What Are The Toon Really Mad About???

St James Park is not just a name but a home and in that home we find shelter. Like at anyone's home, we furnish it the way we please and we choose to display certain gifts from certain friends and family. Yes Mike Ashley owns Newcastle, but a house is not a home without a family and therefore St James Park is the toon army's home. Without the geordie faithful, Ashley woud only own a house and not a home.

But lets move on and ask why the toon army are really mad. Firsty lets analyse why the toon is so angry at the board; every move Mike Ashley makes in regards to everything nufc is a move that reflects an opportunity to make a quid. Newcastle United is a club with millions of fans emotionally attached to it and all they expect is for their owner to show some of this very attachment.

Newcastle fans today would rather have a chairman like Nial Quinn than the fool that is Derek Lambias and for Newcastle fans to even say such about their rivals takes some doing. The toon army have had to deal with a lot but its not that they are against Ashley's way of running the club but its the lack of heart towards the club. Any fan today will tell you the Carroll sale was a disappointing one but deep down 35m was too good an offer to turn down, for any club.

Ashley's model of sustaining the club's finances is a vision shared by most fans but yet again this is a vision based on profiting. Newcastle fans are no fools, they do understand that every penny is much needed but they need every penny invested back. Sure, Newcastle have made 30m+ losses over the last 2-3 seasons but they would very much like to know where the 35m raised from Carroll's sale has gone. And now we have a director stating we would need to raise funds to purchase a striker this January.

All the toon army wants is for the board to show some heart and not warn us of how 'horrible' they can be. If they showed any heart and still made the same decisions, there would be a different outcome. The ruthless decisions towards players has payed dividends as player power should not be tolerated but ruthless decisions affecting the toon army will surely be a cause for concern.

The toon arent mad St James' Park will be called something else, but what they are really mad at is the toon are being exploited purely for Ashley's personal gain. Asking for 8-10m quid for naming rigts and shirt sponsorship is simply ridiculous and many are skeptic that Ashley isn't really after a sponsor but is rather trying to expand his Sports Direct company via Newcastle United's profile. Yes the fans have the rigt to believe this and until there comes a sponsor, there wont be any trust gained.

See, what the fans really despise is Newcastle being exploited by Ashley for personal gain. The toon fans wont be mad if the stadium name changes to a different sponsor. If Nike came in and called it the Nike Arena, the toon fans will welcome that, but what they wont welcome is Ashley's Sports Direct Arena. The fans are not mad with the name change but are rather annoyed with the Sports Direct branding. Newcastle fans feel like their home is being invaded by Ashley's Sports Direct.

Derek Lambias says the club need extra revenue and happily claims it will be beneficial to the club, yes, we do understand that but we're no mugs to know the real intentions of the chairman which is to advertise his cheap tacky Sports Direct all over our home. It's like someone has collected their excrement and smeared it all over the walls in your home. That's what Ashley has done to this great club, but if Ashley ever wants to win over the geordie hearts, he must see this external sponsorship through and avoid the personal gain; and just place some heart into this club.

When Ashley took over the club, he stated his true intentions for his Sports Direct's venture which was to take to the global stage and all this Sports Direct branding at St James Park is reflective of his initial intentions. And that is why 99% of the fans are skeptic there wont be any external sponsorship coming through. For now, the Geordie faithful can only wait till the end of season to find out whether St James Park will be called Sports Direct Arena for the rest of Ashley reign or will St James'Park be called soething else.

The question we need to be asking is, what happens to Ashley's Sports Direct venture if a sponsor does come in with a 10m a year deal?

Newcastle vs Blackburn Highlights

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Delvin Ndinga Claims Newcastle Interest

Alan Pardew recently said Newcastle had bid for four players and there maybe some truth in that.

Auxerre midfielder Delvin Ndinga, 23 may have been on Newcastle's list to replace Joey Barton.

“I preferred to stay in Ligue 1 for this season,” he said.

“I had contact with many foreign clubs like Tottenham, Newcastle and Sevilla and they requested information about me.

“Some made offers but we decided to stop the subject for a year. First I want to prove my worth in the French league.”

Whether this is genuine or just another publicity stunt will never be known especially knowing the club's position on communication.

Magpies Transfer Watch

Highlights: Newcastle 2 - 1 Fulham

Carling Cup Highlights: Scunthorpe 1 - 2 Newcastle

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Managers Verdict Post Match: Sunderland 0 - 1 Newcastle

Forster deal agreed...

Fraser Forster is set to return to Celtic for a second loan spell after failing to impress in Newcastle's preseason friendlies.

Celtic boss has confirmed a deal has been agreed between the two clubs and it's just a matter of formalities before the young joins. 

