It’s been an incredible eight months on Tyneside, seeing us go from Mike Ashley, Steve Bruce and impending relegation to ambitious new owners, Eddie Howe and only narrowly missing out on a top 10 finish.
2022 has been a year to remember so far, and it looks set to go from strength to strength as we approach what promises to be a huge summer off the field at St James’ Park.
Here, we look at some of the issues that need to be addressed and key moves our new owners – alongside new sporting director Dan Ashworth – could and should make over the coming months.
1. Add quality in attack
If Callum Wilson stayed fit, I’m confident he’d score between 15 and 20 goals in a ever-improving Newcastle United side that will be looking to break into the top 10 and beyond this coming season.
However, in his two full seasons on Tyneside, he’s only played 44 Premier League games out of a possible 76. He’s reliable in front of goal when fit and an absolute handful too, but his battles with injuries mean we must sign at least one striker this summer.
Dwight Gayle needs to go and Chris Wood is likely to take up the sort of role Daryl Murphy took in the Championship from this point onwards, so signing a senior striker alongside the young and versatile Hugo Ekitike could be a vital move to add guaranteed goals to an attack that tends to look a little blunt without our current number nine.
A quality right winger capable of delivering big numbers could also transform our forward line and take us to the next level, with links to Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Leeds’ Raphinha pointing to exactly what we need in that area of the pitch.
2. Shift deadwood and sell smart
There are too many players currently on our books who are either not good enough, way down the pecking order or long-serving pros who need to move on for everyone’s sake.
The likes of Ciaran Clark, Matt Ritchie, Jeff Hendrick and Dwight Gayle need to go, whilst it may be the right time for Isaac Hayden, Federico Fernandez and Karl Darlow to depart after all three have found game time hard to come by at stages of their career where they’ll want to be playing.
Not only would this raise funds – albeit not much – it would create space for new signings, bring the wage bill down and avoid awkward decisions for Eddie Howe when he comes to select his 25-man squad ahead of the new 2022/23 season.
We’ve rarely sold at the right time in recent years, so selling smartly will also be key, with the likes of Jamaal Lascelles and Freddie Woodman striking me as players who could be worth moving on this summer. Miguel Almiron is another, with some of the best soccer betting sites in the USA backing him to return to the MLS if there’s no takers in Italy, Spain or England.
On the flip side, selling Allan Saint-Maximin isn’t something I’m keen on unless someone arrives with silly money. This particular exit rumour isn’t one I’m enjoying as I feel he needs a full season under Howe and still has so much to offer, so hopefully some clarity can be offered on his future ASAP.
3. Secure sponsorship deals
It’s easily forgotten given how much this area of the club was neglected by Mike Ashley, but securing lucrative sponsorship deals will be key to our spending – both this summer and in future transfer windows to come.
Who knows who they’ll strike deals with – Saudi Golf have been mentioned after CEO Majed Al Sorour joined the board last month – however this could take our finances to the next level, enabling us to show ambition in the transfer market while staying within FFP regulations.
5. Sign a top centre-back
Dan Burn has been outstanding and Fabian Schar has been superb since Howe came in, but it’s been clear for several months now that we’re looking to bring in a quality centre-back.
Diego Carlos has gone to Aston Villa and it remains to be seen who’ll win the race for Sven Botman, who appears to be our top target in this department.
Whether we end up with the latter or have to look elsewhere, this is an area where fresh blood, athleticism and the ability to carry the ball out of the back would be much welcomed.
Not only would an injection of class help us play the Eddie Howe way, we may need more than one new centre-back if the likes of Fernandez, Clark and Lascelles move on.
6. Support Elliot Anderson’s development
It was always clear from U23 games I attended that Elliot Anderson had something special, but his loan spell at Bristol Rovers made so many sit up and take note of the 19-year-olds talent!
He is a special player who must be managed carefully over the coming months. Howe will almost certainly hand him a chance to impress over pre-season, so it’ll be very interesting to see what comes next.
If he’s loaned out again, we must find the right club at the right level, especially when too many of our youngsters have endured damaging and poorly thought out moves away in recent years.
If he stays, a path to regular game time must be clear, as it could harm him, not help him, to spend most of the season sat on the bench, albeit it at Premier League level.
7. Discover more Bruno’s
Last but certainly not least, it would be great to see the club use Bruno Guimaraes’ arrival as a blue print for future business.
By that I mean targeting young gems who have bundles of quality and bags of character who buy into this exciting new project at St James’ Park.
