'Geordie messiah' to be unveiled as new United manager

That is how highly regarded Kevin Keegan is among Newcastle United fans. Tyneside has a new manager, and he hopes to bring the club back from all of their recent problems. One thing is for sure: you won’t get boring football from a Keegan team.


The news was dramatic, the 56 year old former Liverpool icon managed Newcastle from 1992 to 1997. Didier Deschamps was strongly linked with the post but the surprise announcement will be welcome at St. James Park. Keegan managed Newcastle to promotion in 1993 and almost won the league in ’96.

Keegan’s last foray into management came with Manchester City in 2005, before that he was England manager and also had a stint at Fulham. Since Keegan left Newcastle 6 managers have taken up the post, all have failed and it’s been 4 decades since Newcastle has won anything.

Former Chelsea player wants Newcastle hotseat

Former Chelsea midfielder, triple Serie A champion, and World Cup winner Didier Deschamps wants to take on the hot seat as Newcastle United manager.

According to his agent Jeannot Werth, no official approach has been made but Deschamps wants to make it clear he wants an interview. This is very similar to how Fabio Capello sounded England out about the national post, and the former Juventus player has emerged as the bookmakers’ odds on favorite to get the job.

Last week Sam Allardyce left the job amid unrest from the Newcastle supporters.
The 39 year old has also been the Juventus manager and is the bookmakers' favourite to succeed Sam Allardyce after it appears the field is very thin on candidates. The only condition that Chairman Chris Mort has place on the new manager is that he must speak English.

While the resume is thin, Deschamps did bring Juventus from forced relegation back into Serie A after a recent match fixing scandal involving a number of clubs and referees.

A second former Chelsea player, Gianfranco Zola has been rumored as being his number two in charge.

Redknapp leaves Portsmouth training early, signs of flight

An official approach has been rumored for 60 year old Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp by Newcastle United, as earlier he drove away from the club’s Eastleigh training base with Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie, fueling speculation of a flight.

The mysterious departure took place around noon and he also cancelled a news conference scheduled for today.

While Redknapp was quoted with the explanation that he was meeting with Storrie regarding a few new players he wanted before the weekend, it is more likely that the meeting was regarding Newcastle. While Redknapp said there had been no contact, the comments came before the noontime exit. Things can change quickly and Redknapp has not ruled himself out.

Curious though:

"Money would not be an issue to me, I wouldn't go anywhere just for the money."

Well, why would he leave Portsmouth, playing better, better players, settled, and a team getting better? A big transfer kitty won’t hurt, but how much more can a club possibly spend before they are actually better?

Redknapp just signed a new contract in October to remain at Portsmouth until 2011. But Newcastle owner Mike Ashley would have to make a huge payout to release Redknapp from his Fratton Park contract.

Big Shock: Big Sam out at Newcastle

Former Bolton manager Sam Allardyce is now the former Newcastle United manager, as the club have announced a parting by “mutual consent”. This makes Big Sam the 8th manager to leave his post this season, almost half the Premiership.

Newcastle currently sit 11th in the Premier League table, which gave Allardyce only 24 games in charge at the club and adds his name to the seemingly endless list of former Newcastle managers. Alan Shearer appears to be in pole position to leave the warm and comfy seat on Match of the Day and take over the reins.

Nigel Pearson, the first team coach, will take charge of the upcoming Premier League game on Saturday with Manchester United. Newcastle just can’t seem to stabilize under any circumstances. The supporters had very high hopes that Allardyce would bring the club around, and I fully expected him to succeed. In fact, if they would have given him more time, he probably would have. Newcastle had lots of problems, but none were unsolvable, the only thing you can’t control is the pressure at a top club and supporters clamoring for something better. They wanted better than the 0-0 FA Cup draw against Stoke.

For a former Newcastle player with no experience in charge, this will be a very big uphill climb if in fact Shearer takes over, one I must say that he probably can’t succeed in. All power to him though, but this is a nut some decent managers have not been able to crack.

Newcastle: you get what you pay for

Sam Allardyce is under pressure at Newcastle United and it appears to be getting worse as it has emerged that one of his expensive signings over the summer will not be returning for at least 3 games. Joey Barton is in trouble again.

Barton was freed from prison earlier this week where he was held on charges of assault. Newcastle paid Manchester City 5.8m pounds for Barton last summer and there is a good chance he may never play for them again.

Barton was initially refused bail by a magistrate and it leaves Newcastle's lawyers to determine if the bail conditions will allow him to play. Why would they want him to? I’m not sure I’d want someone who is likely be a sociopath playing for my club.

