Reports in today's press that Arsenal have tabled an £8M offer for Shay Given. Fat Ashley will no doubt snap their hand off.....after all, thats 2 good nights in the casino.... To be honest, Shay looked like he had already been told when he played against Liverpool - he looked disgusted, and I'm not sure he would have chosen to go but is being pushed.
Fat Ash appears to be doing his usual trick of not actually spending any money - but using the money from players going out to finance new players coming in. The fabulous players they have lined up, apparently, are all from the Championship - fookin great like...
This is one longtime season ticket holder (over 23 yrs) - who's just about had enough.
Tuesday 30 December 2008
Sunday 28 December 2008
No Defence.....
Just when our back 4 was settling into something similar to a steady defence we are decimated by injuries to both our fullbacks and a sending off for our (recently anyway) star centre half. And all of this just in time for the visit of the league leaders, Liverpool. Great.
It backs up the old adage though "there's never a dull moment at Newcastle United"!!
The centre half position should be the easiest to deal with - Steven Taylor and his odd errors slotting in alongside the consistent Collocini. N'Zogbia will probably play at left back with either Edgar or Yoda at right back. We'll get stuffed of course.
More memorable today might be the fact that its a "black and white day" in honour of Sir Bobby Robson...who, despite undergoing chemotherapy at the moment, will be in his usual seat in the director's box. Good on you Sir Boab x
It backs up the old adage though "there's never a dull moment at Newcastle United"!!
The centre half position should be the easiest to deal with - Steven Taylor and his odd errors slotting in alongside the consistent Collocini. N'Zogbia will probably play at left back with either Edgar or Yoda at right back. We'll get stuffed of course.
More memorable today might be the fact that its a "black and white day" in honour of Sir Bobby Robson...who, despite undergoing chemotherapy at the moment, will be in his usual seat in the director's box. Good on you Sir Boab x
Tuesday 23 December 2008
Is Charlie Going?
Conflicting reports abound at the moment over whether Charles N'Zogbia will still be a United player after the January transfer window....or next season.
This disturbing report appeared today on the ComeonBoro website - who usually know whats going on in spite of their dodgy allegiance to the smoggies:
Charles N'Zogbia has confirmed his intention to leave Newcastle because the Magpies don't match his lofty ambitions.N'Zogbia's future at St James' Park has been the subject of conjecture amid reports that he has grown frustrated with his inconsistent chances in the first team.The likes of Arsenal and Paris St Germain have been mooted as interested parties in the winger, while reports also suggest Aston Villa would like to sign him.Story continues below...
N'Zogbia is keen for a new challenge away from Tyneside and is hopeful of sealing an exit in the near future. He told L'Equipe: "After four years at Newcastle, I want to reach a higher level of ambition. I don't think that is possible here."I have given my all to the club, and I will go on to do so as long as I play. But I would like to reach a new level by finding a new challenge at a new side."Reports emanating from France suggest PSG could agree a swap deal for N'Zogbia with Mamadou Sakho heading in the opposite direction.
This disturbing report appeared today on the ComeonBoro website - who usually know whats going on in spite of their dodgy allegiance to the smoggies:
Charles N'Zogbia has confirmed his intention to leave Newcastle because the Magpies don't match his lofty ambitions.N'Zogbia's future at St James' Park has been the subject of conjecture amid reports that he has grown frustrated with his inconsistent chances in the first team.The likes of Arsenal and Paris St Germain have been mooted as interested parties in the winger, while reports also suggest Aston Villa would like to sign him.Story continues below...
N'Zogbia is keen for a new challenge away from Tyneside and is hopeful of sealing an exit in the near future. He told L'Equipe: "After four years at Newcastle, I want to reach a higher level of ambition. I don't think that is possible here."I have given my all to the club, and I will go on to do so as long as I play. But I would like to reach a new level by finding a new challenge at a new side."Reports emanating from France suggest PSG could agree a swap deal for N'Zogbia with Mamadou Sakho heading in the opposite direction.
Thursday 18 December 2008
Gum Banging and Madness
The madness that surrounds United does not seem to be losing any momentum.
