eaststar

Pretty gutted we didn't get him....Ben Haim on a free would have been quality. I'm sure Big Sam is scouring the world for good defenders. BTW anyone notice this article? http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?hlid=472039&CPID=8&clid=7&lid=2&title=O'Neill+is+Royston+crazy If O'Neill is lookin at this bloke maybe Big Sam should/is too. Left back is a priority...and I'm still hoping we can sort out a deal with Bridge if not Baines.

OR (make sure you are sitting down because this is a f****** mental idea) we could play full backs in the full back positions! I know I am just sooo KER AYY ZEE! oh yeah...silly me tbh though, if you can follow my reasoning, our first priority is fullbacks imo. From my knowledge we have been linked only to Baines for that position (loosely at that) yet apparantly there is strong interest in Kingston and Boateng. Just trying to figure out Big Sam's possible rationale for aquiring these players. btw you have to admit Essien played well at RB and I dunno about Boateng but Kingston seems to have similar attributes down the left side - driving runs and explosive energy etc

I honestly believe these people come out with such s**** because they want an alternative view, Vic is a prime example. Viduka, when he's on song is unplayable, his lack of desire (at times) for me has cost him being recognised as one of Europe's best strikers, because he's got more than enough ability to be held in that light. He's done well at Boro, I think this move will further re-invigorate him. It's not like his main asset is pace neither, we could easily get 2 or 3 quality years out of him. I don't know who some of these people think we are! Terrific signing, and to be honest I'm delighted James Beattie/Kevin Davies/Kenny Miller players of that ilk (who couldn't wipe Dukes arse), will not be coming. Im not a fan, and was dead against the idea of him signing under Roeder, but under Sam its a different kettle of fish for me. The questions about desire, temperament and fitness against him disappear quite quickly and he becomes a fantastic free signing, especially when you consider he is the replacement for Sibi. This is me putting more faith in Sam then Viduka, but around 20 goals last season in a poor Boro team is a good start for anyone really, maybe my hatred of him in the past has blinded me slightly of his talent? This is good sensible business and it must sting like a bitch if your a Boro fan. I agree....based purely on your avatar

That's ok, it sounds like Eastar has never seen him play but still reckons he could do a job at right-back Boateng you mean? no, i've seen him play.....in the realms of my mind. I imagine him being about 5 foot 6, stocky but short build, loads of energy and pace, BLACK- Essien really...but if that's anything to go by, he's definitely be right back of the season 2007/2008.

I don't think Boateng would be put into the RB position, to be honest. Mostly because he was an attacker from the beginning, and now he's a decent attacking midfielder. He was pure class in Swedish Allsvenskan 2006, and apperently it has been about the same in Beitar Jerusalem. For under £1m, why not? yeah ....i understand that...i read the same BUT if he is a similar player to Essien I don't see why he may be a class RB. Essien played stunning at RB this year cos he could defend AND attack. I heard Kingston is that kind of player too. Explosive wingbacks.

So you think we will be playing 4-4-2 then? I'm not sure Sam will move away from the 4-3-3 which has brought him so much success. Owen won't fit, and Martins might not either. Should be interesting. well if owen stays i think he'll try and adopt 2 strikers to accomodate both. whether its 4-4-2, 4-3-2-1, 4-3-3 or 5-4-1 I'm sure Dukes will do well. tbh I don't think Sam has come to Newcastle with the view to do the exact same things at Bolton. I expect him to be an astute enough manager to see what's available, what the strenghths and weaknesses are play to those strengths. If he's not that astute, I would be disappointed. 4-3-3 was good for Bolton. It might not be for Newcastle.

They are both done deals for Manchester United. what about Owen Hagreaves? mackems.gif

Is Boateng similar to Essien? if he is, maybe Big Sam is looking to put him RB Possible new backline: Kingston Ben-Haim Taylor Boateng not bad i reckon...100x better than last season tbh

Viduka would be gold....him and owen up front would be amazing. Dukes works hard for the team and creates chances as well scoring regularly. Would be chuffed if he signed. can we still get nani? anyone heard of this bloke anderson? I hope Big Sam is looking at them...apparently pretty talented

Sven to Lyon

Ginola - everytime he touched the ball and all his tricks...most exciting for me. Then comes Tino. never knew what he was gonna do. Lua lua was ...more interesting than exciting

we can dream right? although why would we get him when we have the most competent of all right backs in stephen "fathead" carr?

why? In theory, you would have a target man in the most forward position. eg AC Milan and Real Madrid. and in theory u would rather have 2 good attacking mid like kaka playin behind... anyway i don't think Newcastle - let alone any other team will play a X-mas tree formation

Christmas Tree formation anyone? Gudjohnsen Owen Martins Emre Butt Parker Bridge Terry Taylor Alves *purely speculative Given

Owen - Gudjohnsen.......or Martins - Gudjohnsen...drool

FM? no - i'm pretty sure I didn't get this guy's name from FM. I didn't come up with the stat"34 goals from 31 games" from a virtual world you know. but with that kind of record i will look for him in FM. no he was on the soccernet website http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns/story?id=432875&root=england&lpos=spotlight&lid=tab4pos1&cc=3436 Look under Man City. If they have a chance to get him - I'm sure we have.

It's Athens...they should have taken that into account as part of their plans. But seriously, that would suck.

Any of you lads/lasses heard of Alfonso Alves from Heerenveen? Apparently scored 34 goals in 31 games or something ridiculous like that...sounds like a potential acquisition and I believe we would have a chance getting him. I would like Huntelaar myself but can't compete with Man U etc.

David Busst

mackems.gif He was a joke - that's why when he tried too hard to show the world he wasn't...well, it still showed. But in the spirit of the thread I will say: Thank you Titus Bramble. Thank you for making Newcastle the butt of many a jokes for the past few years. Thank you for making my support for the club I love the subject of ridicule from peers, family and whoever else knew I was a Newcastle supporter. And, the list goes on...

good back up for right-back, plus a class right foot in other words, he would be a good backup for Carr... tbh it will difficult for Geremi to dislodge Carr out of this position... Carr is solid Have I been whooshed here? Or are you actually serious? O Lordy! yes i am absolutely, stone cold, 100% serious... mackems.gif

Australian/Korean living in Adelaide

good back up for right-back, plus a class right foot in other words, he would be a good backup for Carr... tbh it will difficult for Geremi to dislodge Carr out of this position... Carr is solid

I felt that 'feel good' factor when Souness was appointed and felt it even more intesely when Roeder was appointed NOT

He pretty much sold me when he mentioned 'structure' and repeated 'structure' throughout.