Everyone agrees with Keegan - The Premier League is boring
May 9, 2008
Kevin Keegan came out after Newcastle’s 0-2 loss to Chelsea and said that he could not turn the Toon into a Big Four team again within the three years his contract lasts for. Such talk has landed him in hot water with owner Mike Ashley, who has called him down to London for “crisis talks” today.
Since his emotional outburst though, it turns out that Portsmouth Manager Harry Redknapp and Reading manager Steve Coppell both actually agree with him, with Harry quoted as saying:
“You would need £150million to spend to have any chance of breaking into that top four, Look at Liverpool last summer, they spent £28million on Fernando Torres and he is a fantastic player but who else can compete with that?
I agree with Kevin Keegan, I do not see any way that anyone else can break into the top four. Tottenham came closest for a few seasons but if you look at them now they have fallen back into mid-table. Nothing is guaranteed by spending money and it is getting harder and harder to get there.”
And Coppell today saying:
“I have been saying that for a long time. At the start of the season you know within four teams definitely, probably within three and most betting people would say within two teams who is going to win the league, I contradict myself by saying it is brilliant to watch these teams do well in Europe but they have too much of an advantage on a week-to-week basis for it to be a really competitive league.
There are sub-divisions within the league that are competitive but in terms of winning the division you know who is going to do that at the start of each year.”
Are they right? Is the Premier League boring or just predictable? Should the Top Four be booted into an Elite Euro League? Should the Champion’s League rules be changed? Surely something needs to change or the fans will vote with their feet.
King Kev + “talks” with Toon owner = the sack?
May 9, 2008
The Sun is today rabbiting on about the fact that Toon owner Mike Ashley has “summoned” King Kev for some “crunch” talks. Looks like KK’s confession that, realistically, fifth is the best that Newcastle can ever hope for has ruffled a few feathers - but then again - to be perfectly frank, that’s the truth. There is a vast chasm between the Big Four with their Champions League prize money and the UEFA Cup “prize” money which is so pitiful that fishing loose change out of the back of Michel Platini’s sofa would produce more dosh. Looks like Keegan is the realist and Ashley is the deluded dreamer!
4 OUT, 3 IN, Liverpool make £30m transfer bids: Rafa starts summer planning
May 6, 2008
So, here we are just one match from seasons end and Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has many irons in the fire. With moves involving a mass of Premier League teams including Aston Villa, Portsmouth and Newcastle among others.
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is on the verge of a summer clearout with £30m rated quartet Peter Crouch, Jermaine Pennant, John Arne Riise and Xabi Alonso all set to leave in order to bring in the cash for bid for the likes of Aston Villa’s Gareth Barry, Borussia Dortmund full-back Philipp Degen and Wigan Athletic’s Antonio Valencia. (various)
So that’s one hell of a transfer mouthful. Some of these deals seem more likely than others but it does seem like the Spaniard wants to make a raft of changes. Are the players linked with moves to and from Anfield the kind that Liverpool fans would agree with?
Newcastle after classy £10m pair: ONE good, ONE average
May 6, 2008
Kevin Keegan has today bemoaned the fact that sides outside the Champions League Quartet are doomed to failure
“The top four next year will be the same top four as this year, what I can say to the Newcastle fans is that we will be trying to get fifth and we will be trying to win the other league that’s going on within the Premier League. I haven’t got enough money and I wouldn’t be able to get the players anyway (to do any better than that), so I will soldier on with what I’ve got and maybe add one or two, maybe three, depending what’s available.”
(various)
Newcastle are lining up a £4m bid for Fulham midfielder Steven Davis who has impressed while on loan at Rangers this season.(Daily Mirror)
Kevin Keegan is also keen to bring £6m rated Everton striker Andrew Johnson to St James’ Park. (Daily Mirror)
If Steven Davis doesn’t move to Ibrox then I strongly suggest Keegan goes for the Northern Ireland international. He really has been in phenomenal form since he moved to Glasgow. He may have only arrived less than 3 months ago but he has already started 18 matches and has helped Walter Smith’s side towards a possible quadruple. I am not quite so sure that Andy Johnson would be such a great signing, the Magpies already have a few decent strikers (all of whom are better than the Everton man) and I am sure there are better strikers on offer. What do United fans think about these two possible additions to the St James’ Park squad?
Arsenal to bid for £15m Premier League striker: But why?
May 6, 2008
One transfer rumour (of many) that does not seem to make sense is as follows.
Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger is considering a £15m bid for Newcastle United striker Obafemi Martins.
The Nigeria international is still in talks with Newcastle over a new contract. (Telegraph)
It’s not that I don’t rate the Newcastle striker I just don’t see Wenger really being that interested to the extent that he would put in a transfer record busting bid for the Nigerian? Yes he scores goals (although not that many) but does his direct style really suit the Gunners? What do Arsenal fans think? Also do Newcastle fans rate Obi that highly?
