AyeDubbleYoo

fucking hell

Mainly agree, just can't help thinking he might be able to add something to the squad and represents a large investmen

Ah, but they've got a quote from Albert's Dad!

That's a dodgy article to say the least - they claim Sam has 'made it clear' that Luque isn't part of his plans, but they haven't given any quotations or even sources that attest to that. The standard of that website is appaling, not saying Luque will stay but I don't think that article says anything at all.

Shorey is quality - I'd be happy with him for around £5mil. His crossing is actually usually pretty good as well, even though he didn't really show that against Brazil.

I can remember Radio Newcastle or Metro saying "it's like there's 11 Dicks on the pitch" when Julian Dicks had a stormer against us years ago.

I think these two articles underestimate both NUFC and Sam Allardyce. Who changes, him or us? I think both can, and will. The club and fans are more than ready to change to a more serious, pragmatic approach to the game that sacrifices some of our historic attacking flair for more consistent results. The stereotypical Geordie fan, obsessed with attacking football, is largely a creation of the media based on the Keegan era. Witness how we relish players like the 'dirty' Joey Barton getting stuck in this year, as we loved Craig Bellamy before him (as long as they play for us). Sam is an intelligent manager, who has generally turned Bolton into overachievers. I don't think there is any evidence that he is set in his ways and will simply try to recreate Bolton Wanderers on Tyneside. I'm a natural optomist, but I think that Sam is capable of adapting to the challenge of the Toon and making us really successful. He will certainly transform the culture of the club, which is probably the most important thing.

I don't think City have a leg to stand on here, he didn't request a transfer so under the terms of his contract he's legally entitled to this payment. He doesn't deserve it, obviously, but that's not the point.

I can't see how it would be a good move to sell Oba now, just at the start of a new era for the club - with the systems and coaching being put in place that will give him the best chance to be a top, top player. 17 goals last season, a decent return - and that was in the shower of shit that was our team last year.

Amazing, I think if I was on 50K a week I'd splash out on a bit of car insurance!

I think Geremi is a good reasonably priced shout, doesn't look like Sam has made any enquiries though (based on press alone).

I'm becoming a bloody massive Sam fan!

Think it's over the top, and a little to do with jealousy TBH. Does anyone know that he's getting 'itchy feet', or is it tabloid speculation striking again?

Sounds promising if they are as solid/useful as the Independent suggests. Trust Sam to sort out in a week two positions we've been struggling in for years :/

I don't understand all the vitriol directed towards Dyer, seems to be just because he's paid a lot - which applies to 100% of PL players. I'll admit he hasn't set the world alight, or maybe lived up to his potential completely, but he's putting together a good spell of fitness and I think he'll be an asset to the squad next season. It's mad to suggest Sam is 'pleading' - all he says is he explained his vision and wanted Dyer's buy-in. Very sensible management.

Well summed-up that man!

Nice to see some things are staying the same, Oliver's still a complete tool.

Ben Haim, Rozehnal, and Baines would be absolutely fantastic and not too much money - about the same as one Boumsong. Fucking hell, you're right. That's mental....

Agreed, that's what I meant!

Not feeling ashamed of my club now, for the first time in a while. Mike and Sam will bring back professionalism to everything about the club - this is a real, real turning point in our recent history. With the backing of Ashley with the cash, Sam will use his rigorous approach to turn us back into a top team again. Oh, and GET IN THERE!

If I lived in Toon at the moment I'd definitely be trying to get a season ticket this year - if only to ready myself for the rush in 2 or 3 seasons time when we're getting in the Champions League again.

Spot the difference with Graeme Souness, the master conflict provoker.

I really hope (and believe) that Sam will be doing his utmost to keep both Owen and Martins. I would be gutted to lose either of them, especially considering all of the positive moves we have made so far this summer.

Hopefully Sam will talk to Luke Edwards and not to Anal, seems ever-so-slightly less of a nob.

Do you think Woodgate is wishing he hadn't just signed for the Boro? I'm wishing he hadn't