Ashley’s intent signals winds of change at St James’ Park?
Posted on March 21st, 2010 | 130 Comments |
Recent reports have suggested that the newest addition to the scouting network, Graham Carr, has been a busy bee and is already compiling a list of players that would improve the team should we secure what looks to be a likely promotion. Names such as Jamie O’Hara, Pablo Hernandez from Valencia, Getafe’s Juan Albin, Yohan Cabaye from Lille aswell as youngsters like Adama Diakite, have all been linked with us in recent weeks, and all of these players fit the criteria which Ashley himself has talked of implementing.
We all know what that policy is, bringing in players under the age of 26 that will either strengthen the team or at least be sold on for profit. It sounds great in theory, just the job for a club that was known as being a big pay day for stars such as Michael Owen, stars that were signed on reputation, stars that ultimately let us down in our hour of need.
These players will undoubtedly add to the team. Hernandez is a winger on the verge of the Spanish squad, Albin is a playmaker who plays just behind the strikers, Cabaye is a combative type of midfielder. All players in positions that many of us have identified could be an issue in the Premier League, all players that could do a job for us.
Of course, we may not get them. Juan Albin could be a strong possibility, out of contract in the summer and playing for a team in European contention, could the lure of St James’ Park tempt him to Tyneside? I’d certainly hope so as a midfielder with craft and guile is definately something we have been missing. Something is definately going on though, perhaps in the background Ashley has been trying to get things right after all?
That’s the thing though, Ashley has made that many mistakes that it would take a lot, a hell of a lot to get some fans back on side, some fans just wont budge though. The whole Keegan-gate saga was a bridge too far, a bridge that has been burnt in their eyes, lies and deception being the catalyst to the fire.
Many fans overlook the money that has been pumped in by himself. Granted, if he wants to see a return on his investment it was something that was needed, although it shouldn’t be overlooked. As this season has progressed there have been clear signs that things are becoming more settled, both on the pitch and off it. Aside from the mutterings of Derek Llambias, thigs have settled down. The “get out of our club” chants have gone, to be replaced with the “all we care about, is NUFC”. Perhaps it’s due to a mellowing towards Ashley, grudgingly coming to terms with the fact he is here and here to stay by the looks of it. Perhaps it’s the willingness of the fans to get behind the team. Only those that know, actually know.
This isn’t me being an apologist for Mike Ashley. Many people know that I refused to set foot inside SJP earlier in season in the midst of the Moat saga, something I have stuck to. But even I am forced to admit, just a little, that it is nice to see our club being run properly, not having to worry about picking the papers up and seeing another story about us, not having to put up with players who couldn’t care less for the club.
Of course, this could all blow up in my face if Chris Hughton isn’t backed by the board in the summer. I didn’t really expect him to get backed in January, but he was. Sensible investment in a time of extreme financial difficulty. Sounds good, too good maybe.
Knowing Newcastle United, it probably is!
NUFCBlog Author: toonsy
toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.
All the right noises should they turn out to be true it will be fantastic.
I have to say that we should all be cautious given what has happened in the past and not expect anything. I hope fat boy has seen the light and will put some money in but I will believe stuff when I see it, though the Routledge signing was a massive shock and he has been our best player since Jan in my opinion