It's easily done, it's already 11:30am, so ScotMag will have already had 6 pints and 5 black sambucas by now.
Sounds like this is the lot barring maybe a loan or two. It's nice work getting them in early and it's easy to get greedy , but really it's a completely different club already.
If we complete the Barnes signing I feel that we've had a great transfer window. I went off Maddison after seeing his efforts in a couple of end of season games for Leicester - he just didn't seem to work off the ball. Looking closer at what Barnes can do from some the analysis videos, I really think that he's undervalued. His stats are impressive - he scores with both feet and I can see him getting on the end of give and go passes from Bruno and Tonali. Tonali really does look a gem, and at just 23 he's got some big years to give. If no-one else signs I'd be happy with our progress, but I think the side could do with a left back and centre back cover. We've not got a worse side than last season and I think we'll turn some draws into wins. But it's the CL effect that might hit us hard - more chance of injuries and more tiredness after midweek games against top sides. Like last season, I'm hoping for a top 5 finish.
So looks like Nick Pope is on track to be back & fully fit for the start of PL season, following his hand surgery. Started doing full training, including shot stopping. Good news.
One thing I've noticed is that the media like to keep telling themselves Newcastle are signing average unexciting players. I must say it's amazing how well Newcastle do considering how **** all their players are.
To be fair, I still rate Maddison and would have been happy to see him in a Toon shirt. However, I was never quite sure where / how he'd best fit into an Eddie 433 formation. With Barnes it's much clearer, he suits the system well. I just hope he can adapt to the the fitness levels needed for our pressing game. It might take a bit of time - like with Gordon, who struggled a bit last season but now looks fit & sharp after the England U21s.
Hopefully Barnes will be fully confirmed today - a good old Friday announcement to start the weekend off.
If I get a Villa ticket, I'll have become fluent in Spanish, at least for this exchange. Emi! Tu madre está al teléfono! Ella dice que tu espagueti alfabético está listo... Emi!!!! Emi!!!!
Born in Croydon, Portuguese father and Scottish mother....really doesn't explain why his name sounds so Russian. But more to the point why are we buying another right back when we need a left back?
Trippier is cracking on plus we need cover at cb. Nice work trippiers now covered and won't get run into the ground.
