I was reading the latest article from Olivier Bernard in the Chronicle today, (http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/players-thinking-twice-joining-newcastle-9485041 ) and you have to say he makes some thought provoking points.
He argues we need around 10 new players and the need to build a spine of a new Centreback, central midfielder and center forward with Premier league experience and that’s hoping we avoid costly injuries along the way.
Still the thing that stood out for me, was the who would want to sign for us bit of the article. Given the chaos of last season and the not so good previous one and the apparent lack of ambition, then who indeed would want to sign? Factor in the whole attitude the regime has towards players, (Jonas treatment whilst poorly and the manner in which he and Ryan Taylor were let go ) and we look a cheap and nasty outfit to the outside observer.
When Mike Ashley stood before that sky interviewer on our last game of the season and said things would improve and he took the blame, I allowed myself a mediocum of hope but remained wary given his level of ambition over the past few seasons. All the same I had hoped the close shave with relegation and the poor previous season had made him really stop and think about his long term plans for the club.
Now it’s early doors, the transfer window is yet to open, but I’m getting that same old feeling that we just aren’t at the races again. The new momentum we all expected seems to be vanishing with the slow appointment of Steve McClaren and now the long wait for his assistants to arrive as well, and that’s before we even see a bid for a player materialise. Liverpool, Swansea ,Southampton and Chelsea have all been busy sorting Transfers already and their need is no where near as urgent as ours is.
Without a key quality signing it will be extremely difficult to attract players of the relevant skill to our club, likewise they will want to see quality coaches here as well. Given the way some of our players have been treated by the club, and the
lack of player replacements when our top players are sold, what player in their right mind will want to join us?
Bernards point that Palace look a less risky bet to players seeking a move is a valid one. They look more settled than us and all the fans are united behind the team and manager and the board are giving Pardew funds to improve the team with quality signings.
Meanwhile Newcastle have so far been linked to a lot of championship players, not surprising given that’s where our new coach has been previous to joining us; and a couple of mid table quality players at extortionate prices. Well if we ever end up paying £20million for Troy Deeney, we need sectioning as a club. How can a championship player who hasn’t even proved himself capable at Premier League level be worth that kind of sum?
And this is the problem we face, the whole of football knows we are desperate for reinforcements and will attempt to hold us to ransom. Ofcourse we will bulk at the fees being asked and walk away and bring in our 2nd, 3rd or 4th choices and a few foreign up and comings and hope for the best. We might even go with what we have and try for better deals come january 2016, it’s not like we havn’t before.
But the real key is what do the players want. If you were a decent player looking at us from the outside, would you see a fresh start with a healthy dose of ambition? Or do you see the basket case other clubs fans and the media have portrayed us as?
I do not see a fresh start, sorry but I don’t. I know a lot of you don’t care about what happened with McClarens first press conference and in truth a few hacked off journo’s doesn’t overly trouble me either. But the reality is, that one little act tells you nothing has changed, the regime are still insular,secretive and aloof unless cash is involved. It sets the press and media against us before a ball is even kicked for the new season . They had the perfect chance to start afresh and foster a new understanding with fans and media alike, isn’t that what THAT interview was all about.
If real investment isn’t made and that’s more than the reported £25million, then the fan unrest of last season will become even more toxic . With lots of empty seats it will be interesting to see how the regimes preferred partner Sky feels about their cosy relationship. More to the point, players will be looking at our level of ambition in who we sign over the coming weeks and I suspect that Bernard may of hit the nail on the head with his article.
We may have fifty odd thousand cheering players on and a beautiful stadium but it means nothing without real ambition and desire to improve. At this point we should be pulling out all the stops to attract players, I remember freddie Shepherd saying the fact we aren’t London is a stumbling block so we have to really sell the club and area. Let’s hope Lee and company are doing just that, otherwise it could be another long season.
kimtoon
Of course Stuart. The better players you go after the stiffer the competition.
MDS(Quote)
But then shouldn’t we be prepared to get involved in bidding against other clubs then?
Stuart79(Quote)
How do you know we aren’t?
