The level of improvement required within the current squad will depend on who we can keep at the club over the summer. If we lose some of our better players they will, of course, need replacing. In the ideal world we will keep hold of our current players and continue to build and strengthen the squad, but in reality there is a very real risk that we could see the back of players like Jose Enrique and recieve bids for players like Cheik Tiote.
You could argue that part one of this summer rebuilding process actually doesn’t require any rebuilding at all. Keeping hold of our top players should be the priority, but with contract talks on hold until safety is assured and rumours over the future of some of our players spreading like wildfire you’d probably be right to wait and see on that front.
Proof of that particular pudding will come with either confirmation of a player leaving or confirmation of a player signing a new deal. Not before.
I’ve heard the word ‘ambition’ being thrown around fairly often, but what does it mean? Does it mean challenging for a Champions League spot next season? Europe? Does it mean a stable season with a stronger squad that has a bit more quality so we can perhaps challenge more competitively for a cup? Until we define what our ambition is for the next season then we can’t really begin to think about a plan of action surely?
The club said in the recent accounts that the aim is to be in the top ten and to be challenging for Europe every season. Fair enough, so now we have a starting point.
Now to match that ambition I don’t think we are too far off in terms of playing staff. I think we are weak in a few areas of the first team, but overall, once everyone is fit, our starting eleven isn’t bad at all. Despite that though, this is where the money needs to be spent as players who can come into the first team will generally cost more.
I’ve also read comments from people who are sharpening the knives in waiting for the club to not spend every penny of available transfer funds over the summer. Does it really matter though?
In my opinion it doesn’t, as long as the squad and team are stronger than what we have now. I certainly won’t be counting the pennies in and out over the summer and will be looking instead at the effect that the new players have at Newcastle.
Chiek Tiote should be the perfect example to everyone. Not much was expected of him because he ‘only’ cost £3.5 million, but can you honestly say that his contribution has not exceeded his cost? That’s kind of my point.
It’s not the cost that matters to me – it’s contribution to the team that matters the most. If we spend every penny then fair enough, but if we don’t I won’t be bothered, as long as the team and squad have been improved in quality.
In my opinion of course.
It’s a wee bit early to comment Toonsy – still focusing me eyes and looking forward to another day of challenge and opportunity! What joy.
lesh(Quote)
The players coming in also requires that extra passion playing for the club. 😎
I told a joke to my chelsea fans yesterday, Why didn’t roman abramovic sanction the 50million deal for Andy Carroll instead. 😆 😈
AngelOfDeath(Quote)
I agree, Toonsy, as long as we are better next year than this year I’ll be happy. Had we had a bit of consistency we’d be challenging for Europe this season, with a better squad we’d be up there ahead of Liverpool.
Sadly, we are about 7-8 players short of a good squad.
I think we need to replace the senior players who are either on the outer or who wouldn’t usually play (when fit) ie Xisco, Campbell, Smith, Routledge, Kuqi, Perch, Raylor, Lovenkrands.
And with a fit again Ben Arfa and Dan the Gosling, that should do us. With Kadar, Vuckic, Lua Lua, Ranger, etc, tossed into the mix as fringe players.
I can’t see us getting that many in for next season, though. Maybe 3, with a couple of young ‘uns.
Brisvegas(Quote)
I completely agree it’s not the amount money (net) we spend that matters, it’s the quality of players & whether they are better than what we have.
I do have concerns regarding Pardew’s ability in the transfer market, wholesale changes to the squad particularly if Barton & Enrique go & whether Pardew is good enough to put a squad together as we go into the dreaded second season.
witters(Quote)
We should sign errr somebody 😉
jay jay(Quote)
The obsession in the media about us spending this £35m is getting to me, If we spend x ammount on renewing Bartons contract and Enrique if he is as good as his word and gives the club time of day to discuss a new deal after we are mathmatically safe (I reckon we are already like) and signs up then its money well spent.
Ive been much more impressed with the Tiotes, Ben Arfas, Williamsons and Simpsons of this world than the likes of Duff, Owen, Martins and Xisco who were big money signings with huge wages to boot and caused nowt but frustration.
I would rather 6 solid players to cover the holes in our squad than a couple of superstars who are sometimes more trouble than their worth…
CC(Quote)
good article
spot on toonsy.
if he doesn’t spend it he’ll be “robbing” the club “again” 😉
Jobey07(Quote)
Talk of these 2 internationals on a free has died down. Was that just bollocks then?
