The Newcastle United Thread

[JammydodgA]

Originally Posted by nufc Out the options available I dont think big sam is as bad as people make it out to be. Aslong as he doesnt play the "long pass" which I dont think he will. He had rubbish players at bolton and really had no option but to play the long ball. With the crowd on his back and the the players he has, I dont think hell play his tactics. Theres rumours of ben haim coming to newcastle, call me racist but as a pakistani muslim newcastle fan I would prefer if a jew did'nt play for newcastle.

If he's a decent person I wouldn't mind as much. In fact I'd prefer him to bowyer and woodgate

[madaboutlfc]

Originally Posted by nufc Out the options available I dont think big sam is as bad as people make it out to be. Aslong as he doesnt play the "long pass" which I dont think he will. He had rubbish players at bolton and really had no option but to play the long ball. With the crowd on his back and the the players he has, I dont think hell play his tactics. Theres rumours of ben haim coming to newcastle, call me racist but as a pakistani muslim newcastle fan I would prefer if a jew did'nt play for newcastle.

racist *****..

Sam talks somes crap.. Alonso makes a long pass.. the likes of Nolan Ngotty played a long ball to davies who was just a thug

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by nufc Out the options available I dont think big sam is as bad as people make it out to be. Aslong as he doesnt play the "long pass" which I dont think he will. He had rubbish players at bolton and really had no option but to play the long ball. With the crowd on his back and the the players he has, I dont think hell play his tactics. Theres rumours of ben haim coming to newcastle, call me racist but as a pakistani muslim newcastle fan I would prefer if a jew did'nt play for newcastle.

Ben Haim is a good defender and for a freebie i certainly wont be complaining - it frees up cash to spend elsewhere

[TAK]

Originally Posted by nufc Theres rumours of ben haim coming to newcastle, call me racist but as a pakistani muslim newcastle fan I would prefer if a jew did'nt play for newcastle.

what about craig bellammy, if he signs?

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by TAK what about craig bellammy, if he signs?

no thanks - a good player BUT he has burnt his bridges here. thanks for the memories Craig BUT stay the f away

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by TAK what about craig bellammy, if he signs?

is he a jew too??

[TAK]

nah

iv'e just remenered he can't be



































he's a complete P R I C K

[hasbeen]

so just cos hes a priiiick, means he cant be a jew

[TAK]

The Clue Is In The Preceeding Word - Dohhhhhhhhhhhhh

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by TAK nah iv'e just remenered he can't be he's a complete P R I C K

first time i've heard that joke

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by hasbeen so just cos hes a priiiick, means he cant be a jew

whooooooooooooooosh

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by TAK The Clue Is In The Preceeding Word - Dohhhhhhhhhhhhh

lol. oh. sorry yaar. its been a long day

[Geordie Ahmed]

From the times

While the ramifications of Mike Ashley’s proposed takeover of Newcastle United have yet to be revealed, sources close to the reclusive billionaire have insisted that his plans for the club are genuine and dramatic. The sporting goods magnate purchased the Hall family’s 41.6 per cent shareholding in Newcastle for £55 million on Wednesday and is seeking to assume full control. There are uncertainties to overcome – not least the response of Freddy Shepherd, the embattled chairman and 29.8 per cent stakeholder – but Ashley’s investment and offer to purchase the remainder of the company is not the whim of a rich man. His aim, according to his confidantes, is the restoration of a fallen giant. That statement will reassure Newcastle supporters, whose excitement at the onset of a new era at St James’ Park is tempered by Ashley’s minimal public profile and previously unknown intentions. “The guy is someone who wants to build the biggest and the best and be successful,” the source said. “He has done that with the businesses he has built and he wants to do that with Newcastle United, too.” With Sam Allardyce, the new manager, eager to invest in the transfer market, there are concerns that a protracted takeover battle could be disruptive, but Ashley is keen to avoid instability. “He is putting a huge amount of money into the club and he does not want this season to be hampered in any way,” the source said. Should Shepherd accept the apparently inevitable and sell up, developments could be swift, but otherwise there is a formal process to be adhered to. Newcastle will hold an official board meeting and documents offering £1 per share will be dispatched to shareholders next week. Announcements will be made if and when Ashley’s St James’ Holdings group pass the 50, 75 and 90 per cent barrier. Ashley received £929 million when his Sportsworld company was floated on the stock market this year and the personal worth of Britain’s 25th-richest man is estimated at £1.9 billion. While he has previously been linked with a takeover of Tottenham Hotspur, he has no public allegiance to any club, but has attended England games. “He is a sports fan because it has been part of his business and life for years,” the source said.