The Brazilian wants to become a ‘legend’ on Tyneside. Wouldn’t it be great if we could bring in others who arrive with his passion, spark and determination to take the Premier League by storm in a black and white shirt!
There’s an awful lot of good players surplus at PSG. Probably at other big clubs too!
georgio(Quote)
It appears that my choice Scamarra is off to PSG. Let’s hope we can get Joshua Zirkzee instead
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – would you take Zirkzee over Broja?.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I’m laughing at that latest article with Joelinton calling for Neymar to join us – isn’t that the fans job??? ???
…. Could he though???? ????
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hmm 6 goals 1 assist for Soton
15 goals 8 assists for Anderlect
3 highest (behind Haarland and Vinicius Jr) goal contributions in his age group
Yer I’ll take Zirkzee over Broja
PremAndUp(Quote)
Maybe it’s the giddy young fan in me, but I don’t think it’s beyond the realms of possibility that we could take Neymar on loan at least – but it looks like Poch is leaving & it would depend what the new manager wanted.
It was Arab money that took him to Paris – could Arab money bring him to Newcastle. What a party that would be!!.
He would without question be the superstar & it would take 1 outstanding game and he’d be idolised – something he’s never fully experienced at either Barca or Paris.
I’m pretty sure the Saudi would help continue to grow brand Neymar & he’d get regular first team football before what might be his last WC.
All that said, I’m quite sure the PSG owners signed him as part of their WC plans – so sending him to a Saudi team might not be very likely?!.
But money talks, and we have plenty – so I would discount nothing.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Neymar
13 goals and 6 assists for PSG he’s also 30
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – to be fair though Zirkzee was playing for probably the best team in a very average league, whilst Broja was playing for a below average team in the best league in the world – so it’s not really fair to judge them on stats.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Given that we are looking for a striker with big numbers in him, then I’d rather go with someone who has delivered than one who so far only looks average.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – Again using my own criteria, that’s Neymar playing for the best team in a good league. He’d be joining a decent team in the best league – but I still think he’d make a good contribution at 30 – on and off the field
Sharpy17(Quote)
There is no doubt that Neymar would improve the team.
He would be a statement signing.
I would prefer Diaby, Paqueta, Sangare and Ekitike/Zirkzee for the long term
But hell’s teeth, what a statement
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I’m playing devils advocate a bit here coz I’d prefer Zirkzee too I think, but in truth I’d be happy enough with either.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Trouble is I can’t put smily’s in my comments.
I know who I want, and I’m starting to trust the judgement of our recruitment team so I’ll take whoever we get.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – I agree. I’d favour Paqueta and Diaby for longer term.
But Neymar on a season long loan would be one hell of a party!!.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Agree with that as well mate ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Turns out Trump is even crazier than I thought.
Mad as a March hare wearing tartan speedos and pink socks with a gun in each hand.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
At the summit, the US TV were rightly making fun of BoJo’s hair saying it looked like he cut it himself. But then, there was Trumpy – who had the worst “barnet” in the history of “barnets”.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I think someone said about Trumpy’s hair that a ginger feral cat once crawled up on his head and decided to lay down on it for 20 years.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
This bl00dy site isn’t updating again!!. The last comment I can see is mine talking about Big Joe courting Neymar ???
Sharpy17(Quote)
I can see you
Eriksen on a free is still ongoing apparently. Once that is settled one way or another we will know our budget going forward
PremAndUp(Quote)
Moving to new site management on Monday, so will raise it with them immediately. Sorry it’s taken so long – the site being hacked and us moving to a new company has complicated matters, but still poor that current team haven’t dealt with it. They’ve been asked to do so on several occasions.
Olly Hawkins(Quote)
Cheers Olly ??
Sharpy17(Quote)
Prem – part of me wants Eriksen to stay at Brentford – something would just feel right about it after they gave him the opportunity.
But if he’s hell bent on leaving them then I’d defo like him at Newcastle.
Get him now on a free & spend the money on Diaby and a CF. Then next season go get Paqueta.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Exactly. No way he would go to the mess at Old Trafford. Is Brentford a big enough stage, who knows.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Eriksen would be amazing, but I have a feeling he’ll stay at Brentford or maybe go back to Spurs? I’d love to see him in black and white though, and get rid of the red and white stripes! ?
Gilly Toon(Quote)
It is quite funny that Olly is getting criticised for passing on information that a giant 6-5 Dutchman might struggle with some tiny, nippy strikers. I can name a few that even Paolo Maldini and Bobby Moore might have a tough time against:
Diego Maradona
Peter Beardsley
Gianfranco Zola
Sergio Aguero
Need I go on 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I forgot Leonel Messi who supposedly was put on growth hormones when he was a kid.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
According to the papers Barca are looking to offload Óscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig to make space in their squad.
