kingxlnc

NUFC were actually way ahead of the game, we had a Director of football in the SBR days, Gordon Milne. That was probably more for SBR and to get the most out of him at his age rather than part of an overall strategy. But still.

He is always complimentary about Newcastle and his time here, compared to Souness who is a right miserable sod.

Apparently he’s the centre of a wheel with the spokes being different departments. I could be wrong, not heard that analogy spoken about much

Seriously. Too much knee-jerk. While Howe can certainly learn a thing or two and being more adaptable and flexible, no-one can deny that when the team was not injured, they were up there in terms of dominating games etc. In fact, I think NUFC would be a dark horse for the title next year providing the recruitment is right, as we can see with the team available, Howe is capable of getting them to perform at an excellent level. Even some of the losses earlier in the season were highly unlucky (e.g Liverpool). With the amount of bad luck this season, that will even out next season I'm sure. They'll get 60+points this season, and I think 80+ next year.

Football often happens in strange cycles or patterns. I’m getting 1994/95 vibes about this season, where we made a strong start, back in Europe after a long time, but then disappointment when Cole left in January meaning that the season tailed off and we finished 6th. Last year was very much a 1993/94 in that it was surprising how well we did first season ‘back’. What that surely means is that a Ferdinand (Wilson replacement) and a Ginola (RW) should come in and we should challenge for the title next season…

In order of them selling, this is what I can see them doing (decent money, not including cast-offs): Almiron Wilson Longstaff Targett Murphy (although perhaps not as a good cheap sub, good for morale etc) With Ritchie, Dummett, Lascelles also probably on the way out, it's quite a few players that need to be replaced to rebuild the squad.

I can defo see Longstaff being peddled for that sweet sweet FFP He is the most dispensable and replaceable as we have both Anderson and Miley to come in. That 20m we could get for Longstaff would unlock two big 50m purchases.

That's actually a great list and would be transformational. Would add Kone, Thuram to the midfield list, and Chiesa and Williams to the RW list. Probably 200m or more of spend for all that, if not more - so very unlikely Could be possible if a big departure like Joelinton. I think Hall stays but goes out on loan. I also can't see the system changing now so whoever is bought will primarily slot into 4-3-3

I can see Liverpool going for him.

Also if Shelvey is available why not do a 6 month deal for cover?

A loan is a must, even if it’s just a Wood type as Gordon is wasted up front

5, 4, 3, 1, 2

If it's close to or over £20m I can see the logic - especially with Livramento and Ashby in reserve (and Krafth for now) Anything less it's better to keep him and let him retire here

Instead of Hall, Palmer would have been great, especially for only 5-10m more

Haha yes I forgot what the original point was - it's all hypothetical to be honest as I don't see it happening whatsoever

Yes and no - the huge profile of these signings has worked already to an extent, in that they've gotten big broadcast deals, players and clubs are taking them seriously. A few months won't make a difference to that - especially if it's a) just one player per team, and b) it frees up a slot for a new multi million superstar signing

Even without the ex-UK based one's theres' still a decent list to make a fist of it. It actually could be as simple as that - the only issue would be the fall out from everyone else if we recover from 10th to 6th or above due to the additions, they will close the loophole for sure - instead of looking at the nuance of less games, their injured players have returned, it'll all be down to cheating Saudi's etc 3 months of loans to salvage a bad season - in essence it's just Feb, Mar and Apr games - that is required and it could be a huge boost to a flagging season My fear is Howe and Ashworth are too textbook and orthodox to consider it

Go to Saudi ASAP. It's an obvious solution - short term support til the end of the season, keeps our powder dry for the summer. Absolutely worth it - with the right 2/3 signings - the bench/first team is much stronger and can actually put a run together where we go undefeated to end of the season even. That's how fine the margins currently are. Get 2/3 top players on loan - ideally at least one from each row below CM: Veiga, Milenkovic-Savic, Kante, Neves, Brozovic, Fofana, Kessie ATT: Mahrez/Mane/ASM/Benzema

ASM was sold for a criminally low fee though, he should have been at least 35m Almiron is worth 20m all day long. That gets you average to decent premier league players. Almiron is worth more than Murphy and there was an article linking Murphy with someone earlier in the season for 25m

Swap deal with Jobe + Clarke?

Fascinating Could be more transformative than Bellamy, reading that.

I think Almiron will be the ASM style departure this summer, in that he’s got good pedigree and will go at least what ASM went for. No one else expendable apart from perhaps Targett or Longstaff or Wilson is worth that, and I think Howe likes the localness of Longstaff and the past history with Wilson. I’d rather get rid of Murphy over Almiron but can’t see who would buy him, plus the NUFC supporter factor is quite strong at the club and perhaps worth keeping where possible. the no brainers, Ritchie Dummett Manquillo Hendrick Hayden should all drop off too

Even with our FFP issues - surely that's a no brainer?

Also did a few right footed crosses today

He’d be good for that creative technical piece we’re missing in the last third. Too big a name and perhaps too old for what they would go for