GideonShandy

Transfer windows don't close. They slam shut.

NEWCASTLE CONFIDENTIAL: World-renowned firm behind Real Madrid's super base to design new state-of-the-art training ground, Toon scouts track 'next Luka Modric' and why they face competition for targets from Man United World-renowned architects Populous are set to design Newcastle United’s new training ground, Confidential can reveal. The US-based company, with offices in the UK and Australia, were the architects behind the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and have drawn the plans for Roma’s new 65,000-capacity home. They were also the brains behind the impressive Real Madrid Sports City, the training base that houses the senior and youth teams of the Spanish giants. That is the level of ambition Newcastle’s Saudi-led owners will insist on, with the Madrid facility including a small stadium, all-weather pitches, swimming pools and a media suite. Interestingly, Populous drew plans for a new training centre for Queens Park Rangers that they showcase on their website - it was never built - and it gives an insight into their work and how parts of the Newcastle design could look. The collaboration with Newcastle is a major coup for both the club and Populous, with several firms competing for the contract to design a state-of-the-art complex that is intended to be the envy of the Premier League. Tyneside-based architects FaulknerBrowns could also assist in the project. We understand that two sites made the shortlist - land near Newcastle Racecourse, owned by the Reuben family, and in Woolsington, close to Newcastle Airport. The racecourse is the most likely. Populous also designed Real Madrid's Valdebebas training base which houses both the senior and youth sides. Newcastle are likely to use a different firm to design their stadium project, whether that ends up as a renovation of St James' Park or a new build on Leazes Park. The next steps will be drawing up the ambitious plans, confirming the preferred site and contracting builders and engineers to undertake the work. However, sources say completion is still several years away. For now, Eddie Howe and his squad will remain at their Benton base. Confidential revealed in November that expansion work is due to begin on that site, with extra buildings added to an area currently used as a car park. Meanwhile, we have been told that Populous’ involvement with the new training ground does not mean they will also be the architects who work on the stadium project, despite their expertise in this area. Sources have indicated it is likely that Newcastle will use two different firms. We understand Newcastle-based Ryder Architecture have visited Riyadh and they have worked with the club before, although no decision has been taken on who will design the renovation of St James’ Park or a new build on Leazes Park. Construction companies are also now jostling for position to lead the developments, with Bowmer + Kirkland and Laing O’Rourke among those in the running. But the training ground news is sure to be welcomed by supporters, especially given the reputation of Populous in the sports industry. Some of their work in American sports is breathtaking. The hope will be that, after decades of using a facility that would not rank in the top half of Premier League training grounds, Newcastle will have a complex that helps to attract and then develop the world’s best players. Describing their work at Real Madrid, Populous state: ‘The site is made up of various outdoor training fields including two all-weather, full-size soccer fields, with exclusive facilities for the first team, including a separate goalkeeping field and other special outdoor training facilities. There is also a 20,000-seat stadium with an open bowl where the second division team of Real Madrid play. Newcastle want to have a complex that will attract and develop the world's best players. ‘The indoor facilities include a major academy where the youth programme manages both the academy and sports education and training. The various indoor & outdoor facilities include a press room, media suites, physio area, indoor pool, jacuzzi, steam bar and several functions rooms.' Populous declined to comment. UNITEDS DO BATTLE Newcastle and Manchester United scouts have run an into each on several occasions of late, Confidential can reveal. Magpies recruitment chief Steve Nickson and Simon Wells, his opposite number at Man United, were in attendance at the Ligue 1 clash between Lille and Nice on January 17. Both were there to check on Jonathan David, the Canadian striker who is out of contract in the summer. The 25-year-old, scorer of 102 goals in five seasons in France, has no shortage of suitors. But we understand that Nickson and Wells also returned reports on Hakon Arnar Haraldsson, the Iceland international who can operate in midfield or as a winger. The 21-year-old scored that night during Lille’s 2-1 win, and he has won comparison to Luka Modric for his ability on the ball. Haraldsson, who has already been capped 19 times by his country, was then watched by scouts from several Premier League clubs as Lille were beaten 2-1 at Liverpool in the Champions League this week. One observer told me he was the best player on the pitch. He is certainly one to watch for the summer. Meanwhile, Nickson was also in the stands for the 2-2 draw between Brentford and Manchester City on January 14. Again, he was joined by Man United, this time in the form of scout Steve Head. It is thought both clubs were checking on Brentford forward Bryan Mbuemo. Newcastle have also been keeping tabs on Brentford’s Keane Lewis-Potter, the versatile left-sider. However, the 23-year-old signed a new contact until the summer of 2031 this month, indicating that his future lies in West London. SOL FOCUS The prospect of PIF chief Jacobo Solis replacing Darren Eales as Newcastle’s chief executive has been played down by club sources. It has been the talk of industry circles in recent weeks that Solis could be in line to take over from Eales, who announced last year he will be stepping down after being diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer. Thankfully, Eales’ long-term prognosis is said to be positive, and he is continuing in his role until a successor is identified. Solis was appointed to the Newcastle board earlier this month and, given his background in sport, it was suggested to Confidential that the Spaniard could take over as chief executive down the line. However, with Solis holding the position of Head of European Investments with PIF, it is said his portfolio is too wide-ranging to focus solely on Newcastle. He sits on the board of several PIF investments, including LIV Golf. It is one to watch for now, for Solis has been hands-on with Newcastle since the takeover. While not always publicised, he has been involved in almost every major decision behind the scenes. PIF Head of European Investments Jacobo Solis was appointed to the Newcastle board earlier this month.Meanwhile, we have been told that news on the identity of the new chief executive should not be expected any time soon. External recruitment specialists have been contracted and, sources say, the search continues.

