Newcastle united

£1.5m swoop for Bowyer Jul 6 2005 Charlton Athletic are ready to table a £1.5m bid for Newcastle United midfielder Lee Bowyer. Addicks manager Alan Curbishley is planning to reinvest much of the £2m fee the club received from the sale of Paul Konchesky to newly-promoted West Ham in taking Bowyer back to The Valley after a nine-year absence. But fellow Magpie Darren Ambrose, also a target of Charlton's, will not be allowed to leave St James' Park until Graeme Souness has brought in more width. Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd has not yet received a bid for any of Souness's current playing staff - including Craig Bellamy - but that could change over the coming days as the domestic transfer market finally gets going. United's £6.5m deal for Scott Parker is the biggest in English football so far this summer. Shepherd is looking for £2m for Bowyer, but Curbishley is ready to test his resolve with a bid following Konchesky's move. Bowyer's current wages, however, could prove a stumbling block, with Bowyer one of the higher earners at St James' Park. The 28-year-old, signed by Sir Bobby Robson on a free transfer in the summer of 2003, started his career at Charlton before making a £2.8m move to Leeds United in 1996. Meanwhile, Louis Saha's agent has admitted Newcastle United's interest in the Manchester United striker, whom Sir Alex Ferguson is prepared to let leave Old Trafford on a long-term loan following an injury-ravaged 2004/05 campaign. But representative Ranko Stojic said he is "90% sure" former Magpie Saha will stay on at Man United following talks with Sir Alex. Souness, however, has assured concerned supporters that he still has "several irons in several fires" following a frustrating few weeks. He said: "I'd like more players in and we hope to have that for the start of the season. Ideally you would have them in now, but we don't live in an ideal world. "There are still almost another two months before the transfer window closes. We've got several irons in several fires and hopefully we can pull a few of them out. We're a wee bit light on numbers." Blackburn today confirmed they are in contact with Bellamy's advisors, while Aston Villa are expected to step up their interest over the next few days.

Souey warns of tough Euro test for Toon Jul 6 2005 Graeme Souness today warned his Newcastle United players that their third-round Intertoto Cup games will be their toughest in the competition. The Magpies look set to face minnows Dubnica after the Slovakian side beat Ankaraspor 4-0 in Turkey in the first leg of their second-round tie. And Souness, whose team could face big guns Valencia or Olympique Marseille later in the competition if they progress, believes the first two games will be the hardest. Newcastle will go into their third-round first-leg tie on July 16 or 17 without a pre-season friendly under their belts, while their opponents will already be up and running, having played at least two competitive games in the Intertoto Cup. As it stands, Souness has only made one summer signing in midfielder Scott Parker. And even he may miss out on the trip to either Slovakia or Turkey as he continues his recovery from a foot injury picked up towards the end of last season. He said: "We expect two hard games against whomever we play and we will be taking nothing for granted. "It appears at this moment that we will be playing the Slovakians, and in terms of fitness I think they will be ahead of us. "The Intertoto Cup comes around very early but hopefully it doesn't come around too early for us. "If we get through this one, then I expect the next round to be easier and the next one to be easier again because we will be getting fitter and fitter. "I think the toughest of the three rounds we could play will be this one as we just started training a few days ago."

