Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe
There is much to intrigue and be solved when next season is rolled out after a summer of jockeying for reinforcements. Can Arne Slot achieve what Jurgen Klopp never managed during his charismatic time with Liverpool and win two successive Premier League titles?
Or can those habitual bridesmaids Arsenal at last jump the Grand Canyon from second place to first? Can Manchester City, brought down by Father Time, be Pepped up enough to resume their haughty place leading the parade? Can Man U and fellow fallen aristocrats Tottenham regain their dignity and a little pride? Can the supposedly doomed - Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds United - avoid the inevitable fate of promoted clubs and not return immediately to more barren grazing grounds?
However for all Geordies those questions pale into insignificance because only one really matters: can Newcastle United handle the considerable extra burden of playing in the Champions League as well as the Premier League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup?
They reserved their place at Europe's top table with a trophy in their travelling bag despite a squad so thin that you can read a copy of the Chronicle through it. It means the powers that be must have as big a blinder this summer as Eddie and the team had through a gruelling autumn, winter and spring.
The transfer door has already temporarily swung open for business. It did so on Sunday, earlier than usual, to accommodate those playing in world club football but will shut almost immediately on Tuesday, June 10 at 7pm then reopen once more on Monday, June 16 and run until Monday, September 1 at 7pm. Opportunity Knocks as Hughie Green used to say back in the day. Twice actually.
Eddie Howe has implored his paymasters to come out of the blocks like Usain Bolt and as a consequence the rumour mill - in the shape of social media these days - has gone into overdrive. United have scouted and made firm moves for enough footballers here and abroad to fill St James' Park twice over if you believe all.
That's fine. It's harmless fun and wiles away the long period of inactivity on the football field. However for those holding the purse strings each day goes by like a ticking time bomb. Howe himself has lit the fuse being so frustrated by three successive windows where United took on the mantle of Scrooge with a hole in his pocket staring in Harrods window.
The shopping list is clear and not too short: a goalkeeper, right-sided centre-half, outside-right, striker and maybe a midfielder.
Those who can go? Take any from Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock, Callum Wilson, Matt Targett, Martin Dubravka, and Odysseas Vlachodimos (remember him?). Not all in a job lot but any who attract a decent offer. Callum can go for nowt of course if he so wishes.
Such a heavy workload as that now facing Newcastle can be handled successfully. United themselves have proved it. Under the shrewd guidance of Sir Bobby Robson during season 2002-03 the Mags played an astonishing 14 Champions League matches (there were two successive groups) and still finished third top of the PL though it must be admitted they went out of both domestic cups at the first hurdle. Can be handled but only with help.
There are plenty of examples, good and bad, as United look to embark on a spending spree. Best bargains: Rob Lee at £700,000; Peter Beardsley signed twice at £150,000 and then fully fledged £1.5m; Andy Cole for £2.5m. Great signings: Alan Shearer, SuperMac, Kevin Keegan. Worst signings (a waste of money): Michael Owen at £16m. World Cup winner Stephane Guivarc'h. Marcelino and Jean-Alain Boumsong.
However this is certainly a time for action and not excuses. No long drawn out chase for a particular star like Marc Guehi during the last window when United made slightly increased bid after slightly increased bid all the way up to just about £70m and still failed to get their man. That was an exercise in futility, in wasting valuable time, being strung along by the so-called seller, and finally running out of road. Then blaming financial fair play for doing us again when actually we did ourselves.
Whoever's hand is on the tiller - and they take turns these days - the purpose is crystal clear: Newcastle United must avoid another episode this summer like Guehi. Get him if you want but do it quickly and decisively not doubt and dither.
Howe has pleaded - or warned whichever you prefer. So have the fans. And the media. United cannot cock a deaf 'un or wait until the last embers. There is too much to do and the best bargains are quickly snaffled off the transfer market shelves anyway.
If United want to do well in the Champions League, qualify for Europe again, and have another good punt at a domestic trophy then it is down to those behind the scenes. It is no good, nor fair, to rely on another Eddie Howe miracle.
I know all indications are that the work will be done but words are cheap and only actions count. No more Guehi drawn out drama please. Just ambition and results.
Treasure a season to remember
Newcastle United's 2024-25 campaign has to rank as one of the best in living memory. Not only did Eddie Howe's side qualify for the Champions League by securing fifth place in the Premier League, but they ended their long wait for silverware by winning the Carabao Cup
Our celebrates an incredible campaign for the Magpies, with in-depth analysis, ratings and interviews of a season to remember.
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