So it seems to be mission accomplished with four games remaining in what has been another anarchic campaign for Newcastle United.
The aim at the start of the season was clear; survival at all costs with many a fan prepared to accept finishing 17th on goal difference.
But losing first the manager and then the local hero in a matter of months had threatened to blemish the good start to the season. Yet credit where it’s due the new manager and players have stuck together and this must continue right up until the final kick on the final day.
There’s still plenty at stake for all concerned; not least those fringe players who could well be culled to make way for new recruits and the current starters entrusted with making sure that the season does not fizzle out. The manager has already stated that he wants a strong finish to the season and there is the small matter of potentially finishing above Sunderland. Performance levels must not drop as all are on trial as the Magpies build for the next season.
Splashing the Cash
It’s becoming tiresome hearing the same £35 million story being bandied about on a daily basis. Pardew stating he has the cash but the fans still sceptical that it will materialise. Earlier blog about the
financial results stated that the loss from the Championship was £33.5million; now even the most optimistic of Newcastle fan would see that the sale of Andy Carroll covers this very difference. It is however imperative we do strengthen as Carroll had helped put a decent amount of points of the board before he left and next season it’s vital that we have a goal-scorer of that ilk. It should also be a motivation for the final few matches to try and finish as high as possible in the league as the extra money per place could come in handy for Pardew’s transfer kitty. Especially after Fulham and Stoke overtook the Toon with wins midweek.
Pardew
And so we come on to the man himself. Is he the manager that the fans wanted- probably not? But he has achieved his target for this season and now needs to be given the financial means to do his job and the full support of all at the club. His first task is tying down at least two of his three big hitters. It may be time to admit defeat in the Enrique equation as rumours are rife that he has handed in his tenancy termination. He’ll go with the blessing of most after he stayed and helped the club return to the Prem and of course if he did declare he wanted to stay- then all our smiles would be wider than the Tyne Bridge. Because of this likely departure it becomes even more crucial that he keeps hold of Barton and Nolan. A source close to Joey Barton stated that he wanted to stay on Tyneside and there won’t be a single Newcastle fan not wanting that outcome. Nolan’s contract negotiations have apparently begun and it’s just as key that he stays.
Andy Blair praised
Pardew’s start at Newcastle back in February and his main question at the time was whether or not we would be a Premier League club. Pardew has all but guaranteed this and now has to invest wisely whatever money he is given in the summer.
The Players
Inconsistent would amply sum up recent games with erratic performances aplenty. Brilliant home displays in the win against Wolves and the draw with Man Utd, but dreadful away results at Stoke and Villa. There are players in the team who are playing to their level and it’s up to Pardew to decide who can improve our standing; but the likes of Guthrie, R Taylor and Smith should be looking nervously over their shoulder if the manager does get ruthless.
It would be unfair to be too critical of the team as who would of thought we’d of been sitting in safely in mid-table with four matches left, but this should not act as an excuse to simply let the season peter out
Onwards and Upwards
Shola was quoted this week saying that he wants to play in the Champions League again with Newcastle and the team are on the cusp of good things once again. Although this may be slightly ambitious from the big striker- all supporters live in hope that the owner will back the manager and that the right type of player is able to be attracted. The fans have already showed their support by hitting a record high with season tickets sales and now it’s over to the club and its employees to finish this season on a high and start next season with a bang.
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