"A deal has been agreed. There are a few little snags to overcome but we hope to have him registered in time for tomorrow night." Lennon said.

"If that is the eventuality of things, we would be absolutely delighted. He has been the main target since the end of last season.

"We did put a bid in but it was knocked back but we worked hard in the background to try to bring him in so I'm very, very pleased."

Modibo Maiga Demands Move To Newcastle...

Newcastle have bid for Mali International Modibo Maiga, the 23yr old plays for Sochaux and is upset with the heirachy for dismissing Newcastle's interest.

Newcastle are not new to this as it was only last year when Ben Arfa carried out a similar act. Maiga has expressed his anger and demands Sochaux to open discussions with Newcastle.

Sochaux offered the player a new contract only after Newcastle had come in for him suggesting an increas in value therefore a larger pricetag.

"Yes [they have made me an offer], but before the Newcastle offer I have not been offered anything, but now I would like the chairman to consider my interest. I want to leave," he said.

"I met everyone at Newcastle. They want me and it is not just any club. Premier League is a dream.

"That is the kind of game I like, it suits me and it is good for my career. I want to leave, he has to accept that and negotiate.

"I told the coach I would play and respect my contract, but the chairman has to talk about my transfer first. I don't want to annoy Sochaux, but I want it to be sorted out with Newcastle.

"Offers have now come for me and the chairman refused to talk. I had a meeting with him and I could not accept his position, it is just like a big slap in the face.

"It was the very first time I asked for something and I believe it is lack of respect. Why refusing to talk? It is selfish, I can't understand.

"You can't refuse such an offer. The sums are huge, both for me and for the club. Sochaux will not lose."

The striker, who can also ply his trade as a winger, joined Sochaux last season and scored 15 goals for the club finishing as one of the league's top scorers.

Video: Newcastle v Arsenal - Match Analysis + Highlights

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Preview: Newcastle vs Arsenal - friends turn foes

Friends turn foes as Arsenal loom on toon comeback...

Lille’s key players Yohan Cabaye and Gervinho signed for premier league clubs Arsenal and Newcastle and will face off in their first match of the season.

The Ivorian international will lock heads with his French counterpart on a night that will kick off the premier league season.

Cabaye and Gervinho formed a ceative partmership at Lille and played the most essential roles in winning the league title for the club.

They will now play against one another and neither of them will take the challenge lightly.

Fans last season witnessed the greatest ever comeback at St James’ Park when Newcastle came back from a 4 goal deficit to draw the match.

And with both teams missing key players due to transfer sagas, expect one hell of a match.

Pieters: 'PSV must be willing to let me go'

Newcastle United yesterday lost spanish fullback Jose Enrique to Liverpool and are keen on replacing him before the derby next weekend.

Keeper Krul confirmed last week that the magpies are in for his fellow friend Erik Pieters and highly regards the left back.

Pieters, however, is focused on family matters at the moment and is trying to keep his focus away from the matter but hints the move could be on.

"I am not focused on football right now, only my family counts," Pieters told AD Sportwereld.

"Moreover, there must first be serious discussions with Newcastle and PSV must be willing to let me go."

PSV coach Fred Rutten has stated he will not come in the players way but would only be willing to let him go for the right price.

"I would lie in the road to stop him leaving but I fear I cannot block his transfer to Newcastle," said Rutten.

"He is a brilliant defender, but, if it is right for him and the club, I cannot say no."

The move is looking very plausible as neither the player nor manager will dispute the move. There seems to be a mutual understanding and neither wants to get into the others way.

However, Newcastle will have to battle it out with PSV and if the price is right, expect Holland's Int'l full back to remain in his orange colour against the Mackems. 

Official: Newcastle Agree Enrique Fee...

A statement on nufc.co.uk has been issued that a fee has been agreed for Enrique. Newcastle have confirmed Enrique has travelled to Liverpool for a medical.

Newcastle United Football Club can confirm that a fee has been agreed with Liverpool for the transfer of Jose Enrique.

The player will travel to Liverpool today to discuss personal terms and undergo a medical.

Enrique will be a big miss and is yet another huge blow for Newcastle. But lets face the facts, Enrique wanted Champions League football, something we could not offer him.

Atleast Newcastle havent left it to the last minute as in Carroll's case. It's time for us to move on and the inevitable was always going to happen.

Newcastle will face Arsenal on saturday and it looks like Fergusson may well have to fill the void until the club bring in a replacement.

Hot on trail is Erik Pieters but no concrete interest has been confirmed apart from Tim Krul's statements. The toon army will have to be patient but time is running out and we have 3 games before the window closes.

Why Mike Ashley Bought Newcastle...

