There are some contract renegotiations that Newcastle management must try to complete before the end of the year.
Three of them in particular are important to Newcastle’s successful future, those of Steven Taylor, Oba Martins and Michael Owen.
In the two latter cases we should negotiate not just for longer deals but also to eliminate the buy-out clauses in each of their current contracts.
Let’s look at each player and see what the issues may be with a long term contract.
Chris Mort - important negotiations ahead for Newcastle chairman
Steven Taylor
We don’t think this will be a problem at all once Steven’s father, Alf, returns from a summer vacation. There has been a mountain made out of a mole hill in our opinion. Don’t believe for one minute the news about Liverpool getting ready to bid ₤5M in January – as a back-up center back in their squad – wow, we bet Steven would just love that. Also some of the London press suggesting Steven will be off to Chelsea or Tottenham are just filling paper space – that will never happen. If indeed Steven was offered less than James Milner by Newcastle then that can be put right very quickly. We have every faith in Chris Mort and his team that this will be settled as soon as practically possible.
We expect Steven’s deal to be at least for 5 years.
Oba Martins
We’ve always said that Oba will be a really important player for Newcastle this season and we see no reason to change that assessment. Oba is already in the middle of negotiations on a long term contract and he has already stated he is very keen to stay at the club. He is a firm fan favorite and has already proved he is a good team player. Coming off the bench against Wigan he won the game for us with that wonderful cross to Michael Owen. Don’t believe for one minute that Sam will not use both Michael Owen and Oba Martins to great effect for Newcastle this season. Oba can actually profit from plaing with Owen in training since he is not yet the finished product but has lots of skill and pace and has already scored some wonderful goals for the club.
A five or six year contract would be nice.
Michael Owen
Currently the toast of England and Newcastle of course because of his heroics in his last 4 games when he has scored 5 goals. For England in the last 2 games he has looked world-class and back to his very best. There’s no doubt this is a great personal achievement for Michael to be able to come back to his best after two horrific injuries. It just shows you how tough a character Michael really is.
We congratulate him on his successful return to top form. Now it may be a little early to begin negotiations but one thing we need to do is extend Owen’s contract at Newcastle. His initial 4 year contract has less than two years to run and since it’s now obvious he’s back to his best Newcastle will presumably try to get Michael tied down for at least an additional two years.
The excellent publicity England have received from their last two wins is great for Newcastle because England’s best and most exciting player is at Newcastle. That is great news for Ashley and Mort, whose goal is to get our club to be a world brand – and we are already doing very well in that department. So in this case it may be a little too early to start negotiations, but we would expect them to start before the end of the year. Hopefully by that time Michael will have scored quite a few goals for Newcastle.
The extending of these 3 contracts will help to guarantee the long term success of Newcastle United – which is what we are all after. It will be a good follow-on from the 5 year contracts already signed by young guns Charles N’Zogbia and James Milner.
What do you think about this?
Comments very welcome
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55 responses so far ↓
1 Steve K // Sep 13, 2007 at 10:32
It may be hard to keep both Oba and Michael happy.
2 Luke // Sep 13, 2007 at 10:35
Get michael tied down. Taylor is just a question of time, but — and it’s a big but (the mixalot kind) — I do wonder whether oba will resign when he’s clearly not favorite as viduka’s partner. Remember his recent micro-strop? Then again, the boy’s cheese seems to have slipped off his cracker and seeing those dollar signs could have his hand clutching that pen quicker than a bi-polar oscar wilde in the depths of winter.
3 Dave // Sep 13, 2007 at 10:37
Hasn’t Owens buy-out clause ‘expired’?
