Manchester United sign Owen

In a shocking development and probably one of the most bizarre transfers you would ever see,Michael Owen has signed for Manchester United.

Owen who was out of contract at the end of June with relegated Newcastle United not keen to renew it.

There is no fee involved for the Englishman as he's been signed on a free transfer.The contract runs for two years.

The move by Owen to join Manchester United is considered to be motivated by desperation for Sir Alex Ferguson and Owen's desire to get back into the national side for the World Cup next year.

Owen who had been on the lookout for clubs in England and outside as well was first avidly approached by Hull but no deal took place.

On the transfer manager Sir Alex had to say :

Michael is a world class forward with a proven goalscoring record at the highest level and that has never been in question. Coming to Manchester United with the expectations that we have is something that Michael will relish.

Michael Owen was delighted to be part of Manchester United's setup and join Wayne Rooney and recent signing Antonio Valencia.

This is a fantastic opportunity for me and I intend to seize it with both hands. I am now looking forward to being a Manchester United player and I am fortunate that I already know so many of the players here. I missed pre-season last year and am pleased that I will be starting at Carrington from day one.

I want to thank Sir Alex for the faith he has shown in me and I give him my assurance that I will repay him with my goals and performances.

Now this is a shocking move for Sir Alex to make despite the money that he has received by selling Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.Another equally shocking move was Garethy Barry moving to Manchester City.Which is a bigger shock for you? Do our poll and leave a comment. Thanks!

Burnley sign Edgar from Newcastle

Clarets have signed Newcastle's David Edgar on a free transfer.

Newcastle United were relegated at the end of last season and Edgar would be excited to be given the opportunity again to be part of the top flight football.

The Canadian will give options to manager Owen Coyle at the back after he has already signed Steven Fletcher and Tyrone Mears.

Despite him being a free transfer,Burnley would be entitled to pay Newcastle some compensation fee as he is under 24.

Newcastle United sink to Championship

After 16 years of stay in the Premiership, Newcastle United have been relegated to the Coca Cola Championship.

Geordie fans had to see their beloved club succumb to yet another defeat in a game against Aston Villa where according to the scores elsewhere they needed a draw to stay up.

Aston Villa were lucky to get a goal after a deflection from Damien Duff's foot which sent Steve Harper the wrong side.An unlucky goal to concede when your future in the Premiership hangs in the balance.Newcastle didn't seem like they really cared much with very few attacks to speak of in the second half,if at all.

Obafemi Martins had huge chances in the first half where he could have even made a win possible for the Toons.But despite having varied attacking options upfront,Alan Shearer's men couldn't do what was required of them.

However, the team to be relegated isn't dependent on one game or one goal.Its based upon 38 games throughout the year,on which Newcastle deserved to go down. Arguably one of the most followed team in England to go down to the Championship.

Relegated in 1989 and then back up in 1993 where they finished 3rd under Kevin Keegan's managerial reign. Also called as "The Entertainers" Newcastle qualified for Europe and also had the top scorer of the season in the form of Andy Cole.

This season was a disaster throughout for them.Two managerial changes,Kevin Keegan resigned in September.His replacement,Joe Kinnear had to go out due to an illness which paved way for owner,Mike Ashley to bring on the "Messiah",Alan Shearer. A great goal scorer, a big servant for the club but no managerial experience made it an audacious target to save the club from slipping into relegation.

Mike Ashley was looking for buyers to sell the club but no agreed deal value could be reached for thus highlighting his non interest in the footballing aspect of being the owner but only as a businessman. Kevin Keegan's resignation was mainly due to his clashes with Executive Director(football) Dennis Wise who wanted active participation in the transfers.

Some very important players were transfered out.Namely,Emre,James Milner,Shay Given,Charles N'zogbia who would have otherwise been an indispensable part of Newcastle's setup in their bid for survival. Xisco proved to be a nothing signing as he barely played any games to be worth his 5.7million pound tag.

Its said attack is the best form of defense. Goals were hard to come by as well. Michael Owen and Obafemi Martins were the top scorers of the season with 8 goals in the League and a total of 40 goals scored in the entire season.

Only 7 wins and 13 draws and 18 draws and standing on 34points wouldn't get you anywhere.The highest they've been in the League is 4th when they won their first game of the season against Bolton which was also only the second game of the season.

