Skirge Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Shola http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2007/10/12/i-can-still-be-star-at-united-61634-19938308/ ‘I can still be star at United’ Oct 12 2007 by Paul Gilder, The Journal HE remains confident he can realise his Gallowgate dreams, but Shola Ameobi has admitted he will have to consider his future at St James’s Park should he fail to command a regular place in Sam Allardyce’s side. Newcastle’s unfortunate forward is hoping to recover from a groin complaint in time to compete for a place in the club’s next Premier League fixture – against Tottenham on October 22 – but a player whose peers include Michael Owen, Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka knows he is facing a fight for a first-team place. Although he last night revealed that his latest fitness problems had affected his confidence, a player who believes he has got sufficient talent to make the grade on Tyneside will not duck the challenges he is facing. But having conceded that he has reached a crossroads in his career, Ameobi has accepted that, should he prove unable to realise his ambitions, it could have major consequences for his career in the North-East. “Playing football is the most important thing for me and I’ve got to be doing that, whether it’s here or somewhere else,” said the striker, who was a target for Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate prior to the August 31 transfer deadline. “If I’m not playing here, it (changing club) might have to be something I look at because I need football. That hasn’t changed and it’s something I’ll deal with if and when the time comes. I’m focused on being the best I can be, but I can’t do that if I’m not playing. “It’s not the best scenario, but if it ever came to it, I would have to make a big decision. But I still believe that I can help this club achieve what it wants to. You have to believe. If I wasn’t good enough, I wouldn’t be here.” Seven years have passed since Ameobi made his senior debut for Newcastle – replacing Kevin Gallacher in a Premier League game against Chelsea – yet the former England Under-21 international is still striving for recognition as a first-choice pick. “I’ve taken stick over the years, but it has never got me down,” explained a player who would have been a regular last season had a career-threatening hip problem not wrecked his campaign. “I’ve kept on going, kept on battling, and it will be no different this time. I see this as a challenge. We all face challenges and this is something I’m going to fight for. We’ve got great strength in depth, it (the club’s striking department) is perhaps the strongest it has been while I’ve been at the club, although I don’t think there can be stiffer competition than challenging Alan Shearer for a place. “I’ve had to endure that and I’ll take anything on because I believe in myself, that has never been a problem. I just hope that when I’m fit I can go out and demonstrate what I can do.” Ameobi made an encouraging start to his career under Allardyce’s guidance but with Newcastle’s manager favouring Owen, Viduka and Martins for the season’s opening fixtures, it wasn’t until September 19 that the frustrated forward started in the Premier League. His appearance at Pride Park remains his sole top-flight start, an injured groin forcing Ameobi to retire from last month’s Carling Cup defeat at Arsenal. Given all he endured last season as he played through the pain barrier with a hip problem that required a pioneering operation in America, recent events have taken their toll on his mental well-being. “It has been a frustrating start to the season,” added Ameobi. “It has really affected my confidence and, as a striker, you live on confidence. The fact that I’m injured – given what happened last season – is hard to take. It’s not the best, it’s not what I wanted. “The timing is bad given that the manager has just come in because I want to impress him, demonstrate what I can do, and I haven’t been able to do that. I just have to make sure that when I’m fit again, I do it. I will give it everything I’ve got and I hope I get a chance to prove a point. “I need to be playing football. I’m almost 26 and I feel I’ve been given a lifeline with the (hip) operation. I have to do myself justice by playing and by playing regularly.” Ameobi was speaking at Durham’s Gilesgate Sports College, where he presented Derrick Gurney, Durham County’s hard-working chairman, with his Umbro Football Hero award. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Taylor http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastle-united-news/2007/10/12/taylor-not-about-to-jump-ship-61634-19938305/ Taylor not about to jump ship Oct 12 2007 by Paul Gilder, The Journal STEVEN Taylor is adamant that his commitment to Newcastle remains intact after insisting that he is unconcerned about his contractual situation at St James’s Park. The 21-year-old’s representatives last month rejected an improved five-year deal, but although the furore that followed the Taylor camp’s decision to air their grievances in public ensured the defender’s future at the club was called into question, United’s talented stopper has no plans to leave. A player who has lost his place in Sam Allardyce’s team in recent weeks last night admitted that winning back his central defensive role is more important than improving his personal terms. As he prepares to concentrate on challenging Abdoulaye Faye, Claudio Caçapa and David Rozehnal for first-team football, it seems contract negotiations are not on his personal agenda. “I want to be playing for Newcastle, that’s the main concern,” said the England Under-21 international, who was an unused substitute during Sunday’s dramatic 3-2 win over Everton at St James’s Park. “If people want to sort out the contract, that will get sorted out. The main thing for me is to be playing for Newcastle – there’s no doubt about that.” Charles N’Zogbia and James Milner have both signed improved contracts in recent weeks, but Newcastle’s initial