Sam Allardyce's magic has disappeared, after all the troubled players he’d brought into Bolton Wanderers it looks like the trouble with Barton will never end. Newcastle have had their share of of notorious characters like Lauren Robert over the years so what did Big Sam do first? Sign Joey Barton.

So Joey spent New Year’s in jail. What a comedy. Just look at his history:

• Beat up Ousmane Dabo
• Assaulted a 15 year old Everton supporter
• Stubbed a cigar out in a youth player's eye
• Showed rear end to Everton crowd during Premiership match

For me, its time to expel Joey Barton from English football. Problems are there to be sorted, he has shown that he just can’t so let him rot in ‘what could have been’ and get into pub fights.

Where will this end for Owen?

It seems like Newcastle striker Michael Owen has an injury magnet attached to his boots because he can't stay on the pitch. Is his body breaking down or just unlucky?

Either way, something has to give. Owen has contributed almost nothing since joining Newcastle and risks becoming the Jonathan Woodgate of strikers.

This time Owen injured a thigh during a friendly with Austria. He's in Germany now for treatment. After paying 16m pounds in a move from Real Madrid, Newcastle have seen very little return on their money. Before this, Owen had a stomach injury, before that it was (I don't remember), and before than a knee injury that saw him miss almost an entire year. Where will this end?

Barton back at it

Joey Barton, the name that is quickly becoming synonymous with troublemaker was back at it again over the weekend when his new club Newcastle drew against Sunderland.

Barton apologized for a dangerous tackle on Sunderland's Dickson Etuhu during the derby match. Dangerous tackle? You mean an attempt at a knockout punch. The wet noodle Football Association has declined to take any action against Barton. The event was not seen by referee Martin Atkinson. If he had it was a certain red card.

Etuhu knew exactly what Barton had done to him and the pair faced off after the incident as the half time whistle blew. Barton not only went in with studs high but with fists.

Barton claims he was simply rusty. Good excuse. Were you rusty when you beat Dabo?

Allardyce: big job means more press

Newspaper reports suggesting that Newcastle owner Mike Ashley are contemplating replacing Sam Allardyce with Blackburn Rovers' manager, Mark Hughes are rubbish and should be ignored. Why Big Sam can't hack the press is another story.

While it has not been the dream start he wanted, after a famous first game win at Bolton, Allardyce has earned the chance to turn the side around and will get it. Why he is going nuts at the press is more a reflection of his own temperament and frustrations than the press itself. He should know by now the press will always stir the pot.

Allardyce should put down the newspaper and accept his higher profile. This is Newcastle's best start to a season for 10 years. I don't imagine that most Newcastle fans or the board expected much better of a start to a season than this. As you might recall, the club had lots of problems to sort out.

Hey, it could be worse. We could all be laughing at his finely groomed moustache.

Newcastle tipped for Barcelona pair

Newcastle United manager Sam Allardyce looks set to keep spending as it appears the club is prepared to sign Barcelona fullback Juliano Belletti and midfield maestro Deco.

The Belletti deal looks much closer to completion for a 2.5m pound fee and a 3 year contract, Allardyce will be travelling to Spain this week to negotiate in person and deal with any of the players concerns.

Deco has only recently been added to the potential deal with Barca following reports from within the Newcastle front office that Deco was highly valued by the club. Newcastle will have to fend off interest from Inter Milan, but that shouldn’t be too hard to do considering how loaded the club is with players and the potential lack of first team football. The rumored offer will be in the region of 8m pounds.

Deco has become a peripheral figure in Barcelona's pre-season preparations.

Newcastle United have made several high-profile signings, Deco could be the one with the highest impact yet, similar to what the signing of Jay Jay Okocha did for Bolton.

Newcastle steamroll

Man, when I saw the Premier League’s day 1 schedule, I felt sorry for Bolton. Getting Newcastle and thus playing a guy that knows your every player inside out could only go one way, and it did.

Sammy Lee looked out of his depth. He was tactically dismantled by Sam Allardyce. Bolton was physically dismantled by Newcastle. Newcastle looks a totally different side than in the last, oh, decade and the North of England may just get to watch some great football again.

Starting for Newcastle was Mark Viduka and Obafemi Martins up front, both preferred to Michael Owen who certainly faces a fight for a place in the starting lineup. New boy Alan Smith was in midfield and the new look defense was on display.

Bolton manager Sammy Lee started with 8 players who were on last year’s books.

It was one way traffic from the start and 2-0 within the first quarter of an hour. Obafemi Martins showed extraordinary agility to score the second with a fantastic overhead kick slammed into the goal -certainly a goal of the month contender.

