Could Ben Arfa sign today?

New arrival?

New arrival?

Something strange is going on with this Ben Arfa malarkey. The most on/off deal off the summer so far looks like it could be back on at the minute, especially after the player was photographed, or photoshopped, at Newcastle airport yesterday.

I personally thought that the deal was off, or at the very least highly unlikely to happen. But the arrival of Ben Arfa in the North East yesterday changes that a little.

The official line is that the club are refusing to talk to the player as they don’t yet have permission from Marseille to enter negotiations. I don’t buy into that however and believe that conversations will have taken place, perhaps not directly, but maybe through a third party, like an agent for example.

We are starting to hear more about the whole saga from the players representatives, and they claim that Ben Arfa is angry after Marseille reneged on a loan deal between the two clubs. This has led to the player refusing to train, refusing to play, and eventually, turning up in Newcastle.

On the surface, it appears that Ben Arfa has turned up in Newcastle of his own free will, but do you really believe that? Personally I don’t.

I firmly believe that the foundations would have been laid before he even stepped foot on the plane. Unless of course he just wanted a change from the warm climate of the South coast of France and chose Newcastle as a destination for a mini-break? Given the way that this transfer story has gone so far, I wouldn’t rule that option out!

Questions will be rasied over the way the player is acting, which I can kind of empathise with, but if what the agents are saying is true (don’t laugh) then there does at least seem to be a reason why the player is angry with his current employers. Look on the bright side, at least he is showing a desire to play for Newcastle!

It appears that I called time on this rumour far to early, which has meant that I have had to scrabble through the trash bin like a hungry tramp looking at where I left off. After binning the link off yesterday and disregarding it as a move that is off, it now appears to be very much back on.

More to follow, no doubt.

avatar NUFCBlog Author: toonsy toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.

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166 Responses to “Could Ben Arfa sign today?”

  1. 1
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    1st for cooldj!

  2. 2
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    This would be one in the eye for all those who think Newcastle are a small team and I really do believe he would be the difference from struggling to stay up and us reaching 12-13th. Would be just our luck for him to break a leg against Man u, lol

  3. 3
    avatar davy says:

    That’s what the club say, but they will hav paid for the flight n hotel n there will b non stop talks, he didn’t jus turn up here on is own free will this deal is surely just a matter days if not hours away, its great whatever happens, I said the other marsielle will b forced to agree deal, they’ve got cheek calling us n they go n put in was described as a ridiculous offer for fabiano bcoz it was so low

  4. 4
    avatar sirjasontoon says:

    cornish-magpie says:
    August 14, 2010 at 7:40 am
    This would be one in the eye for all those who think Newcastle are a small team.

    He is a decent player from what I have heard but is hardly a major signing we where spending almost 3 times that on players like shearer and Owen.
    So I don’t see it being one in the eye or changing anyone’s opinions on Newcastle anytime soon.

  5. 5
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    Really? I would say he is a huge signing, one of those players that only seems to go to a top 4 club. For example I can hardly see him pitching up in Stoke or Birmingham. I’ll be delighted and amazed if Chris ties this one up.

  6. 6
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    Anyhow, I’m looking forward to being number 1 in the fantasy football league tonight!

  7. 7
    avatar Tattyheed says:

    Ssn reporting that Seville have knocked back marseille for fabiano. Toonsy- am I right in thinking this strengthens our case?

  8. 8
    avatar jay jay says:

    Yeah, SJT and owen was great :roll: price isn’t everything. 8 mil for boumsong, 500k for bassong, who was best SFB?

  9. 9
    avatar indianmag says:

    if he signs today(a big if), will he be playing against manu?

  10. 10
    avatar davy says:

    once the deal is agreed with OM this is jus gonna b case of a medical as he is here u hav to think personal terms will b agreed
    we paid 17mill for owen n he was a flop

  11. 11
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    Off-topic, my fantasy football league team

    Howard
    Koscielny – Samba – Sagna – Terry
    Bale – Lampard – Essien – Bilyaletdinov
    Bent – Defoe

    Subs – Harper, Etherington, Carroll, Collocini

    You can all quit now

  12. 12
    avatar GeordieDan says:

    Cornish u r spot on!