Lets hope he can do aswell for us as he has with his businesses

[Geordie Ahmed]

One Season to make me proud Sam Allardyce will have just one season to prove he is the man to realise Mike Ashley's £400 million dream of turning Newcastle into a world footballing superpower. That is the figure that Ashley has earmarked for his United revolution as he expects to convince chairman Freddy Shepherd to sell his stake in the club when they meet this week. In anticipation of pushing through a takeover worth £133 million, Ashley - through his PR advisors - has assured the newly-appointed Allardyce that his job is safe. But other sources close to the publicity-shy billionaire (right) last night revealed that he is yet to be convinced that Allardyce can establish Newcastle as one of the biggest clubs on the planet. The Sunday Sun has been told of the big-money, five-year path to greatness which Ashley has mapped out for the Magpies. The sports retail tycoon has budgeted an incredible £270 MILLION for winning the Premiership within three years and challenging for the Champions League within five years. And although Allardyce will be given £45 million to spend this summer, he will be expected to push for Champions League qualification next season . . . Or Ashley is prepared to follow Roman Abramovich's lead by parting company with Allardyce - as Chelsea's sugar-daddy did with Claudio Ranieri - after one season. "Mike has huge respect for what Sam Allardyce achieved with limited resources at Bolton, but I can't stress enough just how big he hopes - and expects - Newcastle to become," a source told the Sunday Sun. "Is Allardyce capable of taking the club not just up to the next level but into a whole different ballpark? That's yet to be seen. "Of course, Allardyce will have the chance to prove himself. But he won't be allowed to hang around doing it. Mike wants big progress, fast." Meanwhile, Shepherd - still in hospital yesterday recovering from pneumonia and a collapsed lung - is widely thought to be ready to accept the offer of 100p per share which persuaded the Halls to sell Ashley their 41.6 per cent share of United. But the Sunday Sun has learned just how easily the Newcastle chairman could launch a rival bid for the club. With his current 29.8 per cent stake, Shepherd is already within touching distance of the 30 per cent threshold which would oblige him to make an offer to buy all other shares. And I understand he can count on being able to purchase low-key ally Len Hatton's 3.88 per cent stake at any time. If Shepherd then approached United's institutional investors - who own around 22 per cent of the club - with an offer in excess of 100p per share, he would almost boost his holding to well over 50 per cent and leave Ashley himself with little choice but to sell up. However, the timing of Ashley's purchase of the Hall family's 41.6 per cent stake - coinciding with a health scare serious enough to have left those around Shepherd badly shaken - has left the chairman seemingly poorly equipped to resist the newcomer's assault.

In the space of a week the expectations for next season have changed dramatically - obviously Big Sam wont be happy about it BUT it seems like Mike Ashley is a ruthless guy.

If Big Sam wants to remain in the job then he has to avoid signing the likes of Zenden

[JammydodgA]

The sports retail tycoon has budgeted an incredible £270 MILLION for winning the Premiership within three years and challenging for the Champions League within five years. And although Allardyce will be given £45 million to spend this summer, he will be expected to push for Champions League qualification next season . . .

And what's he going to do if, say 2years down the line, it doesn't look like we're going to win the league within 3 yrs (surely it'd take longer than that?) and challenge for the CL?

If he leaves us high and dry, one word springs to mind, Leeds

Good Luck Allardyce, the pressure is on.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by sam1eh And what's he going to do if, say 2years down the line, it doesn't look like we're going to win the league within 3 yrs (surely it'd take longer than that?) and challenge for the CL? If he leaves us high and dry, one word springs to mind, Leeds Good Luck Allardyce, the pressure is on.

nah not really. Im not financial expert BUT this money he will be putting in will be his OWN money - whereas Leeds United were BORROWING money beyond their means.

