Robbie’s dismay at Magpies
ROBBIE ELLIOTT’S worst fears for Newcastle United were realised when Arsenal tabled a bid for Yohan Cabaye.
The French international now looks certain to be sold, with the Gunners’move flushing out longestablished interest from Paris St Germain.
The former Magpies full-back, who these days is based 4,700 miles away in Oregon, is worried the sale of Cabaye could begin a domino effect and that Alan Pardew could end up losing more star names.
“It would be devastating to lose one of the club’s big players at this stage,” said Elliott, who works as a performance coach for US Soccer.
“It would be a real kick in the teeth for the dressing-room.
“Cabaye is top of the list but you can also see others being interested in Hatem Ben Arfa and Papiss Cisse.
“If one goes, you can be sure others will want to follow.There can be a domino effect. Plus, it becomes even harder to attract quality players.
“The season started with Loic Remy the only player through the door, and he’s injured.
“It baffles me why we didn’t sign anyone earlier. It means we’re going for second, third and fourth choices.
“The squad is very thin. Fringe players have been allowed to leave and haven’t been replaced. Versatile players like James Perch were invaluable when injuries hit.”
With a Capital One Cup banana skin at LeagueTwo Morecambe on Wednesday, Elliott’s No 1 wish is that after seasons of underperforming, United have a real tilt at the cups.
“I’d love to see a stronger push in the domestic cups,” he said.
“We are never going to win the League, yet we never put out strong sides in the cups. It upsets me they are not seen as important.
“I’ll see all their games onTV — probably hiding behind the sofa like I was watching DrWho!
“I worry about them every day in America. I’m especially concerned about what other clubs are doing in the transfer market.
“I look at the fantastic players Chris Hughton has been bringing to Norwich and what Southampton are spending. I never thought I’d see the day I wished Newcastle had what Swansea have.”
The Robbie Elliott Foundation has close ties with the Bobby Robson Foundation and last year the former St James’Park full-back cycled 3,500 across Europe to raise money for his former manager’s cause.