out of our system so he won't be casting a shadow over every manager we appoint.

That's the crux of this entire thing for me, it's just silly. Also, this is possibly the one time the club should be saying something. The speculation is unbelievable. I agree Dave, but I don't think it can really be called a farce yet, I mean it's only a couple of days since Sam left... even if Mort knew who he was appointing negotiations would still be going on now.

So true, I've been listening to a particular load of toss from TalkSport the last couple of nights... every London broadcaster with an IQ of 17 seems to have a deep insight into the thinking of Newcastle fans. Funny how they talk about us for hours on end only to conclude we aren't worth talking about.

Yes, I think so... I can think of so many reasons why Harry would stick where he is, and only money why he would come here.

I don't really agree that any of those things could have happened 'only at newcastle', I mean Man Utd won the champs league in the last minute... I'm sure every club's fans have stories like those. I was one of the people who said "Newcastle fan's don't need attractive football, we just want success"... but I'm changing my mind about that one. Although Sam didn't deliver either, so we don't really know the answer. I do know what you mean about the feeling that we are a special club, but the head says that every big club probably thinks the same...

Hopefully Sam's decent signings will be fine, and the shit ones will be out the door. It will be a good test of the new manager whether or not he buys into 'all our problems are down to the defence' myth...

Ashton would be an incredible signing if unlikely. Let's have him and Diarra though eh?

Arshavin? Seems to have gone quiet on that front To be honest I've only seen him in the England game, which I think is the same for most people in England! Can't really comment. I think Zog could do a job, but he'll likely be called on often to fill in on the left and at left back, so not sure he can be the answer.

He's better than what we have, though, isn't he? And surely we need to buy better players if and when they become available? The key with him is he's dynamic and mobile, attributes that quality defensive midefielders need in the prem. Will benefit from working alongside Butt for a while and eventually replacing him completely.

Thats it If we pull off the Diarra move he will be it, but the other one of the pair is harder to think of. Maybe Sam has Nolan in mind for the other MF spot. I remember thinking Nolan looked OK a few seasons back, hasn't done much since. Not the answer for me. Not sure about him either... would love someone like Xavi Alonso (I know that's not going to happen). If the other midfielder was a 'string puller' in the mould of Alonso or even Carrick it would put serious responsibilty onto the wide men to provide attacking threat. We would need a more threatening right midfielder.

Thats it If we pull off the Diarra move he will be it, but the other one of the pair is harder to think of. Maybe Sam has Nolan in mind for the other MF spot.

I agree, I think most if not all of our signings looked decent on paper (although Smith seemed expensive and not required). The trick is for Sam to put them together properly and get them playing. I hope Sam is buying Diarra to play the more defensive CM role and will also buy a proper right-sider in this window. If that happens we will have some decent balance. We still need a couple of options for dangerous attacking midfielders but I reckon Zog could fulfil that role for now.

The longevity of that catchphrase is amazing like... people using it who were probably about 3 when the show was on!