Where are the new signings? Jul 6 2005 With Newcastle back in training this week fanzine editor Mark Jensen of The Mag finds the numbers don't add up. An early return to training for the players, or at least most of them. A handful of them have been allowed an extra week after fulfilling international commitments, whilst Craig Bellamy is clearly not wanted back at all. I understand fans who are sick to death of Bellamy but I find it hard to celebrate the impending departure of the Welsh striker. As the season closed I'm sure most of us were busy compiling our mental lists of players we'd like to see shown the door, plus those we'd like to welcome to St James' Park. Looking on the positive side, I believe that in Scott Parker Newcastle have signed probably the best player that in the real world we could hope to attract. Fifteenth in the league and the lure of the Intertoto aren't exactly great selling points when Pele and Maradona are on your shopping list. On the negative side, we have only signed Scott Parker, though to me that could still be a positive as at least it means Newcastle haven't picked up a few (relative) cheapies to fill a few shirts. While Parker will undoubtedly improve our squad, it's an unfortunate fact that we aren't exactly short of central midfielders. As supporters celebrate the departure of the lazy/bad apple /bad egg/bad haircut trio of Robert, Kluivert and Bellamy, it might just be the right time to point out that Newcastle United now have no left winger and one fit frontline striker in Alan Shearer. Also, if you have a look at the DVD review of last season, then the rare highlights you spot will generally feature one of these three `problem' players. Like every manager before him, Graeme Souness will stand or fall on his signings. We were told not so long ago that we'd be amazed at the players who wanted to join Newcastle United. Should we now be amazed (or dazed) as to why this who's who of modern-day football haven't done the black and white photo call as yet? As always, the supporters have more questions than answers, though like me everybody I'm sure would love to see their cynicism proved unfounded. Does the club need to sell before it can buy? If so, where has the money gone that was going to buy Rooney? Have the players who'd love to play for Newcastle suddenly changed their minds? I don't mind who leaves the club just so long as they are replaced by something better, with no exceptions. How much confidence do you have that the departure of Bellamy, Kluivert & Robert and their replacements will leave Newcastle United stronger? Yes they all had their faults, like the rest of us, but the squad is looking woefully short of creativity. In the last 14 league matches of last season, Robert started seven, Bellamy none, of course, and Kluivert two. The team collectively scored 13 goals in those 14 matches - what has changed since to suggest that scoring will be easier this time round? Maybe the signings are already in place to set us up nicely, maybe though we could live to regret just how desperate those inside the club were to clear out the players that helped make things happen. I think what sticks in the throat as well is when the club appear to muddy the waters when transfers are made, or not as the case may be. Laurent Robert goes to Portsmouth, but it is a bit of a roundabout way that we eventually learn it is on some kind of loan arrangement. Why? The season ticket renewals are over and done with so the time for talking up potential signings is long gone. The club have again got bums on seats, for at least one more season, now we want to see signings in black and white shirts.

2012: Going for Gold @ SJP? A successful signing for Souness News of London's successful Olympic bid reminds us that St.James' Park was mentioned as one of the venues for the football tournament - obviously a decisive factor in the judges' decision..... Proposed list of venues: Cardiff (Millennium Stadium), Glasgow (Hampden Park), Windsor Park (Belfast), Manchester (Old Trafford), Newcastle (St James' Park) and Birmingham (Villa Park). And if the organisers require any hints and tips on how to arrange the football, then Hugo Viana's their man - having played for Portugal in their 2004 Olympic campaign in Athens, along with alleged toon target Luis Boa Morte. Neither man has happy memories of the event though - as they were both red- carded in their group games and Portgual were knocked out by minnows Costa Rica. Someone who did do slightly better though was former midfielder Christian Bassedas, who won a silver medal at the 1996 Oympics in Atlanta playing for Argentina. 2005/06: 2005 game at 2001* prices The club have now announced a basic admission price of £12 for the forthcoming Intertoto home tie against Dubnica of Slovakia (or Ankaraspor of Turkey if they can turn round a four goal deficit). ST holders have until Wednesday 13th July to apply and public sale begins on Monday 18th July. Prices: £12 adults, £10 OAPs, £5 bairns (£15 adults, £13 OAPS in sports bar etc. and family enclosure is £10 / £8 / £4.) Confirmation also that ticket holders who signed up for the direct debit home cup ticket scheme will not receive Intertoto Cup tickets automatically and do need to apply for them. Box office number is 0191 261 1571. The game is being advertised as a 3pm kickoff on Saturday 23rd July - no whispers of any live TV coverage as yet. *that's the same price as our opening home game in the competition, against Lokeren in 2001 - although that subsequently went up to £15 later on. 29,021 saw us face Lokeren last time out, with us setting our record home crowd for the competition in the next game, when 36,635 were present for the visit of 1860 Munich. A slightly smaller turnout of 36,577 then saw the epic 4-4 draw with French side Troyes. The record attendance for an English team in the tournament remains the 39,953 who saw Aston Villa play Basel in 2001. That's some way off the 56,000+ who watched German side Schalke last season though on a couple of occasions in their successful quest to qualify for the UEFA Cup. 2005/06: Rovers still wild for Bellamy Although facing seemingly insurmountable odds in their quest to land him, Mark Hughes and Blackburn Rovers have renewed their attempts to secure the signature of Craig Bellamy and contact has been made with Bellamy's representatives. Everton, Celtic and Villa all remain in the hunt but there's nothing new to report as far they are concerned, with the clock ticking on Bellamy's delayed return to United next Monday.

