Before I start I am not saying this is my preference but... What would it take from either Ba, Best, Shola, Lovenkrands or even Sammy for you to contemplate giving any of them the No.9 at the end of the season (assuming no striker is bought in) 20 goals + 15 goals + Ba and Best establishing a partnership and performing regularly in the same fashion as they did against Blackburn and causing 'bigger' teams problems. Or would you in no circumstance consider any of the current crop for the No.9?
I'm not bothered about having a no9, aslong as strikers are doing the business on the pitch they can wear any number they like.
Had this sort of discussion quite a few times recently, so I'm at risk fo repeating myself. But I'd give it to anybody who earns it, and that involves scoring regularly (anything over around 12 in the season would do for me) and wanting to have it - something apparently both Best and Ba have commented on already - who are imo the only realistic candidates. I'm not somebody who thinks its some sort of sacred and untouchable image of historic importance that only the next Shearer can wear, but I do think it holds a certain importance because it's one of the most famous things about our club. Edit - also yeah I don't mind if we do or don't have one, but whoever has it shouldn't be just given it because they're a new, hyped striker or because there's nobody else.
It's part and parcel of the make up of NUFC, part of the history and tradition. It's the number every kid (or when I was a kid) wanted to have for their team. If you are a striker, the main goal scorer and you wear the No.9 you are the main man. Yes there is pressure but surely as a pro footballer you want to play under pressure and thrive.
If best got 15+ goals a season I'd give him the number 9. I think that's the best we can hope for really. 20+ goals a season strikers are too expensive unless we increase the wage cap. Best tries hard, fought to get starts and can get goals. He has good attributes on and off the pitch.
I was the same, it's still my faveourite number when it comes to football but i hate the way people go on about it at the same time. We've had more than enough **** players wear the #9 shirt, its not like everyone whos had it has been absolute gold dust and we dont wanna muck up the tradition of giving it to someone who cant carry the team.
True but I would rather use it as a carrot on a stick to the players who seem hungry for it like Best and Ba. You're right though there is no romance in football any more hence the way Carroll treated the shirt. I can but dream. EDIT: Got a bit chuffed when I seen this was post #9
This, although there have been many great Newcastle #9s over the years, not everyone who has had the shirt has been a Shearer or Milburn. In time another exceptional striker may once again be #9, but until then I'm fine with giving it to merely 'good' strikers who get goals with some consistency and aren't ****s.
If we dont sign a striker in the summer, and Best or Ba score over 12 goals. I'd give it to one of them, whoever scores the most or looks the best. If we do sign a striker in the summer who could potentially wear the #9, I'd want to wait another season before giving it out. See who gets the most that season.
