Anyway… The transfer window is due to close next Tuesday at 6pm UK time so I thought I’d take a quick look at what I expect from the remainder of open season and give my view on the business we’ve done so far.
And it’s a case of so far so good for me. When Mike Ashley appeared on television prior to the final game of the season and made his now infamous promise to invest many, including me, were left feeling rather suspicious. I mean we’d heard it all before right? And after years of zero investment in the playing squad and a steady stream of departures why else would we think any different?
Well to be fair, it has been and I have to say that if the window closed now I’d be pretty happy. Certainly more happy than I ever envisaged I’d be back in May. Whilst the job isn’t done and we’re still light in certain areas of the pitch we have gone for signings that are a level above what I was expecting.
Of course it’s early days in the NUFC careers of all the new guys, but certainly on reputation, stature and early performances the signs seem to be good. I’ve been impressed with Chancel M’Bemba and think he’ll be a fantastic acquisition while Georginio Wijnaldum will do well. Mitrovic up front has all the qualities to thrive in the Premier League and even Florian Thauvin is off the mark already, albeit against a League Two side.
In terms of what we’ve done in the window I’m happy so far. Can we expect any further changes in the final few days though? Well I personally don’t think so as the tone from Steve McClaren seems to have changed. In fact he’s effectively said we’re not looking for anymore but not to rule it out.
So my question, or questions I should say, to you lot are…
1 – How do you think we’ve done regarding transfers?
2 – How do you think our new signings will do this season?
3 – Do you think we’ll sign anyone else before the window closes?
And for a special bonus…
4 – Do you’ll think we’ll lose any first-team players in this transfer window?
Over to you.
Is there a prize for getting top 8? As far as I know there isn’t, not Europe, not a cup. Why are people obsessing about top 8. Same as 10th with a bit more money? And I will say this again, but if you want a player like a “younger version of Carrick” then specify who it is you want, otherwise it is meaningless – I assume you want one that is not knacked all the time as well.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Oh, and I want the next younger version of Angelina Jolie.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
West Brom agree fee for Johnny Evans
kimtoon(Quote)
And I also want the next younger version of Maradonna but can he be a bit taller please and come to NUFC at 50 quid a week?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Kim – any idea of how much they are paying?. I think if he goes there then Lescott may be allowed to go to Villa
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy@305, Dunno mate but SSN said it frees up Lescott to go to Villa.
Just watching report west sports segment, interesting to hear Gary Johnson, manager of Cheltenham town talking about transfers he has made. he said, “we have a nice lot in now and have created plenty of completion for places. I have a group of a lads here who all want to play in the first team and that is what you need ”
Well well, competition for your place in the team, now there’s a novel idea. 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/newcastle-united-need-more-new-9947329
kimtoon(Quote)
Kim – I’ve just been listening to **** on the local news, talking about how they are struggling because of poor transfers & high wages in the past. Sounds like they could be about to start the type of barren spell we saw 😛
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy, yeah, they are possibly.
kimtoon(Quote)
http://goonersphere.com/columnists/match-previews/6295-match-preview-newcastle-vs-arsenal-prem-29-08-2015
kimtoon(Quote)
lol i see all these shandy drinking arsenal blogs think they ganna win tomorrow 😆 😆 😆 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Yes, I have decided now that a time machine will fix all of our issues. Get Christiano when he is 15 and Messi when he is 9. That’ll do it (except, don’t let Carver anywhere near them).
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Evans won’t be joining West Brom to be in a squad, he’ll be joining because Pulis tells him he’ll be his first choice. Barring serious loss of form or injury of course…
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUWOAJ0My9I
Rodzilla(Quote)
Huddlestone is a no brainer. No pace but he doesnt have to. He can hold it a got a bit of physicality. Huddlestone Colback would be a quality duo. If only we could splash the money on Carrick that would the ultimate move…. If not, I think Colo should move to DM and go for Mbemba-Taylor Cb. Or Mbemba LB and Colback Wijnaldum Sissoko/de Jong CM
Cholo A. Sall(Quote)
@315 – Colo’s passing is dodgier than his reputation suggests.
Short stuff – no problem.
Mid-range on the deck – again, fine.
Mid-range in the air and long-range – unreliable, Tiote-esque
M(Quote)
Back to reality today then ❓
We need to start well against Arsenal and play at a high tempo.
If we try and sit back and defend like we did against manure, then we have no chance.
We need to score early and first, and then try to frustrate the hell out of them. That way we have a chance.
would be well happy tho with another point out of this match.
