Roz Off
Confirmation came this evening of David Rozenhal going out on loan to Lazio for the remainder of the season. Rozenhal was desperate for first team football to secure his place at the Euro 2008 tournament this summer.
Not quite the sort of transfer activity Newcastle fans will have been hoping for. The only thing I can think is that Newcastle have a move lined up at the death this evening. Newcastle have been touted as sniffing around Brazilian defender Alvaro from Levante.
Though I could be wrong…
January 31st, 2008 at 10:59 pm
Just under an hour to go, but unless we bring someone else in I’ll be very, very confused… Even if we do, Alvaro won’t be settled in the Premiership whilst Rozenhal is… Hopefully all will become clear.
February 1st, 2008 at 1:29 am
…Nope – we let go of Rozenhal with no one coming in to replace him. Keep your fingers tightly crossed that Faye and Taylor stay fit and that we don’t need to use Cacapa too much! If two get injured we’ll be fielding Edgar (not bad but too inexperienced) or Ramage (an honest but limited player).
February 1st, 2008 at 5:04 am
i really hope this doesnt backfire on us, and we get some injuries to key CB’s, and end up having to stick Geremi in at centre back ? I liked Roz, he was versatile and would play wherever the gaffer put him, but you know that saying Jack of all Trades, Master of None, i dont think he was a solid CB, we need a solid CB to help Taylor develop, I dont mind Faye, big and strong, good in the air, i think those two will be the core of our defense for the rest of the season. I see South Africa and Senegal drew last night meaning none of them progress to the knock-out stages, so Beye and Faye should be back next week (hopefully sooner) that’ll relieve some pressure, and with barton and emre back in the fold we can push Smith upfront with Owen till Martins comes back. (Nigeria havent looked great so far he could also be back as they might not make the finals) I’m not so worried about lack of buys in Jan, its always crazy money and pressurized deals that seldom work. I think we can make it to the end of the season without being relegated, and hopefully re-structure well in the summer.
February 1st, 2008 at 9:19 am
On a positive note there was youth signed throughout the transfer window which is for the future. There does for once seem a long term plan instead of quick short term fixes. Perhaps our thinking as fans will have to gradually change and adapt. Roz coming out and moaning about playing all over the place wouldnt have helped. He wasnt very good in the air and was particularly easily muscled off the ball. Faye and Taylor will be the core of the back 4 and dont forget Beye can play there as well now Carr is back. Cacapa started well and didnt put a foot wrong up until Pompey home game. If he can find some confidence again it will help but ive noticed the games so far under KK hes started to bring the ball more out of defence which is good as he seems capable of doing that. I definitely think Senegal being knocked out played some part in the decision to let Roz go. I just don’t think he was suited to the Premier League. We do have more players to choose from again as well now. Emre being back is key to scoring some goals. I would like to see Barton Emre midfield. Its not the end of the world but the press will have a field day that we have not signed anyone. Come summer we know there will be signings as we cant go another season in this state.
February 1st, 2008 at 10:24 am
Admittedly I forgot about Beye being able to play in the middle, although I’d rather we didn’t see Carr in black and white again! The same goes for Barton I’m afraid, but for different reasons. Until he gets himself sorted out, if he can, he’ll always be a loose cannon. Plus he can’t be a fixture within the team longterm if he’s going to go down… Either way, I’m not worried to see Rozenhal leave as long as we have enough good cover for him. What we really need at the moment though is points, starting with a win against Boro if possible! I have a horrible feeling about this Alves scoring on his debut though…
February 1st, 2008 at 10:30 am
I hope he turns out as big a flop as a certain Macaroni with cheese that flopped big style. Its a big spend for boro but we’ve seen that doesnt always work and coming into the Premiership is a completely different kettle of fish. I think we’ve pretty much rode the hardest period of the cup of nations. Faye and Beye I welcome back with open arms and we have Emre and Barton back in the fold and hopefully Viduka. Its not all doom and gloom and I think the board have realised that. If KK can get the best out of our current lot we’ll start picking up points. Our season starts Sunday as we werent ever going to get points out of Arsenal. We need the 3 against the smogs at home and it will be a red hot atmosphere. I have every faith in the board and KK. I think its not going to happen overnight but hopefully in 5 years we’ll have moved on a lot further and not be thinking back to now.