Scottish Mag

Glenn Roeder will have another look at Feyenoord's Dirk Kuyt as the Newcastle United manager continues his never-ending search to bring a new striker to St James' Park. Roeder will travel to Dublin tomorrow night, and he is hoping that Kuyt will be in the Dutch side that goes in against a Republic of Ireland team which will include his own Stephen Carr and Damien Duff, and possibly Alan O'Brien, at Lansdowne Road. However, Roeder seems to have gone cool on Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins after The Chronicle revealed last night that United were concerned about the real age of the Nigerian international. And Roeder says that a report today linking United with a £6m move for Wigan Athletic striker Henri Camara is news to him and is simply not correct. Roeder and his No 2 Kevin Bond were at Wigan on Saturday for the friendly with Vitesse, but this was not to look at Camara but to run the rule over Paul Jewell's side for Saturday's opener at St James'. Obviously, if United do sign a new striker this week it may be too late for him to play Camara and Wigan at the weekend. But there could be one departure before then, and I hear that there is a "good chance" that central defender Jean Alain Boumsong will go back to France on loan with Bordeaux in the next couple of days, and possibly before tonight's deadline for registering players for the next stages of the Champions League. The Chronicle first revealed United's interest in Kuyt (left) back in April, and while the player has more than once indicated he would be willing to come to St James' Park, Feyenoord are in no hurry to sell him - especially after they picked up around £8m from Chelsea a couple of months ago for their young striker Salomon Kalou. Feyenoord are holding out for a similar fee for Kuyt, but United are obviously hoping to get him a bit cheaper if they decide to make him an offer. While Roeder and United step up their search for a striker, they have not lost interest in midfielder Thomas Gravesen, and chief scout David Mills will watch him play for Denmark against Poland tomorrow night. But United know that other clubs are sniffing for the tough-tackling midfielder, and if they have to pay a price for putting Gravesen on the back burner because their priorities are up front, then so be it. The same applies to England left-back Wayne Bridge, but I believe that if and when Ashley Cole finally moves across London from Arsenal to Chelsea then Bridge will be on his way to St James' Park. Roeder has allowed United's promising young defender Paul Huntington to go to Plymouth Argyle for a week's experience and he will play for their reserves tomorrow night.

According to Anal he has...

Yes, its crap...

Obafemi Martins' representatives are to urge Newcastle not to let a clerical error wreck his hopes of a move to the Premiership. The Inter Milan forward has long been dogged by accusations that he has faked his age and, although the situation caused great controversy in the Italian game last year, Glenn Roeder's leading transfer target is preparing to protest his innocence once again. Martins - whose passport shows his date of birth to be October 28, 1984 - was forced to defend his reputation last summer after the Nigerian Football Association's official website insisted he had been born on May 1, 1978. It was a situation that was pounced upon by an unforgiving Italian media and even now, 12 months after Martins believed he had cleared his name, he continues to be troubled by the matter. It was not the first time the African nation's governing body published erroneous information that has had serious consequences for one of the Super Eagles' biggest names. And although a player branded a cheat had hoped the matter was closed following strenuous denials, Martins continues to be stained by the fall-out and is facing the prospect of seeing a high-profile move to the North-East collapse as a result. Given that suggestions the striker is really 28 continue to haunt the San Siro favourite, United's reticence to press ahead with a deal for a player adamant he is only 21 would be understandable. But the delay could prove costly, with Valencia set to snatch Martins from United's grasp while investigations are made, leaving Roeder short of striking options on the eve of the new season. Although the Spanish club are understood to have offered a lucrative six-year contract, the Nigerian would prefer to continue his career in the Premiership. And his agent will seek urgent talks with Magpies officials in an attempt to explain an episode that the Martins camp maintain has been blown out of all proportion. Inter have no doubts that the striker is just 21. The Serie A club demanded an apology from the Nigerian FA last year and insisted that all records were amended. "Fortunately, my (club) president knows that the NFA is not well-organised," said Martins last year. "It is clear they do not know anything about my age. So many false things have been said about me - including stories that I am from Cameroon." Whether United decide to continue their pursuit of Martins remains to be seen. Although the club's interest in a player who was being discussed so enthusiastically by Roeder at the end of last week appears to have cooled over the weekend. While Dirk Kuyt remains on the club's radar, alternative targets are also being considered. And sources in West London last night suggested that another Dutch international - Fulham's Collins John - has emerged as a potential recruit. But with Newcastle's need for striking reinforcements so great, and with Martins determined to quit the San Siro following the arrival of Hernan Crespo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, the African's representatives will urge United not to do anything drastic until the matter has been resolved once and for all. Meanwhile, Newcastle defender Paul Huntington is hoping to impress Ian Holloway this week after travelling to Plymouth for a week-long trial at Home Park. The highly-rated 18-year-old is training with the Championship club's first-team squad. Should he impress Holloway, the Carlisle-born stopper will be offered the chance to join Plymouth on a loan basis.

