Monday afternoon. Yep, £8m.

A mate has talked to Kenwright...

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Answers

A Proven injury jinx..

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

rik, you have mates who ken kenwright? impressive!

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Dunno why but this jeffers deal just doesn't do anything for me. Correct me if I am wrong but in order to score goals the rest of the team has to have the ability to make/create the chances.

Our midfield is woefully poor, as I have said before the game is essentially won in the trenches (midfield) We have too many blue chip players, not enough quality to execute the opportunity that the blue chippers have created. All work and no play makes Newcastle a very boring, predictable and beatable team. Even without injuries to significant players I still feel we would have struggled this last year.

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Syme, calm down, do you think that Jeffers, if it's happened is the end of it ? Surely this is just the start of the buying up of the best available British youth, those with pace and style. Dyer's will stay and his pace along with Jeffers will petrify the opposition, make them play deep against us, give up the initiative. Our midfield marshalled by Gary Speed will dominate games. All we need now is to buy in the same youthful quality in midfield, for me Carrick would do.

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Mac, I wish I shared your optimisim, but I don't. The problems we have are clear, our midfield will never be able to compete with the flair of Beckham the industry of Scholes and the steel of Keane. Different class of them, yet I despise every one of them. Manure, Liverpool, Leeds and Arsenal have quality throughout the midfield, we alas have three headless chickens and one guy that shows up every 5 games.

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Syme, of the names you mentioned in midfield, I reckon Solano's creation in the right midfield combination could contribute as much. Scholes is good coming forward - but so is LKD and is also very industrious. IMHO, we still lack quality on the left (still? we've got f*** all), and also left centre. This is where we lack the real quality. Perhaps Carrick could provide some of that if we could prise him away from Upton Park - or maybe Robbie Elliot and/or Lee Clarke if we can't get Carrick.

Imagine the team if we could get them! I'm not one for "Geordies for Geordies' sake" but I do prefer a majority of Brits. If you include Oirish in that, we'd have Given, Harper, Barton, Griffin, O'Brien, Quinn, Elliott, Clarke, Lee, Carrick, Dyer, Speed, Shearer, Cort, Ameobi, Jeffers and Ameobi, not to mention Johnny Foreigner. Leaving out the old stagers of Barton, Speed, Lee and Shearer, that's still a bliddy good nucleus of young British talent. Does anybody spot a trend appearing??

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

....and if this Jeffers rumour is trye, I guess that puts an end to the Mickey Bridges story. At least we wouldn't have to pay a "sell on" to the Mackems ;-)

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Oh, BTW W-B, taken anybody up on the offer of a sh@g yet??

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

A deal may have been struck with Everton, but it isn't "done" until Jeffers himself agrees to the move - he is still contracted to Everton for another 12 months.

BTW, can anyone really imagine a "Francis" playing for the Toon??

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Clarky - dunno bout Francis, but I was very chuffed when we signed a Daniel. Shame it turned out to be Cordone. If this is all signed and sealed, why are Toffees still denying there's even been a bid?

-- Anonymous, June 04, 2001

Jeffers is no great shakes, let the Mackems have him

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Stangely Swift I might disagree with you on this one. He is only 20 which means there is still a huge potential improvement in him, and he is already a reasonable Premiership player. Not everyone is Michael Owen, luckily for us.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

he's played about4 games, how can he be 8 mil mac?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

to blow the majority of the kitty on him is risky, though he does fit in with our policy of only buying players who get injured.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

and turning the argument upside down ... should we be getting rid of Cort, Dyer and Griffin other proven injury doubts ? Yeah and even Marcelino, would you get rid of him just cos he has been unlucky with injuries, of course not.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Do you think I AM WHITLEY BAYBEE?

Sorry to disapoint you, but she's not me.

Back to the thread, £8 million is a risk for a striker that has been injured so much, but he is a good young player, perhaps it's worth the risk? Personally i'd rather we paid that kind of money for Matt Jansen, but no doubt Souness wouldn't sell. I'd even consider Dwight Yorke , but what do I know?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

His recent injuries are a worry but apart from that I think he's a good prospect. He certainly looked good the season before. If the rumours are true and both Wenger and Hoddle are after him then that makes me even more optimistic.

