It's Yohan Cabaye

[McFaul 35]

You know the thing is compared to somewhere like Barcelona or Rome, Newcastle might not seem the best place in the world. It still has a charm that's unrivalled but I'm biased, it's better than anywhere outside of London and that's a fact in this country. However, abroad they probably think it's shite, before they live here and even then it's a big culture difference. See wor french players though, they're all from scruffy parts of Paris and the like. It's not like Ginola and St Tropez. Take Cabaye, I've been to Lille, I've passed through it a few times too, it's fucking scruffy. The centre isn't bad but it's not Newcastle. See Cabaye, is from a place called Tourcoing, which is part of the Lille connurbation (which stretches in to Belgium) about 10 miles away, literally on the border, and I'll tell you now culture wise, that part of France is more like here than anywhere else over the channel. It's a massive coal mining area, Lens is near by, it's like fucking Ashington and I'm telling you now Tyneside is better than it is there, far more modern and aesthetically pleasing, and this is another reason I think Cabaye won't mind being here long term because it's not that different to how it is at home.

Edited October 24, 2011 by McFaul

[ChezGiven 0]

I was in Lille last winter and it was fucking freezing too. Colo might find the winters hard but Cabaye wont give a fuck.

[The Fish 10857]

I was in Lille last winter and it was fucking freezing too. Colo might find the winters hard but Cabaye wont give a fuck.

 

To be honest, I don't think it's a big deal even for the likes of Ben Arfa; fully expect our players who're used to sunnier beaches to be wearing those long johns and gloves and scarves.

[Tooj 17]

I think someone on here mentioned that Why Aye Man by Mark Knopfler needs to be modified for Cabaye.

 

[McFaul 35]

I think someone on here mentioned that Why Aye Man by Mark Knopfler needs to be modified for Cabaye.

 

Great idea for a song, my first draft admittedly needs work, but I've got a foundation at least.

 

 

Muslims, Frenchmen, Dutch the lot, United nations is what we've got du du du du duuuuu Tiote and Ba eatin nee scran, in late august at Ramadaaaaaaan, Cabaye man, Cabaye, Cabaye man, Cabaye man, Cabaye, Cabaye man...

[Ayatollah Hermione 13869]

Tiote and Ba eatin nee scran, in late august at Ramadaaaaaaan

 

Class.

[trophyshy 7083]

Top effort that mind Stevie.

[Kitman 2207]

I was in Lille last winter and it was fucking freezing too. Colo might find the winters hard but Cabaye wont give a fuck.

 

To be honest, I don't think it's a big deal even for the likes of Ben Arfa; fully expect our players who're used to sunnier beaches to be wearing those long johns and gloves and scarves.

 

Ba was wearing gloves against Wigan ffs

[LeazesMag 0]

Cabaye looks a quality player, but now I wonder how someone like Wenger missed him and also if someone like him will start to see him as a replacement for Fabregas.

[TheMoog 0]

From SSN:

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has questioned the attitude of footballers in England, claiming they spend too much time "joking and singing".

The 25-year-old moved to St James' Park from French champions Lille over the summer.

He has made a solid start to life on Tyneside, helping the club to fourth place in the Premier League after going unbeaten in their first nine games.

However, the 25-year-old, who scored his first goal for his new side in the 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, has been shocked by the drinking culture in England, suggesting that clubs should perhaps be stricter with players like they are in France.

"It's fine to go out once in a while but not every weekend," Cabaye told The Sun. "Here in England, if you like to go out and you do not have a stable family around you, then things can soon go off the rails.

"Newcastle treat you as grown-up and let you run your life. Players are policed far less than at French clubs. There is a completely different approach here.

"If you meet other players in the street, or even within the club, you wonder if they really are professionals.

"On the pitch they give their all. They're 100 per cent focused on football and getting the result.

"But once the game is over, irrespective of whether they have played well or not, they are all joking and singing."

 

Spot on tbh.