Outbound: Ambition? what ambition? Breaking news now confirmed that Craig Bellamy is having a medical at Blackburn Rovers - that's the same Craig Bellamy who allegedly wanted to join a club that matched his ambition...... Premiership season 2004/05 14th Newcastle United 44 points 15th Blackburn Rovers 42 points As we wrote on Wednesday morning: Although facing seemingly insurmountable odds in their quest to land him, Mark Hughes and Blackburn Rovers have renewed their attempts to secure the signature of Craig Bellamy and contact has been made with Bellamy's representatives. Bellamy himself made reference to the possibility of a Rovers move back in April when he said: "I know the coaching staff at Blackburn and they are great people. "I am very fortunate to have worked with Mark Hughes with Wales but I will see what my options are in the summer. Blackburn also made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Bellamy during the January transfer window.

Inbound: Carry On Dick - the sequel It's now been confirmed by the official site that we have made further contact with Inter Milan and lodged a bid for Turkish international Emre (henceforth known on this site as Dick, in homage to the late cross-dressing comedian pictured above). However it remains to be seen whether or not the player's financial demands will scupper any deal, which looked close a few weeks ago when the player told pressmen in his native Istanbul that he was off to join the Magpies but apparently floundered over his excessive greed.

Up for grabs: Going four a song While we still struggle to bring in new signings, speculation of outbound movement continues - with no less than four current midfielders linked with exits from the club - and that's not counting Dyer, Jenas or Viana..... Birmingham City continue to be credited with interest in Nicky Butt, while blues boss Steve Bruce told Skysportsnews on Thursday that he was still interested in Lee Bowyer, despite the fan furore that blighted a previous effort to land him. And the name of Bowyer also crops up in relation to Charlton, as their boss Alan Curbishley comes under pressure for failing to bring in any of the five signings he publicly stated he was looking for before the new season starts. Bowyer was an Addick from 1994 to 1996, scoring 14 goals in 58 games before departing for Leeds - being described by Curbishley at the time as "the best teenage player I've ever seen." However it looks increasingly as if Darren Ambrose could be the first arrival at the Valley, as Charlton re-invest the fee they've agreed with West Ham for Paul Konchesky, while we again try to sign Emre from Inter. And the fourth name on the midfield departure list Amdy Faye - whose time on Tyneside could also be drawing to a close, although there's no hint of interest from any other party that we've heard of. The 28 year-old from Senegal has played 18 times for the club since joining from Portsmouth in a £2m deal last January.

Back again: Another Barca reject linked Striker Javier Saviola's name was once again been written in the same sentence as Newcastle United, after his club Barcelona confirmed the Argentinean was surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp. However reports differ as to whether he's available for a permanent transfer or a loan move. It's almost a year to the day since the Spanish papers were full of speculation that Sir Bobby Robson was looking to bring in Saviola - a week later we signed Patrick Kluivert....

Hughes roots for Bellamy at Villa Jul 7 2005 Aston Villa defender Aaron Hughes has called on David O'Leary to do everything in his power to sign his former Newcastle team-mate Craig Bellamy. The Northern Ireland captain, who reported for pre-season training with his new team-mates yesterday, believes Bellamy would be a "great acquisition" for the midlands club. O'Leary is expected to step up his attempts to try to win the race for Bellamy's signature in the next few days after it has become clear he has no future at St James's Park. Bellamy has held talks with Everton, who can offer him the prospect of Champions League football - if they come through a qualifying round. But the Welsh international is thought to still have an open mind as to where his future lies and Hughes hopes he can be persuaded to join Villa. The 25-year-old said: "Craig Bellamy is different class and any club would really love to have him on their books. The press that he gets is unfortunate but he is still a fantastic player. "What people don't see is what he does on the training ground. He works harder than anyone else. There is a lot that people don't see with Craig. It would be great to sign him." Bellamy's international team-mate Mark Delaney echoed Hughes's sentiments. He said: "There's no doubt that Craig's arrival would give us a huge boost on top of what we have already done."

