Football News: Owens a goner as Newcastle freefall

Football News: Newcastle in freefall as Liverpool & Everton wait for Owen

Football news circulating on the internet has it that Michael Owen is wanted by Liverpool and Everton. Meanwhile Newcastles season is going into freefall, as they lost 3-1 to West Ham, with what can only be described as a hapless performance.

Reports are that Everont and Liverpool will approach Owen during the winter with a view to convincing the England hitman to complete a free transfer at the end of the season.

The 28-year-old was in and out of contract negotiations all summer long. The Toon at one point attempted to ease their cash-flow crisis by slashing 20 per cent off his wages, while later reports suggested a bumper £140,000-per-week deal was on the horizon.

The Tynesiders have been mired in turmoil ever since Kevin Keegan's dramatic resignation as manager two weeks ago: a replacement has still to be found and owner Mike Ashley, shocked by the levels of vitriol from supporters, has put the club up for sale, albeit at a prohibitive asking price of 450 million pounds (823 million dollars).

Such strife occasionally triggers a doughty defiance, but not with Newcastle. They slumped to an embarrassing home defeat to newly-promoted Hull last weekend and this performance, which leaves them second from bottom of the table, bordered on the shambolic, despite a late flurry prompted by Michael Owen's well-taken goal.

West Ham, sensing Newcastle's nerves, were in no mood for sympathy. It took them just seven minutes to break through, although even this was overdue. Etherington and Di Michele had already seen shots blocked before the latter finally cracked the Newcastle rearguard. After that the inevitable defeat followed.

Football news of this kind is only more torture for the poor Geordie fans. Their club is being dragged into the gutter by a woeful management team. Ashley, Wise and co have simply not got a clue about what it takes to run such a big and well supported club. The sooner they leave and Newcastle get some stability the better!

Aston Villa 4-1 Newcastle

Owen back in the groove but King Kev's revolution awaits

Newcastle, despite going ahead through a fourth minute Michael Owen goal were soundly beaten at Villa Park yesterday, with John Carew getting his first Villa hat-trick. Aston Villa vs Newcastle is always as entertaining game, though not often as one sided as this game was.

As the Premier League has continued with its usual hyperbole, and Keegan has been heralded back to Tyneside as the Messiah, Martin O'Neill has been quietly working his magic at Villa Park. From a steady start to the season, Aston Villa are now comfortably ensconced in the race for fourth place and who would bet against them getting it?

Admittedly a lot of Villa's chances came from farcical Newcastle defending, however almost from the moment they conceded a goal in the fourth minute, they were in the ascendency over a Newcastle team showing prescious little of Keegan's revolutionary magic.

John Carew will be in the headlines for his hat-trick, but the equaliser early in the second half came from Wilfred Bouma, who had not scored for two and a half seasons! Carews hat-trick was wrapped up two minutes from time as he lashed a penalty past Given to claim the match ball.

Footy Focus thinks King Kev can't wait for the season to end and get busy in the transfer market!

Dirk Kuyt to Newcastle?

King Kev sets his sights on Dirk Kuyt in the summer

Reports are being bandied around of Kevin Keegan setting his sights on tempting Dirk Kuyt to join his revolution at Newcastle, with a 5 million pound fee being mooted. Its being speculated Liverpool will see this as a decent return on the 9 million they paid, given that the player has struggled to make an impression.

Footy Focus thinks Kuyt is a decent player, but completely lacks pace. He could get away with it playing in the hole, if he is surrounded by other players with pace, but at Liverpool he's not. When it comes to it, the yard-stick for Liverpool and others is whether he would get in the Arsenal, Manchester United or Chelsea teams, and the answer to that is clearly no.

Keegan happy with Wise appointment

Wise reports to me says Keegan but doubts persist

Kevin Keegan has stated Newcastle's imminent new Executive Director of Football, Dennis Wise, will be reporting to him in the new structure at the club. However sources at Newcastle suggest Wise will be liasing more closely with the board, than with Keegan.

Another new member of Newcastles back-room staff, is former Newcastle striker Joe Allon, who worked in a similar role to Terry McDermott at Leeds. It's thought this will not affect McDermotts role at Newcastle.

Funny email doing the rounds, with the senders claiming this photo is of Kevin Keegan greeting Dennis Wise on his arrival at St James Park!

