By Kevin Hunter
Another year, another panic to find players on the cheap, end of contract stop gaps, loans (except Kenedy who is good long term buy)..
The Ashley business plan – buy on the cheap, stick them on the shelf to try to make a profit, just like the trainers in Sports Direct.
Where is the long term business plan? How many good players have come through the youth team route?
Adam Armstrong showed promise, a good honest player. Quick, but too small and a frame unlikely to withstand the attention of big Premier League defenders. Too often it was head down and head for goal with not enough awareness for the game and players around him. I hope he does well and he proves doubters like me to have been wrong.
Take a long, hard and close look at the scouting and buying of players for the long term.
Why has so much money been wasted on so many players who, after a few games, were seen by the average Newcastle fan as simply not good enough.
Who scouted, recommended and signed the cheques?
- Colback – Did a good job to help with promotion but a long term PL player, don’t think so?
- Slimani – Injured before he came and most of the time after. If he was good, why didn’t we try to buy him for this season?
- Merino – Looked good for a few games, good skills but didn’t appear to like the rough and tumble of the PL. Hope he settles down and enjoys the less stressful league he has joined.
- Lazaar????, exactly. What did he bring to us except as another stop gap that was never going to work out.
- Manquillo. Low cost buy. Does he look like a long term first team player? Don’t think so.
- Joselu. £5m but a good investment? Will they get this back? Doubt it.
- Jacob Murphy? Pushed in too soon, showed it and confidence suffered. May come good longer term.
- Aarons. Shows promise but not consistent.
- Hayden. Good low cost buy and a good honest player but how often has he stood out in the PL? Has the potential if he sticks around with current Manager.
I think I probably missed some?
It’s not just the transfer fees paid but the high wages and long term contracts has meant they were too expensive and hard to off-load – or the players were happy to kick their heels and take the money.
If the club is not sold I don’t think there is any chance Rafa will stay. Would you?
My message to supporters; Ashley has no interest in you, only your money and as long as you keep giving it to him he’ll take it, but don’t have any illusions he cares a monkey’s toss about what you think. The only way he will care is when you stop giving it to him.
If you really want to influence him, stay away and maybe find another interest in your life that will give you and your family some good family time.
You would be much, much less frustrated and, who knows, maybe enjoy your Saturday afternoons!
It’s deadline day, but it’s also too late. I’m off to the pub.
I agree that Ashley is the worst owner of NUFC in the history of the club and will rejoice when he finally leaves. However
It’s too easy to blame him for the players mentioned. The real culprit here has to be Benitez. As manager and the person with sole responsibility for the playing staff he must surely have ok,d their purchase. It’s a bit like buying a car you go look at it, do your research and if happy with what you see and the terms and conditions are right you buy, otherwise you keep your Money in your pocket till something better comes along.
magpie1949(Quote)
**** off daft ****… Do you expect Benitez to buy world beaters on a restricted budget. He has to buy the best of what’s available for the meagre funds supplied to him by fatso.
Wally McBrolly(Quote)
I like every Newcastle fan can’t wait to see the back of the FCB, however, staying away from matches isn’t an option for me. I happen to enjoy watching and supporting a team “who cares”. I believe the way to sicken Ashley is to keep up the high level of negative media pressure we’ve seen of late.
Return of the Gordi(Quote)
Return of the Gordi and Magpie 1949.
Thanks for the comments.
Wally. Agree budget restricted and he has to work within it but, if you add Saivet and Gomez to the list that’s 11 players added to the squad with all the associated costs. We and prospective buyers know some are not PL/good enough so we have problems off-loading too many of them. We have some really good players and they have done a good job to cover for those that aren’t PL quality but I don’t think they can cover a big % of the squad. Maybe fewer but better and bring on the kids who will at least bring enthusiasm and energy which is why I mentioned the youth team route. Benitez is trying to upgrade but needs funds to do it. Benitez and his coaching team could do wonders with the right material. Under the circumstances he’s working with I think Benitez has done fantastic job. Even with what he’s had the squad is getting better but it has been a hard job for him to do it, he deserves more credit.
I think I was trying to make some fair points. I listen and take notice of other comments but your ‘PODA’ comment is uncalled for.
Ken Hunter(Quote)