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LATEST NEWS:
Team News
Great To Be Staying
Stevie C today spoke of how great it felt to be staying at Newcastle United after finally agreeing to a contract extension and he looks to put all that behind him now as he looks to try and help bring silverware to St James' Park this season. Stevie C looked bound to be on the way out after contract negotiations with Newcastle fell short of what he wanted. He wanted more money, but more importantly a longer contract than just a one year extension. But that's all the Toon boss' were offering him and with teams like Rangers and Sporting Lisbon interested in him it seemed a mater of when, not if he would leave. But eventually his stalling saw Sporting and Rangers turn attention elsewhere and so he signed the Toon contract offered.
Stevie C said: "I never particularly wanted to leave though it looked like that was going to happen, and I'm delighted to be staying. It doesn't really matter what went on, as I'm happy to play for Newcastle United. I love this club and want to do my best for it. It's in the past as far as I'm concerned. Now I just want to concentrate on doing as well as I can. The team's a year older and a year better and I think we've got a great chance this coming season. I'm delighted to still be here and looking forward to Champions League football. I think we can challenge for trophies and there's no better place to play. I just hope I can play a major part.
Team News
Wanna Do Better
Craig Bellamy is determined to put last seasons scoring droughts behind him and make sure he has a better season for the Toon. Craig came into the team in the summer of 2001 and had an immediate impact becomming one of the most valuable players in the team, putting an end to the skepticism from some fans about him after he'd had an awful year for Coventry the season before. Last season Craig was again influential to Toon success though his shooting was clearly a problem as he missed a number of great chances every time he ran out onto the pitch, ending the season with just 10 goals to his name.
Craig is looking to improve his finishing, make sure he takes more chances so he can be even better and help push the Toon even further up the table to try and finish higher than last season's 3rd place finish and bring silverware back to St James' Park. "I'm not going to lie, I should have scored more goals last season," said the Welsh international. "I didn't make the most of the opportunities I had and I know that. But I will score more next season, I'm certain of it. I don't want to make too many excuses for last season but you have to look at the sort of chances I was getting."
"They weren't tap-ins from six yards. A lot of them I was making myself by beating players and causing problems in the penalty area. I was running in on goal from 40 yards a lot of the time. When you are a striker, the most important thing is to make sure you get the chances and I was doing that. I'm not the sort of player who just hangs around in the area waiting for chances to come my way," said a player who, despite his disappointment, scored some of the club's most important goals last term. I will spend a lot of time out wide, running into corners and working for others so a lot of the chances have to be created by myself. I know I missed too many when I did get into the positions and it's an area I will improve on. Keepers made saves and there were times when I hit the woodwork or defenders on the line, but I know I have to start putting these chances away."
Transfer News
No Surprise
No surprises here, Newcastle have been once again linked with a move to Barca and Dutch international striker Patrick Kluivert. It all started when Barca came to play us in a firnedly last season and Kluivert made comments about having a great respect for Sir Bobby and would be willing to join the Toon. Ever since then talk of us being interested has popped up every now and again. This time though there may be something to it with Patrick Kluivert being available at possibly the bargain price of the century so far! Patrick Kluivert had a claus in his contract that if Barca asked him to take a pay cut he could leave on a cut price fee of 1.2m pounds!
Barca have asked him to take a pay cut this season after Barca failed to qualify for the Champions League and are counting the costs of that but Kluivert refuses to and with his fee at such a low price (two seasons ago, in an inflated market he was quoted being worth around 25m pounds) Freddie Shepherd and Sir Bobby Robson may well be willing to pay him the wages he's meant to be getting at Barca. Kluivert has been a world class rtiker ever since he broke into the Ajax team as a teenager in the mid 90's, scoring the winner for Ajax in the 95 Champions League final v AC Milan and ever since has never had any problems scoring goals, bagging them for fun!
Kluivert would be on big wages, but considering the extremely low fee it would be more than worth it, especially if he scores the goals everyone knows he can which would surely go a big way to helping the Toon change from titles challengers to something more? Hopes wont get too high over landing him with every big European club surely interested at such a low price, but it's a deal many Toon fans would love to see happen.