Newcastle chase Espanyol's Jarque

Keegan to hit the ground running with a bid for Daniel Jarque

Kevin Keegan is hoping to make a swift move in the transfer market, on his return to Newcastle with a bid for Daniel Jarque of Espanyol. The Espanyol defender has been the subject of speculation that Tottenham Hotspur boss Juande Ramos would make a move. However Keegan, is set to mark his return to Newcastle United with an 8 milllion pound bid for the Espanyol defender.

Newcastle give Keegan blank cheque

Newcastle tell Keegan skys the limit in his return to the Toon

Kevin Keegan has been promised substantial funds to drag Newcastle to the Premier League summit by the chairman Chris Mort and club owner Mike Ashley. As the city, lifted by the news of Keegan's appointment, waited for the next news in the rolling saga of Keegans return, negotiations went on over the terms of his 3 and a half year deal.

Much speculation centred on the names of his backroom staff. Terry McDermott is expected to stay on, as is Peter Beardsley who maybe promoted from his present junior post. Other names in the frame include Lee Clark, presently assistant to Glenn Roeder at Norwich, Chris Coleman, whose associated insist his resignation from Real Sociedad is not connected to Keegan's return, and of course Alan Shearer.

Shearer lobbied for the Newcastle position, but was never really in with a chance due to his inexperience is known to be willing to work for Keegan. Mort and Ashley have made it known to Keegan, the decision on his backroom staff rests entirely with him, and they will not interfere.

We at Footy Focus, initially thought this was a crazy decision, but having thought about it, it might just work. Keegans sheer charisma, enthusiasm and Newcastles tremendous support, might just combine to make it a roller coaster ride back to the big-time for the Toon army!

Newcastle bring back Keegan

Tyneside erupts as Newcastle bring back Keegan

In astonishing events on Tyneside last night, Newcastle announced Kevin Keegan was to return to St James Park as manager.

Terry McDermott, Keegan’s assistant during his first spell at the club, is still at Newcastle and is likely to be kept on. Other names in the hat for coaching roles are Peter Beardsley and Rob Lee. Alan Shearer is predictably also being named in dispatches.

Chris Waddle, the ex-Newcastle winger, greeted the news positively, however expressed doubt about Keegans tactical ability. Around Newcastle the effect was instant, with fans queueing around St James’ Park to get the last tickets for the FA Cup replay against Stoke City tonight. The match is now sold out.

Footy Focus gut feel on this move - it'll end in tears yet again!

Newcastle Job Latest

Deschamps now the name, as Houllier rules himself out

Newcastle's search for a new manager took a surprise turn last night, as Didier Deschamps became the new bookies' favourite to take over at St James' Park. It arose as a result of France Football running a story, saying Deschamps was contacted straight after Newcastle's 6-0 defeat to Manchester United. The magazine has reported Deschamps will meet with Newcastle directors to finalise an agreement, and consequently Deschamps odds dropped to as low as 2-1 from 80-1. Former Chelsea captain Deschamps was manager at Monaco and took them to a Champions League final in 2004 and has also been in charge at Juventus.

Earlier the Tyneside rumour mill was saying that former Liverpool, Lyon and France manager Gérard Houllier had had discussions about taking over at Newcastle, with a partnership with Alan Shearer being mooted. However, Houllier now looks to be ruled out of the race, after FFF president Jean-Pierre Escalettes said Houllier had told him he wouldn't be going to Tyneside.

Shearer was asked about the Newcastle job when he arrived back on Tyneside from his holiday "Am I wanting it?" he replied. "One day, hopefully." Questioned further about the possibility of him linking up with Keegan, he said: "I haven't spoken to Kevin for a long time. We will have to see." (The Guardian)

Football Focus thinks Shearer has no chance of getting it now, as Ashley maybe a football romantic, having bought his own club, but he's also a hard-nosed businessman, who won't be risking it all on someone with no track record. It's Deschamps or Hughes we think.

Newcastle job latest

Mark Hughes now the favourite, as Houllier, Mourinho and McLaren linked

Newcastle's search for a new manager continued last night, with Mark Hughes instantly becoming favourite when he refused to rule himself out of contention. Club sources admit he is on the shortlist for consideration. Other names being thrown into the ring include Gerard Houllier, the ex-Liverpool manager (not upto it after his illness - he's stated he could never do a job like he did at Liverpool again and Newcastle is much bigger), Jose Mourinho (waiting for Rafa Benitez to get the boot & why wouldn't he, comparing their squad to Newcastle's) and Steve McLaren (surely they wouldn't dare appoint him!)

