Allardyce wants to bolster back line

[Scottish Mag 3]

SAM Allardyce will be hoping to persuade owner Mike Ashley to release the funds for a new left-back in January after ending Celestine Babayaro’s Newcastle United career.

 

Last night the Magpies were finalising the Nigerian international’s release and, although his departure was not unexpected, it leaves the club with only one specialist left-back.

 

But Allardyce’s options are set to improve ahead of the busy festive period with Michael Owen one of five players close to a first-team return.

 

Allardyce had a habit of talking about the defenders in his squad without referring to Babayaro. It speaks volumes that he was prepared to end the 29-year-old’s contract half a year early despite expecting to be without another two defenders – Abdoulaye Faye and Habib Beye – during the African Cup of Nations.

 

With top scorer Obafemi Martins and captain Geremi also expected to be called up by Nigeria and Cameroon respectively, Allardyce is keen to strengthen his squad in January. No discussion has yet taken place with Chris Mort about what funding will be available, but the chairman has pre-empted them by warning Ashley is unlikely to provide money for any major signings.

 

“If I was going to sign anyone it would be with a much longer-term view than January and February,” he said. “We’re looking to build a first-team squad capable of competing at the top level, but we are also looking to improve at youth level and make signings there.”

 

Ever since joining for £1m, along with defender Jean-Alain Boumsong in January 2005, Babayaro has been plagued by injury.

 

His non-appearance record in that time was emblematic of the problems which infected the club at the time and caused many Magpies supporters to question his commitment.

 

In his three years on Tyneside he started just 45 Premier League games and was involved in 68

 

matches in total, despite being first-choice in his position throughout.

 

His last appearance came on March 31, when he was part of the side beaten 1-0 by Manchester City. He completed the match but subsequently complained of a groin injury. He has only managed one reserve team game since.

 

Allardyce signed £6.5m Jose Enrique as Babayaro’s replacement but the Spaniard is the only specialist left-back in the squad. Charles N’Zogbia, a midfielder by preference, has been deputising there in recent weeks. United have organised a behind-closed-doors game this week to speed up the recovery of Damien Duff, Abdoulaye Faye, Claudio Caçapa and Shola Ameobi and, although Owen is not expected to play, the December 23 visit of Derby County has been pencilled in for his return from a thigh strain.

 

“We are looking to get some players back for Saturday’s game with Fulham at Craven Cottage,” Allardyce revealed. “I have arranged a behind-closed-doors game this week when we are hoping the likes of Damien Duff, Abdoulaye Faye, Claudio Caçapa and Shola Ameobi will all play.

 

“Michael Owen will probably not, but we are expecting him back with the rest of the first-team squad nearer the end of the week.

 

“ He should certainly be back for the game with Derby County at St James’s Park a week on Sunday.”

 

Duff had been due to make his comeback from a dislocated foot last week, only for the reserve match aaginst Manchester United to be postponed.

 

Swedish club Djurgarden’s sporting director Bosse Andersson has revealed United have offered a trial to right-sided midfielder Lance Davids. “Newcastle has sent an invitation to Lance and he will be on trial there all this week,” he said.

 

The 22-year-old South African is expected to play in next month’s African Cup of Nations.

[Tom 14021]

He's got to start playing Enrique tbh

[smoggeordie 0]

We've just spunked 6 million on the best young left back in la liga last season. Give him a frigging run of games in the team!

[Guest alex]

If it's back-up for Enrique, then fine. I'm more concerned with a bit of creativity in midfield though.

[Dr Gloom 22524]

If it's back-up for Enrique, then fine. I'm more concerned with a bit of creativity in midfield though.

 

agreed. it's the lack of quality in midfield, and the right wing specifically, that has to be addressed. surely a combination of enrique, zoggy and cacapa at left back is enough?

[Bombadil 0]

He's got to start playing Enrique tbh

 

In the games I've seen, he hasn't played badly. He did have a shocker against Liverpool, but so did everyone else.

[luckyluke 2]

No quotes about a left back, lazy paper talk because we've released Babayaro. Plus I think I read something in Mort's quotes about the problem with the defence is not personel, more because they haven't played so much together. Signing a new defender won't solve anything. And also Mort will be unwilling to sanction a move for a left back when Enrique has barely featured so far IMO.