Arsenal's Jose Antonio Reyes has revealed that Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has cleared the way for the winger to join Real Madrid this week. (Various) Newcastle want Wigan striker Henri Camara - only days before the two clubs meet in their Premiership opener. (Daily Mirror) Newcastle will tell Inter Milan to drop the £10m asking price for Obafemi Martins because the Magpies are looking into rumours from Nigeria that the striker is possibly six years older than his reported age of 21. (The Sun) Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin is under pressure to give a quick decision over a possible £4m move to Middlesbrough. (Daily Mirror) Wigan boss Paul Jewell has warned Tottenham that the price of Pascal Chimbonda may rise if Spurs do not meet the £6m valuation of the defender before the transfer deadline on 31 August. (The Independent) Ashley Cole's move from Arsenal to Chelsea looks dead in the water, with the Gunners refusing to budge from their £25m valuation of the left-back. (Daily Star) OTHER GOSSIP Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday's Premiership opener with Manchester City after it emerged the hip injury that led to him limping out of last weekend's Community Shield game has been a problem for some time. (Daily Mirror) Meanwhile, Ballack believes goals from fellow Chelsea new boy Andriy Shevchenko will lead Chelsea to a third Premiership title in a row. (The Sun) Randy Lerner has promised Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill a £50m transfer kitty and a five-year contract if the American billionaire takes over the club. (Various) Former England captain David Beckham, who was dropped from his national squad for Wednesday's friendly with Greece, has been told by Real Madrid that they want him to stay and are keen for contract talks to begin. (The Sun) Referee Graham Poll, who was sent home early from the World Cup after booking Croatia's Josip Simunic three times before sending him off, will take charge of Arsenal's first Premiership game at their new Emirates Stadium - against Aston Villa on Saturday. (Various) Falkirk defender Craig Ireland, who missed the final three months of last season, will be sidelined for at least two months after a second knee operation. (Daily Record) Reading boss Steve Coppell has ordered the Reading boo-boys to lay off contract rebel Steve Sidwell, who was jeered by his own fans during Saturday's friendly with Feyenoord. (The Sun) FUNNIES Plymouth boss Ian Holloway has vowed to stand a £2,000 round of drinks as a thank you to the 700 fans who made the 805-mile round trip to Sunderland on Saturday. He said: "Anyone who travelled up there please send me a letter. I would love to buy you a drink."

Republic of Ireland boss Steve Staunton has escaped unhurt after a firearms incident at the team's hotel on Monday. Reports suggest Staunton was confronted by an unidentified man brandishing a gun at the Portmarnock hotel where they team are staying ahead of Wednesday's international friendly with Holland. The Irish Police have revealed they have arrested a man in connection with the incident. The Football Association of Ireland confirmed an incident did take place earlier on Monday and revealed Staunton was safe and well. A FAI statement read: "The Football Association of Ireland have confirmed that an incident took place outside the Republic of Ireland team hotel in Portmarnock earlier this evening. "The matter is now being dealt with by the gardaí. "The Republic of Ireland Manager Stephen Staunton is absolutely fine and looking forward to training tomorrow." The news is a major shock for Staunton and the Irish team ahead of the friendly clash with Holland and questions are sure to be raised over security at the hotel.

