Are Newcastle on another road to nowhere in 2021/22 campaign?
Posted on July 9th, 2021 | 36 Comments |
Steve Bruce’s men flirted with relegation for a long period of time in the second half of last season. Fulham’s poor form saved the Toon from dropping into the bottom three before Joe Willock inspired a run of five wins from their final eight matches of the season. Few supporters were satisfied with the campaign, which ended in an all too familiar feeling of non-accomplishment.
Their performances in the cup competitions were once again underwhelming, Championship side Brentford knocked the club out of the EFL Cup in the quarter-finals, spurning a great chance to advance to the last four in the competition for the first time since the 1975/76 season. The FA Cup was a similar story, suffering a third-round exit at the hands of Arsenal.
As a club, Newcastle appears to have no aim for success other than remaining in the Premier League. Even that has been an issue over the last decade, as they have suffered two relegations. The Magpies are 9/4 in the Premier League betting odds to be relegated from the top flight for the third time in Ashley’s tenure as owner. The Tynesiders have continually linked with takeovers, but none have to come to fruition. Unless those are resolved, the club appears to be on the road to nowhere.
There have been moments of sunshine to break up the dark clouds that have hung over St James’ Park for too long. Callum Wilson was exceptional following his move from Bournemouth, notching 12 goals before an injury sidelined him for a long portion of the second half of the term. Allan Saint-Maximin has also been an excellent signing for the club. He has dazzled with his pace and skill along with taking the region to his heart.
When the duo were unavailable, the Magpies’ form took a massive dip, highlighting the need for the two players to remain both at the club and on the pitch. If Wilson were to leave or suffer another serious injury, as he did during his time with Bournemouth, the results could be catastrophic for Bruce and his team. Even with those players in the ranks, it took the presence of Willock to liven up the team towards the end of the season. The midfielder provided a much-needed shot in the arm with a sensational scoring run, and his transfer fee will test the ambition of the Newcastle hierarchy.
Joe Willock can't stop scoring for #NUFC!
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Bruce is under pressure. He’s not a popular figure among Newcastle supporters and has not achieved anything of note in his managerial career other than a steady mid-table presence at best. Unless the Magpies fall drastically into the bottom three of the table he is going nowhere, much like the club. Newcastle is stuck in the mud at the moment, and fans like the rest of the footballing world are left wondering when matters will change at St James’ Park.
I hate to repeat myself, but as I already stated the two most important, (well not considering a virtual unlimited purse of course)
factors are the completion of the two figures who will remain as most importan to the reconstruction of this team and club in general, will have to be a coach (read manager) and a football manager (read agreeing with the manager and employing his abilities in regard to money being spent, his knowledge of agents and contracts, plus a history of deal making)
Unfortunately there appears to have been a certain amount of information passed between sources that lays out a certain policy, yet no agreement on the appointment of that key role of’ Footballing Overseer’ in regard to money matters.
And as I have stated, time is presently of the essence, in which case it should be brought to bare to a reluctant Saudi overseer that it could be the difference between dealing as a EPL side, as opposed to a second level side from the championship league.
neither being great, but a vast difference exists between the two, if you are the person or persons involved .
In which case could you please venture a candidate, c’mon take an
opinionated guess !