    Arfa might be nothing but trouble once he’s been here a season or 2 but until then he is an absolutely cracking player and a genuine ‘Top 4′ quality signing WHEN we get him (thinking positive-u taking notes sirjasontoon?)

    Who cares if he isnt costing what Shearer/Owen costs us. Shearer was a one-off ‘bring a legend home’ fee in 1995 and Owen was a complete waste of money and was never worth that much when we got him so thats a crazy comparison.

    Get Arfa on Tyneside: if we only get 1 season on magic from him and sell him on after at a big profit or if we loan him and send him packing at the end of the season either way he’ll excite us all this season and his quality could make the difference we need.

    No brainer for me this one. In contrast to sirjasontoon I think he’ll be an instant eye-opener on Toon. Perhaps not one in the eye to opposition immediately but once he starts playing they’ll realise what they missed.

    HWTL!

  13. 13
    avatar noir9 says:

    What does it matter if we are a big or small club? this constant “we’re a big club” crap just makes us look stupid & certainly doesn’t guarantee success.

  14. 14
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    12 – thx! 13 – I’m not saying we’re a big club I just think it might prove Andy Gray and others wrong and that it will shock a few people that we can sign players of this ilk.

  15. 15
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    I agreed with you Toonsy and said it wasn’t going to happen, but, unlike most people, I’m nearly always wrong. So I won’t say anything more about Ben Arfa and I’ll tip a toon loss on Monday.

  16. 16
    avatar richietoon says:

    Cornish…unless ya changing your name to richietoon I’m afraid you wont be top of the fantasy league tonight !!! ;-)

    Is Drogba defo out today still,if so I’ll have to change my formation :-(

  17. 17
    avatar Charlie says:

    Cornish Magpie

    Bent is injured…..sub him out quick!

  18. 18
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    Just on SSN that Bent will play

  19. 19
    avatar toonlad says:

    ben arfa is a toon fan that is y he want to sign he supported us since he was a kidd and its a dream for him to sign for us

  20. 20
    avatar toonlad says:

    and he will sign today

  21. 21
    avatar richietoon says:

    Bris……..toon fans usually believe the worst news,natural instinct honed over years of dissapointment ;-)

    I couldn’t understand people believing he was going to stay at L’OM though,that was never going to happen.

  22. 22
    avatar Waddles mullet says:

    Clubs have agreed thats why he is in Newcastle.
    Medical than a little more thrashing out terms.

  23. 23
    avatar richietoon says:

    Waddles…still in Italy,p!ssing doon here……….dya know if it’s permanent or a loan?

  24. 24
    avatar toonlad says:

    yea that true and we have paid the 6 mil they asked for

  25. 25
    avatar Waddles mullet says:

    On way home now.
    All I know is clubs have agreed.
    Once Ben arfa goes, marseille will go after Charlie.

  26. 26
    avatar davy says:

    apperntly he has spoke to robert about the toon which part of the reason why he wants to come, as for monday am not expecting us to get anything from the game all am looking for is a statement of intent a good performance n make man u work for win rather than giv him an easy we cud sneak a draw, waddles u cud b ryt they hav agreed a deal

  27. 27
    avatar davy says:

    toonlad n waddles do u know for certain that its a permanent deal

  28. 28
    avatar saltysellars11 says:

    wow this is a surprise and great thing to wake up to ! he must be on the brink of signing if he is here? got a feeling its going to be a permenant transfer too? anyone agree?

    if we get him,as long as ash dont offer stupid wages,then ma deserves full credit for this along with ch,this is type of signing i never thought id see in a long time from us.well done if its true

  29. 29
    avatar richietoon says:

    cheers Waddles,aye I said last week they were after Zog.Think I said it,I defo meant to say it honest guvnor :-)

  30. 30
    avatar Waddles mullet says:

    Davy, don’t know about the deal. But will be amazed if we got such a class player on loan.
    Sneaky feeling 2 still to come in one a striker.

