Thompson's warning to young Magpies
Aug 13 2009 By Stuart Rayner, The Journal
The youngsters have got important roles to play until the limbo over Newcastle’s future is resolved and quite possibly beyond. Mike Ashley put the club on the market in May with a £100m price tag.
With no takers apparent, Ashley has set himself a deadline of this week for would-be buyers to provide proof of funds. If not, he will give up on his second attempt to sell and appoint a manager himself, with Ossie Ardilles – sacked by Newcastle during their last spell at this level – reportedly expressing an interest in the job yesterday.
The Magpies are at least better prepared for the ongoing player exodus thanks to one of Ashley’s early decisions.
When the businessman bought United in 2007 he outlined a policy to sign talented youngsters rather than rely on paying inflated fees for more established stars.
Home-grown youngster Andy Carroll started Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Bromwich Albion and was partnered in the closing minutes by Nile Ranger.
The 18-year-old former Southampton forward left a substitute’s bench which also featured Xisco, Kazenga LuaLua and Tamas Kadar.
Man of the match against the Baggies was Tim Krul, a Dutchman signed before Ashley’s arrival, but nevertheless emblematic of what the owner had in mind.
Hungarian Kadar and England Under-19 international Ranger both started Tuesday’s game at Leeds, as did Ben Tozer, Ryan Donaldson and Wesley Ngo Baheng.
Forward Frank Wiafe Danquah also played, but was substituted after just 11 minutes.
Seventeen-year-old Slovenian striker Haris Vuckic, signed from NK Domžale in January, scored Newcastle’s goal to level the scores before former Darlington forward Trésor Kandol netted four times for the hosts.
Kandol has struggled to force his way into the League One side in pre- season having been linked with a move to Charlton Athletic.
Thompson used the 27-year-old as a warning to his own players.
"Trésor Kandol came on and scored four goals and he can’t get anywhere near their first team," he pointed out.
"That tells you what our lads have to do if they want to make it.
"They might think they’re professional footballers now, at 19 or 20 years old, but if they want to make a long career from the game they’re going to have to get used to coming up against players like that and be able to handle it."
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NEWCASTLE’S Jonás Gutiérrez helped Argentina overcome Russia 3-2 last night in a friendly in Moscow. Igor Semshov gave Russia the lead before Sergio Aguero struck a fine equaliser for Argentina on the stroke of half-time following a Gutierrez cross.
Lisandro Lopez and Jesus Datolo gave Argentina a 3-1 lead before Roman Pavluchenko pulled one back for the home side.