What would be interesting now to see is if Alan Shearer stays as a manager at the club.Bye Bye Magpies!

Newcastle 3 - 1 Middlesbrough

Middlesbrough traveled to the North-East to face Newcastle. Both of them who are involved in the relegation battle. Middlesbrough,Newcastle and West Brom all sit on 31 points so any points accumulated by either of the teams would surely be a great boost to their confidence and help their cause for survival.

Middlesbrough went up as early as the 3rd minute through an unlucky own goal to concede for Habib Beye.The ball fell in his path as he ran forward after a save by Steve Harper which was shot from a close range by Tuncay. Middlesbrough 1-0.

Viduka rattled the bar after a few minutes and the rebound fell to Steve Taylor who could only blaze his shot over the goal.

However he made amends in the 9th minute courtesy a great header which wasn't well marked by the Middlesbrough defence.However Nolan has been accused of taking a Middlesbrough defender off but wasn't spotted by the referee.Newcastle 1-1 Middlesbrough.

Middlesbrough's Emnes rued a decent chance to put his team ahead as he did the hard part to get past the Newcastle defence but only to see his shot go wide.

The teams entered the tunnel with the scoreline reading 1-1.

Middlesbrough were the more attacking of the sides coming into the second half.

The first real chance of the second half came Gary O'Neil's way whose shot from the edge of the area was well punched by Steve Harper.

Shearer then made a very crucial and huge change with Martins coming on for Owen.This paid dividends for the magpies as the Nigerian scored within a minute of coming on in the 71st minute.His scuffed shot saw the back of the net.However,There were appeals of fouls by Gareth Southgate and TV footage showed a Nolan offside before the ball fell to Obafemi.2-1 to Newcastle.

Newcastle ensured the win through a Nolan cross which fell to Loverkrands in the box who gave no chance to Brad Jones in the 86th minute. 3-1 to Newcastle.

The dominance for Newcastle continued in the 88th minute as Middlesbrough pressed forward and left gaps at the back.However Andy Caroll who came on for Mark Viduka couldn't capitalise as Jones came forward to block his effort.

The win puts Newcastle on 34points on equal points with Hull City and 2 points behind Sunderland.Newcastle climb out of the relegation zone only on goal difference though.On the other hand,Middlesbrough need to bring something out of their next two games against Aston Villa and West Ham.

Barton's Newcastle career seems to be over

Magpies have suspended the "bad boy" Joey Barton until further notice.

Joey Barton made his comeback on Sunday against Liverpool but all went horribly wrong for Alan Shearer's side and for the player himself when he saw red after a reckless challenge on Xavi Alonso which resulted in the Spaniard being taken out on a stretcher.

The red card and a 3 match ban means Barton's season is over.

Newcastle's website read :

Newcastle United can confirm that Joey Barton has been suspended from the club until further notice.

"The club will be making no further comment on the matter at this time."

It is also reported that the suspension of the player has nothing to do with the challenge but with the bust up in the dressing room with manager,Alan Shearer.

Shearer who had earlier in the week claimed Joey could be the player they need to salvage points for them at a very crucial juncture in the season where Newcastle are desperate to get three points to avoid the drop.

Shearer has also vowed to fine Barton two weeks of wages around 120,000 pounds.

Newcastle's remaining games are against Middlesbrough,Fulham and Aston Villa.

Newcastle draw with Pompey

Newcastle United's nerve wrecking end to the season continues as their future is still undecided and isn't getting any better after a goalless draw with Portsmouth at St.James' Park.

Newcastle United wasted two opportunities to have three points in the bag with misses from Obafemi Martins and Micheal Owen.

However,Portsmouth did have a few chances of their own as Richard Hughes hit the cross bar late on to send jitters down Newcastles' players spine as well as the coaching staff.

Martins blazed the ball over the bar in the first half and Michael Owens one on one effort against James were two chances Magpies might regret later.

This has put Alan Shearer without a win in his four games in charge at Tyneside.Magpies climb above Middlesbrough into 18th.

Portsmouth look a comfortabler lot with 7 points away from Newcastle United and at 14th position.