Plymouth Argyle have handed a trial to promising Newcastle United youngster Paul Huntington. The tall defender is set to appear in Plymouth's reserves this week and is considered a top prospect with the North East giants. The Carlisle-born Huntington has spent the last two years in Newcastle's academy set-up, having appeared in the club's reserves during that time. The 18-year-old has also earned England Under-18 international honours and is contracted to The Magpies until the summer of 2008. It remains to be seen if Huntington can impress the Championship club and earn a temporary switch to the Devon outfit.

TRANSFER RUMOURS Chelsea will this week raise their offer for Arsenal's Ashley Cole to between £22m and £24m after being told their alternative left-back, Lyon's Eric Abidal, would cost almost as much at £21m. (The Independent) Manchester United have scheduled further talks with Villarreal over the possible transfer of midfielder Marcos Senna to Old Trafford. (The Times) Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari, who joined the club at the start of the year, is ready for a move to St Etienne. (Daily Mirror) Birmingham are taking Celtic winger Ross Wallace on trial. (Daily Mirror) Arsenal are reported to be interested in Lyn Oslo striker Chinedu Ogbuke. (The Times) Middlesbrough hope to sign Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin and Blackburn midfielder Brett Emerton in time for the first game of the season at Reading on Saturday. (Various) West Ham are exploring other options for a winger after having a bid of £4.8m for Switzerland player Tranquillo Barnetta turned down by Bayer Leverkusen. (The Times) Manchester City boss Stuart Pearce has pledged to further strengthen his squad before Sunday's Premiership opener with Chelsea. (The Guardian) Brazilian club Corinthians have denied that Manchester United have made a bid for Argentine forward Carlos Tevez. (The Times) Wolves keeper Tomasz Frankowski is up for sale. (The Times) OTHER GOSSIP Former England captain David Beckham, who was dropped by new national team boss Steve McClaren for Wednesday's friendly against Greece, faces starting the season as a substitute for Real Madrid. (The Sun) Valencia have opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina international defender Roberto Ayala for his criticisms of the club last week. (The Independent) Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has tipped striker Louis Saha to step out of ex-Old Trafford star Ruud van Nistelrooy's shadow and help the club to success this season. (The Independent) Winger Cristiano Ronaldo may play as a makeshift striker for Manchester United because the injured Wayne Rooney is set to miss Sunday's Premiership opener against Fulham. (Daily Mail) New England boss Steve McClaren is keen to ensure what is said behind closed doors in the dressing room remains private and his decision follows the release of autobiographies by a number of the recent World Cup squad. (Various) Bolton boss Sam Allardyce is angry that international fixtures have been scheduled in the first week of the Premiership season. (Various) FUNNIES West Ham striker Dean Ashton thought he was the victim of a wind-up when he was summoned to join the England squad for Wednesday's friendly with Greece. (Daily Mirror)

Why exactly?

Alan Shearer will return to the Newcastle dressing-room this week to boost preparations for the Premiership kick-off. As manager Glenn Roeder seemingly cools on the idea of signing Dirk Kuyt to fill his former skipper's boots. Shearer's official role with the Magpies this season is as a part-time "sporting ambassador". But Roeder reveals that the legendary ex-No 9 (left) will regularly drop in on training and occasionally help out United's coaching staff. "Alan will be back at the training ground for a few days next week," Roeder said. "His ambassador role doesn't mean he will get involved in the training ground day to day but it doesn't mean that when he appears around the place he will not have an input. "He will coach and come out and watch training for a couple of days and then he will go off again. "His involvement with the club this year is loose, but it is an involvement. I don't want to think that when he hasn't got any work, he won't come into the training ground. "That is his intention, and he is a really good man to have around. "For other managers of the past to say he is too big for the club is nonsense. He is not too big at all. I welcome Alan when he is about at Newcastle." Roeder adds: " The dressing-room will be a lot quieter without Alan. That's why I want a loud player coming in this summer." But Kuyt is seemingly not that player. United's striker search has seen them continually linked with the Dutchman, yet Roeder does not sound ready to spend big money on him. Having watched Kuyt in action for Feyenoord last week, the Newcastle boss says: "He's got good movement and takes up positions where it doesn't surprise me that he scores goals. "But Feyenoord are trying to keep him, and the amounts of money - though I don't know what the actual figure is, because we've not asked - being bandied around about him seem huge; they seem very high. "The last thing we want to be doing is buying the wrong player at the wrong price, because then you end up catching a cold." Roeder admits Kuyt is in the Shearer mould, saying: "He definitely plays high up the pitch and is always looking to receive the ball played to feet." But Roeder adds: "I do feel we need pace in the team - we need a player that is happy to run without the ball to start with to receive it in behind. You've got to have genuine pace to do that in the Premiership." And he knows just the man. "Obafemi Martins is a different type of player. I saw him in Amsterdam last Friday night, and he is much more a player with a lot of pace."