Cashley (which actually predictive spellchecks into ‘cashier’ on my phone!) wouldn’t py for scouting trips abroad if we weren’t planning on bringing players in. From his point of view and the streamlining of the club we have seen throughout the years, if he can find a player with the same ability as Jose/Joey etc for half their wages then we’ll replace then. Unless the lads take a drop in wages which they are unlikely to now they have come out and said the money should be re-invested in the team – ie: US !!!
Moreno(Quote)
desparate for strikers
batty(Quote)
Having watched games for more years than I care to mention I would settle for a side challenging between 6th and 12th next season. We seem to be the only fans that want to be in the europa league. Nobody else wants it at all.
Maybe because I have supported the team through a drought of trophy less years I have now came to accept it as the norm. Happy to settle for winning more games than we lose but when we do lose we at least go down with a fight and have gave the opponents a proper match.
The squad needs to evolved that is true and with the right deal each position in the team could be improved on.
Toby le Rhone(Quote)
@Britishgas
You say with a bit more consistency we might be challenging for Europe this season.
If we had kept hold of Andy Carroll we might have beat Aston Villa and Liverpool may not have beat Man City and we could be still challenging for Europe now.
Let’s be honest, even though Carroll would have been injured for a lot of the games he’s scoring again now and we look like a toothless tiger!
Enrique and Barton have expressed vocally that they were gutted at his sale and it effected them.
Enrique doesn’t look as interested and looks like he’s following his Pal to Liverpool.
I know some of you will say he’s gone now and its history and it was his choice to leave, but for me, if the club wanted to progress to challenging for a Euro spot then any bid should have been rejected and money recouped by influencing players this is the club to be at .
That’s all Carroll wanted and that’s all the players want.
Obvious to me but some of yous can’t see it.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
P.S. I fully understand why Carroll left now and don’t blame him one iota.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Think most transfers will be “undisclosed fees”. So we wont know how LITTLE has been spent.
But you’re right, it doesn’t matter. What matters is quality players and back ups in every position.
The younguns has to be a seperate issue imo.The vast majority of them wont make it thru to the senior squad, except for the fact we are desperate at the moment.
If we have any ambition at all and want to challenge for anything other than mediocrity then we need good competition for places, not a senior team and kids as back up. It doesn’t work.
The abject lack of investment in senior players is starting to take its toll now as we approach the end of the season.
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Bobby shinton @ 11 – totally agree with that. I know the money for AC was ridiculous but by rejecting it would have been a massive statement of intent.
So now we and the players all know how far cashley wants to go and you can understand players wanting away.
Its a joke. 👿
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
This wasn’t one of you lot by any chance was it?
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/8390369/Man-has-stereo-seized-after-repeatedly-playing-Chaka-Khans-Im-Every-Woman.html
Toon Chicken(Quote)
Ashley doesnt give me much hope in the transfer window coming up, despite all the hype coming from Pardew, we have been stiffened in every previous window so i cant see the pattern changing.
Cant be bothered to list all the howlers but in the lasst window he sold Carroll and brought in Ireland who hasnt played in 3 months? and then Kuqui who is as much good as a chocolate fireguard, can anyone honestly blame Carroll for moving and for Barton and Enrique to be ready to move?
Ashley says money is tight? Well i bought 2 Juvenile tickets for my grandsons for the ManU game in the West Paddocks ( 1892 club) and they were £31 each, and thats half price!
bobby(Quote)
Bullshit No 9 : Equally as possible would be that we would not have won a game if Carroll had stayed and we’d be relegated.
That sort of speculation is stupidity of the highest degree.
Brisvegas(Quote)
The point I’ve maintained throughout is Carroll was 21 yrs old and having money thrown in his face by a legend of a footballer in Daglish and a chance to go to one of the great world clubs, yet he wanted to renogiate a new contract with the Toon. Yes, possibly unreasonable on deadline day but he quickly worked out which club wanted him more and had ambition.
I still maintain the club should have rejected the offer and Pardew had 3 months to convince him to stay.
That being said, the club didn’t want that, they wanted the money in their bank.
Good luck Andy . Hope you are successful !
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
PS . Ashley was not even willing to sit down with Carroll to discuss any contract improvement according to Pardew. With a bit of communication they might have come to a quick and reasonable offer but that opportunity never arose for Carroll. He was told to get in the chopper which was conveniently waiting for him .
It stinks!