We haven't got the sort of dosh that buys an established name (unless Dirty Doug's found that pot of gold he seems to have mislaid) and we're tired of cheap imports so snapping up young lads like Jeffers and Carrick, even at inflated prices, would seem like the best option for the time being.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Apparently Carrick has signed a one year extension to his contract at West Ham.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

So he's signing once West Ham have closed applications for Season Tickets?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Rik, Yorkie was injured and overweight for quite a bit of last season, i'm not saying Jeffers is a good idea just pointing out that he's at least as good an idea as York...

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

back to Jeffers: The speculation is that we are the only club prepared to put up the £8 million in one payment. Arsenal etc want to pay in instalments.

It may mean we get the player but is this really a wise option? Do we have any other options?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Jeffers has not proven himself yet and seems an worse idea than Ferguson was. Why the hell do we always buy Everton players? They are always messing with relegation because they have poor players. Surely we should spend that money more wisely?

However, i would take him over Yorke. Mundanity here we come, again.

btw, how much did Sheringham cost?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I liked the idea of Emile Mpenza last season after watching him in the world cup. Anyone know how he did in his German club last season?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Jeffers would be the better long term investment. Sheringham is a great player but how long does he have left? If he came to us he'd probably get criticised like all the rest of the senior players.

Robson seems hell bent on bringing the average age down. Probably because when Shearer takes over he doesn't want Shearer to feel he's bollocking players more senior than him.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Who'd be a football manager ?

Who should we go after to make sure that the BBS won't be swamped by doubting Thomas postings ?

I'm not saying you guys/gals aren't justifed in pointing out weaknesses, but personally, I can do without the hassle of worrying if each potential new signing will be another Marcy.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Henrik Larson, Matt Jansen, Martin Pahars, Micheal Carrick, Emile Mpenza, Sergeii Rebrov, Seth Johnson, Owen Hargreeves,Frederick Kanute,Nwanko Kano would be a few players that we could possibly get that I would be well happy with.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

i love football, i love my team and i WANT to love the players in my team, of course i'm going to express worry at wasting all our player tokens on a dud.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I take your point Swifty, but these players have to earn the regard in which they are held, and until they sign on the dotted line and show their merits in our context, ie as NUFC players, we're making a rod for our own back speculating on whether or not they'd measure up.

None of us would really give a sh1t if they went elsewhere and bombed, and in fact we'd probably thank our lucky stars. It would be a bit harder to bear though, if they turned out to be as good as, or better than, we'd hoped they would be if they'd signed for us.

In a way, for our own peace of mind, we're just about forced to allow that the people representing us at the club do know what they're doing, cos the alternative doesn't bear thinking about. So I try not to. It doesn't mean I don't care.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

perish the thought doc, i'm not entirely damning him, i just think for us, now, he's not right. The day we lost it was when we signed 'Disco Des'. As Clough once said rear calves, buy Bulls. Make promise, buy class. 8m for an unproven, injury plagued player is daft. Talk me out of this stupor, please, if that is what it is?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

chronicle pandering pants, to me...

"There is no doubt that such a high-profile purchase five days before this summer's season ticket renewal deadline would be perfect timing as far as Newcastle's board is concerned."

is he high profile?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

2nd biggest signing in terms of price?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Rik,

Mpenza had a cracking year with Shalke in Germany, played well in the champions league too. Do you think he would trade champions league football with mid-table mediocrity (though it saddens me to say it). In all honesty we have to give up on this shite talk of signing Denlison, Guardiola, Lizarazu etc.... these sort of players want glory, money and trophies and will often leave like spoilt barts if success is not instant. These type of players at this point in time don't want NUFC so screw them.

I see no problem with Jeffers at 8mil, young, quick and eye for goal and will probably improve, who else half decent will we get for 8mil. Also why the hell anren;t we looking at Brett Emerton for some midfield flair, he will be reasonably cheap and provide god value as Viduka would have last year for us at 7mil from the Celts.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Shearer had a similar appearance record and worse scoring record at the same age (AS appeared in 63% of Sotton's games from 18-22 - Jeffers has managed 57% from 18-20 - the appearances when he was 17 were a bonus and one imagines that the number will incrase as he gets older and stronger). As you say though, it's potential again, but sooner that than proven shit like Bellamy.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

You're absolutely right Softie, the important thing now is that we have Cort and Shearer available to have the opportunity of resting Jeffers and vice versa.

