There has been a lot of talk recently about our current crop of talent and who is going to be our player of the season.
Whilst we are biting our fingernails about two of our best players (Joseph and Jose) signing new contracts, I think it’s worth taking a closer look at some of our brightest talent at the club and what we have to look forward to in the black and white stripes.
Nile Ranger
The best place to start is with the lanky lad from down South. He is currently a first team player although he is yet to get a goal in the premier league and has recently signed a new five year plus contract committing his future to our beloved club.
No one can doubt the fact has has outstanding potential to become a real handful in the Premier League and the sort of striker defenders quake in their boots playing against as he has displayed strength and agility in abundance. His best performances have been against some of the biggest teams in the world and he has been unlucky not to get a few goals. He won a red card against Arsenal after embarrassing Koscielny (or whatever his name is) with his pace and skill and tore Liverpool apart after coming on as a substitute. Some would also argue that he was a major factor in turning round a 4-4 deficit and you could see how much he wanted to do well against the club he supported as a boy. His finest Magpie moment to date was his half volley against Chelsea during the 4-3 win at Stamford Bridge.
Unfortunately, it’s not all roses where he is concerned as there are major doubts about his attitude and past history. His move to the North East was somewhat of an escape from the gangster lifestyle and bad crowd that he was falling into during his time at Southampton. He needs to start getting his arse out of bed and make it to training on time just for starters!
Haris Vuckic
When he signed for us for an undisclosed (but rather hefty) fee a couple of years ago, we were tipped to have one of Europe’s brightest young talents. He had just been on trial at AC Milan (why didn’t they sign him then?) and that probably made an impact on his fee. Regardless, if this is what we were to expect from the board in the future then it was great news.
Under Chris Hughton, we were seeing a lot of Haris in the League Cup and he was one of our better performers in the loss to Arsenal. From the little I have seen of him, his passing and vision look excellent and he has an eye for goal proven at youth international and reserve level. I find it a shame he hasn’t been around the first team as much as we were just starting to see him get involved. I hope next season he is introduced a lot more as when you think of wonderkids of the past they were certainly near the first team at that age, some were even established internationals!
I don’t want ending with a negative to become a theme with this article BUT he has a bit of a fiery temper on him if reports are to be believed and I hope he doesn’t clash with any of the many volatile personalities in the dressing room.
Kazenga Lua Lua
I really have high hopes for Kaz. He is practically a Geordie having been raised here from a young age and has progressed through the youth team into the reserves with the odd scintillating performance. His recent form at Brighton was on course to make him the league’s player of the season as he completely steam rollered every team he played against and scored some cracking goals, including a sensational free kick resulting in a double back flip celebration.
Unluckily for Kaz, he broke his leg back in November against the monkey hangers and had to return to Tyneside for treatment. I may get a few disagreements here, but I personally rate him more than Routledge and would like to see him developing into an N’Zogbia type player, only without the sulk.
Tamas Kadar
Kadar was unveiled on the same day as Keegan’s second stint in charge, which must have taken the limelight off his arrival just a little bit! I was pleased when Pardew sent Kadar out on loan as, in my opinion, it’s just what he needed. Newcastle already have a selection headache in central defence so I was pleased when ex-Toon player Lee Clark took him to Yorkshire. I even made the effort to comment on an article in the local Huddersfield paper assuring their fans that this is a man who can do a fantastic job for them.
I do think it was a bit risky sending him out as he is the only cover we have for Jose, but thankfully Jose is still fighting fit (touch wood). Kadar had played over 10 games in the Championship last season and featured in the League Cup under Chrissy Hughton twice this season, although he does still await his full Premier League call up almost 4 years after signing with the club.
These are just four players that I have pin-pointed to make a big impact in the future for Newcastle United. There are plenty of other names you could make an argument for, namely Yven Moyo who signed at 16-years-old on a four year deal and was is one of the most promising prospects in France. I haven’t included Dan Gosling as I already see him as an established first team player and players such as Ryan Donaldson and Phil Airey just haven’t shown enough to be considered genuine stars for the future.
