That's the way I see it.. I expect much the same as January with one or 2 more exciting signings along with some underwhelming signings in many peoples eyes. The thing is nufc is absolutely miles away from attracting top players. There's nufc fans that really think Nunez will happen.... No chance imo.. Zero
It's definitely one I could see being true and happening unlike many of the other ones. He's young, got prem experience and his stocks gone from through the roof to very low. Nufc you'd think would be looking for opportunities like that... He's had one fantastic season and one bad season, so then what is he?
Clark, Hayden, Lewis, Darlow, Gayle, Laecelles, Ritchie, Murphy, Longstaff, Dummett. The immediate flush list. Basically the whole team from a couple of years ago.
Longstaff is signing a new contract according to Howe today, Dummett has already signed one. I honestly get the impression that Lascelles will survive the 1st cull and Murphy. Gayle is literally the only one I'm confident they'll get rid of from that list.. Maybe Hayden too. They really did tell us it would take ten years
Hes 25 and goal return was poor until a couple of seasons ago. One fantastic season? Nah it was half a fantastic season, with him on fire in the first half then getting virtual none in the second half. Second half of last season and knackered all this season is a big question mark for me. Although we might not be able to aim for the top strikers, i don't think we are just confined to ones who are a potential big risk.
I guess ok with Longstaff and Dunmett as they'd both just about he bench/squad members. Howe is ready to be tough here, and he wouldn't have any qualms about acing most of the deadwood and those long past their best.
He did well enough to get England caps and I honestly feel we're guilty of failing to realise how crap newcastles current side is. Ok we scraped a few wins and stayed up, but there's no question that DCL is a better striker than what we've got with the exception of Wilson imo. This time last year we had Gayle Wilson that was it, so if we start next season with Wilson DCL Ekiteke and wood that's an absolutely huge improvement.
Is he talking about just the deadwood though and what does he see as deadwood? It could be we keep Longstaff and summer and sell max and Almiron
What i mean is that to significantly change the squad and make signings, a large number of players need to be axed. Even if Longstaff stays, i still see at least 6 of the 10 i listed about going.
Only an improvement if they're fit, ie a strike force of Wilson, Gayle and Carroll might have reasonable on paper last season by they were regularly all injured. Hence my concern about a Wilson and DCL partnership. Dunno about Ekitike's injury record but hes very young so still developing.
Only reason I think we're keeping Shelvey is trying to maintain squad depth. If we're keeping the 4-3-3 formation we need 3 cm's just in our first team. Bruno and Joelinton are starters, Willock should be part of the squad. If we get him in good shape he could score 5-6 goals a season from midfield, and works hard with the ball. So after Joelinton, Bruno and Willock, who's our best options? Shelvey... and? This is why we've signed them on new contracts, we need squad depth.
I think they'll bring in 4 maybe more if they flog max and Almiron It's possible they do an Everton if they keep buying ****e like wood... They've got to get quality, but I don't think Howe's keen on anything fancy. Good old plain and boring reliable players from 1 to 25 is my bet.
None of them are good enough with the exception of Bruno.. The others are squad players for any top half side. There literally isn't one position that Newcastle don't need a better player.
Joelinton? I wouldn't mind having him in the starting 11. He may start scoring more goals, and his all round play is awesome. It all depends on our formation though. He can work in a 4-3-3/4-5-1, but not 4-4-2/.
Can't agree there I think there's no comparison personally. DCL Wilson Wood and this Ekiteke would be far superior in my eyes anyway. Ultimately whatever they bring in will be the best they felt they could get and that'll do me.
Joelinton isn't bad and neither is willock, but that's the level the back up should be.. In my opinion there no point having Bruno backed up by ****e like Hayden or Longstaff...for me it's the quality of the back up that gets you up the table come may.
Agreed. Longstaff and Hayden should go, and we should look to bring in 2 decent CM's. But I personally think our main needs are a new striker, LB + 2 CB's. If we started next season with a better attack and defence, then I'd be happy with a 3 cm of willock, joe and Bruno, so long as we have better on the bench. Willock, Joe and Bruno = very high work rate and plenty of quality. It could be better but our priority is definitely defence and forwards.