Sir John Hall has revealed why he sold the club to Mike Ashley. Sir John sold the club as he felt he could not compete with Roman Abramovich and the investment he made in Chelsea.

Two parties were interested in buying the club, one of them was Ashley and the other was a group of Malaysians. 

"I decided to sell my shares because of Abramovich. It took me just over two years. I was in negotiations with some Malaysians when I got a call from another group." Hall said.

"They wanted to meet me in London prior to my meeting with the Malaysians, I agreed. I was met at Kings Cross and taken by Rolls Royce to Freshfields and into a packed meeting room where this unnamed parties financial representatives began to make me an offer. 

"I told them that I would honour my meeting with the Malaysians so could not give them an answer. They tried their best to persuade me otherwise, but I’m a man of my word. 

"The meeting with the Malaysians went well but they wanted 6 weeks to do due diligence. The offer from the other party at Freshfields waived that right and was a better deal. 

"I was told that the man behind the deal was Mike Ashley and I sat with his representatives over 3 days thrashing out a deal."

At this stage, Sir John Hall was curious as to why Mike Ashley wanted the club and the toon army finally have the chance to see the club owner's intentions.

"I was keen to know why they wanted the club and they were quite honest. They wanted to market their sports goods in the Far East and would use the Club to help do this," Sir John revealed.

"To me it made sense to market the Club globally. It was a win win situation for Mike and the Club. We hadn’t done that. 

"Over the 3 days I gave them a lot of advice. When they took over they put Chris Mort in to run things and went private. It was a good move. 

"He’s not a fool and like Mike he came in with the best of intentions. His subsequent departure caused a few problems and Mike made a mistake listening to the likes of Paul Kelmsley at Spurs."

The former chairman revealed Ashley made a mistake in bringing back Kevin Keegan and appointing Dennis Wise. It was a well documented error and the toon suffered the consequences.

"I think he made another mistake bringing back Kevin Keegan. He was yesterdays man, like Dalglish at Liverpool now. It wasn’t a rational decision and he’s had to pay for it." the former chairman went on to say.

"The appointment of Dennis Wise upset Kevin and the inevitable fallout happened. I thought the local media handled the situation badly and the vilification with headlines such as ‘Get Out Of Toon’ were unjustified. 

"I believe the damage has been done and I believe he will get out of the club when he can, but it will have to suit both the club and him. 

"Mike has the wealth to challenge, but he’s been hurt. He needs to liaise with the fans. I think he made a huge mistake drinking with them in the early days, I think he took some bad advice." 

So there we have it fellow fans, Ashley's sole purpose was to market his business but since then, a lot has changed and his marketting has cost him a fortune.

Pardew Stamps His Authority...

Pardew has previously admitted the pressure was on him but now it seems like he's regaining control and will take a no-nonsense approach.

Barton who had caused havoc over the last couple of weeks has been warned to get his act straight if he wanted to join into the United ethos.

“Joey’s trained with us, but he understands and we understand each other’s position,” Pardew said.

“Joey won’t be included this weekend unless I feel that he’s totally committed to the club.

“It’s not an olive branch. I’m in the middle trying to mediate but at the end of the line, it’s my dressing room and if Joey’s not right he won’t be in my dressing room.”

Time is running out at St James' Park and Pardew needs to get his team sorted out. The magpies have already confirmed interest in Erik Pieters through Krul and are looking to move forward.

Joey and Jose have played a silly game on twitter and perhaps taken it too literally by being TWITS but it's time for the toon army and the club to move forward.

Players that do not want to play in the black'n'white jersey should move on as they are not welcome here. We're reaching towards the end of the beginning and Pardew will need to take control of his dressing room.

Official: Gabriel is Obertoon...

Newcastle have confirmed the signing of 22 year old Gabriel Obertan on a 5 year contract with a reported fee of 3m.

The winger is the fifth french signing for the magpies and comes in place of the departed Routledge. He will join fellow french mates Ben Arfa, Cabaye, Marveaux, Ba and Mehdi.

"I spoke with some of my friends and Newcastle is a big club with history in England, so it's a great move," Obertan said.

"I'm just really happy to be here because this is still a big club for me.

"It wasn't really a difficult decision to come here.

"I spent two good years in Manchester but it was a bit difficult with the competition and I really needed a club where I could play more games.

"I know it won't be easy to play each game here, because there's a good group, but I want a fresh start in my football."

"I've heard a lot about the fans, the atmosphere, the passion around the club and the way the city is just behind the club 100 per cent.

"So I think I'm going to love it."

A Taste of Obertan...

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has confirmed his interest in Gabby Obertan and hopes to seal the deal within 48hrs.