Redknapp turns down Newcastle

Redknapp turns down Newcastle as the counter-swipes begin

Harry Redknapp has turned down the chance to manage Newcastle, largely because of family and geographical reasons. Newcastle maintain, faintly ludicrously, that it was because they wouldn't give him a private jet to commute to and from Teeside, accusing Redknapp through club sources of wanting to manager the club from the South coast.

Redknapp will not pleased at being portrayed in this light, especially since he had let it be known he was prepared to move North. Seems Newcastle's comments are aimed for it's own supporters more than anything else.

For Newcastle the search goes on, with reports that they are now turning their sights to Europe. They are also apparently resigned to this season being one of transition, with Newcastle comfortably in midtable their view is that they have no need to rush the appointment. The latest names in the frame are Gerard Houllier, Louis van Gaal and Ottmar Hitzfeld. Of those, it is believed van Gaal has strong support from the Newcastle board.

Newcastle close in on Redknapp

Events gather pace as bets are off on Harry's move

Newcastle close in as Redknapp remains silent. Harry Redknapps move to Newcastle appeared to be gathering pace last night, with events all pointing to an imminent departure for the 60 year old Redknapp.

The usual pre-game press conference was cancelled and Redknapp was driven away from the ground by Portsmouth Chief Executive Peter Storrie as a media scrum gathered.

Speculation was further fuelled by the unavailability of the Newcastle charman Chris Mort, and it is understood Newcastle are preparing to formalise thier approach. Some reports have Portsmouth bowing to the inevitable already, with a compensation package being discussed. However Portsmouth maintained the 'he's happy here' line, but this had a distinctly hollow ring to it.

Newcastle hope to have Redknapp installed in time for him to act during the January transfer window.

Redknapp will become the ninth manager in the eleven years since Kevin Keegan left, which clearly indicates the perils of the job. In that time Arsenal have had two managers, Manchester United one, and Liverpool three which roughly equates to the league positions of the clubs over that time! Newcastle fans can only hope Redknapps arrival heralds a period of stability for a club who make a habit of turmoil and change in a relentess and fruitless pursuit of success.

Premier League Preview

Manchester United vs Newcastle

Owen Hargreaves and Gary Neville are definitely out for the Premier League holders, while managerless Newcastle are considering playing Oberfami Martins if he is allowed back from Nigeria's training camp. Also missing are Habib Beye, Abdoulaye Faye and Geremi who are all away on international duty.Footy Focus prediction - do we have to!! If ever there was a foregone conclusion, this is it. Manchester United win to pile more misery on a season to forget for mangerless Newcastle.

Middlesbrough vs Liverpool

Rafael Benitez will welcome back Daniel Agger after a long lay-off with a metatarsal injury. Also rested or previously injured Arbeloa, Gerrard, Reina, Gerrard and Torres will all return in what is (as they all are these days) a must win game for Premier League wannabes' Liverpool. For 'Boro Gary O'Neil and George Boateng return, but sick-note Jonathan Woodgate and Sanli look likely to miss out. Footy Focus prediction - Liverpool win.

Everton vs Manchester City

Everton have lost three key players, with Yobo, Yakubu and Pienaar all away at the African Cup of Nations. On the plus side midfielder Mikel Arteta returns after suspension. Manchester City are hoping Elano is fit to take the place of Nery Castillo who will be rested. Defiinitely out it Michael Johnson with an abdominal strain. Footy Focus prediciton - score draw.

Arsenal vs Birmingham City

For Premier League leaders Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos set to return after injury, while much talked about and unsettled keeper Jens Lehmann is on the bench. Robin van Persie is again out, this time with flu, while Arsenal are another cup affected by the African Nations Cup with Eboue, Song and Toure all away. For Birmingham Martin Taylor will return, while Damien Johnson is going to play with a protective mask, only two weeks after suffering a slight skull fracture. Kapo will also play having recovered from injury. Footy Focus prediction - Arsenal win.

