The 22-year-old has been signed for a fee of £3 million and will be available for the visit of Arsenal at the weekend.
Obertan will effectively replace Routledge in terms of position although I’d like to hope that the former Bordeaux man will have much more of an impact on the pitch at Premier League level than Routledge ever had. Mind you, that is not hard to be fair – just ask Portsmouth, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Fulham….
Anyway, Obertan has been speaking about his move to Newcastle and it seems as though the French winger is happy to be here although I must admit that I always remain sceptical of what footballers say when they join a new club. I swear there is a secret book somewhere that only footballers can use…
On that note Obertan was quick to praise the history of the club, the fans, claim how happy he is to be here and so on. The usual kind of stuff really. Read on for quotes.
“I spoke with some of my friends and Newcastle is a big club with history in England, so it’s a great move,” Obertan told the official club website.
“I’m just really happy to be here because this is still a big club for me. It wasn’t really a difficult decision to come here. I spent two good years in Manchester but it was a bit difficult with the competition and I really needed a club where I could play more games.”
“I know it won’t be easy to play each game here, because there’s a good group, but I want a fresh start in my football.”
“I’ve heard a lot about the fans, the atmosphere, the passion around the club and the way the city is just behind the club 100 per cent, so I think I’m going to love it.”
Meanwhile Alan Pardew has had his say on his fifth signing of the summer and has revealed that he has been keeping tabs on Obertan for some time.
“Gabriel is a player I’ve watched for the last couple of seasons since he arrived at Manchester United,” Pardew told the club website.
“He has great pace and excellent technique and he has improved his power in the last 12 months and is ready now to make a real impact in the Premier League.”
“I contacted Sir Alex about him early at the start of the summer to see if there was an opportunity to bring him to Newcastle, but it wasn’t until Wayne Routledge joined Swansea that we were able to bring him in.”
“His best years are ahead of him which is exactly what we want at this club, and with the backing of our magnificent fans I’m sure he will prove an excellent signing for us.”
Hopefully this signing gives Alan Pardew the pick me up that he needs as, in my opinion, he’s looked and sounded pretty down over the last few days. I hope Obertan and the thought of more signings cheers him up as I don’t want hi to get fed up and end up walking.
Those that do want him to walk or feel he is a “puppet”, “stooge”, “cronie” or whatever should consider the alternative. Joe Kinnear is still out of work…
So welcome aboard to Gabriel Obertan who becomes the latest French connection at Newcastle United. Maybe with a regular run of games and the backing of some compatriots he can flourish and fulfil the potential that he showed at Bordeaux that earned him the move to Manchester United in the first place.
Vive la révolution!
I really can’t stand the sight of Llambias
AndrewT(Quote)
its struck me now where the rest of that £35 mill has gone – French lessons for the rest of the squad, cos with our front 6 (Obertan, Cabaye, Tiote, Ben Arfa, Ba and Marveux) pretty much fluent in french, the rest of the squad is going to need it!
The Hig!(Quote)
I am legitimately excited about obertan though. Don’t think he’ll start, but could definitely come on as a sub for the arsenal game.
We can now have a front 6 all speaking French in Tiote, Cabaye, marveaux, Ben arfa, obertan, and Ba
AndrewT(Quote)
ANDREWT
August 9, 2011 at 14:35
I really can’t stand the sight of Llambias
agree with you pal
Army69(Quote)
the way im looking at obertan is is he better than our last right winger routledge??? YES!!! he can beat a man and hes quicker but does he have the end product in a good final ball?? routledge didnt!!
Army69(Quote)
the obvious starters on sat will be
krul
simpson taylor collo
tiote cabaye
ba
the rest i havent a clue!! is he gna play marveaux than jonas or vice versa? is he gna have enrique available?? will barton play?? will obertan start?? will gosling be pushing for a start?? its starting to look rather interesting with more faces in the squad 😀
Army69(Quote)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf2e8JloY6M
Great video of him here. Good dribbling and absolutely rapid!
Andy(Quote)
Agreed army! Good to have competition for places finally!
AndrewT(Quote)
I’m really going to have to learn the words to La Marseillaise at this rate.
Good siging- clearly an upgrade over rout and some depth at a position where it was needed. (now bring on a striker and the dutchman please)
MDS(Quote)
andy he looks absolutely class!!!! cant w8 to watch him
Army69(Quote)
ICE PUP,you wouldnt get burnt if you gan in and do some painting 😀 😀
icedog(Quote)
“I’ve heard a lot about the fans, the atmosphere, the passion around the club and the way the city is just behind the club 100 per cent, so I think I’m going to love it.”
Erm… wonder if he’ll change his mind when he hears “get out of our club you fat cockney so-and-so” for the first time on Saturday??
Toon Chicken(Quote)
I know there’s always a little concern over a player that Sir Alex is willing to let go, but I don’t think there’s any arguing that upgrading from Routledge to Obertan for 1m is a solid move. Even if we hadn’t gotten another true RW in, Routledge would have struggled to get a game. If we add the Dutch LB now, I’ll be pretty happy. A striker would be the final piece, but I’m not holding my breath at this point.