  31. 31
    avatar davy says:

    yea it is true there after nzogbia

  32. 32
    avatar davy says:

    still think we will get arevalo

  33. 33
    avatar toonlad says:

    its not a loan deal , we are paying the 6 mill they wanted

  34. 34
    avatar richietoon says:

    If we get Ben Arfa and if it’s true he’s been promised to play the number 10 role where would another striker fit in would be my concern.Lots of ifs tho,of course there’s another if,we don’t know yet if either of our wingers might not be up to it so he may have to play there…..that is if he is up to it :lol: now I’m all if’d out ;-)

  35. 35
    avatar richietoon says:

    thats better toonlad,cos if he has a good season and does a zog and wants to go to a ‘bigger’ clyb we’ll get our money back + more

  36. 36
    avatar richietoon says:

    davy arevlo would be a good one….if he can repeat his WC form

  37. 37
    avatar magpie6699 says:

    Latest from the French Press. “On a vu Hatim Ben Arfa dans un kebab shop au coin du Marche Bigg”

    Hope the weather doesn’t put him off if he is in Newcastle!

  38. 38
    avatar Matty says:

    Waddles has Ben arfa checked in? Is that how you know?

  39. 39
    avatar komfort says:

    sactter cash…wigan , ipswich & watford.

    …start as you mean to go on.

  40. 40
    avatar davy says:

    toonlad how do u know its a permanent deal i hav to say i agree i think it will be i cant c us getting him on a loan deal

  41. 41
    avatar ian says:

    wow, all I can say is I don’t think anyone could have predicted this route with ben arfa. between sevilla rejecting the lowball, ben arfa walking out on OM, amazing, the frenchies are reporting his walk-out/being in newcastle, just a matter of time again. amazing.

  42. 42
    avatar richietoon says:

    I fancy Blackpool to get a result today :shock:

  43. 43
    avatar James Emsden says:

    Dont get your hopes up lads, I think Gravity is one of the most predictable forces that surrounds us and, correct me if im wrong, but Ben Arfa is pointing in a different direction to the rest of the airport! Photoshop i’m afriad!

  44. 44
    avatar davy says:

    he is definetely in toon a lad on eds blog who is spot on with every transfer says he is here n he never posts unless he has got 100% info, he has called every deal a few days before it happens

  45. 45
    avatar ian says:

    the marseille fan blogs are reporting he’s in toon as well

  46. 46
    avatar richietoon says:

    James…..don’t know if the photo is real or not,but it’s defo(well 99%) arrivals at Newcastle airport),but if you put it with the French reporting he’s here and everything else then I’d say there’s a good chance he’s here.

  47. 47
    avatar James Emsden says:

    I’m not saying we wont sign him, I really hope we do as he is the sort of creative player that could be the difference between a relegation fight and safe by February! I just think that photo is fake!

  48. 48
    avatar Waddles mullet says:

    Get yourself to the training ground now and you might catch him ;)

  49. 49
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    We won’t get Arevelo … or Kevin Prince … or Robbie Keane. No. No. Definitely not.

  50. 50
    avatar richietoon says:

    As I said could be fake mate but it is Newcastle airport and it has arrivals in the right place,I do believe he’s here tho.hers’s hoping eh?

  51. 51
    avatar cornerlad says:

    am i the only one that thinks that the lad at the airport has an uncanny resemblance to kieron dyer???

  52. 52
    avatar richietoon says:

    Bris….is that the old reverse Psychology? :-)

  53. 53
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    Can’t see us ever having this team:

    Harper
    STaylor Campbell Colo Jose
    Aravelo Boatang
    BenArfa Barton Jonas
    Keane

  54. 54
    avatar ginkoh says:

    Someone confuse we’re still big club or not. Here’s my thought.

    Big club = big attendance, large capacity stadium, great loyalty (die hard maybe) supporter, good attraction city, great history and past trophy.

    Better club = Great result making, competition challenger, Europe class squad, best manager, good backroom staff support, Good financial and management.

    So I think we’re still ‘BIG’ club. Bigger club than most of team in England BUT we’re not better club than them. Bigger but not better.

    Hopefully we can end the Arfa story soon because I want to see him against ManU TT+

  55. 55
    avatar currytoon says:

    I’m growing a moustache until he has signed on the dotted line…

  56. 56
    avatar richietoon says:

    trying to post a link from the Journal but it wont let me for some reason :-(

  57. 57
    avatar roycropper says:

    big club = big players = sol campbell kevin nolan = big club = big owner = wide-load = big club.

    gink – i reckon we’re a big club.

