Further insight into the Demba departure.

From the Chronicle....

Fine words from our chairman.



DEMBA BA was offered “a great deal” to see out his peak years with Newcastle United, but Derek Llambias is convinced the Senegal striker was determined to prove he could cut it with one of the Premier League’s big four.

The Magpies’ managing-director, however, says he has no hard feelings or “no regrets” Ba was allowed to leave the club via a £7m release clause.

However, Llambias told the Chronicle: “He was offered a decent deal, in many eyes it would be a great deal, but it is what he wants.

“He is 28 and felt he had three or four years left and that is what he wants to do. I wish him well.”

Many fans were left frustrated with the get-out clause which allowed Ba to sign for the Blues at a knockdown price.

Yet, given Ba’s degenerative knee condition which once frightened off Stoke City, Llambias said Newcastle had to make sure they protected themselves.


He added: “You have to understand if you go back to the basics of the deal….

“We took a chance on Demba and Demba took a chance on us.

“It sounds like a song from Abba, the Abba deal! We sat down with his representatives and discussed his move from Hoffenheim to West Ham to Newcastle.

“However, there was that element for us which was his condition.”

Despite his departure, Ba’s 29 goals at Premier League level in 54 games means that nobody could argue about value for money.

Llambias said: “One thing the guy could do is score goals.

“We needed goals and it was a deal we could do.

“We structured the deal in such a way it gave him an opportunity to move and us an opportunity to have the gamble to see if he could perform for us and stay fit.

“The guy never missed a day of training and played in every game he was asked to play.

“What more can you ask?

“People criticise us for the clause, but it was part of the gamble for Demba as well.

“Did he want to structure himself in a way where he would not be able to achieve what he wanted to achieve?

“Every player has that to consider.

“Maybe he wanted to prove himself, but for us I have no regrets on the Demba deal or Demba leaving.

“We have to move forward. With Demba we had him for 18 months and he scored 29 league goals.

“He went out of the cub his way, and we have replaced him.”

Comments (10)


Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newc...r-demba-ba-move-72703-32761866/#ixzz2KFJGXQay

 

I was sad to see him get booed because he has gone not only for the money. I think he did well for us and what we need to realise is the players do love the fans but we need to accept they as individuals want to get right to the top and currently we are not really there. I am starting to believe we can be, however he is 27 and after our 5 year plan it would be too late for Demba.

God bless Demba

People need to understand agents have a big say in these issues also.


who nose what the future holds.

 

We haven't really replaced him, and I know people will focus on that in this article and think we won't get another good one in. However, we were trying to sign another striker in the summer, so I think we will sign another one next summer.

Overall, I think they are fair comments which reflect my feelings on the matter aptly. Nice to hear from the higher order.

 

I'm surprised Gandalf hasn't jumped on the Scandinavian theme of ABBA. Although somehow, images of Mike and Derek facing each other singing "Take a chance, take a chance, take a chance,..." seems a bit freaky.

 

I wonder which one wears the red wig and which one wears the blonde ?

 

Red wig? Now you'll get ACS all worked up too!

 

I agree with everything Llambias says there right up until the "we have replaced him" comment. We had a great transfer window and the boost it gave us is already paying off nicely (I don't think we would have won either of our last two games without the shot in the arm) but in no way have we replaced Demba and even when we get another striker in (which we surely will) I doubt he will be as good.

Onwards and upwards - I still love the first team we can put out, need Cisse to hit form though!!

 

Agree with all of that!

 

I find myself agreeing with Derek which makes me feel unclean. Well up until he claimed they'd replaced him! Pardew clearly doesn't agree.

Maybe he means Gouffran is more Ba's level and the guy we buy in the summer is going to be another level up...............

 

So what is a level above purple in Derek's alcohol induced, multi-colour dreamworld?

 

Mauve

 

Purple is the color of good judgment. It is the color of people seeking spiritual fulfillment. It is said if you surround yourself with purple you will have peace of mind.

 

Deep purple haze!

 

Ah back to my weed smoking days again..................

 

I'm hoping that if we surround ourselves with Purple, we will have 3 points, week in and week out.

 

Someone mention red wigs?

 

No, No wigs around here mate, no definitely not, not a wig insight. Total wig free zone and if by some strange occurrence any wigs had crept in unnoticed, they most definitely would not be RED!

 

So GLitF is a natural red then. ACS will be pleased!

 

Yes Obi, a natural redhead, maybe not so vibrant a red as when l was younger, but definitely red.

 

Oh la la. ACS will be getting excited.