4 James // Sep 13, 2007 at 10:49
Sell Shola and rotate the main 3 Owen Martins Viduka andd smith will be struggling to oust butt or geremi from the team when joey barton gets backk from injury so we will still have gd strikers
5 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 11:04
Martins should be our priority, not Owen, Martins is younger and still has his pace unlike Owen, with Martins it’s a case of tying him down and transforming him into the best striker in the premiership, because we can all see he has the potential to be just that
6 Greg B // Sep 13, 2007 at 11:09
The main problem with Owen is that being an England International he must crave European football. He has played regualr Champions League and UEFA Cup football with both Liverpool and his short spell at Madrid so the aim must be to at least qualify for the UEFA Cup this season.
I would like to think that if we acheive that goal then Michael would maybe put pen to paper on a contract extention.
Two main issues arise however, the fact Michael reportedly still lives in Cheshire (not a major problem as he has been know to commute via helecopter) but perhaps the bigger issue is that if he continues to produce the kind of performances like he did against Russia last night then there will be a large que forming for his signature. Allardyce, Ashley and Mort need to convince Owen that we have a plan whereby we will be competing in the top 4 in the next 3 or 4 years and make sure Owen wants to be part of that plan.
First and foremost we must have some sort of European run next season, attract the type of players who may have turned us down when that European option wasnt available and move forward by improving the squad based on the lure of a top class football team, with a top class set-up and regular European football. Not that difficult eh?
7 big pea ov the weab // Sep 13, 2007 at 11:22
@james woh woh woh wot do u mean sell shola he will be a great back up if injurys occur
8 Steely // Sep 13, 2007 at 11:25
Dave, Owen’s buyout clause has expired, but if he only has until summer 2009 on our books and he decides he doesnt want to stay and refuses to sign a contract, then we will only get a crappy amount for him anyway as he will just threaten to leave on a free if we dont flog him.
I reckon Mort needs to speak with him way before Summer 08 and either tie him down for more years or flog him in the summer for decent bucks! Can you imagine the uproar if he leaves for nowt!?
9 Steely // Sep 13, 2007 at 11:25
.
10 bennit3b // Sep 13, 2007 at 11:25
If we qualify for Europe the clause won’t be there again for owen at the end of next season, it was only a £9m buyout if we’re not in Europe. Definitely think we should try and get a couple more years on his contract though before the end of the season anyway though. It would show he was committed and drive away any potential suitor’s whether the clause is there or not, because lets face it if he stays on form and the clause isn’t there at the end of the season (with qualifying for Europe) top clubs will be willing to pay top dollar for him anyway.
Does anyone know how long Duff is out for? Haven’t heard any thing about him for ages
11 Bjorgvin // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:01
We are well covered in the strikers department at this moment. And should thus aim to keep it that way and offer oba and owen new contracts soon.
Viduka will not be at Newcastle for more than 3 seasons so Ameobi and young Andy C should be perfectly ready in that time.
As for A Smith - I only think he will be a cover and extra man for the midfield and strikers. So when everybody is fit he should only make the bench at best.
12 Bill F // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:02
Sorry Big Pea don’t agree, a back up player is not what we want if he is not up to the job. If Shola was playing as well as he should be than I would not demur. I would rather have Carrol back or sign another top class striker. Still not sure about Viduka either!
13 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:16
everyone seems to have forgotten that Alan Smith is a quality CF, he should be used in squad rotation not back-up, he is too good for that, he should only be back-up for the midfield area i think.
Smith and Owen linked up quite well against germany, i think we should maybe try that partnership up front
14 Cam_Toon // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:17
James mate sorry lad but your wrong… Sell Viduka.
Why keep a player past his best for a young lad in his prime… Shola will shine, given the chance.
15 rich // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:18
From what i understand Owens clause is only valid in the close season, so its not valid at the moment but come the end of this season it can be re-activated again. i believe.
16 Steve K // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:20
What about “Local Hero” being dropped from the St.James’ music? NUFC shouldn’t knock “The Knopf” in such a manner.
http://www.newcastleutd-mad.co.uk/news/loadnews.asp?cid=TMNW&id=352919
17 big pea ov the weab // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:40
bring back loacal hero lets start a petition whos with me
18 Jerry // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:41
Dragoner - you always seem to come out with weird comments. Alan Smith “a quality CF”?