Soon after, Newcastle made it 3-0 as it started to look like a home game.

At the half Ricardo Vaz Te was substituted in favor of El Hadji Diouf but that was an excuse. Bolton’s back 4 were a shambles, all over the place. Kevin Davis, Mr I always start but can’t score, was useless, but the 20 year old had to take the blame. Bolton were brighter after the half and it could only have been Anelka to get a goal back.

Newcastle gave the best performance from Saturday, Liverpool a close second. Bolton were tied with listless West Ham for the worst. Bolton should bounce back, its a team loaded with experienced professionals and Vaz Te should retain his starting position and be given the chance he deserves.

Big Sam got his dream start. The funny thing is that Newcastle looked like last year’s Bolton, and Bolton like Newcastle. If there were ever an example of how the basics matter at the top level, here it is.

The 50 worst transfers

The Times has put together a list of the 50 worst transfers to the Premiership and to nobody’s surprise, Newcastle United lead the list with 9 of the 50… almost 20%. Pfff. Chelsea go second with 7, most of them pre-Abramovic.

Some names that will bring a laugh:

For Newcastle, how about Stephane Guivarc’h, Hugo Viana, Jon Dahl Tomasson, Faustino Asprilla (I thought he was rather good, though), and Marcelino to name a few. Asprilla, what a talent, but a head case.

For Chelsea, Khalid Boulahrouz, Paul Furlong, Andriy Shevchenko, Adrian Mutu and Robert Fleck appear on the list.

Aston Villa (how they did not include Juan Pablo Angel is beyond me) and Arsenal are not spared their clangers, to see the entire list you can read it here.

Newcastle, Rangers FC part of police raid

Police have raided three Premiership football clubs in connection with a corruption inquiry. St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United is one of the locations targeted. A spokesperson for Rangers FC said Rangers were asked to co-operate with the London police investigation.

Search warrants were executed at the club’s premises, 2 other clubs and two private homes early this morning.

"We can confirm that search warrants were served at three football clubs and the homes of two individuals in connection with corruption in football” -Police

City of London Police conducted the raid operations which they claim were 'totally independent' of Lord Stevens' ongoing Quest inquiry into the Premier League transfer dealings.

Arsenal looking at Martins to replace Henry

Nigerian international Obafemi Martins moved to Newcastle from Inter Milan last summer and scored an impressive 17 goals in his first Premiership season. Arsene Wenger is looking for a replacement for the newly departed Theirry Henry and it looks like Martins fits the bill. Arsenal are prepared to meet the player’s 13m pound buyout clause.

Arsenal have yet to make any formal approach for the striker but it has prompted Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce to urge Obafemi Martins to reject any offer from Arsenal and stay at the club. He plans a sit down with the player at the next possible opportunity.

I doubt it will work. Martins would probably relish the chance to play for Arsenal and after proving himself in the Premiership is well worth the 13m pound buyout clause, especially considering Charlton’s wild overvaluation of Darren Bent.

Should Arsenal be able to make the deal, it would potentially be a saving grace. Martins could be considered a poor man’s Samuel Eto’o as the two have similar attributes. 17 goals in a season with injuries is impressive, and at 22 he has plenty of upside and would come at a much better price.

Geremi set to free transfer

Newcastle United are on the verge of signing Cameroonian international Geremi from Chelsea on a free transfer.

The 28 year old player is versatile being able to play wide both in defense and midfield has been plugging holes for too long at Stamford Bridge and looks set to move as his four year contract is set to expire and a new deal is not being offered. While he made 23 starts he was never considered a serious contender for a starting role, relying on injuries to build his stats. With Paulo Ferreira and Lassana Diarra competing for the right-back spot, chances will be nil. Recall though that Geremi was on Jose Mourinho's very first team sheet at Chelsea.

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce has committed to revamping the club’s defense and will be presenting new defensive signing David Rozenhal later today.

Middlesbrough were considered as a place for Geremi who had spent a season on loan there when he was with Real Madrid, but it appears no interest has emerged, even on a free. Geremi's experience could prove valuable to Allardyce as Newcastle face an uphill climb back to the elite.

Newcastle sign Czech international

Czech international defender David Rozehnal has agreed terms with Newcastle United for a transfer from French club Paris St. Germain.

Newcastle had initial approaches rebuffed, but raised their initial 2m pound bid to about 3m pounds, an offer which was eventually accepted. Borussia Dortmund offered the same amount but the player chose Newcastle over their German rivals. It appears Newcastle’s hand was forced when Tal Ben-Haim chose to join Chelsea.