Look Id very much prefer if someone more experienced than Charnley was running the show but if players want to go elsewhere what can you do. Big window for him and, as always, I’ll judge his performance in August
MDS(Quote)
I’m just going off our history, MDS. Maybe things are changing as Express are saying we’ve gazzupmed Southampton with a £14m bid for Austin. Whether it’s true who knows. But history suggest it’s not our way
Stuart79(Quote)
@stuart You talk about negativity surrounding the flu but take you away from this blog and it’s not bad or that negative. The fact is we don’t know yet, so we wait until the transfer window closes. The facts are Ashley has spoken, Stone and Carver have gone (I have for along time thought he was a major part of the coaching problem), Mclaren is a decent coach (by all accounts) and so we wait for the rest. There are negative rumors and positive ones swilling around, for now we look forward and we judge the coaching staff when we have one and we judge the window when it’s over. Best if you did freeze yourself until Sep 1st, that would certainly be added to the positive column of this window. 💡
LionelSpeed(Quote)
Club rather than ‘flu’
LionelSpeed(Quote)
I refer you to my previous post above. If I came on here spouting positivity I would look totally ridiculous and stupid, not unlike you. I praised Ashley for talking, I praised the club for sacking Carver and Stone but I won’t be praising the club for doing nothing. You can but as I said you would look a little ridiculous.
One last think; Where’s my negative comments? Actually I have just asked questions to stimulate a debate, I haven’t made any statements which show the club in a negative light (yet) but that’s the whole point of a blog and I think you’d find if I wasn’t on here it would be full off quarter wits like you who just wrote delusional, stupid and ridiculously unfounded positive comments.
Now, I’ll see you for your next comment and lesson next time you’re on in 2017
Stuart79(Quote)
Stop the press I have some positive news so I can comment about it. Apparently the club have got a new toilet roll supplier. It’s saving them £75 a year. Good news eh?
Stuart79(Quote)
my oh my there really are some vindictive and pompous posts on here at times. 🙄
Munich Mag(Quote)
Don’t hold that against Lionel, Munich. He comes on about as often as we win trophies!
Stuart79(Quote)
MDS…Yeah I said similar the other day. Newcastle just aren’t that much of an attractive club to play for at the moment (we should be) so the better or more sought after players will always wait to see what other offers they get. If the offers don’t come then they may end up here. We wouldn’t be in the list of top 6 (maybe even 8) of preferred Premier league destinations for players from this country so add in European players and European clubs we are sadly way down the pecking order. In the past chucking massive wages helped (and Keegan & Sir Bobby) but we don’t have that now. Depressing but true!
That said I’d rather wait for the “better” players to make up their minds than sign several mediocre players early doors. Will that happen? time will tell I guess, but I’m not getting stressed about it yet, still plenty time to go.
richietoon(Quote)
I’m not judging until the window closes BUT if we don’t get the key signings in early then it’s a missed opportunity to help a new look team mould in time for the first proper games. I don’t blame the likes of Stu at all for a pessimistic viewpoint. There is no getting away from the facts of the last 8 years. Gona be hopeful for a good FEW seasons of stronger squads, but not holding my breath. Having a bit of a blow out this summer then reverting to type for the next few seasons is my bet.
Shamrock(Quote)
MM…And none of them mentioned you! 😯 😉
richietoon(Quote)
stuart79, you forgot that the club fixed the leak at the gallowgate end.
Munich Mag(Quote)
Does Drost have a buy out clause that we have met or something?. I keep reading that their manager/coach is encouraging him to turn down Newcastle & stay at Wolfsburg – that would suggest we’ve either met a buy out clause or that he’s been sold against the managers wishes.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpster, his name is Dorst mate.
Firmino to Liverpool, Nother average bundesliga player, liverpool really do throw the cayh around….
Munich Mag(Quote)
ooops….
liverpool really do throw the cash around…..
like the look of Cech to arsenal, could be the player they need to mount a challenge on the premier league title…
Munich Mag(Quote)
sharpy, clubs are also sniffing around de bruyne at wolfsburg, obviously dietar hecking doesn’t want to lose the spine of his team…
Munich Mag(Quote)
Shamrock – I don’t understand why people say it’s negative when commenting on what the club are doing? When people on here call me negative why is it me who’s negative? I fairness over the last few years if people only commented on the positive things the club did the blog wouldn’t have existed…
Makes me laugh when people just see the negative in whatever I say without actually stopping to think that it’s only commenting on what the club are actually doing.