Newcastle boss thinks the Premier League is boring, and he’s not the only one…
May 6, 2008
The final hurdle of the Premier League is coming and whilst Chelsea and Man Utd limber up for their final matches, noone has successfully broken the Bog Four’s choke hold on the summit of the Premiership. Yet again the usual suspects will claim the Champions League slot, whilst the rest have to squabble over the far inferior UEFA Cup. Even Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan, who claims that his side have next to no chance of breaking into the top four, is starting to feel a tad bored by all this “Big Four” malarkey. Keegan said:
“This league is in danger of becoming one of the most boring, but great, leagues.
“It would be mad to say we will be in the top four next season. We are a million miles away from them.
“The top four will be the same as this year but what I can say to our fans is we will try to get fifth and win the other league that is going on.”
So is KK right, is this League a predictable snooze fest?
Who would you sign if you were Newcastle manager?
May 5, 2008
It appears that Kevin Keegan is going to be handed a pretty sizeable war chest for new signings, if the Daily Mail are to be believed. The Newcastle manager’s hands were seemingly tied in January, causing the team to tumble down the division until the past few weeks where they have undergone a resurgence of sorts.
Nevertheless, it’s clear that some serious strengthening is required if the Magpies are going to finish in the top eight next season and chairman Chris Mort has pledged that there will be plenty in the coffers to add some quality to a fairly average-looking squad.
Mort said: “Over the summer, we will look to strengthen the squad further.
“In addition to making any immediate fixes that may be required, as with everything else we have done since Mike acquired the club, we will want to acquire players that can help make Newcastle United a top team for the medium and long-term, not just for the next season or two.
“That is why we put a substantial offer in for Luka Modric, who is aged 22.
“It is frustrating that Modric, like (Jonathan) Woodgate before him, should take less money than we offered to move to the bright lights of London, and European football with Tottenham next season, but these are the sorts of difficulties that should get easier to address once we build a squad that competes at the right end of the table.”
Aye, there’s the rub for Newcastle. The old chestnut of trying to attract star names to Tyneside without any guarantees of European football. In order to be at the right end of the table, you need some decent players in the first place - who can the Geordies sign to put them on the right path?
Spurs £10m striker heading to West Ham as replacement for Newcastle bound star: Maybe?
April 29, 2008
It appears that recent speculation linking Kevin Keegan with any footballer known to man could have a knock on effect at White Hart Lane.
Newcastle United boss Kevin Keegan is chasing West Ham striker Dean Ashton. (The Sun)
SPURS record signing Darren Bent has urged manager Juande Ramos to make him a regular started next season. The £16.5million signing from Charlton, is one of the many names linked with the exit door at White Hart Lane this summer. West Ham and Newcastle are considered the most likely suitors for £10m rated Bent should he indeed leave in the summer (various)
So this could be very confusing. Dean Ashton does appear to be have a big fan in Keegan but then the Magpies boss also wants Bent, so could it turn into a three way junction? Clearly if Ashton goes then Bent could end up with his old Charlton boss at Upton Park? My head is spinning! Who do West Ham fans want to see spearheading their attack Deano or Bent? Do Spurs fans think that the former Charlton man has a future at White Hart Lane? And do the Geordies think another striker is even needed given the likes of Owen, Martins and Viduka at St James’ Park?
Newcastle plan £5m swap deal that could solve Keegan’s biggest problem
April 29, 2008
Newcastle are not exactly famed for their defending and in recent years they have leaked goals with alarming regularity. Only Reading and Derby have conceded more than the Magpies this term, hence the latest speculation about a swap deal to help alleviate these problems.
Rangers are preparing a bid for Newcastle United striker Alan Smith in a deal that might see centre-back Carlos Cuellar going in the other direction (The Sun). Gers boss Walter Smith is set to test the water with a £5m bid at the end of the season.
Cuellar has been outstanding for Rangers, where he has played almost 60 games in what has been a lengthy season, helping them to an incredible 30 clean sheets in the process. Walter Smith will not want the Spanish centre-back to leave but if they get Smith in return then that might soften the blow.
How would Gers fans take to Smithy? And do Newcastle need defenders in abundance or will the addition of Cuellar be enough to stem the flow of goals against?
FIVE to leave Liverpool for £30m as Rafa makes summer plans: Keep ONE, sell FOUR!
April 29, 2008
It appears that this summer will be a busy one for Rafa Benitez as he hopes to steer Liverpool nearer to the Premier League title next time around. The following five players are strongly linked with moves away from Merseyside.