We haven't had this chance for too many years and in the meantime the game has got faster and the physical demands are greater. Having two fit proven forwards is something which could give us an edge we haven't had for so long. Robson realises this and hopefully he's in a position to do something it. An £8 million cash bid suggests he is in a position to do something.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Everybody (apart from Clarky) seems to be forgetting that Jeffers hasn't signed - nor even agreed to sign. With so many "agents (provocateurs) around, what is the position regarding 2 clubs agreeing a fee and the player not being happy to move?

Let's say, for instance that this deal is "done" between Ken Wright and Wor Fred. And let's then suppose @rse come in with a lesser bid, or one of equal value but in staged payments. I guess Everton would/could cut their losses and sell him to @rse rather than keep hold of somebody who clearly doesn't want to play for them.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

And even Screacher is forgetting that Everton are denying it so we probably haven't even put a bid in for him :))

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

BBC teletext had a public denial of the bid from Everton last night. Sorry to p*ss on your brazier, so to speak, he's overrated anyway.

ML3

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

to stoke the brazier, apparently Everton have now said that Newcastle are in the driving seat with regards to signing Jeffers. How anyone can be overrated at the age of 20 is beyond me?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

And where did you get that Gem from DeB? i've seen nothing of the sort...

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

It was 'claimed' on a web site I was reading this morning. I can't remember which one but I can assure you I saw it.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

We appear to be alone in being prepared to put cash up front, I think that's why Everton have put us in the driving seat, for what good that'll do us.

It'll still come down to what Jeffers wants, and we won't know that until he comes back from holiday. And, if he digs his heels in in favour of Ar5e, assuming they follow up, I'm sure Everton will bend over backwards more in their direction than in ours.

It's had the desired effect though, cos I've just been to SJP and handed in my renewal application, so roll on August and watch us take off from a very short runway. Just hope we get up enough speed to stay in the air.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

His wage demands at Everton were around the £20k a week mark which wouldn't be a problem. It's really all down to whether he really wants European Football and if that is the case then only Arsenal have the lure to sign him, unless we fluke it in tomorrow's draw!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

It's in the Chronic as well Gav. Apparently 'everybody' reckoned the denial was put out in the same style as the denial that we were signing Ferguson, so nobody gave it much credance anyway - the denial, I mean.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

If you were Jeffers, and you had the prospect of going to @rse about with Henry, Wiltord, Bergkamp and Kanu in the squad,would you be sure of getting much action in the coming season? Well, I suppose he may get a chance in the away legs of the CL with Denis in the squad. But honestly, would he get many games?

Compare that with Toon, where all he'd have as contenders were an aging (and potentially crocked) Shearer, Cort and Ameobi. If I were him and had aspirations of a regular(ish) first team place I'd stay at Goodison favour Newcastle over @rse.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Besides, I bet he doesn't even speak French.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

But SuperKev's going to Arsenal isn't he, so Jeffers would have one player behind him I suppose

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

was this bobbys 1st choice?

if Francis says no, what else is in th epipeline? a second and inferior choice?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Well, Michael Bridges would keep the physios busy.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

lee hughes?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Latest on Jeffers according to NUFC.com

From Tuesday's Liverpool Daily Post:

"Francis Jeffers will today be given permission to speak to Newcastle United and spark a scramble for the want-away Everton striker's signature.

"The St James' Park outfit yesterday became the first club to make an official move for the 21-year-old when their £8million bid was accepted by the Blues.

"Bobby Robson has been a long-time admirer of Jeffers, and a move to the North East would provide an immediate cash injection to the Everton coffers as Newcastle are willing to pay the asking price up- front.

"The striker, however, is known to prefer a move to Arsenal, but the Highbury board are likely to only sanction a deal which would see the transfer fee paid in instalments a move the Everton board are reluctant to agree to."

