Today's waste of ink.... Steve Sidwell

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/sport/fo...argain-Newcastle-interested-in-the-midfielder

NEWCASTLE boss Alan Pardew is weighing up a move for out-of-contract Fulham midfi elder Steve Sidwell.

Pardew gave Sidwell his big break when he took him to Reading from Arsenal 11 years ago.

And he admitted regret that Fulham landed the former Chelsea man on the cheap from Aston Villa in January 2011 when Pardew had only been with the Toon for a month.

Pardew later said: “I would have looked to bring Steve here. He was absolutely brilliant for me at Reading. I think Fulham were fortunate to get a fantastic bargain.’’

But Pardew faces competition from West Ham, Crystal Palace and Stoke – where boss Mark Hughes knows Sidwell from his time at Fulham.

Sidwell, 31, is beyond Newcastle’s ideal age range but with no transfer fee, Pardew can press to make him an exception.

Newcastle also hope to lure free-agent midfielder Jack Colback, 24, from rivals Sunderland.

But the Magpies have been put off by agents’ fees, as well as personal terms, in a fresh enquiry about Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis, 28.

Agents’ commission – likely to exceed £1m – was a stumbling block last summer when Newcastle agreed a £9million fee and is an issue once again.

Now Gomis is out of contract his pay demands of £100,000-a-week are also a major problem.

 

Great partner for Chiekh. Anita isn't tenacious enough or strong enough for midfield.

 

Typical Pardew signing. Another Scotty Parker.

 

Anita is fantastic little player. He's not very strong, but the bloke reads the games very well, makes vital interceptions, and is a good ball player.

He's not very strong, but usually his good reactions and decision making, on top of his ball control means he doesn't get himself into trouble that often.

He's far more talented than Cheik is and his lack of strength doesn't lead him to being a liability or even a weak link. In most of the games he plays he's usually putting in a great shift. Cheik is either very good or very bad.

 

Sidwell is a perennial clogger. The media love to hype up him and Parker, but they were evidently part of the problem at Fulham. If there's any truth to this then God help us next year.

 

Hard working with limited talent - just like Pardew in his playing days. Wouldn't be surprised if Pards was interested.

 

On a free transfer perhaps suit Ashley down to the ground

 

If he's free then why not? As long as he's not a replacement for Sissoko. We need better. I'd only want him as a squad player.

He's better than Gosling and he can score goals and puts in a shift.

 

So how's Girlzilla these days Tash?

Have you made an honest woman of her and put a ring on her finger?

 

The reason he is out of contract is because he's ****.
I hate that dirty ginger tosser.

 

I take it you're not a fan, then?

 

If he brings some passion and enthusiasm to the squad I'm fine with it. He wouldn't be my first choice, but if we are aiming to build a squad not just a team he might work out for us.

 

He's ****e he had one good season with reading and got a big move and he's done **** all since. He's right up Pardew's street though so I expect we will sign him. I fear Pardew has been trying to get control over signings by any means possible.

 

Let's hope he isn't here long enough to make too many signings.

 

We have no need for a decent squad.

We are nowhere near qualifying for European Competition, the clubs board members have clarified their position on the Domestic Cup Competitions so all we need is a team to play the Premier League matches.

 

"But Pardew faces competition from West Ham, Crystal Palace and Stoke"

Says it all really. Pardew faces competition from mediocrity. I was watching some match the other day/week where Sidwell was playing and I was thinking about how he was being hyped up when he first started playing... in reality he's turned out to be average, so shock horror, NUFC are interested.

 

I'll be another dissenting voice. I think he is decent actually. Every time I watched them this season he was one of their better players. Got a few goals for them too (7 in the league). That said I'm not sure he is what we need. I'd rather have Colback as Gosling's replacement.

Of course with us, this could be Cabaye's replacement! Surprised Fulham have let him go. Would have been ideal for the Championship. Probably a high earner.

The time to get him would have been when Fulham did. You just become a retirement home for these types now. Very much a London boy, I could see him at QPR (sorry superthickerhoopser)

 

Both N.E. rags are saying it's rubbish. Can't see it. Resale value is still going to be one of three "must haves" of any player procurement.