Part 3: O'Neill Admits It Was Him Who Wanted Shearer
As reported below Bobby was right when he claimed Martin O'Neill first
enquired about the availability of Alan Shearer it appears - according
to the Celtic manager himself, who has admitted he asked about our
No.9, despite his Chairman Brian Quinn claiming it was Big Al who
did all the running earlier today (see below this article).
O'Neill, speaking after his side's 2-0 home win over Motherwell
earlier today admitted:
"I think what sometimes happens is that I don't relay the messages
properly to the board.
"I was making inroads. We've lost a quality centre forward and
we'd like to replace him with a top-class player. I might as well
start at the top and work my way down.
"Not that I want to argue with the chairman but I made the initial
conversation with Mr Robson.
"We were looking round to see who could provide around 30 goals
a season for us if that's possible.
"And when you do you might as well look upwards and see if anything
is available.
"I've enquired about a number of players and it seems to be drawing
to lot of people's attention, but I made an enquiry about a centre
forward who has been a top- class player for 13 or 14 years.
"I think Bobby Robson said it didn't get too far but I might
as well enquire.
"If I don't enquire I'll never know, and it is as simple as that.
And, as Bobby Robson said no, that's the end of the story."
Another uneventful day in the life of the Toon then...
Part 2: Shearer Wanted Celtic Move - Claims Hoops
Chairman
Following on from Bobby's claims yesterday that Celtic's manager Martin
O'Neill approached him enquiring about the availability of Alan Shearer
- today a new twist has emerged. The Mail are reporting that Celtic's
Chairman - Brian Quinn claims that Big Al and his agent instigated
the rumour.
Anyway here are Brian Quinn's comments:
"The interest in Alan Shearer was not generated by us in the first
place, it was generated by the other side - by the player and his
agent.
"It was a question as to whether if Alan Shearer was going to move,
whether Celtic would have an interest.
"You don't turn around and turn anything down without thinking about
it.
"So we had an interest but it never crystallised into a formal offer."
"Of course Martin would be interested because he is a quality player.
"The enquiry was made by the player's agent on behalf of the player
so they were doing the driving. They remain in the driving seat.
"If that should return, we will look at it. But, with every day that
passes, the possibility of that (signing Shearer) recedes.
"I would say to our supporters not to have any expectations in that
particular respect."
Something stinks...
Toon To Do A Middlesbrough?
Today's Sunday Sun are reporting that Newcastle could seek a postponement
of next Saturday's game away to Middlesbrough should the conjunctivitis
eye infection deplete Bobby's squad further - with 4 of United's players
already infected with the nasty virus as well as other injury and
fitness problems we are down to the bare bones.
Bobby said of the situation:
"If we get a bad reaction this weekend involving more players,
we will have to see what happens regarding the Middlesbrough game."
A Premier League spokesman said:
"We are aware of the situation at Newcastle, there are no specific
criteria set out to determine whether a match should be postponement.
"The club would have to state their case to us in writing and we would
look at all of the factors before making any decision."
This fixture of course was postponed back in 2002-2003 when Middlesbrough
claimed snow on the seats at the Riverside or something made it a
danger to spectators...funny, they never get any.
Carr Chase Goes Into Overdrive
According to Sky Sports News Tottenham's right-back Stephen Carr is
once again being lined up for a move to the Toon, adding to rumours
over the weekend that the deal could go through as early as Wednesday.
Carr of course has been linked for an eternity without any concrete
offers but with the new Season a week away, Benfica not budging on
the Miguel offer, Trabelsi in limbo and UEFA's squad submission deadline
looming as well as the transfer window Newcastle could well opt for
the Republic of Ireland man who has a year left on his current Spurs
deal.
To add further to the rumours Carr didn't feature in both Spurs last
two friendly matches despite being fit and this week it is expected
that he will lose his Captain's armband to Ledley King.
Watch this space! |
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