Obertan is set to have a medical on monday, the deal is said to be worth 3m on a 5yr contract. The 22yr old comes in after the departure of Wayne Routledge and is said to be a better option.

"All being well, the deal will be pushed through next week," Pardew said after the Fiorentina friendly.

"He has not really had the chance to shine at Old Trafford but he has pace to burn and will bring some much needed sharpness to our side."

A much needed boost for the toon army after the saga that is Joey Barton. Newcastle, however, still need a striker and the days are numbered.

Routledge Move Imminent...

Alan Pardew is set to lose Wayne Routledge to Swansea City, Pardew as well as the fans, however, aren't to fuss with this move as Routledge has never been able to hit the mark in he Premier League.

"Wayne's move to Swansea is imminent and that's why he wasn't here," Pardew said.

Routledge has never been part of Pardews plans and will move for a reported fee of 2m pounds. Newcastle are reducing in numbers and the toon army is hoping to see two more signings.

Pardew In For Two As Erdinc Pursuit Ends...

Alan Pardew has finally put Erdinc's pursuit to rest after PSG boss confirmed Erdinc is going nowhere and is part of his plans for the coming season.

"He's playing in the team, he's out there on the pitch, he's a part of my team," The PSG boss said. Erdincs agent also stated that the forward will not be in discussions with Newcastle.

"Mevlut was in England only to play in the tournament," his agent Pierre Frelot said.

"He has not had discussions with Newcastle and he will not have discussions with Newcastle this weekend."

Pardew has finally resigned to the fact and will continue his search. The manager insists there will be one more player to join if not two.

 

"I think it's fairly evident that we've spent a lot of time on that transfer," Pardew said. 

"Now, we need to make sure that we've got a player or maybe two players for the start of the season. 

"Privately, we've had a conversation about a time scale for things. But that's about the best I can say at the moment." 

Newcastle will now to there Plan C as Gameiro and Erdinc have decided their futures.

Newcastles Master Technicians...

Pardews "technicians" Barton and Cabaye will re-unite with the rest of the squad for this weekends clash against Leeds.

The gaffer believes the toon faithful will witness a technically creative force that Newcastle lacked last season.

“We will have a lot of creative force back in the team in Cabaye and Joey Barton,” Pardew said.

“Some of Demba’s movement in the last game was encouraging because against Leeds I expect to see technicians like Joey and Yohan picking that out.

“We are going to be really threatening the goal and both of them will enjoy playing with Demba Ba.”

Newcastle's pre-season tour to the US was pretty mediocre due to the absense of Barton and Cabaye and Ben Arfa's tour ended abruptly.

Pardew is still in the hunt for an offensive player and has also stressed not to set our sights off Hatem Ben Arfa.

“Don’t forget we still have Ben Arfa to come back from his injury, and that will be a really big bonus for the whole team,” Pardew said.

“There is a great chance that the creativity will bring out more from the whole team and encourage everybody.”

Sylvain Distin Fears Newcastle Competition...

Sylvain Distin has expressed his concerns over Evertons transfer dealings. The former magpie feels threatened by the tyne-wear duo and feels Everton could face stiff competition this season.

“We have to wait and see who is going to come and go,” Distin said. “Hopefully none of the top players will leave, but I think we definitely need to strengthen our team a bit.

“If you look at the teams around us, they have got three or four if not five players, and quality players too. 

“You look at a team like Sunderland or Newcastle, teams like that, they have definitely improved their team in both numbers and quality, and that is what we need. We need to improve the squad in terms of quality.

“That doesn’t mean we don’t have quality now, but we have a small squad and we will get injuries – that is the Premier League – so it could be tough. One or two players would definitely help.”

Everton already have concerns over the future of Phil Jagielkha who is being sought after by Arsenal for a reported fee of 15m pounds.

Nottingham Forest Confirm Routledge Interest...

According to Chronicle reporter Lee Ryder, Forest chairman Nigel Doughty has confirmed they are in talks with Newcastle to secure the services of Wayne Routledge.

"He is somebody on our list, yes. I don't know if it will happen, but we are talking," Doughty said.

Routledge has fallen out of favor and Pardew has previously stated he has no plans for the winger. Newcastle have recently signed Sylvain Marveaux and with the return of Ben Arfa, Wayne's chacs are slim.

Routledge has not only fallen behind fellow wingers; Jonas, Sylvain and Ben Arfa, but also fallen behind central midefielders; Barton and Gosling to fight for a spot on the wing.

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Match Report: Darlington 0 - 2 Newcastle

"It's early days but we had a lot more control tonight, as you would expect against lower league opposition," Pardew told nufc.co.uk.

"We were excellent for long periods of the game. Certainly at the start we passed the ball, moved the ball and controlled the game.

