The Toon Army thread

[ShearMagic9]

He wanted to stay at Sevilla.

 

[tige19]

Scratch Glen Jhonson lads, Marseille captain Habib Beye who we trried to get earlier on is coming, and has been made public by the president of the club, great purchase and fills out RB worries.

http://www.teamtalk.com/football/story/0,16368,1780_2694060,00.html

 

[Ford Fairlane]

And a 2-0 win over Barnsley with Owen and Martins scoring.

As well as Beye, Faye deal should be finalised too.

 

[Masss#10]

How old is this guy?

 

[Cameron_K]

Nice signing that

 

[tige19]

Nice signing that

Without any research I think he is 26-27, in his prime and is a star in France, probably one of the top 2-3 full backs over there.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

I'd read Beye is 29. Captain of Marseille.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

It took til after the midnight deadline to announce, but Newcastle have confirmed the signings of Faye and Beye.

Solano (West Ham) and Huntington (Leeds) out.

 

[ShearMagic9]

So lets evaluate our market goings on in the summer:

INS:

Alan Smith from Manchester Utd - £6m.
Mark Viduka from Middlesbrough - Free
Geremi from Chelsea - Free
Jose Enrique from Villareal - £4.2m
Joey Barton from Manchester City - £5.8m
David Rozenhal from PSG - £2.9m
Claudio Cacapa - Free
Abdoulaye Faye from Bolton - £2m
Habib Beye from Marseille - Undisclosed.

OUTS:

Olivier Bernard (released)
Titus Bramble to Wigan - Free
Kieron Dyer to West Ham - £6m
Albert Luque to Ajax - undisc.
Craig Moore (released)
Alan O'Brien to Hibernian - undisc.
Oguchi Onyewu (released)
Scott Parker to West Ham £7million
Antoine Sibierski to Wigan - Free
Nolberto Solano to West Ham - Free
Pavel Srnicek (released)
Paul Huntington to Leeds - undisc.

TOTAL SPEND (without undisc.): £20.9m

TOTAL AMOUNT IN (without undic.) £13m

TOTAL NET SPEND: £7.9m

You've gotta be happy with that.

 

[drewie_rama]

most toon fans ive spoken too are shattered with huntington leaving, saying he a real one for the future
what can leeds fans expect of him?
cheers

 

[ShearMagic9]

most toon fans ive spoken too are shattered with huntington leaving, saying he a real one for the future
what can leeds fans expect of him?
cheers

Prone to making errors, although he is quite young and will only get better with age.

Should do well in League 1, thats probably about his leval atm.

 

[Masss#10]

How do u guys think we will line up tonite?

 

[moomba]

So lets evaluate our market goings on in the summer:

INS:

I'm not convinced that your ins are all that good. Smith, for all his effort and passion isn't that good a footballer and at £6m is way overpriced IMO. Viduka and Geremi are good gets on freebies, and Barton will offer you a marginal improvement on what you had. For the rest the jury is still out at this stage, but I don't really expect a great deal from the rest (although being a defender in Newcastle now is great, cause you'll be compared to the last few years worth of shite that played there).

But in terms of drastically improving performances I don't think the signings will make as big a difference as a change in attitude, tactics and management.

OUTS:

Big wins here, and in a few cases improved the side without even making a signing. I would have thought that Parker, and to a lesser extent Solano and Sibierski are the only ones from the list of outs that have made much of a contribution to Newcastle over the last few years so you've got some good money in without really damaging your team. And Titus gone must be doing wonders to alleviating stress and blood pressure problems in the north east.

So overall a fairly solid window without being spectacular. Comparitively you've spent less than the sort of clubs you are trying to jump ahead of so I think you're relying a bit too much on a general improvement from the existing squad to climb up the ladder. BFWMT Allardyce's fitness / health / science should play a factor, but to me you still look a bit vulnerable to an injury or two to the wrong player. A bit of a risk IMO, and ideally you would have wanted Ashley to dig a bit deeper into that pocket of his, particularly with the increase in TV revenue now coming into the club.

