Keegan To Execute Two Phase Plan at Newcastle

Friday February 15th, 2008 by Ed Harrison· 44 Comments

It’s a two phase plan that Kevin Keegan wants to exercise in the next 6 months at Newcastle.

Kevin Keegan - two phase plan he is executing

The first phase is to ensure we are safe in the Premier league, and hopefully start to have the team understand how he wants to play the game, and also assess the players currently at the club.

The second phase then starts later, as Kevin looks to see who he can bring into the club, and who he will move out, after having plenty of time to assess his current players.

Keegan told Newcastle World TV:

“First we have to get the players to ensure our safety, because we’re not safe yet,” “We need a win. That’s all we lack at the moment.”“The confidence will come flowing back and the football will get better and the players will start to trust each other that little bit more.”

“Then we have to start thinking about pre-season and then in the back of our minds there are players whose contracts are up,” “Then there are players we are looking to in terms of thinking can we get a wish list and can we get people to go and watch them?”

“Obviously some of these players play abroad and obviously I have signed the odd player having watched videos.” “But to be honest I like to go and have a look myself.”

“The scouts bring them to your attention but I have to go and look at them because, at the end of the day, I am the one who has to pick the team and decide whether they play or not.”

That’s a solid strategy, and of course we have to ensure we stay up - that’s job number one right now. But assuming we’ll be OK in the summer then it will be a very exciting time for Keegan and Newcastle United fans, as Kevin works hard to bring success and great players back to the club.

Comments welcome.

Tags: Transfer News and Rumours · Newcastle News

44 responses so far ↓

1 James // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:21

It’s just as important the players he gets rid of in the summer as the ones he brings in.

I really don’t want to see Butt and Smith anywhere near SJP next season. It’s like playing with 9 men and puts a strain on the team. Add to that Carr, Shola, Barton, Rozenhal, and Geremi.

The wasters have to go Keegan. Please no sentiments on this issue.
2 paul p // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:28

James. You can add cacapa, emre, viduka, to that list also. possibly a few more but that will tell from now until the end of the season.
3 lull // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:32

OUT - Carr, Shola, Rozehnal, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Viduka

Barton stay if only he dont make another ‘mistake’

IN - whoever KEV choose
4 benoz // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:34

the only one of those I MIGHT consider keeping is Barton, he hasn’t been good enough but has shown the odd flash of class…

The argument for getting rid of him is pretty strong I have to admit
5 benoz // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:35

Paul, we have one creative midfielder and you want want to get rid of him??????????
6 Magpie Neil // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:37

Im so depressed!

I hate our team so much!

The team is full of over priced has-been mercenaries!

Come the summer I want to see 90% of the squad shown the door.
7 big pea ov the weab // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:38

gerimi
butt
smith
carr
amiobi
rozinhal
owen
freeing these players up will give keegan an extra bit money to offer a few top players good wages!
8 big pea ov the weab // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:39

and may i add barton to that list
9 roscoe // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:41

keep:
owen
martins
emre
nzog
duff
milner
barton
beye
faye
taylor
geremi

team for rest of the season:

harper/given
geremi beye faye enrique
milner barton emre nzog
owen martins

team for next season:

Given/Harper
Beye Faye Edmilson Bridge
Queresma Ashvarin Deco Nzogbia/Duff
Owen Martins

Howay the TOON
Howay KK
10 Jim // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:42

So who are we keeping and who will we build a team around?

Given’s on his last legs, Taylor’s still an apprentice, Emre’s not consistent enough and it’s too early to rely on Owen.