United duo are five-star rated Jul 7 2005 Graeme Souness last night predicted that Jean-Alain Boumsong and Titus Bramble will go on to establish themselves as the Premiership's most formidable defensive partnership. The form of United's two centre-backs was one of the few positives for United's manager to take from last season, as Bramble finally found the consistency and concentration to match his natural ability and Boumsong gradually adapted to the demands of English football. Souness, having missed out on Belgian international Daniel van Buyten this summer, has still not given up hope of adding another defender to his squad before the start of the season. But the Scot is delighted with the way his current first-choice central defensive duo have started to gel and, with Steven Taylor - a player Souness has labelled one of the most exciting young prospects in the country - waiting in the wings, the former Scotland international is adamant the core of his defensive unit is already in place. "I don't think it is any exaggeration to say that Jean-Alain and Titus can potentially become the best centre-back partnership in the Premiership," said Souness, who has given his squad the day off today after a strenuous three-session work-out yesterday. "The signs were very encouraging last season and the way those two have started to gel has been one of the biggest positives for me during my time as manager of Newcastle United. "We're still looking to make new signings in that area, but with Steven Taylor also in the squad, we already look strong in that department. Steven is a marvellous prospect and, if not next year, he will be a first-team regular at this football club and at international level for many years to come." Boumsong initially struggled with the pace and physicality of the English Premiership following a six-month stint in Scotland with Glasgow Rangers following last summer's switch from Ligue 1 side Auxerre. But the French international has begun to justify his £8m price tag, especially when playing alongside the powerful figure of Bramble. The pair have become good friends off the pitch as well, something their manager believes is also important in a defensive partnership. He added: "Jean-Alain Boumsong has got better and better, but there is still a lot more to come from him. The best years of his career are still to come. He's only 25 and he will get stronger and more used to English football. "I think every player who played alongside him played better as a result. That is the sign of a quality defender. "He is a communicator and you need that at the back. He talks to people and he organises things. I've been delighted with him, but there is still more to come, which is the most exciting thing. "I was very pleased with the way his partnership with Titus Bramble was developing. That bodes well for next season." There were many who insisted Bramble would never succeed at St James's Park following his £5m move from Ipswich Town in 2001. But the 23-year-old, who appears to have put previous off-field misdemeanours behind him, has matured by working with Souness. "Titus has played the best football of his career in the last seven months," insisted Souness, who hopes to be able to announce another new signing in the next 48 hours.

Toon bid for Emre Jul 7 2005 Newcastle United today bid for Inter Milan midfielder Emre. The Chronicle can reveal that chairman Freddy Shepherd has slapped in an offer for the highly-rated Turkey international, who is looking for a move to England after spending the past few seasons at the San Siro. Shepherd has been in negotiations with Emre and Inter for some time, while Souness met the player for face-to-face talks last month. Emre, also a target of Everton's, is understood to be keen on a move to St James' Park. And in other news Craig Bellamy was today on the verge of sealing a move away from Tyneside, with Blackburn Rovers leading the chase for the striker. Meanwhile, Birmingham City boss Steve Bruce is ready to make one last attempt to sign Newcastle United's Lee Bowyer. Bruce, who failed in an earlier attempt to take Bowyer to St Andrews, was also considering another move for Bellamy if he loses out on Deportivo La Coruna's Walter Pandiani. But Bruce has all but ruled out a bid for a third Magpie - Nicky Butt - having failed to prise the midfielder from Manchester United 18 months ago. St James' Park boss Graeme Souness, who is desperate to offload Bellamy before his scheduled return to training on Monday, would also allow Bowyer and Butt to leave the club to finance his rebuilding. Bowyer is also a target of his former club Charlton Athletic, with Shepherd looking for around £2m for the Londoner. Bruce held talks with the 28-year-old last month, but the deal fell through with Bowyer reportedly fearing for his own safety in Birmingham. And he is ready to talk again to Bowyer, believing he can persuade him to move to the Midlands. "I would like to try and do something - Lee's a player I admire," said Bruce. "Whether he remains available or not I'm not sure. "It's two or three weeks since we last had a conversation with him, and we'll see what develops. "People might think I'm wrong but that's part and parcel of the job. Lee's a very good footballer. Yes he's had his problems - which have been well-documented - but I'm sure he would add something to us. It's as a footballer I'm interested in him." Bruce has already added Forssell to his strikeforce but he is still looking to strengthen, with Pandiani top of his list. But he also retains an interest in Bellamy, who is also being courted by Everton, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and Celtic. Bruce said: "With the addition of Forssell to Heskey, Blake and Morrison I'm quite happy with those four strikers. Now if at some point something changes - something unforeseen - I would be interested in a player like Craig Bellamy, but not at the moment."

