Roeder Expects To Be Knocked Back In Transfer Market
Last updated : 22 February 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
He has already stepped up his pursuit of Southampton's Gareth Bale, and watched the 17-year-old left-back in Tuesday's match between Southampton and Coventry. But Manchester United, Tottenham and Arsenal were also represented, and it will take all his persuasive powers to coax the youngster to St James' Park.
Kevin Keegan was an expert at selling the club, and Sir Bobby Robson brought Lomana Lua Lua and Jermain Jenas to Tyneside when Arsenal and Manchester United had them tracked.
Roeder can spot a good player, of that there is no doubt, but has he got what it takes to get players to turn down Manchester United or Arsenal?
Roeder: "I don't normally talk about specific targets. As far as our scouting is concerned, we are now in overdrive for next season.
"We only have the rest of February, March, April and a bit of May to make sure the players we targeted in January, but were unable to get, are still playing well.
"We will be checking on these players and other targets, so that if for any reason we do not get the players who are our first choice, we are in a position to act straight away."
Derby midfielder Giles Barnes and West Brom defender Curtis Davies are on that list, and he could possibly get one of them if Albion and/or Derby fail to gain promotion. And the West Ham trio of Ferdinand, Reo-Coker and Ashton will probably move on if the Hammers hit the relegation trap door. So things could be in his favour.
On the plus-side, Roeder has been given a glowing assessment of his achievements this season by one of his predecessors, none other than Kevin Keegan.
Keegan: "Glenn has not had that much to spend, but he was asked to stabilise the club and that's what he has done. And he can be proud of what he has achieved in very difficult circumstances this season when you take into account the injuries Newcastle have had.
"With no Alan Shearer for the first time in 10 years this was always going to be a very difficult season for my old club, and Glenn was not helped when Michael Owen was injured playing for England before a ball was kicked."