[McFaul 35]

From SSN:

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has questioned the attitude of footballers in England, claiming they spend too much time "joking and singing".

The 25-year-old moved to St James' Park from French champions Lille over the summer.

He has made a solid start to life on Tyneside, helping the club to fourth place in the Premier League after going unbeaten in their first nine games.

However, the 25-year-old, who scored his first goal for his new side in the 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, has been shocked by the drinking culture in England, suggesting that clubs should perhaps be stricter with players like they are in France.

"It's fine to go out once in a while but not every weekend," Cabaye told The Sun. "Here in England, if you like to go out and you do not have a stable family around you, then things can soon go off the rails.

"Newcastle treat you as grown-up and let you run your life. Players are policed far less than at French clubs. There is a completely different approach here.

"If you meet other players in the street, or even within the club, you wonder if they really are professionals.

"On the pitch they give their all. They're 100 per cent focused on football and getting the result.

"But once the game is over, irrespective of whether they have played well or not, they are all joking and singing."

 

Spot on tbh.

I don't believe they're his quotes.

[Monroe Transfer 0]

Cabaye looks a quality player, but now I wonder how someone like Wenger missed him and also if someone like him will start to see him as a replacement for Fabregas.

 

First time I heard of Cabaye was about 2-3 years ago when he was first linked with Arsenal. By all accounts he was definitely on their radar.

[McFaul 35]

Two canny interesting videos for yiz.

 

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlbdm5_edd-nufc_sport

 

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xlr4ec_edd-nufc-cabs_sport

 

Click subtitles.

[ChezGiven 0]

From SSN:

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has questioned the attitude of footballers in England, claiming they spend too much time "joking and singing".

The 25-year-old moved to St James' Park from French champions Lille over the summer.

He has made a solid start to life on Tyneside, helping the club to fourth place in the Premier League after going unbeaten in their first nine games.

However, the 25-year-old, who scored his first goal for his new side in the 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, has been shocked by the drinking culture in England, suggesting that clubs should perhaps be stricter with players like they are in France.

"It's fine to go out once in a while but not every weekend," Cabaye told The Sun. "Here in England, if you like to go out and you do not have a stable family around you, then things can soon go off the rails.

"Newcastle treat you as grown-up and let you run your life. Players are policed far less than at French clubs. There is a completely different approach here.

"If you meet other players in the street, or even within the club, you wonder if they really are professionals.

"On the pitch they give their all. They're 100 per cent focused on football and getting the result.

"But once the game is over, irrespective of whether they have played well or not, they are all joking and singing."

 

Spot on tbh.

I don't believe they're his quotes.

Why not?

[McFaul 35]

From SSN:

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has questioned the attitude of footballers in England, claiming they spend too much time "joking and singing".

The 25-year-old moved to St James' Park from French champions Lille over the summer.

He has made a solid start to life on Tyneside, helping the club to fourth place in the Premier League after going unbeaten in their first nine games.

However, the 25-year-old, who scored his first goal for his new side in the 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, has been shocked by the drinking culture in England, suggesting that clubs should perhaps be stricter with players like they are in France.

"It's fine to go out once in a while but not every weekend," Cabaye told The Sun. "Here in England, if you like to go out and you do not have a stable family around you, then things can soon go off the rails.

"Newcastle treat you as grown-up and let you run your life. Players are policed far less than at French clubs. There is a completely different approach here.

"If you meet other players in the street, or even within the club, you wonder if they really are professionals.

"On the pitch they give their all. They're 100 per cent focused on football and getting the result.

"But once the game is over, irrespective of whether they have played well or not, they are all joking and singing."

 

Spot on tbh.

I don't believe they're his quotes.

Why not?

Doesn't seem the type of bloke to speak to the papers and say negative things. We haven't even lost yet, so why wouldn't the players have a laugh and joke after the game? Complete bullshit story.

[ChezGiven 0]

From SSN:

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has questioned the attitude of footballers in England, claiming they spend too much time "joking and singing".