Having pulled off his Red Adair act with flair last season, Glenn Roeder is determined not to get his fingers burned this time around. Taking Newcastle from the brink of a relegation dogfight following the firing of Graeme Souness to within touching distance of the UEFA Cup proper has been some feat. But Roeder wants to go at least one step beyond that in his first 12 months in full-time charge of United - and further still in the two years to come. The blueprint is simple . . . Top-six finish in 2006/07, a return to the Champions League within three seasons and a cup triumph somewhere in between. Realising it, Roeder admits, will not be straightforward. "I believe you should have goals, but they have to be achievable," he says. "The first goal will be to get more points than the 58 we ended with last season. "We want to improve on seventh place and our points total - and that is not an easy goal. "But the longer-term target is to break into the top four." Newcastle have fallen way off the Champions League pace since Souness succeeded Sir Bobby Robson in the dug-out. Yet that ground can be recovered, according to Roeder. "If you have the attitude that the top four are the untouchables you will not achieve it," he says. "You are giving yourself an excuse not to be in the top four. "Yes, they have the best four squads. Not teams - squads. They can afford injuries and suspensions and the players they bring in hardly affect the quality of the team. "But they are not untouchables. Nothing stays the same forever. When I played I thought Liverpool were the untouchables. "At the moment Chelsea look untouchable, but for sure one day they will slip. "Which one of the top four is most at risk, I wouldn't like to say. But somehow Newcastle have to break that stranglehold." And as a reluctant student of United's history of under-achievement, Roeder knows just what lifting a trophy would do for Tyneside. "There are teams who have owned cups who have had weaker teams than Newcastle United. Yet we have not won a domestic cup since 1955. It's ridiculous. "Every season you get the opportunity, and we have three this term. It is going to happen. It will happen. We will win something." But not, many believe, unless Roeder can close a transfer deal or two ahead of Saturday's Premiership opener against Wigan - and another before the August 31 deadline. "I would prefer to have a signing or two before the Wigan game," he says. "And I'm as confident as you can be of doing it. "I will wait another week if we have to but it will be nice for our supporters if we go out that day with new faces." And with Newcastle having cut it fine last season in signing Michael Owen and Nobby Solano within 24 hours of the deadline, Roeder insists: "I would prefer not to do that. "Once the window shuts that is it, and you are on you own until January." A move for Real Madrid midfielder Thomas Gravesen is the deal closest to completion, while Inter striker Obafemi Martins and Chelsea full-back Wayne Bridge remain in Roeder's sights. "You just keep playing around those names," adds the United boss. "The sort of names you have thrown up are names we all know. "They are proven and, with them, you're not taking a chance with someone from a far-off place. "All transfers are a risk, but we can't be taking big risks."

Thomas Gravesen has opened the way to a move to Newcastle - by describing joining the Magpies as an "excellent option". But United face a fight with Spurs and two other English clubs for the Real Madrid midfielder, with his agent warning a deal is NOT imminent. United hope to land Gravesen, Chelsea's Wayne Bridge and Inter striker Obafemi Martins before the Premiership kicks off. But while Gravesen told the Sunday Sun he is keen on moving to Tyneside, his agent John Sivebaek denied reports that the Dane will be a United player by Tuesday. Gravesen said: "Newcastle are an excellent option. I know the team, the supporters and to be a team-mate of Michael Owen again will be a pleasure. "I've followed their progress in Europe and I anticipate they will qualify for the UEFA Cup in the next few weeks." But Sivebaek insisted: "We are not a few days away from a deal. We are not that close. "We are in discussions with four English clubs and trying to see what is possible." Spurs lead the rival bidders, along with Middlesbrough and Gravesen's old club Everton.

