Revolution rather than evolution?

Once again this summer has proved that life at St James' Park refuses to be dull and predictable.

The departure of Kevin Nolan, coupled with speculation regarding the futures of Joey Baton, Jonas Gutierrez and Fabricio Coloccini, not to mention Jose Enrique's silence over his next move, has caused an air of uncertaintanty and concern amongst many fans. This, to an extent, has been counterbalanced by the exciting signings of Demba Ba, Sylvain Marceaux and Yohan Cabaye, and with Newcastle being rumoured to be chasing the signatures of players with the quality and flair of N'Zogbia and Sturridge, the shift in the team's philosophy, both on and off the pitch, is there for everyone to see.

Gone are the days when we would pay ageing stars huge wages and keep them on long contracts. Nowadays we are following the lead of Arsenal and Manchester United, where players who are approaching the age of 30 are offered shorter contracts with a more sensible wage structure.

Looking at our buying policy the emphasis is on young, talented players, that do not demand huge transfer fees or wages, and who really want to wear the shirt of Newcastle United. The club's (and fans) treatment of and attitude towards Hatem Ben Arfa seems to have made us the darlings of French football. Ben Arfa himself, seems to have been an influencial factor in Newcastle gaining the signatures of our new French arrivals and I sense that a special bond may well develop between these players and the fans.

That is the stratedgy off the pitch, but the on-pitch stratedgy has also changed. Last season we tended to focus on getting the ball to a big striker early with the midfield feeding from him. Many of our performances can best be described as "gritty and determined" to say the least. But looking at the type of players that we are now signing and being linked with in the transfer market, it is obvious to see that Alan Pardew is looking to get his team playing with pace and flair.

It is undoubtedly a gamble by Mike Ashley to proceed down the path of revolution rather than evolution, but if he gets it right, both on and off the pitch, we could see, not only entertaining football, but also witness our club achieving financial security under a sound recriutment policy.

 

Yes please!

 

I can't wait to see what the team looks like at the end of the transfer window.

We've quite possibly got an exciting team to get behind.

 

One step at a time OT..

 

well, since we've only gotten rid of one player so far, this article is rather presumptuous

 

Good article. I think allot of the changes have been positive (maybe more long term, Nolan departure etc) and I'm more than encouraged by the stance/policy the club is taking with regards to the future and transfers in & out of the club.

Like you said, it could be a gamble, but it's the first time in a while that the club actually appears to have a plan and a particular direction it wants to take. Still no great fan of Ashley, but at least things are starting to take shape and we can look to the future with optimisim, for a change.

How long will it last?

 

Good article, friend

I do agree with Beatski, however. We've only sold one player so far and believe Colo, Jonas and Joey will still be here come september 1st/2nd (or whenever the ruddy window closes!)

I've got the slightest that Enrique could in fact sign a new contract if we keep up the positive signings and hold onto so current key players...

HWTL!

 

I think I'd disagree with that .. I think the plan and direction has fundamentally been there from the start of Ashley's reign, however, going through the severe pain of realising this plan has caused, shall we say, some friction over the years .. still a fair way to go yet though

 

I only hope we don't lose the grit we've shown over the last couple of seasons. We've had great fighting spirit recently never more shown that the Le Arse game, would that have result happened with the new players coming in? Debatable. But hopefully we won't be 4-0 at half-time with the quality of players we're signing.

 

Fair point. I guess it's the first time they've appeared capable of carrying out said plan. Either way, I feel we're actually heading in the right* direction.

* meaning stability + established top half PL side = Ashley more likely to sell

 

^^ I'd certainly agree with that yes ..