robbo_11

what do you know of the player Dave to trumpet such support for him .... ? Along with such a transfer policy in general ? In case you haven't noticed - and not just you - my comments are all aimed at the transfer policy in general, or what it appears to be so far, not this particular player. I know you sincerely think this "new system" will succeed, being the supposed opposite of the old direction that you despised because you despised the people, but I'm afraid the way to success is through spending and bringing in the top players just like all the other successful clubs in history. Don't know how many times I have to say this, but Alex Ferguson has been at Old Trafford for over 20 years, if it were possible to win these trophies by hunting around for pompey-type transfer dealings, then he would have gone that way by now. This has always been the case. If the club operates a "sell to buy" policy, you will all be bleating your heads off in a few years time when the penny drops. I haven't seen Amara Diané play before, but by looking at his statistics (38 games/11 goals) and his age (25) it seems he would be an economical purchase. Newcastle couldn't go out now and pay £10 - 15m on more than one player in my opinion as it wouldn't be financially viable. Also, you mention trophies and Pompey-type dealings, would that not be the club who won a trophy this year and now have European football to look forward to next season? Newcastle haven't always had the best of luck with big money signings, look at Albert Luque!

Apparently has signed for Fenerbahce yesterday (news in the Arda Turan thread). Quick google brings up loads of results with a mention of 7 million and 3.5 million euros, no idea hat the rest said.

Beasley looks a very tidy player and Bradley has been getting watched by a few European sides aswell. Doesn't look like we missed out on a good player with Onyewu, maybe a decent squad player for the likes of Fulham though.

I'm sure that the Premier League introduced the plain back of the shirts for all clubs this season on purpose.

Thanks. I had read we were linked with Remy but couldn't find the quote from the thread. I have a feeling a lot of players could be making the move from France to England this summer like Makoun and Nasri.

Caen are looking to sign Loic Remy as they may be losing Yoan Gouffran.

It seems like Newcastle is being used to get his client a new club. By saying "But Newcastle...." just seems to be rolling off a few agents tongues this transfer window.

Edmilson has signed for Villareal from Barcelona.

He has confirmed that he will be leaving Lille with Arsenal his preferred club, although there is interest from Juventus and fellow Ligue 1 sides Marseille and Monaco.

Stoke City are signing 24 year old Senegalese international Guiranne N'Daw from Sochaux. He plays defensive midfield and featured 30 times scoring 3 goals with Sochaux last season. Tomas Ujfalusi has arrived at Atletico Madrid from Fiorentina until 30/6/2011 on a free transfer. He follows the arrival of Johnny Heitinga from Ajax. Patrick Kluivert is leaving Lille. Jean II Makoun could also be leaving with his destination likely to be England. Francis Coquelin is also going to join Arsenal after passing his medical. He is a 17 year old midfielder from Laval. Fiorentina have signed Felipe Melo from Almeria. The 25 year old Brazilian could cost up to €15 million. Davide Lanzafame on loan to Bari from Juventus is likely to join Palermo, but there has been some interest from West Ham and he could make the move to the Premier League. He will speak to his parent club in order to find the best solution for all parties. Sebastian Giovinco (Empoli) is going to join Juventus.

http://www.lequipe.fr/Football/breves2008/20080521_110909_romaric-le-mans-a-seville_Dev.html Pele hasn't agreed anything with Le Mans yet.

Seydou Keita is joining Barcelona from Sevilla for €14 million. Sevilla have turned down an offer of €25 million for Dani Alves. Liverpool and Juventus were in talks for Xabi Alonso yesterday morning, but Liverpool are trying to hold out for €20 million and Juventus are only wanting to pay €15 million.

Game 2 Group A Turkey 1-0 Scotland (Yollu) Netherlands 1-0 Serbia (Castillion) Group B Rep. Ireland 0-1 Switzerland (Gunning o.g.) France 3-3 Spain (Tafer, Grenier, Remy) - (Thiago 2, Pulido)

I heard Tyler and Gray during the Newcastle - Chelsea game sniggering about the fans wanting to challenge for the Champions League place next year, I thought it was just them basing it on stereotypes like Newcaste fans wanting to much. Its not even realistic that we would finish in the top 4 next season, however on the chance we did I bet Sky would be all over it like flies on s**t.

Game 1 Group A France 2-1 Rep. Ireland (Tafer, Lacazette) - (Murphy) Spain 2-0 Switzerland (Sergi 2) Group B Scotland 0-2 Serbia (Aleksic 2) Turkey 3-0 Netherlands (Karatas, Albayrak, Demir) I watched the Turkey game and they completely dominated a poor Netherlands side. Before the game both Geoffrey Castillion and Batuhan Karadeniz were billed as players to watch out for by the commentators, although only one of them delivered anything of note. Castillion was marked out of the game by a strong Turkey backline and his only real guilt-edge opportunity came in the closing stages of the game, a volley that shaved the crossbar. Karadeniz caused problems until he was substituted by combining his physical presence with a good first touch. He actually had a great opportunity to open the scoring, by taking on a defender after bringing the ball down well on his chest, but Zoet saved well. The first goal was extremely easy for Turkey, a long ball delivered by Eren and Karatas in acres of space was able to drill the ball past Zoet. The long ball from Eren was often pivotal in the build up to Turkeys attacking movements, but Gokhan Tore was a standout. The predominately left footed player caused problems for the Netherlands by cutting inside and running at players with speed. His crossing ability is decent and bodes well with a good first touch, however he isn't always able to get a shot at goal when in a promising position. Turkey may be strong favourites after an accomplished display against the usually impressive Netherlands side.

I'm sure that Owen has said that its likely that his advisor will talk to the chaiman etc after the season ends. Maybe people are reading too much into what has been said?

As soon as we lost Viduka, we had to defend for the whole game. I wasn't even sure where Smith was meant to be playing after his first 5 minutes. We had nothing up top because there was no one to feed the ball for Martins. If we get any bids in the summer I would sell him.

I thought Fernandes had just signed for Everton?

We've wore the away kit against Derby (a), Fulham (a) and Sunderland (a) this season.

Roberts base wage is 319,800 dollars (£160,795) and Carl Robinsons is 315,000 dollars (£158,000). They are the two top earners at Toronto FC. Compared to Beckhams 5,500,000 dollars base wage! Even with Juan Pablo Angel (1,500,000 dollars) and Claudio Reyna it isn't massive for the league.

I think its fair to say that Carr and Ramage will definately leave when their contracts end in the summer. Lamine Diatta may stay on, but he hasn't really had any opportunity to showcase his ability. Rozehnal isn't likely to get signed by Lazio after an unimpressive stint there and could get moved on in the summer. Thats potentially 4 defenders leaving with only Beye, Enrique, Taylor, Faye, Cacapa and Edgar left. Also Edgar might go out on loan next season, so bringing in Dunne could be an impressive piece of business.

I knew of the reported interest in Modric from Spurs a while before we were heavily linked with him and get the feeling we were used as bait to try and get Tottenham to up the ante. I don't think Modric would have came here considering the clubs that were after him, but a little surprised he chose Spurs, although it could be because they are in Europe and he is almost guaranteed first team football. Disappointing to miss out, but how close we were to actually signing him I couldn't say. I suppose this brings up the N'Zogbia situation as I thought he was nailed on to leave for them, now I can't see them pursuing him.

Not long till we get rid of Shola.

Chelsea home top looks similar to the one they had circa 1995/1997.

Martins had a quiet game and I think it was the best decision to take him off and go with a 4-4-2 formation when we were 2-0 up.