Owen/staff news - TalkSoccer

**kennethlindheim** · 22-05-2007, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Michael Owen may have not clarified his position at Newcastle United to the club's chairman, Freddy Shepherd, but the England striker has spoken to the new manager, Sam Allardyce, and the tone of the conversation is said to have been positive. Owen is said to be convinced theoretically by Allardyce's plans at Newcastle and may yet be part of them.

Owen, who has a £9m get-out clause at St James' Park that he and his advisors seem keen to exploit - a notion not yet contradicted by Owen - joins up with England today in preparation for their B international against Albania at Burnley on Friday. It is another test of Owen's fitness as he recovers from last year's knee-ligament damage, but he can expect to be asked about his immediate future. Owen has yet to respond publicly to Shepherd's remarks about "loyalty", but Allardyce appears to be making progress elsewhere.

Allardyce is close to two breakthroughs with his backroom staff after Bolton's performance director Mike Forde rejected a new contract from the club yesterday morning. That leaves him free to join Allardyce at Newcastle United, while Mark Taylor, Bolton's head of sports science, has also indicated he is leaving Allardyce's former club for Tyneside.
It is understood there is no compensation required for Taylor, but Forde's contractual position is less clear and the Bolton chairman Phil Gartside will not wish to lose Allardyce, Forde and Taylor without having received any payment from Newcastle.

But judging by Bolton's own backroom staff movements, there is an acceptance at the club that Forde and Taylor will be moving on. The new manager Sammy Lee's Liverpool connections have taken him back to the club to appoint the joint chief scout at Anfield, Frank McParland, to the role of general manager at Bolton - a role Bolton wanted Forde to take on. It is not known what title Forde would have at Newcastle; Phil Brown agreed a new deal with Hull City yesterday so will not become Allardyce's assistant.

Owen wooed by Allardyce but still cool on commitment | News | Guardian Unlimited Football

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 22-05-2007, 09:04 AM

I believe he will stay.None of the top 4 teams seems to be interested...

**LAF** · 24-05-2007, 09:19 AM

Owen is a prick. He's done fuck all since he's joined apart from get paid a fortune. He owes everybody at that club a statement saying he's staying.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-05-2007, 09:21 AM

It's not Owen's fault that he have been unlucky.

**LAF** · 24-05-2007, 09:24 AM

Yes but I hate how he's trying to move away now by getting his PR men to put out stories about so and so being after him.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-05-2007, 09:30 AM

He's not trying to move away.It's the media who links him away because of his £9 million release clause.

**kennethlindheim** · 24-05-2007, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LAF

Owen is a prick. He's done fuck all since he's joined apart from get paid a fortune. He owes everybody at that club a statement saying he's staying.

Spot on!

He would be an absoloute C*nt if he leaves. I remember reading this interview last year and its just been on icNewcastle this was him last October ......

In terms of how long I stay at Newcastle, I'm here as long as everybody wants me," said Owen, when asked about his commitment to the club last October. "I had four years on my contract when I signed last year, so I would say at least that length of time and then you'd have to ask the chairman for the rest."

He added: "I do really enjoy Newcastle as a place. I have got two children here and they go to school here and they love it. Any parent knows if your children are happy, then you are happy. That is one of the main things.

"In terms of myself, I get out a little bit around Newcastle with a few of the lads occasionally. It is a lovely place and a lovely area and I have settled in really well."

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 24-05-2007, 09:41 AM

Quote:

He would be an absoloute C*nt if he leaves.

It depends on which club he will join.

**Pennywise** · 24-05-2007, 11:48 AM

Had been tragic if he'd leaved tyneside this summer for just £9 mill.

It won't happen, I guess, however I don't think he will be the same player and striker as he once were.

But I hope my predictions will fail.

**kennethlindheim** · 24-05-2007, 11:49 AM

Owen is our only world class player, and he has to be kept.

**Mighty T.A.L.** · 28-05-2007, 11:32 AM

Martins is a better player than Owen.

**kennethlindheim** · 28-05-2007, 12:35 PM

Martins has bad attitude, and I don't consider players with bad attitude worldclass players.

**Pennywise** · 28-05-2007, 10:23 PM

Martins will be important for N'castle United next season. Its hard to find good strikers today.

And I agree with Mighty, Martins better than Owen.