A host of names have been cast out by The Chronicle as suggestions for the solution to Newcastle’s goal drought.
The fundamental problem with the names is their inexperience – or lack of experience – outside of the Football League. It’s a signing to get us out of the Championship and score enough goals to keep us in the Premier League.
Patrick Bamford, for example, has no history of scoring in the top flight and didn’t net for Palace or Norwich last season. 19 at Middlesbrough the season before was a decent return but his reputation is based on promise not delivery.
As is rightly pointed out, Nahki Wells hasn’t played outside of the Championship nor has Fernando Forestieri of Sheffield Wednesday, who seems to be everyone’s flavour of the month.
Whilst Rafa believes the squad have confidence problems, the club seems to be caught in the headlights of where we stand. Not in the Premier League makes us less attractive, there’s no doubt about that but we’ve attracted quality players before, we can do so again.
Yesterday’s attendance comfortably beat most of the Premier League crowds on their opening day – do we need more ambition in the transfer market?