Will Arch and Chief be the first of many to go?

Newcastle bound?
By Duncan Wood
February 3 2003

The first transfer rumours emerge as Newcastle are apparently interested in Garath Archer and Neil McCarthy. Are the Premiership vultures starting to circle? Is it London Scottish and Richmond all over again?

After yesterday's game, I set the Question of the Week as "Are off field matters affecting on field performances?"

Today, in the local press, Peter Thorburn reckoned that there had initially been a galvanising effect on the team but was concerned that performances might start to suffer if the current air of uncertainty continues.

"It's nothing we consciously talk about, but if it doesn't get sorted out soon then it will have an effect."

Now, we see a story that Newcastle have been linked with Garath Archer and Neil McCarthy. I have to say that I'm not surprised and this won't be the last piece of transfer gossip we hear regarding Bristol players in coming weeks.

It's well documented that 13 players are out of contract at season end, Arch and Chief included. Who can blame any of them for looking around with things as they are?

Arch may well be looking for a final playing contract. He has had his injury problems but has still been a real talisman for us.

However, he is a North East lad and has had two previous spells at Newcastle. He very nearly left last summer (Sale and Bridgend were sniffing around) and he may well be tempted up north although Newcastle's perilous league position must be a concern and what about Mark Andrews?

Similarly, who can blame Chief for looking for a deal elsewhere if nothing is forthcoming from Bristol? Thorburn admits that none of the 13 have signed new deals as yet.

He is on the way back from a serious knee injury and needs the security of a new contract. Both players have bills to pay.

I reckon that, if ones goes, the other may well follow. The two of them go back a long way having moved up through the England ranks together and are pretty good mates.

Is this the start of the exodus? How many other players are liaising with other clubs? Can we really blame them? They have to look out for themselves.

The whole ownership issue needs sorting or we'll end up with a decimated squad for next season.

How long ago were we watching the team run out at Twickenham.....