thenige

I don't think Luque ever fell into that bracket. No, definitely not. Luque was a brilliant player prior to arriving in England. It should have been a very good signing and people were right to be excited and supportive. That injury just ruined him, though, Don't think any of them were awful players but none of them reached the heights that were expected of them when they signed for various different reasons. For that reason Luque is as relevant to that list as any of them. Every time they were on the team sheet I remember thinking 'this is the day they prove themselves' but it never quite happened. Even if Luque did once win me £100 with his goal against Palermo.

They're good at developing youngsters, mind. Our kids end up at Gateshead and Blyth Spartans. 100% this to be honest.

Rondon is a bit of a funny one. Rarely looks like he can be arsed when I've seen him play, but then if you're a striker for WBA you can probably understand why.

Aye you're right. The fact I can't even figure out who it was in what match is quite worrying U21's Euros surely? Nah, the match I'm thinking of was definitely England this summer, that's why I thought it was the U20s. u21's also played this summer? Wow my memory is shot Yeah it was him, in the match against Slovakia. Came on for Holgate.

Aye you're right. The fact I can't even figure out who it was in what match is quite worrying U21's Euros surely? Nah, the match I'm thinking of was definitely England this summer, that's why I thought it was the U20s.

Aye you're right. The fact I can't even figure out who it was in what match is quite worrying

Was shit hot on FM about five years ago as an AMR/AML, pacy and skillful. Maybe as he's got older he's got lazier so has been converted to a 'sitting' midfielder due to his lack of work rate.

Has had a steady progression in his career what with loan spells then two full seasons now with Coventry and Norwich. Seems quite robust as hasn't missed many games last two seasons and anyone to play wide who isn't Gouffran is a bonus. Have only seen bits and pieces. Saw him play as a RB/WB in the U20 World Cup when we were chasing a game and actually looked decent going both ways.

That article saying we're interested in Diego Rolan as well - it's like we're on a never ending cycle of the same transfer rumours. I swear his name keeps popping up in various transfer windows despite never being particularly prolific or eye-catching.

Sorry if I wasn't clear in my post, but my point was the fact none of these players came good for us.

For as long as I can remember as a Newcastle fan there seems to have been a random foreign player who ends up becoming a bit cult-ish who I have this irrational hope they'll come good. One of the first I recall from my youth was of course Jon Dhal Tomasson who was quickly followed by Andreas Andersson. Then Silvio Maric came in to fill this gap. Eventually we had Hugo Viana. Then Albert Luque. There's probably been a few more who I just didn't care about as much (Gavilan, Bassedas, Cabella, Thuavin) but those above seemed to fit that mould. Now seemingly Siem has fallen into this spot of someone I was really excited about where it just hasn't quite happened. Unfortunately looking at the names I've listed none of them really did enough for the club, albeit Viana had the odd flash here and there. Would be surprised if he comes good and realistically would be surprised if we're in a position where De Jong's going to be starting more than a handful of games next year, even if we don't make the sort of signings we were expecting after promotion.

Personally would prefer Zouma or Martins Indi to be honest.

Whisper it...like a new signing.

I think it's safe to assume no-one in the press has any idea who we're looking at right now given the sheer quantity of names being thrown out. It's getting to the point where I think for my sanity I'll just occasionally check nufc.co.uk and see if we've signed anyone.

Never thought he was better than an average player. Did okay for us in patches but can't really remember him having many games you'd rate at anything more than say a 6 or 7 out of 10. Think he'll do well for Leeds mind.

Because everyone loves Football Manager, looking at their details Yarney's predicted potential player ability suggest he'll be a lower end League One player. O'Connor's predicted player potential ability suggests middling League Two standard.

Wasn't that during the first season with English clubs in the Intertoto cup? As far as I recall, Spurs really didn't want to bother, so ended up loaning loads of Wimbledon youth team players and free agents just to put out any kind of team.

Decent Match of the Day player, bit more infuriating over the course of a season. Better than Gouffran either way.

Really would be happy with Hart. Don't understand the amount of hate he gets and think he'd be in the state of mind of having a point to prove.

Gonalons (who we were linked to probably forty odd pages back) has signed for Roma now.

Only thing about Gayle was that in some games we struggled to retain possession due to playing a direct style and his inability to get onto the (admittedly at times poor) service. Have no doubt if given chances he'll score mind, and injuries withstanding, deserves a shot at leading the line for us next season. Just worry against some of the more physical sides we may find ourselves a bit more on the back foot that we'd like.

Was one of our shining lights of that era. Remember him with a blood stained rag in his mouth playing on against Arsenal. Worked his arse off in a team filled with some shite players. Got some absolutely ridiculous stick from the crowd for sideways passes/lack of ambition. Then the turned on him worse when he had the gall to have a pop back. Some bloody fans at this club. Was a limited player but never shirked a challenge and was one of the better captains we've had at the club over the last 10 years or so.

I know it's the summer and we need something to fill our time, but this thread is just going round and round in circles with nothing of any actual proof or substance. Yet somehow I keep feeling compelled to open it and read every new comment. What the hell is wrong with me?

Yeah before Parma went bankrupt they had an insane amount of players. Starting with them on Football Manager was an absolute head fuck.

Chelsea really do make a mockery of the squad registration ruling. I can understand they want to develop their own players etc, but just seems to go against what football clubs should be doing when they just stockpile players like that.