Premier League News, Transfer Speculation & Rumour

Harry's wheels not turning as the deal to Newcastle stalls, Man U lead the profits league

Newcastles pursuit of Harry Redknapp is beginning to turn awkard and potentially very costly. Portsmouth are determined to hold onto their man, and Redknapp has a contract until 2011, which would reportedly mean Newcastle paying Portsmouth compensation of around 8 million for our 'Arry's services. The local paper the Evening Chronicle, is reporting Mark Hughes of Blackburn is also under consideration. Reports linking Everton's David Moyes have been dismissed, but more interesting is the fact that betting odds on Kevin Keegans return have been slashed. Surely not!

Over at Anfield the news is that the Momo Sissoko supposed Juventus move is becoming a bit of a yawn. The player says its all go and he expects agreement soon, while the club through it's mouthpiece, the local rag, The Liverpool Echo, says its recieved no contact from Juventus. Footy Focus thinks its a done deal and as Reds' fans will be sorry to see him go. You may well regret this Rafa!

Meanwhile Liverpool have recieved a tremendous boost with the news that Daniel Agger is ready to return to first team action. He was due to play in a reserve game but that was called off due to heavy rain. Regardless, he is ready to play some part in the Premier League away trip to Middlesborough. Rafael Benitez will be boosted by this, the return of Xabi Alonso and the purchase of Martin Skrtel as we go into the final leg of the Premier League.

In other news, Premier League title holders Manchester United, have announced financial results to make their rivals green with envy. Despite having to pay 42 million in interest on the debt put upon the club by the Glazers, they have announced a pre-tax profit of 59 million. All this after paying out 70 million for Nani, Anderson, Carrick and Hargreaves! The anti-Glazer faction at Manchester United really have no argument. Liverpool fans can only dream that Hicks and Gillett will get their club in a similar position.

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is bemoaning his clubs lack of height, noting they have conceded four goals from set pieces lately. Fulham tried for Jan Koeller but he turned them down. Footy Focus thinks he needs some big centre-backs as well as forwards. Sami Hyppia would be a great short term measure if he could be persuaded.

Sam Allardyce out at Newcastle

Allardyce out as Newcastle pull the trigger yet again

Sam Allardyce has parted company with Newcastle via the age old 'mutual consent' route. Seems Newcastle have in their time honoured tradition bowed to the pressure from fans and local media and pulled the trigger in double quick time. That makes it 6 managers in the 11 years since Kevin Keegan left. Stability and continuity bring success and Newcastle have left themselves in turmoil yet again.

One of these years, they will get a chairman who is prepared to ride it out, believe in his manager and give him time to get it right. There are those who believe they have done it now in the hope of getting their man before Liverpool pull the plug on Rafael Benitez in the summer.

Harry Redknapp has emerged as an early favourite.

Newcastle Allardyce moves out the dead wood

Allardyce begins to swing the axe on Newcastles dead wood

Sam Allardyce is reportedly ready to listen to offers for the fringe players in his squad. Most notable likely departees include Emre and Shola Ameobi. Emre has been linked with moves to Monaco and Bayer Leverkusen, while Ameobi is wanted by Norwich City and former Magpies boss Glenn Roeder.

Newcastle themselves are chasing Arsenal midfielder Lassana Diarra and made an offer for Manchester Uniteds Wes Brown

Barton on his way out at Newcastle?

Newcastle reportedly looking to cancel Bartons contract.

Reports are surfacing that Newcastle are looking to cancel Joey Bartons contract in the wake of his being held and charged with assault. Apparently if he is found guilty of the charges laid (affray & assault) then he will be on his way.

He was always on a no second chance rule at Newcastle given his previous mishaps, and it seems certain he will be booted out after this latest embarassing episode. Newcastle is a great club with proud traditions and his exit now seems certain. Also given his recent criticism of the clubs fans it would appear his position is now untenable.

Newcastle's Joey Barton arrested again

Newcastles bad-boy does it again

Sam Allardyce will be waking up this morning with a bigger headache than anyone will have on New Years day. Not only is he under ever-increasing pressure after a deserved defeat at Wigan, following a home draw with bottom club Derby, Joey Barton is again in trouble after being arrested on suspicion of assault in his home town of Liverpool.


The Times is reporting Barton and two others were arrested after two men were assaulted in Church Street, Liverpool City Centre.

Barton has a long history of off-field scrapes and I suspect the Newcastle board will want rid of him after this. Given the on-field problems of Allardyces reign and Barton's recent criticism of the club's fans, I don't think they will be in any mood to tolerate Barton after this.