Gone: CB: Rover and Out This toon ain't big enough for the both of us Craig Bellamy became a Blackburn Rovers player on Thursday afternoon, signing a four year deal at Ewood Park for an undisclosed fee after passing a medical. The Welshman completes the move a week short of his 26th birthday - and becomes the fifth Newcastle first-teamer to leave in the last seven weeks. Craig is already on speaking terms with a number of Rovers players... As we wrote on Wednesday morning: Although facing seemingly insurmountable odds in their quest to land him, Mark Hughes and Blackburn Rovers have renewed their attempts to secure the signature of Craig Bellamy and contact has been made with Bellamy's representatives. Bellamy himself made reference to the possibility of a Rovers move back in April when he said: "I know the coaching staff at Blackburn and they are great people. "I am very fortunate to have worked with Mark Hughes with Wales but I will see what my options are in the summer. Blackburn also made an unsuccessful attempt to sign Bellamy during the January transfer window. We're scheduled to meet up with Craig's new side in Lancashire on Sunday September 18th (live on Sky) - whether the manager who has sold him is still in charge remains to be seen... Going: A Valiant effort for Darren The club confirmed on Thursday evening that our line about Darren Ambrose and Charlton was correct and the midfielder has been given permission to speak to the Addicks after a fee was agreed. It's unclear whether though whether that ends Alan Curbishley's interest in Bowyer. Steve Bruce at Birmingham has again been talking him up, while privately denying any Butt interest. Comment: Souness gains short-term respite One more "problem" player moved on then, another significant drain off the wage bill, further incoming transfer revenue. No doubt that's the official view and there's also unquestionably relief at United - not least from Souness himself, who has averted the unwanted scenario of seeing Bellamy back among his squad. Had the Welshman remained at the club - paid but unplayed - he would have cast a broad shadow across both the manager and players, his very presence turning the screw on Souness for every chance missed or point dropped. Like Robert, it's all too easy to pick up a club DVD, flick through his greatest hits and sit bewildered at the fact another prodigiously talented individual has swapped life at Gallowgate for an inferior club. But for every magic night like the one in Rotterdam, there were too many other regrettable episodes both on and off the field, inside the club....and outside clubs. We don't propose to rake over the past again as regards Bellamy - as he's not our problem any more. But for him to go to a team with an average crowd half of what we draw and who finished below us in the league beggars belief - if that's ambition then I'm a disco-dancing Dutchman. What now for us then? At the end of last season we would quite happily have seen the lot of them leave to be honest - a great proportion of our squad have failed to deliver in a black and white shirt when the time came. We advocated a clearout, simply because that seemed to be the only way open to us to deal with the festering mess that was our squad - and by the way that applied whether Souness was in charge or not. In the main, players and staff show no loyalty to the fans and Bellamy is no exception, his comments in January about walking back to Newcastle to play for us just the empty words of yet another over-paid, immature footballer. To Craig: Good riddance. PS Thanks for the memories. To Souness & Co. Half the job is done. Now buy your players, build your team. Your time starts now. You may have got rid of a non-believer today - but there are thousands of Newcastle followers who remain profoundly sceptical about the future of this club. Your future, your job depends on convincing them - and you now can't blame Bellamy. PS - Those people writing to criticise this piece may care to recall that this team was going tits up before Souness had ever sat in the home dugout at St.James' Park. And while we remain ambivalent about him as a manager, to the anti-Souness brigade we can only reprise the question we asked last September - who else do you think would take this job on?

Loan? Aloha Yossi? From Israeli newspaper, Ha'aretz, Tuesday: Yossi Benayoun left Spanish first division side Racing Santander yesterday after soccer agents Pini Zahavi and Ronen Katsav bought the rights to the player. "Benayoun won't be wearing Santander's colors next season," said club president Manuel Huerte yesterday. "I have decided to accept the offer put forward by Ronen Katsav and Pini Zahavi and the rights to the player have been sold to his agents." Zahavi and Katsav made the proposal to buy the rights to Benayoun last week after negotiations for his transfer stumbled over Santander's high asking price and the player himself refused the only offer in line with Santander's demands - a 4 million euro move to FC Moscow.Sources close to Santander said yesterday that Zahavi and Katsav had paid in the region of 3.5 million euros for Benayoun. "I'm not particularly happy with the price, especially considering FC Moscow's offer," Huerte said, "but in business you have to make compromises. We have no interest in keeping Benayoun at Santander, and with the money we have received we can bring several players who want to play for the club. The deal is important for both sides. The player will be happy and we can get on with building a new team for next season." With the rights to Benayoun in the hands of Zahavi, one of the king makers of British soccer, a move to the English Premier League could be imminent for Benayoun. The Israel star, who struck nine goals for Santander last season, has been linked with several English clubs, including Newcastle, Liverpool, Tottenham and Bolton Wanderers. Yesterday Benayoun said he expected to know within a few days where he would be playing next season. Huerte for his part said he was no longer interested where the player went. "I don't care what happens with Benayoun. His agents are now responsible for him, and as far as I'm concerned he can spend the season sitting on the beach in Honolulu. The main thing is that they pay up for him." Midfielder Benayoun was linked with a move to United at the back end of last season, but the story dropped from view following a non-performance by the player for Israel against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. And while we're looking for more inbound transfers (and still looking to punt Viana, Butt and Bowyer), Benayoun wouldn't appear to be an obvious target

