Duff on his way to Newcastle

[fergalr]

Just a word of caution here. Be wary of lazy journos - if you read the original quotes from Mourinho then the story is subtlety different.

“What I can say about Damien is it is not true that he didn’t play a lot last season,” pointed out Mourinho. “In fact last season he played more matches than the season before and last season he had surgery and didn’t play for a month. You cannot say the reason that there is a possible desire to leave Chelsea is because he was not playing a lot.

“He is a player we love. He is a player we have an open relationship with and it is because of that relationship that we are thinking about all the possibilities. But for sure he is a player we are happy to keep.

“I can repeat more or less the words I had with him. I have always in my squad a few players I want to leave. I have always a lot of players I am desperate to keep. I have always a few I would like to keep but I have no courage to keep them when I cannot promise 75 per cent of the matches.

“The players we don’t want to keep are the players we move. The players we want very much to keep we say that. And I can give an example.

“The example is Robben, a player we keep 100 per cent for sure.

“Damien Duff is the type of player I like as a player and a person but I listened to him for a couple of hours and could understand what he has in his mind. But after that it becomes business and he is such a good player I don’t think he is easy business for another club.”

http://www.chelseafc.com/article.asp?hlid=404524&m=7&y=2006&nav=news&sub=latest+news

[gustavo]

The tone of the two articles is very different!
but i can still possibly see Duff staying on there

[eirebhoy]

"You cannot say the reason that there is a possible desire to leave Chelsea is because he was not playing a lot."

So what is the reason? My guess is he doesn't like playing the conservative football Mourinho has him playing. Other than that I can't think of anything. He's definitely leaving though judging by Mourinho's quotes.

[geysir]

Duff has only a year left then the ball is in his court contract wise. There is some situation that Duff cannot tolerate for another season. Could be a bit of both, style of play and nr.of games and both of those affecting negativly on his game.
"I don’t think he is easy business for another club.”
I take that to mean that a prospective club will have to pay the odds for Duff's contract.

[tricky_colour]

It seems like Mourinho is sitting on the fence somewhat, I don't think he
wants Duff to be unhappy at the club, but he is not willing to let him
go cheaply either.
Looks like it a case of "watch this space".
He also had his 'skinhead hardman' haircut, that might be a clue, or maybe it's
the hot weather?

[Stuttgart88]

Mourinho said he had had a two-hour meeting with Duff and, although "we love him", he said the player, who cost £17m three years ago, had opened his "heart" and wanted to go. That differs from what sources close to Duff have said, claiming he has always wanted to stay and had pushed for a new contract. Duff has attracted a bid of £7m from Tottenham Hotspur, who have been told he will not leave for less than £11m, although there appears to be growing interest from other Premiership clubs.
Mourinho, however, admitted Duff was not a player he was desperate to keep - unlike Arjen Robben, who will stay at Chelsea, he said, "100 per cent for sure".

(from the UK Independent)

[Irish_Praha]

Newcastle are supposed to have made a bid of 10 million (sterling), according to Sporting Life and the Mirror. Would prfer to see him at Spurs myself.

[geysir]

It's an oversimplification for Mourinho to state the reason for Duff wanting to leave as a nr. of games issue. Duff has gone up in my estimation. All have observed Duff's drop in form in Ireland's competitive games, Duff has said as much. The situation at Chelsea is not improving his game, Duff recognises this, that's what matters to him, more that being a highly paid player in a top quality squad. Duff could pocket a fortune if he waited another season.
Duff had been playing to a satisfactory standard for Chelsea's first team in previous seasons. The issue of Duff's drop in form or confidence has not been addressed by Mourinho. He would be prepared to have half the player on the bench for another season.
I think its good news for us Duff fans. With Kewell so injury prone I would have thought he would be a shoe in at Liverpool.

[tetsujin1979]

I doubt Mourinho would let him go to Liverpool, weakening his own squad and strengthening one of his biggest rivals. The Newcastle bid is interesting, personally I thought they would be looking at a striker rather than a winger, and I thought N'Zogbia was one of their better players last season.
I'd prefer to see him Spurs, as they have all the appearances of a team on the rise, whereas Newcastle have stagnated in recent seasons. Most people would blame Souness for that though ;)

[irishfan86]

In fairness to Newcastle Tets, under the new manager they had a great remainder of the season.

Considering their start under Souness, to place as high as they did was shocking.

I'm hoping for Spurs, but a move to Newcastle wouldn't totally revolt me.

[lofty9]

If he moves to Newcastle he can forget about his medal collection.
This guy should be playing at the very top, Mourinhno has ruined his attacking game. A move to Spurs would see him encouraged to play like he did under Ranieri. But is it in the right direction? He has the ability to be terrorising defences in the Champions League - he should set his sights on a Champions Lague Team ie, Arsenal, Liverpool or Man Utd, or even a move abroad.

[drummerboy]

Seemingly, and disappointingly, Spurs have dropped their interest after his agent, Pat Devlin, asked for a £4million signing on fee on top of the transfer fee.

