Pardew - Next Number 9 should be like Kuqi

http://www.journallive.co.uk/nufc/n...-shefki-kuqi-says-alan-pardew-61634-28537277/


Newcastle United’s next number nine should take a leaf out of Shefki Kuqi’s book, according to Alan Pardew.

The journeyman Finnish striker might have been limited to late cameos in his Newcastle career so far, but Pardew believes he has brought plenty to the party during a difficult second half of the season.

A signing plucked from the free-agent scrap-heap to provide emergency cover following Andy Carroll’s departure, Kuqi was never intended to play a pivotal part in Newcastle’s attack.

And, sure enough, he has been a peripheral presence for the most part – playing the odd ten minutes here and there for “nuisance value”.

But off the field he has been a breath of fresh air, a popular member of the squad who has worked diligently in training and made the most of an opportunity that he freely admits is beyond his wildest dreams.

So, while Pardew admits the player is unlikely to start a game for United, he still feels the free agent has been an invaluable signing.
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The United boss is fully aware of the limitations of Kuqi’s game, admitting that the player does not have the ability to put him in the running to be the heir to Carroll’s throne.

But in terms of character, work-rate and mental fortitude – Newcastle’s next number nine couldn’t have a better example than the Finn.

“Shefki is an example of someone that perhaps wouldn’t have expected to ever come to a club like Newcastle,” he said. “But I knew that when he put the jersey on, like he did on Sunday, he’d affect the game.

“His character is big enough to carry the shirt.

“Of course he isn’t blessed with the quality to wear Newcastle United’s number nine shirt.

“We are looking for someone else for that. But by the same token this particular player will have to have Shefki’s character to do it.

“It’s a very important ingredient for whoever comes in.”

The identity of United’s striker target is still unclear, although Pardew had scouts at Rennes’ clash with Lorient over the weekend to run the rule over forward Kevin Gameiro once again.

Ivory Coast hit-man Gervinho is another player being targeted by United as they look to re-build with the Carroll cash.


I agree with him, the number 9 should be this kind if character, people in the comments section don't seem to understand this....

 

Mis read the title and thought it said 'Pardew thinks next number 9 should be Kuqi'

 

that's what i thought it said and i shat myself lol

 

i thought this said next number 9 "could" be kuqi.

i spat out my sandwich.

 

Absolutely spot on! We need a number 9 who conducts himself with respect and can inspire the players around him.

Obafemi Martins was a wild talent but often whinged and threw in the towel when things didn't go his way, picking up 'groin injuries' when it suited him.

Andy Carroll, though he (seemingly) wore the shirt with pride, did nothing off the pitch to justify being number 9, his raw talent masked his obviously flawed personality.

Shefki Kuqi is a grounded, hard worker who you can tell encourages his teamates. His character is certainly worthy of the number 9 shirt but I think even he'd admit he's not got the quality to lead us. Ideally the number 9 should be someone who also has the qualities of the captain, not a flashy so-and-so (that's what the number 10 shirt is for ).

 

I was mortified when I clicked on this, then the first line that jumped out at me from the block of text was this one and my heart rate settled back to its normal beat.

 

Spot on, his attitude is that of a model professional and he's bursting with pride at just a few cameo appearances. The next number 9 needs this kind of respect and attitude.

 

I just had a slight heart attack and the palpitations only stopped when I realised the Kuqi isn't going to be the number 9.

Phew!

He's got the right attitude and aptitude to be a number 9 but lacks the most important aspect which is ability.

 

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Beautiful...

 

Could be a good head to keep around as a youth team coach. Maybe knock some sense into them before we get any more with nile ranger's attitude coming through the ranks!

I read his thing in the programme of the bolton game seems to have had a tough time but sounds like a genuine nice bloke.

 

So far I've managed to make 4 people **** themselves/have a heart attack/spit out sandwich.

Good day

 

What's with the subliminal messages Paco?

 

Aha didn't see that

 

OK.

I've got the Adobe Flash player.

What do I do now?

 

erm, well, you see the thing is, erm

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everyone of to wiki to see if they can find this adobe and who he plays for

wish you hadn't

 

Play flashy Adobes?

 

Very sneaky