Our erstwhile cockney owner has decided to open his mouth after all this time. Unfortunately, most people, including United fans, will be earnestly wishing he'd kept it shut. He's announced to the world that Jokin Here is his big hero now (no doubt replacing the poison dwarf, Wise), and not only that but 'Kinhere is a better manager than Capello (who manages the english) and will take United into Europe this season. Keep taking the tablets, Cashley......
Not to be outdone, amidst the very sensitive negotiations which are going on around Lil Mickey's contract, Jokin Here has decided to blurt out his view of what happened when he met Michael Owen on Tuesday. What a "sensible" decision from a man who stated he wasn't going to talk to the ******* press, yet has banged his gums to the point of boredom ever since for anyone prepared to listen.
Quotes from the Great One:
“I spent about an hour with him a couple of days ago.
"He’s had what I consider a very good three-year offer, which would bring Michael up to 32-plus.
“I am optimistic. I am more optimistic now having spent that time talking to him.
“He’s getting together with his agent in the next two or three days and coming back with an answer.
“Obviously, they’ll still be negotiating one way or the other, but we’ll certainly find out, I would think, in the next two or three days.”
Our erstwhile cockney owner has decided to open his mouth after all this time. Unfortunately, most people, including United fans, will be earnestly wishing he'd kept it shut. He's announced to the world that Jokin Here is his big hero now (no doubt replacing the poison dwarf, Wise), and not only that but 'Kinhere is a better manager than Capello (who manages the english) and will take United into Europe this season. Keep taking the tablets, Cashley......
Not to be outdone, amidst the very sensitive negotiations which are going on around Lil Mickey's contract, Jokin Here has decided to blurt out his view of what happened when he met Michael Owen on Tuesday. What a "sensible" decision from a man who stated he wasn't going to talk to the ******* press, yet has banged his gums to the point of boredom ever since for anyone prepared to listen.
Quotes from the Great One:
“I spent about an hour with him a couple of days ago.
"He’s had what I consider a very good three-year offer, which would bring Michael up to 32-plus.
“I am optimistic. I am more optimistic now having spent that time talking to him.
“He’s getting together with his agent in the next two or three days and coming back with an answer.
“Obviously, they’ll still be negotiating one way or the other, but we’ll certainly find out, I would think, in the next two or three days.”
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Lil' Mickey's contract - part 2!
An eventful weekend saw United win handsomely at Portsmouth 3-0 with all the goals coming in the second half. As a result, we moved so quickly up the table I almost got a nose bleed! If you're the sort of person who's cup is always "half full" then we're almost mid table. Alternatively if its "half empty", we're 1 point above 3rd bottom - and no doubt regretting the points we threw away against Man City, Wigan and Stoke.
Given that we can't trust any statements made in the press to be accurate or even truthful these days, an equally important event for me was a direct question to Lil Mickey by the sky sports post-match interviewer about his contract situation. His response is set out below - although the press would have us believe that subsequent to his interview Cashley has made a derisory offer of a contract for the next 3 years - with strings.
One thing is certain - the teams who are competing with us to avoid relegation would think all their christmases had come at once if they had Michael Owen in their team.
Wonder if the fat cockney t shirt salesman realises that??
Owen comments - Sunday:
"I haven’t spoken to the club about my contract despite all the speculation in the papers. I can’t do anything until I sit down and start negotiating.
"I feel I have a bit more to offer than just a six-month contract because I have a bit more to offer, having just turned 29!
"Like most of these things it is meant to be private - this has attracted it’s fair share of attention and we know things are never quiet in Newcastle."
Kinnear comments - Sunday:
"I’ve got a good relationship with Michael – I get on exceptionally well with the lad.
"I’d love him to stay, and we’ll put what we consider to be the best possible offer to Michael, and then the ball will be in Michael’s court.
"Other than that, I can assure you Michael won’t be going (in the transfer window). With the money I’d get for Michael, being realistic, I couldn’t get anybody to score as many goals as Michael.
"Michael knows my feelings."
Given that we can't trust any statements made in the press to be accurate or even truthful these days, an equally important event for me was a direct question to Lil Mickey by the sky sports post-match interviewer about his contract situation. His response is set out below - although the press would have us believe that subsequent to his interview Cashley has made a derisory offer of a contract for the next 3 years - with strings.
One thing is certain - the teams who are competing with us to avoid relegation would think all their christmases had come at once if they had Michael Owen in their team.
Wonder if the fat cockney t shirt salesman realises that??
