Despite another day full of fanciful transfer links, the Chronicle have confirmed that Newcastle are STILL yet to bid for a single player this summer – with Lee Ryder admitting that the club are ‘not close to making a permanent signing’ as things stand.
It’s been reported recently that Rafa has been given a budget of around £40m (plus money from player sales), however the vast majority of the summer so far (aside from Dubravka’s arrival) has seen players linked with moves away, with little genuine activity with regards to incomings.
Elsewhere, there’s now signs that our Premier League rivals are picking up the pace and getting deals done. June is usually a slow month for transfers (and the market’s slowed even further by the World Cup), but potential rivals Wolves, West Ham and Huddersfield have all been making waves in the last few days – a sign that we need to get our skates on or risk being left behind yet again.
Wolves have signed Portugal’s number one stopper Rui Patricio. He may have arrived on a ‘free’ after cancelling his contract with Sporting, but there’ll have been big competition for his signature, and to sign a player of his pedigree is a real sign of their intentions (and spending power!).
Then to West Ham. Not only have they just announced the signing of highly rated French defender Issa Diop for a club record £22m fee, they look likely to break that record again with a £25m move for Lazio star Felipe Anderson.
They now have a top manager in Pellegrini, just as we do with Rafa, but there’s only one club between the two showing some sort of ambition. It may still go badly wrong at West Ham given the unpredictable nature of their owners, but Rafa could only dream of being given the license to spend this sort of money on these sort of players. Instead we’re yet to make a single bid for a player and the words ‘bargain basement’ are being used already.
Then finally, little old Huddersfield. I say ‘little old’ but they’re also threatening to leave us behind in the market the way they/we are going. They’ve recently confirmed the signing of Dutch international defender Terence Kongolo for an alleged £18m.
Like Kenedy, he arrived on loan in January and impressed, but they appear to have acted much quicker than us in a bid to get their man. Yes Kenedy is a difficult deal to do given interest from elsewhere and the uncertainty at Stamford Bridge, but do you think we’d have signed the Brazilian by now if we’d been told ‘he’s yours for £18m’ after the final day of the season? History suggests no.
We move too slowly, we’re reluctant to pay the going rates and we’re in serious danger of not only losing ground on our Premier League rivals, but Rafa himself.
Let’s hope things get better from here on in. There’s plenty time left to do business, but if reports are true that Rafa wanted ‘four or five’ in by the start of pre-season (less than two weeks time), then it looks like being another frustrating summer for Benitez.
If Ashley really is keen to see him commit to a new long-term contract, he’s got a funny way of showing it.
Just looked up Ings and he had anterior cruciate ligament surgery on his left knee, then later “surgery” on his right knee. I am assuming more ligament damage because it took 9 months to recover.
I really know very little about knee problems but does having one, or two events/surgeries make you more prone to the same types of problems down the line even if you have made a full recovery?
These injuries used to end players’ careers. Brian Clough at 26 and I think Tony Green as well.
He looks like a good player, but would he remain fit?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Who is the “ect” Stuart. I thought it was only Charnley and the security guard at SJP since Kath the tea lady retired.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Aye Rafa at SJP trouble at mill???
icedog(Quote)
Whey give owa!!.
In one post you’re complaining there’s only 5 weeks left and they need to get their fingers out – then when there’s confirmation they are getting together, there’s problems ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Harold Bishop and Just insane are the key people aren’t they?
Stuart79(Quote)
VAR caused more controversy than normal ref decisions in the A-league. You’d be hard pushed to find any football fans in Australia who thought it worked well. It was just as inconsistent as any referee. Sure, it picked up some offsides and got some other decisions right, but in the main all it did was transfer interpretations ‘in the eyes of the referee’ to being ‘in the yes of the VAR officials’.
It also ruined goal celebrations at the game. At the game, the crowd had no idea what was going on. When you see it on tv you get to see multiple replays from all angles. Not so at the ground. Celebrations were muted until somebody said yay or nay.
Hopeless.
At least at the world cup the ref goes to look at the tv screen. But it seems to me he sees only one camera angle. Who chooses the angle he gets to look at? He certainly doesn’t look at 32 angles and have a studio of tv experts to help him out – and even the studio guys, with all their slo mo replays still can’t agree.
I don’t know what the thing with hand balls is in this WC. All the pens given for hand ball have been wrong imho.
Brisvegas(Quote)
Stuart: Keith Bishop is a supposed PR guru so he managed the propaganda and I doubt has much say on transfers. Justin Barnes is a corporate lawyer who supposedly was brought in to oversee a sale. You are probably right about them being in meetings but probably only to spin what is said. No player or even football finance expertise.