"We did it with a purpose - I thought Hatem (Ben Arfa) was excellent, especially the workrate he put in and his performance. That bodes well, but four or five of our players are right up to speed already as you could see.

"We caused them a lot of problems and could have had a bigger scoreline. All the youngsters who came on towards the end carried that on, so it was a good night on the football pitch."

Injuries

"Danny Guthrie and Fergie both picked up knocks and unfortunately they both look serious," Pardew said.

"We certainly have to keep our fingers crossed on those two. I'm disappointed to lose the two boys tonight. They are two great players for us and you don't want to get injuries."

Lineup

Newcastle (4-2-3-1): Fraser Forster; Danny Simpson (James Tavernier 72), Mike Williamson (Jeff Henderson 84), Steven Taylor (Paul Dummett 72), Shane Ferguson (Ryan Taylor 46); Danny Guthrie (Yohan Cabaye 12, Ryan Donaldson 79), Alan Smith (Dan Gosling 60); Joey Barton (Mehdi Abeid 69), Hatem Ben Arfa (Michael Richardson 75), Haris Vuckic (Sammy Ameobi 53); Leon Best (Nile Ranger 65)

Match Report from nufc.co.uk

A goal in each half from Joey Barton and Sammy Ameobi earned Newcastle a 2-0 win away at Darlington in their first pre-season friendly.

Barton latched on to the excellent Leon Best's flick early on to fire in from a couple of yards, and the visitors had further chances to increase their lead, with Best, Hatem Ben Arfa and Mike Williamson all going close.

And ten minutes into the second period substitute Sammy Ameobi doubled their advantage, drilling a shot past Quakers keeper Sam Russell after a near turn.

Newcastle got off to the best possible start with just three minutes on the clock when captain-for-the-night Barton poked home from close range.

Alan Smith swung a ball into the box from the left-flank, which Best flicked down into the path of Barton, and the midfielder applied the finishing touch from inside the six-yard box.

They suffered a set-back in the 11th minute though, with midfielder Danny Guthrie limping off down the tunnel following a challenge minutes earlier in the opposition's penalty area.

However it meant a first glimpse of French international Yohan Cabaye for the 6,000-plus Magpies support, who almost opened his account in stunning fashion with a 30-yard effort which wasn't too far away.

Ben Arfa was looking lively in an advanced role behind lone striker Best, and the forward almost created goal number two as his tricky run ended with Smith nodding on to Best, whose chipped finish was narrowly off target.

Only Graeme Lee's excellent headed clearance prevented Haris Vuckic from doubling Newcastle's advantage, after the forward had cut in from the left, and from the resulting corner Phil Gray was on hand to nod away Williamson's effort off his own goalline.

The visitor's pressure was growning and on 23 minutes Best received a ball into his feet just outside the box, wriggled clear of his marker and shot low towards the far corner, forcing Darlington keeper Sam Russell into a smart stop down to his right.

A rare Quakers attack saw midfielder Greg Taylor's shot blocked by Williamson, but the action was soon back at the other end as Best was once again denied by Russell, who tipped the front man's strike wide for a corner.

Best came even closer three minutes before the interval, sending a left-footed shot against the base of the post with the aid of a slight deflection, after a clever change of pace had created the half-a-yard needed for him to get a shot away.

The second half was just a minute old when Ben Arfa continued where he had left off before the break, letting fly with a long-range effort which Russell did well to hold on to.

But goal number two finally arrived in the 55th minute when substitute Sammy Ameobi cut outside his marker to the left-hand side of the area and drilled a shot past the helpless Russell, sparking mass celebration amongst the travelling support and a pitch invasion which held up the game for around ten minutes.

After the interruption manager Alan Pardew rang the changes, introducing the likes of Dan Gosling and Mehdi Abeid in midfield, with young defenders Paul Dummett and James Tavernier also entered the fray.

As can happen with a mass number of substitutions, the game stagnated but a Cabaye free-kick caused chaos in the Darlington defence in the 76th minute, almost forcing the hosts to score an own goal.

Abeid almost had the ball in the back of the net soon after, but saw his effort ruled out by a linesman's offside flag, while Quakers replacement Tommy Wright headed a late free-kick over the top.

Jose Enrique Wants Out...

Newcastle have had a terrible day on the transfer front with Pardew revealing Erdinc will not be sought after. To add to that, Enrique seems to have his mind set and will force a move out.

“Jose seems fine but the situation hasn’t really changed," Pardew said.

“He’s made it pretty clear that he still won’t sign a contract and that his future may be elsewhere.

“I’m not really comfortable with that but we’ll have to deal with it and we’re still hoping that he signs a contract with us. There has to be doubt over that situation.”