  58. 58
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    Of course we’re a big club, it’s what Ashley uses to whack agents with.

  59. 59
    avatar richietoon says:

    Roy :lol: cracking brekkie today by the way.

  60. 60
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    Simon Katich, the Australian cricketer, is a Toon fan. He was on telly this arvo saying he owes it to hanging out with Steve Harmison. Who would have thunk it.

  61. 61
    avatar Johno Toon says:

    On the surface, it appears that Ben Arfa has turned up in Newcastle of his own free will, but do you really believe that? Personally I don’t.

    Toonsy are you suggesting we have kidnapped him? Or holding his family hostage until he signs? :)

  62. 62
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    Johno, don’t give the papers ideas, mate.

  63. 63
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    This transfer is a bigger saga than Forsythe’s!

  64. 64
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    Divvent worry lads, I just read it in me tea-leaves…

    Ben Arfa will sign over the weekend, but too late to play against Man Ure on Monday. Nowt wrong with that though, because although all the fans want him to play on Monday, it makes more sense to hold fire a bit so nowt daft happens, gets injured or owt, he’s heeds probably all ower ther place anyway, I mean the lad hasn’t even trained with us, apart from maybe a secret kick-aboot on Leazes Park…

    That would leave the whole of next week for CH and Mike Ashley to play the big media game, new signing makes his debut in Toon in front of home fans against Villa…blah blah…nowt wrong with that either though…

    If he doesn’t sign then we need to hope that CH has a few more irons in the fire…still two weeks to go until the end of the transfer window at the end of the day…

  65. 65
    avatar Cyprus-Toon says:

    Are we sure this isn’t another prank by those ‘unwashed’ from down the road again?? bit like that guy who was gonna buy the club but turned out to be a muckem???

    IF is it cosher, then fantastic but until I see him in a B&W shirt in the TOON, I’m not holding out for this!!!

  66. 66
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    Stuart your showing your age mate…

  67. 67
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    Stu – is that Bruce Forsythe?

  68. 68
    avatar richietoon says:

    is that the Bruce Forsyhte saga?

    Cyprus………possible with the photo but not the rest imo

  69. 69
    avatar richietoon says:

    Bris..doh beat me to it

  70. 70
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    As opposed to Bruce’s Foreskin saga

  71. 71
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    Bruce Forsythe…the old wazzock…

  72. 72
    avatar richietoon says:

    10 minutes ’til Soccer AM whoop whoop :-)

  73. 73
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    I used to love Soccer AM….sob… is that blonde totty who supports Torquay still on it ?

  74. 74
    avatar Brisvegas says:

    We’ve got 12 hours of football happening at the moment. Started at 4pm with a silly chat show (with Simon Katich as guest), then 2 A-league games and 2 PL games.

  75. 75
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    I’ve never actually seen it. It’s the only saga I know.

  76. 76
    avatar richietoon says:

    Munich….Helen Chamberlain……..yep,she’s starting to fray around the edges a bit now

  77. 77
    avatar CC says:

    Munich Mag

    You wont miss much, Havent watched it in ages it was cack last time i saw it

  78. 78
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    I don’t want to trawl through the old blog posts, but did Toonsy get a sensible response from NUFC to the question of the disappearing away ticket allocation ?

  79. 79
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    Helen Chamberlain…aye thats her… Shes been at Sky longer than English Andy Gray…she must know summat about someone in high up places…

    The blonde gadgy who follows Chewlsea used to front it in my time…he’s toast now though I believe..

    Doesn’t sound as if I’m missing much now though CC ?…all gone down hill..

  80. 80
    avatar Cyprus-Toon says:

    From what I know, we can’t sign him as a player unless L’OM agree as Ben Arfa is contracted to them & until that contract is concluded in some way, he’s still their player & unable to sign for any other club…. a bit like Sol Campbell leaving Notts County, he wasn’t able to play for any club until both parties agreed to the split!!!

    So guys, don’ get too excited just yet as it could be some time, even months if L’OM decided to play hardball!!!

