Newcastle United Blog » Charles N’Zogbia

Nolan Gone. Any more unpleasant surprises?

Dave NU Blogger — Thu, 23 Jun 2011 19:32:37 +0000

It was a shock to see Kevin Nolan leaving St James’ Park a few weeks back. He’s been a true highlight of the season and at least deserved some serious talks to get the right contract. He’s now packed his bags and gone to the Hammers. It clearly sends a message to players that even if you play extremely well, you aren’t guaranteed a place in the squad because of your high fees. Joey Barton may probably be looking over his shoulder. He rightly tweeted his disgust at the decision but unfortunately he’s not the one controlling the purse strings.

25-year-old midfielder, Sylvain Marveaux came aboard on a free transfer from Rennes over last weekend. Not bad following Demba Ba’s move from West Ham. Demba bagged 7 goals in 12 appearances but doesn’t take the still vacant #9 shirt donning the number 19 shirt instead. High hopes for the fella come the new season.

The big question is can NUFC tempt Charles N’Zogbia back into the fold. As I remember correctly, N’Zogbia took a swipe at Newcastle when he left citing something about our relegation and winning trophies at Wigan? But anyway, he’s impressed at Wigan despite the awful season they had just barely managing to keep out of the relegation zone. I would welcome his presence in the team once again. Someone who’d I’d have second
thoughts about would be bringing Scott Parker back in. Great midfielder but very injury prone.

Get all the latest football results, scores and league table stats at www.footballscores.com

Given is a Goner; N’Zogbia Ships Out; Good News on the Horizion?

Dave NU Blogger — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 09:53:06 +0000

After our timid transfer window closes, we can look back at a month where Newcastle made a profit on players but did little to steady fan nerves. Any suggestion that Newcastle were going to strengthen was firmly set aside as Dennis Wise failed to secure us the much needed players to fortify the team amidst failing results on the pitch. One good thing that did emerge was the offloading of Charles N’Zogbia whose whining antics were enough to give Kinnear a brain ache live on air!

Here’s a breakdown of the ins and outs over the January transfer season:

OUT

Shay Given – Manchester City
Charles N’Zogbia – Wigan

IN:

Ryan Taylor – Wigan
Kevin Nolan – Bolton Wanderers
Peter Lovenkrands

Contract Extensions:-

Steve Harper
Shola Ameobi
Nicky Butt

Good news also emerged yesterday regarding our injury situation. It’ll certainly ease our stress a little knowing that Mark Viduka, Obafemi Martins and Alan Smith are looking at a return against West Brom this weekend. As we know West Brom are bottom of the pile. With everything so tight down the table a win against Brom will give us some respite for the time being.Newsalso emerged that Owen may well feature in the team less then a month since picking up an ankle injury. At last some good news as once again the team are fighting to stay in the premiership yet again.

The State of Modern Football (and Newcastle United)

Dave NU Blogger — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 10:40:00 +0000

I get pretty disheartened in recent weeks about some of the activities of the Premier league both on and off the field. I think the Charles N’Zogbia story kind of sums up my disgust at players who in general act like divas who show no respect to fans (especially younger fans who hero worship players). These players were trained and paid by their clubs under a contract signed in good faith. We pay our ticket prices to see their skills played out on the pitch. Fine, if N’Zogbia has disagreements with the tactics or team, let him air them out in private and not in front of the fans! There has been too many instances where players have gone to the press to make their negative views known which is out of order! Kinnear is dealing with a situation at Newcastle that is not his fault but he’s appealed to fans to standby him and we’ve listened but N’Zogbia is a professional football player and is contractually bound to show loyalty if he doesn’t do so readily. He’s a disgrace!

Another story that caught my eye was Kaka transfer rumour story by Manchester City. If true, Kaka would likely break all transfer money deal records ever. As I remember Zidane was the last record set as the most expensive deal to date. I’ve seen in the papers that Kaka may leave current club, AC Milan for around £100m! Now, envy aside; surely no player would be worth that much or live up to that kind of money? It’s crazy! We look at Chelsea now and they are going through a torrid time with Scholari and the current stumbling of their side. It seems that although Chelsea will still qualify for the Champions league, they won’t reach the same heights as when they were with Jose, despite all the big name players they have. Hughes will have a big job satisfying his big-name signings and whether he is a manager with a big enough gravitas to handle that is still yet to be seen.

Which probably now brings me on to Mike Ashley. Elsewhere in this blog, I’ve mentioned the troubles and what he needs to do. We have the reverse situation of Man. City ie. not enough money. When Ashley took over he was supposed to be a big player on the scene. Now we know he’s nothing of the sort. He splashed out once for Allardyce and now as it seems never again. We are probably destined for the near future at least to never include big name signings again. Personally, I feel he’s lost his mojo for the club. He can talk up his tenureship but his heart is not there anymore due to all that’s happened.

Some of my grievances have been going on for a while now in the game but on writing this post, I wanted to air some of my views on foootball and Newcastle. That said, depending on the extra players we can bring in this month, I still believe that Newcastle will still be in the Premier league next season warts n’ all!

N’Zogbia Tries To Talk Himself Into A Transfer

Dave NU Blogger — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 14:19:20 +0000

This is looking more and more like our ‘Berbatov’ moment. The silly frenchman who was once something of a favourite player amougst fans is now something of a joke these days. After his first rant not going down well with fans and being booed against the our draw with West Ham, he’s still not had enough! Speaking on French website: http://www.lyoncapitale.fr/index.php?menu=05&article=7008, N’Zogbia continues his school boy style tantrum:

“There have been some changes at Newcastle recently. I have experienced six different managers in four years, and it is too much.