Portsmouth owner Sacha Gaydamak is backing manager Harry Redknapp’s £7m bid for Peter Crouch. (The Express)
Jermaine Pennant is set to leave the Anfield club and move to Newcastle United where manager Kevin Keegan is said to be keen to sign the 25-year-old winger. (goal.com)
Defender John Arne Riise fears he is heading for the Anfield exit in the summer. The Norway international has one-year remaining on his present deal (Sky News)
Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill will make no decision on whether he wants to keep on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson permanently until the end of the season. The Villa boss was originally sceptical about paying the £9m asking price (PA)
Liverpool are expected to demand a transfer fee of £2million if Bolton Wanderers try to keep Danny Guthrie at the Reebok. (Bolton News)
Of these five I reckon only Crouch is really worthy of keeping. Carson is a good keeper but I think Rafa has made it clear the England man is not part of his plans. Riise and Pennant have had a fair crack of the whip but neither is in my view Liverpool material and Guthrie will find it next to impossible to get a run in a Reds midfield so graced with talent. What do Anfield supporters think?
Liverpool want £12m Premier League winger: He’s damn good!
April 28, 2008
It seems that Rafa Benitez is still on the trail of a certain Tottenham man.
Liverpool will fight Newcastle United for Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon in the summer. (various)
Juande Ramos appears to be open to the sale of the England international who has been off form since the Spaniard arrived at White Hart Lane.
Would Ramos really sell Aaron Lennon? Yes he has been off the boil but I still rate him as one of Tottenham’s prize assets. The 21 year old former Leeds man arrived in north London with a bang but has somewhat failed to live up to that early promise, but he is still very young (something many forget after 100 odd games for Spurs) and has bags of potential and surely the fact that a top four side is sniffing around indicates he has real quality. Would Spurs fans be sorry to see Lennon go? Do Liverpool fans rate Lennon?
West Ham to take former Spurs man: Good idea?
April 28, 2008
Is Stephen Carr passed it? He hasn’t looked impressive for some time but yet it appears that Alan Curbishley is chasing the Newcastle fullback.
Newcastle United fullback Stephen Carr is a target for West Ham. (The People)
Carr 31, has turned down a contract extension at Newcastle and would fill the void left by Neill who is a victim of wage cuts.
After ten years at White Hart Lane Carr left for St James’ Park and it’s fair to say his career stagnated in the north-east but I really don’t see this as a good signing for the Hammers. How do West Ham fans feel about the potential signing?
Liverpool keen on £10m Premier League defender: He’s been fantastic this season
April 28, 2008
It appears that many Man City players are potentially on their way out of Eastlands with the latest target being their outstanding centre back.
£10m rated Manchester City defender Richard Dunne has emerged as a summer transfer target for Newcastle as Kevin Keegan seeks to strengthen his backline. (The Sun) Rafa Benitez is also said to be a fan of the Irishman and could bid for the 28 year old (various)
Do Liverpool any more additions in the defensive area? After the capture of the excellent Martin Skrtel in January maybe it is not necessary to add more centre backs to the club, especially with Sami Hyypia getting a new contract. Do City fear that their manager may get sacked by Thaksin?
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Juande works his magic at Tottenham after Modric signing
April 28, 2008
When Spurs brought in Juande Ramos as their new manager, they weren’t just appointing someone who could kick the team into shape and get them playing as a much more organised and fluent outfit. The North London club have also got someone at the helm who will attract star names to White Hart Lane in a way that Martin Jol never could.
The Daily Mail report that Luka Modric has cited the Juande Ramos factor as a reason why he chose to sign for Tottenham last week ahead of the likes of Newcastle and Chelsea. The Croatian looked pretty decent against England at Wembley a few months ago and we’ll see a great deal more of him in the Premier League next season.
He said: “I want to play for Tottenham in international football - Champions League or UEFA Cup games.
“I want to achieve big things with the club and be in the top group of teams in the Premier League. I am happy that the coach Juande Ramos wanted me, it is the most important thing that the coach wants you as a player.
“It is right that many clubs in England were interested in taking me, but my favourite from the first meeting was Tottenham because I am a big fan of coach Ramos.”
This is the first of many instances where Spurs will be flashing the cash and bringing in some fresh talent to the club. Will this be £16 million well spent, considering Darren Bent was a similar price when he arrived from Charlton last summer?
Do you agree with PFA Team of the Season?
April 28, 2008
Especially the decision to not include a single Chelsea player in the line-up? After all, this is a team which could still quite feasibly win the Premier League title, while they are favourites to beat Liverpool and make it to the Champions League final.
Team: James (Portsmouth); Sagna (Arsenal), Ferdinand, Vidic (Man U), Clichy (Arsenal); Ronaldo (Man U), Gerrard (Liverpool), Fabregas (Arsenal), Young (Villa); Adebayor (Arsenal), Torres (Liverpool).
Are there any glaring omissions from the XI selected? Naturally, these things are always subjective, although it’s difficult to argue that any of the above haven’t stood out for their teams this season. Chelsea’s Frank Lampard and John Terry might have had more of a look-in if they hadn’t been injured for chunks of the season, while the likes of Joleon Lescott, Gareth Barry and Glen Johnson have all performed extremely well for their respective clubs.
Who would feature in your team of the season?
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