New balls please…
11 lull // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:45

big pea - i’m also thinking to add Owen to my list at first but unfortunately he’s one of our attraction to lure players to SJP (while Barton are doing the opposite)
12 Ian // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:47

if he kicks out to many then not only will we need to buy a bag full of first team players but also a load of squad players. we never seem to have a big enough squad
13 Cyprus Mag // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:48

We have a wafer thin squad, it is ridiculous to suggest getting rid of so many players, even if they rarely play we need to keep the likes of Butt and Viduka and to suggest getting rid of class players like Owen (even if I am no big fan) and particularly Emre is just plain stupid.
14 ehssi // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:56

viduka, butt, carr and ameobi are the players that most get out of NUFC
15 Ray // Feb 15, 2008 at 12:59

I am in agreement with the above comments, OUT - Carr, Shola, Rozehnal, Geremi, Butt, Smith, Viduka, Cacapa.
I haven’t quite made my mind up on Barton yet.
Emre I would keep but I would not be disapointed if Owen went in the summer.
I hope Kev gives some of the up and comming young talent a chance to prove themselves as I feel there is one or two of the youngsters would like to prove a point or two.
16 James // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:08

I didn’t add Emre to the list (even though I’d like him gone), Keegan loves Emre and tried to sign him twice when he was at Man City. So there is no chance he will sell him now that he’s finally got him as a player. With Emre he will be looking at getting the best out of him.

Similar with Viduka (only came here for the wages). He didn’t cost anything so it makes more sense to make him work hard and contribute than sell him. Unless he is used as part of the deal to get Downing. I don’t rate downing at all but Keegan does.

Barton issue will be resolved next month when he must be found guilty and given jail time. It’s just a case of trying to find someone who would buy him off us.

As for Cacapa I think he will be kept as cover for CB, but he will be replaced as a starter by a Keegan signing.

We all know Beye will stay because his performances and attitude have been class.

I for one really hope Keegan lets Enrique stay because he is such a top class left back when he’s up to speed. He just needs a long run in the team.

No way should Owen be sold. Shearer was paid loads and got injured a lot and no one would dream of selling him. Owen wants to stay and repay us with lots of goals. KK will make sure he does just that.
17 GP // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:14

Let’s sell Emre. He’s a creative midfielder who can pick out a pass - that’s just not what we’re looking for at St. James’ Park. Hey I know, let’s buy Bullard!
18 Tom_Toon // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:16

The only players id get rid of are: Butt, Smith, Ameobi, Rozehnal and bring in 6 new players:

LB - Maxwell
CB - Luisao
CDM - Song
RM- Bentley
CAM - Khlenberg
ST - Cardozo

Then give the youngsters a chance
19 paul p // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:18

benoz. the only reason av put emre on the lists is because i think he will want to leave, not a question about the ability the lad has got. why has he not played more for newcastle this season? even when he’s been fit, he’s been a sub. why when he is our best footballer. thats why i think this will dish him off and he will want to leave. ad love him to stay and get good players around him, then we may see the best of him as i dont think we have yet.
20 Blerred // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:18

OUT - Given, Carr, Rozehnal, Barton, Butt, Smith, Duff, Viduka, Shola, maybe Cacapa

IN - Samba, Dunne, Shorey/Bridge, Stephen Smith, Gamst-Pedersen, Arshavin, Bentley, Diego, Mudingayi, Annan, Mbia, Chikhaoui, Zidan, Barnes, Kapo, Lulinha, Ashton (OK we won’t get all of these, but players of this calibre, ability and age should be our aim)
21 Cyprus Mag // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:24

Paul p, why has he not played?, simple FSA
22 Bosck // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:24

I’d say definates out:

Rozenhal
Carr
Ramage
Butt
Barton
Ameobi

Possible/Probable out:

Geremi - rest of year to save toon career
N’Zogbia - looks like he wants to go
Viduka
Smith - either or him and viduka as squad player
Emre - similar to geremi
Cacapa - but would possibly keep as back up

Keep the rest

Bring in:

1 lb, 1 or 2cb, 1rb
1 lm (if zog goes), 2 or 3 cm, 1rm
2 cf

all players coming in should at least be challenging current players for starting spots.

massive overhaul but i think its what we need.
23 Bosck // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:26

oh and GP unfortunately jimmy bullard has produced the goods far more consistently in the premiership than emre. not saying he’s more skillful just more end product so far.
24 Ausgeordie // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:27

Players out:

Smith, Butt, Carr - work is not enough when the skill is not there to back it up
Barton: No discipline in life and bad for the reputation of the club.
Ameobi - Needs a fresh start somewhere else
Viduka - Past his best
Six players out.