Oscar is a 22yr old right footed CB and Riqui is a 22yr old midfielder.
Both Spanish U21s and Oscar has made us debut in the senior team too.
If we could get both for around £20m, I think they would be excellent additions.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Hate to say it but £60m for Richarlison does us nee favours.
Way over priced!! – how much is Diaby now??.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpy
We have a lot of pensioners in RCB and CM who wont get much game time
Replacing them Óscar Mingueza and Riqui Puig would make sense.
All we have to do is sell 8 players that nobody wants
How much better than Kell Watts and Elliot Anderson do you think they are?
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – Kell is left footed, Oscar is right, so I would put them against each other – they would be the younger pairing coming through.
I’d also put Anderson in the pool of attacking midfielders with the likes of Murphy, Miggy, Fraser, ASM.
Riqui would be in the pool with Shelvey, Bruno, Joelinton, Longstaff.
I think Oscar could easily be better than Lascelles and less erratic than Schar.
Riqui could easily be better than Longstaff and more industrious than Shelvey.
They both would be worth trying out imo and even if they don’t make the first team, who give depth to our squad.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We do have some good back up coming through with Munez and de Bolle plust the recent purchases.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Prem – there is potential there but how many have come through our youth system compared to Barcas?.
The fact they haven’t made it into their first team doesn’t mean they are cr@p – Dan Ashworth would be the first to know that.
He signed Marc Cucurella at Brighton – a left back that didn’t make it at Barca. He was excellent last season & suggestions City are after him.
I’m not saying they all turn out that way of course I’m just saying their level of coaching so far will be far superior.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I don’t buy this transfer business being put on hold at all. The incoming players are still being sought, the club is more than aware of what is needed.
If there is going to be any considerations given it will be around out going players. There will be a few training for their futures the next week or 3.
Aussie(Quote)
Very true Aussie. It’s all systems go at SJP.
georgio(Quote)
Aussie – I think what was meant by it is we know which players we want and will calmly work towards getting them. There will be no panic buying or foolishly throwing money round like Everton did.
I think their approach to the Ekitike deal has been first class – very professional and draws a line in the sand for all agents.
I also think the fact the director of footbal at BL is now coming out saying they would be prepared to sell Diaby – only a week after saying they wouldn’t – that speaks volumes too.
It’s a long window and things will charge along the way. I’m sure Ashworth is the right man to have to navigate us through it all.
Sharpy17(Quote)
We still have 2 months left of this window. It doesn’t close until 11pm Sept 1.
By then we will have been linked with every footballer on the planet, inc 16 year olds at Red Bull Salzberg and Sassualo.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Great business so far this summer. I’m actually still trying to compute us acting like a football club. A winger and a striker and we will have a great chance of top 8 imo.
Stuart79(Quote)
I was watching a cooking show and for some bizarre reason Kid Rock was one of the presenters. Got me thinking about how old he is? Turns out, he is 51. Should he now be “Middle-Aged Rock”. I dont know any of his songs BTW, so for the most part to me he is Anonymous-Rock.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Imagine with Big Dan Burn and Man Mountain Botman in our defense for corners? I think players like Raheem Sterling might think – I’m not going to bother, what’s the point!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And at the other end of the pitch? With Tripps or even Ward-Prowse whipping in corners! They wouldn’t even have to jump, just stand there and let Wilson feed off their scraps. It is a scary prospect for the likes of the T-Rex Mackem who always wants to punch the ball away. Now Mike Dean and Martin Atkinson have retired the Refs might actually see it is as dangerous play by him. Is that too much to ask? YES!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I watched the clip of Sven and Mehrdad and it will be very funny to see BDB and him next to Fraser. They are giants. I am like 6-3 and am always a bit surprised when I see myself in photos. But I am not 6-3 across like Botman is 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Nice to see Botman signed up, what else has happened ? Been stuck in hospital since monday with the lad. Got home last night, still not fully well but they were happy to send him home. He got over covid went back to day center and picked up a virus and was poorly again. Terrible cough and breathing issues . June has been a write off not expecting july to fair much better tbh.
Could do with a stellar signing to cheer me up, what’s this about Neymar and Bruno asking him to come to us on loan ? surely not !
