Club correspondence: Season ticket second chance Season ticket holders from last season who chose not to renew for 2005/06 have been written to by the club and given a second deadline of Noon on Monday June 27th to get their application forms in. After that, those seats unclaimed will then be made available for "new and existing applicants to move or buy additional or new seats."

Playing cat and mouse Jun 21 2005 By Alan Oliver, The Evening Chronicle Newcastle United will not be rushed into meeting the pay demands of Portuguese superstar Luis Figo. But Graeme Souness still wants to bring the 32-year-old midfielder from Real Madrid to Tyneside. Figo is no longer an automatic choice at the Bernabeu Stadium and Real Madrid are ready to allow him to leave on a free. This will be balanced by Figo's demands that he is paid £90,000 a week in wages, which would amount to £4.6m for just one season at St James' Park. The former Barcelona winger (pictured) has made it clear that he wants to finish his career in the Premiership and Souness is keen to have him. But with Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal showing no interest, United know that no other club in the Premiership will pay Figo £4.6m a season. That's why they are hanging back but still hanging in there for the former World Player of the Year. United would give Figo a 12- month deal with both parties having the option of another couple of years. This, of course, is similar to the deal which brought Patrick Kluivert to St James' Park from Barcelona exactly 12 months ago. Kluivert did not last the course but I must say that Figo would appear to have a better attitude than the Dutch striker. Meanwhile, United are suddenly keeping an eye on Goodison Park and what is happening with Everton. It looks as though David Moyes has stopped fighting United for Turkish international Emre and is now looking closely at the Craig Bellamy situation. It's only 13 days until Bellamy will be expected to report for training with United along with Hugo Viana. That's a situation which neither Bellamy nor Viana - nor indeed United - want and I would be surprised if it happened. There is talk in Port- ugal of Benfica showing an interest in Bellamy, but even though I get the the impression that the Welsh international would love to go abroad I don't think there is much chance of him going to cash-strapped Lisbon. But there is a chance that Lee Bowyer could still end up in Birmingham - with Aston Villa. Bowyer is not one of David O'Leary's top targets, but I understand that he would still take a player he had under him at Leeds United providing he got him on the cheap.

Fright forces Bowyer's hand Jun 22 2005 By Paul Gilder, The Journal Lee Bowyer's future was plunged into fresh doubt last night as Birmingham claimed the Newcastle midfielder had been too scared to move to St Andrew's because he feared he would not be safe in the West Midlands. And with Blues officials insisting that the midfielder has told them he will only leave St James's Park if he can clinch a move to either London or, strangely, France, United's hopes of offloading Bowyer are looking slim. Steve Bruce had been confident of persuading the 28-year-old to change his mind after the online protests of City supporters led Bowyer to reject his initial advances last week. Further discussions were held between the two parties over the weekend. But, after Birmingham accepted defeat in their efforts last night, the club's co-owner, David Sullivan insisted the player's worries about his personal safety had been at the forefront of his final decision. "When he spoke to Steve right at the start, his first question was `what about the big Asian population in Birmingham?'" explained Sullivan of a player who was acquitted of all charges in relation to an alleged attack on an Asian student in Leeds four years ago. We thought Steve had talked him around that one, but it became clear it was still an issue. He was genuinely worried that one night there would be 10 Asians waiting outside his house ready to kick seven bells out of him. "We will battle on. We gave it our best shot and we have lost this round, but there are still others to come. We will just have to go out and find a better player. We're not going to beg if someone clearly doesn't want to join us." David O'Leary last night distanced himself from reports suggesting he is keen to lure Bowyer to Aston Villa. And, although Charlton have been linked with a move for their former player, a lack of firm interest in the controversial midfielder - coupled with his own thoughts on what would represent an attractive transfer - mean he could well return to the North-East for the start of pre-season training in just under two weeks' time. "He told us yesterday that he would only leave Newcastle if a London club came in for him - or one from France," said Sullivan. "Why France? Apparently he likes it (there) and believes that he could live quite anonymously over there." Bowyer's representatives - when contacted by The Journal last night - refused to comment on the matter and would not discuss the player's reasons for turning down Birmingham. The Blues were understood to have agreed to match his £38,000-a-week salary after a bid in the region of £1m was accepted. O'Leary described suggestions that he is keen on Bowyer as "absolute rubbish." Meanwhile, Graeme Souness last night confirmed that he is interested in Real Madrid's Luis Figo but, with the Portuguese's current wages standing at around £4.6m a season, it remains to be seen whether a deal acceptable to both sides can be struck.