The 25-year-old moved to St James' Park from French champions Lille over the summer.

He has made a solid start to life on Tyneside, helping the club to fourth place in the Premier League after going unbeaten in their first nine games.

However, the 25-year-old, who scored his first goal for his new side in the 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, has been shocked by the drinking culture in England, suggesting that clubs should perhaps be stricter with players like they are in France.

"It's fine to go out once in a while but not every weekend," Cabaye told The Sun. "Here in England, if you like to go out and you do not have a stable family around you, then things can soon go off the rails.

"Newcastle treat you as grown-up and let you run your life. Players are policed far less than at French clubs. There is a completely different approach here.

"If you meet other players in the street, or even within the club, you wonder if they really are professionals.

"On the pitch they give their all. They're 100 per cent focused on football and getting the result.

"But once the game is over, irrespective of whether they have played well or not, they are all joking and singing."

 

Spot on tbh.

I don't believe they're his quotes.

Why not?

Doesn't seem the type of bloke to speak to the papers and say negative things. We haven't even lost yet, so why wouldn't the players have a laugh and joke after the game? Complete bullshit story.

Doesnt make sense unless he is talking about hearing singing and joking from the opposition dressing room. Which still doesnt make sense. How can you just make all that up though and why?

[McFaul 35]

From SSN:

Newcastle midfielder Yohan Cabaye has questioned the attitude of footballers in England, claiming they spend too much time "joking and singing".

The 25-year-old moved to St James' Park from French champions Lille over the summer.

He has made a solid start to life on Tyneside, helping the club to fourth place in the Premier League after going unbeaten in their first nine games.

However, the 25-year-old, who scored his first goal for his new side in the 1-0 win over Wigan on Saturday, has been shocked by the drinking culture in England, suggesting that clubs should perhaps be stricter with players like they are in France.

"It's fine to go out once in a while but not every weekend," Cabaye told The Sun. "Here in England, if you like to go out and you do not have a stable family around you, then things can soon go off the rails.

"Newcastle treat you as grown-up and let you run your life. Players are policed far less than at French clubs. There is a completely different approach here.

"If you meet other players in the street, or even within the club, you wonder if they really are professionals.

"On the pitch they give their all. They're 100 per cent focused on football and getting the result.

"But once the game is over, irrespective of whether they have played well or not, they are all joking and singing."

 

Spot on tbh.

I don't believe they're his quotes.

Why not?

Doesn't seem the type of bloke to speak to the papers and say negative things. We haven't even lost yet, so why wouldn't the players have a laugh and joke after the game? Complete bullshit story.

Doesnt make sense unless he is talking about hearing singing and joking from the opposition dressing room. Which still doesnt make sense. How can you just make all that up though and why?

To sell papers, all it needs is "got a quote for us Yohan sahn" "oui c'est trops different here ho ho ho", that's all it takes.

[McFaul 35]

For starters Steve Brenner is the only journalist for the sun who covers Newcastle, unless he's on holiday, he's not on hols now cos he did the match report at the weekend. A quick google of "Vic Holly" reveals that half his pieces are about stories which have eminated from abroad. How many times have rags like El Pais, and L'Equipe deliberately lied and misquoted players, too many to give almost anything they print credibility, as I said bullshit story.

[StoneColdStephenIreland 74]

http://www.readytogo...ad.php?t=641421

 

Some Mackems being the thickest fans to have ever been born, claiming that they'd rather have Vaughan and Colback than Tiote and Cabaye ffs! Only a few of them seen that Vaughan and Colback are nowhere ear the quality of our CM's

Edited November 3, 2011 by StoneColdStephenIreland

[ewerk 30614]

Eh? I made it through the first 4 pages and nearly everyone was saying that they'd prefer our two.