[RlCO 0]

I thought babayoyo had a year and a half left anyway?

[Guest alex]

I thought babayoyo had a year and a half left anyway?

He did. Come the summer Carr will be away too. Happy days.

[Jusoda Kid 1]

I thought babayoyo had a year and a half left anyway?

He did. Come the summer Carr will be away too. Happy days.

 

Is that ITK or wishful thinking

[marci 0]

Highly dount Sam is to offer Carr a new contract. He will be gone in June imo

[Tooj 17]

I think on paper or defence is pretty decent, they just need to learn to gel and work together as a unit.

[Knackers 0]

Sam Allardyce admits his plans to bring Edmilson to Newcastle United are on hold until the end of the season.

 

 

The Newcastle boss had originally displayed an interest in the Barcelona defender in the summer, only for a knee injury to scupper any prospect of a deal.

 

Edmilson, who can also play in midfield, has yet to return to full fitness, prompting Allardyce to shelve any January bid.

 

But, with the Brazilian intending to leave Barcelona at the end of the campaign, Allardyce will make a renewed attempt to sign the 31-year-old.

 

 

Risk

 

"I am afraid Edmilson is now not an option for us in January," Allardyce told the Evening Chronicle.

 

"He has not played at all this season and it would be too much of a risk to bring him here next month.

 

"But I will be certainly interested in going for him in the summer."

 

Newcastle have also been linked with moves for FC Copenhagen defender Brede Hangeland and Steaua Bucharest stopper Dorian Goian, with Allardyce reportedly looking to bolster his back-line.

 

However, the Magpies boss, who has seen chairman Chris Mort rule out releasing any funds in the New Year, has dismissed any interest in Hangeland or Goian.

 

He added: "Hangeland is not on our radar and, while I had a look at Goian in the summer, he is not for us."

 

 

 

 

off sky site

Edited December 11, 2007 by Knackers

[Besty 4]

Dejavu.

[LeazesMag 0]

What about all these defenders he's bought already ? I thought spunking money was a thing of the past, and all Shepherds fault etc etc etc ........

 

Filling our back line with a load of basketball players won't do fuck all. He needs pace and creativity, we needed it last season, and we need it even more now.

 

Nice to see Mort deciding not to spend money on a player while we hover around in mid table, and the manager and players being booed. Still, its all about balancing the books.

 

Ho hum. Whatever next.

[Tooj 17]

We need some added pace up top to take the pressure off the defence, defending always starts from the front, and it's no good us always giving the ball away as the defence is always going to be under extra pressure.

[Guest Patrokles]

If it's back-up for Enrique, then fine. I'm more concerned with a bit of creativity in midfield though.

 

agreed. it's the lack of quality in midfield, and the right wing specifically, that has to be addressed. surely a combination of enrique, zoggy and cacapa at left back is enough?

 

Cacapa? Really?

[LeazesMag 0]

We need some added pace up top to take the pressure off the defence, defending always starts from the front, and it's no good us always giving the ball away as the defence is always going to be under extra pressure.

 

precisely.

[Bombadil 0]

What about all these defenders he's bought already ? I thought spunking money was a thing of the past, and all Shepherds fault etc etc etc ........

 

Filling our back line with a load of basketball players won't do fuck all. He needs pace and creativity, we needed it last season, and we need it even more now.

 

Nice to see Mort deciding not to spend money on a player while we hover around in mid table, and the manager and players being booed. Still, its all about balancing the books.

 

Ho hum. Whatever next.

 

You certainly do take the phrase "like a broken record" to a whole new level. Shepherd and his cronies are gone, we are better off for it, everyone can see that, now get over it.

[Dr Gloom 22524]

If it's back-up for Enrique, then fine. I'm more concerned with a bit of creativity in midfield though.

 

agreed. it's the lack of quality in midfield, and the right wing specifically, that has to be addressed. surely a combination of enrique, zoggy and cacapa at left back is enough?

 

Cacapa? Really?

 

he's a lefty and has played at left back before

[LeazesMag 0]

What about all these defenders he's bought already ? I thought spunking money was a thing of the past, and all Shepherds fault etc etc etc ........

