Scottish Mag

Expectation is often high on Tyneside ahead of a new season, but with Michael Owen injured and Alan Shearer having retired, the sights may well be lowered a shade. Glenn Roeder transformed the club's fortunes in the second half of last season, having replaced Graeme Souness in January, so much so that they were able to claim a spot in the Intertoto Cup. A summer of European football has enabled Roeder to asses his options and he is all too aware that he needs to strengthen in attack. With Shola Ameobi and Albert Luque the only recognised striking options, Roeder is striving to bring in some added quality and if The Magpies are to prosper he will have to be successful. Ameobi and Luque have plenty to prove, but they could get the chance to shine in the early weeks of the season but even starring performances are unlikely to deter Roeder from raiding the market. The midfield looks an area of strength for Newcastle, with the arrival of Damien Duff from Chelsea beefing up an already impressive line-up. Scott Parker was a key performer last term before being struck down by glandular fever and how he handles the after-effects of that virus could be key to the club's fortunes. Turkish star Emre has shrugged off speculation over his future to perform well in pre-season and with Nicky Butt looking sharp on his return from a loan spell at Birmingham, The Magpies look well stocked in the engine room - even with Kieron Dyer still struggling for fitness. Duff is sure to dazzle on the left flank, but Roeder also has rising French star Charles N'Zogbia and Nolberto Solano at his disposal and it could be a fruitful source for The Magpies, if only they can sign a striker to aim for. Defending has so often been an Achilles heel for Newcastle and some slapstick efforts have already been on show during pre-season. The pressing need for a striker or two has perhaps forced Roeder to take his eye off his defence, but it is clear he needs to find a commanding figure at the heart of his back four. Titus Bramble has, ever since his arrival from Ipswich in 2002, been billed as the man to fill that role and if he could only concentrate for a full 90 minutes he has the quality to take on that position. Craig Moore and Steven Taylor are also pushing for a place in the back four, while Jean-Alain Boumsong seems to be out of favour, but they will all need to be on their mettle if Newcastle are to mount any sort of challenge in the new campaign. Newcastle and their ardent supporters believe they should be challenging for the title every season but, unless a new top class forward is brought in before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month, it is unlikely the club will have enough firepower to trouble the big players in The Premiership, and could result in this being a campaign of consolidation on Tyneside. Predicted Position: 6th Star Man: Shay Given. Damien Duff is sure to set pulses racing, but keeper Given has repeatedly proved his class and will be a key figure again. One to Watch: Charles N'Zogbia. The Frenchman was a breath of fresh air on occasions last term and Magpies fans will hope he can find the same form. Manager: Glenn Roeder. Roeder worked wonders to guide Newcastle away from relegation trouble and his efforts won him the job. Some were surprised Newcastle opted against a big-name recruit and Roeder will be under pressure to produce the goods. INS: Damien Duff (Chelsea) OUTS: Amdy Faye (Charlton), Robbie Elliott (Released), Daryl Smylie (Livingston), Michael Chopra (Cardiff), Lee Bowyer (West Ham), Alan Shearer (Retired) Martin Brittain (Released), Tony Caig (Released) Best signing: Damien Duff Sky Bet Odds: 150/1 Likely top scorer: Ameobi Possible best XI: Given, Carr, Bramble, Moore, Babayaro, Solano, Parker, Emre, Duff, Ameobi, Luque Live Sky dates: Everton (24.09), Bolton (15.10) Charlton (28.10-PP), Sheffield United (04.11-PP)

Newcastle are considering a move for Russia sharpshooter Alexander Kerzhakov - after missing out on top target Dirk Kuyt. Toon boss Glenn Roeder has been pursuing Dutch international Kuyt for the entire summer but has conceded defeat in landing the Feyenoord man, who is set for a £10million switch to Liverpool. Clubcall understands that Newcastle could now switch their attention to Zenit St Petersburg frontman Kerzhakov. The Russian international is also believed to be a target for UEFA Cup holders Sevilla. Kerzhakov, 23, is one of the most predatory strikers in his home country with a record of 95 goals in 197 matches. The pacy frontman, a similar type of goalpoacher as Michael Owen, was voted Russian player of the year last season and finished the previous campaign as top scorer with 17 goals in 27 matches.