Divnt worry, we wont be the next Leeds

[Medic]

Ashley to spend mega £270M on Newcastle signings

Mike Ashley is ready to commit a staggering £270 MILLION to Newcastle United in order to win the Premiership inside the next three years.

The Sunday Sun says Ashley has a £400 million dream of turning Newcastle into a world footballing superpower.

That is the figure that Ashley has earmarked for his United revolution as he expects to convince chairman Freddy Shepherd to sell his stake in the club when they meet this week.

The sports retail tycoon has budgeted an incredible £270 million for winning the Premiership within three years and challenging for the Champions League within five years.

tribalfootball.com

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Medic Ashley to spend mega £270M on Newcastle signings Mike Ashley is ready to commit a staggering £270 MILLION to Newcastle United in order to win the Premiership inside the next three years. The Sunday Sun says Ashley has a £400 million dream of turning Newcastle into a world footballing superpower. That is the figure that Ashley has earmarked for his United revolution as he expects to convince chairman Freddy Shepherd to sell his stake in the club when they meet this week. The sports retail tycoon has budgeted an incredible £270 million for winning the Premiership within three years and challenging for the Champions League within five years. tribalfootball.com

yes please

[Daoud]

The new Chelsea!
I wonder what the fans think of that. They do deserve it but will it cause a few to get alienated?

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Daoud The new Chelsea! I wonder what the fans think of that. They do deserve it but will it cause a few to get alienated?

The time of buying the title doesnt exist anymore exclusively for 1-2 clubs - 9-10 clubs have that facility now to spend £10m+ on minimum 2 players a season.


With £30m+/yr minimum through the multiple television revenues alone at a tune of £2.7 billion ( $ 5.5 bilion ) 3 year deal alone for all clubs..they all have the facility to spend alot.


Now it is the case of what the managers can do with the money and the clubs ambitions.

Ambitious clubs this summer imo, Spuds, Arsenal, Chelsea( sounds like wheeling and dealing), Man Utd( who regularly spend big), West Ham, Liverpool , Villa, Portsmouth, Newcastle, Sunderland, Everton and possibly Wigan who will spend minimum £15m-£20m on transfer and signing-on (free transfers) fees alone.

Blackburn dont rely on Jack Walkers legacy as his family now run a tight ship..although they are capable of pulling off a £10m+ transfer if they want.

Bolton will wheel and deal unless they sell Anelka this summer.

Reading will consolidate this summer - Majedski has come out earlier this yr that he is a tight wad( despite his vast fortune) and is looking to sell.

Man city is prime for a takeover( thai billionaire bloke) despite not owning their own stadium - new funding will be beneficial.

Fulham - once considered the new Blackburn can't really compete and Fayed is now running a tighter ship beacuse of initial outlay to get into the premiership and debt.

Premiership is becoming a battleground for the billionaires.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Daoud The new Chelsea! I wonder what the fans think of that. They do deserve it but will it cause a few to get alienated?

Well there is renewed optimism on Tyneside now - the prospect of the takeover and the rumours of the big transfer budget is really exciting.

I dont particularly like the effect Roman/Chelski have had on football BUT that boat has sailed now, so its either a case of join in or be left way, way behind. We are behind enough as it is and this is our opportunity to get back amongst the big boys and we will gladly take it.

I just pray the takeover gets completed soon (or he atleast gets the 50.1% he needs) otherwise the longer it gets drawn out i fear it may not happen

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed I just pray the takeover gets completed soon (or he atleast gets the 50.1% he needs) otherwise the longer it gets drawn out i fear it may not happen

From last week, shareholders have 60 days to consider the share offer... i am not sure if that means that club takeover will go through in 2 months months or can be done sooner.

Hopefully, we know better later this week when the current board meet to discuss offer with Ashley.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Toony™® From last week, shareholders have 60 days to consider the share offer... i am not sure if that means that club takeover will go through in 2 months months or can be done sooner. Hopefully, we know better later this week when the current board meet to discuss offer with Ashley.

Im guess that means they have a maximum of 60 days otherwise the offer gets withdrawn

yeah i guess we will know more after they meet (on wednesday right?) - hopefully he can win them over with his strategy for the club, the longer it lingers the more it wrecks our preparation for next season

[hasbeen]

west ham make 8.5m bid for parker

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by hasbeen west ham make 8.5m bid for parker

link?

all i have read is rumours.

