FYP There's no doubt whatsoever about Rafa wanting to stay, even for less money than he could likely have got elsewhere - if he was sure of the resources necessary to be competitive. "Competitive" in this context means buying Rondon, plus three or four EPL-quality CBs and CMs to be safe from relegation next season, and trading his way to a challenge for the EL places in a season or two. It's not that there was any disagreement about the policy of buying younger and cheaper players with sell-on potential, but that rigidly sticking to it was looking for trouble. In the end, Ashley wanted a CL-quality coach to commit to keeping turn an upper-third Championship squad in the bottom third of the EPL, indefinitely. Why would a CL-level coach agree to that?
It's a shame to have Rafa plying his trade in the Chinese wilderness as well... Tony Blair should have stepped in a brokered a deal for the good of the Kingdom! Just one of those unfortunate parting of the ways that will likely make no one's soccer life any better, though Rafa will get a nice new house.
Little #USMNT news. With the mess going on at Newcastle, do not be shocked to see DeAndre Yedlin explore his options and maybe move this summer. Am told there is interest from clubs in Spain, France and Germany.— Roger Gonzalez (@RGonzalezCBS) June 28, 2019
According to Graeme Bailey, Hudson was not interviewed for the manage position, but the head coach position. Seems strange they'd interview for a head coach without a manager, but it is Newcastle.
any news on Yedlin's injury status and training? https://www.sportsgambler.com/team-news/england-premier-league/newcastle/
Funny! Was just thinking about DY. Injury followed by long break and non activity. Should be fresh as a daisy. NUFC open against Gunners 8/11. A couple of weeks away. Can we churn out some news?
Nice highlight video from last season...Hope he comes back healthy and keeps improving. Still only 26 and heading into his 3rd season in the PL.
There have been more rumors floating around than is normal for someone in his situation, so I have hope.
Yes, but that was the '16-'17 season. Yedlin has been with Newcastle in the Premier League two seasons already, in addition to his '15-'16 Prem season with Sunderland.
And he was good in all three seasons in the Prem, esp in the last two. Having a coach like Rafa helped, obviously, but so does having a good character and a decent football brain.
For whatever the reason he remains one of the most underrated players in our pool. Could have real success in any of those leagues.
Hmmm, NUFC breaks transfer record to sign Joelinton https://www.nufc.co.uk/news/latest-news/magpies-confirm-club-record-signing/ If they were willing to spend that kind of cash, why not let Rafa spend it? I'm confused...