Monday 30 May 2016

NUFC 16: Seven players with uncertain futures at the club this summer

Newcastle United could be set for a big squad overhaul this summer following relegation from the Premier League.

After agreeing to stay at the club, manager Rafa Benitez has been given full control of transfers and is hoping to bring in five or six new faces to help the Magpies climb straight back into the top flight.

As for outgoings, the new boss was adamant that no player would leave the club without his say-so this summer, with many already committing their future to St James’ Park – mainly due to the Spaniard agreeing to stay on.

However, that does not mean that no players will leave the club.

If Benitez sees fit then a number of players could move on. Here’s six players who have uncertain futures at the club this summer.

Tim Krul

The Dutchman started the campaign virtually unchallenged as Newcastle United’s number one.

However, a knee injury he suffered early in the season while on international duty brought his season to a premature end – offering his deputies the opportunity to impress.

First was Irishman Rob Elliot who had a fantastic campaign and won the Chronicle’s player of year award. When his season was also cut short by a similar injury to Krul’s, Karl Darlow then stepped up and showed his quality between the sticks too.

With Elliot and Darlow both proving themselves as safe pairs of hands – and young Freddie Woodman pushing hard for first team action – Krul may struggle to get back into the side once fully fit again.

If a suitor willing to pay the right price can be found, Benitez might decide Krul is no longer needed at St James’ Park.

Steven Taylor

Taylor endured a shocking campaign as injuries beset his season once again.

The centre-back was dropped by Benitez after a dismal game in the 3-1 defeat against Southampton, returning to play in the final day win at St James’ Park against Tottenham.

The 30-year-old centre-back is out of contract this summer but is desperate to stay and help the Magpies back to the Premier League.

The club are yet to announce their retained/released list but Taylor could very well find his name among the free agents this summer – ending a 13-year career at the club.

Fabricio Coloccini

Injury meant that the Newcastle skipper played no part in the last three months of the campaign.

The 34-year-old has one-year remaining on his current deal and has always expressed a desire to return to his native Argentina to finish his playing career.

He was largely poor in the early parts of the season when fit so Benitez might decide that now is the right time to allow Coloccini to depart.

Georginio Wijnaldum

Despite topping Newcastle’s goalscoring charts with 11 goals last season, the summer £14.5million Dutch recruit had a very hit-and-miss campaign – much to the frustration of Newcastle fans.

Wijnaldum’s agent recently said that the Dutch international would have to ‘evaluate his options’ following the club’s relegation, with Roma thought to be lining up a £12million offer while a host of Premier League clubs are said to be interested.

Tied down until the summer of 2020, Benitez could force the midfielder to stay at the club in the Championship next season.

But if he wants to leave (he’s still undecided) – and the club can get back somewhere close to what they paid for him – they may decide to allow him to go.

Moussa Sissoko

Benitez is believed to want France international Sissoko to stay at St James’ Park next season after giving him the captain’s armband.

However, Sissoko is never one to shy away from telling people he wants to play Champions League football and might be reluctant to drop down to the second tier – even if just for a season.

Benitez hopes to sit down and talk to the midfielder to convince him to stay, but his involvement with the national team means that will have to wait – while he’ll also get the chance to show what he can do on a big stage.

Like Wijnaldum, his contract – which runs to 2019 – means Benitez can force him to stay if he wants to.

Siem de Jong

Much like his brother Luuk, Siem de Jong has really failed to make an impact since joining Newcastle two years ago.

For the 27-year-old a spate of injuries have limited his chances in the first team as he’s made just 22 appearances in 24 months, while scoring just the one goal.

There is thought to be interest from Ajax, with De Jong admitting he may have to explore his options after the club’s relegation.

Fit during all of Benitez’s time at the club, he still managed just 98 minutes of action, with the Spaniard seemingly not too keen.

But could he benefit from a season in the Championship to rebuild his confidence?

Henri Saivet

A January signing from Bordeaux, Saivet failed to make an immediate impact at St James’ Park, making just four appearances in total.

He failed to make it on to the pitch after Benitez’s arrival – and couldn’t even make the subs bench for the last four games of the season.

However, it was a difficult scenario for the young midfielder to come into with no previous Premier League experience.

His future will depend on Benitez’s thoughts on him, but at 25 there’s no reason why a season in the Championship can’t aid his development in the English game.

Sunday 22 May 2016

Kedah FA: Sabah Under-19 looking for early goals against Kedah

Kota Kinabalu: In a top-of-the-table clash, the State Under-19 squad are looking for early goals against Kedah in the Youth Cup competition at Jitra Mini Stadium, this afternoon.

Kedah were the first team to beat them this season with a narrow 1-0 win at the Penampang Stadium and coach Jelius Ating is eager to see his players beat the team and overtake them at the top of the table.

Only two points separated the two teams with Sabah on 28 points from nine wins, one draw and three defeats while Kedah have 30 points and they also have nine wins but three draws and one loss.

"I hope the player can get an early breakthrough against Kedah tomorrow. Kedah were not that great in the first round.

They were lucky to get a win from us because we were in control of the match even after conceding the goal.

"What we are missing right now since the start of the season was failing to convert our chances into goals.

That is the only shortcoming in the team. If only the strikers could bury their opportunities, we could have killed off most of our matches in the early stages.

"This is a young team and the many misses had an effect on the players which contributed to the late conceded goals.

We have spent most of the training sessions in the past few days concentrating on our finishing and from what I see, there were definitely some improvement and I hope the players will get it right on the pitch tomorrow."

Meanwhile, the coach will name the same starting line-up as they did against Sarawak last Sunday with the exception of Jeniun Karib.

"Jeniun has slight injury problem so I will start him on the bench and one of the players will take over his place while Leonardo (Lisua) who is suspended, will be replaced by Suzairee Samail on the left wing."

The rest of the players are Izan Rifaa sasari in goal, defenders Kelvin Pengiran, Evan Wensley, Ranilson Batuil, midfielders Aidil Safee, Aidil Shahrolmizan Asimin, Stanley Sulong and strikers Hamran Peter, Arius Dius Jais.

Tuesday 26 April 2016

NUFC 16: Toon Duo Set for Exit

Newcastle are ready to part company with Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini no matter what division they are in next season.

Steven Taylor adalah pemain pertahanan tengah Newcastle United

Most decisions over who will stay at St James' Park next season are on hold until Newcastle know what division they will be playing in, but reports claim Taylor and Coloccini face the axe no matter what.

Taylor has come in for some heavy criticism this season as Newcastle have battled to beat the drop and there is little chance of him being offered a new deal when his current one expires in the summer.

The English defender has looked well off the pace and boss Rafael Benitez has no plans to include him in his rebuilding job over the close season.

Coloccini still has just over 12 months remaining on his current deal but it has been suggested he will be offered a severance package, following a season of injury problems.

The Argentina star is keen to return to his homeland and it is claimed he will be happy to end his eight-year association with the club.

http://www.eatsleepsport.com/newcastle-united/toon-duo-set-for-exit-2097942.html#/.Vx7JN_l95iI