Ex-Mags: Cumbrian chance for old boy After seeing his Magpies career finally come to an end last week, former toon midfielder Jamie McClen has turned up at league returnees Carlisle United on trial as he seeks to rebuild his career. Already on the books at Brunton Park are two of McClen's former team mates from his days as a Newcastle junior and reserve - defenders David Beharall and Paul Arnison. McClen made his bow for the Cumbrians on Tuesday in a friendly against Bishop Auckland at Shildon, Carlisle running out 5-1 winners. Leaving the North West though, at least on a temporary basis, is Mark Boyd - another former Newcastle reserve midfielder who also played for Carlisle. And after guesting in a friendly for Shamrock Rovers in Ireland last week (along with another ex-Mag Ryan McGuffie), Boyd is one of a number of Gretna players linking up with Scarborough for pre-season training. Finally Leeds have announced that they will not be taking free agent Keith Gillespie on their pre-season tour, after the former Magpie failed to impress in training. Paraffin grappling: Seaburn casual-ties Stars gathered on Wearside Under the headline "Ex SAFC player arrested", the Sunderland Echo reported on Monday that: TWO former Sunderland stars were involved in a drunken brawl after a gala dinner to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the supporters' association. Fans' favourite Richard Ord was arrested and spent the night in the cells and former striker Phil Gray needed hospital treatment after the fracas. Ord, 35, was arrested and cautioned for being drunk and disorderly after he and Gray were caught up in a fight outside their seafront hotel. The pair had been among a host of former stars who were guests of honour at the 40th anniversary party of Sunderland Supporters' Association on Friday night at the Stadium of Light. Trouble flared after drunken Gray was rapped by fans who attended the £40-a-ticket celebration for talking as player of the century Charlie Hurley was giving a speech. He had to be restrained by another ex-player, Kevin Ball, after an argument with fans escalated into a row. Security had to be called as ex-players tried to calm down the former Northern Ireland international at the party attended by 400 loyal supporters from across the country. Gray and Ord eventually left the party after 1am – but were then involved in a row with a group of fans who had been at the celebration outside their hotel. But fans' favourite Ord, known as Dickie, was arrested after the fracas outside the Marriott Hotel in Seaburn. Ord today said he believed the fight had started with a group who had been arguing with Gray at the event and had set upon his friend "like maniacs" as wives Sonia Ord and Lisa Gray looked on in horror. Gray, 37, was taken to hospital for treatment to his ear after one of the the group had tried to bite it off. Ord said he had phoned the police but the gang fled before officers arrived and he had been arrested. He said today he wished he had not accepted a police caution and said a great night had been ruined by the thugs. He said: "Phil had an argument at the stadium where we had this do. When we came out of the taxi they've been waiting for him. "There were seven or eight of them and they've jumped on him like maniacs – biting his ear off Tyson-like. "By the time the police came they had scarpered. The police came in and saw me and victimised me, put me straight into cuffs without waiting for an explanation. "It was a tremendous night. It was nice to see some old friends. "It's just been spoiled by some idiots and the police. I'm disgusted by the whole thing." Inspector David Lowery said: "I can confirm that a man named Richard Ord was arrested outside the Marriott Hotel. "We received a call at around 1.07am from the night porter saying there was a fight involving three or four males outside the hotel. "When officers arrived they found there was a disturbance near the main reception area and Mr Ord was arrested for being drunk and disorderly. He was later cautioned and released." Ord added: "I've never been arrested or in trouble in my life. "It wasn't a nice experience and I just wanted to get out." George Forster, chairman of Sunderland Supporters Association, said: "I'm just very cross, and sad, about the whole thing." The bling's the thing: HOW MUCH? From the Sun a line which also appeared in the News of the World at the weekend: Souey’s faith in Dyer, 26, has been reflected by the offer of a new megabucks four-year deal worth £80,000 a week — a £20,000-a-week pay rise — to the former Ipswich star. Dyer, who hit four league goals last term, is expected to sign the new agreement ahead of his side’s InterToto Cup showdown with Slovenians FK Dubnica next weekend. Now that's a thumping pay rise, as Lee Bowyer might say, although perhaps the little waster is still suffering as a result of the altercation with his colleague in April - and that bang on the head has made him think he's Stevie Gerrard. Incoming: No Dutch decision Fansites of Dutch side Den Haag carried stories over the weekend claiming that Newcastle had agreed to sign their young goalkeeper Tim Krul (pictured). However while we can confirm that the lad has been given the once over by United, talk of a contract is premature at the moment. The Dutch youth international turned 17 in April and is said to be out of contract at the club following his failure to sign on pro terms after the expiry of his apprentice contract. From what is being reported in the Netherlands this sounds like it could be a re-run of the Charles N'Zogbia and Le Havre situation which is currently being looked at by the Court of Arbitration for Sport. No confirmation of this story as yet from either club, but if it's true then this could well be the first player that has joined us upon the recommendation of Ray Clarke. The former Magpies striker is based in the Hague with responsibility for assessing continental signing