Latest Transfer News - English Premier League

Some interesting ones out there in the Premier League transfer rumours. A fellow blogger website is reporting Wes Brown is off to Newcastle. He would be a great buy for Newcastle if they could get him. He may not be getting in the team at Man U but he is top quality.

Newcastle are apparently about to offload Shola Ameobi to Norwich while big Sam Allardyce has ruled out bringing in Barcelona's Edmilson due to the fact he's injured and yet to start a game this season!

Another interesting one is Setanta Sports reporting Milan Baros returning to the Premier League via Birmingham in January. He's lost his way a bit has our Milan since his Liverpool days. He was top class at times for Liverpool and had a great European Championship, but since then he really hasnt done it. He was overweight when he first came to Liverpool and it looked to me he's gone that way a bit again. Come on Milan - you should be playing for a bigger club than Birmingham!!

Talking of Liverpool, Momo Sissoko seems to have done his dash with an outburst against Rafa Benitez. Shame really, he was immense for Liverpool in 2005/06 but injuries and the increased competition for places in Liverpools midfield seem to have taken their toll on him.

Elsewhere Real Murcia striker Inigo is being linked with a move to England. Never heard of him or the team but apparently Premier League relegation hopefuls Birmingham, Wigan and Watford are keen.

Nasri the young French star who was about the only player who caught the eye for Marsielle is reportedly attracting the interest of the Premier League big-boys. Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United and City all mentioned in dispatches. Think this ones a bit of a column space filler rather than anything concrete.

Man City are also eyeing up Diego Milito with a reported fee of 20 mill. Anyone who pays that for a 28 year old who is struggling to get the goals he got last year is nuts and I dont think Sven is!

Newcastle 2-1 Birmingham

Newcastle followed up their creditable performance against Arsenal with a heartening 2-1 against Birmingham City to ease their Premier League woes, and give manager Sam Allardyce some much needed breathing space.

They made it hard for themselves with a gift opener to Cameraon Jerome after only nine minutes. They got back in it after thirty six minutes Martins slotting home a penalty given from Sadlers challenge on him. Newcastles winner came in the last minute, with Senegal defender Beye heading home from Emres corner to flatten Birmingham with a sucker punch.

Newcastle dominated for large parts of the first half and could well have had more than Martins equaliser. After the break Newcastle fell flat, maybe because of their midweek exertions, and maybe because they were up against a determined and organised Birmingham.

It may not have been too pretty but three points following the Arsenal game will do wonders for Newcastle's confidence and give Sam Allardyce much need breathing space as he seeks to put his stamp on the team.

Premiership Transfer Rumours

We've done a scan of the football gossip pages and the latest transfer rumours to do the rounds are:

Various sources are reporting Jose Mourinho is holding 'secret' talks with the Football Association to replace Steve McLaren.

Another transfer rumour concerns poor Michael Owen's injury prone fall from grace continues - he's being linked with Manchester City who are set to make an £8m move for Newcastle's England striker in January. (various)


Chelsea will off-load the biggest show pony in the Premier League by allowing striker Andriy Shevchenko to on loan apparently to follow Beckham to the MLS in the States. How appropriate. That one from the Mirror. Still on Chelsea the Sun is reporting Didier Drogba want his knee op straight away while Chelsea want him to delay it.

The Star has two transfer rumours. One that the newest Premier League manager, Alex McLeish wants to sign Sheffield United's Gary Naysmith in January. The other is that Chelsea reckon they will snatch Bolton's Nicolas Anelka for a cool 15 mill in the transfer window.

Blackburn pair Benni McCarthy and Robbie Savage have held talks with Mark Hughes with both increasingly frustrated picking splinters out their rear end of a Saturday afternoon. (Mail)
Brentford boss Terry Butcher has been given one match to save his job. (Sun)

Down into the Championship transfer rumours are circulating in the Mail that QPR have agreed a £2m deal for Sunderland's Daryl Murphy (though I have seen Roy Keane deny this elsewhere) and also a £150,000 move for Watford's Gavin Mahon. (Mail). Elsewhere Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is ready to launch a £1.5m bid for Derby striker Steve Howard. (Sun)

Up in sunny Scotland the rumours are that Celtic have apparently agreed to sell striker Derek Riordan in January and spark a chase for his services. (The Record) The Scottish Sun is reporting further rumours that Celtic manager Gordon Strachan will be given enough money for four new players in the January transfer window which should put a smile on his face.