Anger as Carver makes way for Roeder Jun 22 2005 By Luke Edwards, The Journal Glenn Roeder was last night handed the task of grooming Newcastle's stars of the future as a devastated John Carver saw his long association with St James's Park come to a sad end. Sir Bobby Robson's former right-hand man departed yesterday following a restructuring of United's youth set-up in which his post as Academy director was abolished. A new position - Academy manager - has been created and filled by Roeder, the former Magpies skipper who will work closely with Peter Beardsley and Kenny Wharton in nurturing Tyneside's young talent. Carver has left with a bitter taste in his mouth - the 39-year-old is furious his coaching career at his hometown club has been brought to an end in such a manner. Carver was first promoted to the senior coaching staff by Ruud Gullit and remained at Newcastle following Robson's dismissal. But having taken charge of the Premiership fixture which preceded Graeme Souness' takeover - a 3-0 home defeat of Blackburn - he lost his place working with the first-team squad as Dean Saunders, Alan Murray and Phil Boersma were all brought in. Although Carver was appointed as the club's new Academy director, he retained the same salary he had been receiving as assistant manager working under Robson.Thatseems that played a part in United's decision. The Journal understands Carver was offered the chance to remain in a different role on the proviso he took a substantial cut in wages, a suggestion he felt was unacceptable. United insisted the role has been made redundant, but Carver considers his departure to constitute a sacking and is deeply angered. Carver has made no secret of his ambitions in frontline management, but he had made no moves to try to advance his career elsewhere and, contrary to reports, did not talk to Hartlepool regarding a vacancy now been filled by Martin Scott. Where his future now lies remains to be seen. Should Robson ever return to management, a reacqaintance would be likely but the former England boss has been out of the game since leaving Newcastle. The club's restructuring of their youth-team system has left Roeder as the main man at the Academy. The former West Ham boss said last night: "I'm absolutely delighted to have been given this opportunity. "I'm looking forward to unearthing some talented youngsters who I hope will eventually make it into the first team. "This area is undoubtedly one of the true hotbeds of football. I know that from the time I spent here as a player and I'm looking forward greatly to returning to the club in this role. It's a great challenge for me."

Grounded: Who's in the house? Patrick From PA, Thursday: Patrick Kluivert's off-field behaviour has hit the headlines in the past and Valencia have included a clause in his contract which would punish him for any breaches of club discipline. "It is something the club wanted to do and I accepted it because I have nothing to hide, it is a question that is already forgotten," Kluivert said. "I have come to Valencia to score goals and not to go to parties, people are soon going to realise that." Kluivert also feels that the quality of players at Valencia means that he is certain to return to scoring form next season. "If I have signed for Valencia, it is to end the season as top scorer in La Liga. I am going to be surrounded by great players and great passers of the ball and that is going to allow me to score goals," he added. "Valencia has great players such as Pablo Aimar, who can resolve a game in a moment, but above all what has made them strong is that they work as a unit. "The team has a lot of players who offer guarantees and I think we are going to be very strong."