We need a decent holding midfielder, a creative midfielder, a speedy right winger, a left back if Enrique is not going to be used a right back to compete with Beye, a centre back we can build our team around. and a prolific striker. I say keep Owen for six months and check him out and screw the loss if he leaves ( easy for me to say I know).

Heres hoping the relegation issue disappears when we beat Man U next weekend and we play

Harper
Beye….Taylor….Faye….Enrique
Milner…Geremi…Emre…..Zogbia
………Owen…..Martins
Caroll,Butt,Troisi, Barton, Capaca

It sucks though because you know with them facing Man U he will play Smith somewhere which as isual will stuff the whole team up because no one wants to pass the ball to him.
………
25 paul p // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:29

correct answer. why sam did not rate him was a mystery. 1-1 against everton, owen and emre came on, both scored, emre changed the game that day. i really hope he is in the team against man u. in the summer, if we can keep him, bring 2 other creative players in, who will challenge emre, hopefully this will bring the best out of him. i watched him for inter millan, picking the ball up, running at defenders, beating them for fun and sticking it in the back of the net. he cud be our paul scholes. watch the way scholesy plays, quick tempo passing, only problem for emre, he has not got alot of good players around him to play that kind of football!
26 Luke // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:36

if our own fans don’t execute him first, ed
27 Leo* // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:37

a win is a massive thing to be lacking, we need one quick, dont think we can get anything against man united, but i may be proved wrong…

the atmosphere should be good, because the fans wont expect too much and should just try and enjoy it
28 benoz // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:39

Keegan loves Emre type players, he’ll settle in by the end of the season. He’s never said a negative word about us and I think he wants a role here.
29 Chicken // Feb 15, 2008 at 13:43

Not the greatest plan in the world is it?

I was expecting to read about some kind of revolutionary training program or tactics or youth development or something with a bit of a wow factor.

Not - stay up then buy some new players!

It’s a bit bloody obvious isn’t it. I mean, what the hell was plan B? Get relegated, don’t buy anyone???

Howay Kev you can dee better than that man.
30 Bill F // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:01

Phase Two eh! Just so long as it is better than “Plan 9 From Outer Space”
31 steve k // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:03

As two phase plans go it’s only slightly behind the Battle of the Somme’s “send young men to certain death in the first phase and in the second send certain death to young men”.

Baldrick has devised better two phase plans.
32 Whumpie // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:10

Well put, Chicken! Hardly rocket science, but it’s the stuff “official” website interviews are made of.

One thing that really bugs me is how everyone seems to believe - despite 10 years of evidence to the contrary - that our problems are all down to activity in the transfer market.

Player not playing well? Sell im!

Jeesss. Change the record, the lot of you.

Here’s a mad idea: get rid of some who don’t have any indication that they’re capable of more (a short list which probably includes wor Shola, poor lad) and work on the ones who we know can play better and, um - get them playing better?

Viduka, Butt, Emre and Geremi didn’t just turn shite permanently overnight. Class doesn’t do that. Give KK time - and lots of it - to work out whether they can be part of his approach. I reckon he’ll get three out and five or six in. And it’ll work.
33 Greek-toon // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:11

A cunning plan indeed.
34 Greek-toon // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:14

Whumpie, I used to be good at football. But I have reached an age where I am indeed now permanently shite with the round ball. It happens
35 Greek-toon // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:17

Ed, like the new banner. A suspect a lot of tinkering with it will be required at seasons end if the above is anything to go by.
36 Ant // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:39

Emre - class…wouldn’t dream of losing him
Owen/Butt - keep…just don’t play them =) Nicky Butt plays so many games and genuinely tries…certainy enough to keep him in my squad with his ability to snuff out most attacks..he can’t pass the ball more than 5 yeards…but tell him to never pass it more than 5 yards and he could do a job somewhere(when people are injured of ocurse hehe)

Martins - fast, strong, knows where the net is, short on confidence a definite keeper

Zog/Duff/Milner - all good players…Zog has to be seen as our number 1 winger…maybe build a team around himself, Oba and Milner…stick Bullard in the middle to see if he can help out…if not Bullard won’t be too expensive just drop him lol

For me I’m looking at next seasons midfield being the key…our defenders in themselves are good. Theyre’s just FSA’s stupid team talks still in their mind with them having to absorb pressure and hope for a 90th minute penalty against relegated Fulham!!

