Friday 15 July 2005
Smertin joins the party
Slightly disappointed that Alexei Smertin did not sign a permanent deal today after a week of negotiation, but I still think this is an excellent acquisition, our 7th of the summer. The concern is that he might be recalled by Chelsea and I don't know if this would only be due to an injury crisis or because he's playing so well, that Jose Mourinho just decides he wants him back. I'm hopeful after the week of discussions between the two clubs there is a contract more tightly worded than Carlton Cole's.
Interesting to read this week that two ex-players that fans are divided on, Lee Bowyer and Scott Parker, were instrumental in the signings of Ambrose and Smertin.
I think Bowyer will join up with Ambrose if Newcastle relax their stance on the fee and if the midfielder can cut back on the gold lamae and diamond encrusted curtains at his new gaff in Kent and live on a 'paupers' salary at the Valley.
So a quiet week then. 5 new players, god knows what Curbs was doing for the other 2 days, the lazy git. I commented on Tuesday that with some astute dealings - £4m spent and with £1.5m recouped from the sale of Konchesky - I sense we are still to be surprised by some more signings.
"Not including Sorondo, I'm hopeful I can bring in another four, possibly five new faces," said Curbs on Wednesday.
Things sure are looking pretty exciting with a month left to the new season.
But, then of course there are always the friendlies to worry about and believe me some people will. There was a decidedly edgy start to these last night. Luke Young's late equaliser saving our blushes in the 1-1 draw at Welling.
Personally I never get very worked up about friendlies. I said this last year and although I may have been tempted this season because of the host of new faces, I tend to keep my money in my pocket and wait for the real action to start and lose myself in the cricket or golf instead.
Bournemouth are next up tomorrow and then its further along the coast to Torquay on Tuesday.
I'm off home now to learn the new offiside rule and pack - more on that later, if I get a chance. ¶ 21:00
Interesting to read this week that two ex-players that fans are divided on, Lee Bowyer and Scott Parker, were instrumental in the signings of Ambrose and Smertin.
I think Bowyer will join up with Ambrose if Newcastle relax their stance on the fee and if the midfielder can cut back on the gold lamae and diamond encrusted curtains at his new gaff in Kent and live on a 'paupers' salary at the Valley.
So a quiet week then. 5 new players, god knows what Curbs was doing for the other 2 days, the lazy git. I commented on Tuesday that with some astute dealings - £4m spent and with £1.5m recouped from the sale of Konchesky - I sense we are still to be surprised by some more signings.
"Not including Sorondo, I'm hopeful I can bring in another four, possibly five new faces," said Curbs on Wednesday.
Things sure are looking pretty exciting with a month left to the new season.
But, then of course there are always the friendlies to worry about and believe me some people will. There was a decidedly edgy start to these last night. Luke Young's late equaliser saving our blushes in the 1-1 draw at Welling.
Personally I never get very worked up about friendlies. I said this last year and although I may have been tempted this season because of the host of new faces, I tend to keep my money in my pocket and wait for the real action to start and lose myself in the cricket or golf instead.
Bournemouth are next up tomorrow and then its further along the coast to Torquay on Tuesday.
I'm off home now to learn the new offiside rule and pack - more on that later, if I get a chance. ¶ 21:00
