Saw some newspaper gossip on the SNN site that Houghton wants him at Birmingham. What do we think? Worth securing his services or will he flop in the Prem? Are Brum still able to offer big wages enough to entice him away from the Prem???
I thought Wayne Routledge did a great job for us last season and I would dearly like to retain him. He's quick, can beat a player, puts in some good crosses and does a shift in defence. His biggest downside is that he has zero loyalty and chases after the big bucks whenever he can, witness his nomadic career. Houghton signed him for Newcastle in the first place and it was only after Houghton was fired that Routledge came to us, so that Brum rumour may have substance. I'm sure Routledge would prefer to be in the Prem but money talks, especially with him.
If he can consistently finish like he did after Adel's outside foot looped through ball, then he'll be an asset. He's good when he's switched on.
It is worth remembering that we did only sign him on loan when Mackie got injured. While Routledge was impressive, many here hold out high hopes for Mackie and at least he wants to play for us. Personally, I'd go for a fit Buzsaky ahead of either of them. That does give us a few options with Buz, Taarbs and Tommy being able to play all across the attacking midfield 3.
I seriously hope we wont be playing an attacking 4-4-3 in the premiership to be honest. On topic, i've already mentioned how disappointed i am that we've missed out on Wayne, could have been an asset to us next season.
Wayne Routledge is not out of NUFC picture ALAN PARDEW has offered Wayne Routledge a slight ray of hope to resurrect his Newcastle United career – but the winger’s future on Tyneside remains very uncertain. The Chronicle understands Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City and Cardiff are all interested in the player, but Routledge’s preferred choice is thought to be to stay with the Magpies. Queens Park Rangers pulled the plug on a deal for the 26-year-old towards the end of last month, citing a lack of funds and striking priorities as the reason why they were no longer keen on a £1.5m deal. Routledge, who was excellent in the Championship in black and white but flunked in the Premier League somewhat, has remained tight-lipped on the situation. However, he is scheduled to return to training on Monday at the club’s Benton base. The Londoner did not want to leave United in January and has always indicated in the past he is keen to fight for his place at St James’ Park. Routledge has moved further down the pecking order since helping the Rs to promotion last term, with Sylvain Marveaux now in Pardew’s ranks to go with Jonas Gutierrez, Joey Barton, Dan Gosling and Danny Guthrie as contenders for roles out wide. Yet, while Routledge is a player Newcastle are prepared to sell, Pardew must work with the squad he has. He told the Chronicle: “Has Wayne a future here? “Wayne is still a Newcastle United player and he is under contract. “He comes back on Monday. After that we will just have to go from there.” Routledge is no stranger to this situation, with the well-journeyed winger having stints at Crystal Palace, Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Portsmouth, Fulham QPR (twice) and Newcastle. United are under a fortnight away from their first pre-season friendly at Darlington on July 15 and question marks remain over several Toon squad numbers. Even at this stage it is difficult to see exactly which players will be on the plane for the Magpies’ tour of the United States, with departures likely before the Premier League season kicks off. Routledge is not alone in the possible departure lounge at Newcastle with Leon Best, Nile Ranger and Alan Smith also available for transfer. Uncertainty is also hovering above Kazenga LuaLua, the 20-year-old subject of daily interest from newly-promoted Championship outfit Brighton and Hove Albion. Brighton boss Gus Poyet would love to have LuaLua in their ranks for the opening game of the season against the player’s other old club Doncaster Rovers, where he spent time on loan two years ago. United have stuck with LuaLua since he was 14 and he remains an excellent talent. However, LuaLua’s contract is up at the end of this season and the Seagulls are keen to take him on loan with a view to a permanent transfer. Read More http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/newcastle..../#ixzz1QwJ1mFjC
Why DID QPR Snub Routledge? By Nu Mad Updated Saturday, 2nd July 2011 Newcastle United RSS Feed Nottingham Forest, Birmingham City and Cardiff are all interested in Wayne Routledge ... alledgedly .... but what does Alan Pardew do with him until a bid lands on his table? The winger’s future on Tyneside remains very uncertain, as Queens Park Rangers pulled the plug on a deal for the 26-year-old towards the end of last month. QPR claimed a lack of funds and have striking priorities as the reason why they were no longer keen on a £1.5m deal. The Londoner did not want to leave United in January and has always indicated in the past he is keen to fight for his place at St James’ Park. Alan Pardew is stuck between a rock and hard place - he could have pulled the player back to Tyneside at the end of last season when United were down to playing reserves and youth team players, but he said he didn't want him. That just about said it all. He obviously doesn't rate the player, but he is stuck with him until someone comes in with a bid. Alan Pardew: “Has Wayne a future here? “Wayne is still a Newcastle United player and he is under contract. “He comes back on Monday. After that we will just have to go from there.”