Zog Bullard Emre Milner - a formidable midfield…all try VERY hard, have enough pace, are still young (even Emre aint old) and have the ability to get/create goals. Stick Martins up top with someone, anyone who can complement that ELECTRIC pace of his and we should be fine…Go back to the old days our defenders were good and are now…but we concede goals…doesn’t matter if we knock in more at the other end haha!!

Also keep Cacapa, Taylor, Faye, Beye, Enrique…I absolutely believe the right combination of them settled would form a formidable team…Cacapa has some real class…I don’t think he’d mind being on the bench….Tayls is likely to be suspended a few times a season anyway and at least 1 of the 4 is going to get injured.

Our season is a write-off….Our players aren’t

Haway the King!!
37 Ian_McP // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:43

Outs-
SMITH (kevin davies twin)
Butt
Rozenhal
Barton
Ameobi
Carr

I would love to see this team realistically next season:-

——————-Given—————
Beye——–Taylor—–Van Buyten—–Shorey

Bentley—-Sidwell—–Diego/Arshavin–Downing

————Crouch————-Owen——————
38 Ant // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:46

Also just noticed the new banner…I think Phoon CK is thinking he’ll put his personal first 11 forward in a more attractive form haha!!!
39 Obafan // Feb 15, 2008 at 14:59

First of all; good banner Ed, but where are the keepers and Cacapa???

It will be a long end of the season and I hope that in the summer we will not have the same as last year. Being linked with all kind of players, but in the end it takes dyas or weeks to get them. Think of Beye, Faye; all last minute transfers. Thank God tho’ that we had thos 2 players at the end of August or otherwise we would have got less points.

Smith, Butt, Carr, Ramage, Ameobi, Barton, Viduka, Rozehnal, Haper or Given should all be sold ASAP!

Get in some really good younger players and gel that team with a couple of experienced players at the vital positions.
40 steve k // Feb 15, 2008 at 16:13

Chicken’s comment (28) is the funniest thing I have read in weeks. Tears of laughter.

Thanks.
41 LongBeachToon // Feb 15, 2008 at 17:03

Ant and Paul P make good points about Emre and the other strong players on the team.

Our most creative players were sidelined under BSA either because they did not fit his system or were injured. I think its hard to judge our players considering they were played out of position, not at all, or under tactics that ran counter to their natural talents.

Still, there are players we should hold on to, and some we should let go. I would not sell Emre, Zog, or Duff. I would consider Milner if we could get a decent price for him, look for a Nobby type player. Milner is a very good young player, but I think we need someone with a bit more creativity and pace on the right side.

Smith, Viduka, Butt should be let go. They are past their prime. Not sure about Carr, Rozenhal (if his comments about the club can be forgiven), and Barton. These four have shown to be decent off the bench. Ameobi is the one I can figure out, could be very good, but we can’t afford to give him the opportunity to show us what he can do at the present time.

Our defensive line up is not bad, considering the fact that much of our football has been played in our own 6 yard box. If we subtract the goals conceded as a result of poor midfield play, would our defense still look so bad?
42 Ian // Feb 15, 2008 at 18:11

Long beach toon, I agree with you there, even the best defenders look poor when they have no help and nearly all of the second half is played around them, as soon as there is no danger on the counter the other team just grows and grows in confidence, Martins will end that, and if the midfield tidy up then we will be sorted again.
43 briss // Feb 15, 2008 at 19:12

Why would we get rid of Owen when hes finally putting away goals and showing his worth. He’s the Captain, role model for the young lads, England International and has a good attitude it seems. If i was him i would be frustrated about the medicracy around the club right now. He’s no Shearer but he will score 20 goals a season next year if he stays healthy for sure!
44 UTD111 // Feb 16, 2008 at 10:00

Obafan - do you really think Kev will play a keeper? LOL