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by Toony™® link? all i have read is rumours.

sky sports news.

[hasbeen]

here is the link:

http://home.skysports.com/list.aspx?...ove+for+Parker

[JammydodgA]

hmm, why would parker want to go to west ham? especially if the ashley takeover goes through.

and barton as a replacement?

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

Didnt parker grow up as charlton fan? he made his way up thru their youth sides and their is a lot of hatred between west ham and charlton

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Waqar's inswinging yorker Didnt parker grow up as charlton fan? he made his way up thru their youth sides and their is a lot of hatred between west ham and charlton

yeah BUT Curbs is there so that might convince him

Anyhow i dont want us to sell him - he was class in his first season BUT last season didnt go so well (it didnt go well for many players) for various reasons.

If Sam did decide to sell him then i would want us to go for someone other than Joey Barton, he makes Craig Bellamy look like an angel. Also he aint as a good as Parker BUT we shall wait and see what happens.

[Toony™®]

Guardian are reporting that Ashley has got more than 50%...

[Amir]

If Newcastle need defence, why don't they go for Heinze? I don't think we will keep him and the only reason we are letting him go is that now we got Evra. Heinze by no means is a bad defender and knowing us, you could probaly get him cheap!

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by Amir If Newcastle need defence, why don't they go for Heinze? I don't think we will keep him and the only reason we are letting him go is that now we got Evra. Heinze by no means is a bad defender and knowing us, you could probaly get him cheap!

no offence to newcastle but heinze wants to go to someone in the class of real madrid

[Oxy]

Scotty Parker screwed up when he went to Chelsea - just like SWP. BAD career move! And he is injury prone.

Remember him getting hit full force by the ball TWICE in one game!!!

West Ham will do well next season - and I can see Parker going. £8 mill is the fee they mentioned on BBC.

[Amir]

Originally Posted by hasbeen no offence to newcastle but heinze wants to go to someone in the class of real madrid

That is fair, but Heinze could really help that team get CL status. He could grow onto tha tteam with atleast a good 3-4 years still left in him.

[JammydodgA]

Well, if we lose owen and parker that's 2 massive blows (although I still can't see why parker would want to go to west ham as things are looking up for us).

Anyway, even if Ashley's prepared to spend loads I don't really want a completely new team.

[Daoud]

Originally Posted by sam1eh Well, if we lose owen and parker that's 2 massive blows (although I still can't see why parker would want to go to west ham as things are looking up for us). Anyway, even if Ashley's prepared to spend loads I don't really want a completely new team.

True, it takes a while for players to fit in but I suppose theres going to be a bit of a shake up with Big Sam in charge anyway

[Sean]

Viduka set for Newcastle switch

May 31, 2007 - 7:01PM
AdvertisementAdvertisement

Socceroo star Mark Viduka has reportedly agreed to join English Premier League club Newcastle United on a free transfer.

Viduka is currently out of contract at Middlesbrough, and had been fielding offers from several English and Italian clubs.

But British tabloid The Sun today claimed the Australian had settled on Boro's north-east rivals Newcastle.

Middlesbrough had been eager to retain Viduka after a stellar 2006-07 season, offering the 31-year-old striker a reported £40,000 pound ($96,250) per week two-year deal.

Portsmouth, West Ham, Manchester United and Italia's Genoa were other clubs that had expressed a strong interest in Australia's World Cup skipper.

Viduka would be the first major signing for incoming Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce.
http://www.smh.com.au/news/football...0205417620.html
-------------------

[The Godfather]

i dont think heinze will go to newcastle no disrespect but they are not a class team

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Haroon Yasin i dont think heinze will go to newcastle no disrespect but they are not a class team

it depends on how you define class..football wise we are not at the moment...but inshallah soon will be.

hienze heart seems to be set on a real madrid move according to media reports ..and we dont seem to be interested

[Toony™®]

Well If Parker's heart is set on a move away..nobody can stop him..i prefer he stay..but there is so much you can do..

spurs can't afford his wages... they will have to break their wage structure and dont see that happening. They are under a strict regime at the moment.

West Ham are..considering they are paying big bucks to Lucas Niell - 70k plus/week.

