Newcastle Fall-Out Follow Up

In the wake of Joey Barton's being transfer listed by Newcastle United and Wayne Routledge signing for Swansea, I've been running the rule over the squad trying to piece together how they'll play in the upcoming season. This may get repeated in our season preview, but so be it. This is really more of a first draft documentation of my thought-process.

So it might be messy.

Magpies grab Gosling

Magpies grab Gosling

Newcastle United have completed the signing of former Everton midfielder Dan Gosling on a four-year contract.

Skysports.com reported on Wednesday that the promising 20-year-old was close to agreeing a switch to St James' Park.

He has now put the finishing touches to the move, becoming the Magpies' second summer signing in the process - following James Perch's arrival from Nottingham Forest.

Gosling is a fantasy favorite from his time at Everton, having been listed in the fantasy game as a defender but getting his playing time - such that it was - in the midfield. He also had a knack for scoring big goals. Which was nice too. But before you rush out and pick him up for your side, just remember that a) NUFC had a pretty settled midfield last year with Nolan, Gutierrez, Smith and Guthrie, and b)

While Gosling is keen to get going, Newcastle supporters will have to wait some time yet before seeing him in action as he is still nursing his way back to full fitness following a serious knee injury.

Gosling walks out on Everton

Gosling walks out on Everton

Everton have lost out on up to £4 million for England U21 star Dan Gosling after an administrative error allowed the midfielder to walk away for nothing.

Gosling stunned Everton by walking out of the Merseyside club as a free agent despite a £15,000 a week contract offer.

And his decision was a double blow for the Merseyside club: an administrative error saw them fail to make Gosling an official written offer, meaning that they will miss out on a tribunal fee should he move to a rival Premier League club.

Really? "Gosling walks"? That's the best that Y!'s headline writers could do? No, "Gosling flies" or any nest puns? I'm a bit embarrassed for them.

But for fantasy, it could be a nice bonus if Gosling finds himself playing in midfield while still being listed in defence. See also Perch, James. And more bird puns likely in our future between these two.