"I am very excited about the challenge ahead of me - coming to a club like Newcastle United is fantastic." James Milner on his 3.6m move to Newcastle from Leeds (July 3 2004)

"Miguel has been a sensation. I knew he was a good player before the tournament and tipped off my chairman about him. Unfortunately Benfica want double their money after his performances here." Sir Bobby Robson on transfer target Miguel (July 5 2004)

"We have brought some top youngsters such as Kieron Dyer, Jermaine Jenas and Hugo Viana to the club during my time, but this is potentially the best deal of them all. We have recruited a player who all the top judges rate as one of the best English prospects of his generation. I don't want to make comparisons with Wayne Rooney, but most experts agree that James Milner has the natural ability to follow Rooney into the England side." A delighted Freddy Shepherd beaming over the signing of James Milner (July 5 2004)

"I can tell you Newcastle wanted to buy him and I can say today we have missed out on a great, great player." Sir Bobby Robson talking about missing out on Greek right-back Georgios Seitaridis (July 6 2004)

"It's sad but I have to say it that Ricardo was not convincing with the goal." Sir Bobby commentating on Ricardo's performance between the sticks for Portugal in their 1-0 defeat to Greece in the European Championships Final (July 6 2004)

"All I want to do is to stay at Newcastle United. Not only do I want to see out my contract next season but in fact I would like to win another contract after that." Gary Speed on speculation linking him with a move away from United (July 7 2004)

"Newcastle have shown an interest and have promised to follow that up. If that interest fails to work out then we will have to move on." Patrick Kluivert's agent Paul Foortse confirming United's interest in the Dutchman (july 14 2004)

"It was a useful exercise for us, as we knew it would be. Thailand played well, they were fit and technically good and they gave us a good game." Sir Bobby Robson on his side's 1-1 draw with Thailand in their first pre-season match (July 14 2004)

"The only time I'd consider leaving here was if the manager told me before the season that I wasn't going to be a regular." Alan Shearer quotes regarding first-team football (July 14 2004)

"I did not say I would quit. What I did say was that I wanted to play regular football in my final season at the club. I'd never take my place in the team for granted, but form permitting then obviously I'd like to be a regular." Alan Shearer retracting the above quotes (June 15 2004)

"I'm at a loss as to what this is all about. It has all come as a surprise to me, although Alan seems to know rather more about it. This is not the time and place, we're here on a pre-season tour and to raise some money for charity." An unhappy Sir Bobby Robson commenting on Alan Shearer's above quotes (July 16 2004)

"As far as I'm concerned Alan Shearer is going nowhere. And isn't it nice that a player of Alan's stature is so desperate to play for Newcastle United and doesn't want to even think about missing a single match?" Freddy Shepherd commenting on the above Alan Shearer quotes (July 16 2004)

"I'm very happy to sign a contract with Newcastle United. My name has been linked for a long time and finally I'm very happy to join join the club." Patrick Kluivert on signing for Newcastle United (July 21 2004)

"We're just delighted that Patrick has decided to join us. I think he will be one of the most significant signings that Newcastle have made for many, many years." Sir Bobby Robson on Patrick Kluivert's signing (July 21 2004)

"I didn't want to leave Newcastle - who would? I loved it there. In fact, I loved everything about the club and I will not have a bad word said about it - the players, the supporters, the chairman, the manager, the backroom staff. It's been the perfect club any professional footballer could play for. I am not disappointed with the manager or the club but I am just disappointed I have left a fantastic club" A disappointed Gary Speed on leaving Newcastle for Bolton (July 22 2004)

"I think this could turn out to be the best signing of the season. We think we have done a fantastic piece of business for Newcastle United." Freddy Shepherd on Patrick Kluivert's signing (July 22 2004)

"It was a good open game and overall I'm not dissatisfied because it was not a competitive game and the result does not hurt us.." Sir Bobby Robson on Newcastle's 2-1 defeat away to Ipswich in the 3rd of our pre-season games (July 28 2004)

"We've signed a solid player and a player of great experience. Really he is just what we need. We have a lot of attacking players in our midfield and the signing of Nicky Butt will mean that we are a lot better balanced." Sir Bobby Robson on Nicky Butt's signing (July 29 2004)

"I'm in great shape and all I need are a few more games to get my full match fitness back." Craig Bellamy declaring himself fit for the new season (July 29 2004)