Yes was being a little tongue in cheek. Happy to see how he goes but my real issue is I do not think this position is the priority but some time to go so we will see. Watching the last home game it just struck me what are problem is with the wingers not delivering due to either poor delivery or having to check back as no one in the middle thus allowing the opposition to get back. The only time that did happen , when Josh Murphy cut it back, we scored. Will Jonas improve that? Not convinced but as I said we will have to see. Agree Snodgrass needs time out.
As I've said, a loan is a much better option than 3m and 50K. I think some of the reasons for those of us who have reacted with less than enthusiasm to this signing: a) it suggests the board isn't even considering getting rid of Hughton b) subject to what else happens in the transfer market, it smacks of fiddling while Rome burns (i.e. does Hughton even realise there is a creativity problem? And, if he does, does he care? Or does he think we can 0-0 our way to safety again?) c) we're worried this might signal the end of Pilks. I know he's injury prone but he genuinely does have a dimension that our other wingers don't.
Agreed, but on (a) I have assumed that ever since Hughton came through unscathed in early December we would have him until at least the end of the transfer window, which I would have said was obvious. And if you're going to give a manager a transfer window, it would be strange to then not let him spend (if you have the cash). So it seems odd people are surprised by this. Hughton has generally spent wisely and so I think the board would be prepared to back him even knowing they might need to replace him soon. I feel the signing emphasises that we have identified the same major holes as the manager in our squad (in this instance, experience, leadership and nous) and the most suitable way to patch them, and this was the quickest one to patch. I'll reserve judgment on the creativity side until the window shuts because we should all know by now how long this sort of thing takes to thrash out a deal
Whether we sign someone adjudged on here to be a "creative player" depends on whether such a player is available at the right price and willing to come. Not signing such a player will no doubt be taken by some as proof that CH doesn't know what is needed. I'm sorry, he certainly does know what is needed, but he also knows how difficult it is to get the right person. And regarding "the right person", didn't CH say yesterday that anyone coming in would be "someone we know". That is to say, he is not going to sign someone who might need time to adjust to the PL. He wants someone he can put in the team more or less straight away.
With regards to a), I can see what your saying, but as it's a loan, I could see it being a well you say this is what you need, now improve the results. A permanent signing on the other hand may have indicated unwavering backing. Or of course this loan deal just makes sense to manager and board given the injuries we have and provides little further indication that we have not already received by the fact we are 14 days into january and he still has not been sacked. With b) I too think there are positions in more dire need of filling, a creative influence at the top of that list, but we should at least wait and see if we try to fill it. Allbeit I too would have hoped that given our troubles there, we would have at least seen some signal that we are trying to do something in that direction and early in the window, why wait and be devoid of creation for all of January's matches? c) Pilks is as good as we've got when fit, so I would hate to see him go, but I don't think this is exactly proof of his departure. And as with Wes I just don't see us selling to and potentially helping out a relegation rival. Bah!
Binner (I think that's what you call us...) and Geordie fan in peace. Jonas is a creative and dedicated player. I've always rated him at Newcastle and I'm surprised to see him out on loan. Given that you've been leaking goals like my attempts at plumbing, I genuinely think he's exactly what you need to stave off the dreaded bottom three. Breast of luck for the rest of the season.
IMO, it's a very sensible signing considering Pilks' injury problems and the versatility of JG right across the midfield. My hope is that results will improve once Pilks, Tettey and Howson return to the team. I think that this signing actually increases the chance of getting a quality ACM in. There is money available for an ACM, and I wouldn't rule out a quality CB as well, though I think it's less likely. As for Pilks leaving, I can't see a loan deal influencing that.
