ExiledGeordie

I think we’re going to have to go pretty hard in the transfer window this summer to satisfy the likes of Bruno re ambition

Exactly. Proper coaching pays huge dividends as we’ve already seen but intimately you have to upgrade positions with better quality. Ultimately Burn, Longstaff maybe even the likes of Miggy, Wilson will become more squad based players or certainly far from guaranteed starters.

I agree with all of that and I’m certainly not blaming him for all our defensive frailties. Moving forwards for our overrall play we need a better left back or more “purer” left back.

I think he still has a massive role to play. Solid starting or back up CB and can fill in at left back but no way should he be starting left back moving forwards.

I’m maybe not as confident as 4-0 but I think we’ll win. We simply have to start finishing off chances though and there’s pressure on players to do so because it won’t be long until summer and the final 3rd is where we’ll see upgrades.

It’s getting pretty boring hearing along the lines of “Newcastle created plenty of chances again but couldn’t convert them”

I think if the club want to push on and as there’ll prob alt be a fairly huge window in the summer upgrading the number 9 position will almost certainly need to happen. I agree I’m not sure Wilson would be happy with the backup role so may end up going to a lower prem club for more game time.

I agree top four is still within reach but we’re going to have to start finishing off chances to do it and that included cementing a 5th or 6th place finish. Our attacking players including the midfielders just aren’t clinical enough though and that’ll be addressed in the summer I think.

There seems to have been too much background noise and reporting for him not to be one of the top targets for me. Seems exactly what we need etc. Only concern is a bit of a patchy injury record but I think he’d be an amazing signing. Him and Bruno working on the creative side with a number 6 sitting would be immense.

Yeah that balance between keeping team spirit and and progressing will be interesting to watch. I think there’ll be bug changes in the summer though. Almost feels like it could be the start of the next phase.

I can see Wilson adding experience to a striking department and rotating in for games but I just don’t see him being able to start regularly next season going off what we’re seeing currently.

Howe himself said recently that consistent training has been an issue. I wonder if his slump in form continues the rest do the season they might re-evaluate his situation moving forwards. I know he has a special relationship with Howe but there can be no time for sentiment to keep the club moving forward. Or I wonder if he becomes more of a 3rd choice, impact type player from next season?

He might have to start trying something different with Targett soon if our indifferent form continues.

Agreed. He’s starting to show his form but if they didn’t already try and sign him why would they now and as you say for more money. Maddison if we can get him seeds the ideal player with a number 6 to take us forward.

Totally agree, recent months and the cup final show how much we’re still lacking quality and depth. Summer will be a big squad change imo, loads of dead wood out clearing the wage bill and genuine quality brought in. There could and probably should be at least 3 new potential starters at the start of next season imo (LB, number 6 type player, new winger off the top of my head as a starter). I wonder if there’s further change in the striking department too.

Yep things definitely need freshening up. I actually think we’ll settle down in the league ok now the cup is out the way as I think it’s been a major distraction combined with form dipping. Tough match this though.

Yeah there’s just no sharpness at all. Combination of illness and managing injuries impacting his training time but that raises major questions moving forward.

Lest be honest too, the premier league wages table tells you a lot about where both teams are and the options available.

Im indifferent on ASM, I’m not a huge fan but I’m also not someone who rails against him but I agree his hit and miss performances/end product is an issue. He is one of the few players who can create focus though. Ultimately I think we’ll invest heavily in the final 3rd in the summer and he’ll become part of the squad and far from guaranteed starter. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if he moves on in the summer though.

Yeah that’s all excellent analysis. I didn’t think we were too bad yesterday but just lacked quality in final 3rd. There’s an argument and genuine possibility that none of the front 3 will start next season. Like he says in the analysis I think the game will prove as a major indicator for squad development. So many players need moving on and genuine quality brought in in the summer. Team has done great this season just dipped form wise and run out of steam at the wrong time for the cup. Onwards and upwards.

He’d be far more effective with a proper left back on his side but I thought he did really well in the main. Ok he gave away some sloppy passes but he was the only one other than Bruno who looked like creating anything as we were going to get nowt from Miggy or Wilson.

Watching at home with a few beers

Great athlete, bog standard defender

Yep, we just aren’t clinical enough in front of goal

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