Would you agree that we have some great potential at the club to make an impact in the future? Or do you think we are developing youngsters to sell on for huge profit?
Author
Moreno Raised in Tyneside and now a resident of (not so) Bonny Scotland. E-mail: moreno@nufcblog.co.uk Follow @MorenoToon on Twitter !
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85 Comments
I don’t care much which they’re bought in as: both are good news for the club. Obviously I’d rather these players stayed, but you have to be realistic.
Of the current crop, I have a soft spot for young Kaz. I went to see a reserves game about 5 years ago in Workington, and he was far and away the best player – far more effective than some streak of lanky piss called Carroll. And I agree that he could be the ‘zog without the attitude. Gutted about his leg brake; praying it doesn’t have any long-term impact on his unbelievably attacking attitude.
Oh – one more for the list: Ferguson. Looks about 11, but has put in a couple of fantastic appearances for us. I don’t know much about the lad, but purely on the basis of those couple of matches I’d say he has to be in with a good shout.
1st
Whumpie, I knew there was someone I was forgetting. Was doing my nut in whilst writing it!
I’m sure you’ll get plenty of other suggestions yet. Most of the ressies for a start!
Nice article, by the way. But where is everybody??
I was wondering that myself actually, quite strange…
I fancy the majorty of them to be coming through next season, staying up costs a team around £40mill and that was our no1 prioirty, so to put that on the shoulders of a youngun would be a bit unfair.
They’re coming in to an age where they should be there or there abouts regarding the first team so I fancy things to happen next season regarding those named above, one way or another.
when you’re ready, people..
Sounds about right, ILM; it’s all about reaching safety, then they have to choose between shooting for a European place or using the remaining matches to inform their plans for the summer and next season.
I think if we win the next two we’ll be going for the former, which means more of what we’ve seen so far, and less of the younguns. If we stutter at all, hopefully they’ll start giving chances to the Aireys and Vukics of this world – hopefully with the result of having less recruiting to do before next season.
I don’t know about anyone else, but I’d rather see a small number of very promising signings – Connor Wickham, for instance -rather than a whole pile of squad players and punts on total unknowns.
I was pleased at the signing of Moyo. Shows the vuckic deal wasn’t a one off and we are looking to the future. I also like the fact they are coming under no immediate pressure and can develop at their own pace
I’m here, via oversleeping and cleaning up dog sick
If we are developing these younguns to sell on in the summer or whenever, then its about time we started putting them in the shop window dont you think?
Trouble is I’m not seeing much improvement in these lads. Which begs the question about the training staff. Was hoping to see some good results in the youth tournament in Italy, but they got off to a whopping yesterday losing 3-1.
Perhaps they’re not that good after all? Or do we expect to much?
I feel sorry for Vuckic as he has had a boatload of injuries. Lua Lua, I personally don’t rate. Heedless and chicken spring to mind. Nile Ranger, needs to do something soon, like find the net. That’s if he wants to be a striker. Kadar I rate highly. He had a bad game at LB last season and got ripped for it, but it’s worth remembering that being a left-sided centre-back doesn’t automatically make him a stand in left-back
Still can’t get over Rangers miss against West Ham
Some of these stars of the future lost to Fiorentino 3-1 yesterday.
Was never impressed with LuaLua either until that one preseason match (forget which one). he was doing well on loan before his injury so maybe he has turned a corner 9or found is level i suppose). Still he is young enough keep in considerations.
I am a huge fan of Kadar- i hope he sticks with us next year as the 4th CB while providing cover on the left. Vuckic has impressed me when played in a more forward Nolan-like role, but less so in a traditional CM role. It was CH who moved him to CM so maybe that was a bit of a mistake.
Which of those stars BeeGee?