Team News
I Don't Want To Go
Laurent Robert last night pledged his future to Newcastle United - despite being offered by the club to Paris Saint-Germain. The French winger was used as a bargaining tool in the Magpies' bid to bring PSG's Brazilian superstar Ronaldinho to St James's Park. Many interpreted that as proof that United manager Sir Bobby Robson was prepared to end the 28-year-old's chequered career in English football. But Robert insists he is going nowhere and will see out the remaining two years of his contract with United.
"The press speak of Ronaldinho in Newcastle and Laurent Robert going to Paris. But no, I stay in Newcastle - it's a big club," he said. "I love the club, the country and the football. My contract has two years to go and if it's possible I will stay two years, no problem." And rather than criticise Robson's attempt to send him back to PSG - who sold him to United for 10m pounds two years ago - Robert has nothing but praise for the Newcastle boss. "Bobby Robson is the best manager and the best man," he said. "Every other manager is the same, but he is different." Robert is currently on holiday on the Cote d'Azur but will report back for pre-season training next week intent on living down his own reputation as a difficult character.
Team News
Big Two In Sights
Newcastle United are closer than ever to breaking the stranglehold of Arsenal and Manchester United on the Premiership title, says Sir Bobby. Robson says his side have been playing catch-up with the Premiership's two most successful clubs over the past few seasons. But now, with the addition of Lee Bowyer and United still chasing other targets including Brett Emerton and Ronaldinho, he believes Newcastle will be even closer to Sir Alex Ferguson's champions and Arsene Wenger's Gunners next season. Our third-place finish last time round was an improvement on our fourth spot the previous campaign and Sir Bobby is hoping we can push the top two even harder next season. And he insists the club is doing all it can to get itself into a position where it can truly challenge their dominance of the Premiership.
"We had a good season last time out and I think we have made some indentation," said Robson. "And we hope to do even more next season. We must not let them get away from us and run away from us, but they are very powerful - they are the two pillars of the Premier League. There is no doubt about that. It's up to the rest of us to challenge them, but it's not easy to do that. If you are running against someone who can do a sub-four minute mile and you cannot, then they are going to win all the time. All you can try to do is play catch-up and that's what we've got to do. That means more time, more patience and a bit more investment, but as you invest so do they to keep ahead of the field - they have been doing that for years. All we can do is keep trying and we will do that."
Sir Bobby added: "Two seasons ago when we were top of the league they overtook us in the end, and they got away from us last time as well. We have to keep getting ourselves into a position where we can challenge them."
Team News
Dabizas On The Mend
After his car accident Nikos Dabizas is thankfully recovering well having broken his arm and suffered minor cuts and bruises. He believes that he'll be ready for a return by the end of July at the very latest which is great to hear. Dabizas is currently on the transfer list at St James' Park with Sir Bobby ready to sell the Greek international who dropped down the pecking order last season behind new signings Woodgate and Bramble as well as O'Brien and Steve Caldwell. This season looks as though it would be even tougher for Dabizas to break into the first team again and so Sir Bobby has put him on the transfer list with a number of clubs already having shown an interest.
Dabizas said: "I will be able to train properly in two or three weeks and I will be able to play football again in five or six weeks. Starting playing again is something I'm really looking forward to - this has been a very difficult summer for me and I'm anxious to put it all behind me. The best way to do that is on the football pitch, that will be the best way for me to take my mind off things. I will be back in Newcastle for the start of pre-season training on July 14 and these injuries won't hold me back - I'm certain of that. My holidays have been ruined by the accident and now I want to get back to work."
"Despite everything that has happened to me, it is really important to stay positive. Some people might think that that is a difficult thing to do, but I can't afford to be dwelling on the past. The accident could have been much worse and I consider myself lucky that I didn't do myself more damage. The worst thing I have been left with is the memory of it all - I have found that difficult to cope with. The pictures looked pretty bad because the car was completely burnt out. In my eyes it was not a major accident, but because the car caught fire it did look worse than it was. In two or three weeks I will be able to run again so, in terms of my football, the accident won't cause me any real problems."
