In the Ronnie...that explains Barton at centre half. Thought he was coming good, didn't realise he was just playing for a transfer. Bollocks bollocks bollocks.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Answers

pahhh , domi next ?? :-((

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

I've thought Domi was looking a bit disinterested, too. Well, if they don't want us, they can bog off.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Aye, apparently he's wanted a transfer since August. I think we can take heart that despite this he's played well when he's been fit, so we can expect the same until he goes. Thing is, why does he want away? Marcelino I can understand 'cos he a big girl's blouse, but Goma's well liked and doing OK.

I don't want us to get this Pablo Paz as replacement. No matter how good he is we do not need another 5'10" centre half, yesterday demonstrated that. Hughes isn't big for that position so we need another big 6'+ bloke to cope with the likes of Quinn and Heskey. Any suggestions?

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Don't know, maybe having someone at elbow-height with their bollocks has its advantages...

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Bugger. That's no the news I wanted to wake up to. He and Hughes's partnership has been the one good thing in defence. Bliddy Frogs. Huh.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

What are we doing flogging the likes of Charvet if we know that Goma wants out? When I think that we made up a bleeding song for him, the ungrateful, cad.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Charvet would have been on a Bosman at the end of this season if we hadn't got rid of him, so it's still good business.

Any players north of the border who might be tempted? Ameruso? Anyone we could get from Hibs? I'm not going to suggest Colin Hendry!

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

What was it Dougal? I guess you can change it now to "Vous etes merde, merde, merde. Allez s'encouler vous petit (spit) morceau de merde."? I think I must work on the toon tho!

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Maybe he's changed his mind since August?

He's a regular in the team now. Don't write him off too quickly.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Somehow I get the feeling that clarky knew about this beforehand judging by his mentioning of the MRI scan coming up clear on another thread. Have you been hobnobbing with the Directors again? ;-)

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

The best spin you can put on this is that they want to stir up a great groan from the supporters to show him how highly he is rated, but pulling out on Sunday and Bobby's praise for the walking wounded who played on regardless tells a very different story. This is a real blow.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

The Chronic has it that shephard can't tolerate players who don't want to play for us but 'There will probably be some conciliatory words from Goma in the next few days and he could even withdraw his transfer request'.

Would we want him to ? I think yes.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Goma can-a Go-a Home-a

For the money we've lashed out on him, and the return we've seen, I reckon we'd be better off without. He may well have been playing some better football of late, but I put that down to Hughes who has been the real star and Goma's own desire to show himself for prospective buyers (cue player's dodgy agent).

The only reason he's still here is because of a crisis with defensive cover. Maybe if we get a chunk of the £4.5m back we can look at Helder again. At least he shows bottle.

Nah, f**k it. Goma can f**k right off now. F**k him.

The c&&t.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Freddie Shepherd's right; if they don't want to play, stuff 'em. For me one of the big disappointments this Season has been the form of Domi - he just doesn't look interested. £8 Million for the pair? Yes please.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

with you here rob

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Caldwell and Hughes for the rest of the season sounds good to me.
We're not going to win anything this season and we'd have to try really hard to get relegated. Sell the bastids who don't want to play for us. Take the money.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

I think we should check out Amoruso from Rangers. He played like a god yesterday. I would like to keep Domi, but it seems that he care very little about NUFC.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Have to say that Didier has never ever looked like he was interested in wearing black and white. I saw him at Charlton, where he was ok going forward (albeit with reluctance) but defensively frail.

I'd take Dave's £8 millions for him and his Gaulish compadre and put the hat round for their boat fare.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Sol Campbell's still lookimg to leave Spurs. And we cudda got Hugo Eggy-ogg if t'other Robson hadn't tempted him. Mebbes still could when the Smoggies gaan doon.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Divvent be daft we can't let Domi go, he's the only left back we've got!!

It's a tough one this. We can forget about Campbell and we can't be waiting on Boro to do the decent thing before we go for Ehiogu. Is Southgate still on the transfer list? Richard Rufus was a decent player last time Charlton were up and we were linked with him then. Amaruso can be great or he can be pants, depending on his mood. Helder would be good but isn't he back in the side at Deportivo? I don't suppose there's any chance of getting Upson from Arsenal.

....I know, Darren Peacock's looking for a job! Plus he'd be able to compare hair tips with Cordone.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

And people wonder why we hate the french.....fucking spineless twats....