Charlie Prince(Quote)
I think everyone is agreeing now that if we get this Pieters fella and a striker we’ll be looking pretty good. Just down to AP and co to get them working as a team as quickly as possible.
I’m actually quite excited about the season; I just hope it’s not delayed by a load of scum-shagging, freeloading, shop-torching low-lifes. (And yes, I mean the rioters; not anyone at the club!)
For the Pards-bashers on here, I would like to give the guy some credit here: he did make a great start in the window, then warned us it’d probably go quiet until the final month before re-igniting. On that he’s been pretty much spot on.
Pieters and a striker. Just them. Get them, me very happy. Gwarrrn Pards and co, get the job done.
Whumpie(Quote)
more talk aboot all games being put off,hope like hell thats all it is talk 🙁
icedog(Quote)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2011/aug/09/premier-league-opening-matches-riots-tottenham
icedog(Quote)
@13. Not only does he appear to be an upgrade over Rout, he probably will keep RTaylor from getting playing time.
MDS(Quote)
I don’t see there’s much wrong with bringing in a player who’s been unable to unseat the likes of Nani. We’re not really competing with Manure yet, so shouldn’t be upset about taking the cast-offs of the next level up – it’s just the reality of it.
Besides – if he does come good, it’ll be all the more satisfying seeing Ferguson looking on at what he let go. 🙂
And if he doesn’t, it’s not the end of the world. Better 3 Obertans than 1 £9m “known name” who can, at best, justify his price and no more.
Whumpie(Quote)
_Trozs_
A lot of people who have criticised Obertan in recent times seem to have forgotten what a positive first impression he made when he first joined us. I feel there is so much potential in this kid, and hopefully with the consistent run of games he can get at Newcastle, he will reach it.
1 Hour Ago · Like · Reply · Flag
Free Scoring Smudge(Quote)
MDS – Toonsy will be very happy about that!
Whumpie(Quote)
Shame the friendly was called off- was hoping to see Krul in action.
MDS(Quote)
Anyone done a calculation of what’s been spent so far? I make it somewhere around the £15m mark if you allow for agents fees and signing-on fees. I’m ignoring salaries; that’s a daft thing to include as far as I’m concerned.
Either way, 5 players in and 1 out so far. Nobbad.
Whumpie(Quote)
Reet pissed off if they cancel the matches this weekend, I reckon arsenal are there for the taking if we play them this week… 👿
CC(Quote)
Say what you like about Pards, he does seem to have good relationships with some big names in the footy world.
Moreno(Quote)
Whumpie says:
August 9, 2011 at 15:10
MDS – Toonsy will be very happy about that!
——————-
Aye- his week keeps getting better and better 😉
MDS(Quote)
Spot on Toon Chicken @12….Some fans don’t seem to realise the effect that negativity can have on the players, wasn’t it Kevin Keegan who said 90% of football is in your head and only 10% was down to ability. Related issue…have we ever seen a players performance improve due to booing?…yet some fans insist on doing this, I’ve even seen players come on as subs and be booed onto the pitch. Jeezus I thought we were meant to support the team and the club? Ashley will move on one day, and I suspect it will be on his own terms, not as a result of fans protesting, until that day we should get behind the club & the players and even Ashley if needs be!….or stay away!
JoeSoap(Quote)
MDS – yep, a bit of a shame; I normally have no reason to watch international friendlies. To be honest they normally just annoy me anyway; load of adulterating primadonnas prancing about underperforming usually. Much rather watch a Toon reserves game.
Whumpie(Quote)
Pretty much agree there whumpie- plus they always come at the strangest of times.
I have a bit of interest in USA/Mexico for the sole purpose of seeing what Klinsman’s plans are, but not much.
MDS(Quote)
At the moment I think we have exactly 25 players who need to be registered if they are to play.
Someone has to leave…
JiggaJoe(Quote)
Think Obertan could be a good signing for us , he has the potential to be in anyways. If he doesnt work out Im sure he will not drop drastically from the £ 3 mil we paid for him. Next sign a striker and cover for left back and I think we are set for season. Be even better if we off loaded a few like Smith n Xisco.
Johno Toon(Quote)
@26 read the Tim Vickery column for BBC today and the flamengo manager deliberately took off Ronaldinho before the end of a match so he could hear the boos.
He’s now playing amazing football again.
JiggaJoe(Quote)
Although I agree it doesn’t normally help. 😉
JiggaJoe(Quote)
I still have no idea at all as to who Pards could be after as a striker. Pretty sure the press haven’t got a clue.
Whumpie(Quote)
why would they call off the toon match , its in newcastle , far away from the riots
Army69(Quote)
I frankly do not understand the doom and gloom that some fans have. It has been really nice to see a thread like this one with no real negative comment apart from the one on Lambias, which is of course fully justitifed, cant stand the bloke. I personally think we have a lot better squad than last year, Nolan looked **** this weekend. Gosling, Ben Afra, Marveaux, Ba, Obertan, I know a lot of clubs that would like to have pulled those off. Anyhow I agree with all of you here today, if we pull off a striker and a left back this transfer season has to be deemed a success even if we do lose Barton, who frankly is starting to annoy me a little. Keep those positive thoughts, if the fans stay positive it will be the difference between being a top 1/2 team vs a bottom 1/2 team.
