Its a good feeling to be heading into the final days of the window without any real panic for players. A striker would be nice but it would not be the end of the world if we don't get one. Our squad looks a strong one with good depth in all areas except the forward line. Many of the other teams in the bottom half (everyone from Stoke down isn't safe), still have areas where they really are in desperate need of strengthening. So while our league position and form is clearly not great, at least we have given ourselves the best possible chance. Signing three quality French internationals when you are sitting down the foot is real intent and impressive work by the board. Lets not forget either that both Gouffran and Haidara have international pedigree at U21 level. I'm not entirely convinced by Gouffran but certainly he has looked an improved player this term and basically replaces the Best/Lovenkrands option ably. Its not nice to be heading towards the 31st thinking "we are really short" so I'm pleased we don't have that to add to our current woes. It also stops teams asking for silly money should we want to do a final bit of business. Pardew now has to do his bit after he, like the players, has followed up a good season with a poor first half this season. Hopefully we can a striker to really top things off, get some points on the board on Tuesday and kick on.
Yeah it is a nice feeling, I came into this window fearing the worst (esp. after Remy!) But even without the new forward we should still be cool (we could play Gouf there or even Benni (Would be interesting(Not in a 4-4-2 though)) if were desperate)
Woe betide Pardew if he doesn't sexify the football. He knows what happens to leaders in France when the peasants revolt, right?
When we have played nice football this season, we've usually managed to concede at least two goals and end up in a panic. I'd just like us to defend properly first and foremost, and Santon to actually play full back..................
Hang on, there are still enough days left to sell Cabaye, Benni, Krul, Cisse & Tiote. Squeaky bum time isn't over just yet!
Neil Cameron, Sunday Sun, 27/01/13: "ALAN PARDEW last night revealed he wanted to sign Wilfried Zaha – but instead spent the £15million the winger cost Manchester United on FIVE players. That in a nutshell is why Newcastle United will forever struggle to become a top-four Premier League club unless there is a dramatic U-turn in the club’s current transfer policy." I would suggest we have far more chance of breaking into the top four and seriously challenging for honours if we use £15million to sign players such as Sissoko, Mbiwa and Debuchy as opposed to a single signing of a player such as Zaha. Very odd comment.
Sorry yes I forgot, Kat told us about this. He can't be wrong about everything can he? His initial prediction regarding us signing no one has failed, surely he won't rack up the double.
You have to love the press and their knowledge of football. I think breaking the top 4 is not exactly high on the priority list at present nevermind his ignorance of the depth issue.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!! Vive la sexy fut! I want goals, goals, and more goals! If we go down, let's go down like Casanova, with flair and sexiness and a little bit of herpes.
Agree! Yes, maybe, maybe, Zaha will become a star. But we needed a greater depth of quality across positions right now - and that is exactly why the club has done in this window. Money well spent I think. I still think we're light of a quality striker, but we can't ave everything. And even that might get sorted if the ongoing rumours are true (Bony, van Wolfswinkel, Augebenewhatshisname, etc.).
I would rather we used the £15 million to sign the players we have than another overpriced, overrated English player. Comments like those are the reason why England will forever be a second rate international team.
Totally stupid comment when you take into account the fact that the Zaha deal involves him staying at Palace for the rest of the season, he would not have been any help to you at all.
Yes we could sign a overhyped and over priced young unproven at any level higher than the second tier of English football. Or we could sign 5 players, France's best current full back proven on a work stage plus mwbia who also plays for France an 3 other promising young players all of which could have a better career than zaha. Anyone actually wish we'd signed zaha? I'm glad we stayed clear 15mil is a huge price for a 20 year old who is unproven at a high level. I can quiet easily see him struggling to make an impact for a few years at least.