Stuart79(Quote)
MM@318 Seen an awful lot of people singing De Bruynes praises, he does look a good player. My neighbour is a Pool fan and dead pleased to get Firmino .
kimtoon(Quote)
Stu, I wouldn’t worry mate, I’m probably just as negative tbh, as you say it’s difficult when there is nothing to sing about. Truth is more and more fans are becoming negative as the seasons roll by and that’s not our fault. It’s not us that sell our best players without replacing them ,it’s not us who see the cups as a nuisance ( but not now apparently ) and it’s not us who show a lack of ambition. But lets see what they do and who comes over next week or so, hopefully we can all enjoy some positive news for a change.
kimtoon(Quote)
http://www.nufcblog.com/2015/06/24/disconnect-between-newcastle-and-fans-on-transfers/
kimtoon(Quote)
Make that the ONE that comes in in 2 weeks MAYBE 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
Too much time on your hands it seems, Stuart. And that time seems to be used to twist and turn unknowns into pessimistic interpretations and debate. Good luck to you, mate. Not a regular poster, sorry, that obviously must dilute the validity of my comment. I luck reading about all kinds of things and when I want to read about the Toon I occasionally pop in here, not much, though, because of the general tone you primarily leave here. You think I and others don’t know the bullshit way we have been run for 8 bloody years, but like most decent Toon fans I try and see some light in a pretty **** blue, white and red SD cloud. We’ve got a new manager, we’ve got rid of Carver and we have no idea really about what is shaping up behind the scenes. I actually came on here today to see if anyone has posted anymore about this Cathro guy. Nothing may come of it but sounds interesting. Enjoy your blog, Stu.
LionelSpeed(Quote)
Leeds have signed a CB, so assume they are not after Williamson.
Even if we don’t get any new players over the line, we are still onto a winner because Lascelles, Darlow, Vuckic, Marveaux and De Jong will all feel like new signings – and with out squad currently on 25, the numbers are actually looking healthy.
The most important thing is the coaching set up anyway. Now Carver has gone that’s worth 15 points alone. Yeah ok we might not actually have any coaches, but we have McLaren who intends to be on the training pitch every day anyway – and he’s a very good coach. No reason he can’t manage the team and do the drills for in goal, defense, midfield and up front as well. He has to earn his pay right?
Of course the benefit of not buying any players is that the bank account looks healthy. We could even offload Sissoko, who shows no commitment and give Bigi a run instead, putting even more money into the coffers that we won’t pay any of Ashleys loan off with. Could maybe buy a couple of new SD plasma screens for the stadium entrance to showcase what’s on offer in his stores though?
We may as well be in a relegation fight anyway, we are never Gona win anything so may as well as well get our excitement from slugging it out at the bottom getting schooled by the likes of Leicester.
Shamrock(Quote)
A link: http://worldsoccertalk.com/2014/10/30/youthful-valencia-assistant-coach-ian-cathro-a-potential-master-tactician-in-the-making/
LionelSpeed(Quote)
Interesting read Lionel. He seems progressive with a good attitude – and hungry to do well. As it stands, he is about the 10th coach to be linked to us, so will wait and see who actually signs on the dotted line – but it sounds as if we are trying to get a decent set up on the go.
Shamrock(Quote)
Yep, Shamrock, let’s hope so, would be nice.
LionelSpeed(Quote)
YOU YEW 266
i said all along hes a 20 goal a season striker the probs keeping him on the field
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
if they sell cisse and tiote before there replacement is brought in this dude here aint ganna be very happy
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
HOPING for ONE signing in the next TWO weeks?
Does anyone have any tips on how to hibernate?
You Yew(Quote)
Pete Graves at Sky Sports reckons progress has been made over the last couple of days. Let’s see…
Stuart79(Quote)
Sky also reporting we have not made a bid for Austin at all.
No great surprise there then.
