Shane Long- what was Pardew's thinking?

I have to admit I thought he was good value at 5m-7m. He looks to me to have natural habit of getting in the right place. Hard to teach that. I honestly think this lad will end up moving for quite a bit more in time. I was disappointed we didn't go for him but they might get better for all I know. Can't comment on Maiga cause haven't seen him play 90mins. You tube etc tells you **** all. He's gone now so we move on to the next. But yeah I'd have liked him on board. Might have been able to shift Lover and get another one given his cost. (4.5m-5m I think)

 

Is Long better than and likely to score more goals in the season than Shola, Lovenkrands and Best (although I think Best is a useful player)? Yes. Therefore I'd be happy if we'd signed him regardless of the start to the season he's made. He's an opportunist, gets into the right place at the right time and will get double figures this season. None of the above will.

Excluded Ba as we don't know what he'll offer yet.

 

I would have gone in for him but so far he's scored 2 simple goals in 2 games. that doesn't make him a world beater

 

Long looks a good signing, especially for £4.5m but we missed the boat and there's nothing more that can be done about it. Let's look forward to our new signing(s) and if he doesn't turn out as good as Long, let's not get on his back.