In his first interview when signing for Newcastle United midfield maestro Yohan Cabaye says that Newcastle United have ‘special’ fans and that Pardew’s project is an ‘ambitious’ one but wait for it… David Rozenhal and Charles N’Zogbia sold the club to him.

“I spoke to Charles N’Zogbia and David Rozehnal before joining Newcastle. They both said it was a good choice to come to Newcastle. They said I would have a great time, especially with the fans.”

“And those fans appear special. Before signing for Newcastle, I watched some videos on the internet, and particularly the game against Sunderland when Newcastle won 5-1.”

“I could see there was a great atmosphere in the stadium, and I really want to see what it’s like to play at St James’ Park and in the Premier League. I’m very excited about playing at St James’ Park, now I hope I can adapt quickly to the Premier League.”

“I hope I can excite the fans here with my football, and I would love to score for Newcastle and see the reaction of the supporters at St James’ Park. But first I must adapt to the football and the city, and get to know my teammates.”

“I also have to adapt to the style of play in England, as it’s very different to France. This is the first time I have moved from my home region, and I want to be ready for the new season.”

“There was talk of Liverpool and Arsenal, but Newcastle were the club who made the move for me, and I really like Alan Pardew’s strategy and how he told me he wants to play. I heard of other interest, but I didn’t hesitate for one second to join Newcastle because they have an ambitious project.”

Well it certainly sounds like Pardew had a fair bit to do with this signing, more than I was previously giving credit. There is no bones about it Newcastle United have gotten a ‘snip’ with regards to the signing Cabaye and thats just the player quality. When you throw in the fact of his fee it makes it day light robbery. Cabaye is a real top notch player who will excite the Toon army next season alongside powerhouse Tiote.

Now lets move on to bringing in the wingers and strikers to receive the bullets to do the damage. There is no doubt Pardew would like to keep Nolan and Barton for next season. They will remain NUFC players until a suitable fee is forth coming from bidding clubs. However for Newcastle to progress the best we would hope for both Nolan and Barton is for bench slots. Certainly that would be a hard juggling act with regards to Joey.

We all know hes a hot head. Trying to manage that when he isn’t playing would be hard. Nolan might be a better bet. But then throw in the high wages for two players to sit on the bench at best isn’t a great idea. Those slots would be better served to youthful legged talents.

We already have two in Ben Arfa and Gosling but will they return as we expect from serious injuries? Then we have young Ferguson who at this stage is not a left back starter but better as a winger. Then young Lua Lua but he has made noises recently about moving to Brighton. Then we have Vuckic, Sammy Ameobi, Ryan Donaldson and Michael Richardson.

Now throw in Guthrie, Jonas, Ryan Taylor and Alan Smith. Thats alot of battle for slots.

Now add Charles N’Zogbia…

How do you feel the midfield squad is shaping up at Newcastle? Would you let Barton and Nolan go and bring in replacements?