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon, mate. You and your boy sound like you have had a total nightmare. You still keep a positive attitude even during the Fat Cabbage time.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I have to admit that I found it difficult to watch some of our games under Pards, Ugly John, Schteve and Rafa, never mind Cabbage. I went to the pub for most and only really left 1 or 2 before the end. Some were at 9 am on a Saturday here in the US so I thought after Aguero scoring another hattrick, fc it I will have another beer and be rat@rsed by noon.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Do you think that TalkSport have got Adebayor and AgbonlaWhore confused and employed the wrong one? One was a good player and the other is a gobshyte.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
hope everythig works out soon mate
icedog(Quote)
The director of football at BL said they would sell Diaby if the right offer came in.
I would be happy to take Andrea Belotti as a free agent for CF – still only 28, Italy international, wealth of experience and similar player to Wilson – so we wouldn’t need to change too much whichever is in the team.
Then plough the money into the Diaby deal.
I’d love to go one further and get Eriksen on a free too.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I know that’s Eriksen & Belotti isn’t quite building for the future – but Belotti is only 28 so we’d get 3 good seasons from him I reckon – and getting him on a free would allow the money to secure one of the best young right wing forwards out there at the moment.
If we could get Diaby & Belotti and they help us finish in the top 8 this season – that would make attracting the best young forwards next summer a lot easier imo.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Kim – hope Lewis is better soon. My family have had covid through June, the wife first, then the boy & im down with it at the mo.
Hope things settle down for you soon.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Derek Wright is retiring from NUFC – been there since 1984. He started working for our club when Jack Charlton was manager – just to give an idea of how long he’s served NUFC.
Best of luck to him, hope he enjoys his retirement – he’s certainly earned it ??????
Sharpy17(Quote)
Oh I’ve just had a right good laugh at the news Ronny has told MU he wants out – that club is going from bad to worse.
They’ve just got rid of Pogba who didn’t want to be there for the last 2 or 3 seasons. Martial is coming back off a loan not wanting to be there. Rashford doesn’t look overly engaged … and if Ronny wraps in, how long before the likes of Fernandez decides he wants out?!.
They haven’t signed anyone yet – what will De Jong think now?? – will he want to leave Barca for a MU without Ronny??.
There is a very strong chance we finish above them next season IF Ronny goes.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Sharpster: you forgot about Mason Greenwood and JLingz.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
It is a miracle that Man U finished 6th. I watched a lot of their games and they were shyte.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
I watched Man U because of a bit of schadenfreude. It was to hear their ex-players on TV berate them. Even Robbie Savage is ex-Man U. For the commentators who were always going on about “that night in Barcelona” or “the class of ’92” to just STFU. Bayern should have beat them 5 nil in Barcelona and there was only Beckham and Scholes from ’92.
I know I have said these things before but Martin Tyler and Clive Tylsesdale bore the socks off me with that shyte.
And why is Gary Neville commentating on on Man U games. It is not like he is Chris Waddle on NUFC games who doesnt really seem to like us 🙂
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Just to bore everybody senseless! my favourite ex-Man U fool, PNev, has Inter Miami 8th in a 10 team league. They have a 37% win rate. That is Bruce-like. He is best mates with Beckham, but he will be sacked anyway.
Worst commentator in the history of commentating. Even worse than Michael “interesting” Owen.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric – they don’t have a team to speak of really.
Henderson has just left coz he didn’t want to be there.
The fans have turned on Wan Bissaka. Varane has been a non starter up to now. Maguire can’t do anything right – behind them who?!.
Shaw is always injured.
Midfield – the fans can’t stand Fred & McTom – I’ve not heard 1 fan rate them. Matic & Pogba have just left.
Wingers – Sancho hasn’t got started. Rashford can’t do anything right, Martial was sent on loan coz he’s not wanted. Greenwood is going to jail.
Who else plays up front other than Ronny?!.
Ten Haag has got to be thinking his made a mistake.
Sharpy17(Quote)
I also wonder if JLingz hasn’t joined another club yet in the hope MU come back for him.
The obvious move would have been either WHU or us with both clubs having a previous interest in him.
But nowt yet – I’m not sure who he thinks better than those are coming after him.
Everton are apparently interested & have just let Richarlison go – he probably wouldn’t have to move from the area if he went there.
Sharpy17(Quote)
The demise of Man U is epitomized by the Pogbamentary on Amazon (it exists, and is a 5 part series), JLingz and his clothing line and Mason Greenwood and his rape that his GF taped. It is like a slow motion train wreck. I think I would rather have Ugly John Carver back as manager and get relegated than watch that stuff going on. Be good to be a Red Bindipper right now!!! Or even a Leeds fan, they dont like em either.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Thanks for the good wishes lads. Sharpy sorry to hear how poorly you and your family have been, this covids not going away is it. I wouldn’t mind but we don’t even get immunity once we’ve had it as you can get it again .
