When I saw The Chronicle had yet another speculation piece on outgoings titled “Eight Newcastle United players who must prove themselves by the end of the season,” I thought here we go again!
But then I read it and found some interesting names on the list and thought it might make a good conversational piece.
After the frankly unbelievable and remarkable job Eddie and his Coaching Staff have done, working with the players they inherited and then integrate the ones they brought in, we’re not only safe but into the top 10. Goodness, if we’d started the run a couple of games earlier we might even have made Europe!
But this article is not about that. Nor is it about the never-ending speculation about who we’re about to sign or who is on our radar. It’s not even about who will almost certainly leave (Ciaran Clark comes to mind!) nor ‘will any of the loanees return’ to become squad members. Mr Elliot Anderson anyone?
No, it’s about eight intriguing names that were not only starters under Bruce, but also featured in Eddie’s first-team when he came in, leaving them somewhere in the middle when it comes to their futures on Tyneside.
1. Jamal Lewis – A much heralded signing and currently the exception as he’s outside our 25-man squad at present. Would he have been in had he been fit at the time of naming the squad is anyone’s guess. Possibly not, but he was unlucky to miss out for me. Although now it appears it was an easier decision than we realised. The lad has had to have three operations since February so clearly couldn’t be part of Howe’s plans over the second half of this season. He’s a full international. He’s only 24 and he definitely has talent. Given what Eddie has done with others he may well be a punt for next season, but if Targett signs and Lewis’ first team opportunities remain limited, a loan move feels likely.
2. Javier Manquillo – Rarely lets us down and when Trippier got injured he seemed the obvious and most capable replacement…and then came that horror show at Tottenham. After that, Krafth came in and hello, he really is a Swedish international footballer! With Trippier due back very soon, where does this all leave Manqy? Perhaps on the border line to say the least. If he’s now our third choice right-back, I could see us cashing in to raise funds and free up another space in that 25-man squad.
3. Jonjo Shelvey – Often brilliant, often frustrating, often unfathomable, but consider this. The most recent games he has missed? Chelsea and Everton…and look what happened there! Another one that has ‘The Howe Factor” and been superb for us since Christmas. But, in a restructured side next season and being on the wrong side of 30, who knows! He’s also said to be one of our highest earners…
4. Jacob Murphy – We love a NUFC supporter in the team and there is absolutely no doubt the boy always gives 100%. At times he shows flashes of ability and electric pace, but too often we don’t see enough of either. A decent squad player, but is he good enough to propel us forward or someone we could really rely on to step in? I’m not so sure. I see him staying for now, but it won’t be long until superior back-up is brought in.
5. Martin Dubravka – Our undoubted number one and a particularly good goalkeeper. What might actually happen with Dubs is what lies behind him. Clearly Darlow and Gillespie are not deemed good enough and poor old Freddie Woodman seems lost. Therefore, I see him as a shoo-in for the start of next season, but reckon we’ll bring in a younger, ball-playing goalkeeper who’ll keep him on his toes and potentially replace him in time.
6. Miguel Almiron – I honestly expect Miggy to go. Not because he should, not because he’s not good enough or not because Eddie doesn’t want him. I think in all of the previous categories he ticks the boxes. That’s why I think he’ll go. He has enough quality and ability to make him a target for someone else and, given he’s unlikely to start, I think we’ll cash in. If anything, I’d say his improved displays and stunner at St James’ Park in that 1-0 win over Palace has just helped us find a buyer this season.
7. Sean Longstaff – For me, he’ll stay. I just can’t see him leaving his boyhood team whilst they are on the cusp of greatness. He’ll want to be a part of it – even if it’s just bit part – so a new contract seems likely, especially when Howe appears keen to keep him. Saying that, someone might be in his ear suggesting he moves on for the sake of his game time, as I struggle to see him featuring in our first-team plans next season when he’s already behind Bruno, Shelvey, Willock and Joelinton as things stand!
8. Jamaal Lascelles – Hmmm. Howe seems to like him, but I wonder if there’s room when I’m 99.99% certain we’ll sign at least one top-class centre back if not two this summer. With Schar also set to sign a new deal, this could leave him fourth or fifth choice? There’s no doubt he’s a leader and a big voice in the dressing room, but can your club captain be so far down the pecking order? He wants to play and has been brilliant in his attitude whilst not selected. Many a suitor will have taken notice.
So, where does that leave us? Still in the realms of speculation I guess. But here’s a thing. I wonder how many of you would have even believed those eight might not have been part of next season’s plans?
Perhaps these eight may be the victims of our success.
Going through your names here’s my thoughts for what they’re worth:
Lewis. Shows a lot of promise and is worth keeping. Had no luck here, yet has the skill to come good under Howe.
Manquillo. Sell. There are some quality young full backs available without breaking the bank.
Shelvey. One more season and that’s his lot.
Longstaffe. I hope that person who may be whispering in his ear to get him to move does a good job of it. Waste of a squad place.
Murphy. Deserves another season. Could improve further under Howe but needs to back his pace with better finishing. There are worse players to get rid of.
Dubravka. Needs another top keeper to keep him on his toes. Would have to spend a lot to get one better but he’s the only one worth retaining.
Almiron. This guy should stay. Isn’t used enough but his skill is unquestionable and workrate unbeatable. A good, solid and reliable player to have as backup when better players are coming in.
Lascelles. Let go. Been decent but there are better and safer reasonably priced central defenders out there.
Gayle, Hendrick, Fernandez and Clark should also be on their way.
JinkyJim(Quote)
You missed Hayden. Another in the – decent player, but do we keep him, group.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
I think some of our players might join Bruce. Gayle, Longstaff, Clark, maybe even Laschelles. The Baggies are not a bad club and they must know that Bruce will probably be sacked before Xmas next season so they will have a better manager. WBA sacked the Manager before Bruce when they were 5th so the Cabbage must be on a short leash.
Eric+Sykes(Quote)
Think Jeff was just sticking to the players named in The Chronicle’s piece.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)