The perpetual trouble club. Magpie fans must be sick to the back teeth of Mike Ashley and his refusal to commit to the club they love. Is it for sale or isn’t it? Will Benitez stay or leave? Will they spend more than 10 quid on players? These are not questions fans want asked. Newcastle eventually dragged themselves away from the relegation fight after a well timed run of victories but they were never comfortable. The new season has rolled around and nothing has changed. Rafa Benitez is the only reason Newcastle stayed up last season and while he looks set to man the helm again he is just one strong offer from stepping away. Newcastle are English football royalty and they deserve better than what Ashley is giving them.
The Squad
Newcastle are one of the few clubs that are making money this window, which would make sense if money was tight but TV income has never been higher and they have one of the bigger stadiums in the league so why not splash some cash? Ashely covering himself in glory again. Are the funds being withheld from Benitez? Regardless, he has brought in at relatively little expense: Solomon Rondon, strong player but not a proven goalscorer, Yushi Muto who had a good World Cup but is coming from a different league and Ki Sung-yong who is the only proven entity. Decent players but no stardust.
Newcastle need a new super star. Jamaal Lascelles will captain the side and is paramount to the defense alongside Ciaran Clark. Jonjo Shelvey runs the show from midfield, his passing over the top has long been the key to the Magpies game plan. Ki will allow him less defensive responsibility and Shelvey will hope to be among the goals this season. Speed up front is provided by Atsu, Perez and Kenedy.
The Boss
Rafa Benitez has shown tremendous loyalty to the Newcastle faithful and they have in return backed him to the hilt. I have yet to see any dissent from the stands at St James’s Park. The Spaniard will set up his side to revolve around Shelvey, letting the Englishman spray passes around and attempt to back up the strikers with either Mo Diame or Ki doing the dirty work. Speed and good delivery from the wings will be important. Benitez demands discipline and his teams are expected to work hard for the cause.
What to Expect
Protests against the owner, those are guaranteed. The football will be clinical and if the midfield can control possession, then it will be effective. However, against the top sides Newcastle struggle to assert their authority and tend to get swept away. Magpie supporters will hope for a top half finish but I think anything higher than 15 th will be a victory. What would be more important than that however, would be to find an owner who actually cares. That would really make their season.