  81. 81
    avatar richietoon says:

    Munich,this was the first laughable reply

    “Hi there,”

    “Opposition clubs offer a number of ticket options to us – some on a sale or return basis and some on a sale only basis. The Club makes a decision on a game by game basis regarding how many tickets it forecasts it can sell based on demand at that time.”

    “It is a careful balance between ensuring that supporters have the opportunity to buy tickets for away matches (and having a strong vocal support for these games) and ensuring that we mitigate the risk of being left with unsold tickets that we have to pay for. If we are left with a remnant of tickets this is wasted money that cannot be spent elsewhere, for example, player investment

  82. 82
    avatar noir9 says:

    @54, I’m not saying we’re not regarded as a big club, I’m saying it doesn’t really matter & does us no favours, my opinion is that some of our supporters seem to have some sort of infatuation with being called a big club & the size of our ground, which just gives the media another stick to beat us all with.

    We’re still regarded as a big club (as long as its not measured by success) with a proud (rather ancient) history, fantastic ground filled with a large passionate & loyal support.

  83. 83
    avatar richietoon says:

    Cyprus….some saying its all agreed with L’OM……….but if not as I said the other day they have to reduce their wage bill and desperately need cash for their own transfer target so whether he comes to us or not he’ll be gone from L’OM by the end of the month imo

  84. 84
    avatar noir9 says:

    Munich – Tim Lovejoy, he now works for the beeb & does day-time telly & 5live

  85. 85
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    Thanks Richietoon. I actually read that response myself in the blog post. What a load of absolute garbage coming from the club.

    I really cannot understand why the club and supporters don’t have a better bond, and actually all pull in the same direction. I mean this is not something particular to the MA regime. In fact apart from the golden days of KK and Champs League etc, the club has always “distanced” itself from the supportets. Surely a word from the fans rep to the club would let them now that this response regarding away tickets is senseless ?

    Or do the other groups, The Mag, Mark Jensen etc and all the other supposed fans reps have a different opinion ?

  86. 86
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    noir9…thanks mate, thats the gadgey in question..gone on to bigger and better things obviously..

  87. 87
    avatar noir9 says:

    Danny Simpson on next

  88. 88
    avatar richietoon says:

    I don’t know Munich,it puzzles me.They do nothing to help themselves………..Danny Simpson’s a guest on Soccer AM

  89. 89
    avatar noir9 says:

    *guest on soccer am next

  90. 90
    avatar richietoon says:

    Munich,dya not fancy getting sky out there to watch the Footy?

  91. 91
    avatar johnny says:

    morning lads grt news if it comes off innit ;) just spent 30 mins on youtube checkin some vids out ;) looks a very exiting talented player. just the type of dynamic attacking midfielder/winger. am hopefull tho, i think lol.
    have u heard about given being replaced by hart at citeh, so apparantly celtic nd fulham chasin him. reckon bellamy might go to fulham, how many clubs has he played for now ? lol must be right workyticket ;) talented, but a bit of a brick

  92. 92
    avatar CC says:

    I think Eds getting ahead of himself “Now that the excitement of signing Ben Arfa for Newcastle for next season will die down” :eek:

  93. 93
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    Toonsy may have dismissed the transfer too early but now Ed’s blog is reporting like its a done deal which makes me sure it is off again.
    argggh!

  94. 94
    avatar magpie6699 says:

    Not convinced yet, we’ve had too many disappointments – but from reports of his abilities I’d be happy if he comes.
    Don’t get the “he could be another Insomnia” bit? Yes, I was disappointed with Zog’s attitude towards the end – but he did play some good games for us, had pace and skill, and we made a few million profit out of him. I’d settle for that these days.

  95. 95
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    richietoon…dead right mate, maybe I’ll get Sky now that we’re back in the PL… What does it cost now per month just to get the footy package ?

    There’s also a German version of Sky which shows 2 games at the weekend, plus an hour of PL highlights on a Monday neet for nowt…I’m too much of a tight ar*e to pay for it though…

  96. 96
    avatar noir9 says:

    Helen might be getting a little frayed but she’s trying to make up for it with some clevage & “basic instinct action”

  97. 97
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    it could be some random arab lad walking through arrivals,or a photoshop fake,until it is on the official club website,i aint holding my breath.hugh pinches of salt are required at this stage,could be a sunderland prank.

