Comments on: Is Jonathan Woodgate the answer to Newcastle United’s defensive problems?

By: Tom Sharp

Tom Sharp — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 21:03:43 +0000

No, I remember the fans poll that chose Woody as the worst defender. It was real.

Now, first of all, I think I should make the point that I’m a Boro fan, though one who would happily cash a very large cheque in exchange for Woodgate.

He was sensational at Newcastle last time he was there, though injuries did disrupt him somewhat. Last season, back at his hometown club, he was again excellent, putting many established Premiership strikers to shame – even matching Thierry Henry in every aspect on his debut.

However, if the chance of a big money sale came in, it would be too good to turn down. Not only would it put to bed the rumours that we are to sell Downing to fund a move to Alves (seeing as how the Woodgate money would do just that) but I believe we have better defenders at the club.

With David Wheater and Robert Huth having already forced Woody out of the side (as well as being younger, and looking more likely to help out at the other end of the pitch), Pogi having matched him last season, and Riggott waiting in the wings, he wouldn’t be a disastrous loss.

And a profit after just 6 months? If we saw a 8 figure sum, I don’t think we could say no.

By: Graham Fisher

Graham Fisher — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 20:49:21 +0000

I didn’t mean anyone to think that I don’t like Woodgate. I know he was popular at Leeds and Newcastle, and that the Madrid fans had a lot of sympathy for him.

I didn’t make the poll up, it was real. I guess on the basis of nine games, two own goals and a sending off for 13.4 million, he was a pretty strong candidate.

I really hope he gets back to his best but I just fear that his best days are behind him.

By: sean

sean — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:01:46 +0000

woodgate is the best defender i have ever seen, at newcastle or anywhere else.
we may have always had a shit defence, but we have had some excellent individual defenders over the years (albert for example) & woodgate is in a different league to all of them.
imho hes the best centre back in the world (when he’s actually fit to play) and if we can get him back we should jump at the chance, whether he’s on form or not.
i may be mistaken, but as i remember it, woodgate made 12 full appearances for real. of those 12 games, real kept 9 clean sheets & conceded 4 goals, 2 of which were own goals by woodgate!
as for the fans poll, i think you just made that up to make your story more dramatic, since i was actually in madrid last year & every fan i spoke to, whether supporters of real or any other club, thought he was excellent.
the real fans were certainly sorry to see him leave.

By: tony taylor

tony taylor — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:44:45 +0000

he must live down south hes got bee in his bonnet

By: Rich

Rich — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:27:01 +0000

What are you talking about? This guy is the best defender we have had wearing the black and white stripes in the last 20 years!!!! He is a different class and reads the game superbly well!!! His poisitioning is world class and his distribution is awesome!!! Yes the guys had his fair share of injury problems, but if he’s over them and he wants to be part of the new reign under King Kev then we should be pushing the boat out to get him!!! I and many of thousands of fans would welcome him back with open arms!!!

Howay Woodgate lad……u know it’s right!!!

By: tony taylor

tony taylor — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:21:16 +0000

no ones the answer as far as you are concerned not even king kev

By: Juv3ntus466

Juv3ntus466 — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 15:20:53 +0000

They tried it once, it didn’t work, I don’t see why it’d work this time. Woodgate isn’t a quality defender andwhile he may have had the potential, he doesn’t have that anymore, it’s sad rally, but I don’t think King Kev should splash out cash to their North East rivals to buy a player who once played for the club had limited playing time because of his constant injuries and help fund Boro’s possible signing of Alfonso Alves. That’s not the smartest move in football, even by King Kev’s standards