That may come in January now that the whole ownership thing seems sorted, but I do feel that you need some real top class (as opposed to people that will do a decent job)quality in the squad, particularly in midfield and defence.

Moomba rating - C+ (decent effort, but capable of much more).

 

[Tigerbob]

I'm not convinced that your ins are all that good. Smith, for all his effort and passion isn't that good a footballer and at £6m is way overpriced IMO. Viduka and Geremi are good gets on freebies, and Barton will offer you a marginal improvement on what you had. For the rest the jury is still out at this stage, but I don't really expect a great deal from the rest (although being a defender in Newcastle now is great, cause you'll be compared to the last few years worth of shite that played there).

But in terms of drastically improving performances I don't think the signings will make as big a difference as a change in attitude, tactics and management.



Big wins here, and in a few cases improved the side without even making a signing. I would have thought that Parker, and to a lesser extent Solano and Sibierski are the only ones from the list of outs that have made much of a contribution to Newcastle over the last few years so you've got some good money in without really damaging your team. And Titus gone must be doing wonders to alleviating stress and blood pressure problems in the north east.

So overall a fairly solid window without being spectacular. Comparitively you've spent less than the sort of clubs you are trying to jump ahead of so I think you're relying a bit too much on a general improvement from the existing squad to climb up the ladder. BFWMT Allardyce's fitness / health / science should play a factor, but to me you still look a bit vulnerable to an injury or two to the wrong player. A bit of a risk IMO, and ideally you would have wanted Ashley to dig a bit deeper into that pocket of his, particularly with the increase in TV revenue now coming into the club.

That may come in January now that the whole ownership thing seems sorted, but I do feel that you need some real top class (as opposed to people that will do a decent job)quality in the squad, particularly in midfield and defence.

Moomba rating - C+ (decent effort, but capable of much more).

To be fair, I dont agree whatsoever with that post.

Our defence has ALWAYS been our biggest problem. What Sam has done is gone out and got experienced defenders all with Leadership and class attached with them. Cacapa and Rozenhal again showed tonight that they have the makings of our best Central Defence partnership EVER....How much did we spend on them? The both of them for £2.9m!!! Add to that the Spanish u21 left back Jose Enrique and Habib Beye and you have the makings of a very talented Defence. That would be the first time you associate Newcastle with a good defence.

Funny enough I really think you underrate Joey Barton. This bloke at his best is a top line central midfielder, he's different class and I think Sam Allardyce is the man to bring the best out of him.

I do agree with you in terms of Alan Smith, I think we overspent on him, but hey, he'll produce what Kieron Dyer did so considering we didnt spend a cent on that "trade" and dropped wages, I think again we come in front!

Overall to spend only a total of £7.9m and bring in the quality we have has been sensation buying.

You cant win being Newcastle, you overspend on players and people have a dig, then you spend wisely and people say you havent spent enough.

I personally think we have been up there with the biggest improvers because of our signings. Therefor;

Newcastle United = A

 

[GeordieRoo]

Got the three points tonight so happy enough. Really should have scored more than 1 with the dominance we had over them, especially second half with a man up, but not complaining with 3 points.

 

[moomba]

Our defence has ALWAYS been our biggest problem. What Sam has done is gone out and got experienced defenders all with Leadership and class attached with them. Cacapa and Rozenhal again showed tonight that they have the makings of our best Central Defence partnership EVER....How much did we spend on them? The both of them for £2.9m!!! Add to that the Spanish u21 left back Jose Enrique and Habib Beye and you have the makings of a very talented Defence. That would be the first time you associate Newcastle with a good defence.

A bit like City though, they need to prove themselves in this comp before anyone should get carried away with just how good they are. And like I said, you don't have to be that good in defence to show a drastci improvement on what went before them.

Funny enough I really think you underrate Joey Barton. This bloke at his best is a top line central midfielder, he's different class and I think Sam Allardyce is the man to bring the best out of him.

Well, I guess I've seen him over 100 times now, and I do rate him as a decent central midfielder. He was one of our best in his time at the club, but I think a club like Newcastle should be looking to push into the top 4. IMO, Barton isn't the man to lead a side into the top 4, he's just not good enough at that level.