Newcastle United have moved aside and left the way clear for Liverpool to sign Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt for £11m. A United delegation of chairman Freddy Shepherd and manager Glenn Roeder watched the 26-year-old striker come on for the second half at Dublin's Lansdowne Road, as Holland crushed the Republic of Ireland 4-0. And there was talk coming out of Ireland late last night that Kuyt was coming back on United's private plane - and some television stations planned to be at Newcastle airport when it landed just before midnight. But this was never going to be the case, as United only rate Kuyt in the £5m bracket and, unlike Liverpool, were not prepared to pay e15m for the Dutch striker. What made last night's match all the more galling for Roeder was that a striker he would really love to see in a black-and-white shirt, Klass Jan Huntelaar, was the best player on view with his two goals. But Roeder knows that the Ajax striker, who played against United for Heerenveen in the UEFA Cup a couple of seasons ago, is way, way out of his price range. Obviously, United supporters are more than a trifle restless that no new striker has come in, and both Shepherd and Roeder are aware of this. But bearing in mind the money some of his predecessors have wasted on the likes of Hugo Viana, Jean Alain Boumsong, Amady Faye and Albert Luque, the 64,000 dollar question has to be is Roeder right to wait for the right men? Certainly when Roeder thinks of the money Shepherd made available to Graeme Souness in his 18-month stint at St James' Park, he must feel like sobbing his heart out. Roeder had actually planned to go to Moscow last night to take in Russia's game with Latvia, but he could not get a visa in time. And while United were in Latvia last week for the UEFA Cup second qualifying round tie with FK Ventspils, I understand it was a Russian striker Roeder was keen to have a look at. Kuyt will now line up alongside Craig Bellamy at Anfield, and what would United give to have a striker of the quality of the little Welsh international in their team now? After last night's match in Dublin Kuyt said: "There are a few clubs interested, but only one is my dream club." Well that club was Liverpool and reports today that United had tried to change this by offering him a weekly wage of £90,000 are simply not true. Meanwhile, another striker wrongly linked with United by his agent, Francesco Tavano, has now moved from Empoli to Valencia. The Spanish outfit, like United, have been looking at the situation concerning Obafemi Martins at Inter Milan. And it looks like Valencia have been put off about doubts about the real age of the Nigerian striker too.

Yep. I have some more recent songs to put up but I'm too lazy. 179778[/snapback] The Beach Boys cover link is broken btw...

Former Newcastle forward Les Ferdinand believes the club will struggle to fill the gap left by his former strike partner Alan Shearer. Shearer retired in April and with Michael Owen likely to be out for the season, Ferdinand worries the Magpies could find goals hard to come by. He told BBC Sport: "It's very difficult to replace Alan Shearer and losing Michael is a huge blow. "They need to bring someone in to support Shola Ameobi and Albert Luque." Ferdinand, who scored 50 goals in 82 appearances for Newcastle, said: "I played alongside Shearer and his record shows he's without a doubt the best striker the Premiership's ever known. "The club had a ready-made replacement in Michael Owen but life is going to be very different without both of them. "Losing Shearer was a big blow to the squad and having Michael would have softened that blow. "Losing two world class players at the same time will definitely be noticed but it will also give other players the chance to sparkle, particularly as Liverpool look like they are going to win the race to sign Dirk Kuyt. I'd love to see Newcastle win a trophy because their supporters are amazing. Les Ferdinand "Ameobi definitely has the chance to shine. He's been in Shearer's shadow for the past couple of years and this will be the opportunity he needs to come forward. "Luque isn't an out-and-out centre forward - his best position is on the left side - so it's not the same opportunity for him." Despite all the problems up front, Ferdinand believes Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder could have landed the bargain of the season after tempting Damien Duff away from Chelsea for £5m. "If Duff continues to perform the way he has started out then he'll be a great buy for Newcastle," the former England striker said. "He's been flying at Chelsea so should be set for big things. "After the job Glenn did last season, it was right the club gave him the opportunity to have a go. "I really hope Newcastle break their trophy drought this season. It's the one club I played for, apart from QPR, that I'd love to see win a trophy because their supporters are amazing."

Lens are hoping to hijack Jean-Alain Boumsong's move to Marseille, after the deal has stalled because of financial wranglings. The French international has had a difficult first season and a half with Newcastle United since moving over the border from Rangers in January 2005. Though he is contracted to The Magpies until 2010, boss Glenn Roeder could be willing to let the 26-year-old leave as he looks to build his own squad at St James' Park. The Stade Felix-Bollaert outfit have been linked with a move for the player before, but their 4-0 defeat away at local rivals Lille on Sunday has stepped up the urgency of the situation. Club chairman Gervais Martel is understood to be livid by the weekend's failings and wants to bring in a strong centre back to shore up the team's defensive frailties. Reports emanating out of France suggest the former Auxerre star is also being monitored by some German sides, in case negotiations for a return to Ligue 1 fall short.

Patrokles, Is that you singing on the website in your user profile?

http://www.toontastic.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=7434&hl=

?? really, does he sing ? Got a link ?? 179299[/snapback] Well I am assuming it is him, he has a link for it on his userpage.. http://www.bensmusic.co.uk

Apparently Celtic is his preferred destination. Yesterday Danish media ran a story about Gravesen to decide if he wanted to join Celtic in 48 hours (now 24).. Dunno if this is concrete or just pure speculation – no quotes from the man himself, but his agent talked about CL-football being an important factor. Gravesen looked good in the 2-0 win against Poland last nite: 2 assist and good all-round play. His best game in 2 years imo. 179474[/snapback] Celtic won't pay the wages he'll be looking for tbh..

