According to the Shields Gazette, Steve Nickson – NUFC’s ‘head of recruitment’ – has handed a ‘two-man shortlist’ to Lee Charnley as the club plan to replace Ayoze Perez.
The story shares no names, but claims the club are now planning to make moves in the transfer market – despite the fact there is still no new manager in place following Rafa Benitez’s exit.
With it reported prior to Perez’s £30m move to Leicester that there was £60m available to spend, the money should be there – yet a manager isn’t, showing what a shambolic summer this has been at St James’ Park.
Here’s a snippet from Ross Gregory’s new transfer piece in the Shields Gazette:
Newcastle United have TWO forwards on their wishlist as they look to replace Ayoze Perez.
United are pressing on with transfer plans despite having no manager in place, with head of recruitment Steve Nickson playing a prominent role alongside managing director Lee Charnley.
The Gazette understands that Nickson has compiled a shortlist of two options to replace Perez, with the recruitment team looking at forwards both on the continent and in England.
It goes without saying that the arrival of goalscoring and attacking spark is essential after Rondon and Perez’s exits – two players who scored over 50% of our goals last season – but I have no idea how we plan to attract quality forwards in our current predicament.
Not only has this club lost Rafa Benitez and several season ticket holders as a result, we are currently manager-less and are yet to make a single signing so far this summer.
If we somehow manage to attract a well respected manager then the odd decent signing may arrive, but I really struggle to see how we’ll bring in adequate Perez/Rondon replacements while there’s so much uncertainty and negativity surrounding the club.
I’d like to see Charnley and co. prove me wrong, but I’d FAR rather they sold up and allowed new owners to come in and show the sort of ambition we’ve been starved of for over a decade now.
Charnley couldnt sign his without help never mind the 8 players we need before 1st match. Idiot is even planning to go on the China tour instead of getting on with the job of assembling a team FFS. This plank just has to be first person ejected from our club
phil renner(Quote)
I’ve an idea why don’t all the people who have packed in their season tickets hold a protest on the day of the Arsenal game to show the depth of support the club is missing out on,
yeah thought not
aa(Quote)
If penfold has been scouring Europe for a manager, then there is no take over happening. Even BZG highlighted that if the sale falls through it was neither party’s fault. Fatty is playing hardball wanting the gross signage to remain for a period of time and he wants to keep the merchandising contract.
As stated who would sign up for Newcastle, whether a manager or player? Except for unexperienced candidates looking for a step up to the PL and a move on asap. I see John Terry is now being mentioned as a possible replacement. Chaotic times ahead. #BOYCOTTALL GAMES.
LA Toon(Quote)
Benson and Hedges?
Muckypup(Quote)
Would there be enough room for both of them in the car park?
Brrrian(Quote)
With regards to the guy who writes as aa,the fans who are not going & the fans who have relinquished their season tickets are making their protest by doing just so you clampett,I haven’t been to a game for 3 years & haven’t bought any merchandise in over 10 years,that is my way of protest,not all of us want to stand outside the ground or Fatty’s shops & either shout obscenities when protesting in that manner won’t bother the FCB,my way is the only way it’ll hurt him if that would actually hurt,he is not getting my money,that’s the only thing that’ll bother him especially if SJP is half empty on August 11th
Steven Pryce(Quote)
How can a club be buying players when they don’t even have a manager in place? Have they been directing their scouts to youtube again?
Also why would be looking at hiring a manager if he was really trying to sell the club?
All these stories contradict themselves but then again this NUFC so logic and common sense left the club years ago.
bazzg(Quote)
Still has to sign a manager even if he is trying to sell the club. If the sale falls through then hes gonna need someone there , be interested to see what length contract a new manager will be given tho anything over a year then theres no takeover. Dont believe theres a takeover anyway.
Tim(Quote)