Lew’s been so poorly but did shake it off only to return to day center and get another virus which has hit him for six. Now the antibiotics for his chest infection are giving him the s hits 🙁
You are all so right about Manure, it’s a complete ***** show there at the moment and I am still scratching my head how they didn’t finish much lower. We are expecting them to struggle but once they are rid of all the under performers the new signings they get may well do well without all the show pony baggage and scandal bringers.
Hopefully the horror show continues and their downward curve carries on.
kimtoon(Quote)
My post did not show but when I opened new tab it did, very odd.
kimtoon(Quote)
NUFC physio Derek Wright retires after 38 years of service
Alan Shearer
@alanshearer
·
2m
Ah what a great man he is. Del Boy helped me back to fitness so many times. Enjoy retirement Legend
kimtoon(Quote)
So, I am going to see Blondie in Chicago in a month. Debbie Harry is 76 so I have to see her before one of us dies – I am in my 50s. Everybody thinks that their generation has the best music but I am convinced the last 10 years has had the sh!ttest. Twangy country **** and boring hip hop. If Ed Sherin is the best you can do then let me not buy a ticket!
I went to see The Clash, Lou Reed and The Smiths when I was young and now you have Taylor Swift. I have even seen Willie Nelson, who is great if you want to talk Country.
What am I winging about? There really is no decent music now! I am resigned to listening to old Radiohead stuff from 20 years ago and even ACDC from when I saw them at The Mayfair 40 years ago.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And since I am on a rant… All of these journos saying players will not come north!!!
I lived in London for 3 years 30 years ago, in Islington and loved every minute of it. The Pubs, the music, the vibe. I was back 10 years ago and it was upper class toss. When I was there people would say be careful at The Angel tube. Now they charge $20 for a c@cktail and $30 for fish and chips when they pretend they are retro.
I am never going to London again, and Samuel Pepys can shove his saying of “if you are tired of London, you are tired of life” up his @rse.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
And then…
We have spent 35 mil on Botman, 15 on Targett, 12 on Pope. TOTAL = 62 mil.
Luke Edwards was saying we would spend 60 mil.
I said it would be 140 to 150. Who will be proved right?
Eric Sykes(Quote)
We need a striker and a Miggy replacement and they dont come cheap Luke!
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Eric, not all today’s music is ****, Sam Fender is good, so is Harry Styles , by the way he did an amazing cover of Sledge hammer, you should check it out on youtube. The Foals are excellent as are the Artic monkey’s.
kimtoon(Quote)
Years and years are a good pop group
kimtoon(Quote)
Kimtoon: I did sort of did say that every generation thinks that when they grew up there was better music. But there doesnt seem like there is much innovation recently. Pop has always been pop, thus the name popular but sometimes that was the Beatles and not Kenny Chesney or Taylor Swift.
I think I have officially become an old f@rt now! But back to football…
Eric Sykes(Quote)
The pre-season looks pretty good in terms of who and where we are playing. If they had set it up earlier I might have even attended some games. I lived in Munich and think it is an amazing city and we are playing 1860. If they had announced it before last week I might have gone.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
Watching Botman it seems to me he uses his size a bit too much for me. Barging attackers off the ball, shielding the ball. He’s a very good passer but miles away from Virgil standard and he’s not fast. Some would say BDB standard!
georgio(Quote)
We have some players that could be male models – Wilson, Bruno and Schar. Not Dwight and Wood.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
BTW, that was for Kimtoon.
I think there was a time when Man U had Rooney, Tevez, PNev and Nicky **** all in the same team.
Eric Sykes(Quote)
So Eriksen has agreed to join Man Utd. Have to say I’m a little disappointed in him for that move tbh. I know every footballer wants to play at the highest level possible for as long as they can, but he hasn’t had every footballers career.
I’m sure Man Utd will double has wages to what Brentford could offer – but I bet they weren’t offering peanuts either. I don’t know, maybe I just hoped for a bit of loyalty over greed on that one – for Brentford ??♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Chelsea close to signing Sterling as well – I’m amazed at City selling to Chelsea, but if they do that’s another forward for them.
That could free up Broja for a move to us – a loan would be my preference, with an option to buy even better.
That doesn’t mean we HAVE to buy, it would just give us first dibs if he does well for us.
But if he doesn’t, or there are better options next summer – we can send Broja back with our thanks & best wishes.
Sharpy17(Quote)