Season shape-up - Newcastle

We look at how sides are gearing up for the new campaign

Last updated: 10th July 2008

Keegan Kevin

Keegan: Difficult to predict

NEWCASTLE TRANSFER ACTIVITY
INS: Jonas Gutierrez (Real Mallorca)
OUTS: David Rozehnal (Lazio, £2.9m), Peter Ramage (QPR, free transfer), Stephen Carr (released), James Troisi (released)

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Predicting the fortunes, activities and actions of Kevin Keegan would likely send Mystic Meg's crystal ball a little cloudy. However, Peter Fraser takes up the task as pre-season begins with changes expected at Newcastle.

What's happened so far

With critics pointing to the need for no-nonsense defenders and workmanlike performers at St James' Park, Keegan recently demonstrated he has lost none of his flair for unexpected entertainment as he completed his first pre-season signing with the capture of explosive winger Jonas Gutierrez.

The lively Argentina international, nicknamed Spiderman on account of his eye-catching goal celebrations, arrives on Tyneside from Real Mallorca on a five-year contract and comes straight out of the David Ginola mould to ensure that, if he fulfils his potential, he is bound to be a hit.

With Keegan returning for his second spell in charge of Newcastle as he replaced former boss Sam Allardyce in January, he was expected to bide his time throughout the New Year transfer window before quickly splashing the cash at the end of the 2007/08 campaign to stamp his mark on his inherited squad.

However, Keegan's only other movements have been towards trimming his less-than-watertight rearguard with David Rozehnal departing for Lazio in a £2.9million move, while fellow defender Peter Ramage left for Queens Park Rangers before the end of last season and attacking full-back Stephen Carr and young Australian winger James Troisi were released.

The above shows Keegan's delivery of a short back and sides to his squad began early, but there has been little in the way of re-growth to leave Newcastle supporters scratching their collective heads.

There will have been few tears shed as Rozehnal headed for Italy, but the Magpies faithful are eager for replacements as the name of West Ham stopper Anton Ferdinand is discussed, while Pascal Chimbonda and Reading's Nicky Shorey could offer reinforcements at full-back.

Elsewhere, there have been rumours that Joey Barton could be sacked for his off-field misdemeanours and Newcastle are keen for talks with the imprisoned midfielder. However Keegan has stood by the one-time England cap and the 25-year-old could be offered the pre-season opportunity to run off his porridge, if he is released early.

What they need

The necessity for solid defenders is more than evident after leaking 65 Premier League goals last season and Keegan will be buoyed by the positive end to contract discussions with star centre-back Steven Taylor, but Newcastle also need assurances at the opposite end of the field.

Michael Owen, who had an uneasy relationship with Keegan at international level, is holding talks with Newcastle over new terms but, with one year remaining on his current deal, for as long as the England striker fails to put pen-to-paper, speculation will mount about his future.

And with Arsenal reportedly sniffing around Obafemi Martins, and Shola Ameobi expected to move on, a new striker is likely to be high on Keegan's wish-list as doubts about the season-long fitness of Mark Viduka continue.

In midfield, James Milner is thought to be a target of Liverpool, while Republic of Ireland winger Damien Duff is set to leave, but in Gutierrez Newcastle already have a perfect replacement for either player.

Therefore, the age of Nicky Butt combined with queries about Barton's future and Alan Smith's discomfort in a deeper role, make a holding central midfielder a priority to play alongside the improving Geremi.

Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson has been offered as a possible target, while Real Madrid's Julio Baptista has also been mentioned, but neither possesses the defensive qualities Newcastle appear to require.

What they'll get

At previous clubs Keegan has tended to reassure himself with tried and tested players from his past but, with a moustachioed Phillipe Albert unlikely to be tempted out of retirement and Richard Dunne committed to a new deal at Manchester City, Rangers star Carlos Cuellar would be an option.

Russian full-back Yuri Zhirkov is thought to have caught the eye at Euro 2008, but CSKA Moscow's £10million asking price could prove a little steep and Croatian Danijel Pranjic, Shorey or Chimbonda would be a more frugal choice.

Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon has struggled for first-team opportunities at White Hart Lane and is another likely arrival following the scouting work of southern-based executive director Dennis Wise, while Udinese's Switzerland international Gokhan Inler and Rosenborg playmaker Per Ciljan Skjelbred could provide midfield stability and creativity.

In attack, there has been furious back-pedalling following Euro 2008 flops from Germany striker Mario Gomez and France forward Bafetimbi Gomis, while Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen has been cited in passing.

However, the likely arrival is 20-year-old Basel forward Eren Derdiyok, who represented Switzerland at this summer's European Championship, and the lofty frontman could prove a perfect foil for either Owen or Martins.

Fan's view - Tom Robinson

I think If Newcastle can sign Pablo Aimar, Carlos Cuellar and get a two-footed full-back to cover for Beye and Enrique then we could be in business. We also need a good defensive midfielder as Nicky Butt isn't going to keep going forever.

I'd also like to see Keegan sign a decent striker to cover for the Three Musketeers up front (Owen, Martins and Viduka) then we'll have an alright chance of getting top 6 next season, most likely top 8.

The season after that we can go even higher, possibly even challenge for that champions league place that we used to occupy.

What do you think of Newcastle's transfer progress so far? Let us know using the form below.

Comments

Garry Hind (Newcastle United fan) says...

In Keegan whatever happens things will always be exciting we may not have done much in the transfer market but be rest assured with Keegan there will always be exciting & flare players arrive as in Spiderman Keegans intentions are clear & always remember that in football the Geordie would rather loss playing the best football in the world rather than win one nil

Posted 00:31 11th July 2008

Richard Wilson (Newcastle United fan) says...

First of all I can not believe a Man Utd fan actually said something complimentery regarding newcastle Utd (first time for everything I suppose) I agree that we must add to the engine room of our team, but I disagree that we need anyone up front. Contary to belief we have three geniune world class performers in Owen, Martins and Viduka (if he can lose two stone like Mido). If these three stay fit our front line is top class, it is a big if though. We desperately need a creative midfielder and a talented centre back to give Taylor/ Faye a touch a class. A lot of people have told me that we are in fact the team who have put the mystery £24 million bid in for Arshavin, although I couldn't see him coming in a million years, it sounds very familar to a situation when a certain Michael Owen signed for us, I remember saying 'there is no way he is coming' then everybody got priced out of the market and Newcastle were the only ones left vying for his signature. I can't see it happening but I would absolutely love it if it did, come on KK work your magic. Alternatively Moutinho from sporting would be a brilliant addition, another unrealistic suggestion, but im optinistic what can I say!

Posted 22:48 10th July 2008

Jake Roader (Newcastle United fan) says...

We have one of the smallest squads in the premiership KK says we need 2 or 3 quality players but actually we need 1 RB, 2CB, 1 LB, 2 CM 1LM and 1 striker. I dont no where we are going to get the money from because greedy man ashley is tight like that.

Posted 21:10 10th July 2008

Daz M (Newcastle United fan) says...

Wondering why KK hasnt made anymore buys yet, hope mike ashley will give him the funds we need to try and push for top 8 finish this year, a think its clear to see that we need a centre back who is hungry to impress in the prem. a think Carlos Cuellar would be a quality buy, seen him play a few times and have been very impressed, and ive heard that we have made a bid for that larsson, what is he going to add to our already poor midfield, the fans want an attacking midfielder and pablo aimar could be just what weve been looking for, a dont think we need to add to the strike force as hopefully KK will give andy carrol a run about this season, he would be perfect for owen or martins with his height and power, hopefully KK will bring in a couple players before the season. c'mon on the toon!

Posted 07:16 10th July 2008

Jack Paveley (Newcastle United fan) says...

I think we must sign Pablo Aimar. We need quality players, not five half-decent ones. Do not sell martins or owen or, for that matter, anyone else. If we stick with the squad we have now i can only see us finishing top half. If we get quality players in, a CB, CM, striker and LB, then we will have a good chance of finishing top eight top six. Hopefully we will get Carlos Cuellar, Pablo Aimar, possibly that young swiss striker we've been chasing, cant remember his name, and as a LB nicky shorey. we get those, we'll be sorted for next season. although kevin keegan is unpredictable in the transfer market, however i have full faith in him. Howay the Toon!!!