NUFC don’t even have a board. Charley was on it with McClaren and Moncur who have both been pushed to the side. The only other member is the absentee owner who has only met Rafa once and spoken to him twice I believe.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BrisV: that one yesterday for Iran was the worst.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Bris – what a shame mate. I think the introduction of goal line technology was introduced seamlessly and has made a big difference – a big improvement.
It’s a shame coz I think VAR could definitely improve the game – but not in the way it’s being used just now.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Looking forward to the Aussie game today like. Still a chance to go through if they win and Denmark loose by 2 or more goals – that is entirely possible I think.
Sharpy17(Quote)
news that toon have extend the date of renewing their season ticket sale as this moment fans are not renewing their tickets,wonder why ???
icedog(Quote)
ime going to watch Denmark game,have another look at that C/F
icedog(Quote)
Ronaldo did not foul that ****, thw guy back peddled into Ronaldo and purposely blocked him. Ronaldo then tried to run past him.
That VAR review and decision PLUS the penalty decision and delays in both were nothing short of shambolic.
Shamrock(Quote)
It has to be a 2 goal swing so it slightly more complicated. Aussies have only ever won 2 games out of 15 in their WC history, but Peru are already out so who knows.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Pogba’s on the bench so France have a chance. He really was appalling in that last game and then fluked a deflected goal.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Ice – I only saw the highlights of their 2nd game but he looked more involved.
There’s a bit needle in that game too with the Denmark manager saying France are overrated and Pogba is more interested in his hair than football. Deschamp has said its their job to make him regret saying that – could be a good game.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – the trouble for the Aussies is they lack that quality up front. I think they could get the win, and I think France will beat Denmark – but yeah, it’s that 2 goal swing that could stop them – I hope so though.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – typical he’s not bloody playing ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
NUFC.com reporting Merino as good as gone. They don’t usually say anything unless it is a done deal.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
🙁 🙁 🙁
icedog(Quote)
Peru 1 up
Eric Sykes(Quote)
France more fluid without Pogba. He’s not a bad player but overhyped. I watched him quite a few games for Juve and he would usually do 1 or 2 things special in a game but would drift in and out. You could not rely on him. He is NOT my new Rooney or Wilshere 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
KIM Flint to Boro 7 mil
icedog(Quote)
See ya ??♂️
Sharpy17(Quote)
Eric – Gary Neville said he strolls around as if his team is 3-0 up from the first to last minute. I think that’s a good analogy to be honest. Bags of talent, just seems to lack desire.
As for the game – god it’s boring!!. I know this isn’t the strongest French side, but they look so average.
Sharpy17(Quote)
well apart from Ronny and Kane all these so called star players have been **** imo
icedog(Quote)
I’m quite pleased that I decided to not do fantasy footy for this World Cup… I would have probably chosen people like Messi, Lewandowski, Cavani, etc and they’ve all been *****…
I quite like that guy Carrillo from Peru, the gadgie with his head dipped in white paint… looks a tidy player.
Dubai Toon(Quote)
I think Messi will turn it on today. I have never seen him as shyte as in the last 2 games and I watch quite a few Barca games. It has to be the politics. THey basically let him pick the team. He does what he wants at Barca but the Manager is still charge of tactics and team selection.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I called him as a lighweight with no heart ages ago. No loss.
Shamrock(Quote)
Rafa should have a word with Nobby Solano.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
your right mate nee bottle
icedog(Quote)
Ice – the Belgian lads have been canny too in fairness
Sharpy17(Quote)
still not cracked up to what i would expect
icedog(Quote)
how the French manager keeps his job beats me with the class of players he to chose from
icedog(Quote)
they must have dropped that rule that said the ref must inspect all balls in the field of play
icedog(Quote)
Sham – I’ve no bad feeling toward the lad, just don’t really mind him leaving – same as if it was Hayden to be honest. I actually don’t think he’ll be all that difficult to replace.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Do these “fans” ever watch the game that is going on on the pitch. Every time the camera cuts to a close up in the crowd it takes them about a second to realise it so they must be watching the big screen most of the time. May as well stay at home and watch on TV.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well, that France Denmark game was dire in the extreme…
Dubai Toon(Quote)
what a heap of pap
icedog(Quote)
Was that draw the most predictable result since the Germany/Austria game that made them play simultaneous last games in the group stage? Maybe the fix was not in but they didn’t exactly try very hard. Seemed like a friendly. How many shots?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Well France v Denmark was bloody awful, rather watch paint dry.
kimtoon(Quote)
good deal mate, top player.
kimtoon(Quote)
Eric – I was thinking this the other night. I’ve grown up with World Cup cameramen hunting out the fit lasses in the crowds – I had a wall chart for the footy and one for my favourite nations woman ??.
