Carr tells us what to expect in the summer.

I heard yesterday that Graham Carr had been afforded the chance of giving an interview to the Sunday Sun.

As soon as I heard that I was eager to see what was going to be said by the man who is tasked with finding NUFC the players to help us stabilise and improve next season. Put simply, it's not that often that us fans get an insight into the scouting process so I was looking forward to seeing if anything interesting was going to be said.

The key is nailing down a spot in the Premier League for next season at the earliest opportunity. Once that is done we can really press on with our recruitment and Graham Carr can show us the fruits of his labour, with two of those particular fruits apparently being Kevin Gameiro and Gervinho.

As I wrote a few days ago, a lot of faith is being invested in Graham Carr as fans look forward to see just who our Chief Scout has earmarked for the attention of Alan Pardew. In an interesting, and rare, insight, Carr tells us exactly what kind of player that he is looking for.

“We are looking at a lot of players. We have teams of players that we’re looking at lined up in 4-4-2 formations because we want to have someone in every position,” explained Carr. “I think we need half a dozen players in summer, to be honest. That is a personal opinion, mind, but that is what I’m working towards – having options to put before the manager when the season is over."

“The players that come in will have good pedigree. We will expect them to improve the squad. But there are a few other considerations – we want players with a bit of pace who can get about the park. And they have to be the right age and they have to come within the wage structure as well. That is quite a few things to look at admittedly, but I really think we have a good chance of getting the players that are on our list."

So there is a wage structure in place at the club then? It had been rumoured for some time but without any confirmation of it you never quite know what to believe. Will it impact on our ability to sign quality players though? That is the real question, and Graham Carr believes that it won't

"The wages we can offer are better than they would be in many other European leagues,” he says. "In places like Belgium, Holland and France the money isn’t probably quite as good. Germany is tougher because they do pay well – and the crowds are big over there as well."

“Of course, agents get involved and that complicates the situation, but if you hand-pick the players and do your research, you generally know the players in our bracket. We can’t compete with the resources of a Manchester City, but those clubs aren’t going to necessarily be looking at the same players that we are. In the next bracket of clubs, we’re at the top I believe.”

“Supporters would certainly be surprised at the pulling power of Newcastle United in France and Holland in particular. I would say that outside of the traditional big four we’re probably the biggest draw in those countries."

“That was something that I was always struck by, even when I was working for Spurs and at other clubs. Don’t under-estimate the name value of Newcastle United. Playing in front of 52,000 in the Premier League is a real incentive to many. I mean I have been to certain French clubs this season – clubs at the top of the league over there – and they are probably going to be playing in the Champions League next year, yet I could name three or four players who would join Newcastle tomorrow."

“They’ll all know about the way we’ve treated Hatem Ben Arfa. L’Equipe has been covering his recovery in detail and we’ve come across very positively.”

The vast majority of fans will be keeping an eye on transfer activity at St James' Park this summer. There is money to invest in the playing squad, but how much remains unclear. The £35 million that we received for Andy Carroll is there to be used, although most of us doubt that all of that will go on transfer fees.

It's a test of ambition for Ashley and he has a chance to earn some redemption amongst fans if he sanctions some wise investment. Carr believes he will and also says that Mike Ashley is taking a keen interest in the work that Carr is undertaking.

“The owner and the senior staff are very much interested,” said Carr. "I work very closely with Derek Llambias, Lee Charnley as well as the manager and Mike Ashley. I have regular meetings with the owner – I have met him on loads of occasions. It is good for me that there is interest in bringing players in."

“I know what the perception is outside of the club but he strikes me as a passionate man who is very committed to Newcastle United. They are knowledgeable. It’s amazing how interested they are really.”

Graham Carr may see that on a regular basis, but unfortunately we don't. If we did though perhaps it would be a bit easier for fans to buy into some of the decisions that have been made, especially with regard to some of the footballing matters. Business wise, you can't really question Ashley to be honest as it's his strongest suit in my opinion. Communication however is a completely different matter.

This is why it's nice to hear the occasional interview like this. Maybe Alan Pardew isn't just blowing hot air when he talks about transfers? Maybe he has belief that the club will pull something out the bag? Time will tell on that front of course.

Anyway, as I'm getting on for 1,000 words in this article I'd better shut up yapping. Apologies for the length (Ooo err Mrs. ;) ) but I'd prefer to cover it all in one handy article rather than using it to drive three or four articles like others may do. I think it's classier this way.

I hope you enjoyed it. I know I did.