Injured, supposedly, not HAULED OFF for being worse than Colback.

Is Mithcell related to Hucthison?

We've won nine straight so no chance we win this one. It's almost unheard of for any team to win ten in a row.

Several or seven?

"And they were without Fabian Schar, who is very handsome," made me smile.

Whenever I see him interviewed, head down, refusing to look at the interviewer or the camera, whingeing and snarling in his uniquely boorish way, I'm so proud that our club is managed by such an articulate, well-mannered, thoughtful bloke. And I say a quiet thank-you to Amanda for having the vision to give him the job. Wouldn't swap wor Eddie for anyone.

Reminds me of this RTG classic from over 20 years ago. Jun 12, 2004 just been listing to to three lions and after this season i think safc could create there own version this is what i have made up. Two cats on the shirt jewles remain still cleaming. Jeff whitley the whole of sunderland is with you...... oh it is saved we still believe. It's coming home the premiership is coming home. tera for heros dressed in red and white. No plans for final day just stay in bed. It could have been so songs in the street it could have been so complete. Now i sing Two cats on the shirt jewles remain still cleaming. Talk about football coming home. Then one night in birmingham we were strong smith ready to score and kyle looking at his best stewart certain to score. We could have been dancing in cardiff. Sunderland 1 - o shef united 0 and we are there in manchester. Two cats on the shirt jewles remain still cleaming. No more years of hurt. well what do people think of it?

He'd hate being called a Roman, but it's a good line anyway.

I was wrong. Ayoze

Demba Ba?

All right, but apart from his terrific engine, all-out effort, blazing speed and three months of genius - - - what has Miggy Almiron ever done for us?

"How do people think Mbeumo would work in a team that isn’t mainly about transitions?" "Probably doing Mbemuo a disservice, but I don’t see much between him and Barnes" "I'd certainly take Mbuemo or Semenyo over Dibling right now" I don't think we should sign him. His name is too confusing.

Should ban anyone who asks a question beginning with "How important is it . . .?"

Still love and respect Rafa.