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Martin - I recall that Centre-Partin does a fair job at lef back, and now that Griffin is making a comeback the blond bombshell has other options. I say give him a stint at LB Wednesday. And I wouldn't miss Domi at all.

The twat.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Disappointed about this as I think Goma has looked good and has built up a decent partnership with Hughes. I was also impressed when he carried on playing despite getting his nose busted early in a game. Wasn't there some story about him falling out with Bobby a couple of months back?

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Sounds like it could be a recycled one to me. I thought Goma was coming good at last, and he did go through 90 minutes with a broken nose. Goma and Hughes at last had the look of a partnership that might work.

BUT, if we want a replacement: I've mentioned him before, but if there's any chance of some grapevine effect meaning somebody at the club looks at him, I'll do it again.

Name: Aleksander Knavs (rhymes with house), Slovenian centre back Currently in Austria but rumoured to have been in contact with Bayern. Young (23/24), strong (played Flo out of the game twice), skilful (brilliant backheeled defence-splitting pass in last international), composed. The next big thing.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Definitely sounds like a dodgy story to me... some of us are saying 'If he doesn't want to play for us, he can f**k off'. Think back to August when he was 5th choice centre back and never seemed as if he would get a game. I bet he was thinking 'If they don't want me to play maybe I should f**k off?'.

Sounds like the Chronic is sh*t stirring. They're already anticipating some reconciliatory words from Goma, of the lines - 'I wanted to leave back in August when I wasn't playing, but I'm in the team now and love being here'.

A professional footballer who wants to play and doesn't want to just hang around picking up a paycheck? Sounds great to me!

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

I don't think we should be painting Domi and Goma with the same brush. It's Goma who says he isn't happy, and if you read back, he never has been happy here. Just one of those things, can't settle too well in England. As far as I'm concerned he's earned his wages at Newcastle, hasn't slagged us or the club off. Just wants to go back to the continent, so let him go, no hard feelings like.

As for Domi , he says he loves it here so lay off him , OR ELSE.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

I think it's a load of crap but if it ain't then I'm with Geordie. Let's play the young 'uns, no sense in spending tons on another defender. Let's take a leaf out of Leeds and Spurs and let the youngsters prove themselves. We rely on the senior players far too much. Time to plan for the future.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

I think it's hust an old storey too, however, If he does want out his money could be put towards Robbie Keane.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Difficult dilema for YBR and Freddie here

Goma states he wants off - but under current transfer scenario who would buy him at £4mill

They have a player who allegedly wants out - and another in our Spanish friend who we want out. £10 million alone in transfer funds without even taking into account the inflated wages the pair have been paid.

In terms of value for money - both have major overdrafts as far as the Toon are concerned, but, I suspect they dont give a shit and will no doubt bleat on about how they never settled in England, how the game is too physical for their skill, and how there are cliques in the changing room. Anything other than the fact that both have spent far longer in the treatment room and yet claim 'this is my first major injury and I'm gutted'

They may both (and would IMHO) walk for nowt if the transfer fees and contracts get scuppered, as may happen.

Horrible situation for Bobby - but no doubt one he has thought long and hard about

However I suspect in the case of Goma we may see later in the week ...'and reports suggesting Goma has asked for a transfer are well wide of the mark'

One guarantee...Goma and Marcelino will not be at Newcastle come August.

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Is this a coincidence or have i got my facts mixed up?

PSG have just been put out of the CL and into the UEFA cup. They were sniffing around domi a few weeks back but have they got to Goma and promised him european football in the next stage if he signs by a certain date - hence the request?

-- Anonymous, November 27, 2000

Nice idea min,

but why would he go now???? where's me hat stand.....

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Min,

PSG are still in the CL, and there's been no news of Goma's impending departure in the French papers (I think!). Hopefully it's just a case of the paper making something up from his transfer request in August.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

cheers KT - i wasn't sure....

how's things in Paris?

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

PS: Things are taking a turn for the worst over here. Paul Holmes has just released a solo album...

; - )

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

An album from Paul Holmes!?!

France is going well, but there's not too much of the Toon on the TV. I'll be back in the Golden City for Christmas, for the first time since I was three years old. Hopefully I'll be able to get a ticket to the Leeds match on Boxing day.

As for France, I'm living in Troyes, about 90min from Paris. I'm coping fairly well with French, and with the French. And due to my NZ origins I've started playing rugby, in the French 8th division! It's not a sport for softies (not meaning you Softie).

