Eye Eye...
Don't be alarmed if you see a few Smoggies at the Riverside on the
14th wearing an eye patch. Apparently sales of eye patches are doing
a roaring trade on Fleaside as the Smoggies attempt to get back at
Toon supporters for years of the good old gas mask gag by making fun
of the conjunctivitis outbreak that has swept through the United camp.
The eye infection of course has already infected Shay Given, Tony
Caig, Andy O'Brien and Lee Bowyer to date - making the chances of
them being fit for the equally health damaging trip to Smogland in
8 days time doubtful. But rest assured lads and lasses, there is no
chance of this game being called off, unless the mutants pick up an
injury or two, or if it snows...
The handful of mutants that will attend the match on the 14th have
been advised to buy two patches, so they don't have to see the crap
that they'll be watching over the next 9 months.
Presuming they can hang onto their golden oldie 'big name summer signings'
Jimmy Flid Hasselwank, Mark Fatuka, Pay Parlour and the lip.
We've Been Grassed To FIFA
No Zog on the Tyne? According to French football magazine L'Equipe
French club Le Havre have grassed NUFC to FIFA over Charles N'Zogbia.
From L'Equipe:
Le Havre are putting pressure on the FFF and FIFA to prevent Charles
Nzogbia, a young trainee with the club, from signing for Newcastle
United, where he has been on trial since the early summer.
"Our position is very clear and we are very determined. Charles
Nzogbia must remain with this club," explained the Le Harvre
President, Jean-Pierre Louvel at a press conference today. "We
cannot accept this "signing" on unspecified terms, and we
believe that acting now in order to protect our interests, and in
accordance with French government policy, we are on solid legal ground.
Moreover, M. Lamour, the French Minister of Sport, is aware of our
position."
According to an official statement by the Le Havre club, this player,
now 18, born in Le Havre, has been at the club since he was 11. Under
French law, and under the terms of a contract in place until at least
2006, this young player must stay with the club to complete his education.
A three year contract was signed by the player (then a minor), his
parents and the club on 1st July 2003. The player may have been advised
by a French lawyer (who could not have been used if he had not been
approved by FIFA) to accept a trial at Newcastle United, but such
intrigues harm clubs such as Le Havre who always try to conform to
the law.
According to the local Newcastle press, the Magpies would be prepared
to pay compensation of 250,000 Pounds sterling to Le Havre, but the
French club, who are determined not to lose the player, have stated
that all they have received is one fax from Newcastle proposing compensation
of only 50,000 Euros. Le Havre had summoned Nzogbia to a recent training
session, but received no reply. It was only through the press that
the club discovered where he was, when a Newcastle journalist reported
the signature.
Thanks to John W for the translation.
Shearer *Admits He Wasn't Happy Being Subbed
Speaking to today's Chronicle Alan Shearer has admitted he wasn't
happy at being subbed, claiming no professional footballer should
be.
Shearer said:
"I don't know of any player who is happy to be brought off, whether
it be a friendly or an FA Cup tie and I'm not different from the rest
of them.
"And if you are happy at being brought off you should not be a professional
footballer."
*What he didn't say:
"I don't know of any player who is happy to be brought off, whether
it be a friendly or an FA Cup tie and I'm not different from the rest
of them.
"And if you are happy at being brought off you should not be a professional
footballer.
"It was silly of me to react the way I did however. I can assure
all supporters that I do not have a problem with Sir Bobby.
"He is the manager and he makes the decisions that we all have
to respect, even if we don't agree.
"Myself and the whole team are behind Bobby and we hope to bring
success to this club as a team this coming Season."
I know which one I'd rather read...
Is Bobby Hinting At His Rotation Plans?
Bobby on Shearer sulk
Speaking to the Journal Bobby has played down Alan Shearer's 'stand
off' at Parkhead on Wednesday night when the United manager subbed
Big Al for Patrick Kluivert, but in doing so maybe hinting at how
he plans to accommodate all 3 of the 'main men' (as if we didn't already
know).
Bobby said:
"Alan didn't say any choice words to me when he came off at Celtic.
"None at all. Why should he? Of the four strikers we have at the club
who has played the most football in pre-season? Alan Shearer.
"He's played more minutes than Craig, Patrick and Shola and I'm sure
people realise that.
"I do see Patrick and Alan as very similar players.
"I'm not saying they cannot play together but Craig Bellamy
is a runner and the other two are good holding players. But
Craig needed another game anyway.
"Alan, don't forget, had played Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday.
"No players can complain about a lack of opportunity this summer.
They've all had a chance.
"In Kluivert and Nicky Butt I've got two incoming players who I need
to get fit.
"They won't get fit as unused pre-season substitutes.
"My object is to get everyone fit. Not just one or two or whoever
people choose to focus upon.
"As a manager I'm responsible for a whole squad of players.
"In order for Patrick to attain match fitness he has to play games.
He can't do that by sitting on the bench."
Does this mean that Bellamy is first-choice and both Shearer and Kluivert
will be rotated alongside the Welshman? Certainly Bellamy has looked
by far our best player in Pre-Season and is one of, if not thee, most
important player in our team because when fully fit he adds another
dimension to our game and is the one player who terrorises opposition
defences.
I can't see Bobby playing with 3 up front - especially away from home.
He could play Bellamy on the right but where does that leave Dyer,
Milner, Ambrose & Brittain? One of Bobby's biggest criticisms
last Season was that he didn't make full use of his squad - only when
forced via injuries. Judging by the above comments and other comments
he intends to make full use of his squad this time out and Shearer
will have to get used to this as will others. It's about time we had
true competition for places. |
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