Geremi – the 28-year-old utility player who arrived on a free transfer from Chelsea earlier this month could turn out to be one of Sam Allardyce’s best signings at Newcastle.
A very experienced player who always gives 100% effort – Geremi of course spent a season (2002-2003) on loan at Middlesbrough where he was voted their best player for that season.
Having played in England over the last five years, the Cameroon International is well aware of the reputation of Newcastle United and their magnificent fans – and that made joining the club an easy decision for him.
Great Shot of Sam and Geremi
This is what Geremi (full name – Geremi Sorele Njitap Fotso) told our own Newcastle World TV in an exclusive interview today:
“As soon as I heard that Newcastle were interested I did not have to think for too long,” “I just said yes straight away because it’s a big club with huge ambition and amazing fans.
“I have always appreciated the Newcastle fans whenever I’ve played at St. James” Park. “It was never easy coming here to play and I’m more happy to play with the fans behind me.
“The fans are the 12th man and when you see them they are always there pushing you which is good for the player.”
In training Geremi seems to have been smiling from ear to ear when we’ve seen him (like the shot above) and certainly gives the impression he is absolutely delighted to have a chance at Newcastle.
Geremi went on to talk about Big Sam and the coming Newcastle revolution:
“Sam called me and told me about the ambition of the club and said he wanted to build a good, new team and I told him I wanted to be part of that.”
“It’s a big challenge for me and I hope to help the team achieve something because I know Newcastle have not won anything for a lot of years now.”
“The manager will decide if I play in midfield or defense but the most important thing is to be part of the team and I’m looking forward to that.”
“The pre-season training has been hard work so far but you need that and we will benefit when the new season starts.”
“I’m not quite fit yet but I will continue to work on my fitness and will be in top shape come the start of the season.”
We think he’s going to become a big favorite with the crowd and can tie down one of the full back positions or even a place in defensive midfield. We think he’s a great acquisition by Big Sam and cannot wait to see him in a Newcastle shirt – maybe that will happen this Saturday against Carlisle United although it looks like he is still getting fit.
What do you think?
Let us know your thought and opinions on Geremi.
11 comments so far
Andy H
Jul 19, 2007 at 10:01 AM
Comment #1I think Geremi will prove to be a great signing. He is a typical Allardyce player – in his prime – but with great experience for huge teams like Real Madrid, Chelsea (and boro!). He has a great attitude, will be the fittest player in the squad, and when the injries come he can fill in almost anywhere on the park.
At the moment I think he will be first choice right back and I’m not sure he can play left back. When the must needed defensive reinforcement arrives, although right back is not priority as we need 2 centre backs and at leats 1 left back first, he will get a chance to play on the right of the midfield – possibly away from home because he has the edge defensively over Milner, who shouldn’t need to play every game this season.
James
Jul 19, 2007 at 10:13 AM
Comment #2i think big sam should clarify his postion in the team so he knows that he has his place at right back because he will play better there than people that have been mention like luke young maybe.
TOON1
Jul 19, 2007 at 10:23 AM
Comment #3Geremi is a great signing for the toon,he seems to be loving his time here already.He comes across as been a really good pro with vast amount of experience ,which is valuable,and not here for the pay packet.Very good utility player ,can be used in many positions,on a free aswell,Big sam done good here.
tel
Jul 19, 2007 at 11:26 AM
Comment #4chelsea fan here…ive always been glad we had geremi, he is always solid and has a fantastic freekick technique..ill miss him..good luck to him anyway
Nick
Jul 19, 2007 at 11:42 AM
Comment #5A brilliant signing might I add. 😀
Fergie
Jul 19, 2007 at 12:27 PM
Comment #6A great signing and I think it should signal the end of Sthephen Carr’s time at the club. Geremi, Solano, Dyer and Milner should be our four players fighting for the right back and right wing spots. Ideally, Dyer and Milner should not play at right back, but they could do so if needed. As for Geremi and Solano, they are both capable of playing in either position, so whats the need for Carr now? I also can’t wait to see Geremi take some free kicks this season. It’s been a while since i’ve actually thought we would score every time from a free kick, in the days of Robert and Shearer. Emre and Solano were too inconsistent last year and although Milner looks promising he always hits the bar!!
Royal Tea
Jul 19, 2007 at 1:26 PM
Comment #7Utility player for Chelsea, key player for Newcastle.
Says it all really. He might help Newcastle to a top half finish.
dave bulman
Jul 19, 2007 at 1:37 PM
Comment #8in response to royal tea,utility player for chelsea because mourinho has spent over 220 million since he took charge and with all that money spent they are still boring to watch.he will be great at newcastle,play him at right back and get rid of carr.geremi will give it everything and with players like barton doing the same we will be alot harder to beat,should snap up shorey now,would get him for around 6 million.
Rich
Jul 19, 2007 at 7:05 PM
Comment #9yep, good signing for the toon 28 – plenty of years ahead of him, played at the top level in the prem for 5 seasons i think… im not sure if he had one or more seasons at the smogs?
i dont think Sam will clarify his position, hes probably still trying things out at the mo and waiting to see who he can get his hands on to further restore the toons defence.
i think as things stand well move Solano back to wing to contend with MIlner and have Carr & Geremi for Right back… hopefully at some point well manage to get Carr away and build Ramage up or even get another right back.
we really need a left back though, i was praying we might swoop for Roysten Drenthe but gossip columns are saying Chelski have lodged a 7 mil bid….*doh*
anyway, ill be happy once we get a LB & CB at the very least.
Ed Harrison
Jul 19, 2007 at 8:04 PM
Comment #10Royal Tea – your comment above is pretty close to the very definition of arrogance. We’re really lo0oking forward to playing you guys next year – if that kind of arrogance ever makes it to the Chelsea team – then watch out.
But Jose is far too good a manager to allow that ever to happen.
magomu ryan
Aug 1, 2007 at 8:47 AM
Comment #11geremi is definately a great aquisition.i trust him and he will be the best next season as long as he stays fit €