Rich(Quote)
Whumpie – Cwarr knows! 😉
Bendtn9r apparently 🙄
Toon Chicken(Quote)
Rich: “Gosling, Ben Afra, Marveaux, Ba, Obertan, I know a lot of clubs that would like to have pulled those off.”
Ooer missus. 😆
Whumpie(Quote)
Just posted this on the last thread without realising there was a new one up, and as if luck would have it the post title couldn’t be more relevant!!!
…..I’m just about to find out if I’ve been made redundant. Wish me luck lads and lassies!!!! 😯 😐 👿 😥 😕 😮 😎
….I might be back on here battered later……
(Obertan might not be the only one “signing on”) 😮
Rodzilla(Quote)
good luck rodzilla
Army69(Quote)
Good luck Rowdy Roddy Piper!!
Toon Chicken(Quote)
Sorry to hear Rodzilla , good luck!
Johno Toon(Quote)
good luck rod..
roy cropper(Quote)
good luck rod
icedog(Quote)
GOOD LUCK Rod ,
Axel(Quote)
Tough times Rod. Chin up fella!
MDS(Quote)
God luck Rod. Although you could open up a vigilante business if things go pear shaped 🙂
toonsy(Quote)
hey cheers for the support fellas, got to wait until fekin Monday now before I get a definite answer!!! 👿 🙄
….am off yem anyway. Tatty bye….
Rodzilla(Quote)
Some posters elsewhere are claiming Carr has been watching Ola Toivonen from PSV as well. Any truth to this?
25 year old striker, good goal scoring record in Holland (34/75)
MDS(Quote)
Think the daily mail have started that rumor mds
Johno Toon(Quote)
Good luck to you, Rodz. Hope it works out well in the end…
Fans Should Own The Club(Quote)
But in saying that MDS think Daily Mail ” broke ” the obertan deal first so maybe some truth in it
Johno Toon(Quote)
Truth? In the Daily Mail? 😯
There is such a thing as luck you know. Cwarr07 had much the same 😆
toonsy(Quote)
Not even sure if the date is correct when it goes to print toonsy 🙂
Johno Toon(Quote)
MDS
Toivonen was playing when carr went to watch his teammate Pieters but there is nothing in the dutch press that we are interested in the headcase .If we want to improve our disciplinary record we need to stay well clear of him .
Axel(Quote)
All the best 4 monday Rod. Not a nice situation. Catch you later buddy..
Porciestreet(Quote)
@rodz
Good luck fella. It’s shocking they are scrapping the Metro Gnomes at the metro centre. What will you do ? 😯
Bobby Shinton number 9(Quote)
15mil for Oxlade-Chaimberlain!!!
They got Gervinho for about the same, the over-pricing of english players is ridiculous.
JiggaJoe(Quote)
I see the signage on the East Stand still says Newcastle United 😀
Unless of course Llambias & Ashley have some photoshop skills 😯
witters(Quote)
If we want to improve our disciplinary record we need to stay well clear of him
——————-
Was hoping you’d chime in Axel 😉 Didn’t know that about him. Stay clear if that’s the case
MDS(Quote)
Speaking of gnomes…Llambias has the look of one
witters(Quote)
axel what is this pieters guy like? Have they mentioned a fee in holland? As i read he has a release clause but don’t know what it is
Andy(Quote)
Really can’t understand why they included the chimp in that picture of Obertan and Pardew. He looks like he has already had a few too many for a work day. Didn’t know chimps were heavy drinkers. That was probably his main task for the day unless he is flying down to London to kiss the shop keepers derriere.
GeordieTwo(Quote)
According to the Sun 😯 It’s a £7m deal ❓ ❓ ❓
Premandup(Quote)
Prem and up; what for obertan?
Liam Southern Toon(Quote)
Afternoon, mates! Good news, this. I told my mate that we just signed Obertan and he was like “hell yeah”!
How’s all of you lot? Hopefully none of you’s livin’ in London…
OHurley(Quote)
OH i sent icedog doon london late last night just too do a little work for me ,paying him double time 🙂
batty(Quote)
Wheyaye Batty mate! What kinda “work” did you send poor Icedog doon sooth to do like?? 😉
OHurley(Quote)
its started early tonight in wolverhampton 😯
batty(Quote)
OH hes got too pick up a few tvs for me 😆
batty(Quote)
Btw-
I didn’t realise how much I missed you lads! Sorry for bein’ gone so long like!!
OHurley(Quote)
arrrrrrrh how sweat OH 😆
batty(Quote)
we havnt missed you 😆
richietoon(Quote)
**** OH- was wondering the other day where the hell you been? How was columbus mate?
@63- That sounds high, but a young dutch international is sure to be pricey. At that rate i would imagine he is only coming if Jose goes.
MDS(Quote)
Did ya get to see the Toon then OH?
richietoon(Quote)
LST
I heard £3m. sounds about right
Premandup(Quote)