HOWAY THE LADS 2005-2006

As regards me saying Barton is the midfielder that Newcastle should be targeting.

I have looked at him quite a number of times recently, his commitment is first class, he is not getting into trouble with referees or other players on the pitch, his work rate is excellent , he is always looking to get into space and scoring positions whenever possible, and he is scoring goals as well as making them with assists.

I want Pearce, and I want Barton with Wright-Phillips to follow.

What I don't want is any more Chelsea rejects.

Souness obviously signed Babayaro and Parker to curry favour so that he could try to get Duff. It has not worked and Newcastle have been landed with a shite left back and no cover for the position, and a midfielder who can't score.

This manager has squandered £50 million on crap signings. The only signing he has made that is any good is Owen for whom he paid the full market wack, and then had to concede a £12m get away clause which I think will be used by Owen so that his England career does not suffer as Newcastle languish in the bottom half of the table.

B