The CL takes alot out of the teams in it due to all the extra games! How do you think Newcastle would cope and what additions do you think you will need to improve your squad depth?
I think it can only be a positive, if it happens we'd make approx 35 million for this years league finish + next years champions league revenue so I don't see anyone going out and with our tremendous scouting system the players coming in will be top class. Europa on the other hand doesn't offer that much cash incentive to risk key players fitness but I'd see that as a great platform for some very promising youngsters we have ala Vuckic, Abeid and Ferguson
We've got nothing to lose now, after today we have european competition in the bag. Even if we end up in Europa its still alot more than we expected and a shot to nothing at some revenue and good european nights again - there are some really good teams in it, i never really understand why it gets so much bad press.
I'm not sure it does in countries other than ours...And even then, its only by elitist fans and clueless pundits (I'm sorry Shearer, but never heard of Ben Arfa?) Unless Messi or Ronaldo is involved, a lot of the time, they don't know who they're watching!
I think we'd cope ok but it would undoubtedly put pressure on the board to thicken out the squad. We desperately need a left back (Enrique should just come home) and a quality centre back to push Willo down to 4th choice. Another attacking midfielder a la Frei, Hoilett, Moses would be nice. Then you'd look at centre midfield and improving the quality of back up. If Ba leaves in search of a central role, we'll need a striker. 4 or 5 no more and only one or two for the first xi.
Andy Carroll, Jose Enrique, (Craig Bellamy?)... are you ****ers looking at the Premier League table? 4th Newcastle United 8th Liverpool