You Yew(Quote)
So what kind of progress will we have made? Got hold of Austins agents mobile number? Found out where Austin is getting married so we can church step him?
Joking apart I don’t k ow what progress could be to be honest.
Stuart79(Quote)
So we are third favorite to sign Austin even though we have the highest bid for a player that wants to stay in London even though we have offered him the number 9 shirt and we are also chasing a dutch player that has scored in Germany but wants to play in England but his coach wants him to stay which means he wants to leave!
Simple stuff really 😆
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
We could try going after older players like John Barnes and Ian Rush like we did when King Kenny was here ?
Terry(Quote)
Do you remember how that turned out?
Plus, that won’t happen under Ashley, one last big payday and zero sell on at the end. Doesn’t sound familiar to me.
You Yew(Quote)
I see Harry Redknapp has come out and said Austin should come to ncl and not Chelsea. Says he won’t get in Chelsea side and knows McClaren from his QPR days and would have a good challenge playing up here.
Stuart79(Quote)
That’s a point. Tiote was at Twente when McLaren won the league there. Maybe he’ll keep him and get the best out of him?
Shamrock(Quote)
A good challenge 😯
Are we hard to please or what ❓
Boots(Quote)
Mark Douglas is concerned that the club are still trying to strike the perfect deal. The last one they did for a striker was Cisse but it cost the club Lazecette and Bony.
Stuart79(Quote)
Mike will probably take his board of directors on a yatch trip and give them instruction’s at a later date.
Terry(Quote)
The board of directors couldn’t even organise a **** up in a brewery.
Terry(Quote)
Yes the storey goes toon have not even made a penny bid for Austin
icedog(Quote)
It will be interesting to see if Tiote turns up to pre-season training. Does anybody know if he is still injured? I don’t think he was around the training ground since Christmas. Was that all rehab in the mid-east and if so why not at SJP? I seem to recall he was trying to negotiate his own deal to get away and being nagged by his wives and mistresses.
He will be like a new signing if he stays.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I’ll be amazed if Tipte can turn up to anything with all them wives on the go!
Stuart79(Quote)
Shamrock @300: the coaches didn’t even know Sammy could take corners after we had been struggling woefully in that department for at least two years. Mind, it didn’t improve much when he took them but that was probably a combination of who was on the end of them and the predictability of our routines.
Anyway, Liverpool have signed 5. Can we at least sign 1 to give me cause for optimism that things have really begun to change as Fatty said they would.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I forgot McClaren coached at QPR for a short time. He should get on the blowwa to Austin and get him up here sharpish.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
http://www.squawka.com/news/reports-newcastle-favourites-to-complete-charlie-austin-transfer-after-14m-bid/404753
Premandup(Quote)
I just thought of something else positive, since Lionel Speed is worried about negativity. NUFC pay all their transfer fees up front, whereas other clubs stagger the payments over a number of years. This has to give us a bit of an advantage when dealing with cash strapped clubs like QPR and Marseilles. However, I am not sure if the likes of Schalke and Wolfsburg care, PSV might though.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
On the other hand, if we pay up front and other clubs pay us in installments that will limit our budget to what we have in cash plus the 1st installment for players sold. Yet another reason to believe that this overhaul that is talked about will not all happen this window but will be a multi-year thing. Fatty wants the club to be self-sustaining so I highly doubt he will loan NUFC money or allow an overdraft to fund current spending.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Correct, Eric. Hits our cash flow
Stuart79(Quote)
Talk of Inter shipping Santon out already. Apparently Watford bound? If true, what’s that all about?!
Shamrock(Quote)
Shamrock, Don’t think he wanted to leave UK, his Geordie mrs certainly didn’t going by her tweet that had to be deleted. If she wants back home then that could be part of it.
kimtoon(Quote)
Yep Eric, all the good our paying up front does is off set by all the bad to our cash flow damage! There really is no hope, we should just apply for relegation already because we are doomed! What does ever one think? (opening it up to supposed debate with pointless question) 😎
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Perhaps the fact that we have had this policy for some years now, which means that instalments from previous sales will be coming through. So the impact on cash flow is in the first year or so and then it will fluctuate.