Posted 04:20 10th July 2008

Ian Laws (Newcastle United fan) says...

Well, i do believe that the perceived lack of transfer activity is actually on purpose. Too many times have we went in for players only for it to be shouted out by the press, the club itself have acknowledged this in the past as well. I trust the owner, and i trust keegan of course. Wait and see is the 'buzz term' i guess.

Posted 00:43 10th July 2008

Nick Lim (Newcastle United fan) says...

Hope that King Kevin can get a good left back and also a left footer player or doing like what some clubs do recruit in Youth players. Sack Barton & get 1 or 2 players who had play in Euro 08 eg German or Turkey players

Posted 00:03 10th July 2008

Stephen Morrison (Newcastle United fan) says...

Newcastle fans are in limbo right now, they dont know whether they are coming or going?! I wish M ashley would either commit to the furure of the team and club or sell up, so that somebody can support Keegan in the transfer market!! He thinks by cutting the wages and riddin the club of its stars will prove financially beneficial to the long term of the club, however i strongly disagree!! Which players sell shirts, seats and excite the fans?? Its the owen's, Shearer's etc and they dont come cheap!! We need commitement and we need players, these are the two facts that need to be looked at!! Platers we should sign are, Riquelme, Aimar, Arda Turan, J A reyes, E Gudjonsen, C Cuellar, and king kev to work that magic, thats how to re-egnite the toon army!! Cmon the TOON!!!

Posted 23:04 9th July 2008

Michael D (Newcastle United fan) says...

We definately need to sort this defence out, a new centre back with really quality, we also need new full backs one on either side. midfield we need someone to replace butt. Aimar highly unlikely in my opinion but he is a hopefull. Keegan should look at the small squads from the euro championships who would enjoy playing football for newcastle and wear there top in pride like steven taylor not like michael owen!!!

Posted 22:45 9th July 2008

Keir Mcclelland (Manchester United fan) says...

I really dont understand some of these comments saying newcastle cant get into europe this season . under sam allardyce newcasle were very poor, relegation material but afer half a dozen games under keegan things started to turn around goals were scored and an unbeaten run came. yes some changes need to be made, joey barton is a loose cannon 2 quick solid defenders are needed, 1 box 2 box midfeilder and a tall clinical forward pavlyuchenko was one of the best srikers at euro 08 and newcastle need that kind of striker ! about 2 months left of the transfer window Ive nevr seen gutterez in action if the few extra players mentioned are added and the quality players already there stay and play to there potential theres no reason why newcastle cant make a massive improvement on last year they will have more quality than everton, portsmouth, blackburn, west ham and villa if they add 3 or 4 new faces. I think spurs under Ramos will push the top 4 so Newcastle could definately push for the eufa cup, people forget what keegan's done so far and newcastle should be confident of a far far better season considering when he took over they were jus outside the relegation places

Posted 22:35 9th July 2008

Paul T (Newcastle United fan) says...

I would love to see Aimar and Millito at Newcastle, but i doubt it will happen. A replacement for Nicky Butt is definately needed, I would have liked to see Engelaar being brought in but I heard hes already been signed by Schalke? Toulalon would be a good signing as well. A striker needs to come in to replace Viduka, possibly Zigic. An experienced centre back to help Steven Taylor out would be nice as well. Come on the Toon!

Posted 22:01 9th July 2008

Harry Mccarthy (Newcastle United fan) says...

We need to give transfer funds to keegan we need defensive cover and mark viduka is out and we need a striker and a good midfielder because nicky butt is not 26 . Gutterez is a good singing and he is in the argentina squad we need more players we are small and injuries have been bad for us over the years we need to have a lucky run with injuries and aim for safety.

Posted 15:47 9th July 2008

Steven Sinclair (Newcastle United fan) says...

The Europe days are over. I've been optimistic every year except this one. Now we can thank Mike Ashley for that. His penny saving ways have decreased our chances by far. This man wants success without a price, I hate to say this but were is Freddy Shepherd? We were in Europe two years ago and now we only have a better chance than Fulham. I doubt any more players will come, maybe one or two more to this overfilled team. Aim for next season: DO NOT GET RELEGATED.