TRANSFER RUMOURS Bayern Munich midfielder Owen Hargreaves will sign for Manchester United today. (The Sun) Liverpool are set to land Feyenoord striker Dirk Kuyt after beating off competition from Newcastle. (Various) Iran World Cup star Andranjik Teymourian claims he will join Bolton within two weeks on a two-season contract. (Daily Mirror) Arsenal are ready to lower the asking price for Ashley Cole - not for Chelsea but for a foreign club, with Inter Milan believed to have shown an interest in the England defender. (Daily Mirror) Meanwhile, Cole may be in the Gunners squad for Saturday's Premiership opener against Aston Villa. (The Sun) Manager Arsene Wenger has told the Arsenal board to complete the sale of Ashley Cole by the end of this week. (The Independent) Celtic have told former Parkhead boss Martin O'Neill, who is now manager of Aston Villa, that he can forget about signing midfielder Stilian Petrov. (Daily Record) Wolves are set to complete the loan signing of 21-year-old Liverpool midfielder Darren Potter. (Daily Mirror) Ipswich want to sign Crystal Palace striker Jon Macken on loan. (Daily Mirror) OTHER GOSSIP Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has revealed that only a last-minute plea from manager Jose Mourinho prevented him from leaving Stamford Bridge this summer. (The Sun) Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has warned Manchester United winger Cristiano Ronaldo he must cut out the diving in matches - if he wants to be forgiven by English fans following his role in team-mate Wayne Rooney's sending off in England's World Cup quarter-final with Portugal. (Various) American billionaire Randy Lerner has moved closer to a £62.6m takeover of Aston Villa. (The Sun) Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder admits he may have to write off Michael Owen for the whole season because of the England striker's cruciate ligament injury. (The Sun) Chelsea fear they may be without Petr Cech for the opening month of the season because the goalkeeper's recovery from groin surgery took longer than expected and he has only just resumed training. (Daily Mirror) FUNNIES New Rangers signing Filip Sebo says his hat-trick in Slovakia's 3-0 win over Malta on Tuesdsay may have been down to chocolate. He said: "Before the Malta game I ate some white chocolate. I probably had too much but maybe, in a strange way, that helped me to score the hat-trick. I should try this before every game to see if it works." (Daily Record)

Pot, Kettle and Black??

"My life! Its been 'murdddduuuuuuurrrrr'" *Audio version also available, running time 63 hours and 23 minutes...*

Our very own Patrokle's cover version of The Beach Boys, "Wouldn't it Be Nice?"

Great win...

4-0 Van Persie

Hes on for the second half. Holland are 3 up, two for Huntelaar (sign that man). Alan O'Brien is on for Ireland went on a great run but failed to deliver a simple ball to either of the supporting players, attempting to take the last man on himself.

To what extent has it never really happened, he is only 20 years old, is already an established international player, player of the year in Belgium the year before last and has just secured a move to one of Germanys top clubs. I would say hes doing alright for himself tbh 178916[/snapback] Because 3 years ago Milan, Man U, Real et al were ready to bid £15mil+ for him, and now 3 years later hes off to germany for a fraction of that price. Player of the year in Belgium 2 years ago is a bit like saying Jenas was the young player of the year here 2 years ago. Done fuck all since! 179131[/snapback] What merits doing fuck all? Not being signed for £15 million + on the back of some newspaper talk? He won the league with his team and has continued to be an international player for his country.. He is also "alleged" to have knocked back Lyon and Chelsea who he said he would rather his career progressed than being another number. Still only 20 and appears to have a good head on his shoulder about how his career should progress, he has chosen to move to what appears to be an upcoming team in Germany who have made some impressive signings this year and are one game away from Champions League football.

To what extent has it never really happened, he is only 20 years old, is already an established international player, player of the year in Belgium the year before last and has just secured a move to one of Germanys top clubs. I would say hes doing alright for himself tbh 178916[/snapback] Because 3 years ago Milan, Man U, Real et al were ready to bid £15mil+ for him, and now 3 years later hes off to germany for a fraction of that price. Player of the year in Belgium 2 years ago is a bit like saying Jenas was the young player of the year here 2 years ago. Done fuck all since! 179131[/snapback] Was supposed to be the new Stam wasn't he? He's older than 20 though isn't he? 179145[/snapback] No hes only 20.

To what extent has it never really happened, he is only 20 years old, is already an established international player, player of the year in Belgium the year before last and has just secured a move to one of Germanys top clubs. I would say hes doing alright for himself tbh

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