Tackling the big 4-0: Pundit plays on Confirmation from the Wycombe Wanderers website that Rob Lee has agreed to play on for another season with the League Two club. That decision extends his career into a 23rd consecutive season and will take him past his 40th birthday (next February.) Chairboys boss John Gorman said: "He's a very exciting and influential player, there's quite a number of players who can play in the midfield but you need competition in every position. "It's good that Rob wants to play for us because he's a big name. "Obviously his age can't be ignored but he's still very valuable and he showed what a quality player he is during his stay here last season. "He's still very valuable and I'm delighted to keep him." "There will still be times when he's not used and we'll allow him to do some TV work because that's the understanding that we've got. "It's not as similar to what Steve Claridge was doing though as Rob doesn't do as much midweek work. "If I'm not going to use him I'll let him know in time and he can still get the media jobs which, to be fair to him, he's given up to come with us. "He's doing a great job in it and it's probably part of his future which he has to keep alive." "We're lucky to have him and we're delighted to keep him."

Premiership: (or at least until Sky buggers about with it) 2005/06 It's "gunner" be a tough start as we make our final scheduled league visit to Highbury on the opening day of the season - and Arsenal get to wear their new "redcurrant" commemorative strip for the first time in anger. First weekend of games: Arsenal v Newcastle United Aston Villa v Bolton Wanderers Everton v Manchester United Fulham v Birmingham City Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion Middlesbrough v Liverpool Portsmouth v Tottenham Hotspur sunderland v Charlton Athletic West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers Wigan Athletic v Chelsea NUFC 2005/06 NB: All fixture dates subject to change 13.08.05 Arsenal (a) 20.08.05 West Ham United (h) 23.08.05 Bolton Wanderers (a) 27.08.05 Manchester United (h) 10.09.05 Fulham (h) 17.09.05 Blackburn Rovers (a) 24.09.05 Manchester City (h) 01.10.05 Portsmouth (a) 15.10.05 Wigan Athletic (a) 22.10.05 sunderland (h) 29.10.05 West Bromwich Albion (a) 05.11.05 Birmingham City (h) 19.11.05 Chelsea (a) 26.11.05 Everton (a) 03.12.05 Aston Villa (h) 10.12.05 Arsenal (h) 17.12.05 West Ham United (a) 26.12.05 Liverpool (a) 28.12.05 Charlton Athletic (h) 31.12.05 Tottenham Hotspur (a) 02.01.06 Middlesbrough (h) 07.01.06 FAC3 14.01.06 Fulham (a) 21.01.06 Blackburn Rovers (h) 01.02.06 Manchester City (a) 04.02.06 Portsmouth (h) 11.02.06 Aston Villa (a) 25.02.06 Everton (h) 04.03.06 Bolton Wanderers (h) 11.03.06 Manchester United (a) 18.03.06 Liverpool (h) 25.03.06 Charlton Athletic (a) 01.04.06 Tottenham Hotspur (h) 08.04.06 Middlesbrough (a) 15.04.06 Wigan Athletic (h) 17.04.06 sunderland (a) 22.04.06 West Bromwich Albion (h) 29.04.06 Birmingham City (a) 07.05.06 Chelsea (h)

United close in on Emre Jun 23 2005 Newcastle United are confident they can tie up the signing of Turkish international Emre in the next couple of days. Graeme Souness has flown to Turkey for talks with the Inter Milan midfielder and his agent Ahmet Bulut after United agreed a £4m deal with the Italian outfit. The Chronicle reported last night that we believed that the Emre deal was "past the post " and this looks as though it is going to be the case. Everton have a problem with their wages structure and when they realised they could not pay Emre the £60,000-a-week he wants, they dropped out of the chase, leaving the way clear for United. Emre will definitely be playing his football in England next season. The 24-year-old midfielder was due back from holiday today, with Bulut promising a swift answer to the six Barclays Premiership clubs he claims have expressed an interest in signing him. "He is back from holiday today and you will know by tomorrow which team he will be playing for next season," said Bulut. "There are six teams in England who have asked about Emre. Emre is playing next season in England, for sure." Emre has two years left on his contract at the San Siro but played only 19 Serie A games last season and was not involved in the club's Coppa Italia final defeat of Roma after picking up a groin injury. Meanwhile, United are also talking to Figo's representatives but will not pay the Real Madrid midfielder the weekly £90,000 salary he is asking for. United were linked with Spurs' England international Jermain Defoe in London today but if they are to get a striker from White Hart Lane it is likely to be Republic of Ireland international Republic Robbie Keane.