Viduka could return at the weekend

Australian and Newcastle United striker Mark Viduka could return this weekend to help Alan Shearer and crew in their battle for survival.

Viduka has missed the significant part of the season due to an Achillies problem.

Manager Alan Shearer said :

Mark Viduka has trained for the majority of the week and will travel with us. He has trained well.

"He's obviously got a huge amount of talent and we believe if we can keep him fit, then he will play a big part in helping us.

Shearer hopes to have Steven Taylor in full training on Friday and Joey Barton do the same next week.

Striker,Obafemi Martins remains a doubt with his groin problem as well as Jose Enqrique.

Newcastle play Spurs on Sunday.

Chelsea spoil Shearer's debut

Alan Shearer's managerial debut was ruined by Chelsea as they handed the Magpies a 2-0 defeat and a further slip into relegation debacle.

Lampard and Malouda scored in the second half to keep Chelsea in contention for the title.The loss leaves Newcastle just three points away from relegation with seven games to go.

Newcastle were highly spirited.The crowd was highly spirited and charged up.The on field performance again failed to bring the desired outcome for Geordies.

Owen however thought he had pulled one back in the 73rd minute after few deflections saw the ball cross the line only to be cleared by Ashley Cole(as confirmed by TV replays) but wasn't given by the referee or the linesman.

Lampard scored the first in the 55th minute after Anelka's clipped shot hit the bar and rebounding to Lampard who headed into an empty net.

Second arrived soon for the Blues.Anelka flicked on Cech's clearance which fell to Lampard who slid in for Malouda who calmly slotted the ball in the back of the net with his left foot.

Chelsea are 3rd while Newcastle are 3rd from bottom after the result.

Shearer : New Newcastle manager

It is reported that Newcastle United are set to unveil their longest serving captain and lover, Alan Shearer as their new manager.

The former English striker is expected to take charge for the remaining 8 games with the Magpies.There hasn't been an official word from St.James' Park on their website but it is expected to be made today.

The decision comes in the wake of Newcastle's Joe Kinnear heart surgery as he is recuperating and Newcastle's board don't want to take chances with his health.

Shearer is the fourth manager this season for Mike Ashley owned club.

UPDATE : Shearer's role as the new manager has been confirmed by Newcastle United.The club will hold a news conference tomorrow to formally unveil the new manager.

This also coincides with the sacking of Dennis Wise,executive director with the board.His role was to look on the transfers and scouting aspect of the game.However,this didn't go down well with the then boss Kevin Keagan who handed over his resignation.

Shearer had then also disapproved of the clubs structure.Wise's exit was confirmed less than an hour before Shearer's managerial status with the club was confirmed.

Ian Dowie : Shearer's assistant


Alan Shearer's position isn't confirmed but it seems he already looks to have his coaching staff prepared.Ian Dowie is his chosen assistant as has been reported.

Ian Dowie unlike Shearer has managerial experience with Oldham,Crystal Palace,Charlton Athletic,Coventry City and Queens Park Rangers.

Ian Dowie and Shearer had played together at Southhampton.

Would this get the Tyneside out of the bottom three and his love affair be able to save them from sinking into Championship? What do you think?

Joe Kinnear doesn't get a good start

Just when you thought Newcastle United could not get any worse and sink into further problems,here comes the shocker courtesy The Guardian.

The press' interaction with the new manager Joe Kinnear and his oh so not humble remarks did not win him any friends.

Read the transcript below.

WARNING:THE FOLLOWING TEXT CONTAINS PROFANITY.READER DISCRETION IS ADVISED.

Read the whole transcript

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Premiership Roundup - 20/09

SUNDERLAND 2 - 0 MIDDLESBROUGH
Chopra 81'
Chopra 90'

Michael Chopra started off his season in fabulous fashion after troubled personal life over the past few months.He got on the score-sheet twice.First on the 81st minute and then again he confirmed the 3points for The Black Cats.The two goals were the first home goals for Sunderland this season.

The game would have held a different outcome had Stewart Downing converted the second half penalty.As like his previous penalty miss against Stoke,the English player hit the ball over the bar.

Boro started the game without Mido who injured himself during the warm up.His place was taken by Alfonso Alves.

Chopra got the first with a nicely put through ball by Richardson which he put on the keepers left with a defender sliding in.