Owen comments - Sunday:
"I haven’t spoken to the club about my contract despite all the speculation in the papers. I can’t do anything until I sit down and start negotiating.
"I feel I have a bit more to offer than just a six-month contract because I have a bit more to offer, having just turned 29!
"Like most of these things it is meant to be private - this has attracted it’s fair share of attention and we know things are never quiet in Newcastle."
Kinnear comments - Sunday:
"I’ve got a good relationship with Michael – I get on exceptionally well with the lad.
"I’d love him to stay, and we’ll put what we consider to be the best possible offer to Michael, and then the ball will be in Michael’s court.
"Other than that, I can assure you Michael won’t be going (in the transfer window). With the money I’d get for Michael, being realistic, I couldn’t get anybody to score as many goals as Michael.
"Michael knows my feelings."
Saturday 13 December 2008
Latest Rumour - Bradford Buyer?
The following is an extract from the "Irish Independent":
A multi-millionaire entrepreneur from Bradford is masterminding a bid to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley and bring back Kevin Keegan, WRITES ROB STEWART.
Afzal Kahn is putting together a consortium who are preparing a bid for the St James' Park club.
A source close to Kahn said: "Afzal has been interested in buying the club for a while now. He had a look at LFC (Liverpool) but because of circumstances he was not really interested there. However, Newcastle may be an option although he hasn't made that official yet. He is heading a consortium that may be interested."
Yorkshire-based Kahn, who is said to be in his mid-thirties and has an estimated personal fortune of £40m, also seems intent on restoring Keegan to the manager's office.
Two unnamed American parties are still apparently interested in a takeover at Newcastle although it has been suggested that little progress has been made.
A multi-millionaire entrepreneur from Bradford is masterminding a bid to buy Newcastle United from Mike Ashley and bring back Kevin Keegan, WRITES ROB STEWART.
Afzal Kahn is putting together a consortium who are preparing a bid for the St James' Park club.
A source close to Kahn said: "Afzal has been interested in buying the club for a while now. He had a look at LFC (Liverpool) but because of circumstances he was not really interested there. However, Newcastle may be an option although he hasn't made that official yet. He is heading a consortium that may be interested."
Yorkshire-based Kahn, who is said to be in his mid-thirties and has an estimated personal fortune of £40m, also seems intent on restoring Keegan to the manager's office.
Two unnamed American parties are still apparently interested in a takeover at Newcastle although it has been suggested that little progress has been made.
Wednesday 10 December 2008
Clarkie the Boss?
Former Newcastle player and coach Lee "Clarkie" Clark is on the verge of becoming the new manager of Huddersfield Town - so says the Terriers website.
Clarkie is expected to be unveiled by the League One side after agreement was reached on a compensation package with his current club Norwich.
Clarkie returned to United for a second playing stint in 2005 after leaving Fulham and finally hung up his boots in May 2006, joining Glenn Roeder's coaching staff the following month.
November 2007 then saw him leave his post as Magpies reserve boss in order to link up again with Roeder, who by then was in charge at Carrow Road.
I'm sure readers will join The Leazes Choir in wishing this stout United player, fan and disgraced Sunderland Captain (ho ho ho!!) the very best in his new job!!
Clarkie is expected to be unveiled by the League One side after agreement was reached on a compensation package with his current club Norwich.
Clarkie returned to United for a second playing stint in 2005 after leaving Fulham and finally hung up his boots in May 2006, joining Glenn Roeder's coaching staff the following month.
November 2007 then saw him leave his post as Magpies reserve boss in order to link up again with Roeder, who by then was in charge at Carrow Road.
I'm sure readers will join The Leazes Choir in wishing this stout United player, fan and disgraced Sunderland Captain (ho ho ho!!) the very best in his new job!!
Bairns Still Doing Well
KAZENGA LuaLua fired Newcastle United into the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup with a double strike at St James's Park on Tuesday Night.United's executive director (football) Dennis Wise (the most hated man on Tyneside, probably...) was among the 1,161 crowd at St James's Park to see Richard Money's Under-18s overcome Oldham Athletic 2-1 in a third-round tie.LuaLua opened the scoring with a superb right-footed shot from 30 yards in the 20th minute, and while Newcastle went on to dominate the rest of the half, they couldn't extend their lead.