[Stuttgart88]

Wenger should sell the erratic Reyes back to Spian and buy Duff. Net cost would be very little and he'd get a far more effective and far more honest performer.

I hate this "don't sell to your rivals" crap. It used to happen all the time and used to make the transfer market interesting. A move to Spain would be great for Duff too. I wonder would he be up for it or would anyone be interested?

[tetsujin1979]

A move to Spain would be great for Duff too. I wonder would he be up for it or would anyone be interested?
According to some reports, there was one club on the continent interested in Duff, but he knocked it on the head himself.

[Stuttgart88]

They sleep in the afternoons in Spain. Surely he'd like that?

[KK77]

Sky Sports News apparently saying Liverpool have been given permission to talk to him!

[lofty9]

Sky Sports News apparently saying Liverpool have been given permission to talk to him!

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=404812&CPID=8&clid=8&lid=2&title=Prem+trio+in+Duff+pursuit

Liverpool can provide CL football. It would be great to see him there.

[KK77]

http://home.skysports.com/list.asp?hlid=404812&CPID=8&clid=8&lid=2&title=Prem+trio+in+Duff+pursuit

Liverpool can provide CL football. It would be great to see him there.


NOW YOUR TALKING!

[jbyrne]

didnt liverpool sign that chile player who was impressive against us in may who is a left winger??

[drummerboy]

Devlin pimping Damo around the place. A little unsavoury, but I suppose thats what Agents do, and the more he makes on the transaction.

[Stuttgart88]

By talking to Liverpool surely Devlin is actually acting in Duff's best interests not "pimping him around".

If I was told by my company I was being let go I'd be pretty ****ed off if my recruitment agency didn't try the best available options.

[BrayUnknowns]

How is it unsavoury ? he repesents the player so will get him the best deal possible. How much is Duff on a week ? 60/70k ? surprised id Spurs or Newcastle would match that, not sure Liverpool would either.

[tricky_colour]

Seem to remember Duff being on £90K a week, which is more than I get.

[drummerboy]

By talking to Liverpool surely Devlin is actually acting in Duff's best interests not "pimping him around".

If I was told by my company I was being let go I'd be pretty ****ed off if my recruitment agency didn't try the best available options.

Duff had reportedly agreed to go to spurs, fee agreed, even signing on fee agreed, but Devlin wanted it up front, instead of over 4 years, then he leaked to the press, hence the bidding war. I'd say he is more interested in what he can get out of it, rather than Duffs interest. Agents are creaming money from the game for doing **** all.

[Rosco]

only one place for duffer to go and thats the pool !!
seen him a few weeks ago and one of the lads said he should go to liverpool, duffer just smiled

[geysir]

Duff had reportedly agreed to go to spurs, fee agreed, even signing on fee agreed, but Devlin wanted it up front, instead of over 4 years, then he leaked to the press, hence the bidding war. I'd say he is more interested in what he can get out of it, rather than Duffs interest. Agents are creaming money from the game for doing **** all.
You have already been asked to provide a source for these "reports" or is it a case of those little voices inside your head again.

[strangeirish]

Duff going to Newcastle
21/07/2006 - 19:02:14



Damien Duff was tonight on the brink of a transfer from Chelsea to Newcastle.

The 27-year-old Republic of Ireland winger was undergoing a medical, after which the transfer will be completed.

A statement on the club website, nufc.co.uk, declared: “The board of Newcastle United PLC are pleased to announce that contracts have been exchanged with Chelsea Football Club for the transfer of Damien Duff.

“The player, having agreed terms, is currently undergoing a medical.”

http://breaking.tcm.ie/2006/07/21/story268839.html

[Fergie's Son]

Oh, this is a little disappointing to be honest.

[strangeirish]

I was hoping for Spurs, but it doesn't look like it now. I still think we'll see better football from Duff away from Chelsea though.

[DotTV]

Much of a muchness between Spurs and Newcastle.Neither are in Champs Leagues.
Great to see Duff getting out of Chelsea.I'm sure Roeder won't be playing him like a left back.
Also he'll be linking up with follow Irishmen in Given, Carr and the young
Alan O'Brien.
They're a huge club too with great support and I'll be looking forward to seeing Duffer working his magic with them.

[Noelys Guitar]

Very happy Duff is on his way to Newcastle. Always like a group of Irish players playing for the same team. And Newcastle fans love this type of player. Duff back to his best playing every week is what Ireland needs.

[jockser]

Newcastle...a huge club??? in what way?
If he goes to newcastle its a bad move for him......

[Dodge]

A poor career move IMO. At least Spurs are moving in the right direction

[drummerboy]

A poor career move IMO. At least Spurs are moving in the right direction


Have to agree there but I'm biased towards Spurs. I wish him the very best. Interestingly young Yeats has been offered a two-year extension to his contract which he probably wouldn't have got if Duff had signed.

[drummerboy]

Doesn't Pat Devlin work for Newcastle?

