Newcastle United legend Kevin Keegan has spoken out against the “crazy” transfer situation affecting his former side in the world of FFP and PSR.
“King Kev” earned the Magpies promotion to the Premier League in his first full season management before going on to sign the likes of Les Ferdinand, Tino Asprilla, David Batty, Warren Barton and David Ginola in 1995/96 to see ‘The Entertainers’ finish second.
Alan Shearer arrived the next summer for a then world record transfer fee of £15m for a then free-spending Newcastle, but restrictions implemented since has seen the Toon unable to make a significant signing in the last three windows despite their relative wealth.
Keegan speaks out on FFP issues
Financial Fair Play serves to benefit the sides at the top of the league according to former Newcastle and England manager Kevin Keegan, who finds it “crazy” that clubs are encouraged to sell Academy talents and local lads for pure profit.
Manchester City’s rise from a mid-table club into a dominant force that became the first side to win four Premier League titles predates the implementation of FFP by UEFA. Newcastle have been limited in their ability to match City’s investment, who were took over in a similar manner to the Magpies.
Liverpool have been able to spend a fortune and stand out as significant beneficiaries, boosted further by their on-pitch success freeing up more spending – increasing matchday income in the process.
For clubs further down in the league, Keegan argues there is no logic in not letting owners spend what they wish to part with, especially when some have billions behind them. Speaking at Gosforth Park hotel for a NSPCC fundraiser, he said:
“I don’t understand FFP, and I have been in football all my life; what is wrong if somebody wants to spend money? What is wrong with letting them spend it?
“It’s like saying to a business you can’t spend more than that company over there because they are the same business as you. It is crazy.
“I know it has stopped clubs going bankrupt I get that. But surely had that rule not been in now, the people that own this football club in this city have got the money.
“All the teams at the top of the league are the ones who spend the most money, it is not rocket science. Look what Liverpool have spent. The best player at Chelsea is probably Cole Palmer, he was sold by Man City. Because somehow selling young people who you sent through your own ranks, somehow that helps you with FFP, how crazy is that?
“You want Geordies playing for your team here.”
Elliot Anderson was forced to be sold last summer, highlighting Keegan’s final point. The 22-year-old academy graduate has shone since his £35m move to Nottingham Forest, that Toon were forced to make meet PSR constraints.
The midfielder should have been allowed to flourish at his boyhood club that had developed him through the youth ranks, and allowed him to impress on loan at Bristol Rovers and for us in the Premier League, instead of being used as a tool to meet a financial deadline.
PSR position improved – but plenty damage done
Newcastle will enter the summer in a strong position with business completed in January for Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly allowing for more ‘wiggle room’ from the perspective of PSR.
Sporting director Paul Mitchell is eyeing up five signings in the next window while maintaining the Magpies’ key men. No real investment in the last few windows has allowed the squad to stagnate, and may cost us in the race for Champions League football this season.
Several legs have looked tired on Tyneside with the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Lewis Hall having plenty of miles in their legs this season, and depth at the very least will be necessary for Newcastle to compete on any front next campaign.