Great article Moreno!
My favorite out of them is Kadar, his calmness on the ball reminds me of Coloccini and i think he could become the stalwart of our defense.
Toonsy i remember when Bassong got played left back as well. Nothing compared to what he was when he was centre back.
good article, we also have Airey and Fergueson in the mix, I feel Ranger needs an attitude adjustment before he’ll actually make it, if not he’ll be the one regretting it in years to come when he’s playing League 2 footy
BeeGuy is right. We should throw all of those players on the scrapheap because they lost on game!!!
good call 4411- Fergie does deserve a mention. He looks to have some ability and composure
4411
Totally agree re: Ranger. Think him and Pards destined to clash, watch this space
It wouldn’t surprise me either if they clashed, but at the end of the day you have to draw a line somewhere or else the piss will get taken time and time again.
If Ranger really is acting the fool by showing up late etc then I’ll expect him the be disciplined accordingly. Ranger, whilst having potential, has done nothing to deserve special treatment, and at the end of the day would your boss be happy for you to roll in late on a regular basis? I know mine wouldn’t, but then again he isn’t in the country most of the time so he wouldn’t know anyway
One thing people haven’t mentioned are the board. Are we developing for cash or to progress the playing squad? What’s Ashleys plan with signing 16 year olds like Moyo on 4 year deals?
i dont think a goal will change ranger,hes had 3 managers in his short footy life,the lads heed is just not reet imo.
)
just watched the 69 post again (11th time
Moreno – I don’t think you can separate the two. I would hope the strategy is a ‘funnel’ one where you land as many youngsters as you can that fit the right profile, see who comes through, get rid of those that don’t make the grade, and of those that do make it, keep the ones that plug gaps in the squad, and flog the rest.
Sensible stuff – harsh on some, but the pay-off for those who make it is pretty good! Certainly no shortage of young players wanting their chance on those terms.
Ranger will more than likely get loaned to a championship club next season, If his attitude and timekeeping aint improved when he comes back i could see him being sold. Sad because out of our current strikers he is the only one i would be genuinely sad to see leave.
Maybe Pardew should take him to see boyzone, Thats a fool proof way of keeping him out of trouble…
I don’t know about Ranger; his will and attitude on the pitch is just so convincing. AP seems to think he’s getting his shit together off the pitch now, so who knows?
He’s hit some screamers and has tended to have real impact on the matches he’s played in. I just can’t see him failing to improve and get more game time.
On the other hand, here is a player who thinks it a good idea to have a smiley face tatooed onto the inside of his bottom lip. You can take the boyyyy out of Southampton, but….
Moreno – I think it’s a bit of both. I’ve noticed that there seems to be a way that the club go about signing these players.
Trial> deal to 20/21> See if they reach potential and offer another or let them go if they don’t.
Ranger needs a decent mentor in the same way AC had Nolan. There’s only so much influence you can have over a kid when you only see him a few hours a day. If he’s spending the rest of his time with arseholes then you’re never going to win.
I’m not saying Ranger is doing that; I’m just pointing out the limits of the club’s options.
Personally, I think he’ll come good. I’m just not sure he’ll still be here for long once he does; his background doesn’t exactly yell “loyalty to the North East” for me.
Whumpie – But for all that hard work and endeavour he still hasn’t scored, despite having some glaring opportunities that if Best or Lovenkrands missed would lead to people saying how shyte they are.
At the end of the day a striker always has and always will be judged on goals. That’s just the way it is. If Ranger can get one soon then fair enough, he could progress, but at the end of the day he is getting his chance now and should be taking it.
I hope he does as I happen to think that Ranger has more about his game that Carroll did at the same age, and he is showing it at a higher level, but until he gets that goal there will be doubts.
Toonsy – that’s how I see it. Whether the successful ones stay or go should be down to whether we need another body in their position. So we’ll probably hang on to Fergie (should he continue to walk the walk) because we’re short on LW and LB cover. But if Lua Lua, Vukic and one or two others all come good, most must be sold because we just don’t need more attacking midfielders.
