Despite being in the middle of the no transfers allowed season. there is continuing speculation that major changes will be made in the summer. Major OUT's Seem to centre around Solano to Madrid for a mere #5 million. Ferguson to the Smogies for a mere #5 million (unless galatasaray really do want him for #10m?)and Diddier Domi, who Inter seem more than interested in. Kets looks like he's off to any of the strugling Premiership sides (if we'll take less than a million). Maric looks like he'll get a testimonial at Newcastle after 10 years in the reservesas no one wants him,and the same could be said of our centrebacks , Do we need six average centre halves, will any club be daft enough to take them, Or can RR perform a mirracle with them? Elsewhere it seems that we are not now linked with the Feyenoord thug Bosvelt, but we are after a fair amount of othr midfielders. Garry Brady is being linked with an exchange deal to cash strapped Norwich, We give em Brady and a few thousand and they give us midfielder Daryl powell. Olivier Dacourt still seems to be top of the most wanted midfielders list, although Lee Clarke has put himself into contension by staating "of course I'd love to play for Newcastle again, I was born a Newcastle fan and always will be" Another Newcastle fan Don Hutchinson will also be in the frame as replacement for Rob Lee. Defensively, despite having six centre backs on the booksm, it's likely that Robson will biuld from the back by bringing in another centre half. Barnsleys Chris Morgan has been watched in recent weeks. There could also be a change in goal, although Harper looks likely to stay, there are now mutterings that Shay Given isn't happy with the joint number one status and may fancy a move along with lass to Celtic. With the other three keepers, Karelse, Perez and Martin all set to leave, will Robson go for a number two for Harper and a youngster, or look to bring in a top keeper from overseas as the new number one? Things most alarmingly are a bit quiet on the stikers front. We all know that we need 3 strikers and only have one,(and a part timer) but Newcastle seem to have dropped out of the race for the likes of Van Nistelrooy, Rebrov and even John Carew. Will we have to settle for Eidur Gudjohnson or has Robson someone up his sleave? Have I missed any?

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

Answers

Teamtwaddle last week reported that we were after sa pinto to replace nobby and Peterbrough's young 19 year old keeper. I'm unhappy with Given's number 1 status, at fault for at least 2 golas in the last wek and can't kick for toffee. BRING BACK HARPER.

I think Goma, Howey, Dabizas and Helder are good enough. I'd bring in Hutch or Dacourt, Suker, Camara and me!

Well I'd be cheaper than Maric and I've got hair which is one up on Kets but yes I'm equally pants! BTW Maric is out at the end of te season on a free as his work permit won't be renewed.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

Good summary Rik.
Despite BR professing to be happy with the squad he's got, I suspect there will be quite a few changes in the close season. It seems very likely that Kets, Solano and Maric will be leaving. I'm not sure about Domi. It seems he's fairly happy here, but there seems to be a big difference of opinion between him and BR as to where he should play. If a good offer comes from a major club, like Inter, I would expect him to go.
I wouldn't be too surprised to see DF and Given leave also. Given's had a difficult time here, and IMO is not as good as Harper.
As to targets, BR's been around long enough to keep his cards firmly to his chest, and we'll just have to wait and see; however, I wouldn't be suprised if all the Press speculation proves to be way off the mark. Should be interesting.

BTW Kegsy, although Sylia's work permit will lapse in the summer, to my knowledge that does not necessarily mean he will be given a free transfer. He will still be under Contract to the Toon, who will have to continue paying his extortionate wages even though he can't play. It seems fairly certain he'll leave at a vastly reduced transfer fee, However, if no one is prepared to pay him decent wages, he could elect to simply stay put and collect his wages for doing nowt - no change there then.

-- Anonymous, April 17, 2000

Clarky
It continues to mystify me why Maric can't deliver the goods. It looks like playing out of his skin against us was a one off and he was never really as good as everybody, well most, thought.

