Weekend Round Up: Majorca Cup
Well what have we learned from the past couple of preseason games? That so far nothing has really changed. KK is in need of 5 players still (maybe 4 if Collocini finally signs) with 2 new fullbacks, a target man with some legs and a creative playmaker who I have to say we have never gotten into our squad since we got shot of Dyer. Least Solano carried some of that weight but he has gone as well and we have really struggled.
Two bright spots were the performances of Bassong and Duff who had it not been for we would have looked completely inept. Our team sheet certainly would have turned most fans off instantly seeing the name of Smith up top alone.
To be fair we controlled possession in pretty much both games (more so in the 2nd due to less heat) but we never ever looked like threatening the goal apart from the odd Duff scury.
Milner is showing exactly why I would sell if a bid of £8-10 million came in. The lad just does not have a final ball and cant cross to save his life. Its like a token gesture effort where he never believes he’ll pick someone out in the box. It must be hard work if your a team mate running into the box knowing its never going to arrive to you. Demoralising…
Nice to see us Geordies entertaining ourselves with a couple of rounds of the conga.
One thing is certain those fans who have not renewed this season alone will be thinking they’ve made the right decision nevermind those who have signed up for 3 seasons!
Ashley may be being shrewd but if your audience is turned off you have a very big problem!
I just feel sorry for KK if this is left at his doorstep when the final hand is played. I don’t think many fans would be happy to see that however.
August 4th, 2008 at 8:56 am
Well my birthday on friday did not bring any change in fortunes on the pitch
I think Gutierrez yesterday was on the phone to his agent saying “Im a footballer get me out of here”.
August 4th, 2008 at 12:44 pm
happy birthday for friday! well being a foreign fan, i dont get to see any of the preseason games.. so i have to rely on you guys for more input
seems as though all posts point to the same thing, without MO or OM or MV we cannot score.. where are we gonna get goals from this season!! i really hope we sign a few soon, otherwise we’ll be in deep trouble… what are your thoughts on the ‘buy out’ claims in the press today? thinkit could be another smoke screen for us not to buy any players?
August 4th, 2008 at 2:36 pm
Aye, Happy belated birthday Toon! Re: The recent reports, there is probably some element of truth in it I would guess. MA has made it public knowledge we’re seeking further investment but we’ve no reason to believe it’s a buyout on the table though and no reason to believe he/they are actually interested. What do I think? Well seems clear we need some investment if only to pad KK’s cheque book aye.. We surely got to just take the hit on Smith for example, no shots at all in the games he just played and can anyone remember a single threatening moment from him yet? We are still really short on power and I’m concerned the players heads may point downward again with these toothless pre-season games. If everyone we have now was and stays 100% then we would do alright. Problem is though most of us want to be at least knocking on the door of Europe which ‘should’ be possible.
August 4th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
“Milner is showing exactly why I would sell if a bid of £8-10 million came in. The lad just does not have a final ball and cant cross to save his life. Its like a token gesture effort where he never believes he’ll pick someone out in the box. It must be hard work if your a team mate running into the box knowing its never going to arrive to you. Demoralising…”
Must be equally demoralising for Milner when all he has to cross to is a waster like Smith!!!
Hi guys btw. I’ve not been around much due to work commitments, but i’m back office based once again and looking forward to the new season (I think….)
August 5th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Thanks guys!
Well I could have only hoped… Yeah we seem bereft of ideas from central midfield. I did a quiz on skysports the other day guessing the team that stuff Sheff Wed under Robsons first home game in charge 8-0. The midfield had goals and assists from players like Solano, Dyer, Lee, Speed. We just don’t have that anymore in midfield. Im pleased at last to see Duff showing good signs but he needs a full good season. We cant score up top when Martins, Owen and Viduka are out. I have to say though Martins isnt really that injury prone over the past 2 years he doesnt get injured much and is quite strong. MO however we need a good season out of and Viduka well a leopard never changes its spots. With regards to Milner I know what you are saying about hitting Smith but that was just one game. The amount of times Milner did nothing after doing the hard work over the past few seasons… Its quite high! It doesnt seem to have the composure. Even KK said the final balls just arent there and we arent fluid. Yes you do need movement upfront. But its not coincidence that without Milner in our team last season at the end we actually won games… We are missing Owen atm as effectively at the end of last season he was our attacking midfielder. If we can get another Owen from midfield we’d be laughing. We are really missing a playmaker with double figure goals and have done for a while. Thats my main wish. You can’t win games without scoring goals. I actually expect KK to get 2 players in this position though one young one mid before the transfer window shuts.
August 6th, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Freddie Ljungberg is now available and a pedigree player – I think we should look at signing him (if his wages are low) and he would be good for a 2 year contract.
He would add creativity in the midfield and would be more hungry after having a year to get over his big club to small club mentality that Butt suffered with as well. He is also free which makes a big difference for us at the moment. I know it could back fire a little if he is not hungry and also a little on the injured side of late but really to add to our midfield depth – he would be a good signing. Imagine if he started firing again like he did at Arsenal!
August 7th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
I’m inclined to agree with you rdh for maybe a season. He can score goals from midfield if he is still able to get some oomf into his game. Rubbish time at the hammers mind but worth looking at. We don’t normally take advantage of experience in this way, Sol Campbell springs to mind.
August 7th, 2008 at 3:19 pm
His wages would be huge I would imagine and he spend alot of time on the sick. I don’t think he fits into the new blueprint at the club.