United's Elliott facing pay cut Jun 23 2005 Robbie Elliott faces a swingeing 50% pay cut if he chooses to sign the new deal on offer at St James's Park this summer. Newcastle's popular full-back is expected to commit his immediate future to United when he returns from a family holiday later this month. But The Journal has discovered Elliott's basic salary will be cut by half as the Magpies continue to restructure the club's wage bill ahead of an influx of new faces. It was widely reported earlier this year that the Gosforth-born defender had already signed the 12-month contract which enables him to remain in the North-East. At the time preliminary talks were due to take place, Newcastle manager Graeme Souness waxed lyrical about the player's value to his hometown club on and off the field. And the Scot even suggested Elliott's new deal was a reward for the veteran's decision to play through a painful knee injury - which later required surgery - at a time when United were gripped by a defensive crisis. In fact, a player whose passion for the Magpies' cause has never been called into question must accept a dramatic pay cut or go the same way as friends and colleagues Andy O'Brien and Aaron Hughes in quitting the club he rejoined in 2001. Elliott, keen to develop a career as a fitness coach once he retires as a player, is reluctant to uproot his family and leave Newcastle for a second time. But his decision to delay signing a contract which has been on the table for six weeks is understandable given the revised terms on offer. Elliott must look at the wages United paid into Patrick Kluivert's bank account last season and wonder what - as one of the club's more modest earners - he has done to deserve such a substantial reduction in wages. However, the Magpies would argue that they are simply reacting to this month's Deloitte report on football finances, confirming the steady decline in Premiership salaries, and that their offer to a 31-year-old free agent is fair given the current state of the English market. Elliott, who played 17 Premiership fixtures last season, had always expected to move on this summer as he pondered another frustrating campaign under Sir Bobby Robson 12 months ago. But the former England Under-21 international rediscovered his best form in a black-and-white shirt as Souness attempted to deal with a deepening defensive crisis. And even the emergence of young pretenders Steven Taylor and Peter Ramage did not dampen Elliott's enthusiasm as he returned to the first team squad towards the end of last season. Now a player approaching a 13th season of senior football with Newcastle must make one of the toughest decisions of his 16-year career - and it is unlikely he will choose to end his association with St James's Park, despite the prospect of a hefty pay cut. Southamptonm manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed that Lions coach Sir Clive Woodward will be at St Mary's next season. The club have yet to officially announce the appointment but Redknapp has admitted it is a done deal, although the rugby World Cup-winner's exact role is undecided.

It's Gunner be a tough start Jun 23 2005 Newcastle United could hardly have been given a tougher start to their new season when they go to Highbury to take on Premiership runners-up Arsenal in their opening fixture. Sunderland have been given a home game to celebrate their return to the big time, with Charlton Athletic, who beat them in the 1998 play-offs, at the Stadium on Light on Saturday, August 13. After opening their home campaign with a game against newly-promoted West Ham United, Graeme Souness's side will then have Manchester United as visitors to St James' Park. This is in direct contrast to last season when United did not find themselves up against one of the so-called big boys until Manchester United came to Tyneside in the middle of November. Newcastle do not have a good recent track record against Arsenal in North London. For after finally breaking their London hoodoo just before Christmas 2001, they have lost their last three Premiership matches at Highbury. It's a fair bet that they will have to try and end this disappointing run of defeats in front of Sky's Television cameras as, with Chelsea's visit to new boys Wigan it is the day's most attractive fixture. After going to Arsenal, United have to go to another ground where they have lost three on the bounce - Bolton's Reebok Stadium. The first of four North East derby matches for United will be October 22 when Sunderland arrive at St James' Park. The return is at the Stadium of Light on Easter Monday. United face a hectic time over the Christmas and New Year holidays with four games in eight days from Boxing Day. They are due to play Spurs at White Hart Lane on New Year's Eve, which this year happens to fall on a Saturday. Even with a three o'clock kick-off, United fans would be unable to get back to Tyneside on the train. As a result, United fans can be excused for hoping that the game is switched as it was in similar circumstances in 2001 - that is apart from those supporters who would love to see New Year in at Trafalgar Square. Looking at the end of the season, Chelsea will bring the curtain down on the 2005-06 campaign - just like they did in May. After their opening-day game against Charlton, Sunderland head to Anfield to take on Champions League winners Liverpool on August 20. They then face a midweek home game on August 23 against Manchester City before rounding off the month with a trip to fellow new boys Wigan on August 27. Sunderland go to Stamford Bridge to take on reigning champions Chelsea on September 10, with the return game at the Stadium of Light on January 14. The Christmas programme sees Sunderland play four games in eight days, starting with Bolton at home on Boxing Day. That is followed by a trip to Blackburn on December 28, a New Year's Eve home game against Everton and then away to Fulham on January 2. The Easter programme includes the derby game at home on Easter Monday, preceded by a trip to Manchester United on Saturday, April 15. Other highlights include the Red Devils' visit to Wearside on October 15, a Bonfire Night trip to Arsenal, Liverpool's visit on December 17 and Arsenal's return match at the Stadium of Light on April 29, which is the Black Cats' final home game of the season. Sunderland go to Middlesbrough on September 24 with the return on Wearside on January 31.