Pardew Ends Erdinc Pursuit...

Newcastle manager is disappointed that Mevlut Erdinc has opted to be a third choice striker at PSG.

“It’s quite easy for me. If the boy wants to stay at his club and be third choice and doesn’t want to come to Newcastle then I don’t want him – because Newcastle, for me, are a bigger club," Pardew said.

“I’m not being disrespectful and I know that Paris Saint-Germain are in the Champions League but with our stadium, our support and the squad we’ve got, we’re the bigger club.

“We have to be careful. Some of the things being quoted are not from him and we’ve got to cut through it. It’s difficult to criticise the player because sometimes it’s the agent or someone else not getting what he wants.

“But we won’t bring him to the club if he doesn’t want to be here. We’re not certainly going to force his hand.”

Pardew has put his foot down and insists he will not sign a player who does not wish to play for the club.

“All transfers are always alive until such time as someone buries them. We’re not burying this one.”

"We’re still confident on bringing a striker in,” he said.

“It makes me laugh when people say time is running out – the deadline isn’t until the end of August.

“It’s obvious we’re looking to get a striker in, we’re not just paying lip service to it. We have made bids, that is in the public domain.

“But we have to make sure it’s the right player, that is the most important thing.”

So the search goes on and this deal has been put to bed! Next...

Neil Taylor Saga Continues...

 

Newcastle are close to capturing the services of Neil Taylor, the saga is soon coming to an end and things are looking positive on the Newcastle front.

“It is slow progress at the moment but at the same time it needs to be resolved because the lad is in a very delicate position,” Taylor’s agent Jamie Moralee told The Journal.

“At the moment clarification is being sought from the Premier League and we are waiting for that but Newcastle have made it clear that they won’t go above £1million, which is not an offer that Swansea will accept.”

Taylor's representatives have written a letter to the Premier League asking for guidance on how to resolve the matter. There is a dispute on the understanding of the release clause.

The case, having asked the Premier League to intervene, looks set to go to an arbitration panel over the next fortnight.

Swansea made an offer for Routledge which was rejected, the Journal believes the two seperate transfers will be looked upon seperately.

As reported yesterday, the ball seems to be in Newcastle's court and they may just win the battle after triggering the release clause. It's only just a matter of time.

Gervinho Signs For Arsenal...

Newcastle "target" Gervinho has signed for Arsenal as expected. Arsenal's official website released a statement confirming the signing.

"Arsenal Football Club announces that Ivory Coast international forward Gervinho will shortly join the Gunners, subject to a regulatory process."

This leaves former Lille team-mates Cabaye and Gervinho to battle it out on the pitch first game of the season, buckle up as we might have another thriller on our hands!

Arsene Wenger said at a press conference in Kuala Lampur: "Gervinho is efficient, and is very productive with assists for goals, as you can see from his statistics. This should prove very useful for us."

Arsenal fans will have something very much to cheer about after being bombarded with uncertainty on the futures of Nasri and Fabregas.

RVP also added: "I know him from the highlights of the French league, I’ve seen him play a couple of times for the Ivory Coast and I’ve been speaking to Eboue and he was very positive about him."

"The things I’ve seen look great but we will have to wait and see how he adapts. Every new player that comes in needs time so he will need a couple of months to feel at home and hopefully he can play his best football."

Bang Bang Bangura's...

Alan Pardew continues his hunt for the 'right player' as they look to fill the massive void left by Andy Carroll; and now two names that have emerged are the Bang Bang Bangura's.

Mohamed and Teteh Bangura are both 21 and although not related have a strong bond on and off the pitch, they currently play for Swedish side AIK Solna but would welcome a move.

The pair have impressive goal scoring records and would fit well in the premiership boasting pace and physic comparable to the likes of Tiote.

Teteh commented: "I know Newcastle have seen all my matches and follow me. It is the dream of every player to play in a better league, but right now I’m happy and pleased to be here." 

 

AIK realistically acknowledge that these two players will be hard to keep a hold of as the two stars have attracted a lot of attention with their perfromance and National Caps for Sierra Leone.

AIK’s Assistant Manager: "As coach, I'd love it if they stayed for the next five years, but to be realistic, I think we can hold onto them for six months, maybe a year.”

AIK sporting director Jens Andersson also confirmed there was interest in Mohamed.

"The interest hasn't faded, it's no lower than a few months before," he told Fotbolldirekt.se

"I think that he has just become better and better. The big difference is that he so far hasn't scored many goals, but they will come and I think that the clubs that follow him know that.

"Foreign clubs see him in each game and they know what class he has. And there are more now than earlier this spring that follow Mohamed."