Team News
Solano Wanting To Stay
Nolberto Solano has stressed that he wants to stay at Newcastle United and help the club win something after Sir Bobby revealed he's open to listening to offers for the talented winger. Solano's been one of the Premiership's best and most consistent wingers since he was signed by former manager Kenny Dalglish for Newcastle but it appears that Sir Bobby is ready to make a change. Lee Bowyer's signing, as well as reported interest in Brett Emerton and Ronaldinho certainly makes it appear that Solano is on borrowed time at St James' Park and Solano leaving may only be a question of when, not if.
Sir Bobby was quick to point out how much he rates Solano in interviews he's given in the past few weeks and said he still wants to keep Solano, but does now admit he's open to offers which has disappointed many of the Toon Army who don't want to see Nobby going, being a firm fan favourite. Solano, speaking about what's going on said: "If Newcastle decide to sell me, then I don't have much choice. I saw what the manager said, but it's nothing personal. I'm quite happy to stay at the club despite the signing of Lee Bowyer and my agent hasn't mentioned anything about my future."
"I know nothing about any interest from other clubs and I am not on the transfer list. But of course I will have to go if United receive a good offer. Every player in the world has a price and I don't pretend to be any different. Just look at David Beckham. One day a bid might come in and I might be told it is time to talk about my future, but no way do I want to leave. I have worked hard to help Newcastle establish itself as one of the best clubs in the Premiership and I don't want to miss out on what might happen next season."
Meanwhile, latest to come between Solano and Robson appears to be a problem of international duty again. Solano has comitted himself to Peru for a friendly match, that isn't the problem with those at the club understanding the joy of playing for your nation, but the problem is this friendly comes just 3 days before the Toon's home match against manchester United. Thus causing a problem as Nobby wiont be available as a result, or if he is will be comming off a friendly match which would not leave Nobby 100% for the game.
Match News
Sky Change A Few Dates
Sky have changed the dates and times for a group of our matches next season after selecting them for live broadcast. These matches have been changed as follows:
Sat Aug 23rd Man Utd (H) 12.00pm
Fri Sep 26th Arsenal (A) 8.00pm
Sun Nov 9th Chelsea (A) 4.05pm
Sat Nov 29th Wolves (A) 12.30pm
Sat Dec 6th Liverpool (H) 12.30pm
Transfer News
Sir Bobby Rules Out Gallas Bid
With recent rumours in the press that Chelsea defender, one time Toon target, William Gallas is considering putting in a transfer request, Sir Bobby has been quick to dismiss any possible talk of him being interested in Gallas again. Sir Bobby made an offer for Gallas a couple of seasons back, before his move to Chelsea - that summer in fact - and has been linked with a move for the Chelsea star a couple of times since. But before rumours could start again Sir Bobby has dismissed the talk.
Team News
Sir Bobby Plea To Harper
Sir Bobby Robson is going to make sure he speaks to number 2 goalkeeper Steve Harper as soon as the team reports back for training early next month. Reason for this is because he knows Steve must be disappointed about the lack of first team opportunities he gets being behind Shay Given, one of the Premiership's best shot stoppers, in the pecking order. Steve in his own right his a quality goalkeeper, many believe the duo of he and Shay is the best in the Premiership and so Steve surely knows if he went almost anywhere else he'd be guaranteed first team football. So Sir Bobby wants to meet up with Steve to assure him his value to the team and convince him to stay.
Sir Bobby said: "Steve Harper has just signed a new contract and we are happy about that. We have been saying for some time that in him and Shay Given we have the best pair of goalkeepers in the Premiership and nothing has changed in this respect. To tell the truth, there is not much to choose between them, but of course Shay has been absolutely outstanding in recent seasons. But Steve is terrific back-up - just the back-up we need in fact. He didn't get his chance last season because Shay did so well - and not only that, he managed to avoid any injury. One of the reasons Shay Given plays consistently so well is because he has Steve Harper breathing down his neck. I'll be talking to Steve when we report back for training and all I can say to him is to keep soldiering on and to stay patient."
Team News
Inspired JJ
Midfielder Jermaine Jenas comes into the new season knowing he'll have a tougher battle to get a regular place in the first team this season despite having such a wonderful campaign for both club and country last season thanks to the arrival of Lee Bowyer from relegated West Ham United. But JJ is determined to be apart of the first team on a regular basis and is ready for the fight for his place and feels inspired after words he had with Arsenal striker Thierry Henry last season.