offer to Taylor was turned down. Allardyce last month admitted the situation was a concern and claimed Taylor’s representatives were asking too much given the player’s age and experience. That the episode has been played out in public didn’t impress the United boss or aid Taylor’s cause. The situation also led some supporters to question the defender’s commitment to the club – a subject he has been keen to address. “I’m committed to the club 100%,” he said last night. “This is the club I want to be playing for.” Taylor’s current contract runs until 2009, but given the player’s growing reputation, St James’s Park officials will hope agreement can be reached soon. Having starred in this summer’s European Under-21 Championships, Taylor was appointed Stuart Pearce’s captain and was called into Steve McClaren’s senior squad. Although not assured a regular place in Allardyce’s starting XI, the former Wycombe Wanderers loanee is not without Premier League admirers. Taylor will hope to further his reputation when he leads Pearce’s side into tonight’s European Championship qualifier against Montenegro at Leicester’s Walkers Stadium. It is a game in which Milner will add to his record Under-21 cap collection. Middlesbrough’s David Wheater and Andrew Taylor are also in the squad. England’s Under-19s will also be in action this evening. Newcastle’s Andy Carroll – on loan at Preston – Sunderland’s Jamie Chandler and Middlesbrough’s David Steele are in Brian Eastick’s squad for the game against Iceland at Doncaster. Meanwhile, Newcastle could be about to make a fresh raid on Le Havre after sources in France revealed 18-year-old striker Wesley Ngo Baheng has emerged as a United target. N’Zogbia’s move from the French club to the North-East prompted a protracted argument over compensation and led to a long-running court case only resolved this summer. That seems not to deter United from targeting another Le Havre footballer, with talks understood to have taken place with a view to a deal in the January window. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toptoon Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I hope they both stay and do well with us personally. Shola has alot to prove still, although he isn't quite as bad as some make out and i'd be gutted if Taylor ended up at one of our rivals as i'm confident he will become a top class defender. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitman Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 If only Shola played as well on matchday as he talks to the press. Time for him to go imo. Regular football in the Championship could kickstart his England career too. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leazes1986 Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Would that be 26 year old Shola Ameobi? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest SLK Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Ameobi needs to do what Bramble did... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitman Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Ameobi needs to do what Bramble did... Let's not get carried away. He's not good enough for Wigan. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest eyeball_tickler Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 please just go shola. the annual "im injured/i was injured, 1 more season and i'll show you all" lines are getting embarrassing now. you've had your chance. time to move on. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jamesmartinsmith Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I think when he's fit he should be loaned to a Championship club. If he gets goals and confidence after all these injuries, he can definetly be of value to the club. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leazes1986 Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I think when he's fit he should be sold to a Championship club. Agreed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitman Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I think when he's fit he should be sold to a Championship club. Agreed. Harsh but fair Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
merlin Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Has no-one ever thought of making up a song about Shola ? As I remember it(I heard the original, so that tells you how old I am !), the Kinks did a good'un titled 'LOLA'....!! Come on guys - I bet someone could come up with a cracker to that tune....! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lenny Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Unfortunately for Ameobi he just doesnt have the talent to be in our team, he's gonna have to go unless hes happy being a 5th choice striker. I think that this season we are going to see Taylors true colours because its the first time since he's come through to the first team he's really gotta work for his place, he'll either do what N'Zogbia did last year or work hard and make himself a better player and force his way into the team. If he does do what N'Zogbia did it wont work out like it did for N'Zogbia because there wont be a new manager here this time next year to give him another chance. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparta Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I think when he's fit he should be sold to a Championship club. Agreed. Harsh but fair hars, but maybe the best option for him to regain match fitness, and for those who remember last year before the operation, ameobi can be very usefull, but he have to play matches and well.... for fuck sake ameobi.. stay fit!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
madras Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Has no-one ever thought of making up a song about Shola ? As I remember it(I heard the original, so that tells you how old I am !), the Kinks did a good'un titled 'LOLA'....!! Come on guys - I bet someone could come up with a cracker to that tune....! "LOLA" was used for ginola,the shola song,yes he has his own,is based around the hokey cokey. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparta Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 awh.. remember pre season matches, everybody was happy and singing shaolas got a brand new hip..... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
