The Hit List.
Posted on June 11th, 2009 | 3 Comments |
“Newcastle United have received a number of inquiries relating to the availability of their first-team squad members in the 48 hours since it emerged that every player would have his price this summer.
On Tuesday The Times revealed that offers would be considered for the entire playing staff as Mike Ashley, the owner, continues in his attempt to overhaul the relegated side before a £100 million sale.
However, Newcastle officials have distributed a definitive list of individuals they would prefer to move on at the earliest opportunity, in the hope that a core of the club’s best players can be retained for the Coca-Cola Championship campaign.
Managers at home and abroad have been told that a number of Newcastle players with considerable first-team experience are available for transfer with immediate effect. The sale of Kevin Nolan, Joey Barton, Jonás Gutiérrez, Gérémi, José Enrique, Fabricio Coloccini, Obafemi Martins, Shola Ameobi and Xisco is seen as a priority. ”
Personally, I won’t lose sleep over any of that little lot going. Guiterrez could go on to prove himself but due to his wages, can we be so charitable? The same goes for Enrique. Martins will be on big bucks and though undoubtedly an enigma who can light up a game and win some points, his inconsistency is likely to continue in the second tier. We can get more for less in my opinion. The only other bloke on there worth a mention is Barton and I just can’t see how or why we could or should give him another chance to prove himself. Nolan has been an unmitigated let-down. What’s the likelihood he’ll go elsewhere and pick up form though?
So we could be a few players lighter, better off regards the wage bill and hopefully quids-in with transfer fees. Anybody else concerned about replacements?
None of them will be missed.