The second goal arrived on the tip of full time when Malbranque slipped the pass for Chopra to tap in the open goal after it took a wicked deflection.

Liverpool 0 - 0 Stoke City

Liverpool welcomed Stoke City on the back of a fabulous 2-1 win over Manchester United last week and then a 2-1 win away to Marseille in the Champions league.

Liverpool and Steven Gerrard thought they were up to a great start within two minutes when a Gerrard freekick bounced inside the box without taking a touch on the way although their celebration were cut short by the offside flag where probably Kuyt was ruled offside.I don't understand the offside rule! The player is supposed to touch the ball to be flagged offside,right?

Liverpool piled on the pressure throughout the 90minutes but the scoreline read 0-0 when the referee blew the full time whistle.

Despite the 24 shots and 19 corners,Liverpool weren't able to make Sorensen do much with the defense holding Torres and Kuyt back very well. These would be two points dropped for Liverpool and the first clean sheet for Stoke City.

Blackburn Rovers 1 - 0 Fulham
Derbyshire 84'

Blackburn Rovers were riding on a drubbing last week against Arsenal and had conceded 8goals in the past two games.

Paul Ince gave the most impressive display of his managerial career at Blackburn with an extraordinary attacking game against Fulham.

There were plenty moments of brilliance for Rovers who created chance after chance and showed signs of the play that was there when Mark Hughes was the manager.

The goal came in the 84th minute when Santa Cruz's cushion header lay in the path of Derbyshire who volleyed it home with his left foot.

West Ham United 3 - 1 Newcastle United
D.Michele 8' Owen 67'
D.Michele 37'
Ethrington 53'

Newcastle United continued their bad run and slumped to a third consecutive defeat at West Ham.

This was the first game for new boss Zola and the first start for Italian D.Michele. Both got off to a celebratory beginning with Zola and his Hammers grabbing three points and D.Michele getting on the sheet twice.

D.Michele started the scoring with a deflected shot off Taylor which flew over Shay Given's head and into the back of the net.

The second was a reflection of Newcastle's woeful defending and to some extent the skill of D.Michele.After a super save from Given the ball still found D.Michele who after a touch past the defender put the ball in the back of the net,on the near post of Given.

The third arrived in the second half when Newcastle were left exposed as Michele beat the offside trap and made the run towards the box and despite being on the verge of a hattrick he passed the ball towards the running Ethrington who put the ball past the keeper with ease.

Newcastle however managed a consolation goal when Michael Owen continued his impressive form against West Ham by putting a curler round the keeper to get his 4th goal against the Londoners in 2 games.

Certainly warning signs for the Magpies.

Bolton Wanderers 1 - 3 Arsenal
K.Davies 13' Eboue 26'
Bendtner 27'
Denilson 87'

Arsenal went top of the table with Chelsea due to play Manchester United tomorrow and as Liverpool slipped up against Stoke City.

Arsenal haven't had easy time at the Reebok in their previous visits.They have always been their bogey team but today's win was by far the most comfortable wins as compared to their win last season when they had a man sent off and recovered three points in the dying stages.

Bolton showed their set pieces prowess when they took the lead courtesy Kevin Davies who climbed over an Arsenal player to give the home side the lead.

This spurred the Gunners who put on many attacks thereafter.It paid dividends when Arsenal got two goals in a minute.

Arsenal equaled the scoreline when Eboue stroked the ball into the back of the net with suspicion of offside.

The next goal came from Bendtner who slid in from 6 yards out after a neat cross and an opening down the left from Denilson.

Theo Walcott was instrumental for the third goal when he made a lung bursting run from the halfway line to create open space for Adebayor who crossed the ball on the far side of the goal for Denilson to tap into open goal.

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Barton banned for 12 games

Troubled midfielder Joey Barton has been banned for 12 games.


Barton,contracted with Newcastle United has been banned for 12 games and 6 of which are suspensions for his assault on his former team mate Dabo at Manchester City.

Barton who was earlier given a four month suspended prison sentence after he pleaded guilty to the attack.

Along with the ban,Barton has been ordered to pay 25,000 pounds for violent conduct.

All of the suspended matches will be invoked should he be found guilty of similar charges of violent conduct or on the pitch for violent actions.