toptoon Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I think when he's fit he should be loaned to a Championship club. If he gets goals and confidence after all these injuries, he can definetly be of value to the club. Agreed. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willow Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 I think when he's fit he should be put on EBAY. Oh definately, good call! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
hakka Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Ameobi will never be a regular Premiership goal scorer. He can't hold up play, he can't keep his balance, he often misses the goal, he can't be a target man etc... - He needs to be sold asap. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest TampaToon Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 abilities aside, how do you whinge in the press about getting games when you've not been healthy enough to be selected for 75% of the matches over the last 2+ seasons? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 First time i've said this properly about Shola (disregarding the ability factor), his time probably is up now. We just don't need him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dokko Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 First time i've said this properly about Shola (disregarding the ability factor), his time probably is up now. We just don't need him. We should loan him to a Championship club until xmas, then try and loan him to a struggling club like Derby for the rest of the season, see if he can do anything without the pressure of NUFC on his back for a change. Would be the only way we'd get anything meaningful for him anyway, no one would pay good money to take him in his current situation. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
WarrenBartonCentrePartin Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 Has no-one ever thought of making up a song about Shola ? As I remember it(I heard the original, so that tells you how old I am !), the Kinks did a good'un titled 'LOLA'....!! Come on guys - I bet someone could come up with a cracker to that tune....! When the ball's at your feet, you trip up, You run like your feet are stuck in muck, SHOOOOOLA, SHA SHA SHA SHOOOOLA. shit, but what do you expect in 1 minute of thought? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkie Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 First time i've said this properly about Shola (disregarding the ability factor), his time probably is up now. We just don't need him. We should loan him to a Championship club until xmas, then try and loan him to a struggling club like Derby for the rest of the season, see if he can do anything without the pressure of NUFC on his back for a change. Would be the only way we'd get anything meaningful for him anyway, no one would pay good money to take him in his current situation. I think they probably would. And 1, he'd never drop a division. 2, that club wouldn't be able to pay his wages. 3, we wouldn't split his wages-per-week, why should we - what'd be the point in that case? He'll probably be here for the rest of the season, be in and out, ask for a move in the summer, and the guy's at a good age so someone will come in for him. I hope he does become a first choice centre-forward somewhere. Personally, i feel for the guy. 12 and a bit months ago, he was finally the main man at Newcastle after an entire career of trying - gets a shite injury - and is now in the worst position choice-wise that he's ever been in. He deserves to be a Premiership number 9 somewhere, i reckon. He's never going to be brilliant, but he'd do well at a Wigan - or even a Middlesbrough/Sunderland. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dokko Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 First time i've said this properly about Shola (disregarding the ability factor), his time probably is up now. We just don't need him. We should loan him to a Championship club until xmas, then try and loan him to a struggling club like Derby for the rest of the season, see if he can do anything without the pressure of NUFC on his back for a change. Would be the only way we'd get anything meaningful for him anyway, no one would pay good money to take him in his current situation. I think they probably would. And 1, he'd never drop a division. 2, that club wouldn't be able to pay his wages. 3, we wouldn't split his wages-per-week, why should we - what'd be the point in that case? He'll probably be here for the rest of the season, be in and out, ask for a move in the summer, and the guy's at a good age so someone will come in for him. I hope he does become a first choice centre-forward somewhere. Personally, i feel for the guy. 12 and a bit months ago, he was finally the main man at Newcastle after an entire career of trying - gets a shite injury - and is now in the worst position choice-wise that he's ever been in. He deserves to be a Premiership number 9 somewhere, i reckon. He's never going to be brilliant, but he'd do well at a Wigan - or even a Middlesbrough/Sunderland. Dropping a division only temp to get some goals and some form. It either sparks him into contention for a place back in our squad, or sparks potential suitors who may want to take him on loan in the prem at xmas time, or maybe a perm move in the future. His only option right now is to sit on the bench here if he's lucky, or move to a championship club on loan. I know which one i would do if i were him. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
EthiGeordie Posted October 12, 2007 Share Posted October 12, 2007 i thought he would never ask. taxi for shola Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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