Spend some ****ing money

Come on Mike, we're not going to consolidate this fourth place without a bit of investment.

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The next nine or ten days are massive for us, more off the pitch than on it. But, the home game against Fulham will be a big indication of how far we've come, the first two games have just confirmed the character is still in the squad, but it was games like Fulham at home where we struggled to pick up as many points as we should have, and it really told at the end of the season.

The transfer market is crucial though, and how we go about replacing Enrique will be telling. A move for Cissokho would be huge, to replace quality with quality and convince disillusioned fans (myself included) that the club is at least trying to move in the right direction. The Arsenal game was one that would usually be a sell out, but the 46k attendance suggests to me that more than a few are disappointed that the club lack the ambition to spend money when it's necessary. There's no point spending money just because we can, but the Cissokho situation is one which justifies the investment (£8-9m), we need a quality left back and it would send the right message to the fans, he's worth that to us.

Up front is another area which needs strengthening, and thankfully Pardew has acknowledged this by saying we need a striker and a left back. How often in the past have we been left scratching our heads when we clearly need a centre half and we signed an Antoine Sibierski?

There was a distinct lack of goals in pre season, and that has been backed up by just one goal in two games (from our makeshift left back) at the start of the season. Add to this the fact our first and second choice strikers are likely to be on African Cup duty, and we really are desperate for someone.

Ben Arfa will add some potency to the attack when he's back, but with the way his Newcastle career his gone so far it would be very risky to rely on him having a major impact.

Chelsea for me should be the first port of call. Sturridge would be an excellent signing, even if he isn't for sale Chelsea must be open to loaning him out again. Failing that, would they be willing to listen to loan offers for Lukaku? They have Torres, Drogba (who can't get a game) and Anelka in their squad which is going to limit opportunities for Sturridge and Lukaku, and it would surely be better for their development if they were playing regular Premier League football.

Also high on the agenda should be Joey Barton's new contract. The fact that a lot of the pundits (who tend to hate both us and him) are talking him up shows how influential he's been for us. A two year extension would be ideal, and the fact that Barton's been on the free transfer list for a couple of weeks now without receiving any interest would surely convince him to sign it.

I can't help but feel the next two weeks will define our season.

Sorry for the lengthy post, I normally can't be arsed to read stuff this long so well done if you've got this far.

 

I agree, however i'll be shocked if we do any of the above!

 

Agree entirely with all of your points and your targets. If we get a left back like Cissokho it will be a seriously convincing purchase, add a quality young striker and I'm certain we'll all realise and be (at least reasonably?) pleased with what Ashley is trying to do. If we don't get either, then I think it will be unfortunately clear too. Also it's good to read a thread about wanting investment and ambition that isnt written by somebody miserable as sin and throwing phrases like 'puppet', 'cockney mafia' and 'laughing stock' all over the place.

 

If we got in another striker and a left back we'd have a fantastic team. Fingers crossed for Maiga and Cissokho- which I remain very hopeful of!

I think Sturridge is banned at the moment hence why he hasn't been played, but I can see him featuring a lot when he returns so no chance with him, unfortunately.

Oh and yes, a new deal for Barton would be ideal!

 

Surely, surely Barton will get a new contract. He's already shown how important he is to are team. With the team we have now + a new LB and striker i think we can make the top 10 this season definatly

 

I'm still not convinced by Maiga. I've never seen him play, but his YouTube clips (not the most reliable scouting method I know) remind me a lot of a younger Ameobi and I don't like his attitude. His comments suggest it's the money he's after and I think he sees our club as a stepping stone to bigger things. He couldn't even be bothered to toe the party line of "it's a big club with great fans blah, blah, blah". He's also another who's likely to be at the African Cup. They really do hold that at the worst time, right after the Christmas period when you really don't need your squad being stretched.

 

Is Barton collecting Tiotes cards for himself

 

any player that goes on strike has got to be bad news

 

Ah, but the mistake here is assuming Ashley or Llambias have an ounce of common sense

 

Maiga, Cissokho, and Barton tied down and I'd be over the moon. See how many happen, we've only got 10 days for transfers then a year to sort it out with Barton. Good article

(And for the record, Ben Arfa went on strike and even flew here to seal a move, so I dont see why we should let Maiga doing it think he isnt worth it, especially if Carr has suggested him.)

 

IF is the key word IF WE do then i agree we will have a decent season.i would like to see some back up for taylor and colo too

 

true ben arfa did the same last year ??

 

One of the best things at present for us is Carr he is superb, did u know he is alan Carr's [the camp comedian]uncle

 

didnt know he did ,you learn something every day

 

Sure gonna be a nervy and long 10 days sat watching Sky Sports and reading newsnow

And I won't even be here after tuesday so I'll be in the dark about transfers until I get back

 

We will be but it seems it will be on the last day

 

Dad

 

Nice article. Im sorry to be all doom & gloom. But I cant help but think, we wont sign anybody. I just cant see it happening at all lol. Im usually a positive person, but when it comes to Newcastle and transfers...im never hopeful haha.

 

Ben Arfa was different, Marseille told him to do one and then refused our offer after Ben Arfa had agreed personal terms with us. Served them right for ****ing the lad about. Carr's approval is the best thing Maiga has going for him IMO, he's one of the most important people at the club, unearthed some real gems.

 

you are right its his dad, i thought it was his uncle