Transfer time sees big changes at Newcastle and Sunderland

[Christmas Tree 4858]

Three weeks into the summer and the North East footballing scene remains as dramatic as ever. Mark Douglas reports on the profound changes taking place at the region’s big two

 

SO much for the silly season. The early weeks of June are meant to be the time for transfer froth and fantasy football but in the North East at least, something much more profound is afoot.

 

The pace of change at both Newcastle United and Sunderland is startling. Just over a fortnight since the campaign’s final, dramatic act played out and already we are witnessing the dismantling of squads that emphatically delivered on their pre-season targets.

 

With Jordan Henderson set for Liverpool, Kevin Nolan in limbo and Joey Barton again cast as a Newcastle outsider, there is a possibility that three of the region’s most outstanding performers over the last year could be playing in pastures new come the start of August.

 

Combine that with a minimum of five new arrivals for both clubs and we will have a very different dynamic in both dressing rooms when they line up for the first battles of next season.

 

Even by the North East’s barely credible standards, this is revolution, not evolution. On Wearside, they will feel their hand has been forced. Henderson is no Darren Bent, but his advisers have left Sunderland in little doubt about where he wishes to be playing his football next season.

 

In the face of player discontent, along with an acceptable offer from Liverpool, they have little choice but to bow to Henderson’s wishes and continue to plan for next year.

 

Bruce will have money, at least, as he begins a rapid rebuilding project at the Stadium of Light.

 

His vision of a young, hungry Sunderland side worked for the first months of the season but it ran out of steam, and by the end of the campaign the flaws in that plan were obvious for all to see.

 

He heads back to the drawing board to modify that blueprint, adding experience to a largely youthful squad and hoping that this will be a better blend.

 

Manchester United’s Darron Gibson will benefit from more games if he moves to Wearside, while Wes Brown, if he can overcome his injury problems, is a top-class defender who has lost his way in the ultra-competitive Old Trafford atmosphere.

 

The charismatic Peter Crouch can be the talismanic presence that Sunderland have been missing since Bent departed. He may not be at the peak of his powers, admittedly, but he remains an international striker who was playing Champions League football recently.

 

His affable personality and leadership qualities would endear him to the Stadium of Light faithful – provided Bruce can manage to convince him and his glamorous wife that there is life beyond London.

 

Over the river at St James’ Park, a more distinct pattern is emerging. There is a method in way things are developing.

 

Nolan and Barton quietly seethe over contract negotiations while the key men at Newcastle attempt to extricate some of the best talent from abroad.

 

Vacationing abroad, Alan Pardew must wonder where he fits into the picture.

 

Fully aware of his remit before taking on the job, there are some battles to be fought when he returns to the North East.

 

But there must be concerns that he has already had to concede on the Barton contract issue, and he has not managed to broker a successful resolution in the case of his captain Nolan. True, there are mitigating factors in both.

 

Barton is understood to have turned down a very lucrative offer in January, while Nolan’s age is an understandable factor in the decision not to agree to the five-year deal he wanted. It is the club’s prerogative to drive down both the average age and wage of the squad.

 

But what effect will it have on the famous dressing-room spirit if two such key members are allowed to depart or stew on the perceived injustice of being denied their contract extensions? Throw in Alan Smith being told he can leave into the mix and you have three of the club’s most influential players potentially departing – a radical change in the chemistry at St James’ Park.

 

It would be wrong to paint a gloomy picture of events on Tyneside, of course.

 

They are illustrating that talk of improvements in their scouting system is not idle boasting.

 

After months of preparation and groundwork, Graham Carr has already come through with the imminent signing of Yohan Cabaye and, thanks to his diligent efforts, more will follow. The capture of France midfielder Cabaye is a significant coup – proof that Newcastle have become major players in France.

 

And if they manage to tempt one of Gervinho or Kevin Gameiro to St James’ Park, it will be a cause for major celebration.

 

However, the injection of Gallic talent comes with risks, and ability is no guarantee that they will settle quickly or share the same bond with the Newcastle support which the likes of Nolan and Barton have enjoyed.

 

 

Read More http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastl.../#ixzz1OfibXt9N

[Howmanheyman 33944]

Three weeks into the summer and the North East footballing scene remains as dramatic as ever. Mark Douglas reports on the profound changes taking place at the region’s big two

 

SO much for the silly season. The early weeks of June are meant to be the time for transfer froth and fantasy football but in the North East at least, something much more profound is afoot.

 

The pace of change at both Newcastle United and Sunderland is startling. Just over a fortnight since the campaign’s final, dramatic act played out and already we are witnessing the dismantling of squads that emphatically delivered on their pre-season targets.

