Newcastle United amended their downward trajectory, to a degree, after a hard-fought draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend. But off the pitch, in the St James’ Park boardroom, the decisions reportedly being made highlight the astounding lack of forward planning at the club which threatens to jeopardise the remainder of the Magpies’ Premier League season.
Firstly, The Telegraph has reported that striker Dwight Gayle is being offered on loan to any Championship suiter who can afford to pay his wages, despite Newcastle currently being in the midst of an injury crisis. At this moment in time, 9 first-team players are either recovering from knocks or entirely unavailable for manager Steve Bruce, including strikers Yoshinori Muto and Gayle himself, who had to be substituted at the weekend.
Before Joelinton’s return vs Rochdale on Tuesday, Bruce was left with just Andy Carroll as his only option to lead the line – a player who has repeatedly struggled with injury throughout his entire career. Therefore, letting a striker leave in January risks compromising the remainder of the season, especially as the Magpies are one of the lowest scoring sides in the division.
Further damning evidence that the hierarchy at Newcastle are devoid of any long-term strategy is that reports have emerged this week that Bruce and owner Mike Ashley will meet to discuss the club’s activity in the remainder of the transfer window. The pair have not met since August, and with half the January window already gone, it is shocking to think that Newcastle are only now developing their plans. Without regular contact, how is the manager supposed to have any input on who arrives at St James’ Park midway through the campaign?
Not only allowing a player to leave but offering him to Championship clubs, without a clear replacement in mind is criminal behaviour from the Premier League’s second-lowest scoring side. The Newcastle United board have had since September to eye any potential moves in January. Yet, their mid-window discussions indicate that any deal completed will be hastily pushed through without even contemplating the long-term ramifications. When compared to Liverpool’s signing of Takumi Minamino, a player within the Magpies’ budget, Newcastle’s ineptitude in the transfer market is bordering on laughable.