Howay the Lads
Beardsleys Boots(Quote)
Even with a draw I can see us dropping to 18th. Not good to be there in the international Break
Premandup(Quote)
I’m not too concerned about league position at this stage. We genuinely have had probably the most difficult start of any team, although Southampton looks less of a good point every week I watch them, still they were more up to speed on the first day than us. Other teams who are currently above us will have Swansea and Man U away at some stage, which are genuinely hard to get anything from. If we are still without 7-10 points after West Ham, Watford, mackems and Stoke, then I will start to be concerned.
DJG(Quote)
Some of those Arsenal blogs are soooo smug. I would love us to send them packing today but can’t see it happening and neither can the bookies. 🙁
It’s one thing saying that their defence is weak but you still have to get the ball from their midfielders and forwards! Liverpool still didn’t beat them in the end. ❗
DJG(Quote)
1-2 defeat today.
Munich Mag(Quote)
are we the only club who will spend 50 million pounds to strengthen a supposed top ten squad, and then feel happy being in the bottom 5 after 10 games because “we have really difficult start to the season” ? Pardew wouldn’t have been afforded that luxury by our loyal fans.
Munich Mag(Quote)
So SM hints he had 150mil to spend and is looking at the next two windows,as he said bringing to many players at one go makes it very hardto bed them in so will do it window by window,iI think I might just like this guy just hope the fans give him time
icedog(Quote)
So Munich what’s to do. Spend more? get another Manger? Ideas?
Premandup(Quote)
Looks like they will have Koscielny in the team as he’s training this morning.
kimtoon(Quote)
see theres claims we got 150 million to spend if thats true thats enough to turn us into a top 4 side 😀
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
MM, To be fair, I don’t think Pards ever had a set of opening fixtures as shitty as this season mate.
kimtoon(Quote)
i can see us winning this 1 like,arsenal were lucky to get a draw last week,there cb’s were all owa the place.
2-1
hitman(Quote)
We are pretty much where I expected us to be , actually we are a point better off than I thought at this stage.
kimtoon(Quote)
IMO its great to see lesser clubs dig there heels in with guys with the big bucks come calling Everton I mean they have knocked back 40mil for Stones even though the player wants to go,now they have told PSG that they won’t sell Colman even if they bid 50mil,I think jabba would have snatched their hands off
icedog(Quote)
Hitman, I feel strangely hopeful, can see a draw, possibly nick it if the same team as last week turn up.
kimtoon(Quote)
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< dos not mind geting a few of the tougher games out the way 1st 😉
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
3 v 1 toon
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
ICE, I agree, though you do wonder if Stones asking for a transfer will ultimately cause a problem within the team. Plus the fans will now question his commitment.
kimtoon(Quote)
we have been given a reet ***** start,it dosnt help that we have a new coach trying to get his way of playing across to the lads.
like mcclaren has says this is no quick fix.
hitman(Quote)
TAE@332, They are out the way now and 2 points is better than nowt, I couldn’t see anything from them first 4 games so if we can get 3 draws or 2 draws and a win that’s great. I do expect a win v Hammers and Watford though
kimtoon(Quote)
Need to beat Hammers and Watford cause it’s Chelsea and Man City after 🙄 👿
kimtoon(Quote)
KIMTOON
would of been alot better start if thanvin boot was a size bigger 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
I see WBA are getting Evans for 8mil not a great player but for a PL. defender and PL prices its not bad
icedog(Quote)
ICEDOG
why would man utd be selling him,cause they dont think hes good enough
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
would i buy him meself no
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
TAE ime not saying we should. buy him although he’s a canny bit better than Willo I just going on prices,plus I don’t like the way van the man is going at m/u he’s pissed a canny few off there if he does nowt this year after spending 300 mil he will be oot
icedog(Quote)
ICEDOG
you just got to be carefull buying a player off them bud rember nicky **** 😆
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
ICEDOG
ya shake hands on a deal with them ,i would be checking i still got me watch,rings,wallet,mobile and me fingers after wards 😯
TOONARMYELITE(Quote)
Premandup@324, why don’t you evaluate my statement at 322 instead of making up a response which has nothing to do with my original post mate ? 🙄
Munich Mag(Quote)
Frustrating game yesterday…we didn’t really get much of a chance to go for it after that silly red card…and then for the goal to come from a deflection too…
Anyway…
Carrick??? I think some people are crazy. He’s 34, injury prone and in the twilight of his career. Why do we want him when we have Colback, Tiote, Anita, Sissoko and Wiji who can play that role?
Evans? For £8m, I’d rather not sign a player deemed not good enough for a CL level club. And besides, Evans will be joining WBA as a starter. It’s already clear that McClaren can’t just dump Colo suddenly, so then we’d be putting Mbemba on the bench and Taylor possibly not even in the squad?
Come on guys…the centre back boat has sailed unless a truly top and youngish one becomes available and we can snag him when the CL clubs dither.
ToonDarnSarf(Quote)