 

With Jordan Henderson set for Liverpool, Kevin Nolan in limbo and Joey Barton again cast as a Newcastle outsider, there is a possibility that three of the region’s most outstanding performers over the last year could be playing in pastures new come the start of August.

 

Combine that with a minimum of five new arrivals for both clubs and we will have a very different dynamic in both dressing rooms when they line up for the first battles of next season.

 

Even by the North East’s barely credible standards, this is revolution, not evolution. On Wearside, they will feel their hand has been forced. Henderson is no Darren Bent, but his advisers have left Sunderland in little doubt about where he wishes to be playing his football next season.

 

In the face of player discontent, along with an acceptable offer from Liverpool, they have little choice but to bow to Henderson’s wishes and continue to plan for next year.

 

Bruce will have money, at least, as he begins a rapid rebuilding project at the Stadium of Light.

 

His vision of a young, hungry Sunderland side worked for the first months of the season but it ran out of steam, and by the end of the campaign the flaws in that plan were obvious for all to see.

 

He heads back to the drawing board to modify that blueprint, adding experience to a largely youthful squad and hoping that this will be a better blend.

 

Manchester United’s Darron Gibson will benefit from more games if he moves to Wearside, while Wes Brown, if he can overcome his injury problems, is a top-class defender who has lost his way in the ultra-competitive Old Trafford atmosphere.

 

The charismatic Peter Crouch can be the talismanic presence that Sunderland have been missing since Bent departed. He may not be at the peak of his powers, admittedly, but he remains an international striker who was playing Champions League football recently.

 

His affable personality and leadership qualities would endear him to the Stadium of Light faithful – provided Bruce can manage to convince him and his glamorous wife that there is life beyond London.

 

Over the river at St James’ Park, a more distinct pattern is emerging. There is a method in way things are developing.

 

Nolan and Barton quietly seethe over contract negotiations while the key men at Newcastle attempt to extricate some of the best talent from abroad.

 

Vacationing abroad, Alan Pardew must wonder where he fits into the picture.

 

Fully aware of his remit before taking on the job, there are some battles to be fought when he returns to the North East.

 

But there must be concerns that he has already had to concede on the Barton contract issue, and he has not managed to broker a successful resolution in the case of his captain Nolan. True, there are mitigating factors in both.

 

Barton is understood to have turned down a very lucrative offer in January, while Nolan’s age is an understandable factor in the decision not to agree to the five-year deal he wanted. It is the club’s prerogative to drive down both the average age and wage of the squad.

 

But what effect will it have on the famous dressing-room spirit if two such key members are allowed to depart or stew on the perceived injustice of being denied their contract extensions? Throw in Alan Smith being told he can leave into the mix and you have three of the club’s most influential players potentially departing – a radical change in the chemistry at St James’ Park.

 

It would be wrong to paint a gloomy picture of events on Tyneside, of course.

 

They are illustrating that talk of improvements in their scouting system is not idle boasting.

 

After months of preparation and groundwork, Graham Carr has already come through with the imminent signing of Yohan Cabaye and, thanks to his diligent efforts, more will follow. The capture of France midfielder Cabaye is a significant coup – proof that Newcastle have become major players in France.

 

And if they manage to tempt one of Gervinho or Kevin Gameiro to St James’ Park, it will be a cause for major celebration.

 

However, the injection of Gallic talent comes with risks, and ability is no guarantee that they will settle quickly or share the same bond with the Newcastle support which the likes of Nolan and Barton have enjoyed.

 

 

Read More http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/newcastl.../#ixzz1OfibXt9N

If they sign and if they do the business I'll celebrate.

[Guest alex]

How did Sunderland's squad 'emphatically deliver' on its pre-season target btw?

[Barney 0]

How did Sunderland's squad 'emphatically deliver' on its pre-season target btw?

 

Was just about to quote that.

[snakehips 0]

How did Sunderland's squad 'emphatically deliver' on its pre-season target btw?

 

With just one comment, Mr Douglas joins the ranks of know-nowt bullshit journos. Utter crap.

[LeazesMag 0]

How did Sunderland's squad 'emphatically deliver' on its pre-season target btw?

 

With just one comment, Mr Douglas joins the ranks of know-nowt bullshit journos. Utter crap.

 

not in CT's eyes though

[Kevin Carr's Gloves 3995]

How did Sunderland's squad 'emphatically deliver' on its pre-season target btw?

 

They finished above us?

[Guest alex]

How did Sunderland's squad 'emphatically deliver' on its pre-season target btw?

 

They finished above us?

Fair comment.

[Monroe Transfer 0]

Sunderland are about to sign Dong.

 

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6982455,00.html

[CleeToonFan 1]

Sunderland are about to sign Dong.

 

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11661_6982455,00.html

Oh how i'd have love to have seen Dong and Bent in the same team