So not a problem 😀
Premandup(Quote)
AMF my thoughts are that we are dead certain for relegation if we don’t sign a player in the next 5 minutes.
MDS(Quote)
Certainly one way of looking at it. Although I think most money was up front from Carroll, Cabaye and Debuchy. I’m pretty sure that was what Ashley stipulated.
But who cares really.
Stuart79(Quote)
I know McClaren and Tiote have some history together, and I have read that MCClaren likes to park a DM in front of the back 4, but I really don’t see Tiote coming back. He seems to have already checked out once injured and I wouldn’t be surprised if the club has already told him to go and find another club.
Good player on his day but at 29 years old it’s time to sell.
MDS(Quote)
Mds, most definitely. .we will be the first team relegated before the pre-season! 😆
Who cares any way, what is the point! 😛
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
AMF: I don’t think we will be relegated and think we will get one or two decent players in. I think there is a high likelihood that 2 of the promoted teams will go back down leaving only 1 relegation spot to fill. I do admit that I get a bit antsy waiting for the first sign of intent with a new signing or 2.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Everyone is antsy mate. .. some just don’t dwell on every negative aspect of the transfer window.. I choose to pass judgement after it closes and not before it opens….
Aussie Magpie Fan(Quote)
Me too.
In the meantime I’ll enjoy the Copa America, WWC, and the Gold Cup….
MDS(Quote)
AMF: if you read what I said @350 you will see I said paying up front might be a benefit when dealing with cash strapped teams. I wondered how it affected cash-flow and there was valid point that over time it probably didn’t that much as we would be getting money now from past deals. However, if Stuart is correct and Fatty insisted that others pay up front for our big deals then there would be an effect on cash-flow.
It is probably a minor issue though except the bit about paying cash to cash-strapped teams. Fatty likes a bargain after all.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Couldn’t care less at the moment whether we sign a striker or not providing we keep Cisse. We have Perez, Riviere and Armstrong, enough to be going on with and with a more positive leaning towards attacking I think we would be o.k. My priority would be a top class CB – our central defence has been woeful. My second priority would be a good attacking midfielder. I would be happy with that providing the coaches encourage pass and move.
Groucho(Quote)
AMF: I am not dwelling on the negatives of the transfer window. Yesterday I was wondering how other teams could sign players and we haven’t. For my own edification Iooked into it and found out that the Dutch, French and Belgian windows were open now and passed that on. Everyone said wait until July 1, but we don’t have to in 2 of our major markets.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And how do you expect anybody to trust in what we are doing in the transfer market when it is the same senior manager who oversaw 8 losses in a row and 9 losses in our last 11 games. Actions speak louder than words mate, and a bit of movement transfer wise would be nice.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
French Journos on Twitter saying Marseille have money problems and need to sell players before June 30th. They’ve agreed a fee now with West Ham for Payet at €15m so wonder how much that helps them.
Stuart79(Quote)
Eric, ignore them, man. Nobody is allowed to comment on what is actually happening – only what they hope will happen.
Stuart79(Quote)
Stu, what is “actually happening”?
MDS(Quote)
MDS: not much is happening, that is the point. Well, the club are sending out BS PR begging letters to season ticket holders instead of showing intent by making a statement signing to show fans and the rest of football that we are serious.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Apparently Payet is Marseilles best player and fans aren’t happy he’s left. Never heard of him myself. Surprised He’s never been mentioned in despatched with us.
Stuart79(Quote)
No additions in January but 2 defenders out and a clown promoted to manager. But yes, be patient and don’t make any judgement until September 1 at 5pm.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Jez it seems like we might be facing another one of our usual windows, where we will be linked with everyone but end up signing none of the players we’re linked with. I thought we would have went all out to get Austin presigned by now and give fans a reason to buy their ST’s but I am amazed and very worried that McClaren hasnt got his backroom sorted, even though he made it crystal clear that that was his priority and wanted them sorted and in 10 days ago.
Big Dave(Quote)
Groucho @365: Perez scored 7 league goals, Riviere 1 and Armstrong 0. I think we need another PROVEN goalscorer mate.
Eric Sykes(Quote)