What Next for the Toon
In the 2011-12 season, Newcastle took the Premier League by storm. They finished 5th, only five points from third place. This resulted in Alan Pardew, the manager, getting the Premier League Manager of the Season award, rarely given to a manager of a team outside the top four.
In anticipation to the 2011-12 season, many were unsure about how successful Newcastle's season would be. Making only four low-key summer transfers, Newcastle fans were left unsure about the quality of their squad compared to other Premier League top four challengers. Their long history of player injuries should surely have been an indicator to Alan Pardew to bring in quality back up for injury prone midfielders like Cheik Tiote, Yoan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.
Then again, Pardew performed miracles last season, so he could surely do it again.
Alas, no. Poor league form and many, many injuries left Newcastle only picking up 20 points from 20 games by the 31st of December. They were only three points above the relegation zone.
However, a January French League raid and key players coming back from injury has got Newcastle to 13th place, now six points away from the relegation zone. That might not sound like much, however, their good recent form should leave them well clear by the end of the season.
But what is next for Newcastle? I'm sure supporters wouldn't happily forget their hugely promising 2011-12 season which almost got them their first top four finish since 2003. But what do Newcastle have in order to move forward as a club?
They have the Europa League. They've done brilliantly to get this far, however, knocking Portuguese giants Benfica out will take some doing. Even if they do win, the competition still has Lazio, Tottenham and Chelsea. Chances are Newcastle would have to beat at least two of those three in order to win. And in terms of getting back into Europe, Newcastle lie seventeen points clear of 5th spot, the only safe Europa League position in the league table.
They have some quality players. Hatem Ben Arfa is one of the most gifted wingers in the league, and can play down the middle if needs be. Yoan Cabaye is also a fantastic passer of the ball, a real class act. And Papiss Cisse, who can be one of the best strikers in the Premier League when he needs to be.
>> But can they hold on to these players? All three of those players are apparently on numerous transfer watch lists, and if some big teams offering money, and, more importantly, European football, chances are, they'll be persuaded.
And what about money? Every team needs some cash to compete at the very top. Owner Mike Ashley has a reputation of being a miser when it comes to transfer funds, and if Newcastle neither have money nor European football to offer players, they won't be all too pleased.
But what about Premier League competition? This has been one of the most competitive seasons in terms of getting a top five position, with teams like Liverpool, Spurs, Everton, Arsenal, and even "bottom-feeders" like Swansea and West Brom all competing for that vital top five place.
So maybe this isn't Newcastle's season. However, if they manage to hold on to their key players, and maybe produce a few more transfer miracles like Moussa Sissoko, then in time, they can challenge for success the way the likes of Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Andy Cole used to do.
Leander Winden (@leanderwinden )
In anticipation to the 2011-12 season, many were unsure about how successful Newcastle's season would be. Making only four low-key summer transfers, Newcastle fans were left unsure about the quality of their squad compared to other Premier League top four challengers. Their long history of player injuries should surely have been an indicator to Alan Pardew to bring in quality back up for injury prone midfielders like Cheik Tiote, Yoan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa.
Then again, Pardew performed miracles last season, so he could surely do it again.
Alas, no. Poor league form and many, many injuries left Newcastle only picking up 20 points from 20 games by the 31st of December. They were only three points above the relegation zone.
However, a January French League raid and key players coming back from injury has got Newcastle to 13th place, now six points away from the relegation zone. That might not sound like much, however, their good recent form should leave them well clear by the end of the season.
But what is next for Newcastle? I'm sure supporters wouldn't happily forget their hugely promising 2011-12 season which almost got them their first top four finish since 2003. But what do Newcastle have in order to move forward as a club?
They have the Europa League. They've done brilliantly to get this far, however, knocking Portuguese giants Benfica out will take some doing. Even if they do win, the competition still has Lazio, Tottenham and Chelsea. Chances are Newcastle would have to beat at least two of those three in order to win. And in terms of getting back into Europe, Newcastle lie seventeen points clear of 5th spot, the only safe Europa League position in the league table.
They have some quality players. Hatem Ben Arfa is one of the most gifted wingers in the league, and can play down the middle if needs be. Yoan Cabaye is also a fantastic passer of the ball, a real class act. And Papiss Cisse, who can be one of the best strikers in the Premier League when he needs to be.
>> But can they hold on to these players? All three of those players are apparently on numerous transfer watch lists, and if some big teams offering money, and, more importantly, European football, chances are, they'll be persuaded.
And what about money? Every team needs some cash to compete at the very top. Owner Mike Ashley has a reputation of being a miser when it comes to transfer funds, and if Newcastle neither have money nor European football to offer players, they won't be all too pleased.
But what about Premier League competition? This has been one of the most competitive seasons in terms of getting a top five position, with teams like Liverpool, Spurs, Everton, Arsenal, and even "bottom-feeders" like Swansea and West Brom all competing for that vital top five place.
So maybe this isn't Newcastle's season. However, if they manage to hold on to their key players, and maybe produce a few more transfer miracles like Moussa Sissoko, then in time, they can challenge for success the way the likes of Kevin Keegan, Alan Shearer and Andy Cole used to do.
Leander Winden (
Comments
Post a Comment