I wouldn't be surprised if it's a 'my head hurts' type thing, and he's so s**t scared of breaking his leg again, or whatever the injury was, that he keeps as far from the big lads as he can. In which case, it might be worth forking out a few bob on some kind of therapy - it could save a packet in the long run.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2000

Monday 17th April 2000 Updated 10:18pm BST CZECHS GIVE BERGER HIS CHIPS

FOOTBALL NEWS IN BRIEF Monday, April 17

More FIFA foul-ups FIFA have discovered that one of the officials appointed for Saturdays World Cup qualifying match between South Africa and Lesotho died over five months ago. Assistant referee Boxen Chinangu died in a car accident in November, but FIFA were not imformed.

Vogts to land new Bundesliga job Berti Vogts, who had been strongly linked with the vacant coaching job at Celtic, is in line to take over as the new Borussia Dortmund boss. The 53-year-old had admitted his interest in taking the job in Glasgow, and there have been reports that he held talks with Celtic officials

Berger left out by his country Liverpool pair Patrik Berger and Vladimir Smicer are not in the Czech Republic squad to face Israel in Prague April 26. Berger is suspended for the opening two games of Euro 2000 while striker Smicer was not considered because of an ankle injury. There was only one English- based player named in the squad on Monday afternoon, Sheffield Wednesday goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek

Ipswich defender out for three weeks Blues defender John McGreal is likely to be out for two or three weeks after suffering a recurrence of his right ankle injury on Saturday. McGreal had missed the draw at West Brom and win over Port Vale with the problem, and it flared again after 15 minutes when he landed awkwardly after going up for a header.

Reading say farewell to Kwaakers goalkeeper Reading goalkeeper Peter Van der Kwaak has returned to his native Holland on a free transfer to join second division Go Ahead Eagles. The 31-year-old has been unable to forge a regular first-team place at the Madjeski Stadium since his arrival from Dordrecht 90 in 1998, and spent time on loan at Carlisle earlier this year

Good news for young Wolves Wolves have been granted permission to create a youth academy by the Football Association. The club's youth department, headed by Chris Evans, have been working towards an academy structure for the past two seasons

Friday, April 14

The King backs England Ex-Manchester United hero Eric Cantona has given England his support for their 2006 World Cup bid. Cantona stated that "England is the country of football." They have the best fans in the world and they understand football, which is very important."

Gregory's goal Aston Villa manager John Gregory was due to run the London Marathon. He has been sponsored by Villa players and aims to raise #10,000 for the Alzheimer's Disease Society.

Beck back to Denmark Rams striker Mikkel Beck is returning to Denmark to strengthen the championship claims of top flight side Aalborg BK. The Danish international striker, who completed the second month of a successful loan spell with QPR last Saturday, has joined Aalborg until their season ends on June 2. It's Beck's third loan period of the season following spells with QPR and Forest.

Marsden and Hughes robbed Chris Marsden's goal for Southampton against Bradford last Saturday has been accredited to Bradford's Dean Windass as an own goal by the Premier League. Michael Hughes's strike for Wimbledon against Sunderland on the same day has been accredited as an own goal by Eric Roy.

Borussia sack boss Borussia Dortmund, the 1997 European Cup winners, have sacked manager Bernd Krauss. The Bundesliga team have struggled this season and are currently languishing in the bottom half of the table.

Eintracht Frankfurt's financial relegation German First Division club Eintracht Frankfurt are facing relegation from the division because of financial problems. Do they have anyone we are interested in?

Transfer Spec calling Tre, come in Tre!!

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2000

>>>>>Assistant referee Boxen Chinangu died in a car accident in November, but FIFA were not imformed.

Should still be OK for the Premiership though? In fact I think we have had him in more than one of our matches since November.

-- Anonymous, April 18, 2000

Bobby Robson speaking when confronted by a journo in Portugal refusing to single out who he was tracking, Robson said: Secrecy is the essence of all negotiations."

The master at work! Gullit adopted the same attitude to transfers shame about the rest of his thinking. You get the feeling that serious negotiations are underway and we will not know much about a new signing until the press conference!!