The judgment seems to be lenient considering there was positive feedback given by Newcastle United and especially by Kevin Keegan,ex manager of Newcastle.

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..King Kev exits too

Kevin Keegan has quit Newcastle United.

After Alan Curbishley's exit yesterday,its the turn of Kevin Keegan at Newcastle United.

St.James' Park had been under dark clouds for the past three days with no presence of Keegan on the pitch,training the players.And heavy speculation of either Keegan leaving or Executive director,Dennis Wise leaving.

The former turned out to be true.Kevin Keegan has handed out his resignation a few hours back through the League Managers Association website which also took the Magpies by surprise.

The reason for Keegan's premature departure is the same as with Curbishley's resignation over the lack of say of the managers in the transfer activity of the club.

The major reason is when owner,Mike Ashley and Dennis Wise wanted to sell off Michael Owen and Joey Barton in the summer transfer window which didn't go down well with the "man in charge".

It didn't get any better when new signings Xisco and Ignacio Gonzalez arrived on the final day who both weren't on "King Kev's" wishlist.

Talks had been going on for the past two days to keep Keegan at Newcastle and an angry set of Jeordie's didn't wait to express their displeasure when the news broke out by calling for the head of Ashley.

However things didn't go as planned as Keegan resigns and leaves Newcastle looking for their sixth manager in four years.He had been in charge of 21 games when he took over in the winter of 2007/08 season.

Dennis Wise is the safest bet right now to replace King Kev who had earlier been manager at Tyneside for 5years(1992-97) and has faced the effects of the game changing from a sport to a marketing gimmick for billionaires to maximize their profits and leave the image of the game to be the least important thing.

Frankly I thought things would work out for Newcastle as I really expected Keegan to stay but I think Newcastle managerial position is a very hard place to fit in to right now.

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Transfer Madness : Last day!

I bring this post at 4am (IST) or around midnight in GMT and the day for transfers isn't over yet.There is still almost an hour and a half left for the transfer deadline to complete.










It would be hard to give details of all deals that were completed today so I would give all the major signings and the clubs involved along with the transfer value.

Real Madrid have confirmed the transfer of Robinho to Manchester City instead of Chelsea who had been pursuing the Brazilian for the past few weeks.The fee is around 32.5million pounds.The contract is for a span of four years.
Mark Hughes had this to say on Manchester City's official website:

"I am absolutely delighted to get the opportunity to work with such an incredible talent like Robinho."

It would be interesting to see Chelsea's reaction to the late twist in the Robinho saga.





Berbatov has undergone a medical at Manchester United and looks likely to snub Manchester City who were also linked to the Bulgarian after Abu Dhabi based consortium purchased the Eastlands club.To add to that,Manchester United have added youngster Frazier Campbell.
However,Spurs manager Juande Ramos isn't too happy and has claimed he hasn't spoken with the player and Manchester United are accused of contacting the player without the approval of the London club.

UPDATE:Berbatov's move has been confirmed by both Spurs and Manchester United with the player signing a four year deal worth a record British fee of 30.7million pounds and Frazier Campbell has been added as an on loan player.






Inter Milan have confirmed the signing of Ricardo Quaresma from Porto.Pele would go in the other direction as part of a swap deal.Quaresma signed a deal for 5years with the Italian champions.The deal is made for around 30.6million euros which also adds Pele as a swap player.
This marks an end to months of speculation with Quaresma joining Inter and former Porto manager,Jose Mourinho.





Liverpool have signed Albert Riera from Espanyol for an undisclosed fee but believed to be around 8million pounds.
Riera had also been pursued by Everton and he had been Rafa Benitez' number one signing after he failed to bring Gareth Barry from Aston Villa.





Irishman,Steve Finnan has signed for Espanyol from Liverpool for a 2year contract.Finnan had been a Liverpool player for the past 5years.
Finnan would be out for international duty for the next week or so but Espanyol expect him back in time for the game against Getafe on September 21.





Hertha Berlin have acquired the services of Andriy Voronin from Liverpool on a one year loan deal.
The Ukranian joined Liverpool last year from Leverkusen on a free transfer but couldn't make way into the starting lineup for Liverpool.He scored 6 goals in his 27 appearances. He was further not expected to get a start after reds signed Robbie Keane during the summer.