prospects, having joined Newcastle's staff in November 2004. Krul is the current goalkeeper for the Dutch U17 side and took part in a qualifying tournament earlier this year in Italy, when the Dutch reached the final to seal their place at the World U17 Championships. These take place in Peru next September. Reserves: Kit Kat contest cancelled? Latest updates on the York City website suggest that our proposed friendly match at the renamed Kit Kat Crescent will now not take place. The Minstermen are hosting Sheffield Wednesday in early August and all mention of the Newcastle game has now been expunged. Newcastle are yet to confirm their pre- season programme but we've heard tell oft the following games from a variety of sources: Thu 21.07.05 Hartlepool (h) @ tbc, Little Benton Sat 23.07.05 Hebburn Town (a) @ 2pm, Sports Ground, North Drive Mon 25.07.05 Billingham Synthonia (a) @ 7.30pm, Central Avenue. Tue 26.07.05 Pickering Town (a) @ 7pm, Recreation Club, Mill Lane Fri 29.07.05 Hartlepool United (a) @ 7pm, Victoria Park. Fri 29.07.05 Blyth Spartans (a) @ 7.30pm, Croft Park Tue 09.08.05 Esh Winning (a) 7.30pm @ West Terrace Ground, Waterhouses All games expect the Billingham and Hartlepool away ones are nominally Academy games. The academy are also advertised as sending teams to pre-season tournaments in both Northern Ireland (Coleraine) and Germany (Oberndorf.) Bottom line: Non-disclosure Darren Ambrose's move to Charlton is the sixth major departure of the close season and it also became the fourth transfer with an undisclosed fee: Departing: Patrick Kluivert Valencia Left Aaron Hughes Aston Villa TBC Andy O'Brien Portsmouth £2m Laurent Robert Portsmouth TBC Craig Bellamy Blackburn Rov TBC Darren Ambrose Charlton Ath TBC And these players cost us: Patrick Kluivert Barcelona Free Aaron Hughes Youth n/a Andy O'Brien Bradford £2m Laurent Robert PSG £9.5m Craig Bellamy Coventry £6m Darren Ambrose Ipswich £1m(+£1.5m) So, for a £20m outlay what have we got in return? Our best guesses put the incoming fees at around £10m (Hughes £1m, O'Brien £2m, Robert £1m, Bellamy £4m, Ambrose £1.5m). True, we got some games and goals in return but perhaps the further millions going into their pockets as wages arguably paid for those. It's a fair assumption that when we bought Jonathan Woodgate in January 2003, he was brought in with prospective Champions League money. However, after being knocked out in the qualifiers by Partizan Belgrade, the transfer fund was probably in negative equity. From then, Bobby was only allowed to buy Ambrose (£1m + £1.5m), Milner (£3.6m + £1.4m), Butt (£2m) and Carr (£2m), while he offloaded Cort (£2m), Solano (£1.5m), LuaLua (£1.75m) and Speed (£0.75m). In summary, post-Woodgate we paid out £8.6m (with a further £2.9m deferred) and received £6m. So, when Woodgate was offloaded to Real Madrid for £13.4m a fair amount of that went towards the overdraft (or did it? see below*). Of course, there was season ticket money and European dosh in the fund but suddenly we were able to bid around £25m for Wayne Rooney. So far, Graeme Souness has been given £17.5m of that to spend on Babayaro (£1m), Boumsong (£8m), Faye (£2m) and Parker (£6.5m) while bringing in about £10m with this summer's sales. So does that mean we still have plenty of the "Rooney" money left to spend plus whatever is made available from this year's season ticket sales? By our reckoning, that leaves plenty of scope for bringing in five or six good quality replacements for those recently offloaded. However, it seems highly likely that we'll be starting this season's campaign with a smaller squad than the one that limped to the end of 2004-05. That seems a very peculiar transfer policy. * It's never been revealed precisely how much of the Woodgate transfer money has actually been paid - it seems likely though that we have only received partial payment so far and the player will need to return to playing action (or retire) before we see any more Madrid moolah. And if that is the case, does that explain our interest in Owen and/or Figo - with at least part of the transfer fee for either arrival being in settlement of the Woodgate deal? Speaking of Woodgate, he is now finally back in full time training with Real Madrid and taking part in pre-season with the rest of his colleagues as he looks set to make his much-delayed debut. However his fitness is not at a level where he was included in the Madrid squad that is playing pre-season games in the USA and Far East, Woody being left behind to continue his training. He's barely recognisable these days though, having apparently gone in for the Robinson Crusoe look. 2005/06: It's started Across the UK on Saturday tired limbs were warmed up once again, as pre-season preparations began in earnest for many sides. And there's a host of local games over the coming weeks for football-starved fans to get their fix at, including: Wed 13th July Swarland FC v Bedlington Terriers (The Billingham Synthonia v Falkirk game has been cancelled due to the death of a Falkirk player in an accident at the weekend.) Fri 15th July Brandon United v Elgin City Billingham Town v Cowdenbeath North Shields v Whitley Bay Sat 16th July Ashington v Cowdenbeath Bedlington Terriers v Kennek Ryhope Billingham Town v Elgin City Crook Town v Morpeth Town Darlington R.A. v West Auckland Town Newcastle Benfield v Spittal Rovers Prudhoe Town v Walker Central Whitley Bay v Woodford United (The Durham City v Falkirk game has been cancelled due to the death of a Falkirk player in an accident at the weekend.) Sun 17th July Northallerton Town v Elgin City Tue 19th July Billingham Town v Hartlepool United Blyth Spartans v Morpeth Town North Shields v Dunston Fed Wed 20th July Ashington v Gateshead Bedlington Terriers v Walker Central Fri 22nd July Crook Town v Darlington Shildon v Bishop Auckland (later games to follow) Updates, kickoff times and ground directions can be found at the: Northern League Club website