Theonly fault for me Parker was bit of a square passer and doesnt play long passes.

But he was also playing a holding role to be fair...rather than box to box.

[JammydodgA]

Parker is meeting with west ham on thursday so it looks he does want to leave, i didn't think he did. It's a shame........... BUT good luck to him and onwards and upwards!

If the captain is leaving I don't really hold out much hope for owen, it would be nice if he made a decision either way and announced it.

P.S. Given for captain!...even if parker stays. Captains do not discuss terms with other clubs!

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by sam1eh Parker is meeting with west ham on thursday so it looks he does want to leave, i didn't think he did. It's a shame........... BUT good luck to him and onwards and upwards! If the captain is leaving I don't really hold out much hope for owen, it would be nice if he made a decision either way and announced it. P.S. Given for captain!...even if parker stays. Captains do not discuss terms with other clubs!

well he would have got permission by the club to speak to West Ham so i aint to fussed about that.

Its obvious he wants to leave, so it makes sense to sell him BUT i will be dissapointed cos he is a class player.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Amir If Newcastle need defence, why don't they go for Heinze? I don't think we will keep him and the only reason we are letting him go is that now we got Evra. Heinze by no means is a bad defender and knowing us, you could probaly get him cheap!

no thanks - he is a big girl, cant stand players like that.

Much prefer Leighton Baines

[JammydodgA]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed well he would have got permission by the club to speak to West Ham so i aint to fussed about that. Its obvious he wants to leave, so it makes sense to sell him BUT i will be dissapointed cos he is a class player.

I meant captains aren't supposed to WANT to leave

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by sam1eh I meant captains aren't supposed to WANT to leave

I am wondering what Butt said couple of weeks ago of players not wanting to play for the club but looking for a easy payday applies to the El Capitan himself...

[Toony™®]

Who should be Captain?

I dunno about Given ( not really involved with main play) but he looks like the only viable choice with Butt possibly.... Dyer enuff said when he never turned up when given the chance to be captain.

Taylor ? or bit too early?

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by Toony™® Who should be Captain? I dunno about Given ( not really involved with main play) but he looks like the only viable choice with Butt possibly.... Dyer enuff said when he never turned up when given the chance to be captain. Taylor ? or bit too early?

owen if he stays?? might convince him to stay if he gets the armband. he captained england as well

[Daoud]

It is something to tempt Owen with. Might end up being a good move. If not then Given or Taylor

[Toony™®]

Owen first needs to show loyalty before anything else.

[Straight Bat]

Solano?

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Straight Bat Solano?

maybe..but it probably someone who is guaranteed games...


Taylor and Given and probably Butt and age would be a deciding factor.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Butt is a bit too old imo and i dont think he has that long left in him

I aint keen on Keepers being captain even if Given is a legend. I would give it to Tayls, geordie through and through - gives it his all and is undoubtedly a future captain so why not now since he is the obvious choice imo

[Daoud]

This whole situations reminds me of my Footy Manager game as Newcastle. Same thing happens - Parker who was my captain got itchy feet but in my scenario it was during the season and he was off contract at the end, so I had to act quickly and sell him off before Jan. Ended up going to West Ham there too. Taylor ended up as captain

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Daoud This whole situations reminds me of my Footy Manager game as Newcastle. Same thing happens - Parker who was my captain got itchy feet but in my scenario it was during the season and he was off contract at the end, so I had to act quickly and sell him off before Jan. Ended up going to West Ham there too. Taylor ended up as captain

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Daoud This whole situations reminds me of my Footy Manager game as Newcastle. Same thing happens - Parker who was my captain got itchy feet but in my scenario it was during the season and he was off contract at the end, so I had to act quickly and sell him off before Jan. Ended up going to West Ham there too. Taylor ended up as captain

Please tell me you then signed Ronadinho, Diego, Nesta and Zambrotta in the summer

[JammydodgA]

Originally Posted by hasbeen owen if he stays?? might convince him to stay if he gets the armband. he captained england as well

I don't think that would work with Owen if it didn't work with Parker. I'd go with Given myself, he gives 110% every game and he's not going to leave after a season. Imo either him or Nobby.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by sam1eh I don't think that would work with Owen if it didn't work with Parker. I'd go with Given myself, he gives 110% every game and he's not going to leave after a season. Imo either him or Nobby.