Career Stats:

M. Bangura

Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2005–2010	Kallon	58	(39)
2010	→ Värnamo (loan)	13	(12)
2010–	AIK	26	(11)

Total -	62 (97)

T. Bangura 

Years Team Apps† (Gls)† 2006–2008 Kallon 30 (24) 2009 Cleveland City Stars 9 (2) 2009 → Cascade Surge (loan) 3 (5) 2010 Kallon 7 (5) 2010 Köping 9 (12) 2011– AIK 14 (14)
Total - 56 (70)

Routledge Out Taylor In...

Swansea have expressed interest in Wayne Routledge after playing hardball with Newcastle's Taylor bid.

It seems Swansea have realised they cannot keep a hold of Neil Taylor and will look to broker a deal which may involve Wayne Routledge.

"We have expressed an interest in Routledge and are in discussions with Newcastle," said a Swansea spokesperson.

Whatever these discussions may be, the ball's said to be in Newcastle's court and with Pardew not keen on Routledge, Newcastle may take a straight swap or even ask for a cheeky cash + Taylor deal.

Newcastle already have triggered Taylor's release clause and this new development may sweeten the deal and will generate an easy outcome.

Erdinc Rejects Toon..

Newcastle yet again have failed to secure a striker that they desperately need to bolster their attack. Erdinc's agent has confrimed that the player is determined to stay at PSG.

Pierre Frelot told The Journal: “He will not be going to Newcastle. The player decided not to move and he is staying in Paris for next season.”

Newcastle will have to move on and turn their attentions elsewhere, Shane long has been linked heavily the last couple of weeks but there's no concrete evidence.

Both Gameiro and Erdinc have snubbed Newcastle and the club will have to move onto Plan C now. No names have surfaced yet and the fans are getting impatient with Newcastle's failings to secure their main targets.

The timing couldn't be more awful, PSG have recently been taken over by multi-billionaires and surely that must have had some play in Erdinc's decision to stay.

Newcastle still have a month and half left in the window but missing out on our main targets may concern many fans.

However, Newcastle can only hope for new developments in the window and hope some players become available that might be worth a shout.

Capitano Colo...

Newcastle United have announced Fabricio Coloccini as the new club captain. After Kevin Nolan's departure only two names stood out most and those were Joey and Colo.

Newcastle fans will be very pleased with that and although a tough call, Joey's temper may ave been his downfall. Colo on the other hand is known for giving 100% and has been complimented by Nolan as being the best trainer. Capt Fab told nufc.co.uk: 

"I am thrilled to be named captain of Newcastle United. It is one of the proudest moments of my career," Coloccini said.

"Leading the team out in front of our supporters in our first game against Arsenal will be a great honour for me and I aim to give my best for the team and the supporters throughout the season.

"I would also like to thank Alan Pardew for putting his faith in me. It means so much to me."

Alan Pardew explained his decision, adding: "I had no hesitation in choosing Fabricio to be my captain next season.

"He will lead the team in a different manner to Kevin but his professionalism, attitude, application and fantastic character made him the standout candidate and, in my mind, the 100 per cent right decision."

Llambias, I Can Assure You...

One thing i hate about Directors and Accountants is the way they cover up numbers. So this is Dereks statement on the transfer dealing. Enjoy if you can...

“I can assure everyone that not a single penny of the £35 million has left the club and neither will it. It is all going back in.

“We have acted early and we have got the players we wanted, but none of them have been cheap. We have paid good prices for them. They certainly weren’t free transfers, there are fees and wages to consider.

“It is our responsibility to make sure we look after the club responsibly. If we spent all the money on players this summer, what are we going to do in January if we need to bring somebody else in? We are using the money sensibly.”

Without taking Cabaye's fee of 4m which was cancelled out by Nolan's sale, the Club is looking for ways to hide the fact that it is pulling out the money supposedly to service the Ashley's debt which isn't all bad.

As far as i see it, player contracts and renewals aren't meant to be sustained with the revenue earned from Carroll's sale.

We as a club have an annual turnover and that's the money that should be used for all expenses and not only from Carroll's 35m sale.

If our wage bill is 50m, we should be able to cover that from revenue generated as a whole. Carroll's sale is just a one off payment and that will not mean we can add extra players for the long term; more players means a higher wage bill..

We need a balance of players coming in to those that are going out, this should be able to balance the wage bill.

The club should aim to keep the wage bill at a constant 50m and should not depend on player sales to service the wage bill but rather other income/revenue; e.g gate sales, tv money, commercials...etc...

Transfer funds that are one off's should be accounted for seperately to contractual wages. Players  like Kuqi , Sol and Nolan have freed up the wage bill which allows us to bring in players to balance it out.