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
@Britishgas
Not at all. You hate the idea I’m right and you are wrong.
Deal with the facts.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
The facts. 🙄
Brisvegas(Quote)
Oh yes. The facts and evidence.
😎
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
@Britishgas
You can’t sell your best asset who is a huge part of the dressing room and not have an effect on the team.
How many games have we won since he left?
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Another realist! 😆 😆 😆
Brisvegas(Quote)
How many games has he been fit since he left? It really is from now until the end of the season. A fact which is hightened by the fact Best, Ireland and Sholla are injured and McLovin and Ranger arent doing the business. Its all relative. If HBA had been fit would we have needed him? No.
I am not remotely bothered he has gone now. I was at the time but we have picked up points and we have £35 million in the bank. If Judas goes on to bigger and better then fair enough.
I would be interested to know what your comments are based on. I have a bit of inside info from Ryan Donaldson through my brother, but I would like to know your source?
raffo(Quote)
Never disclose your source, saws, sores, soars or sauce!
First rule.
We’ve won 2 games since he left.
Players clearly aren’t happy about the sale. They’ve said it to the press.
It effects team morale.
It’s there for all to see.
What more facts do you need and you don’t need a source to know that.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
He has played 1 1/2 games since he left too.
You dont have a source. Your basing it on assumptions. Of course they arent but they are, or are supposed to be pro’s and it shouldnt make a difference. Theres also been reports that the morale is really high and they have tightened since he has gone in a seige like mentality.
All depends on what you want to believe
raffo(Quote)
I’m amazed by everyone who said the club were right to sell cos he wanted to leave. Then the same people said they were prepared for a relegation battle cos of it .
The same people whinge on when we struggle and wonder why?
You reap what you sew I say.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Leave him alone, raffo. The poor kid thinks he makes sense.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Raffo
I believe what I see.
2 Wins since he left, not solely down to his presence on the pitch but in the dressing room.
How can there be a stronger dressing room when Jose and Barton have expressed their displeasure since he left.
That’s a fifth of the outfield players.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
But they have also said that they are happy to see what the club does in the summer in terms of investment. And if memory serves Joey was that unhappy he offered to take a pay cut to sign after Judas went? Only after the length of the deal wasnt to his liking has he said he wants to see what happens, nothing to do with ponytail boy.
We could go round and round with this. The facts are that I KNOW what happened with judas through a NUFC player. I am very happy to have the money and I am happy with the players we have been linked with. I now am hopeful we sign a few of these players and hold onto our better players like Joey and Jose, but frankly if they want to leave then they can. They will be replaced and the club will go on. We wont, or shouldnt be, in a position to take a UEFA spot this season which is good because we havent got the squad to cope with the regular season, let alone a european cup run.
Lets see what the summer brings and then slag off the management because they didnt give in to the terms and demands
raffo(Quote)
Just to throw my hat in the ring but didn’t toonsy do a blog that highlighted that we scored more without Carroll in the team than with him in…thats a quantifiable fact, the rest is opinion based on ones own interpretation of comments made by players, the manager & paper talk (which of course everyone is entitled to & why we comment on here)
witters(Quote)
bobby shinton did you get your calculator out to work out its a fifth? your a brainy lad lol!! bobby weve scored more goals since carrolls left mate
Army69(Quote)
Carroll says the board pushed him out. But he signed the contract at Liverpool, no one else. what would the board have done if AC said no I want to stay. Ashley wouldn’t have been able to do anything. Therefore it was because he is a money grabbing c**t. If we had had HBA and Carroll for the whole season I strongly believe we would have challenged for Europe this year.
pearceet(Quote)
witters
Posted April 13, 2011 at 10:25 AM
Just to throw my hat in the ring but didn’t toonsy do a blog that highlighted that we scored more without Carroll in the team than with him in
exactly!!!
Army69(Quote)
Exactly Witters – added to that the teams style has changed as we arent just lumping it forward for Judas
raffo(Quote)
why we stil yapping on about carroll anyway , we dont need him , lets look forward to the summer so we can get a striker that wants to play for newcastle and bangs in more goals than carroll
Army69(Quote)
wow pardew n ashley hater at full force today
ronny(Quote)
Does your *** ever get jealous of the **** that comes out of your mouth??????
Nathandio(Quote)
We will leave the Carroll issue cos clearly you’s aren’t wise enough to get it.