On what exactly do you base that on?
19 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:50
well Jerry, unlike you i dont base all of my opinions of wikipedia stats, i based that comment on his performances for Manchester United and Leeds before he was injured, he may not be the most prolific goalscorer but he always gives 110% and always looks lively
20 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:53
and yes before you say it i DO KNOW Ferguson played him in midfield a lot, and that is probably why most of you people do not rate him, your judging him by his midfield performances
21 Essex Bill (Formerly Bill F) // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:53
I partially agree with dragoner, Smith is a very good EPL player don’t think he is quite good enough for England, still a lot of people said the same about Heskey.
22 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 12:56
Jerry YOU probably do not rate him because he does not possess the “skill and finesse” you love so much, lol
23 Jerry // Sep 13, 2007 at 13:08
Dragoner - even as a midfielder I do not rate Alan Smith and certainly not as a striker.
I think both of us have a fundamental difference about what makes a good/excellent player.
You, I think, tend to like the tenacious, committed, heart on sleeves kind of a player, and that is the typical British view of football and a player.
24 Jerry // Sep 13, 2007 at 13:09
Absolutely, apart from defenders, I absolutely prefer players with skill and finesse.
25 AndyW // Sep 13, 2007 at 13:17
Not sure that Oba does have the potential to be the best striker in the premiership. Depends what you mean by striker I suppose but for me Oba has masses of ability, technique, strength, speed etc but I’m unsure about his instincts. he’s a bit head down when it comes to playing others and he could learn a lot from MO on positioning, timing and reading of the game. I know its early and he’s young but I haven’t seen much change in his game from last year to suggest he’s taking new stuff on board - lets see what Sam can do.
As for giving Shola a chance, he’s 25, only two years younger than Michael Owen. Played most of his carreer with Alan Shearer, if that’s not going bring the best out in a striker……………..how many chances does he want?
26 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 13:18
i also do not rate Smith as a midfielder, all im saying is that he is a quality CF…notice i didn’t say ‘GREAT’ or ‘WORLD CLASS’ because i know he is neither, he is simply a quality CF who’s work rate and lively approach to the game can put the oppositions defence under pressure, and thats what makes him a useful acquisition to any team (if they play him up front). its not his clinical finishing that makes him useful….although i do feel he is capable of the tap-ins and long rangers everyone loves.
27 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 13:21
AndyW my criticism of Oba are identical to yours, he does not possess that strikers instinct Michael has, however i do feel/hope he can acquire it sometime soon. As for having the potential to be the best premiership striker, i just said that because his raw talent and natural ability are second to none. pace, strength, great height in his jump, power in his shot…not much more raw talent you could ask for dont you think?
28 Nutisbak2 // Sep 13, 2007 at 13:30
Is Oba really that “young”, I remember people debating this in the past, seem to remember some controversy about his Birth Certificate being a fake. Maybe the reason he is not taking things on board so to speak is that he is actually as old as Owen or Viduka
29 Hadji // Sep 13, 2007 at 14:13
Shola+5mill for James Mcfadden from Everton in January
30 Lee Halbert // Sep 13, 2007 at 14:31
Michael Owen has bought property in the north east now.
31 t-g-w // Sep 13, 2007 at 14:39
Andy W I agree 100% with your comments about Oba. In addition to what you said, Oba is too inconsistent. I know the form of strikers changes, but Oba seemed to have a relatively short spell of socring last sesaon (in the middle) whereas at the beginning and at the end of the season he simply wasn’t putting the ball in the net. My other problem with Oba is his link up play. Yes, he set up Owen for the winning goal against Wigan, but that is a sign of his inconsistency. He can provide a good cross one moment but then the next he can’t pass the ball along the floor to another balck and white shirt. If Oba improves in these areas he will be a great player. He just seems more of an athlete playing football rather than a natural player.
