30th December
Domi signing complete
Newcastle have finally signed Fench youth International Didier Domi after months of speculation. the 20 year old has signed a 4 and a half year contract and will cost Newcastle £3.25 million plus a further £750,000 depending on appearences. Ruud Gullit is expected to give him his debut against Chelsea on the 9th of January. Gullit said " He is a very good positional player and has International experience which is what we want."
Gullit legal threat
Ruud Gullit has warned the British media that if there are any more false stories regarding his family he will take legal action to prevent it. Gullit said " From now on if this continues my lawyers will take legal action. " I like to do my job well and as long as people tell the truth, I have no worries whatever. " But if people tell lies about me and try to harass my family in Amsterdam then it stops." added a furious Gullit.
28th December
Ba slams Gullit
French winger Ibrahim Ba has slammed Ruud Gullit after his move to Newcastle collapsed. On Christmas Eve is was revealed that Newcastle had pulled out of the £5.2 miilion deal after Ba failed a medical. But Ba has spoken out against these reports " Newcastle said nobody would insure a player in my condition and that the deal was off. Ba said " How can I accept jibes about my fitness from Gullit, a man who was injured more times than anyone."
Stone and de Boer ilinked
Ruud Gullit is looking to kick start the second part of the season by bringing in three new players in the not too distant future. Gullit is keen to sign Didier Domi, Ronald de Boer and Steve Stone. He said " Something good is happening, I can't say yet. But we have made a breakthrough in the transfer market. " I've worked hard this week and agreed a fee for a player. I hope I'll be able to announce something very soon, but it is now down to a medical ."
26th December
Gullit eye's Figo and de Boer
Newcastle have turned there attention towards Barcelona winger Luis Figo after there attempts to sign Ibrahim Ba had been scuppered due to an injury. The 26 year old Portuguese International would cost around £6 million and that would be enough to tempt the cash strapped Catalan giants.
Gullit is also very keen to bring Ronald de Boer to St James Park as Ajax are preparing to let both de Boer brothers go next season it is unclear as to how much he would cost but as they both signed 5 year deals at the start of the season Ajax will probably ask for a large sum fo the 28 year olds.
24th December
Ba deal off
Newcastle have called off the proposed £5.2 million deal for AC Milan's Ibrahim Ba after the winger failed a medical yesterday afternoon. The 25 year olds medical showed that he had a long standing knee injury which after an operation would take him at least 6 weeks to recover from. Ruud Gullit said " We had a player we had workd very hard to get as quickly as possible. " At least we haven't lost a lot of money buying a player with an injury."
Gullit under fire
Ruud Gullt has hit back at criticism about his commitment to Newcastle United and has pledged his loyalty to the club. Gullit came in for some flak when he returned home to Holland for the Christmas week only returing for the Boxing day clash against Leeds. He said " As a father, I felt it only natural for me to spend a few days at this important time of year with Estelle and my baby daughter. " My commitment to the club and its players and of course the fans remains 100% at all times."
Mags chase Domi
Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit is looking to make French under 21 star Didier Domi his second signing for Newcastle. The 20 year old wing back has lost his place in the Paris St Germain team this season and french sports paper L'Equipe has said that Newcastle are ready with a £3 million bid. Ruud Gullit is also keen to add more players to his squad following the departure of Keith Gillespie and David Batty.
Temuri quits
Newcastle's Georgian star Termuri Ketsbaia has decided to retire from International football. He has said that his decision was made after differences with the coaching staff. Georgian coach Vladimir Gutsayev said " Lately, Ketsbaia has been playing worse and worse and often remains on the bench for his club." Ketsbaia played 33 times for his country scoring 10 goals.
20th December
Gullit defends decision
Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit has defended his move to leave Alan Shearer on the bench for Saturdays 1 - 0 win over Leicester. Shearer played in the last half hour of the game while Duncan Ferguson was rested because of a virus. Gullit said "I think it was the right decision to let him start from the bench, " He now has another week to slowly get back his fitness and hopefully he'll be ready for next week. Players always think they are fit and want to play."
19th December
Confusion over Ba deal?
17th December
NTL take-over bid
Cable TV company NTL - has now emerged as the front runners to make a full-scale bid for Newcastle United. It has bought nine million shares, representing 6.3%, from majority shareholders Cameron Hall Developments at 111.7p a share. Premium has also agreed to aquire the rest of CHD's 51% stake at the same price, although this will depend on the outcome of the Monopolies Commission's ruling on BSkyB's proposed takeover of Manchester United. This deal is rather strange considering that NTL have strong links with Middlesborough (one of there stands is named after them).