 

Filling our back line with a load of basketball players won't do fuck all. He needs pace and creativity, we needed it last season, and we need it even more now.

 

Nice to see Mort deciding not to spend money on a player while we hover around in mid table, and the manager and players being booed. Still, its all about balancing the books.

 

Ho hum. Whatever next.

 

You certainly do take the phrase "like a broken record" to a whole new level. Shepherd and his cronies are gone, we are better off for it, everyone can see that, now get over it.

 

We aren't better off in the league just yet, we may be close to it when we qualify for the Champions League and sign the quality of player that the old board backed their managers to sign.

 

I take it you don't understand the concept of judging by results ?

 

I suggest that if you persist in re-writing history and claiming the current board is better than the old board, when they have done jack shit to show it other than buying a pint for half of Tyneside, or any other PR stunts, to take off your rose tinted specs and wake up.

 

That is what I call "like a broken record" ie the amount of times I've heard people spout this utter shite.

 

Question for you. Is what I say in the earlier post that you clipped, correct or not ?

Edited December 12, 2007 by LeazesMag

[Kevin Carr's Gloves 4080]

What about all these defenders he's bought already ? I thought spunking money was a thing of the past, and all Shepherds fault etc etc etc ........

 

Filling our back line with a load of basketball players won't do fuck all. He needs pace and creativity, we needed it last season, and we need it even more now.

 

Nice to see Mort deciding not to spend money on a player while we hover around in mid table, and the manager and players being booed. Still, its all about balancing the books.

 

Ho hum. Whatever next.

 

You certainly do take the phrase "like a broken record" to a whole new level. Shepherd and his cronies are gone, we are better off for it, everyone can see that, now get over it.

 

We aren't better off in the league just yet, we may be close to it when we qualify for the Champions League and sign the quality of player that the old board backed their managers to sign.

 

I take it you don't understand the concept of judging by results ?

 

I suggest that if you persist in re-writing history and claiming the current board is better than the old board, when they have done jack shit to show it other than buying a pint for half of Tyneside, or any other PR stunts, to take off your rose tinted specs and wake up.

 

That is what I call "like a broken record" ie the amount of times I've heard people spout this utter shite.

 

Question for you. Is what I say in the earlier post that you clipped, correct or not ?

 

 

Same old Leazes. Can I ask do you swallow when FFS pops his load in your mouth?

[LeazesMag 0]

What about all these defenders he's bought already ? I thought spunking money was a thing of the past, and all Shepherds fault etc etc etc ........

 

Filling our back line with a load of basketball players won't do fuck all. He needs pace and creativity, we needed it last season, and we need it even more now.

 

Nice to see Mort deciding not to spend money on a player while we hover around in mid table, and the manager and players being booed. Still, its all about balancing the books.

 

Ho hum. Whatever next.

 

You certainly do take the phrase "like a broken record" to a whole new level. Shepherd and his cronies are gone, we are better off for it, everyone can see that, now get over it.

 

We aren't better off in the league just yet, we may be close to it when we qualify for the Champions League and sign the quality of player that the old board backed their managers to sign.

 

I take it you don't understand the concept of judging by results ?

 

I suggest that if you persist in re-writing history and claiming the current board is better than the old board, when they have done jack shit to show it other than buying a pint for half of Tyneside, or any other PR stunts, to take off your rose tinted specs and wake up.

 

That is what I call "like a broken record" ie the amount of times I've heard people spout this utter shite.

 

Question for you. Is what I say in the earlier post that you clipped, correct or not ?

 

 

Same old Leazes. Can I ask do you swallow when FFS pops his load in your mouth?

 

pathetic.

 

Is your knowledge and understanding of the club so shite you can't even respond to the points I make ?

[Kevin Carr's Gloves 4080]

What about all these defenders he's bought already ? I thought spunking money was a thing of the past, and all Shepherds fault etc etc etc ........

 

Filling our back line with a load of basketball players won't do fuck all. He needs pace and creativity, we needed it last season, and we need it even more now.

 

Nice to see Mort deciding not to spend money on a player while we hover around in mid table, and the manager and players being booed. Still, its all about balancing the books.