Nobby only has a one year contract and i would be surprised if he is here beyond that time

Its gotta be Taylor by default imo - yes he is young BUT he played like a leader in defence many times last season

[Daoud]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Please tell me you then signed Ronadinho, Diego, Nesta and Zambrotta in the summer

If only. But I'd already signed Fabregas so losing Parker was no biggie

[Geordie Ahmed]

Im dissapointed about Parker leaving BUT im still excited and looking forward to next season.

Hopefully Viduka will sign soon, that will make our strike force very strong for next season - would prefer Owen to stay BUT if he leaves i wont be too fussed, i would want us to go for Darren Bent

Also rumours have it we should be signing Ben Haim which would be an excellent deal on a freebie.

Our team should look something like this next season

Given

???? Taylor Ben Ham Baines

Milner Barton Emre Duff/Charlie

Owen Martins/Viduka

[Rob H]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed BUT im still excited and looking forward to next season.

You'll only end up being let down. Us mid table clubs always end up with mediocrity every season.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Rob H You'll only end up being let down. Us mid table clubs always end up with mediocrity every season.

C'mon we are much bigger than Villa

We have had a poor few seaons BUT aslong as we stay injury free we will have a good seaons - maybe a brilliant one if this takeover happens

[Medic]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed Our team should look something like this next season Given ???? Taylor Ben Ham Baines Milner Barton Emre Duff/Charlie Owen Martins/Viduka

Thats a good lookin team. Who will be RB??

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Medic Thats a good lookin team. Who will be RB??

dont know hence the reason i had question marks there

we havnt been linked with any right backs yet and i cant think of any to go for

[Toony™®]

Originally Posted by Geordie Ahmed dont know hence the reason i had question marks there we havnt been linked with any right backs yet and i cant think of any to go for

probably carr will return there...although not sure of his fitness too

he was doing LB duty as we had no left back fit.

I think we been linked with Nicky Hunt (Bolton)..but some Bolton MB or blog (cant remember which).. was hopeful we get him cos he has been crap this season .injury prone.

they think he aint good enough.

other than that..cant think of another.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Toony™® probably carr will return there...although not sure of his fitness too he was doing LB duty as we had no left back fit. I think we been linked with Nicky Hunt (Bolton)..but some Bolton MB or blog (cant remember which).. was hopeful we get him cos he has been crap this season .injury prone. they think he aint good enough. other than that..cant think of another.

well i guess Carr or Nobby will play there unless we sign someone, which i hope we do cos its vital we get the full back positions sorted out.

I dont rate Nicky Hunt, would be gutted if we signed him - would much prefer playing Ramage at right back

[Geordie Ahmed]

Dein tops Ashley's wish list Newcastle's would-be new owner Mike Ashley has targeted his first big signing - former Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein. Ashley, who is set to take full control of United, possibly this week, wants friend and neighbour Dein to run the club and deliver his dreams of glory. Publicity-shy Ashley is loath to involve himself in day to day matters at St James's Park. Instead, the billionaire wants to install a dynamic, experienced operator in the dual role of chairman/chief executive long performed by current Newcastle supremo Freddy Shepherd. And Dein - the man who took Arsene Wenger to Arsenal in 1996 - fits the bill perfectly. During 24 years with the Gunners, Dein forged a reputation as one of European football's key powerbrokers. As well as establishing Arsenal as a formidable force on the pitch, he became vice-chairman of the FA, before representing the Premier League on the FA board. Dein was pivotal in the FA's successful bid to land Sven-Goran Eriksson as England coach and was one of the panel who chose Steve McClaren as the Swede's successor. He was also chairman of the G14 group of European super clubs until leaving Arsenal last month amid a row over his support for a proposed takeover of the club by American tycoon Stan Kroenke. Dein and Ashley have homes literally yards apart in London's exclusive Totteridge Common, and know each other well. But it may need much persuasion for Dein to come on board at Newcastle, with the long-time Gunner harbouring long-term hopes of a return to Arsenal. It is understood that Kroenke would look to reinstate Dein in an executive position if he goes on to win control of the London giants. However, if Dein was to take charge of Newcastle, it would place a further question mark against the future of new United boss Sam Allardyce. During his days at Bolton, Allardyce was fiercely critical of Dein's influence within football. And that raises the distant but tantalising prospect of Arsene Wenger - who was dismayed by long-time ally Dein's exit from Arsenal - being targeted for the manager's job at St James's Park.

