Newcastle's transfer window - 09/01/2004
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The one player who’s in the spotlight at present is Nol Solano – a player who’s kept himself out of trouble and has consistently performed for the club over the five seasons he’s been in the North East. It would certainly be a sad day if he left – but will he leave? Bobby Robson has stated that he’ll ‘listen to offers’ – but hasn’t that been the case for most of season? The purchase of Lee Bowyer and Darren Ambrose indicated that Solano’s position was under threat, indeed as the season got underway the Peruvian became a peripheral figure. Money talks, but for £3million I'd reather keep the skills and quality of Solano at the club!
Wth the injury to Lee Bowyer, and Ambrose showing promise but not establishing himself, it would seem very strange if Solano was to leave at this moment in time. His form over recent weeks has been good, he’s playing games, and has also shown his versatility when he’s been thrown in as wing-back. Perhaps the club have got something bigger on the horizon and they need the transfer fee and his wages to fund it? Who knows?
Of the other possibles, Steve Caldwell has never enjoyed the blue chip treatment and I’d understand him wanting to move on. Hugo needs first team football and at a time when there have been one or two midfield injuries – he’s still not getting a start. I can’t see Sir Bobby letting him go as we need cover for Laurent Robert, but perhaps it’s time to cash in and then go to Celtic and put in an offer for Alan Thompson – a Geordie who’ll offer versatility and contribute to a positive dressing room spirit.
Then there’s the others such as Robbie Elliott, Jamie McClen and Carl Cort. As a player you want first team football and although the Newcastle boss has stood firm on his decision not to let these players go on loan, I simply can’t understand his logic. He states that he’s not in the business of helping out other clubs, but he’s cutting his nose to spite his face. It’s pretty obvious that these three are not in Newcastle’s plans and their contribution to the club through reserve team football is minimal. Even if the club save only a £1000 a week on wages – why not let them go out on loan? If there was an injury crisis then all it takes is a phone call and they can be recalled. In this scenario they’d also return to the club match sharp – the pace of Pontins League football isn’t quick!
So all things considered, it’s been a quiet first week in the window – will this change? Well it’ll probably liven up, but don’t expect many changes.
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