[Asmodeus]

Actually to be fair to Allardyce he did mention the five-year period in that original quote:

""Arsene Wenger asked recently who would be top if we all had equal budgets for five years. That would be me. Not Arsene Wenger, Jose Mourinho or even Sir Alex Ferguson. He's saying he'd be better than everyone else if we were all on equal budgets but I'd be better than him. I've proved that."

[Asmodeus]

Originally posted by Big Geordie:
<BLOCKQUOTE>My original point (before we moved onto Roeder) was that I find it very strange that Allardyce is already making excuses, when he has always been so brash and confident of his ability to succeed when given the opportunity and backing.

Perhaps it's because he knows his arse is on the line already. Mike Ashley didn't bring him in (as far as we are aware), so he's not his man. I reckon if Fat Sam doesn't deliver at least a top 6 finish, he'll be looking for a new club next summer. It's as simple as that. It could be similar to what happened with Ranieri when the Russian took over at Chelsea. </BLOCKQUOTE>

I think you're right- at least Allardyce will probably get more control than his predecessors though. Should be an interesting season for you lot.

[BoroPhil]

top 6 in 5 years eh? aiming high.

in all seriousness, if you play Geremi as a RM he'll be superb assuming he hasn't had his attacking instincts beaten out of him. gutted we didn't try and get him.

[Big Geordie]

top 6 in 5 years eh? aiming high.

Top six next season.

[Omnislash]

Sam is just trying to shrug off the pressure here. When he started his Bolton job he had very little pressure and expectation and he did very well. But so many managers have failed when the pressure is on them to deliver or else. I don't believe Allardyce will crack under the pressure but he probably work better without all the high expectations.

I'd be happy if we play some real football next season, last two have been simply painful... even if we change to longball tactics, it's still better than what we have now.

[sammayel666]

Originally posted by Michael Foster:
Nice defender Rod Fanni claims Newcastle, Everton and West Ham are interested in bringing him to England.

Fanni is keen to move on from Nice, having helped guide the club to Ligue 1 safety last term, and is ready to try his luck in England.

The 25-year-old says his agent has yet to field a firm offer, but is hopeful of finding a new club this summer.

"A host of clubs are interested in me," Fanni exclusively told setanta.com. "They have approached my agent but haven't made any offer for the moment.

"Three English clubs contacted my representative. I can tell you their names: Newcastle, Everton and West Ham.

"There is nothing concrete, for the moment."

Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce has made no secret of his desire to boost his defensive options and he has already raided the French market to bring in David Rozehnal from Paris Saint Germain.

Everton have yet to show their hand in the transfer market, while West Ham may step up a gear following confirmation they will not be relegated over the Carlos Tevez affair, and the trio may be set to fight it out to sign Fanni.

--------------------------------------------------------

It would be too funny having him in the team tbh, cant see many wanting fanny printed on the new home shirt.

We'll have to resign Brian Pinas now for the other wing

[Stu1892]

Rod Fanni... Brilliant

[Neil Purvis]

.com's take on the Roeder story raised a smile:

Some Roeder quotes as Newcastle manager:

About transfer inactivity:

"We'll keep working away, trying to make inroads into one or two targets. It's a question of being patient. I know the fans are looking in the papers to see who we might have signed. I think it's best to keep things close to our chest."

About Obafemi Martins:

"We must be patient, it will take him time to settle into the high tempo of the Premiership. We have to consider he's trying to regain full physical fitness from when he arrived from Italy having been unwell for two weeks with flu."

About Kieron Dyer's long-waited return:

"Kieron is confident he will be fit for Saturday. I am a very patient person."

About Nigel Pearson's appointment:

"I have been very patient looking for a new first team coach and I think I have found someone who will come in and help me greatly to get the team winning again."

About Michael Owen's injury:

"It's a question of being more patient and building him up. It's taking longer to heal than at first thought. We thought he'd be ready for the whole of April."

About the fans:

"The Newcastle fans were absolutely magnificent and were patient when we needed them to be."

About the club:

"I know this club and if I am given time then things will drop into place and then we can go places."

[Jeff the Fish]

In fairness - Roeder had to buy a striker - so criticising him for buying Martins is a bit much really. He may have made other mistakes... but spending money on Martins was not one of them.

[HD]

Rod Fanni was linked with Celtic apparently?

I had visions of a Naylor-Balde-Fanni back line...