SIX Players Turn Down Roeder!

Why do players turn down Newcastle? Is it Roeder's reputation; Newcastle's failure to win major trophies for decades; or the notorious Toon boardroom.  

Roeder: "It's tough going out there at the moment; even more frustrating than I anticipated.

"From January 1, we attacked targets we thought we could get in on a permanent deal that would make us a better team.

"It became pretty apparent within the first two weeks that that wasn't going to happen.

"There are five or six players who we'd have liked to get here who we've been told are not available in January.

"Contact has been made with their clubs. The response has been: `Not now.'

"In the summer, the position could change - and the players I have wanted in January, I will still want in the summer.

"But in terms of being able to bring someone in permanently now, that is looking very difficult.

"Quality players are not there - or rather, not there in abundance - to buy in January. This year, there doesn't seem to be quality available even abroad.

"And I hate it when people say: `We need a body.' A body is no good unless Newcastle can use him to good effect.

"The whole point is I'm trying to get the average age of the squad down to just under 25; I'm trying to buy players who will increase in value. Like Oba Martins.

"That's my policy. That's what I want to do. It is a big gamble for me, but I'm prepared to make that gamble.

"If I do that, I know we will come out of the other side in two years' time with a better team."