“Every season is getting worse and worse despite the lofty goals of the club. I therefore decided to leave, to try to find better exposure.”

“I therefore decided to leave”! What an idiot! Sorry, but we don’t need another Robert style episode, especially now, so it’s time to get rid of this want-away player as soon as possible. Either that, Kinnear and the club will have to impose a sturdy fine for his outbursts.Whatever, N’Zogbia put pen to paper on a contract so he should be a professional us fans expect and honour it.

Newcastle United News Roundup

Dave NU Blogger — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:18:37 +0000

Lots happening around the club. The ongoing buyout is still a mystery. I don’t think anyone knows what is truly happening here. One moment Kinnear says there is going to be a big announcement on the 21st and then that deadline goes. The fans have heard nothing from anybody other then Kinnear and I’m not sure even he knows much apart from what he maybe hearing around the corridors of power. It is my belief that Kinnear is kept somewhat arms length by Ashley over the future of the club. Latest rumblings suggest Ashley will be unable to sell up before the end of year. Kinnear has already given in his suggested player purchases list to Dennis the Menace but who knows if Ashley will release the funds to do so. That action and his steady tenure-ship maybe evidence alone that Ashley will be keeping the club longer and Kinnear will be sticking around.

On the subject of transfers, Charles N’Zogbia is flexing his whinging lungs once again. I think some fans have probably given up on the player ever being truly happy at Tyneside. To be honest, it is probably time for him to leave as he’s not making enough starts. Kinnear is confident that he would stay but then again that’s what Keegan said about Milner and look what happened to him! Unfortunately, us fans (and even the manager) can’t ever be sure who stays and who goes in Newcastle’s current predicament. Could we see Shay heading out come 2009? Opinions welcomed…

With so much confusion over the buy-out, we can be sure that if it happens, Alan Shearer will be putting his name forward for the vacant manager position. However, realistically which ever consortium foots the asking price of Ashley, they would be unlikely to hire such an inexperienced coach. I’ve thought about it and its not going to happen because £250m+ is why. A consortium will be after instant success and Shearer, for all his iconic/legendary stature at Newcastle will not guarantee the return on investment.

Danny Guthrie Looks to Move to Newcastle United

Dave NU Blogger — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 16:09:29 +0000

The Chronicle reports that Liverpool midfielder, Danny Guthrie is making the move to St James’ Park. The bid has been agreed and we could expect the 21 yr old to be training with the lads in the run up to a few of pre-season friendlies next month. Young Danny had been actually playing on loan for the Trotters last season making 25 appearances and reportedly held respect with fans there. Now that Liverpool have allowed the player to talk to Keegan and co, personal terms talks and the medical will be the next step. If he does come in , he could cover for the increasingly vocal Charles N’Zogbia who is looking for a switch to a London club. How he’ll fit in the plans of Ramos or Wenger is uncertain but he’s been whinging more then Ronaldo lately. KK took a midfield transfer blow earlier in the week by losing the fight for Sidwell’s signature so taking Guthrie helps. I’m sure Keegan would like to focus now now on coverage in the back lines and securing the services of Owen for a few more seasons.

Other news, ObaFemi Martins had once again be linked to Arsenal although Wenger looks unlikely to offload Adebayor over the summer, making such a move quite unlikely. Shay Given has also pledged his alligence to Newcastle once again by saying he would like to see out his career at St James’.

Kevin Keegan Hands Out Reality Check

Dave NU Blogger — Tue, 06 May 2008 16:26:57 +0000

We have made no head way over the recent matches in terms of climbing the table further. We most likely end up stuck in 12th position thanks to a string of undefeated fixtures which ended with two goals scored by Chelsea.

An interview to the media after our 2-0 defeat was tinged with some frustrations as Keagan admitted the gulf between Newcastle and the top four. Taking on Chelsea was a big call for the squad and Ballack’s goal was quite soft. KK told fans not to expect top league finishes as we were a “million miles” from challenging Manchester United.

Despite all assurances from Mort, it is looking like KK will have to sell to raise funds for next season. I don’t think given our position, Ashley would commit to big expensive players. With Owen’s contract talks not happening immediately, it suggests caution rather then a full on rebuild. We’ve already made a clear-out of Carr (Thank goodness), Ramage and Troisi. Ameobi is expected to join Stoke whilst Alan Smith and N’Zogbia are both expected to leave. Emre’s future at the club is also uncertain.

Updates: N’Zogbia, Given and Transfers

Dave NU Blogger — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 22:13:54 +0000

It looks like Given will be out for the rest of the season. He sustained a groin injury half way through the season only to undergo surgery. Harper took over but has since received plenty of praise from Keegan and he admitted that Given’s place wouldn’t be a certainty if he returns. On the injury front again, it looks like Milner is back in the picture. He’s reportedly match ready but Keegan is likely to keep things the same for Sunday’s match aaints Sunderland.

On the summer transfer activity, it looks likely that Charles N’Zogbia will ship out. The French player was originally brought in by Sir Bobby Robson. He’s since then been put in Keegan’s squad occassionally, even put in defensive duties in previous mtaches in swhich he played. Meanwhile, as Derby are heading down, Newcastle has revitalised interest in Giles Barnes. He’s struggled with injuries but Keegan is still keen to bring in the player. I’d be worried about bringing in injury prone players but KK is has certainly seen something in Barnes that might be good for Newcastle.