The last thing I expected to see this Wednesday, was a lackluster Newcastle side get linked to want-away striker Wayne Rooney.
Can we really expect Alan Pardew to pull his attention away from Ligue 1 to consider signing an English forward? Isn’t there some workaday French forward who can move to St James Park and score 10-or-so goals next season instead?
This ‘story’ broke on the recently launched SportsDirect News website. As a result, the consensus among fans was that this was a ‘PR excercise’. Well if that’s the case, it seems to have worked.
There’s been a fair amount of chat about the article and even an apology from Sports Direct owner, Mike Ashley, who claims that it was ‘published without authority, merit and is untrue’.
As we’re not herear to judge start-up websites (even those with a big brand presence and financial backing), I think there’s a more interesting discussion about Newcastle’s current standing in the transfer market.
Yes, Newcastle have avoided relegation. The team has ground out a couple of big results over the last couple of months. But still, there’s no denying it: Newcastle’s footballing stock is extremely low at the moment.
They started the season poorly and will finish it playing mediocre football. Alan Pardew was extremely active in the January transfer window, but his signings did little to improve things. Sprinkle onto this dirty cocktail rumours of dressing room unrest and you’re left with a real sour taste in the mouth.
Why would any top player want to move to Newcastle (or any other side who faced a relegation battle this season)? If you’re a footballer with aspirations, they will probably be better served elsewhere.
Why would Wayne Rooney, a man who has requested a move away from the Premier League champions, join the Magpies, only to scrap it out at the bottom of the table? Does he fancy a challenge? Has he lost his marbles?
After the decisions Alan Pardew has made during the last two transfer windows, he now needs to adjust his focus. It’s time to stop bringing people in and start working with what the club already has.
Once Newcastle start performing better, getting results and challenging for a place in Europe, they’ll be able to start targeting top players again.
Until then, however, it’s time to do away with the PR pieces and start getting realistic.
What’s your take? Will Newcastle spend big this summer?
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Knob.
One of the most ridiculous articles I’ve ever read. You’re basically saying that this self-admitted publicity stunt of an article is Newcastle’s transfer strategy and they believe they can get Wayne Rooney. No one has ever said that. Ever. Stop ****-stirring. It’s pathetic.