[Andrew 4754]

Actually on second thoughts the mags say tiote is the new makelele and cabaye is the new zidane, so yes without a shadow of a doubt

Read more: http://www.readytogo.net/smb/showthread.php?t=641421#ixzz1ceviAcFs

 

do we? presumably in the same place we talk about messiahs all the time

[StoneColdStephenIreland 74]

_{You sure?}

_{No, but I'd swap Cattermole and Gardner for Tiote and Cabaye.}

 

_{not much it, so probably not}

_{Aye. Although I think Colback's gonna end up a helluva player. So nor.}

 

_{Thats 3 just off the first page}

[The Fish 10857]

The majority seem to be saying they'd do it in a heartbeat, then go off on a tangent about how Cattermole is wank.

[Meenzer 15531]

It's the Guardian/Louise Taylor, so you have been warned:

 

Yohan Cabaye: I remember Ginola here and adored the attacking football

 

The France international snubbed the Champions League with Lille to gamble on Newcastle's untapped potential

 

Yohan Cabaye says he was brought to Newcastle by Alan Pardew to encourage a change in style to possession football.

Photograph: :wub:

 

Yohan Cabaye smiles a lot. A spontaneous, full-wattage beam lights up the France international's face when I suggest he is on a mission to recalibrate Newcastle United's passing game while, later, a brief smirk greets a question about his relationship with Joey Barton. Throw in the slightly wistful grin as he discusses a long-standing ambition to explore Vietnam and a few giggles at first mention of a supposed ban on players speaking French in Alan Pardew's dressing room and it swiftly becomes clear that Cabaye is as appealing a personality as he is a playmaker.

 

Scrupulously polite, he switches off all three of his mobile phones – (French, English and smart) – before lending full attention to a conversation translated by a familiar face. One of the few occasions Pardew's £4.3m summer signing from Lille frowns is when Olivier Bernard, the former Lyon and Newcastle left-back turned anti-racism campaigner and part-time interpreter, tells Cabaye about the serious hip injury that brought his career to a premature end and has left the 32‑year‑old walking with a heavy limp.

 

Bernard, who has taken time out from the schools visits that form a big part of his role as an ambassador for Show Racism the Red Card, urges Cabaye to make the very most of every minute of life at St James' Park. Fortunately, there appears little danger of such advice falling on deaf ears. "Being here is a dream," the midfielder enthuses. "I don't want it to end, I'm happy." Dubbed "Le Dreamboat" by Newcastle fans, the 25-year-old is returning the compliment by enthralling English audiences with the elegant incision of his tempo-controlling passing and movement, not to mention some deadly set‑piece execution.

 

Watching Cabaye play for the French champions, Pardew felt optimistic he had identified the ideal player to successfully replace the soon to be off-loaded Kevin Nolan as Newcastle switched to a fluid, progressive passing game but real confirmation came when the pair finally spoke. Whereas certain prospective recruits appeared interested primarily in financial matters, Cabaye's principal concern was one of philosophy. He duly quizzed Pardew on his views about direct football, or Le hoof ball, receiving appropriate reassurance when it became apparent he would be integral to Newcastle's transition to a more rhythmic approach.

 

"The manager is actually quite like the one I had at Lille [Rudi Garcia], they are quite similar," says a man who may have been tempted to join Aston Villa had Gérard Houllier not fallen ill. "Like Garcia, what Alan Pardew wants is for us to keep the ball. He talked to me about changing Newcastle's style and we work a lot on possession. He's doing a great job."

 

So, too, is Cabaye but a player reported to have caught Sir Alex Ferguson's eye is still adjusting to his new habitat. "I'm not yet at my best," says the midfielder, who regularly receives constructive criticism from his father, a former professional with Lens. "I'm still adapting to the Premier League; it's the best league in the world and, at the moment, its pace is taking a lot of good things out of my game. I'll be better when I adapt fully."

 

Culture shock is not confined to the pitch. If realisation that Newcastle players are "policed far less away from the club" and "treated much more like adults" than many French counterparts has been welcome, the perils of the English penchant for practical jokes looms large. "I'm well aware of the danger from Tayls [steven Taylor, Newcastle's leading prankster]," he acknowledges. "I'm taking care but he's a joker and I know something could happen to me soon."