Five minutes into the second half Oldham took advantage when United captain Ryan Donaldson lost possession in midfield, with Ryan Brooke beating goalkeeper Max Johnson from 20 yards out to level the scores.
Newcastle thought they had won the tie late in the game when Nile Ranger headed a Michael McCrudden free kick home, but the goal was ruled out when the assistant referee flagged for an infringement.
United, however, finally got their breakthrough three minutes from time when LuaLua - who took the skipper's armband when Donaldson was substituted - took the ball past defender Will McCall and goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw and finished into an empty net.
NEWCASTLE UNITED: Johnson; Airey, Henderson, Tavernier, Ferguson; McCrudden, Donaldson (McDermott, 62), Inman, LuaLua; Ranger, S Ameobi (Newton, 59). Subs not used: Alnwick, Taylor, Spear.
OLDHAM ATHLETIC: Ollershaw; Rose, Esdaile, Dawson (Cowan, 46), McCall; Benbo-Leta, Rowney, Kilcourse, McGrath (Crompton, 80); Brooke (Chinthengan, 88), Eaves. Subs not used: White, Zaicevs.Goals: LuaLua 20, 87, Brooke 50
Five minutes into the second half Oldham took advantage when United captain Ryan Donaldson lost possession in midfield, with Ryan Brooke beating goalkeeper Max Johnson from 20 yards out to level the scores.
Newcastle thought they had won the tie late in the game when Nile Ranger headed a Michael McCrudden free kick home, but the goal was ruled out when the assistant referee flagged for an infringement.
United, however, finally got their breakthrough three minutes from time when LuaLua - who took the skipper's armband when Donaldson was substituted - took the ball past defender Will McCall and goalkeeper Josh Ollerenshaw and finished into an empty net.
NEWCASTLE UNITED: Johnson; Airey, Henderson, Tavernier, Ferguson; McCrudden, Donaldson (McDermott, 62), Inman, LuaLua; Ranger, S Ameobi (Newton, 59). Subs not used: Alnwick, Taylor, Spear.
OLDHAM ATHLETIC: Ollershaw; Rose, Esdaile, Dawson (Cowan, 46), McCall; Benbo-Leta, Rowney, Kilcourse, McGrath (Crompton, 80); Brooke (Chinthengan, 88), Eaves. Subs not used: White, Zaicevs.Goals: LuaLua 20, 87, Brooke 50
Tuesday 9 December 2008
Jokin Here....
Recent quotes from Cashley puppet Jokin Here:
"We’ve dropped four points in our last two home games and if you think back to the Manchester City game, we’ve dropped six really. Against City they were given a penalty which never was and we had a player sent off for it which was another major blow for us to deal with.”
“Against Fulham there was a foul in the build-up to their second goal which the referee ignored and those things are really difficult to take. If we had a couple more points the league table would look a lot better for us.”
“We have been getting a raw deal in recent weeks and we can only hope that turns for us in the second half of the season. When you think about all the injuries we’ve picked up as well, lady luck hasn’t really been kind to us has she? “
Sorry Joe - but the buck stops with the manager - you make your own luck in football. Its no good blaming referees, the FA, the press, lady luck or the fairies at the bottom of the garden....its your job to get results. 2 wins in 10 games is your fault because you were in charge. That's relegation form.
"We’ve dropped four points in our last two home games and if you think back to the Manchester City game, we’ve dropped six really. Against City they were given a penalty which never was and we had a player sent off for it which was another major blow for us to deal with.”
“Against Fulham there was a foul in the build-up to their second goal which the referee ignored and those things are really difficult to take. If we had a couple more points the league table would look a lot better for us.”
“We have been getting a raw deal in recent weeks and we can only hope that turns for us in the second half of the season. When you think about all the injuries we’ve picked up as well, lady luck hasn’t really been kind to us has she? “
Sorry Joe - but the buck stops with the manager - you make your own luck in football. Its no good blaming referees, the FA, the press, lady luck or the fairies at the bottom of the garden....its your job to get results. 2 wins in 10 games is your fault because you were in charge. That's relegation form.
Monday 8 December 2008
Lil Mickey's Contract
Quotes from Michael Owen recently.....
“My situation has not changed we had a few meetings early in the season and it was going fine.