JJ said: "I'd just picked up my award for the PFA Young Player of the Year and got chatting to Thierry Henry. To be honest, I never had any idea that my fellow professionals thought of me that highly. I don't really think too much about individual awards. My main concern was just to try and establish myself in the Newcastle first-team and try and get to the fringes of the senior England side. To find out that my contemporaries rated me so highly was extremely flattering."
"It sort of hit home when Thierry told me that he'd voted for me and that so did a lot of the Arsenal players. He just said that it was a big achievement to get the award and to keep my head down and keep on working and more rewards would come. It was only a brief chat really, but it meant a lot and will certainly inspire me in the future. Thierry Henry has won a World Cup and the European Championship with France and the Premiership and FA cups with Arsenal. I'd voted for him as Player of the Year and he is a player I respect enormously."
"I've still got a lot of work to do and improvements to make, but hopefully I can follow in his footsteps with Newcastle and England. I'm not taking anything for granted. I know I can still improve and that I'm not the finished article, but I'm at the perfect club and in the perfect side to do that."
Club News
Beardsley In New Role
Toon legend Peter Beardsley has been handed a new role as a public relations officer after being moved from his position as a youth coach. The former England and United striker and fellow Academy coach Kenny Wharton were cleared of any wrongdoing by an FA Premier League tribunal following allegations of bullying and verbal abuse earlier this month. United, though, have decided to move the pair to different positions following changes in the Academy structure, but have made it clear there is no blame being attached to either following the tribunal. In fact, two of the players at the centre of the allegations, Ross Gardner and James Beaumont, have been put on the transfer list after the FA panel declared both Beardsley and Wharton innocent. Beardsley, who had two hugely successful spells at St James' Park, will take up his new position as one of the public faces of the club early next month, while Wharton will now work alongside reserve team coach Tommy Craig.
With United confirming yesterday they will be entering a team into the Pontin's Holiday League as well as the Premier Reserve League, there will be more games than ever for United's second string. A club statement said: "Newcastle United will play in the Pontin's Holiday League next season as well as the Premier Reserve League. Premier League clubs decided several months ago that the Academy Under-19 and Under-17 teams will be combined from the beginning of the 2004-05 season and be reclassified as Under-18s. Following this decision, a number of clubs have disbanded their Under-17 teams for next season. Many of the clubs were in the same Under-17 league as Newcastle and the club has subsequently decided to also withdraw. In a restructuring exercise, coaches Tommy Craig and Kenny Wharton, the latter moving from the Academy, will take the two teams next season, while Peter Beardsley will take up a new position with the club as public relations officer, representing the club throughout the North-East."
Team News
Bellamy Debt To Fans
Craig Bellamy has described how his special bond with Newcastle United's fans has helped him come to terms with being a target for terrace abuse. The Welsh international readily admits he can get under the skin of opposition players and fans alike with his combative style and fiery personality. It is this which has made the 23-year-old an easy target for the boo-boys, particularly away from St James' Park, but he also believes the same traits have endeared him to the Toon Army. The former PFA Young Player of the Year has had his fair share of scrapes - both on an off the pitch - over the past two years, but that has not stopped him from being voted United's most valuable player in a recent survey by fanzine The Mag. The former Norwich and Coventry forward was rated ahead of skipper Alan Shearer and the man who succeeded him as the country's young player of the year, Jermaine Jenas, in the poll to decide who was the most influential figue in Sir Bobby Robson's side.
"It is a special thing to be honest and difficult to explain, but since I won them over at the start they have always stood by me," said a clearly flattered Bellamy. "To be recognised by them in such a way is very special for me, they know I want to win as much as they do and I think fans appreciate that. When they see a player who does not hide his desire to win I think that creates a bond. When I signed for the club I had to win the fans over because people weren't sure about me. But they gave me that chance to prove myself and I have a fantastic relationship with them now. I'm never going to be liked by everybody and I've grown to accept that. What I care about is the relationship I have with our fans and that has been superb. I get hammered by opposition fans sometimes, but no matter how bad the abuse I take, I can always hear the Newcastle fans supporting me."