Dyer lands new deal Jul 13 2005 By John Gibson, The Evening Chronicle Bad boy Kieron Dyer's rehabilitation has been completed after he agreed a new four-year deal at Newcastle United. Far from facing an inglorious exit, Dyer will be the key in a new-look United team fashioned by Graeme Souness - a 4-3-3 formation will see Dyer on the right, skipper Alan Shearer in the centre, and hopefully Luis Boa Morte on the left. Chairman Freddy Shepherd admitted today that he has embarked on a deliberate policy of clearing the trouble-makers out of United's dressing-room. Craig Bellamy and Laurent Robert have already gone and Lee Bowyer, who was involved in an amazing fist fight on the pitch with Dyer towards the end of last season, will follow them. "Dyer's contract is all agreed," Shepherd told me. "Both we and the player are happy. Now it's just a matter of checking legal and tax details before it's signed." Dyer's comeback from a dire reputation to the darling of hard man Souness who will build his side around him is startling. "It's true that we've adopted a policy of deliberately looking for the right characters when we've signed this summer," said United's supremo. "We must admit to buying players with an awful lot of baggage in the past. Even Bobby Robson would admit to that. He had big trouble with Laurent Robert and Kieron Dyer." Shepherd called Bowyer's fight with Dyer as "my lowest point and the lowest point for the club. That sort of thing cannot be accepted. It has to be put right". There's no doubt that it has spelled the end for Bowyer, who was seen as the guilty party. Shepherd revealed that, with Scott Parker and Emre through the door, United will step up their transfer activity and buy a striker, a left-sided attacker with Boa Morte in the frame, and a central defender - even more crucial now following Titus Bramble's unfortunate injury and with Andy O'Brien and Aaron Hughes sold. "Everyone wants a striker who can score goals and we're no exception," said Shepherd. "However, I do believe we'll get one. Remember there are still seven weeks to go before the transfer window is closed." The idea with Emre was that, once everything was completed at this end, he'll go back to Milan to get his personal belongings and wait while Newcastle apply for a work permit. The club cannot do that with the player concerned in this country.

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