  98. 98
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    all in all, regarding French players, apart from Guivarch and perhaps Domi, the majority of wor French players all started well, Robert, Ginola, erh…the other lads I’ve forgotten there names…but…then after a couple of years went a bit pear-shaped…We would probably all feel that way, need for a change etc…especially if the player seems that the club isn’t developing in the right direction, a footballers career is short….

  99. 99
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    noir9 …is Helen getting them out for the lads ?….wehey !!…

  100. 100
    avatar CC says:

    Aston Villa 1-0 West Ham
    Blackburn 1-2 Everton
    Bolton 2-1 Fulham
    Chelsea 4-0 West Brom
    Sunderland 1-1 Birmingham
    Tottenham 2-1 Man City
    Wigan 1-1 Blackpool
    Wolves 0-1 Stoke
    Liverpool 1-2 Arsenal
    Man Utd 0-0 Newcastle

  101. 101
    avatar richietoon says:

    Munich…..think ya have to get a basic pack which is about £20(I think)….then about the same to add sky…not cheap

  102. 102
    avatar noir9 says:

    Aye munich, dannys trying not to look. I’m just waiting for the beaver shot!

  103. 103
    avatar dicktoon says:

    My god there is always some tw@ like James Emsden. Get a grip you ‘know it all’. If you can find the original image of Arfa that this “fake” is taken from then I’ll give you £10,000.

  104. 104
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    I might stick £2 on that accy CC

  105. 105
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    Here’s proof that Ben Arfa itches his chin, :)

    http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:YCsoQlxzTyhaIM:b

  106. 106
  107. 107
    avatar CC says:

    Eds saying, We are close to signing Arevalo as well

  108. 108
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    cornish-magpie

    That second one looks a bit dodgy to me like.

  109. 109
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    108, you’re right, the he should be a bit taller hopefully, :)

  110. 110
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    Skysports just reported the L’OM sporting director warning against discussing personal terms before a deal is agreed. Isn’t this what they said last night – they were slow on putting it on the website but I think he’ll sign eventually and that Marseille are run by bigger clowns than Newcastle.

  111. 111
    avatar richietoon says:

    Cornish…thats never a real BMW ;-)

  112. 112
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    Seen all the moustaches on skysports. They’ll be the pictures used before all the matches this season. Carroll’s is a weak effort but I think Raylor and Smudge’s devil beards are ace.

    Hopefully we beat Villa at least and they can all shave pretty soon though.

  113. 113
    avatar Johno Toon says:

    I think L’OM r just trying to hike up the price on this one whothevukicharis to be honest , didnt Arfa do the same thing when he join L’OM from Lyon? Im sure if he does sign he prob do something similar with us when he wants to go

  114. 114
    avatar James Emsden says:

    dicktoon – its all in the name.

    i’m not a know it all, just wondered why his body is facing a different direction to the windows and doors?

    You go and find this original instead.

  115. 115
    avatar toonitis says:

    @munich mag.google everythingontv.you get sky sports 1,2 and3

  116. 116
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    Marseille’s officals have come across as being just as unprofessional, petulant and disrespectful as Ben Arfa. That said, I’m not too worried about the lad’s attitude because we’ve had the same from Robert and N’Zogbia and that sort of creativity on the pitch is sorely missed.

  117. 117
    avatar Toonarmymike says:

    He’s got a good way if getting a deal done just flies to the city and turns up wanting a deal.I have to say I’ve not been this excited bout a player in ages.even if it’s just a loan il be getting a new top with his name on the back.have we signed somebody with this much potential since shearer? I don’t think so.

  118. 118
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    toonitis – that’s class.

  119. 119
  120. 120
    avatar Johno Toon says:

    I totally agree Vuckicharris , we need something going forward , i feel we are solid at the back which will go a long way to help keeping us up but someone like arfa can give us that bit extra going forward which should make a big difference to us. N for what he could add to us this season will be worth it when he does decide he wants out imo!