Overall to spend only a total of £7.9m and bring in the quality we have has been sensation buying.

In terms of value for money, I would say Newcastle have done very well. But sometimes you need to spend money, and I think Newcastle are at that stage. Your signings will do well, and they'll probably push you into the top 10, but I think with a bit of cash behind you and a bit of imagination you are one of the clubs that could easily jump into the top 4 (moreso than City for example). To me this transfer window is not a bad one for Newcastle, but it is an opportunity missed.

You cant win being Newcastle, you overspend on players and people have a dig, then you spend wisely and people say you havent spent enough.

I'll never criticise a club for spending, so long as they spend it on the right type of player.

 

[Ford Fairlane]

Of the starting line up against Wigan, 5 were new players, so I'm not sure about the reliance on improvement from the existing squad. And there's still Faye, Beye, Enrique and Barton waiting in the wings.

It was certainly a more solid rather than spectacular signing effort, but one borne of necessity. To get big names you either have to be able to offer consistent Euro football, spend stupidly, or offer London's lifestyle. Newcastle have relied on option 2 quite a bit in the recent past, achieved little and been consistently criticised for 'trophy' signings, real or attempted.

What BSA has done is brought a reality check. He's taken the approach that he's dealing with a mid-range EPL club (not one of the top clubs in the world as Freddy liked to spruik) that needed to be built again from the ground up to challenge for a Euro finishing spot in the EPL. It's really a case of small steps to begin with, including gelling the new faces together in a coherent style. There's also the matter of a new owner who probably wasn't happy with how the business side was being run. Once the club shores up in those areas, the opportunity will be created to add more creative signings.

 

[tige19]

In regards to our signings I dont know how we could have done any better considering we have NO EUROPE to offer footballers. What SA has done is bring in players that are willing, have the right attitude and have the proven talent to take us to a position where we can play Europe. Once we are their and pushing you will see the club spend 10+m on a 'Marquee' type of footballer we need, in saying that the quality we have at the moment we dont really need all that much.

On to last nights game....

Has anyone ever seen Newcastle dominate like that for a long while in the PL?? we outplayed them for the full 90 minutes, 10 men or 11 men we where a class above them from the get go. How did these ******** refs waive Taylors and Owens offside and then miss Brambles handball?? we should have won 5/6-0. Owen looked dangerous but very rusty, you have to ask your self would Martins have muzzed those 3 or 4 chances Owen did?? in fairness to Owen it is his first start for us in years and he was very dangerous in the first half, went missing in the 2nd half but then bobbed up to header that cracking cross from Martins. And on Martins, this guy is a freak.... he comes on for 20+ minutes and runs riot, beating defenders, cutting inside and laying for great balls and delievering crosses with his right foot like his a natural winger, he can do everything.

What about SA's move to bring on Ameobi?? why do it?? Viduka looked the most dangerous forward on the park in the first half, his hold up play and work in and around the box is 1st class.... if their is one thing I will be happy with for the rest of the season is to see Ameobi in the reserves and Alan Smith take up his spot as the back up striker on the bench.

I am the first to jump on Alan Smiths back but gee this bloke tries his heart out, is clearly not a right sided midfielder and you can tell he is frustrated as we play the ball down the left 80% of the time but noone can fault his effor. He is the perfect back up to Martins,Viduka and Owen, lets leave it at that.

Player ratings:

Taylor 8.0: Showed some attacking flair and was solid in defence

Rozehnal 9.0: Rarely caught out of position and is strong in the air, very good player

Cacapa 8.5: Super quick and is as cool as cucamba, CL quality and it showes

Nzogbia 7.5: Got lost a few times but again his attack is good and tackling is also very good, will be much better when Enrique goes to LB and releases him to the wing

Milner 7.0: Was ok without being outstanding, still struggles to beat players 1on1 but he did provide some good crosses today

Butt 9.0: He is a FU KING work horse this bloke, and was also our best creator going forward, absoloute gem

Geremi 5.5: Was carried by the rest of the team, is a squib and does little of anything out their