Borussia Dortmund had been hoping to pull off the signing but pulled out after failing to match the personal terms offered by Newcastle. Sevilla were very closer to derailing the deal with offers of Champions League football and the pedigree of a 2 consecutive UEFA Cup triumphs.

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce though has gotten his man and put money behind his commitment to revamp the Newcastle defense after releasing Titus Bramble, Craig Moore, Oguchi Onyewu and left-back Olivier Bernard.

Rozehnal is due to undergo a medical on Monday before signing a four year contract.

For some reason Newcastle buy Smith

Newcastle United have made an agreement for Manchester United striker Alan Smith to leave Old Trafford in a deal worth around 3.5m pounds, exactly half of the 7m pounds United paid Leeds United for the player just 3 years ago.

Apparently Sam Allardyce failed in an attempt to sign a trio of players at once from United; he wanted to sign defensive pair Wes Brown and Mikael Silvestre as well.

Smith has been assured of a regular place on the pitch at Newcastle under Allardyce. Why, I don’t know. Alan Smith is a useful player but he’s another striker that doesn’t really score goals along the lines of James Beattie, Juan Pablo Angel, Mikael Forsell, and to a large extent Milan Baros. For my money, 3.5m could have been better spent especially as Mark Viduka has joined Newcastle earlier in the season. Maybe Big Sam has plans for Smith that don’t involve his being a striker, ala the extension of the experiment at Manchester.

While Newcastle may have beaten out a few clubs to sign Alan Smith, I am not sure they didn’t just beat themselves in the process.

First 10 million takes him

Chelsea have announced that winger Shaun Wright-Phillips can leave Stamford Bridge for 10m sparking interest from Tottenham, West Ham, Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Failing to impress Jose Mourinho after a 21m pound move from Manchester City 2 years ago, the 25-year-old could serve to generate transfer funds for strengthening other areas of the squad. Selling seems to be the only means for Chelsea as Roman Abramovich's funds have been cutoff for new players as the club has been focused on free transfers.

Tottenham are reported to be keenly interested along with host of other clubs including his previous home at Manchester City. Tottenham are desperate for a left winger, but I think it would be awkward having Lennon and Wright-Phillips on the flanks. Although not noted as a position that size is important, two such diminutive players could see Tottenham outmuscled in midfield. A swap for Chimbonda would be equal value.

Alan Curbishley is also keen after missing out on Darren Bent, as he looks to rebuild his West Ham side after a disastrous season of underperforming players. Flush with cash, West Ham seem to have no problems with the asking price.

Manchester City would be a natural place for Wright-Phillips to return to but the price tag would be steep for a City side in debt.

While Newcastle seem obsessed with a new defense, cash remains for a new winger. Newcastle could be an excellent place for Wright-Phillips, especially with manager Sam Allardyce’s reputation for recuperating careers. In my opinion it’s the best team he could join because there is very little downside for him personally. I also think the cast of Newcastle's players would do Wright-Phillips some good, especially playing with Mark Viduka and Michael Owen.

Personally, I am suprised. Last season Wright-Phillips was on the verge of coming good at Chelsea. I thought he could have had a breakout season next year. To see him being sold means to me that there is indeed no money available.

Names finally emerge in bung inquiry, Newcastle and Bolton worst offenders

Two top flight football managers have been named by the Premiership bung inquiry. Sam Allardyce, when he was at Bolton for conflicts of interest and former Newcastle boss Graeme Souness for inconsistencies in evidence. Additionally Chelsea, Middlesbrough and Portsmouth have been named for having breached transfer regulations.

The clubs will now be facing further investigations from the FA but the report names Newcastle and Bolton are viewed as the most serious offenders.

Also, concerns about 15 agents were raised including Allardyce’s son Craig.

Of the 17 named in the report, four each relate to Newcastle and Bolton: Emre Belozoglu, Jean Alain Boumsong, Amady Faye, Albert Luque at Newcastle and Ali Al-Habsi, Tal Ben Haim, Blessing Kaku, Julio Correia for Bolton. Chelsea score three with Didier Drogba, Petr Cech and Michael Essien. Three also for Portsmouth with Collins Mbesuma, Benjani Mwaruwari, and Aliou Cisse and two to Middlesbrough with Yakubu and Fabio Rochemback.

Notice how every one of those transfers is for a player arriving from another country. Clearly the problem here resides on a lack of regulation at a higher level. The FA plans to send the findings to FIFA, but with a corrupt crony like Sepp Blatter in charge, don’t hold your breath.

The question outstanding for me is who took money?