Gillespie in shock move
Keith Gillespie has moved to Blackburn Rovers after months on stalling on a new deal. Blackburn have paid £2.35 million for the speedy winger a relatively small fee in todays market, it is also reported that Blackburn will pay Gillespie around £20,000 a week more than double than he was offered at Newcastle. Manager Ruud Gullit said that he had offered Gillespie a new deal but the Irishman refused and there fore was sold. Gullit was more willing to sell Gillespie amid rumour's that he is about to sign AC Milan winger Ibrahim Ba.
12th December
Ba linked to Mags
French International Ibrahim Ba has become another player to be linked with a move to Newcastle over recent weeks. The AC Milan winger has been dropped by the new coach at Milan and is unhappy and wants a transfer. Reports from Italy suggest that the player will cost around £4 million which is what Milan paid for him from Bordeux just over a year ago. Milan coach Alberto Zaccheroni said " If a player says he wants a transfer I will not try and persuade him to stay."
Time Warner bid
Media group Time Warner who own such companies as CNN and Warner Bros. have made a£250 million bid for the control of Newcastle United. This is the second company after Sony to bid for the club and they have seen this as a good time to try and prise the club away from Douglas Hall and co. after the recent turmoil and dropping of the clubs share price. No word yet again has emerged from St James but this could be a good deal for Newcastle I only hope we don't have Bugs Bunny as our sponsor.
1st December
Batty move on hold
David Batty's move back to his home town club Leeds has been put on hold after Newcastle demanded more money for the midfield hardman. Batty, who turns 30 tomorrow put in his transfer request two weeks ago and has since been placed in the reserves by Ruud Gullit, Leeds had originally put a £4 million bid in a few weeks ago but in the event of Batty's unrest at Newcastle have come in with a more substantial offer of £5 million. The deal was expected to go through today but at the last minute Newcastle decided that they wanted around £6 million for Batty, it will be surprising if Leeds do pay that amount, as for all his merits Batty is not worth that much.
29th November
Barcelona bid for Shearer
According to Sunday newspaper reports Catalan giants Barcelona have put in a £18 million bid for Alan Shearer. Recently Shearer has said that he is very happy to stay with Newcastle but recent comments from Ruud Gullit have contradicted those remarks some what. It is claimed that Barcelona are ready to pay £16 million plus £2 million rated centre half Miguel Angel 'the beast' Nadal, whom Newcastle have been trailing. Barecelona coach Luis Van Gaal is a well known fan of Shearer and is under pressure after being knocked out off the European Champions league.
There have also been report's that Shearer could be on his way back to Blackburn.......as the player manager, some of these reports really are taking the piss.
Win soured by injuries
Newcastle's 3 -1 win over Wimbledon has gave them more problems with injuries, both Shay Given and Stephen Glass had to leave the field during the game. Ruud Gullit said " I'm delighted with the win but the injuries mean we are unlucky at the same time."
Ferguson delight
New signing Duncan Ferguson said he was delighted with his first outing in a black and white shirt and getting two goals. " Its great to be in a winning team, and at the end of the day I don't think you could ask for any more," he said " Three points; that was the most important thing. It's always nice to get off to a good start and it was nice to score a couple of goals."
28th November
Radebe in swap deal
Newcastle as hoping to persuade David O'leary to part company with South African defender Lucas Redebe in a swap deal with David Batty. Radebe is thought to be unhappy at Leeds since George Graham's departure and is stalling on a new contract. The 29 year old is valued at about £10 million so if Leeds agree to the deal Newcastle could offer David Batty plus £5 million in cash.
Boban Linked
Ruud Gullit has been linked with AC Milan's Croatian midfielder Zvonimir Boban who played a key role for Croatia in the World Cup. Gullit is keen to sign the 28 year old and see's him a replacement for David Batty plus adding more guile to the Newcastle midfield.
27th November
Batty moving to Leeds
Newcastle have reportedly accepted a £4.5 million bid from Leeds for England international midfielder David Batty. The 29 year old submitted his request after being left out for the Sheffield Wednesday game and he feels his position in the team is under threat from Dietmar Hamann plus any new signings from Gullit. Gullit confirmed that Batty had put in the request "David Batty has asked for a transfer - I knew that was in the air before I came here. "We are talking about it with Leeds but I have not accepted an offer," he added.