Posted 14:53 9th July 2008

Peter Hirst (Newcastle United fan) says...

Iam becoming increasingly worried in our lack or transfer activity, especially when the clubs we are supposed to be competing with on the field are spending alot more off it. Pompey signing Crouch, Villa getting Sidwell, Spurs with the signing of Modric. My only hope is that KK knows exactly what he is doing, no one expected the arrival of Spiderman Guitierez, until he had signed.

Posted 14:50 9th July 2008

Adam Cooper (Newcastle United fan) says...

We desperatey need 2 central midfielders (1 creative, 1 defensive) preferably Lucho Gonzalez and Pedro Morales from universidad catolica or sum1 in Chile, he was immense in the toulon tournament in may/june. Very creative with lots of flair and abilty. Jonny Evans would be a great buy although he's played 4 the mackems, and a target man striker such as Pavlyuchenko from spartak. Top ten easy with these additions

Posted 11:09 9th July 2008

Nick Boner (Sunderland fan) says...

Talking rubbish as usual, Newcastle will NOT finish in the top half this coming season the reason being they just arent good enough. Certainly wont be challenging top 4 and with the quality of players already at the club and signings being made by Everton, Villa, Man City, Tottenham and Portsmouth. Newcastle are looking like it will be more of the same this season and I have to say Mike Ashley is to blame, he looks as though he has no ambition and unwilling to spend the kind of money Newcastle need to push back up amongst the big boys

Posted 10:43 9th July 2008

Jason Murray (Newcastle United fan) says...

We are going to face relegation if no new arrivals. That Spiderman will disappoint as he is not the creative player we need. Definitely not a Ginola, more like a Lee Bowyer.

Posted 10:22 9th July 2008

Clive Howard (Newcastle United fan) says...

As Keegan arrived in the last transfef window he suggested two or three would come in to strengthen the squad ........ it didn't happen. As we approach mid July 1 in and 4 out aint looking good with Barton a possible 5th. Keegan is magic but not a magician. If we don't alter what we have got then all we'll get is the same again and that isn't good enough. We need young positive players with pace and committment to the cause not their bank balance, UK players where possible.

Posted 10:22 9th July 2008

James Keen (Middlesbrough fan) says...

I think Newcastle will have a better season than last, but i think to tip them for top 8 is being a bit ambitious. They finished above our lot by a hairs bredth last season, and we were awful. What Newcastle need to understand is that while everyone around them is improving they seem to be standing still. To finish top 8 they've got to surpass the majority of Spurs, Blackburn, Man City, Portsmouth, Villa, Everton, West Ham and keep teams like Boro and Sunderland from overtaking them. Newcastle were poor last year, and seem to be losing more quality than they are gaining... I think they'll possibly manage 10th at best, but more likely they'll be challenging the Boro for that magical 12th spot yet again.

Posted 10:18 9th July 2008

Paul Salvage (Newcastle United fan) says...

I'm very concerned about our lack of activity in the transfer market. Over the last 4-5 yrs we have continually shipped out more players than have had come in, We already have one of the smallest squards in the PL, and with the ever more likely prospect of losing the likes of n'zogbia (wants away) Owen (contract exp) Barton (banged up, soon to be sacked) Duff,martins, milner, ameobi (about to go). As well as the seven that have already left this season in carr, Ramage, babayaro, Emre, pattison, troisi, Rozenhal. I can't help but think we're going to struggle next season, can anyone honestly say that they think we're gonna replace all 14 yes (fourteen players) cause i can't. I'd be very surprised if we replace half that. If the stories that Mike Ashley is looking to cut wages & other cost down are true, and without the lure of european football we are going to find it extremly differcult to buy/attract the calibre of players we need to challage for a top ten spot let alone european. I think at this moment in time, the best we can hope & pray for is that King Kev has something up his sleeve and the reports of Newcastle's transfer kitty of over 50m at the end of the season are still true Hmmmm. Howay the TOON ---XXX---

Posted 10:16 9th July 2008

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