Newcastle are currently in the process of revamping a somewhat underwhelming strike-force and though the signing of Demba Ba from West Ham is a step in the right direction, there is still some work to be done. With this in mind, the futures of Shola Ameobi, Nile Ranger and Peter Lovenkrands remain very much up in the air, given that each has been something of a disappointment throughout their time at Newcastle. So who should be kept, who should be loaned and who should be sold?
I get the feeling that at this stage in his career, Shola just wont leave Newcastle. Newcastle are stuck with him – after all, with his track record he’s not exactly an attractive prospect. Besides, I’d argue that he’s worth keeping around for sentimental value any way. Shola has been with the club for over a decade and has chocked up 236 appearances. He’s something of a Newcastle mainstay and I just can’t see him moving on this summer.
Nile Ranger is a difficult one. He’s shown talent in glimpses, but he’s still prone to having the occasional bad game and needs to learn to stay on his feet. There have also been questions concerning the youngster’s attitude, with his team-mates complaining that he doesn’t put the right effort in on the training pitch. Despite this, Newcastle fans would be gutted if they were to let him move onto another club only to have him suddenly spring into life and start acting on his potential.
As such, it’s worth sending him out on loan for a season to a Premier League club or Championship side who will offer him decent game time and then evaluate whether he’s worthy of Newcastle United at the year’s close.
Which brings us to Lovenkrands a man who doesn’t lack for effort, but who also doesn’t provide the club with enough goals. During his second stint at the club he has scored only 19 goals in 53 appearances and will be looking to improve on that tally if the club decide to keep him on. Out of these three players, however, I would suggest that he is the most expendable. If he can be sold, so be it, but if not I’d let him run down the rest of his deal, thank him for his service and allow him to seek a new club.
That’s how I would like to see Newcastle’s strike-force develop. Do you agree or disagree? Feel free to leave a comment or join the discussion over on Twitter.
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Ameobi and Lovenkrands have had their chances and failed miserably to make the grade. I have no idea what it is that Newcastle see in Ameobi. He is absolute garbage.
Ranger needs to screw his head on and wake up quickly to the opportunity that he has. Has a far far better workrate than Ameobi and lovenkrands (but that wouldn’t be difficult in all honesty) but also has a lot to learn.
Agree with loaning out Ranger. Maybe he’ll find his form and come back a better player for it.
I would like to see Shola go, he doesn’t bring anything to the table except for his goals against the Mackems. Give his starts to Sammy. A passing of the torch if you will. Think a Championship side would take Shola on loan?
I think McLoven could have a break out year with this new midfield style. Suits his style of play and he is never one to just stroll around waiting for the ball to come to him.
i have to be honest but i dont think any of them are pl standard lets clear the decks and get tid of shols lovens and ranger add their wages together and get someone in who will be worthy of the money
Loan out ranger. Keep shola and peter good for the squad and team spirit imo.
Bring in 1 more striker tho and have haris nd sammy in the fringes