Bellamy added: "Every time opposition fans boo me, they try and drown them out with their own songs. People might not think it, but you do hear that when you're playing and it always gives me a boost. The funny thing now is that all my family are Newcastle United fans, especially my little boy, who has grown up watching them. I want to stay at the club and achieve everything I want to achieve as a player in a Newcastle United shirt."
Transfer News
Kanoute Be Serious?
Sir Bobby Robson has rejected an offer from West ham United for the services of striker Carl Cort. Carl Cort is available to buy this summer and Sir Bobby has considered putting Cort in a part exchange deal to try and bring someone else here but the deal West Ham offered Sir Bobby scotched at and rejected without a second thought. The offer was a swap deal, Cort for Kanoute, a deal that when first looked at seems very reasonable, a deal I personally would do. But West Ham also want 4m pounds with Cort! This makes the offer unreasonable. We paid 7m pounds for Cort, they paid 3.7m pounds for Kanoute, surely we must be the ones demanding the extra 4m pounds! Cort's been plauged with injuries since his arrival almost 3 years ago which has seen his value diminish but Kanoute too suffered injury problems last season (though when fit looked great for the Hammers) and West Ham need to sell with the financial troubles that come with being relegated for some clubs, West Ham being one of them!
Fixture News
Tough Start
After the fixtures came out today we found out that we will begin the season with a trip to Elland Road to face Leeds United. This means a possible early return for former Leeds favourites Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer - provided they get chosen for the team. Following that it doesn't get any easier, much harder in fact as we get the chance to avenge our 6-2 thumping from Manchester United with a home fixture against them. The tough start though has Sir Bobby relishing the opportunity. He explained: "Clearly it's a tough start for us but, there again, it's tough for the teams we're playing, too."
"We will be ready for that challenge, though. Let battle commence and away we go again. We have an excellent record at Elland Road so we'll be looking to maintain that and, as for Manchester United, they convincingly beat us at St. James' Park last season, as Leeds did too, so we'll be looking to put that right immediately. The release of the fixtures is always exciting, all clubs have the same enthusiasm for the season ahead and we just have to make sure that our players are in tip-top condition come the big kick-off - which we will do on the training ground and in our pre-season games in this country and in Malaysia."
Transfer News
Konchesky Again
Rumours have once again popped up about Newcastle's interest of Charlton Athletic's left back Paul Konchesky. Charlton, looking to add a little strength to their team this season without a big budget are willing to part with one or two of their players, Paul Konchesky now being one of them and with him being placed on the transfer list the time might be right for Sir Bobby to step up his ineterest and bring the young England international to St James' Park.
Sir Bobby is an admirer of the defender who made his debut for England last season and has been tracking his development over the past year. During last January's transfer window Sir Bobby considered making a move for Konchesky but when the availability of Leeds defender Jonathan Woodgate became known to him, he chose to go for the latter instead. But this summer Konchesky is set for a move away from The Valley and so Sir Bobby, who is in the market for another left back after placing Wayne Quinn and Robbie Elliott on the transfer list, could bring him in.
Team News
Stevie C Stays
Stephen Caldwell, who was off contract this summer, has reluctently agreed to sign a one year extension to stay with Newcastle United. Stevie C wanted to stay at Newcastle United, loving it here, especially after he broke into the first team so well last season, but he was looking for a 2 year deal at the minimum which seemed perfectly fair enough as he looks to sure up his future, knowing Newcastle are still looking at other defenders to buy this summer. However he was only offered a one year contract by the club, which was surprising to both him and the Toon faithful who expected a longer deal after his top notch performances last season for the team.
One year was the only deal being put out by the club who weren't going to negotiate further than that and it seemed a certainty he would as a result leave the Toon this summer. New Scottish champions Rangers, Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon and the Mackems, amongst others, were trying to sign the Scottish international defender as it seemed certain he would be on the way out. And it seemed even more likely that he was due to join Sporting Lisbon as they heated up their interest and after a few comments by Stevie C and his agent. However Sporting turned their attention's elsewhere a little over a week ago and with Rangers seeming unsure whether to go for him or not and Sunderland being in financial difficulty, Stevie C has agreed to pen in a new one year deal with the Toon.