How's life in Auckland? Getting a bit warmer yet?

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Bobby - Yeah both Barton and Griffin can play at LB but I forgot, we've also got Serrant! I just prefer having left footed players in the LB left-midfield positions.

Who's this bloke from Barnsley that we're being linked with now?

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

> An album from Paul Holmes!?!

I'm afraid so mate...it sounds awful. You should see the front cover. Saturation advertising on TV. shudder.

glad to hear France is going well - you're a braver man than i, gunga din. I take it you went to the rugby n'all? Bit of soul searching after the rugby league result here.

I'll have a word with a few people about a ticket for Leeds if you like..

Auckland's fine. Seems like the sun comes out and just when you think it's gonna be great and summer's started, it just p****s it down. Went surfing in Piha this weekend. Right laugh. Should be making it a regular thing as well. Enjoying it so far.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

That's Auckland for you. I lived there for six years, and it seemed like it rained most days. but wait until Jan/Feb and you'll forget all about the rain. It should be 28-30 degrees every day, and hardly any rain. Over here it can get as cold as -25° in winter!

The rugby was pretty grim, although I only went to the Paris game that we won. I'm still getting grief about the Marseille test. I tried to explain that the Mackems had won the same day, but they didn't think Mackems existed. And as for the monkey hangers...

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

I forgot to say yes please for a ticket for the Leeds game. Suzy thinks I'm bad luck to the Toon, but I've got the Forest 5-0 and the Mackems and Smoggies relegated the same day story to counter that argument.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

no problem mate - leave it with me - i'll get back to you...

Everyone keeps saying about the weather in summer - "don't go outside for more than 10 minutes" etc etc. I got burnt while surfing - and there was thick cloud overhead. Takes a bit of getting used to. Also had my trainers nicked from the gym [tepid baths] which i was less than chuffed about. Bloody Kiwis! ; )

Good luck with the winter en France. i'll be thinking of you while i'm frying in the sun...;-)

I'll be in touch...

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

If we can get rid of Goma for around 3mil, domi for 2-3mil and marcelino for 2mil that leaves us with around 8mil for 3 defenders. Id personally give Caldwell and Hughes an extended run in the side, buy a quality left back who can get forward and rely on Barton, Griffin and Dabs as the other defenders.

Good riddance to them all

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

I've always had the feeling that Domi and Goma would be back in France as soon as this transfer situation is sorted out. The only plus point is that we should be able to hold any prospective Champions League buyers to ransom, as they will have to recruit new players before a certain date in order for them to play in the Champions League.

If Goma, Marcellino and Domi go I'd rather all their money which should be over £10 million is used to buy young British talent.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Hayden Mullins and Clint Morrison then...that's probably what it would buy us......

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Are you Tre in disguise?

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Me, I'm waiting for the Chronicle to be updated and hopefully Goma will have something official to say about this.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Tre would have a few others already lined up instead. ; - )

I hope there's something positive to come out of this. If what's been said on the other thread is true, i'd be summoning the chairman if i was YBR. Makes me sick the way things are going at the moment.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

The weird thing is that there were less people looking to do a runner when we were in 19th place with an apparently awful manager...

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Nowt further in the Ronnie about this.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Sorry missed this bit. Looks like an invitation for offers.

He(Bobby) said: "Goma asked for a transfer six weeks ago and the news was bound to come out some time. But what this has done is alerted other clubs that Goma has asked for a transfer and we are not complaining that it is now all out in the open."

But Robson did pay tribute to Goma, who he said had played some of his best Premiership football since asking to leave."

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Yes, how queer, just a short message of confirmation from YBR about the transfer request. Do you think Alan "Bananaman" Olliver has been told to shut his gob?

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

I always thouht Alan Oliver was a bit of a puppet/stooge of the clubs. Only printed what they wanted known. could be because they need to release transfer funds and they've already got someone lined up. One outgoing, one incoming would pacify the city and wouldn't affect the budget restraints....

maybe....

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

I think everyone at the club will have been told to shut up Softie.

With Robson glad that it is all out in the open and that other clubs will know he is available, he must have someone lined up and hopefully not Pablo Baz at 5'8" tall!!

Might as well play Warren 'where am I?' Barton at centre back.....................mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Do you remember when AO cut and pasted Stevo's translation of that interview in a Dutch (football) magazine with RG from the bbs and presented it as his own interview?