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Most of the media is unreliable anyway. The Ronnie insisted that we ween't signing Gavilan and he had gone back to S America on the very day that Ciara and I spoke to him at the training ground!

BTW, Diego where are you??? We miss your letters home!!

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

BOBBY ROBSON'S Portuguese trip looks to have paid dividends as Fernando Meira, a defender at Vitoria Guimaraes, looks set to make the move to Tyneside, according to reports on the continent. Meira is quite versatile and would fit Robson's need for a defender cum defensive midfielder, the 21-year-old has been a regular in the Guimaraes side this season.

The player has scored twice and been sent off once as he led his side to fifth in Portugal's first division.

Fair enough if he is a defensive midfielder, young enough to formulate the way he plays.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Another defender eh.....Hmmm I place my trust in Bobby....but still....

Kinda indicates (along with bringing Helder in) that he thinks all of the defenders we've got at the club are donkeys :))

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Hopefully, as indicated he'll be a defensive midfielder. Otherwise you are right in thinking RR has no confidence in the present lot.

Article in the Ronnie Gill suggests that Robson has already lost out on two targets as the board are reluctant to relase cash before the end of the financial year (end of July).

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Today's Chronic has BR chomping at the bit to quiz shepherd about 'how much ?' and 'when ?' Apparently he's already dipped out on a couple of signings cos the funds weren't forthcoming.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Does anyone else think we overrate our performances from Speed and Lee? Speed has scored a few goals, above average for a mifielder I imagine.

Lee has worked hard and the two have formed a decent partnership, I can't help feeling other players could make more of an impact. They are very 'in the middle of the park' players. One could make more impact in helping the defence and one could make more of an impact in attack, not just by scoring but by creating.

Controversial I know but..........

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

De Builder,
Two players I would've got shot of at any price were Barton and Speed. I've changed my mind a bit about Barton- at least he doesn't hide and gives it everything all the time, but I still don't rate Speed at all. He can go any time he likes but we'll never get what he cost. Along with a few others.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

IMHO - Lee & Speed are the best in the middle we've got. Lee can't play every game so we need another one of him. Sit in and hold. Play these and you need 3 @ the back with 2 wing backs + a floater a la Gallacher but better.

The Centre backs need sorting - we've too many. Solano can go if we get a good offer. Young Sparrowhawk will do for me. We need a left wing back. We need another class forward (or 2 if DF goes). We need a class goalie to supplement Harper - Given has cost us goals with basic errors.

To summarise :- We take offers on Given, Solano, DF, Domi, 2 Centre Halfs.

We free Maric, Hamilton, Brady, and a few others I've probably forgotten about.

Stick with Dabz & Barton - they're honest squad players and that's worth its weight in gold - see how many games Denis Irwin has played for ManUre and he's no world beater.

Trust YBR - he's signed Ronaldo twice in his time + built good teams at PSV and Barca. He'll sort it.

-- Anonymous, April 19, 2000

Interesting to see you opt for the 3 at the back. Will you play Sparrowhawk as a wing back?

If we get a class defensive midfielder he should be able to do more work than Lee and score a few aswell.

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2000

De Builder

What do you want me say that I haven't already said. I can say what positions need filling just like everyone else and Robson already has. I can offer who I like, which I have done.

Oh well I can't resist.

I have no idea what Robson is thinking in regards to buying another centre back. We have 3 and half who stand out, as Helder was on loan. Dabizas (as I am Loath to admit), Howey and Helder, plus I think Goma has shown enough to keep around. Could we improve on this lot? certainly. Can we afford to, well we haven't bee linked with any very expensive centre halves so I am of the belief that we'll stand pat. Unless of course Robson thinks one of the young Portugese guys is better than what we have, but I wouldn't know.

Hughes deserves to be played in his proper position as well, and I don't think he'll be happy if there are more than four senior centre halves ahead of him next season.

Barton is pants on the right, and many of us believe Griffin has the ability to replace him in time. Most of us wish Pistone would piss off back to Italy. Some of us would like to see Robson show some faith in Domi, but obviouslsy Robson isn't a believer.

