For a poor #5 million.

NUFC PLC claim "It's was his international commitments - at least half a dozen games next season - which persuaded United to sell him."

Any thoughts ?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000

Answers

Is this true? It's appeared on Soccernet, but there was no suporting evidence.

#5m is not a lot for Nobby - but at least he has not gone to Man. U.

If it is true, the effect is difficult to tell. I know he has allegedly created more goals than anybody else in the premiership, but when he's away I do not feel we have missed him - apart from at certain points yesterday.

It may also lead to a more balanced team, as YBR may be more tempted to play Domi from the off?

It would be intersting to compare our form with vs. without Nobby after YBR has arrived - is there a noticable diference? (i.e. it would be interesting if I could arsed to do it ;-))

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000

Yikes, Jay !!! Where did that come from ? And for a paltry 5 Mill ? Can't see anything on the official site.

val.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000

MSN info page linked to soccer net. There has been talk eversince he played while injured in the Gold Cup.

Sounds like he will be away a lot in the next season of so on international duty, so it may be better to form a team without him.

Mind it could also be pure bull. Only time will tell.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000

Great player - great attitude. Rarely loses possesion and gets lots of assists. It would be a shame IF he is on his way BUT as has been mentioned, he is often absent on international duty and this is disruptive to the team. There is also pressure to bring in more stupid rules about restricting foreigners (can you imagine such nonesense in ANY other industry?!) and if that happens then Nobby might be a handicap on occasion (although he is the best of our non European players). Having said that I think he may qualify as European by marriage so I may be talking bollox as usual.

Until I see him sign for someone else he's one of the best in the World and I love him. After that of course, we just don't need him [(-;] and YBR (who walks on water) will spend the funds very well I'm sure.

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000

To quote someone famous....

Until I see him on the pitch holding a Real Madrid shirt for the cameras. I will carry on believing he wants to stay at the Toon.

I mean why would he want to leave such a wonderful place as Newcastle?

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000

Still no confirmation of this story,probably a load of newspaper b****cks, but it won't go away. He's a great player and we miss him when he's not paying, but if he wants to go. He's worth more than 5 million, but as somebody else said at least it's not to Fergies whingers

-- Anonymous, March 26, 2000

This was also reported in the Mail on Sunday - same fee, same supposed reasons. Verdict:

1) "where there's smoke.............!" I reckon he's off.

2) if we can't accept players bogging off for internationals next year, then we better not sign any more internationals. What b/s!

3) #5 million is ridiculous. I'll be very disappointed if the Toon accept less than #7.5 million for him.

4) good player, holds the ball well, uses it intelligently, and undoubtedly gives us something different. We'd miss him, and it would definitely cost more than #5 milion to replace him, like-for-like.

5) be sorry to see him go, but every player has his price - as long as the price is right! #5 million isn't the right price.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2000

how's about a swap for Steve Mcmamamamamanamanan. Bit of a self - confident tw*t, one footed, thinks he's a world beater, right sided midfielder. I can't stand him but I was there the night he murdered us in the crappy cup, scored two. Canny swap you think?

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2000

McManaman ... To: the dodger

Can't make me mind up about this one. It seems Mac is certain to be on his way as he has just hasn't cut the mustard. Can you imagine, Real spent #35 million on Macca and Anelka!!

It seems Real fancy Nobby. So, if BR fancies the Scouser the swap might just be on. He's done s.f.a. for 2 or 3 years, and I have a horrible feeling his Bank balance could be responsible for a lack of motivation. However, he is undoubtedly a very talented player, and the sort who BR might just be able to get to do the biz.

It would be nice if we could also throw Sylia in as a makeweight - Nobs + Maric = MacManamamanaman. Could be, but I have doubts whether YKD and Macca could play in the same team.

-- Anonymous, March 27, 2000