In the end, if one of these guys comes good it pays for a dozen more into the funnel.
Yep, if Ranger continues to avoid the net then it’s curtains, unfortunately. I would be gutting, but dem’s da rules. Mind you, he plays in just about the only position outside of LB where he can get away with it for the time being…
What’s going on with the new website? It’s .co.uk and seems to be stuck on the mobile version… anyone else getting this?
ha.. as soon as I posted that it took me back to the normal layout. Ignore my last comment!
Lualua is class when he wants to be but for me he’s just too inconsistent when he comes to crossing and passing, now i know everyone will point to Jonas but i still feel Lualua won’t make the grade.
It’s not easy getting talented youngsters for free though, a couple of million per talented youngster (with all things considered) who gets to 20 and hasn’t made it….how many of these are you going to risk?
People shout for Whickam and the Southampton boy but how much are they gonna cost? Can they deal with the pressure of the price tag?
If you are arsenal, you can spend 5million on a player and develop him and no one bats an eyelid. We just can’t do that.
Toonsy – so Torres must be shyte then mate as he has never scored at chelski. 3 matches and no goals. wank
Devon it just seems to be until you log in. Mines the same mate.
Devon/Beardsley – It’s being looked at by a higher power than me. If you get the mobile site then just click on an article until the full version comes up. It’s not ideal but it will get sorted and it’s better that just switching off the mobile site.
As for .co.uk it’s a good domain which will hopefully make this place sound more professional and put us on a stronger footing going forward.
There’s been a few changes. You may have noticed that the site is running a lot faster? It’s on a new server now as well. We are primed for the next level
First off, good article! Good read, and got me thinkin’!
Definitely agree about Kadar. He should play before Ole’ Sol every day. Needs his game time, and besides, he’s shown that he can walk the walk.
Fergie is another one for the future. Like the way that lad has played over the past few months (the few times we’ve seen him).
Ranger… well… reminds me of an American football player named Adam “Pacman” Jones. VERY talented player on both defense and offense (which is unbelievably rare). One might call him gifted. Could run faster than everybody, catch everything ya threw at him, and could defend any receiver in the league. BUT… his attitude was shyte. Can take the gangsta outta the gang, but can’t take the gang outta the gangsta. I don’t even think he’s playing anymore, and he can’t be older than 25. Just nobody would take him.
Toonsy-
Man, all these new people writing articles… kinda gettin’ the fever now. May have to write something and submit for your approval lol
O!HURLEY sure we would like to here your points of view.
could you put the best way to make good moonshine on end of thread like m8
Don’t encourage him Ice. He”’ do a detailed artcile on hicks and pitchforks
OH – There is only me, Moreno (this is his second), Mark, Jay Jay (although he has stuff to sort at the moment) that write regularly.
Stardust has done one, and Premandup sent us one to publish, and that’s it.
You need to lay off the paper round buddy
TOONSY i could do one on 69 cup,ive seen it 12 times noo,
oh just thought you have already done it
booya!
http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6773957,00.html
Rumour on twitter from a couple of journo, randomly, is that something from the club will be announced tomorrow. Just thought i’d pass that on.
thought this twitter stuff was a while in comeing again
ILM what aboot
I Love Mike
Posted February 23, 2011 at 4:20 PM
Probably an announcement to say the club has been sold – to Colonal Gadaffi!
I heard it’s to do with Enrique/Barton contracts.
Where’s Wor Donna? She’d know the craic like
hahaha I liked that Stu, I was looking through some notes from a few years back earlier today and came across a picture of him shaking hands with Tony Blair, who of course, is a toon supporter, 2 + 2 = bombs! You never know!