It all started with such high hopes. This was Dan Ashworth's open letter to Manure fans from July 21. “This is one of my first opportunities to address Manchester United fans since joining the club as sporting director on 1 July, so I want to start by saying how delighted I am to be here. Although I grew up in Norfolk, I’ve always had a strong attachment with Manchester because my mum and dad were born in Middleton and my grandparents lived their whole lives there. When I visited as a boy, my dad would take me to games across Greater Manchester and I remember the thrill of my first visit to Old Trafford in the late 1970s, watching the likes of Lou Macari, Jimmy Nicholl and Arthur Albiston. I can’t claim to have been a partisan United fan – my dad enjoyed watching all the local teams – but I remember the special buzz that always seemed to surround games at Old Trafford, and it’s something I have experienced many times since during my career in football. So it’s going to be an incredibly proud moment entering the directors’ box on the home side for the first time when the Premier League season gets under way against Fulham on August 16. The close season is always a reset moment for every club, but the sense of renewal has been particularly strong at Manchester United this summer as our new leadership structure takes shape. Omar Berrada has started as chief executive, and Jason Wilcox as technical director, and I can assure you that we have lost no time in getting to work. Our first big decision of the summer was to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract as men’s first-team manager to June 2026, reflecting our strong belief in him as one of Europe’s top coaches, and the partner we want to continue working with to get the team back to the levels expected. We are all clear that last season fell below the required standards in the Premier League and Champions League but, by winning the FA Cup in such impressive fashion, our players and staff showed what they are capable of when everyone pulls together and performs to their potential. Our collective challenge is to reach those levels much more consistently. It’s my job, together with Jason, to create the right support structures and environment around Erik, the staff and players to make that possible. Already, I can feel a strong sense of energy and determination around the group, as the players and staff return fresh from their breaks, including some exciting new additions to the squad, and to the coaching team. There are also changes to the physical environment at Carrington as work commences on our season-long £50million redevelopment of the training ground – evidence of our commitment to improving the club’s infrastructure. This will require some adaptation this season, but all our teams – men’s, women’s and Academy – will maintain access to high-quality facilities, with the promise of a fully refreshed, world-class site once the project is completed. Delivering a successful women’s team and a thriving, productive Academy are both key objectives of my job, and I have a strong background in both areas. Women’s football was an important part of my remit in past roles with Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and the FA, and it will be the same at Manchester United. Women’s football is arguably the most exciting area of growth in the global game, and we want to be part of that. Last season’s FA Cup win was a fantastic landmark as our first major women’s trophy, and now we want to build on that with Marc, his staff and the players. Youth development has also been a huge part of my career and I see it as a crucial element of success for any football club – but especially for Manchester United where homegrown players have such a rich history. The success of our Under-18s during the 2023/24 campaign bodes well for the next generation of men’s talent coming through, and the same is true on the women’s side, with both our Under-21s and Under-16s finishing the season with trophies. Overall, my first impression is the scale of opportunity available to us at Manchester United as we review and refresh all areas of the club. This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success; the focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. It won’t happen overnight, but, together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.” Fans were delighted with what they read and took to social media to show their support. One wrote: "Had goosebumps reading this." Another said: "He made us a serious club again, thank you." A third added: "Exciting times ahead for United fans! Can't wait to see Dan Ashworth's vision come to life." A fourth beamed: "It shows that he values the fans' input and wants to keep them informed about the direction the club is heading." A fifth posted: "I'm excited about the future."

Really seems as if the Triiffids are desperately spinning it that Ashcroft had to be fired because he was in favour of doing lots of things that the fans were against -- keeping Ten Hag, then replacing him with Southgate, Potter or Howe, signing Zirkzee, sacking half the club's employees etc -- when in fact the megalomaniac Ratcliffe just needed someone to lash out at after they lost at home to Forest. Comedy gold.

Yes. They might organize a boycoutt.

The gay-haters derby.

Unsuccessful (and therefore deleted) attempt to embed the video of Alf Garnett explaining that Jesus was actually English.

Nice interview on CBS

It's an honour to see him doing so well in an Arsenal shirt.

NICE???