Sam expects to keep Owen

Allardyce dismisses speculation around England striker

Last updated: 14th December 2007   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sam expects to keep Owen

Allardyce: Owen not expected to move

My squad coming to January is going to be depleted by four players going to the African Nations Cup, and there is no room for me moving any players out of this football club.

Sam Allardyce
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Sam Allardyce believes Michael Owen will be a Newcastle player after the January transfer window.

The former Bolton boss insisted he has had no conversation with Sven Goran Eriksson about the England striker amid continued speculation Manchester City are about to move for him.

However, it is understood that discreet inquiries have been made as to City's intentions with Allardyce knowing Owen's departure would leave him with a gap to fill.

But as he conducted his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Fulham, he was adamant any transfer activity this winter would involve incoming players.

And asked if he had spoken to Eriksson, he replied: "We have not had a conversation regarding Michael Owen.

"It is December, it is speculation time. It is volatile in terms of what is being bandied about throughout the whole of the media world in football.

Speculation

"The speculation goes with agents or anybody ringing you up for whatever reason and mentioning or talking about one particular player, and straight away, you are either going to buy him or another rumour comes around and all of a sudden, you are selling.

"Certainly at this moment in time, my squad coming to January is going to be depleted by four players going to the African Nations Cup, and there is no room for me moving any players out of this football club.

"It is about, if anything, bringing some players in to bolster the squad, not just for the players who are missing for the African Nations, but hopefully, if it is there, to get us better to see us through this season."

Owen is not in the squad for Saturday's game as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury, but could return against Derby next Sunday.

He has managed just 25 appearances for Newcastle since making a £17million move from Real Madrid in August 2005.

Owen has a further 18 months to run on his contract, and will be able to leave St James' Park on a free transfer at the end of next season.

Comments (4)

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Ian Gilmore (Newcastle United fan) says...

The main problem at the moment is not enough flair in midfield,why does Sam keep picking a defensive midfield,it should be N,Zogbia on the left with Enrique at left back,Milner on the right,either Geremi,Butt,Smith or Barton with Emre in the center,lack of pace in midfield and to much pressure on Milner as the only other player apart from Emre who can create chances,Viduka looks to short of pace,Owen is non existant,Ameobi does not hit the mark,again to much pressure on Martins.Go for Crouch or Anelka either could play with Martins.Bad move letting Dyer and Solano go,at least they added flair,creativity and pace.Come on Sam let us attack the opposition instead of trying to defend against them all the time.

Posted 15:58 15th December 2007

Frank Black (Newcastle United fan) says...

Big Sam bought some of the most burlesque men in football when he was at Bolton and consistently improved his squad year in, year out and I dont think it will be any different at toon. The man needs time to stamp his authority on HIS team and train them to play HIS way, then I have no doubt success will follow. He has had to work with boardroom struggles since he came and I think this has to be factored in with any decisions that are made about his future. Give the man time... at least he was honest from the day he came regarding timescales for success which previous managers weren't. He is the only boss that has told the fans te cold hard truth which is we aren't good enough and the foundations aren't in place to get any better, which will take time. Not only is he a great football manager but he also has plenty of business nous!

Posted 14:29 15th December 2007

Chris Russell (Newcastle United fan) says...

George is correct. It will be Sams head on the block if these so called big name players don't pull their fingers out and start and prove their worth, that said, we might see some pretty football if he does go. This club is so deserate for success and eager to please its fickle fans that they feel the need to splash out such exhorbitant fees and wages on has-beens. Maybe that money would be better invested in a professional youth develpment and scouting programme, one that isn't spearheaded by he likes of Lee Clarke. I cant remember a single home grown talent of any quality to come out of Newcastle United since Paul Gascoigne and thats not good enough from a region that has football at its core.

Posted 05:42 15th December 2007

George Hummders (Newcastle United fan) says...

Sell Owen! Most other managers dont want him and the other clubs directors dont want to pay his crazy wages.He has not produced what he said he would in goals or even playing for that matter.Get him of the wage bill. The same with Viduka who is lazy, Barton is not fit enough and sweep clean. Ruthless is the only way. Get rid or go to ruin. That is what will happen to NUFC.So get moving Sam or you will be out in the transfer window. Hope not and haway the Toon.

Posted 14:06 14th December 2007
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