But in today’s political correct world, I’ve been surprised to see it still happening.
Sharpy17(Quote)
A lot of the last group games will be draws. Some will suit both teams and some will suit just one and I expect similar on Thursday with England.
Stuart79(Quote)
SHARPY purly in my travel over the yrs having a bit time when relaxing you notice things of people of that country,the uglist women ive seen are German women and women of Peru,the most stunning women ive seen are Spanish woman and the women of Malta
icedog(Quote)
https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/inside-newcastles-summer-key-men-14819137
kimtoon(Quote)
Ice – the Mexican women for me.
But I must say that the Maltese women were very beautiful as well – though didn’t seem to age well ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Ice – the Mexican women for me.
But I must say that the Maltese women were very beautiful as well – though didn’t seem to age well ?
(Quote)ont think any of us age well without the help of face lifts mate 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
Ice – I’m hoping for the Benjamin Button effect mate, coz I started life pug ugly, so at some stage it’s gotta get better. It’s not started yet, but I live in hope ?
Sharpy17(Quote)
😆 😆 😆 😆
icedog(Quote)
I’m backing the Nigerians tonight. I want Argies out!!. I think watching my Bobby DVD the other day stirred up bad feelings again.
Sharpy17(Quote)
KImtoon: from that article it is pretty much RafaNUFC with a bullshitter (Bishop) having Ashley’s ear. The big problem is that Charnley is the accountant/secretary and doesn’t seem to have the ability to sign off on deals. As I have said before I am worried that he is also the transfer fee and contract negotiator as that makes us severely understaffed. Part of it might be that Lee is just juggling too many balls to get anything done? When other teams have a Director of Football usually their job is admin and negotiations and we don’t have that. That’s a good thing for Rafa’s control but probably leads to us missing out on players.
It would be a good thing for Charnley to get some help but since he only gets paid 150k who could we get? Anybody worthwhile would demand more than Lee makes so that is a big problem. As much as I hate to say it Charnley needs a raise and he needs to hire a deputy. That Bain guy at the Mackems who totally fcked up was on 600k I think.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Come on you Eagles!
Shamrock(Quote)
Group D is tough to call but you have to back Argentina. If they beat Nigeria by at least 1 more goal than Iceland beat Croatia they will probably go through.
It is obviously not a given that Iceland will beat Croatia but since they are through they might not be that bothered.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, yeah I was thinking along the same lines the other day when I first read that article.
We tend to think he’s working on just getting someone in but the reality is he is likely juggling many balls as you say. All the same all the more reason to listen to who Rafa rates really. Once it’s clear and a price is agreed then it should not take that long , in or out . look at the deals tied up in one day on dead line day ?
We definitely dilly dally a lot imo, other clubs work under the same rules and regs as us but seem to tie up deals so much quicker.
kimtoon(Quote)
Maradona looks like he’s on something. Security having to make sure he doesn’t fall off the balcony.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
of course he’s on something. 😆
kimtoon(Quote)
So, come on Nigeria… does anyone know who Musa plays for? He looks a decent striker… maybe we could offer a few million for him… ???
Dubai Toon(Quote)
He’ll be throwing himself off that balcony when they get knock out – or will the hand of god push him ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Iheanacho is a bit ****
Shamrock(Quote)
Leicester mate – as does Ianacho and Ndidi … is there some kind of agent backhands going on there or what?
Sharpy17(Quote)
Thats the Messi we all know
Shamrock(Quote)
**** me Maradona is off his nut there
Sharpy17(Quote)
Leicester. Was a bust.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I passionately detest all this rolling around and play acting footballers do.
Shamrock(Quote)
Might have to switch over here, I can’t stand listening to Jenas for 90mins like. I hate that little *****
Sharpy17(Quote)
Argentina flew over a witch doctor/Shamen and I think he must have got to Maradona with a potion or 2.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Sharpy sometimes I mute the telly and put 5live on
Shamrock(Quote)
I am not joking about the witch doctor. One flew over.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
dito,i put it on mute bud
icedog(Quote)
I never liked Jenas. He always acted like a big shot when he really wasn’t all that. The ex-pros tend to be really good players or sort of Ok like Collymore and Keown who get recognition by being controversial. Then there is Jenas. I hate Phil Neville as well because he just gets so much wrong and if it weren’t for his brother he wouldn’t get a look in.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
They keep cutting to Maradona. You probably get the same TV feed. He definitely looks on something.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Seems like Messi finally wants to play …
Dubai Toon(Quote)
Croatia made like 8 changes and I bet they take Modric off after 60 mins. This isn’t over yet. I think some Argies will be pissed off at Croatia if this doesn’t work out.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
the commentator from Egypt.died of heart attack as his country got knocked out
icedog(Quote)