Traveler Jericho The Nine Heroes All worth watching. 176130[/snapback] Have seen the pilots for traveler and Jericho and quite fancied Heroes. Is there pilots "availabe" for that and The nine about? *Edit I found them* Have you seen the pilot for Runaway yet Andy?

Its a shame Patrokles wasn't a member on here sooner or both he and AF could have worked together on a track..

So whats everyone else upto this evening? The missus is ill at the moment, so I am just planning to stay in tonight, though I am feckin bored already... Oh and welcome back Cath..

Whilst they are both good players, to describe them as amongst the "best in the world" is surely over rating them ever so slightly..

Struggling again today by the looks of things..

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/A-DECADE-OF-NEWCASTL...1QQcmdZViewItem

List them tbh. Or at least link them. 175956[/snapback] Whoops forgot to add this... http://www.tv.com/story/story.html&story_i...eatures;title;1

Has anyone caught any pilots of upcoming series due to start in the states, if so any recommendations? The fall schedule has been announced, so much to choose from..

TRANSFER RUMOURS Chelsea have increased their offer for Arsenal defender Ashley Cole to £23m, which should clinch the deal. (Times) Middlesbrough have launched an improved £4.5m bid for Manchester City defender Sylvain Distin. (The Sun) Man Utd are keen to sign Bayern Munich and England midfielder Owen Hargreaves, despite already shelling out £18m for Michael Carrick. (The Times) Darren Anderton is considering a move to Norwich after being released by Wolves in the summer. (The Sun) Arsenal striker Arturo Lupoli will join West Brom on loan. (Daily Mirror) Portsmouth want to sign Inter Milan striker Obafemi Martins for a club record £9.5m. (Daily Mirror) Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder is also interested in the 21-year-old. (The Times) Sunderland will hear on Monday whether former Black Cats hero Kevin Phillips is to return to the club from Aston Villa. (The Times) Dunfermline have failed in their bid to sign former Hearts striker Mark de Vries, now at Leicester. (Daily Record) Hearts are poised to sign Lithuanian defender Marius Zaliukas. (Daily Record) Celtic boss Gordon Strachan has told Stephen Pearson he will not be allowed to leave the club. (Daily Record) OTHER GOSSIP Steve McClaren's decision to drop David Beckham from the England team could cost the FA £50m. (The Sun) Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson will receive a further £3.4m from the FA because of his contract agreement. (Daily Mirror) Chelsea have released a history of the club which snubs both former vice-chairman Matthew Harding and ex-owner Ken Bates. (Daily Mirror) Sheffield United defender David Unsworth has been rushed to hospital for tests after complaining of severe headaches. (Daily Mirror) FUNNIES Nigel Quashie is in for a surprise when he returns to Southampton with West Brom on Saturday - only two of the team he left are still at St Mary's following George Burley's mass clear-out. (The Sun)

Shay Given is hopeful of shaking off a back complaint in time for Newcastle's Premiership opener against Wigan. The Irishman is a cornerstone of Glenn Roeder's side and he has proved himself to be one of the top keepers in The Premiership over the last few seasons. Given played a key role in ensuring Newcastle kept a clean sheet in their 1-0 win over Ventspils in Uefa Cup qualifying, with an early save from Igors Slesarcuks particularly impressive. He did, though, tweak his back shortly before the interval and required painkillers to aid him in the second half. Given is hopeful the injury is nothing serious and will not prevent him from taking on Wigan next weekend. "Just before half time I felt a sharp pain in my back and I think it is a muscle strain," said the Irish star. "I took some painkillers but still had a problem kicking long balls. "Hopefully it will settle down in the next few days."