Transfers: Emre claims toon deal done Emre - changing his stripes Inter Milan's Turkish international midfielder Emre has confirmed to the media in his native Turkey that he has agreed to become a Newcastle player. Istanbul-based daily newspaper Hurriyet carried quotes on Friday from the player under a headline of: "Emre Newcastle' da" in which the 24 year-old said: "I'm very happy. I'll be joining a big club with tradition." Another newspaper Sabah also carried the same story under a headline of "Adali Emre" or Island Emre - a reference to his moving to the British Isles. The player also confirmed that he'd met former Galatasary boss Souness in Istanbul to seal the deal and had turned down an offer from Fenerbache, as he didn't want to return to his homeland at this stage in his football career.

Emre eyes £4m Newcastle transfer Inter Milan signed Emre in 2001 Turkish international Emre Belozoglu is set to sign for Newcastle on Friday in a reported £4m deal worth £60,000-a-week. The 24-year-old Inter Milan midfielder and his agent Ahmet Bulut have held talks with Graeme Souness in Turkey. Emre's agent said: "Six teams in England are interested in him and he will play there next season for sure. "He is back from holiday and by Friday you will know which team he will be playing for next season." Souness has been tracking the midfielder for some time, with Everton, Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal also reportedly keen. Andrade claims Newcastle want him The field has narrowed to only two, with Emre's £60,000-a-week wages a major stumbling block for Everton, who missed out to Newcastle for the signature of Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker. We need two wingers for next season and as far as I'm aware Emre is not a natural wide player Emre played only 19 Serie A games for Inter last season and missed the two-legged Coppa Italia final after picking up a groin injury. Newcastle have stepped up their close-season team-building plans, having shipped both Andy O'Brien and Laurent Robert out to Portsmouth. Deportivo La Coruna defender Jorge Andrade claims that Newcastle are interested in him, while Souness has also admitted an interest in bringing Real Madrid's Portuguese star Luis Figo to St James Park.

Robson critical of Carver sacking Carver was Sir Bobby's right-hand man at Newcastle Former Newcastle United manager Sir Bobby Robson believes the club have made a mistake by dismissing academy boss John Carver. Carver - caretaker boss at the Magpies after Robson's sacking last August - left the club after Glenn Roeder was brought into run the academy. Robson told the Daily Mirror: "He's a mighty fine coach. "Newcastle have parted company with a top man. I was sorry to see him go as I know what the club meant to him." Robson added: "He's a Geordie who bled black and white. I always thought that was the type of person they wanted at the club. "If I ever get back into management, the first thing I will do is bring John in as my right-hand man. That's how highly I rate him. "I know he's looking to break into management. I wouldn't hestitate in giving him a glowing reference."