32 Hadji // Sep 13, 2007 at 14:54
T-G-W….Do you hear yourself sometimes my friend.If it wasn’t for Oba last season we would be in the Championship league last season.
What i hate about some fans here is the fact that everyone was shitting themselves when we thought that Arsenal’s gonna steal Oba from us.Now that Owen is scoring goals some of you put Owen upfront.
Oba saved us from a possible relegation last season.
Dont you ever forget that.
33 craig chisholm // Sep 13, 2007 at 14:54
owen lives in the north east, his kids go to school here and his wife loves it. all this heicopter to and fron his home town has long since been stopped, that was just when he initally joined until he got his shit sorted out for moving up fully. his family are settled which means that his is settled too. i am confident that he will sign on again. esp with our new owners and manager and approach to training etc.
34 Hadji // Sep 13, 2007 at 14:55
*Championship league this season*
35 Dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 15:06
some sites are predicting we win 3-2 against derby, i dont know about you lot but i dont think we will concede against Derby, however, i dont feel we will be ruthless in front of goal, i reckon its goona be 1-0 to us, what do you guys think?
36 Dingo // Sep 13, 2007 at 16:15
Owen has not bought property in the N.E…… he rents a very nice country estate home just beyond Belsay for around £7.5k per month. He does however fly back to the Wirral a lot to see friends and eat out. But his kids and wife are here and liking it a lot. Northumberland/Newcastle has that effect on people.
37 bennit3b // Sep 13, 2007 at 16:19
Whens Duff back anyone?
38 Ed Harrison // Sep 13, 2007 at 16:24
Duff is due back sometime in November - there’s no more detail than that.
39 Toon Chicken // Sep 13, 2007 at 16:39
3-0 Newcastle.
40 hadrian // Sep 13, 2007 at 16:58
id like taylor to sign a new contract , but only one in line with zog and milner .
if any of these players contracts differ is should be equaled imediately to avoid discontent . but not at the expense of the club , these 3 lads are young and have many a contract to go in their playing carear , if tayls is wanting a silly amount at this age , what the hell will he be trying to extort from the toon at 26-27 ? .
Owens 9 mill clause ran out in july acording to fat freddy , and ill be honest here i cant see micheal wanting to stay with us , he’s been slated and called out for months and the only thing that would keep a player of his calibre here (shearer) when larger clubs are interested, is loyalty and respect , something more than 50% of toon fans havent shown him . and im pretty confident in that statement , call it fans just needing to vent or whatever , but the calls to flog him in the summer were on a ridiculous scale .
can see oba looking for the door aswell if he thinks owen is always going tobe starting infront of him .
41 dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 17:20
emre has picked up yet ANOTHER injury, i have had enough of this, get rid of the guy, whats the point in a good player….that can never play
42 big pea ov the weab // Sep 13, 2007 at 17:22
my prediction for the match is 2-0 milner first goal get ur money on lads last 1 i predicted come in my £20 is on it
43 Chris // Sep 13, 2007 at 17:32
What i dont understand, and bear with me I understand to MOST clubs the number doesn’t really mean anything, but this is Newcastle United. At Newcastle United our #9 is sacred to us. How do we sign Obafemi Martins, explain to him what the 9 means and who’s shirt he’s playing, than ask him to play second fiddle for Mark Viduka and Michael Owen. 2 players where only 1 of them has REALLY shown up this season.
…or solve everyones problems, play a 4-3-3 Oba on the left Mark in the Center and Michael out on the right. Even if we didn’t score goals (and we would) we would be the scariest strike force in the premier league.
44 hadrian // Sep 13, 2007 at 17:40
id have oba sitting behind viduka and owen , just outside the box .
.
enriqe ,cacapa, rozy, beye
……………geremi…………….
zoggy …………………milner
………….martins……………
…….owen……viduka……..