For instance, if Kuqi, Sol and Nolan were on wages that added upto 100k a week; and we brought in Ba Sylvain and Cabaye for the same amount, it shouldnt affect Carroll's 35m at all.

Ok fair enough we have to pay agents fees but that isn't a huge chunk and we should have 30m remaining atleast.

Suppose we did not sale Carroll? Would that mean we wouldn't be able to 'purchase' players in the window, even if they were Bosmans?

Newcastle fans are no mugs Derek, what you and Ashley do is upto you but a little bit of honesty won't hurt and will go a long way.

No fan wants a debt of 100m+ and if you came out and said, as Ashley did previously in his statement, that part of the money will be pulled out to service the debt; then every fan would understand.

But please, FFS! Which fat f*** hired this clown?!

Hatem's Influence...

Ben Arfa was injured for most part of last season, and unfortunately the fans did not get a chance to feel his prescence and influence on the pitch. 

But that's already starting to change, he's making up for all the lost time on the pitch - off it, he has been a major influence on Newcastle's latest signings.

Demba Ba

"I have spoken to Hatem about the Club and he told me how happy he is here and how big Newcastle are, so I'm really happy and I can't wait to start playing."

Sylavain Marveaux

"I saw him and spoke with him about Newcastle. He told me that he was very happy to be here and he told me about the fans, everyone at the club, the stadium. We can speak in French - so for the adaptation it is good."

Mehdi Abeid

“I already discussed things with Hatem Ben Arfa and Cheick Tiote and they encouraged me and welcomed my signature."

The club has one hell of an asset in Hatem, could he be Newcastle's turning point? I can only imagine more french talent wanting to join the club with the five that we already have.

Newcastle has a history of french talent with names such as Ginola and Robert who had the ability to raise the roofs at St James Park.

So can Ben Arfa and his french lads carry the tradition at St James Park and restore the title when we once were known as the Entertainers?

Pardew's Player Breakdown...

Demba Ba

"Ba is an out-and-out goalscorer, a winner and will certainly give everything he’s got. I expect him to get between 15 and 25 goals this year."

"He has pace, excellent technical ability, is good in the air and, it goes without saying, has the ability to consistently find the back of the net. Moreover he has a great passion to play for Newcastle United."

Yohan Cabaye 

"Cabaye is a ball-manoeuvrer, someone who can make a pass that has an incisiveness to it. He can unlock the door and comes to us full of confidence on the back of winning the league and cup double with Lille."

Sylvain Marveaux

"Marveaux has impressed and, because of his contract situation, he didn’t play a lot last season, but that means he comes to us fresh. We think there is a lot to come from him. 

"He works off the left-hand side as a rule, can play off either foot and will certainly give us competition for (Jonás) Gutiérrez and Joey (Barton) on both flanks. They are really nice options for us."

Mehdi Abeid Signs...

Newcastle United have signed 18 year old Mehdi Abeid from Lens. The defensive midfielder has figured for the France U-17 and U18's and was also sought after by Everton and Atletico Madrid.

"We are delighted to bring Mehdi to the Club," Beardsley said

"He is a bright, young talent and we think he has an exciting future ahead of him.

"After an impressive trial with us earlier in the year, I'm looking forward to working with Mehdi and developing his talent."

The youngster revealed Ben Arfa and Tiote were a pivotal influence in his decision to joining Newcastle.

"After eight fantastic years at Lens, I have stagnated. I needed a change of air. I am not afraid to leave for abroad," Abeid told L'Equipe.

"I have had contact dating back some time and I visited the facilities there [St James's Park] last week. I even trained with the reserve team.

"The leaders of the club told me about their plans and that they will rely on me for next season. For my part, I intend to give everything to develop in the Premier League."

“I already discussed things with Hatem Ben Arfa and Cheick Tiote and they encouraged me and welcomed my signature."

A Taste Of Whats To Come...

Hatem Ben Arfa vs. Everton by tsgass

Taylor Bid Breaks Down...

Newcastle have had their bid for Neil Taylor rejected. The Swans have defended themselves stating Taylor is worth much more and will play an integral part for the club in the Premier League.

"We recognise Neil as a young, talented Welsh player that has an important role to play at this club," Jenkins said on the club's official website.

"We brought him here from Wrexham and have helped nurture his development. He adjusted very well to the Championship last season and we look forward to seeing him play a big role as we enter the Premier League.

"That is why we have rejected Newcastle's bid. I spoke to Neil's agent and he understands the situation.

"We have a big challenge ahead in the Premier League, but together we can maintain the progress made by this club over the last few years."

Newcastle activated a release clause, however, the details are not too clear as to whether the Club have the right to reject the bid.