[Dodge]

Doesn't Pat Devlin work for Newcastle?
He did when Dalgleish was in charge (as he has for Liverpool and Blackburn)

Don't think he does now but he'd obviously know them

[DmanDmythDledge]

Who is he going to now? Is it official? Spurs would be a better career move because Martin Jol plays an attacking style of football.

[tricky_colour]

A poor career move IMO. At least Spurs are moving in the right direction

Well so are Newcastle, Under Glenn Roeder they have averaged 2 points a
game if I have worked it out correctly, that kind of form would have put them in third place ahead of Aresnal (1.8) and Spurs (1.7).
On their last 8 games they would be second only to Liverpool.

You never know Newcastle might finish ahead of Chelsea!!

[joema]

Great move imo for Ireland, maybe not best career move but we'll see at the end of the season. At least he will be playing every week and the fans will love him so his confidence should be high aswell.
Drummerboy, will you give it a rest ffs? Im certainly not Devlins number one fan but I really doubt that Duff is being forced to sign for Newcastle against his own will.

[tricky_colour]

Who is he going to now? Is it official? Spurs would be a better career move because Martin Jol plays an attacking style of football.

Newcastle traditionally have been an attacking team, I think you will find
they out scored Spurs under Roeder, but I won't bother checking.


Actually I will :D

Newcastle - 26 in 15 average 1.73
Spurs------ 53 in 38 average 1.39

Only Chelsea and Man U averaged more, but then you would hardly
call Chelsea's style attacking, so it depends how you measure it I guess.

[DmanDmythDledge]

Newcastle traditionally have been an attacking team, I think you will find
they out scored Spurs under Roeder, but I won't bother checking.


Actually I will :D

Newcastle - 26 in 15 average 1.73
Spurs------ 53 in 38 average 1.39

Only Chelsea and Man U averaged more, but then you would hardly
call Chelsea's style attacking, so it depends how you measure it I guess.
Fair enough but Spurs did it over a season- Newcastle only did it for a bit when Roeder took over. I still think that Spurs would be a better move. Also did Spurs get Zokora for definite?

[tricky_colour]

Fair enough but Spurs did it over a season- Newcastle only did it for a bit when Roeder took over. I still think that Spurs would be a better move. Also did Spurs get Zokora for definite?


True, it may just be the 'honeymoon' period, but I can see Newcastle
doing as good as or better than Spurs next season but we will have to
wait and see.

Brace yourself for another fascinating satistic!!!

When Duff started for Chelsea they averaged 2.44 points a game
which is better than their overall average of 2.4 points a game.
Fascinating stuff ;)
http://www.footballanorak.com/custom_team_performance.html?team_id=5


Apparently the fee was in the region of £10 million.

[gustavo]

yeah Zokora is a Spurs player.
Be interesting to see how Duffer does , I think Newcastle could do well this season if they buy a decent striker.

[DotTV]

Newcastle...a huge club??? in what way?
If he goes to newcastle its a bad move for him......


Newcastle have massive support in the North East and obviously aren't shy of a few quid.
Also its a level of their ambition that they snapped up Duff from the grasp of Spurs and Liverpool

[Volcán Masaya]

Newcastle have one of the worst injuries records in the League. Don't know if it's their trainers, their physios or what, but it seems like half their team is out injured at any given time.
Given that Duff is an injury prone player, I'm not feeling too good about this move.

I think Spurs would have been a better move myself, but I believe it came down to money in the end, he would have had to take a pay cut at Spurs. Why are Spurs such cheapskates? they always act like a club wiht big ambitions, but when push comes to shove they never want to spend what it takes to get the real top class players. Pity, because Jol is steering things in the right direction, if they'd only spend a few quid.

So with Duff not going to Spurs, does that mean a reprieve for Andy Reid?

[geysir]

Newcastle have one of the worst injuries records in the League. Don't know if it's their trainers, their physios or what, but it seems like half their team is out injured at any given time.
Given that Duff is an injury prone player, I'm not feeling too good about this move.
I think its just that Newcastle have a desperate record of signing injury prone players like Woodgate, Bellamy and Owen.
Time will tell if its a good move or not. Did he have a lot of choices? Maybe he was more content with what his role will be in the Newcastle team. He will be the class player, there will be more expectations on him, it's up to him to respond.

[Dodge]

Don't think Woodgate or Bellamy was inured before going to Newcastle. Bellamy hasn't been injured since anyway

[geysir]

Bellamy was injured (as in missing chunks of games) before, during and after his time at Newcastle (27 games for Blackburn last season). Woodgate averaged 20 games a season in his last 3 for Leeds.

[Stuttgart88]

Very happy Duff is on his way to Newcastle. Always like a group of Irish players playing for the same team. And Newcastle fans love this type of player. Duff back to his best playing every week is what Ireland needs.True. And Newcastle are to sign Miroslav Klose I hear & also possibly Dean Ashton. Duff would love having those two to service.

[Irish_Praha]

True. And Newcastle are to sign Miroslav Klose I hear & also possibly Dean Ashton. Duff would love having those two to service.

Where did you hear about Miroslav Klose? That would be another great signing for them and as you said he would be a excellent target man for Duff.