  121. 121
    avatar Rorycn says:

    Joined the fantasy football. Pretty confident i’ll finish last. Hopefully ben-afra will get signed. Havn’t seen him play but judging by the exccitment he’ll be alright. I know he has a reputation but if he goes to these lengths to sign(Walk out,just turning up in the city) I can’t see him causing problems this year. Could be an exciting attacking side in a couple of years f carroll,vuckic and ben-afra all live up to there potential.

  122. 122
    avatar richietoon says:

    JJ,best ways believe nowt ’til it’s confirmed….especially from the French side as their president/chairman has already been proven to have lied about the matter.I think alot of it from their side is an act for the fans.

  123. 123
    avatar cornish-magpie says:

    Soccer saturday in 28 mins, it’s here at last!

  124. 124
    avatar AngelOfDeath says:

    Kevin Nolan As Captain. ;)

    Confirmed news. ^^

  125. 125
    avatar richietoon says:

    jj,hows things over there now that the WC’s finished,back to normality?

  126. 126
    avatar toonsy says:

    Morning lads.

    AOD – Give us a link ;)

  127. 127
  128. 128
    avatar CC says:

    Toonsy

    It looks like you were spot on about Ben Arfa signing, You called this first just a few short hours after denying its truth for about a fortnight ;)

    Soccer saturday or Football focus…decisions, decisions :roll:

    I still watch MOTD more through loyalty than owt else but the rest of the beebs saturday football shows are a bit shit arent they…

  129. 129
    avatar richietoon says:

    Toonst,did Mick D reply?

  130. 130
    avatar AngelOfDeath says:

    @toonsy: How can you not believe what i say??? :( :(

    Anyway,thanks richietoon. :lol:

  131. 131
    avatar richietoon says:

    *Toonsy

  132. 132
    avatar geordie deb says:

    Nolan not going anywhere then. Does this make him virtually undroppable?

  133. 133
    avatar richietoon says:

    AoD…he just naturally has trust issues ;-)

  134. 134
    avatar icedog says:

    TOONSY got owt on report in greece that rios will sign for toon in next 48hrs?

  135. 135
    avatar richietoon says:

    ………or is it he likes to be trussed ???!!! :lol:

  136. 136
    avatar JJ says:

    Ye Richietoon…

    Was a bit of a depression here when everything stopped… like something was missing…
    But the the Bafana vs Ghana game midweek and the Premiership Season starting everyone is getting excited again…

    There are so many plastic Man United fans it would just make my f**king year if we could beat those Mancs on Monday!

  137. 137
    avatar richietoon says:

    Aye it would be nice JJ,can’t see it but you never know.

  138. 138
    avatar Stuart79 says:

    Notice Given has been dropped by City.

    He’ll be handing in a transfer request then.

    It’s not always greener on the other side is it?

  139. 139
    avatar Johno Toon says:

    JJ i have this werid feeling we will win , i have no diea why just a gut feeling, could be just all the hope for the new season but im sticking a tenner on us to win , Ive seen a bookmaker offer 12/1 on us to win , worth a tenner imo!

  140. 140
    avatar icedog says:

    AYE STUART that will be twice hes missed out on his 10% cut of fee putting in tranfer request

  141. 141
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    Nolan’s captaincy shouldn’t make him undroppable. Smith and Butt were not automatic selections last year.

  142. 142
    avatar richietoon says:

    ………also he’s been made club captain……the team captain can change all the time obviously depending on who’s in the team.

  143. 143
    avatar roycropper says:

    nolan appointed himself captain back in june & has just informed his number 2 (CH) about it – but CH proably had a good idea this was going to happen anyways.

  144. 144
    avatar Big Dave says:

    WTVH I agree Nolans Captaincy wouldn’t make him undroppable as he allready was undroppable I said all along that Nolan had claimed the armband for himself because he has to much power at the club, even in games last year when he was shocking he still never got subbed.

  145. 145
    avatar roycropper says:

    CH – we all guessed the same as well matey.

  146. 146
    avatar bigbadbob says:

    stuart@138 – what goes around, comes around

  147. 147
    avatar toonsy says:

    Stu @ 138 – Agree. No doubt Given will flounce around now wanting a new club.

