Crisis? What Crisis?

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Off of The Journal...how much, though?

Crisis funds released for Robson

by Simon Rushworth

Bobby Robson has finally been given the cash boost he needs to revive his flagging squad after Freddie Shepherd and his board agreed the time has come to spend. This pre-empts an expected backlash from increasingly disillusioned fans.

Although Robson and his coaching staff will continue to do all they can to strengthen the first team with loan signings, there is now a limited amount of money available to the Newcastle boss.

As revealed in The Journal last week, Shepherd and his board set aside a crisis fund last month to cover further injuries to key senior players.

The United chairman and his chief executive David Stonehouse met with Robson, Mick Wadsworth and Charlie Woods yesterday afternoon, when it was agreed the emergency budget should come into play.

A number of possible targets were discussed at home and abroad and negotiations were ongoing last night with a view to adding a new face or faces in time for Saturday's visit of Bradford.

However, although Robson has earmarked several strikers and a number of centre-halves, it is understood that no deal is imminent. A great deal of work will have to be done if the Magpies are to unveil a new signing in time to take on Jim Jefferies' Bantams.

Roma's Marco Delvecchio is reportedly frustrated with his lack of first-team starts at the Italian league leaders because of coach Fabio Capello's striker rotation policy and the front man impressed Newcastle during last season's two-legged Uefa Cup tie.

Whether he would be prepared to spend a limited time on loan on Tyneside is another matter, but Robson's reputation means he is in a better position than most to persuade such high-calibre players to wear a black-and-white shirt.

The word from Rome is that United have already made discreet inquiries regarding the experienced Serie A campaigner and any approach for Delvecchio would clearly be seen as an ambitious move by the Newcastle fans.

The true impact of Saturday's crushing 5-0 defeat at Arsenal is only just beginning to sink in as supporters who can remember recent United sides winning at Highbury wonder where it all went wrong.

Robson and the current board are not necessarily to blame, but they are the only people in a position to dig the Magpies out of an increasingly deepening hole.

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2000

Answers

crisis = being homeless

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2000

Planet.football.com report:

NEWCASTLE FAIL IN VIALLI BID (by Graeme Bailey)

NEWCASTLE UNITED have failed in a bid to lure former Chelsea and Italian star Gianluca Vialli out of retirement.

The Magpies have a spate of injuries, as Carl Cort, Kevin Gallacher and captain Alan Shearer have all been ruled out until early next year, and so the former England boss has been forced to look for reinforcements and, without a great deal of cash, is looking at the lower end of the market or loan deals for a new hit-man.

However, Vialli`s agent has confirmed that the former Juventus man will not be filling the void. The Italian is undertaking his coaching badges, which will enable him to manage anywhere in Europe. "Luca`s had offers to play in the Premiership again," confirmed Stole. "First from Southampton and recently from Newcastle. Luca is very happy and he will come back into football for sure, but not as a player. The door is closed on that - he is not interested in the slightest."

The Magpies have also seemingly failed with a move for Wimbledon`s John Hartson, after it was reported that the South London club rejected the idea of a loan bid from Newcastle.

Further reports though, have now linked Newcastle with a move for Rangers` Rod Wallace and could take the former Leeds striker on-loan. The 31-year-old attacker is out of contract at the end of the season and has slipped way down the pecking order at Ibrox and a loan move back to the PL could appeal.

Another ageing midget is just what we need!!

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2000


Vialli!!! Bliddy hell. Nice man, but as a player? Why do the words Ian and spring to mind?

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2000

While we're at it, let's have a look at Ian Rush and John Barnes

Oh, I forgot...bollox

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2000


Nobody wants to join us

Nobody wants to play for us

Nobody wants to come and coach us

Interesting to see how we're going to enter the new year, can't wait.

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2000



And why does nobody think to suggest it was in a position of player/coach that he was approached? Would have been a good idea.

-- Anonymous, December 12, 2000

would've been an excellent idea Softie - shame it won't eb happening. He'd be a great signing - long term and short term - just the kind of character we could do with to lift the fans and the players. Gan on Luca...you'd love it man...

-- Anonymous, December 13, 2000

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