He was also bizzarely surprised when he was spat at and jostled at SJP at the start of last season after he had joined in the National Press campaign to stoke up the heat between Shearer and Gullit. He's nobody's stooge: far too interested in seeing his name in print to stay faithful to anyone. Even spoke up for Robert Lee on the understanding that Lee starts talking to him again since he has refused to have anything to do with him for years after some crock of shit he wrote once before.

A sad, sad, sad little man.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Softie, a lot of the people wanting to do a runner had just joined and were Gullit's signings so they weren't going to leave at that point. I think some players are realising that they are going to have to be here for the long haul before we win anything.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

I cannot believe you lot.

How many of you have changed jobs, countries wives husbands etc because things have not worked for you?

This bloke has put in a request, asked for it not to be made public and stayed to help when we were in trouble.

He has not to my knowledge said he does not want to play for NUFC. Why does he want to leave? God knows we are not a great team at the moment and everyone here seems to "know" something is wrong at the club. Being closer than all of us he might see a different picture of the future for him and his family.

He is right to be upset at the information being made public, what reaction will he get from the mindless morons if this is what happens with the educated ensemble here?

Having said that I hope the headlines are not "Real reason Goma want out" tomorrow showing him as a tosser.

He is not a particular favorite of mine, however feel the criticism of him is OTT.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Interesting article.

Newcastle boss Bobby Robson has admitted he will be sad to see Alain Goma go after news of the French defender's transfer request leaked out.

But he is challenging the 28-year-old former Paris St Germain stopper to prove his worth by declaring himself fit for Wednesday night's Worthington Cup fourth round trip to Birmingham.

Robson was forced to play full-back Warren Barton as an emergency centre-half against Liverpool on Sunday.

But against the First Division club, Robson could do with a genuine and experienced man-marker at the heart of his defence at St Andrew's as Geoff Horsfield and Dele Adebola attempt to make lightning strike twice.

City put Newcastle out of the competition in the third round last season after Alan Shearer missed a penalty and keeper Steve Harper was sent off.

Goma, who has missed the last two games with a calf injury, handed in his transfer request in August, it was revealed this week.

But he could play at St Andrews as Nikos Dabizas is out for the rest of the season, Spaniard Marcelino is seemingly on the way out and youngster Steve Caldwell is stalling on contract negotiations.

"I've got used to that because he did ask for a transfer several weeks ago and he's been playing on a transfer request," said Robson.

"It wasn't disclosed because that's how he wanted it, but he told his agent and he knows.

"I've talked to him about it. He's playing very well and in fairness to the boy, it hasn't affected his play. He's played very well for us, outstandingly well, I think the best football he's played since I came here.

"We've needed him very badly in these last two matches, one against Emile Heskey on Sunday and against Niall Quinn seven days earlier.

"And there's a fellow called Adebola down at Birmingham that we'd like him to be on the pitch for because he can handle that sort of player.

"I thought on Friday that he was going to play for us against Liverpool and I was really surprised when, 24 hours later after training, he said he wasn't 100% happy and had to withdraw, and so were our medical staff.

"He has a calf injury and since then we've just not risked it and treated it and we'll hopefully get it right through rest and treatment without putting any pressure on it."

Robson has consistently refused to listen to highly-paid stars who do not want to turn out for the club, but he is determined to press the malcontents into earning themselves moves by playing their way back into form.

"Nobody wants to spend any money at the moment, except Leeds United and Glasgow Rangers," he said.

"Everybody is trying to keep their powder dry until such time as football knows where the transfer market is.

"But if it became critical here with more injuries to our back players, I would actually force the chairman to do something. He would have to because we'll drop points.

"The club has got that choice. At the moment, we're just trying to keep our powder dry and keep going with what we've got until we know what's going to happen in the transfer market.

"If Marcelino and Goma do leave, the club then will do something about it. If we got an offer for Goma tomorrow and an offer for Marcelino tomorrow, they would go and we would do something about replacing them.

"It's all in the melting pot, but the best way of selling them is them being in the first team and playing well, and they know that.

"But I won't be happy when Alain Goma goes. He's a very good player, strong, very quick, very good in the air and a good marker."

Robson has been given encouraging news of injured quartet Alan Shearer, Gary Speed, Rob Lee and Shay Given, who could all be fit for the clash with Trevor Francis' side.

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000

Bobby doesn't seem overly concerned about Goma and Marcellino going, which makes me happy!!!

-- Anonymous, November 28, 2000