Not sure if anyone's asked already (so apologies if they have) but I was just reading the BBC's transfer reviews (http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14746094.stm) and for NUFC they made these comments: "For the second transfer window running, Newcastle United's iconic number nine shirt remains unclaimed, as the Magpies' efforts to bring in a replacement for Andy Carroll failed to produce. "Disappointment is a definite understatement for the long-suffering supporters, who continue to crave a genuine 20-goals a season striker but have otherwise largely been impressed with Alan Pardew's summer dealings. "Italy international full-back Davide Santon is a quality replacement for the departed Jose Enrique, while France schemer Yohan Cabaye looks a steal at the heart of the midfield. "Elsewhere Senegal forward Demba Ba and former Manchester United winger Gabriel Obertan are still to come up to speed - but the fact is the absence of a new top class striker on Tyneside overshadows all the other positives from this summer's business." Fair enough review .. my quesion is, as stated, the number 9 is iconic .. would you have been happy for a player like Erding, Cisse, Maiga or Ruiz (the strongest confirmed attempted signings) to take it or is it such a talismanic symbol that it deserves the right player even if that means a further wait due to the transfer window schedule? (appreciate that these players could have been given a different number, but I've read that the number 9 was being used as a pull for some of these bids)
Even if we had got them players they dont deserve it on name. It has to be earned, Shearer earned it Carroll earned it, Martins well i dont why he got it
Should have added Gameiro and Gervinho to that list (so long ago I forgot we were in for them) .. as they were the initial targets missed .. just wondering if this is part of the reason we never threw silly money to 'just get someone in' .. which, in the long run, would have been just as demoralising and damaging if it were the wrong person as getting no one and regrouping in January ..
I know people may not agree and i am simple basing this on a youtube video but...Maiga...i fort he looked crap...he looked like another ameobi who has had a lucky season...the positive we have by not signing a striker is we have another 6 months to see what he is like i.e. was it a lucky season or is he actually a class act (which i think not)
If we buy someone and immediately give them the no.9 shirt we have high expectations and may be disappointed, if it's earned however, you know the player deserves to wear it, it makes you feel happier all round.
I guess it's just everyone is referring to getting a replacement for Carroll ... there is no replacement for Carroll who would come to NUFC at the moment, that quality of player looks for Euro competitions etc (ok I get that Liverpool are not there, but they're arguably light years ahead of NUFC at the moment) .. I just can't get my head around what would have satisfied a lot of folk that could not also have ended up in dissappointment anyway as the quality of target deteriorated the more rejections were received ..
It has to be earnt simple as, i'm happy to see the number.9 shirt unclaimed as lomg as it isnt given to someone who doesnt deserve it or has simply been handed to unless its a big named proven striker