We don't really have any bairns coming through back here other than the two Caldwell brothers. The older Steven is likely to be the backbone of the reserves next season, while the Scotish U.21 coach is urging him to try and crack the Newcastle senior squad. His younger brother Gary is believed to be a Top prospect, as as a 17 year old he cracked the reserves this season, and captains the Scotland U.17's.

As for midfield, we have to resolve who is staying first. I am in two minds about Solano leaving, but am leaning towards banking 5 million, which is grossly undervalued. Why? Well I think Dyer needs to spend atleast another season or two out here, before he moves to a central position. Plus Gavilan needs to be given some time here and he won't get much if he has both Solano and Dyer ahead of him.

We need a left winger that is obvious. Who, I have no idea as I don't know many of the world class left wingers, and you do know who I do like.

As for the central positions. Speed isn't good enough to be a starter on a championship challenging squad. Lee has done well, but I think his age has cuaght up with him, and he might be better off rotating in and out of starting to keep him fresh. As to who to bring in. I do like Dacourt, but we may have missed the boat, but Robson will undoubtably bring in a quality player here.

Which leads me to Crystal Palace (and the big smirk on your face). Why? well notice that we aren't being linked to any english lads, and I think we will need a couple. Hayden Mullins has shown he is class in the 1st division, and he is getting a fair amount of attention. He's young enough, 21, to be able to accept being 4th choice for one of the two central positions, and I think he would naturally take over Lee' spot in the course of time.

We do have two 19 year olds, Kerr and Green, in the reserves, who show some promise. Kerr is a right winger and has moved to the bench sine Gavilan arrived, and Green is said to be a fine attacking midfielder.

As for the strikers, Shearer and Ferguson are a start. Most of the big name strikers on the move seem to have already found a home. However, while there has been a lot of talk about Van Nistelrooy, no ones madea move. It could get to the stage over the summer that Bobby has bought his midfielders and any defenders, sold all the riff raff and still has a fair wedge. He might be able to talk PSV into letting the Van Man go a bit cheaper, or convince the board to release some more funds. (Unlikely). Unless of course you count Eidur Gudjohnson from Bolton as a world class striker.

We really don't seem to have any younguns coming through to fill the forth striker spot. Pual Robinson is the only semblance of one and his actions and abilities have been well documented. Michael Chopra is simply to young, 16, to think about at this stage and is still likely 2 years away.

Which takes us back to Crystal Palace and Clinton Morrison. He's way better than Robinson and only a year older. He is also a target of some other EPL clubs. He'd also likely understand being the fourth option. And like I have said he and Mullins would go for less than what they're worth due to Palace's financial position.

Happy ;)

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2000

I quite agree with your suggestions Tre. Money seems to be the problem and I feel RR will go for quality rather than quantity, we can't afford to spend #4 for Morrison and Mullins although I would much rather have them in the squad than the overseas boys.

A sprinkling of overseas talent is the wish!! Gudjohnson coud turn out to be a bargain at #5 million. He looks like he can score the spectacular which always helps. I'd like to see him play for us.

We await..

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2000

I can see Tre's point about Mullins and Morrison being reasonable squad players that we can get fairly cheaply (well for english players anyway!) but I'm not totally convinced that it's squad players we want to be going out and buying..

IMHO what we really lack is a decent midfield and a striker with REAL pace, Morrison's a possibility but I for one am sick of us buying untested players and then letting them bleed us dry when they turn out to be crap!

Quality not quantity....

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2000

I'm more bothered about the inability to get shot of the dead wood. If something doesn't happen soon it could end up that they go only in dribs and drabs as their contracts run out.

Getting rid of them all at the same time would free up a fair wad in wages, which if the board had any brains they'd give to Bobby, no strings attached. But nowt's happening along those lines, and I can't see it picking up once we get into the close season.

Could turn out to be a real millstone - which thinking about it, it already is.

-- Anonymous, April 20, 2000