John would be a fantastic addition to Newcastle's squad
Posted by JamesB in Newcastle | 16 August 2006
Reports this morning are suggesting we are in the market for Collins John of Fulham. Although there are no quotes to back this story up, The Guardian are going so far as to say a deal and personal terms have already been agreed.
Although many may not see him as the superstar replacement for Shearer, John is a fantastic young talent and would be a great investment to the club. He has caught my eye for a few seasons now, despite often being used as a sub. From 16 starts last season he came up with 11 goals for a struggling Fulham side last year - quite an impressive statistic. I believe he was also their top scorer for the season.
At just 20 (assuming noone claims he is 27!) he is not only a useful player, but he has every chance of improving. With all due respect to Fulham there is no reason to think his goals to starts ratio would not improve with a move to St. James' if he linked up with the likes of Duff and Solano.
He doesn't seem to have a hole in his game either. He can head the ball, is strong enough to hold it up, has a bit of pace and most importantly a very good eye for goal. If nurtured the right way, and I'm sure with his experience with young players Roeder would do so, John could definitely become a 20 goals a season striker.
John is also less of a gamble than other strikers simply because he has played in the Premiership for a few years now. He is also likely to be a cheaper option than a lot of strikers on the market at the moment, and would not command huge wages.
Although he is not the messiah to solve all our problems, John would without doubt be an excellent investment for the club in the short and long term, and I for one would be delighted to see him at Newcastle United.
Comments
Collins John would be a great aquision for Newcastle. He is a good overall player and can score both spectaculare and simple goals and has some pace aswell. For £5m we could do a lot worst - McSheffery -£4m to Birmingham for example. I beleive this story to be all papertalk but I hope its true.
Collins John? Dare I say a poor mans Dirk Kuyt who it seems due to his ambition (unlike Duff) is prepared to be paid less and play less for Liverpool, than join the trophyless for 50 years barcodes. Another season of mid table mediocrity for Newcastle if this marks the quality of striker they have descended to!
spot on comment jamesB.
about time someone spoke some sence on one of these message boards...
Absolutely spot-on. I have been goin on and on about how good of a signing he would be for the club. If we could get him in for around 3M I recon we could have one hell of a bargain.
Collins John would be the perfect striker for the Toon. Pace / Power / Height / Premiership experience / Youth / 5 mill price tag. AND BY THE WAY LIVERPOOL FANS. DIRK KUYT WANTED TO JOIN THE TOON "MY FIRST CHOICE IS NEWCASTLE." We turned him down. Please enjoy his woeful performances this season at the expense of the man you call "god".
I've been a Fulham fan since the 70's, and have watched this refreshing side take on some of the biggest teams in the Premiership since their 2001 promotion (I think of the 2003 4-1 at St James' Park, SORRY FELLAS), they've had their day. But anyway, enough of the Fulham talk, what Im trying to say is, I have watched my team closely, but... Collins John is not who he is cracked up to be, trust me! I have watched him week in week out and I cringe at the way he throws away chances that a Premiership striker should be pouncing at. Sure, he's scored goals, but trust me, if you've seen how many EASY chances he's missed you'd never think he's worth his £5mil, he is worth a maximum of $1, and anything more is an absolute bonus for Fulham, more money to spend elsewhere! SOrry mates, it's the truth. I think so anyway.
BTW, I really wanna see Mike OWen back in the attack come next season, what a pity, I feel for all Newcastle Fans, I've always admired the Toon.