45 JEFFBRUM // Sep 13, 2007 at 17:45
UR TEAM SELECTION IS SPOT ON HADRIAN !!!!! AT LEAST UNTIL BARTON IS FIT , AND BY THEN WE WILL HAVE A LOT MORE IDEA ABOUT WHO IS DOING THE BUSINESS FOR US . THINK THE TEAM IS REALLY STARTING TO PICK ITSELF NOW !
46 Toon Chicken // Sep 13, 2007 at 18:09
It’s not the team I would pick, and I definitely don’t think it’s our strongest, but I think the team will be something close to this on Monday…
Owen, Viduka (if he’s fit again)
N’Zogbia, Smith, Geremi, Milner
Enrique, Cacapa, Rozenhal, Taylor
Harper
47 JEFFBRUM // Sep 13, 2007 at 18:33
TOON CHICKEN….I THINK THE TEAM U HAVE SELECTED IS PROBABLY THE ONE THAT WILL PLAY AT DERBY…..MAINLY BECAUSE BSA DOESNT SEEM TO WANT TO PLAY OWEN AND MARTINS TOGETHER , BARTON IS NOT FIT YET AND BEYE UNLIKELY TO BE ‘BEDDED IN’ YET - ( ALSO TAYLOR NEEDS TO BE KEPT SWEET.) SO I AGREE WITH YOU ON LIKELY DERBY TEAM. WHATS UR OPINIONS OF STRONGEST LINE-UP LADS ????
48 Toon Chicken // Sep 13, 2007 at 18:39
When everyone is fit to play my team would be…
Owen, Martins
N’Zogbia, Barton, Geremi, Milner
Enrique, Cacapa, Rozenhal, Beye
Given
subs; Harper, Taylor, Faye, Butt, Duff, Smith, Martins
49 Toon Chicken // Sep 13, 2007 at 18:39
I meant Viduka on the bench (not Martins)
50 JEFFBRUM // Sep 13, 2007 at 18:46
…. NOW I AGREE WITH YOU CHICKEN- THATS MY TEAM WITH BARTON ( WHEN HE IS FIT ) IN FOR VIDUKA……….SUBS ARE SPOT ON TOO ! AMIOBI KEPT IN RESERVE.
51 Rich // Sep 13, 2007 at 18:54
do people only have 5 minute memory spans on here?
Obas age was disuputed because of an administration error by the Nigerian FA, on their official website they said he was 27 years old 3 years ago.
They retracted that and issued an official statement 3 years ago saying that they had made an error and Oba was 19 (at the time).
if you think Oba’s 30 years old then you are more of a muppet than you sound.
just listen to his voice FFS.
Wayne Rooney looks older than Oba but no one debates his age.
@ Toon Chicken, i agree with your team except youve got Martins in the starting 11 and on the subs.
52 Dragoner // Sep 13, 2007 at 19:08
-Rich
I agree with you about Martins being 21 and not older. However, the reason many people believe Martins to be older than what he says is because it is commonly known that many people who come to the U.K from one of the African countries will in fact alter their age, bringing it a few years or so lower than it actually is. There are a number of reasons as to why they would do this but i cant be bothered to go through them.
E.g. My friend who i went to college with came to the U.K from Nigeria with his brother, on the records they were 18 and 19, but all of our circle of friends knew they were in fact 20 and 23, they were quite open about it
53 AltaBataljonen // Sep 13, 2007 at 22:28
Why dont we just buy Emile Heskey and play him upfront with MO, win the Premier League, qualify for the CL and get to pick among the best players in the world next summer??? Easy…
54 WelshWizard // Sep 13, 2007 at 23:32
“Hadji // Sep 13, 2007 at 14:13
Shola+5mill for James Mcfadden from Everton in January”
I dont want a Everton periveral player…..plus loose money….
55 Nutisbak2 // Sep 14, 2007 at 11:02
Rich sounds like someone is easilly wound up does it not…..
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