Certainly would be a coup if that happens - BUT first things first we need Fat Fred to sell and to sell now

[Geordie Ahmed]

Sky Sports News understands that Joey Barton will sign for Newcastle United on Monday - assuming that captain Scott Parker completes his own move to West Ham. Sam Allardyce has instigated a transfer merry-go-round since arriving on Tyneside and, having opted to allow Parker to return to London, is on the brink of signing Manchester City's controversial midfielder Barton. The England international was suspended by City at the conclusion of the Premiership season after a training ground bust-up with team-mate Ousmane Dabo that left the Frenchman requiring hospital treatment. His latest transgression in a string of unsavoury incidents at Eastlands convinced the club to dispose of his services, and City subsequently admitted they were open to any offers which activated Barton's £5.5million release clause. Newcastle appear to have matched their asking price, and Allardyce is now on the brink of bringing Barton to the North East in his first signing since taking over from Glenn Roeder. However, Barton will only be confirmed as a Newcastle player on Monday if Parker - the player he will replace at St James' Park - completes a move to West Ham. Newcastle and West Ham have agreed a fee in the region of £8.5million for the midfielder who will link up with his former manager at Charlton, Alan Curbishley, if he joins The Hammers.

Seems like it is gonna happen - dissapointed Parker is going BUT we have to look forward now. Barton is a decent player BUT he makes Bellamy look like an angel - if he can steer clear of trouble it will be a good signing BUT that is a big if

[Toony™®]

I wonder what would happen if West Ham are relegated.

SheFF Utd reckon they have very strong case.....after speaking to prem league officials.

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

as GA says if barton stays clear of trouble he is a useful player and could probably fill the void of parker quite well - plus u guys get £3m and a lowering of the wage bill! so not all bad

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by Toony™® I wonder what would happen if West Ham are relegated. SheFF Utd reckon they have very strong case.....after speaking to prem league officials.

yeah i would have thought it would make sense for Parker to wait BUT i guess he badly wants to go back to London, which is fair enough.


I wonder whether Sam is gonna play Barton alongside Butt, or will he rotate those two to play alongside Emre?

I personally would always play Emre with one of those 2

[Waqar's inswinging yorker]

that emre and barton partnership could be v effective - emre is brilliant at distributing the ball, barton is up and down the pitch - that partnership can work well

[The Godfather]

barton and emre would be a really strong centre midfield

[JammydodgA]

It'd be funny if west ham were relegated now but I don't think they will be.

Barton may be a good footballer but he's also a thug, could cause problems. I don't think it's possible for people like him to stay clear of trouble so I hope the move falls through. I'm not a fan.

[Geordie Ahmed]

Originally Posted by sam1eh It'd be funny if west ham were relegated now but I don't think they will be. Barton may be a good footballer but he's also a thug, could cause problems. I don't think it's possible for people like him to stay clear of trouble so I hope the move falls through. I'm not a fan.

it certainly would, plus the look on eggerts face would be priceless

I aint a fan of Barton the person BUT he is a good player - he is a good replacement for Parker on the field even if he is a thug. In an ideal world id like to keep Parker BUT that aint happenin. Im hoping Big Sam can keep him out of trouble, we should issue him with a one strike and your out

[hasbeen]

bramble signs for wigan on 3 year deal. looks like they are going to get relegated

[Oxy]

Just saw it onthe BBC Sport - Wigan like this 'Hesky' type players!

[hasbeen]

Originally Posted by Oxy Kust saw it onthe BBC Sport - Wigan like this 'Hesky' type players!

yeh i would pay to watch wigan on training ground rather than their actual league matches. heskey vs bramble would be a good laugh.

[Toony™®]

Just been reading in the local rag that Parker maybe being pushed out by regime and he doesnt want to leave. although terms have been agreed...he hasn't signed yet.

[hasbeen]

toony what do you think of barton possibly signing for you?