The twiiter peeps are just guessing it’s about contract talks (Enrique, Barton) but know one really knows
It will go as follows:
NUFC can confirm that we have transfer listed Joey Barton and Jose Enrique. We have had no choice as they have made it clear they will not be signing a contract extension, even though we’ve offered them both new contracts.
Translated: The club are whacking them both on the transfer list as we have offered them new contracts (All be it on reduced salaries) which they have rejected. So we think it’s best if the fans know this and we might actually get some money for them.
Who will replace them is still open to debate, we’re hoping we can find young kids for next to nothing, pay them peanuts, until they start playing well, then sell them!
Players who won’t take a pay cut are the enemy of football!
Yep that sounds bang on the money Stu.
Doesn’t take a genius to work that one out…..
…..Fortunately.
toonsy its aboot time you banned some of the halfwits on here
there enough too make ya top yourself ,or even worse support the scum
Batty – Just let let them prattle on. If they are happy living in a world of misery then fair enough
BATTY whos getting on your t@ts mate
From three way orgies and 12 hour drinking benders with your mate, to going to watch Boyzone with your boss who can’t speak a word of English.
The life of a 22-year-old eh?
Stuart – fair interpretation!
But if the club can’t get a player to sign up to a deal that works for the club, they should transfer list them. The whole game is about to change, and some players need to know that ‘market rate’ is irrelevant to what their club will offer them. They will offer them what the player is worth to that particular club, and no more. Carroll was worth £35m and a daft salary to Liverpool, but to most clubs was probably half that.
What’s interesting me is what happens when players put themselves in the shop window, only to find nobody’s buying, either because they’ve over-spent and are about to get clobbered under the new rules, or because Sky’s knocked 80% off their telly payments because everyone’s buying Nova Sports instead. Gawd bless wor lass in Portsmouth…
dog the halfwit who loves it just loves it when somthing gans wrong at the toon
even though he never gets nowt right
Toonsy: I’m happy to report that in my 20s I did manage 2 out of 3 of those. And I’m pretty sure I missed out on the right one!
BATTY with you now m8,sounds like my mother-in-law
batty
Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:03 PM
Back on the pills, batty?
leaky butt you want too gan and get some pills you thick misirible b@stard
Yay! Pissing match! It’s like being back at Ed’s!
Sorry. That was below the belt.
dog ive heard he looks like your mother in law as well m8
whumps aye ed judases is full of stus
dog ive also heard he p:sses like you mother in law
hes aboot as clever as kenny dogleash
batty
Posted February 23, 2011 at 5:10 PM
leaky butt you want too gan and get some pills you thick misirible b@stard
I’ll take that a yes, you old sop!
leaky which side of machester are you from agen was it the red or blue side
walt disney coundnt draw my mother-in-law
New thread up btw
aye dog thats him
toonsy iam quite happy here ,just want too see which side of manchester hes from
Batty it has to be blue mate. He would have had lots to piss and moan about then, ’til they got rich all of a sudden
leaky ive got gan oot so ile read your reply lata blue or red ,because you defo aint black and white
Batty do you think he is a blue or red
saying that I thought all of Manc land was blue 
Good article moreno
MDS…is it not the cup game v Accrington Stanley you’re thinking about when Lua Lua had a great game?
Ice…what’s this “69″ thing ya keep going on about?…me being a married man and all that, I know not of such things!!
I think you are right Richie. First time for everything
MDS….It had to happen sooner or later
RICHIE@80,then you havent lived mate
Ice
Our strength is our crowd so if we sing Joey Joey just sign the forms or Jose Jose da de da
or Joey Barton Joey Barton you will miss us if you leave and the same for Jose
or Joey Joey stay and help us win the league it will blow their emotions away.
This can and should be used this to recruit IE There could be only one Seb Larson only one Seb Larson etc
but obviously we recruit who we want.
We have a power over all in this league bar none to do this and above the dosh in the end is worth more to the ones we want to stay.
You can sort it if you get it so please do
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