 

Newcastle's seven French-speaking squad members have to be similarly careful about not slipping into their native tongue when Pardew is around. Officially, English is supposed to be the only language audible at the club but a smiling Cabaye confirms that odd lapses do occur. "It's pretty easy living here because the Geordie lifestyle and the mentality is actually quite similar to northern France – it's a nice, warm environment, pretty like Lille – but, to integrate properly, it's important that we learn English," he says. "We know we've got to go through a pain barrier before being able to communicate with everyone. But, sometimes, and especially when you know your midfield partner speaks French it's automatic to talk in your own language, you can't help it."

 

An avid reader and regular cinema goer, Cabaye hopes to be buying English novels soon while shunning film subtitles as he avoids retreating into the security of life inside a Gallic clique. Seeking to embrace fully a new existence, he spends many an evening out with his wife, Fiona, developing Anglo-Saxon linguistic skills in a university lecture theatre and he has made firm friends with Newcastle's Spanish-speaking contingent. "When I arrived I got really close with Xisco [the Spanish striker since loaned to Deportivo La Coruña]," says Cabaye, who, due to his archetypal "nice boy next door" persona is regularly likened to Take That's Mark Owen by team-mates. "But most of the time now I hang out with the Argentinian players, Colo [Fabricio Coloccini] and Jonás [Gutiérrez]."

 

Rumour has it that, before his departure for QPR, Barton proved rather less welcoming, particularly after he realised Le Dreamboat was poised to supplant him as the side's dead-ball specialist. Although Cabaye's expression suggests he seems eager to throw, quite possibly jocular, light on the matter, a press officer immediately intervenes to block what is evidently deemed a sensitive inquiry.

 

Happily Bernard ignores attempts to cut out another query, this time on the row early this year over revelations that French football officials had tried to limit the number of black and Arab players entering academies in order to make the France national team more white. A staunch supporter of Show Racism the Red Card, Cabaye regards the debate as a regressive step. "If you're a good enough player and you're French you should be playing for the national team," he said. "The French team that won the 1998 World Cup was really diverse and we still need everybody."

 

A beneficiary of his country's 2010 World Cup debacle in South Africa, Cabaye was first called up to the senior side that August and, as a current first-choice in Laurent Blanc's midfield, is anticipating next summer's European Championship in Poland and Ukraine with cautious optimism. "At this point we're taking things slowly," he says. "Everyone around the French team is just relieved to have qualified for Euro 2012 without having to go through the play-offs."

 

Cabaye had the alternative option of commuting to South East Asia and representing Vietnam, the home country of his maternal grandmother. Although France were always the first footballing choice, he is determined to, one day, board a plane bound for Ho Chi Minh City ahead of an extended stay in the city formerly known as Saigon. "My grandmother's from Vietnam and I'm very curious about the place," he says. "I'd love to visit the country and see how she grew up. I want to spend some time out there."

 

For the moment, Cabaye remains fully occupied with propelling his new employers back into European contention. While even Newcastle's most one-eyed fans did not foresee Pardew's side occupying third place ahead of Everton's visit to St James' on Saturday lunchtime, his decision to forsake Champions League action with Lille was inspired by what he has long seen as the Tyneside club's immense potential.

 

"I remember watching David Ginola playing here on television in France when I was a kid," he says. "The team was doing extremely well and I adored their attacking football. It's a wonderful memory and something to try and emulate. I haven't spoken to Ginola but I talked to Antoine Sibierski and Franck Dumas [two ex-Newcastle players] before joining and they told me to sign immediately.

 

"It's true results in recent years haven't been great but, hopefully, we are now starting to make our achievements correspond with the size of this club. There are big tests to come [after Everton Pardew's side face Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea] – but our aim is to finish the season as strongly as we've started it. We want to take Newcastle back into Europe as soon as possible."

 

http://www.guardian....view?CMP=twt_gu

[Park Life 71]

He looks dreamy.