Newcastle United have undergone significant change during the summer and one of their former defenders is fearing the worst.
Former Newcastle United right-back Danny Simpson believes his former club could be in a Premier League relegation battle this season.
Newcastle have undergone significant change this summer with Eddie Howe deciding to step down as head coach following the sales of talismanic trio Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes.
The Magpies appointed Matthias Jaissle as their new boss from Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, and he has been tasked with working with a young squad following a change in transfer policy that has seen 18-year-old Sean Steur, 20-year-olds Bazoumana Toure, Aladji Bamba and Ewen Jaouen, and 24-year-olds Lukas Hornicek and Amar Dedic join.
Danny Simpson: Newcastle United in relegation trouble ‘not out of the question’
Newcastle kick off their Premier League campaign at home to Liverpool on Sunday, and Simpson is fearful that the changes could lead to Jaissle’s side competing at the wrong end of the table.
“It's not out of the question for Newcastle to be in a relegation scrap this season,” Simpson told NewcastleWorld via LiveFootballTickets. “Losing Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Kieran Trippier's leadership qualities from last season, any team would struggle.
“To add to that, there is still a lot of uncertainty around Anthony Elanga, Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade. I thought Elanga was poor last season and Jacob Ramsey was fairly average.
“Are these players really good enough to play for Newcastle? There are so many unknowns surrounding Newcastle this season.”
Danny Simpson: It was right that Eddie Howe left
Howe looked set to stay at Newcastle after receiving the full support of the board following last season’s disappointing 12th place finish in the Premier League.
However, when the Magpies returned for pre-season in June, Howe had a change of heart and informed the hierarchy of his intention to step down. The 48-year-old took charge of friendlies against Gateshead and Bristol City before Jaissle was appointed.
Howe was already under pressure from sections of the Newcastle fanbase and while Simpson believes the criticism was harsh, the former defender admits it was the right time for him to step aside.
“I said last season the criticism of Eddie Howe was harsh,” Simpson said. “The success he's had at the club since he took over has been tremendous.
“Taking them out of the relegation zone when he took charge to a top-half finish, two Champions League qualifications, winning a trophy and just missing out on another in the final, it's remarkable. He probably felt he had gone as far as he could with the club.
“I think half of the Newcastle fans were impatient with him for some reason. After losing his best players, I think it was probably best for everyone that he left, as it was getting a bit toxic at times.
“I expect Eddie Howe to take a break, and when managers start getting sacked, he will be the first name other clubs will be calling.
“I think with the new manager and a new group of players it's a rebuild for Newcastle and I think that's how they see it too.”
Former Newcastle United defender delivers worrying verdict ahead of Liverpool opener
Former Newcastle United defender delivers worrying verdict ahead of Liverpool opener