Roman Pavlyuchenko has signed a five year contract with Spurs worth 14.2million pounds.The Russian player arrived in London yesterday to complete the medical and by today morning the deal was complete.
Spurs were otherwise looking for Andrei Arshavin but no consent was reached between Spurs and Zenith St Petersburg.




Spurs also signed veteran Manchester City defender,Vedran Corluka on a six year deal.The fee is reported to be 8.5million pounds.
The Croat had earlier decided to join Spurs last month only to be recalled by City but after City signed Zableta,Corluka handed in the transfer request.
He joins his national side team mate,Luka Modric.




Newcastle United have confirmed the double signing of Xisco from Deportivo La Coruna and Ignacio Gonzalez from Valencia.
Xisco has agreed for a five year contract at St.James' Park.Gonzales joined on a one year loan deal irrespective of the fact that the player had penned a four year deal with the Mestalla club.

If anything more happens,you know where to find it...

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Newcastle United gets an Indian bid!

Newcastle United gets two bids from far east!


Newcastle United has received takeover bids from two companies based in Asia.

The first is Indian company,Reliance Communications which is owned by Anil Ambani.
The quoted price is around 260million pounds and complete takeover is seeked.

Although,these reports have been rubbished by Newcastle United and their current owner Mike Ashley who admitted he was sitting on a a very expensive chair.

The second bid has been received by Singapore based,Profitable Group which has former Liverpool player Steve Mcmahon on its board.

Analysts say the only problem for the bids being accepted is Newcastle's reluctance to sell the club for less than 300million pounds.

Anil Ambani has been understood to opt for a different club if they are asked to pay more for the Toons.He is also expected to invest 100million pounds in new players.

As an Indian,it would really make me proud that an Indian company acquires a club in the Premiership.I mean how much preference do we give to football over cricket anyway?Hope the things change now.

What does everyone think about this prospective buyout?

Aimar a toon?Signs for Benefica

Aimar is reported to be heading for the Toons.




Reports in Spain suggest,Aimar is close to signing for Magpies and in the process snub Benefica and Everton.

Benefica were expected to be the front runners after Aimar who played for Zaragoza last season were relegated to segunda division,

The deal is expected to be finalised within two days be worth 7million pounds.

UPDATE: Aimar has signed for Benefica as has been officially announced by Zaragoza.

The communications official at Zaragoza had this to say :

"He is about to sign a contract with Benfica. Between Zaragoza and Benfica everything is sorted out. The doors are open for Aimar to become a Benfica player."

Joey Barton pleads GUILTY

Joey Barton pleads guilty to assault charges.

Newcastle midfielder had been in prison for quite some time now over charges of body assault on a team mate,Ousmane Dabo last May on the training ground.
He was to be presented today for the hearing but changed his earlier "not guilty" stance to "guilty" before the trial was to begin.The verdict would be passed tomorrow.
This would only add to the midfielders woes when Newcastle had offered him to either cancel his contract or take a huge cut in salary.
He had been a controversial figure since his Manchester City days when he left the stadium after being dropped.He had been broken the leg of a pedestrian on a night of rash driving in May 2005.He was then arrested in March 2007 on suspicion of assault on a taxi driver.
Following his training ground "scuffle" he was transfered to Newcastle United but didn't play well enough to earn a place in the starting eleven.When he did,he wasn't the talented player he had been in his Manchester City days when he was indeed problem free.

UPDATE:Watch Joey Barton's CCTV footage as released by the police after he pleaded guilty.[Thanks to 101 Great Goals]

Newcastle to bid for Aimar

Newcastle United manager,Kevin Keegan has reportedly bid for Real Zaragoza's midfielder,Pablo Aimar for a fee of £6.5million.
Zaragoza had signed Aimar in 2006 worth 16million euros,but had been relegated from La Liga this season.Liverpool manager,Rafa Benitez had earlier bid for the former Valencia man in the January transfer window,only to be denied.
Keegan aims to fill the gap created by Emre who left St.James' Park to join turkish club Fenerbace.
Will it be a good move for the magpies?I think Aimar can create what Emre couldn't and even if he doesn't do a good job at least he'd be better than Emre,right?