[Neil Purvis]

I saw that article earlier but didn’t read too much into it. Either sounds like an attempt to gather interest from more clubs or to demand more wages when he’s sold ‘against his will’.

I don’t honestly think he feels he has a future at Barca now, simply playing the transfer game.

[Big Geordie]

I don’t honestly think he feels he has a future at Barca now, simply playing the transfer game.

:thup: I'd guess though that there would be better placed clubs in for him than us, if he becomes available.

[Neil Purvis]

Depends on your (or rather his) definition of better clubs.

There might be bigger clubs go in for him, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better for him. He never pushed his way into the Chelsea or Barcelona sides on a regular basis so if he thinks it will be different at somewhere like Man Utd, Milan, Juve etc. then he’s being very optimistic.

He’s 28 now so could do with some stability where he’s getting regular first team football, but still at a club with ambitions. I think we’d be the perfect club for him and he’d be perfect for us.

[Big Geordie]

Well, it depends what he's after. If he wants regular football, then yes we are well placed. We can't offer him European football this season though and that may end up being a factor if and when he makes a decision.

The lad is quality though - of that there is no doubt. He'd be a great signing.

[bolton1987]

SAM Allardyce has angered Bolton by poaching seven of his old backroom team to join him at Newcastle.

The Toon boss plans to recruit almost a third of the staff he put together at The Reebok.

Most of his targets have handed in their notice in the past few days.
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Wanderers chairman Phil Gartside is raging at the mass defection, which comes despite talk of "hands off" agreements with Allardyce, who quit as Bolton manager in April.

Relations between the pair are strained, with Allardyce branding Gartside "sad and bitter".

Newcastle's prize capture is "soccer professor" Mike Forde, but several medical, fitness and scouting staff are leaving Bolton.

Wanderers are considering putting many of those resigning on gardening leave, which would prevent them working for Newcastle straight away, although the clubs are discussing possible compensation.

Allardyce is interested in FC Copenhagen defender Brede Hangeland and may offer £2m.

The Norway centre-back, 26, joined the Danish side a year ago from Viking Stavanger.

And so he reveals his true colours :/

[Scott AM]

new staff \o/

[Treb]

IMO the signing of new backroom staff is a major coup for us. Having a backroom who actually know their business will filter through to the players, and in theory even our worse players may show they can kick a ball.

Built from the foundations up and all that :cool:

[RedRob]

That quote is taken out of context. Gaartside said that if applyinig for the Bolton job now Allardyce wouldnt have been good enough to get it, which is laughable.

[mcelroys]

Fatty Pattison has handed in a written transfer request at Newcastle United

[Treb]

Originally posted by mcelroys:
Fatty Pattison has handed in a written transfer request at Newcastle United

\o/ it just gets better!