26th November
Carver at no. 3
Newcastle United have promoted Youth team coach John Carver to the first team setup at St James Park. Carver will be number three to Ruud Gullit and Steve Clarke. Carver played at full back for Newcastle in the mid eighties but was forced to retire due to a knee injury.
25th November
New signing's imminent
Newcastle supremo Freddy Shepherd has hinted that more signings could be made soon with one or two surprises. "We will continue to work hard and you never know, we may well surprise people again," he said "Ruud Gullit said from the start he would not be panicked into buying . "He has had to bide his time and be patient before getting the type of quality player he wanted ."
Ferguson commits to Mags
Duncan Ferguson spoke at the press conference today of his regret at leaving Everton but is looking forward to his new career move. Talking about the unexpected nature of the transfer Ferguson said " Thats the way football goes. " I had a great relationship with Everton fans. Obviously I'll miss them, but my future's at Newcastle and I've just got to look forward to that." On his future partnership with Shearer He said: "Alan is one of the best strikers in Europe. I think we can form a potent partnership. He is a proven goalscorer and I'm looking forward to getting some goals myself. Anyone who plays alongside Alan Shearer is bound to benefit. People ask me whether I think I can bring the best out of Alan. I think he is a world class player."
Winger Keith Gillespie was also looking forward to playing along side the new signing. "He's lethal in the air, and if you get good crosses in, the chances are that he's going to be on the end of them. There aren't many with a better leap than him."
24th November
Big Dunc on his way
Ruud Gullit finally made his first signing for Newcastle after several months in charge bringing the fiery Scot Duncan Ferguson to St James Park. Ferguson will complete his move tomorrow and a press conference has been called for 10:00am at St James. Newcastle will pay and initial £7 million for Ferguson plus another £1 million depending on the appearances he will make, Ferguson has signed a 5 and a half year contract. Suspicions of the transfer where first aroused yesterday after the match at Goodison which saw Ferguson shake hands with Freddy Shepherd. After signing the player Newcastle were quick to add that Ferguson was bought to partner Shearer not replace him. Freddie Fletcher said " The object of the exercise is to have two really class strikers playing up front for Newcastle United". Ferguson is likely to get the number 8 shirt left vacant by Stephane Guivarc'h.
22nd November
Shearer stories Dismissed
Lee 'Shearer still the best'
Newcastle skipper Rob Lee has laughed off claims that Alan Shearer's days as England's number one are numbered. Lee said " As long as he want's to play, I think that Alan Shearer will play for England at number nine. I can't consider Alan being left out for anybody, no matter how well they're playing" insisted Lee
17th November
New Shearer Bust up
Rumours have been coming out of St James this week suggesting that there was a dressing room bust up during Saturdays 1 - 1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday. Those involved where Alan Shearer and Dietmar Hamann, Newcastle boss Ruud Gullit also became entangled in the argument. What they were arguing about alas I have no idea. This may explain why Hamann was taken off at half time?
Newcastle Boost
Newcastle have been boosted by the news that Alan Shearer's ham string injury was not as bad as it first seemed and he may be back in action for the start of the Christmas period around two weeks. The scan Shearer had showed the damage was only minor.
Fowler link
Liverpool's Robbie Fowler has again been linked with a move to Newcastle this week. The England International has been struggling of late and is yet to sign a new contract with Liverpool. This is not the first time Newcastle have been associated with Fowler who was said to be on the verge of signing two summers ago. liverpool will be reluctant to sell the player and will ask for something in the excess of £12 million for the 23 year old. However liverpool boss Gerald Houllier said: "Robbie knows how much I rely on him, and that I think he is a very important part of Liverpool's future. "There is a problem with his contract, but he knows that we want to keep him and that we will do all in our power to keep him at Anfield." Arsenal are also interested in Fowlers signiture.
10th November
Turkish Delight?
Newcastle are close to securing a £4 million deal for Turkish International midfielder Ercan Abdullah. The 23 year old currently plays for Tranbzonspor and can also play on the wing and in defence( not another 'wing back'). He could become Ruud Gullit's first signing for Newcastle.
Batty rumours scotched
Ruud Gullit has insisted that David Batty will not be leaving Newcastle. Leeds have been constantly connected with Batty over the past few months. Gullit said that all the rumours came from the idea that Batty was somehow unhappy but he added " It doesn't seem that he's not happy." He then said that some of the Leeds players were unhappy, perhaps leading to a player leaving to come to St James?