I win. 😛
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Oh now youve said that you must have 🙄
hope 38 and 39 werent directed at me guys 😯
raffo(Quote)
…
Brisvegas(Quote)
Agent confirms Larrson leaving at end of season. Cue ANOTHER article from Ed on his boy. God I am sick of the Seb Larrson love in on .com
raffo(Quote)
Has he gone? Phew! Do you think the number 9 in his name is his age or his IQ?
Brisvegas(Quote)
My next point to win over yous.
We can’t expect season ticket freezes if we want to go out and buy the best players.
We reap what we sow.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Bobby 9…hold on a minute, the best players?!? Since when have Newcastle bought the best players…except Shearer
witters(Quote)
@twitters
We can’t keep hold of our best players cos we don’t fill the stadium anymore and they’ve had to offer a ten yr pay freeze.
We can’t have it both ways.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Bobby 9…loving the way you’ve changed Witters to Twitters…brilliant!
You appear to have changed your point, weren’t talking about buying the best players as opposed to retaining our best players (now you’re back onto Carroll again…I thought you agreed you’d won that discussion?!?) so it appears you want it both ways to suit your rather negative view.
The season ticket freeze could also provide a means for the club to identify incoming revenues & to budget over the longer term which in normal businesses would be considered a sensible thing to do. Again, it’s down to perspective…I feel you come from the Freddy Shepherd or Peter Ridsdale school of being football club chairman?!?
Just on the off chance you made need assistance when reading comments I’ve provided the following link:
http://m.dictionary.com/d/?o=0&l=dir
witters(Quote)
Nice to see everyone getting along 😆
toonsy(Quote)
this is a strange storey?
http://www.caughtoffside.com/2011/04/13/liverpool-agree-deal-with-fc-porto-boss-andre-villa-boas-as-new-manager-for-next-season/
icedog(Quote)
@twitters
You appear confused?
I’m clearly on a higher intellect level than you.
You’ve fallen under the Ashley spell and can’t grasp simple issues which appear clear to me.
I predicted all this in January and I’ve been proved right again.
The Predictor.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Has he gone(BS number9)?
Is it safe to come on here now.?There is a very unhealthy Carroll thing going on there 😕
nutmag(Quote)
@meganut
They hate the fact I’ve got a source in the club and they haven’t.
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
where do people get this we have scored more goals without judas from 😕 tottaly wrong
batty(Quote)
bobby aye they do 😉 @53
batty(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle-united/nufc-news/2011/04/13/pardew-no-liverpool-deal-for-jose-enrique-72703-28512616/?
SOME GOOD NEWS THERE LADS!!!!!! ASSUMING ITS TRUE
pearceet(Quote)
@Nora
I’ve had fun this morning 😉
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
No 9@53
Do the voices in your head also tell you things?
nutmag(Quote)
Batty – I worked it out the other day. Goals divided by games gives you a ratio, and our ratio is better without Carroll than it was with him.
Mind you, that was before the Wolves and Villa games.
toonsy(Quote)
Pearceet, you beat me too it 👿
dan4toon(Quote)
Dan 😆 😆
Will you beat toonsy on the article though?
pearceet(Quote)
toonsy you have never been any good at mats have you 😆
batty(Quote)
maths
batty(Quote)
@meganut
The voices in my head guide me throughout life. Do you not have voices guiding you ?
Are you mad?
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
Batty – It’s true. Check it out 😉
toonsy(Quote)
bobby @57 aye you have reeled them in 😆
batty(Quote)
Pearce 😆
dan4toon(Quote)
toonsy when was the last time judas played for us cos i cannit remember ❓
batty(Quote)
Batty – 28th December. Against Tottenham.
toonsy(Quote)
Source?! Hmmm.
Alreet bats hows tricks
raffo(Quote)
Alright lads 🙂
Everyone knows we won’t spend 35 million this summer, I’ve said before I rekon about 25 probably less. T
There will be some very good players in the summer who we can get for free or players in the last year of their contracts so we can get on the cheap. I still hope we sign one big name player for quite a bit of money, maybe Gervinho.
AndrewNUFC(Quote)
#NUFC statement on Shola’s knee scan describes the results as “reassuring”. Should be back in full training “by the weekend”.
AndrewNUFC(Quote)
A few nibbles there bobby 😀
batty….has DJG not asked for any tips for the horses? 😆
richietoon(Quote)
alreet raffo fine m8 ,hows you ❓
batty(Quote)
rich 😆
batty(Quote)