Team News
Caig Extends Contract
3rd choice goalkeeper Tony Caig has signed a new 12 month extension to his contract at St James' Park. Caig joined last January on the same day as Jonathan Woodgate when Harper got suspended from Premiership action for a few games. Caig came in, impressed and with John Karelse's contract expiring this summer and him leaving the Toon, Caig has agreed to extend the contract a further 12 months and remain Newcastle's 3rd choice keeper.
The Whitehaven born player has played for Carlisle, Blackpool, Charlton and Hibernian in his career and this summer he recieved an offer from Charlton to go back to them this season where his former Carlisle manager was also there (as head coach). With Dean Kiely set to miss the opening few games after a final day of the season red card last season it looked a good opportunity for Tony if he chose to go there, knowing he'd have the first few games of the Premiership guaranteed to try and convince Charlton manager Alan Curbishley to keep him first choice, but Caig politely rejected the opportunity in favour of staying at Newcastle.
Transfer News
Brett Latest
Newcastle are very hopefully of landing the versatile Australian international who constantly earns rave reviews in Holland for his performances with Dutch Giants Feyenoord whatever position he plays for them. The two clubs haven't been in contact lately to agree any sort of deal, despite reports in some papers suggesting otherwise, but the Toon are still following the Australian international closely and are hopeful of landing him sometimes within the next 12 months. The situation with Brett Emerton is that his contract expires next summer, Feyenoord knowing this are resigned to losing the player but want to try and get something for him now so are open to opffers from anyone for the player who at one time was quoted as being worth near 12m pounds.
Come the January transfer window clubs will be allowed to speak to Brett Emerton about a summer transfer window, so Sir Bobby and Freddie Shepherd know that in January they can try and agree terms with Emerton to get him to join next summer. Though should more clubs come in with interest for him and make it a fight for his summer signature, Sir Bobby knows he can try and convince Feyenoord to sell him in January so they don't lose him for nothing and that would see Newcastle get him for a much, much reduced fee, somewhere around the 2m pound figure! All remains to be seen and the Toon still may even go for him this summer, but that situation may depend on what goes on with Nolberto Solano. Sir Bobby has revealed he is open to offers for the Peruvian winger and should we get one that we can't refuse Sir Bobby will surely highly consider making the move for Brett Emerton now.
Transfer News
Ronaldinho Latest
Latest is Freddie Shepherd is heading down to London where he will meet Ronaldinho's brother, who acts as Ronaldinho's advisor/agent. Freddie and co realise if it comes down to a straight choice between Manchester United and Newcastle United then it's likely Ronaldinho will not be heading to St James' Park this summer. But Freddie and Sir Bobby are going to try anyway, you never know? Freddie is set to offer Ronaldinho double what he earns at P.S.G, Champions League football and a real chance to win silverware at Newcastle for we are a decent shot on all fronts domestically this season. Meaning we'll definitely be putting in a good offer, one which Ronaldinho and his brother will hopefully find difficult to refuse.
If Freddie Shepherd can get Ronaldinho at least interested in a move to Tyneside then he'll open proper negotiations with P.S.G, and this is where we come into it a bit more. Man Utd are offering the money P.S.G want for Ronaldinho, but we happen to have Laurent Robert, the player P.S.G sold to us 2 seasons ago for 9.5m pounds. And P.S.G wanted Laurent Robert back as the replacement for Ronaldinho. Because of this Freddie is set to offer Laurent Robert in part exchange for the Brazilian superstar. This would hopefully see our bid accepted and Manchester United's rejected, meaning we wouldn't have to deal with competition from Manchester United, thus improving our chances of getting him.
P.S.G were rumoured to want our left back Olivier Bernard as well, but Sir Bobby isn't prepared to part with the fan favourite and instead is willing to up the money we offer with Robert. Ronaldinho still would be likely to reject a move to Newcastle, thus meaning P.S.G will have to accept Manchester United's bid for him and try and convince us to part with Robert alone, which makes Freddie Shepherd's contract negotations with Ronaldinho's brother this week very important, as the offer he puts out and the way he comes across could make all the difference. Ronaldinho is a midfielder who can play anywhere in the midfield and also play up front or just in behind the strikers. His ability on the pitch is a major reason for wanting him while his off the field value in marketing, shirt sales etc... is off the wall, much in the way David Beckham's is which is why Manchester United see him as the perfect replacement.
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