Pearce fails in ban bid
Newcastle defender Stuart Pearce has lost his appeal against his red card against West Ham two weeks ago. The F.A. turned down the appeal, saying the matter does not warrant further investigation.
8th November
Kirsten and Johnsen Linked
Newcastle have been linked with a double swoop for Manchester Uniteds Ronny Johnsen and Bayern Leverkusen's Ulf Kirsten. Johnsen has just come back from injury and Gullit is known to be a great fan of the 29 year old. Kirsten meanwhile is a rather less well known German centre forward who played for Germany in Euro '96. 33 year old Kirsten will cost around £1 million while Johnsen will cost about £4 million however Alex Fergurson will not be happy to lose the player.
7th November
Guivarc'h sale complete
French World Cup winner Stephane Guivarc'h has finaly completed his move to Glasgow Rangers after 4 months of misery at Newcastle. Guivarc'h has signed for three and half years and Newcastle has recouped the £3.5 million they paid Auxerre. Manager Dick Advocaat said: "Stephane is a French international, who scores a lot of goals. I am very glad he is here with the Rangers." Guivarc'h said: "I was not part of Ruud Gullit's plans and knew I had to move on."
Hamilton close to Blades move
Sheffield United boss Steve Bruce has said that he would like to have Newcastle's Des Hamilton at Sheffield on a more permanent basis. Hamilton went to Sheffield on a months loan and has been a hit since he arrived. Hamilton was Kenny Dalglish's first signing for Newcastle.
5th November
Keegan 'no return'
Kevin Keegan has hit out at the money men who forced him out of Newcastle and vowed never to return as manager. Keegan said he was given an ultimatum after a board meeting in Jan 1997, and the directors did not want uncertainty to affect the share price. he said " In the end it was taken away from me by people in the city. " I would not go back to Newcastle United. Definitely not, one thousand per cent."
Hands off Batty
Newcastle have told Leeds that David Batty is not for sale at any price following rumors linking him with a move back to the midlands in the past few days. Chairman Freddie Shepherd said " He is not for sale - at any price. Ruud Gullit wants him to stay, he wants to stay and we want him to stay. " If we did sell him how could we replace him at todays prices." added Shepherd.
4th November
Batty may move
Leeds have launched a £10 million double bid for Coventry's Dion Dublin and Newcastle's David Batty. Leeds are trying to tempt Newcastle with a £5 million bid for the 29 year old who may relish a return to his first club. Leeds who are at present rebuilding there team have already had a £4 million bid turned down by Ruud Gullit.
3rd November
Poll admits mistake
Referee Graham Poll has admitted that he got at least one decision wrong in United's last game against West Ham. Poll sent Stuart Pearce off for what appeared to be a fair challenge, he also disallowed a Alan Shearer goal. United boss Ruud Gullit was upset that Poll didn't give a penalty to Newcastle after Andy Impey brought down Paul Dalglish inside the area. Referee spokesman Philip Don said " Graham has seen a video and now accepts it was a penalty."
Newcastle to lose 3 players
Newcastle look likely to have three key players missing for the Sheffield Wednesday match later this month on the 14th. Stuart Pearce will be suspended , while Shay Given and Nikos Dabizas will be on International duty.
Gullit rejects Batty bid
Ruud Gullit has turned down a £4 million bid by Leeds United for David Batty. Gullit is reluctant to sell one of the few players whom he sees has a future at the club. There where also rumours of a swap with Jimmy Floyd Hassilbaink going the other way. Gullit has already sold Steve Watson and looks likely to sell Guivarc'h so he can bring his own players to St James.
Newcastle set to appeal
Newcastle are to appeal over Stuart Pearce's red card in the West Ham game last Saturday. Pearce was sent off after an hefty challenge on Trevor Sinclair which will mean he will get at least a 3 match ban from the Premiership. A club spokesman said " We are definitely going to appeal."
Ranger's move for Guivarc'h
Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers have made a third bid to lure French World Cup flop Stephane Guivarc'h to Ibrox. When Rangers last attempted to sign Guivarc'h he rejected the move saying he would prefer a move to another Premiership club or back to France or Spain. But Rangers have bid £3 million for him and wages of £20,000 £6,000 more than he receives at Newcastle. This is probably Guivarc'h last chance for a move to Ranger's.