Smith 6.5: Tried his heart out and made a few good tackles, had a good 15 minute spell in the 2nd half when he was dangerous around the box, is improving

Viduka 7.5: I thought was dangerous when out there, showed good hold up play and probably should have scored but got the ball tangled between his to big pins, will probably start on the bench against Derby

Owen 8.0: Squandered a heap of chances but was dangerous and scored the winner, on the way up

Harper 9.5: Made a couple of really good reflex saves, is a top line keeper

Ameobi 6.0: Another big useless squib, he is slow and unco


Overall very good display, cant wait for Joey Barton and Emre to get in the side... really exciting times.

 

[ShearMagic9]

Viduka went off because he was injured.

Ameobi was the obvious replacement, because SA always likes to play a targetman.

Ameobi and Geremi squibs??? Yeah.... god, they're total hacks, we should sell them now.

 

[tige19]

Viduka went off because he was injured.

Ameobi was the obvious replacement, because SA always likes to play a targetman.

Ameobi and Geremi squibs??? Yeah.... god, they're total hacks, we should sell them now.

Oh ok sorry champ give me your expert opinion on Geremi please?? while your at it point out to me what Ameobi provides us that warrants him being rated?? he is a cup/back up and thats all, sorry but thats my opinion.

Sorry but Geremi is a hack.

Didnt know Dukes went of injured, what is it?? will he be right for Derby?

 

[ShearMagic9]

Oh ok sorry champ give me your expert opinion on Geremi please?? while your at it point out to me what Ameobi provides us that warrants him being rated?? he is a cup/back up and thats all, sorry but thats my opinion.

Sorry but Geremi is a hack.

Didnt know Dukes went of injured, what is it?? will he be right for Derby?

Just a tweak of the hamstring, should be back no worries.

You obviously have a short memory RE: Ameobi.

Geremi is a hack??? Yes cos Chelsea go around splashing money on hacks don't they?

He bosses the midfield pretty well, usually passes well (although does give it away sometimes).

The only thing that Geremi could improve on is his strength in the tackle.

 

[tribey]

Viduka went off because he was injured.

Ameobi was the obvious replacement, because SA always likes to play a targetman.

Ameobi and Geremi squibs??? Yeah.... god, they're total hacks, we should sell them now.

Geremi is a squib - doesn't mean he can't play though.

Tremendous on the ball, frighteningly lightweight and prone to pull out of 50-50 contests off it. Cost us a goal at Bolton and disappeared against Boro for long periods.

 

[ShearMagic9]

Geremi is a squib - doesn't mean he can't play though.

Tremendous on the ball, frighteningly lightweight and prone to pull out of 50-50 contests off it. Cost us a goal at Bolton and disappeared against Boro for long periods.

As I said above, Geremi could improve on his strength in the tackle.

Thats the only criticism I have of him.

 

[tribey]

As I said above, Geremi could improve on his strength in the tackle.

Thats the only criticism I have of him.

If Real Madrid and Chelsea couldn't polish his flaws I doubt we'll be able to as he approaches his 29th birthday.

 

[tige19]

Just a tweak of the hamstring, should be back no worries.

You obviously have a short memory RE: Ameobi.

Geremi is a hack??? Yes cos Chelsea go around splashing money on hacks don't they?

He bosses the midfield pretty well, usually passes well (although does give it away sometimes).

The only thing that Geremi could improve on is his strength in the tackle.

As you said he bosses the midfield well, shows some good leadership, his experience shows when we are under the pump... in saying that he does not really provide anything of substance when on the field. Gives shocking long balls and is as you said shocking in the tackle, he also does not barely get a shot on goal, I think I have seen him have 1 shot in the 3 games he has played, Nicky Butt for gods sake is more dangerous.

The sad thing is that once Barton and Emre are back to full fitness Nicky Butt will most likely be pushed out and Geremi will hold his spot due to his commitments as club captain. How does he go on the wing?? perhaps we can use him there at times but with Beye coming in I dont think he is needed at full back, its gonna be a dillema for BS but a good one to have.