 

Ho hum. Whatever next.

 

You certainly do take the phrase "like a broken record" to a whole new level. Shepherd and his cronies are gone, we are better off for it, everyone can see that, now get over it.

 

We aren't better off in the league just yet, we may be close to it when we qualify for the Champions League and sign the quality of player that the old board backed their managers to sign.

 

I take it you don't understand the concept of judging by results ?

 

I suggest that if you persist in re-writing history and claiming the current board is better than the old board, when they have done jack shit to show it other than buying a pint for half of Tyneside, or any other PR stunts, to take off your rose tinted specs and wake up.

 

That is what I call "like a broken record" ie the amount of times I've heard people spout this utter shite.

 

Question for you. Is what I say in the earlier post that you clipped, correct or not ?

 

 

Same old Leazes. Can I ask do you swallow when FFS pops his load in your mouth?

 

pathetic.

 

Is your knowledge and understanding of the club so shite you can't even respond to the points I make ?

 

 

My Knowledge and understaning are that Ashley and Mort have not been here a full season as yet and have a lot of work to do re building a club almost brought to it's knees by the previous board. You constantly talk shite about stats and results and never listen to anybody else or admit you're wrong. WHy should people show you that courtesy?

[LeazesMag 0]

What about all these defenders he's bought already ? I thought spunking money was a thing of the past, and all Shepherds fault etc etc etc ........

 

Filling our back line with a load of basketball players won't do fuck all. He needs pace and creativity, we needed it last season, and we need it even more now.

 

Nice to see Mort deciding not to spend money on a player while we hover around in mid table, and the manager and players being booed. Still, its all about balancing the books.

 

Ho hum. Whatever next.

 

You certainly do take the phrase "like a broken record" to a whole new level. Shepherd and his cronies are gone, we are better off for it, everyone can see that, now get over it.

 

We aren't better off in the league just yet, we may be close to it when we qualify for the Champions League and sign the quality of player that the old board backed their managers to sign.

 

I take it you don't understand the concept of judging by results ?

 

I suggest that if you persist in re-writing history and claiming the current board is better than the old board, when they have done jack shit to show it other than buying a pint for half of Tyneside, or any other PR stunts, to take off your rose tinted specs and wake up.

 

That is what I call "like a broken record" ie the amount of times I've heard people spout this utter shite.

 

Question for you. Is what I say in the earlier post that you clipped, correct or not ?

 

 

Same old Leazes. Can I ask do you swallow when FFS pops his load in your mouth?

 

pathetic.

 

Is your knowledge and understanding of the club so shite you can't even respond to the points I make ?

 

 

My Knowledge and understaning are that Ashley and Mort have not been here a full season as yet and have a lot of work to do re building a club almost brought to it's knees by the previous board. You constantly talk shite about stats and results and never listen to anybody else or admit you're wrong. WHy should people show you that courtesy?

 

previous board took over a club on its knees far more than the new board.

 

But, as a KBJ, attracted back to the club by the very directors you slate, you don't understand this.

 

The notion that a club who had qualified for europe more than any club bar 4, has had shit directors and was on its knees, is bollocks anyway. We had debts, but so does everybody. Would you have preferred us to still be playing in a 36,000 stadium rather than take out the debt ? If so, you should have supported the club during the era of McKeag, Westwood, Seymour. More to your liking. And you would know what shit directors are really like.

 

Believe it if it makes you happy.

 

Anyway, if you are so convinced you are right, and I am wrong, why have you ignored the issue and points I raise - again. Is it that you know what I say to be correct, but doesn't fit your desire to slate the old board for anything and admit you are hopelessly wrong. They are quite decent debateable points IMO, but the reason you and others like you don't do it is for the simple reason that you know what I say is factual and you simply can't dispute it with alternative facts.

 

Wanksplash. I suggest you give the Halls and Shepherd for a blowjob for attracting you back to the club, you should be grateful, instead of slating them for it. But, the choice was yours, nobody asked you.

 

BTW.......in reply to your last comment, I am saying I am judging nobody yet. Whereas others are already saying they are better before they have shown themselves to be better. So whoever is making premature judgement, it isn't me.

Edited December 12, 2007 by LeazesMag