  148. 148
    avatar icedog says:

    ROY cut his bacon buties down m8,its starting to show a bit

  149. 149
    avatar bigbadbob says:

    nufc.com reporting deal for Arvelo Rios is close.

  150. 150
    avatar roycropper says:

    why should shay sit on any fckers bench ??? – he’s the best keeper in the prem.

    £6 million !!!!! – fcking givawy..

  151. 151
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    nice one hughton!!!,making a fat bin dipper captain.
    he shouldn’t even be in the first team this season.

  152. 152
    avatar TROJAN 69 says:

    aye roy,fat boy nolan is now player manager.

  153. 153
    avatar Big Dave says:

    Roy agree 100% ;) now can you stick me on an Ulster Fry mate ;)

  154. 154
    avatar roycropper says:

    nicedog – i would make steve taylor captain – when fit.

  155. 155
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    Shay Given on the bench…that is just SO ironic…!

    Have we received all of our transfer money for him from Citeh, or is it being paid in weekly installments until 2016 ?…perhaps we’ll end up loaning him back !

  156. 156
    avatar Munich Mag says:

    Mike Ashley, Kebin Nolan and Sol Campbell – “The Three Tubbyleros” !

  157. 157
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    I certainly hope Nolan will be dropped if he’s out of form this season. If he isn’t scoring his contribution is minimal. Other than goals all I remember him doing is that disgraceful tackle on Anichebe.

    He was at least the most consistent goalscorer last season so probably merited his place.

    The player-power situation at the club is fine when things are going well but this dynamic has not been tested yet- and we all know it will be soon.

    Hughton may have to accept being somewhat of a puppet for Ashley but cannot be a puppet to the senior players because their interests will be more selfish than the manager’s.

  158. 158
    avatar icedog says:

    BBB aye m8 told toonsy a couple of times about him,hes missed out on this one,mind he has been busy hes nearly a film star noo like

  159. 159
    avatar Big Dave says:

    WhoTheVuckicHaris im not having a go at ye, but what makes you think he will be dropped if he’s out of form this season when he was clearly out of form and out of shape for so many games last year and still wasn’t dropped. As Roy has said and myself so many times he picks himself and has way to much power and CH will find out when the shit hits the fan

  160. 160
    avatar icedog says:

    BIG DAVE come on m8 your a long time giveing your forcast for mondays game

  161. 161
    avatar WhoTheVuckicHaris says:

    Big Dave, I honestly can’t say I’d thought about Nolan having that much power in the dressing room. From my point of view there wasn’t enough competition for his spot last season to question his selection and although he was sluggish throughout he had a knack of getting important goals – probably why I accepted that he justified playing.

    I’ll be interested to see how it goes this season of course becasuse no one should have a guarenteed place, particularly Nolan.

  162. 162
    avatar dicktoon says:

    @ James Emsden
    He is obviously off for a dump or sommat. Just look at the sign behind him. Anyways do you always face all the doors and windows when you are in a building. I’d like to see you try and stand in the sage…… or in a greenhouse.

  163. 163
    avatar richietoon says:

    I’m puzzled about the door window thing(maybe I’m just thick.lol) but that door is where you come through after passport control,so wouldnt he have his back to it if he’d just walked thru it?

  164. 164
    avatar dicktoon says:

    exactly richie

  165. 165
    avatar dicktoon says:

    Oh and I deliberately chose the name ‘dicktoon’ to facilitate tossers like you hoisting yourselves on your own childish petard. When all else fails fall back on petty insults.

  166. 166
    avatar James Emsden says:

    Dicktoon – You started the petty insults you hypocrite.

    “My god there is always some tw@ like James Emsden”

    Admittidly it was childish to have a dig back.

    My opinion is the photo is fake, I’m sorry that this is’nt your opinion and you have taken it personally.

    These threads are not about slagging matches so grow up.

    To clarify, My opinion is not based on where he is looking, it is based on the fact that ‘Ben Arfa’ is stood totally vertical (0 gegrees if you like) the rest of the airport is about 30 degrees. Unless ‘Ben Arfa’ was doing some sort of balancing trick at the time, to me it looks fake.

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