Former Scotland and Rangers striker Ally McCoist admits he's worried about Newcastle United
Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe
Former Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe
Ally McCoist is worried about Newcastle United, and he's probably not the only one. With the new season now just days away, the Magpies are braced for a huge opening-day challenge with Liverpool.
However, what will follow over the course of the campaign remains a mystery, with so much uncertainty surrounding the future of the new-look side.
Former Rangers and Scotland striker McCoist has watched on as key players Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were sold, with youngsters such as Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba brought in to replace them.
There is plenty optimism on on Tyneside over what they can achieve, but also an acknowledgment that it will take time for them to fulfil their potential.
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However, McCoist fears the biggest blow was the decision of Eddie Howe to step down as head coach.
He has been replaced by Matthias Jaissle, and while he is quick not to judge the German, McCoist feels Howe's exit will be a major setback for the club.
And he has pinpointed the midfield transfer target Newcastle should pursue in order to give their squad a timely boost.
Newcastle United Head Coach Matthias Jaissle
Newcastle United head coach Matthias Jaissle(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Images)
"I worry about Newcastle, I really do," he told talkSPORT Bet slots site. "Never mind Tonali and Guimaraes, losing those big players and personalities is tough. But they’ve lost Eddie Howe.
"That said, I’m not pre-judging Matthias Jaissle because I don’t know an awful lot about him, he should be given time to do his job.
"But I do worry. I worry about the squad losing Gordon, Guimaraes, and Tonali? Crikey, man. They definitely need players in.
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"Carlos Baleba is a player, by the way, I like him a lot. They certainly need somebody to come in to help fill the boots of Bruno Guimaraes and Tonali. I think a lot of Newcastle fans are slightly concerned at this moment in time, and I think with justification."
Newcastle are hopeful of bringing in a new central midfielder, potentially before the season starts, although time is now running out to integrate any new faces into the squad before the game with Liverpool on Sunday.
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