(Over in the Chronicle, Alan Oliver is writing from the same angle.)

Jeffers has one year of his deal left, but has refused to sign an new contract and indicated he wishes to leave Goodison.

From another source, we have heard that Everton's selling price is nearer £10m than the present £8m.

Three questions remain unanswered:

1. Can we fork out the best part of £10m from our funds without needing to bring funds in? 2. If we can afford Jeffers, is that the transfer budget blown on one player? 3. Is there any realistic likelihood of the player joining us, or are we again being used as cheap publicity to alert "bigger" clubs to the fact there's now a Jeffers auction?

1 & 2 only Freddy and Bobby (presumably) know, 3 only the player can answer. The well-publicised fact that Jeffers wants away from Everton would seem to indicate there's at least a possibility of some deal being done.

Watch this space.

PS - As to the worth or quality of the player, a quick straw poll of NUFC.com sympathisers indicates a 50/50 split between those who think he's the best thing since sliced bread, and those who are yet to be convinced - might have something to do with them flash white boots he favours.....

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

In truth there isn't much for him to choose from, i would follow softies thinking and put it into a fuck off academy instead of blowing it all on a none trick pony. 8mil? think about what kind of an academy that could create...

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

interesting de.b, the only everton fan i know is so depressed about everton he thinks its another nail in the coffin.

basically he says

"Jeffers had 4 or 5 good games when he first came on the scene. MOTD raved. Since then the boy has been either injured, off form or invisible. If it was Campbell I would be gutted. 8million, yes please"

very convincing

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

You could probably find someone on here to say something very similar about Kieron Dyer, so I'm not reading too much into that.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

true.but if we buy all of evertons team, we'll be as shit as them won't we? unless, of course Hans Segers is in goal for every team...

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Everton bought a large chunk of our team and they are worse than us!

Michael Ball would be a good signing at left back as well!

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

waah waah waah

sorry to be a pain, but the whole thing could/should be better

I'm sure Jeffers will be amazing, as would Ball be...but where is our ambition?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

We've had our fingers burnt with dodgy foreigners, both cheap and expensive, so we're buying British.

These players are not going to come from the big teams as they won't leave, so we scour around the lesser teams looking for players that are available.

We bought Cort from a crap team but I reckon he's got the potential to score 20+ goals a season.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

does that make us ambitious or cautious?

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

So which forward should we be buying to reflect our ambition? Fowler isn't going anywhere and we haven't really got a chance on Kliuvert or anyone. Jeffers is a decent enough buy for us. Besides which, how many more goals will Van Nistlerooj get than Carl Cort next season? Not that many is my prediction.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Tricky one this doug, Nistelrooj in our team may get less than Cort in our team.But playing for Man U he has every chance.

It's the supply.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Dunno - Cort misses about 5 chances per game and still scores so the suggestion is that we create far more chances than our goals scored stats would suggest... on the other hand, I can't see Nistlerooj being 10 million pounds better than Cort..

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

I dont really care where the players come from as long as the perform what we hope they will and develop into great players. I have greater respect for managers who can build teams without buying just top players.

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

dead right, top, though, doesn't mean high profile or expensive. How much does Machlas, the Greek lad cost? Or how much did Litmanen cost? How much did proven International Koller go for? Would forgotten man Dani at Barca cost 8 mil? Have you seen Catanha? going for 8 mil- fast,strong,sublimely skillful,SCORES GOALS, go get him...

8 big ones for Jeffers is crazy money, a penny more and it's suicide for the club. If Jeffers was our player and he was walking out on us, how would you feel about him then?...

Build, don't blow.(is that what Gav says to the lapdancers?)

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001

Hmmmm....this thread is only making me more confused on how I feel about this potential buy. My initial reaction was for that kind of money, I'd rather have Dunc back. But folks have made some excellent points about Jeffers being young and having potential. If Dyer is back fully fit next season, he could be a good supply line. But then again with our injury record and Jeffers' injury record, my gut says this is a marriage made on the physios bench.

All I can do is trust in Bobby and anyone else directly involved with the decision. They've got more experience than I ever will. ;-)

-- Anonymous, June 05, 2001