“Then the manager (Kevin Keegan) and a few people on the board left, one who I was negotiating with.
“Talks have not picked up since then.
“Before it gets twisted, I’d like to say that’s not Newcastle snubbing me or anything else.
“They have bigger fish to fry then sorting out contracts.
“They haven’t got round to talking because there has been so much turmoil.
“They have more important things to sort out.
“However, when Joe Kinnear got the job until the end of the season he said he’d talk to people out of contract.
“There are no snubs or anything about me wanting to leave.
“The plain and simple fact is there has been a lot of turmoil at the club and things have been shuffled to the back of the queue.”
Either Cashley wants rid of Mikey or he hasn't got a clue how to run a football club - probably both!
“My situation has not changed we had a few meetings early in the season and it was going fine.
“Then the manager (Kevin Keegan) and a few people on the board left, one who I was negotiating with.
“Talks have not picked up since then.
“Before it gets twisted, I’d like to say that’s not Newcastle snubbing me or anything else.
“They have bigger fish to fry then sorting out contracts.
“They haven’t got round to talking because there has been so much turmoil.
“They have more important things to sort out.
“However, when Joe Kinnear got the job until the end of the season he said he’d talk to people out of contract.
“There are no snubs or anything about me wanting to leave.
“The plain and simple fact is there has been a lot of turmoil at the club and things have been shuffled to the back of the queue.”
Either Cashley wants rid of Mikey or he hasn't got a clue how to run a football club - probably both!
Thursday 4 December 2008
The Poison Dwarf
Much has been said about the events surrounding the sacking of Kevin Keegan and the subsequent fans demonstrations at the home game with Hull City. I don't wish to go over that old ground now except to say that Kevin Keegan has subsequently received the 100% backing of Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and other non-United people in the game such as Alex Ferguson.
The thing that was at the core of the matter for me, and is still the "big issue" is how Cashley could back a football nobody like Dennis Wise against a man of the experience and stature in the game such as Kevin Keegan.
Dennis Wise as a player was a hate figure for United fans - older fans will remember this. For him to become a "Director of Football" at United was a step too far for many of us. So when he was seen as the major cause of the trouble which led to Kevin being sacked - for many of us this was the final straw.....
United fans know Kevin to be an honest man with integrity. A man who told the fans what was in his mind and in his heart. A man who was not afraid to stand on the steps of St James' Park and explain unpopular decisions face to face.
On the other hand, those same fans have no such link with Cashley and Wise. Communication to the fans from the club chairman and directors has been non-existent since Kevin left.
There have been suggestions in the press recently that United fans might be prepared to forgive Cashley for his past mistakes and start again.
Nice press story, almost to the point of propaganda and apparently fuelled by statements from that small merry band of a few hundred United fans who collectively call themselves the Supporter's Club and purport to "speak for the fans". But that's another argument!
Suffice to say, the only way peace can even begin to be talked about is if Wise is first kicked out on his backside.
The thing that was at the core of the matter for me, and is still the "big issue" is how Cashley could back a football nobody like Dennis Wise against a man of the experience and stature in the game such as Kevin Keegan.
Dennis Wise as a player was a hate figure for United fans - older fans will remember this. For him to become a "Director of Football" at United was a step too far for many of us. So when he was seen as the major cause of the trouble which led to Kevin being sacked - for many of us this was the final straw.....
United fans know Kevin to be an honest man with integrity. A man who told the fans what was in his mind and in his heart. A man who was not afraid to stand on the steps of St James' Park and explain unpopular decisions face to face.
On the other hand, those same fans have no such link with Cashley and Wise. Communication to the fans from the club chairman and directors has been non-existent since Kevin left.
There have been suggestions in the press recently that United fans might be prepared to forgive Cashley for his past mistakes and start again.
Nice press story, almost to the point of propaganda and apparently fuelled by statements from that small merry band of a few hundred United fans who collectively call themselves the Supporter's Club and purport to "speak for the fans". But that's another argument!
Suffice to say, the only way peace can even begin to be talked about is if Wise is first kicked out on his backside.
Welcome
Welcome to "The Leazes Choir". A Blog about all things Newcastle United. This Blog was started in December 2008 and will obviously take some time to build up - so I hope you will be patient, and pop back here from time to time to see how we are getting on!
Cheers
Mick
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