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Do Newcastle need to add more British players to their squad?

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Alan Pardew

Throughout his time as a football manager, Alan Pardew has never failed to astound me with some of his actions, behaviour and comments.

Buying players from foreign Leagues (mostly Ligue 1) at cut-price has been a fixture of Alan Pardew’s reign at Newcastle. As such, it’s a little bizarre to hear the man suggest that there might be ‘too many’ foreign players at St James’ Park.

Let’s take a look at his comments: “One issue is that we’re going to need to look at British players quickly because we’re starting to get filled up with perhaps too many foreign players. I think we need to strengthen the team and maybe in January as well.” (Source: The Mirror)

Whilst some fans may nod along in agreement, it has to be noted that Alan Pardew is at fault for this. If anyone has disturbed the balance of Newcastle United, it’s Pardew, who seems to have grabbed at French footballers whenever possible over the last 12 or so months.

Some of these players, have adapted well to English football. The likes of Yohan Cabaye, Loic Remy and Mathieu Debuchy have elevated the Magpies.

Papiss Cisse also did a good job for the club, at least for a season. Moussa Sissoko also had a fine start to his career with the Toon. In recent times, however, both players have looked burned out.

A lot of Newcastle’s other foreign recruits have struggled to make their mark. I think it’s fair to say that the mix isn’t quite right at the moment, not just in terms of nationality, but also in terms of talent and ability.

Isn’t that what this all comes down to? Alan Pardew wouldn’t be making these comments if his team were performing well enough (they’re currently 11th in the Premier League table).

But because Newcastle should be aiming for a top six slot, Pardew has to make excuses. But the suggestion that the Toon lack English grit, doesn’t really fly with me. The real issue with Newcastle is that Pardew hasn’t built a well-rounded team and that many players aren’t good enough to be playing for a top six club.

Adding more British players to this team is probably a good idea. Adding better players is an even better idea. Adding top quality players in positions that Newcastle currently need to improve upon, is a better idea still.

I only hope that Pardew understands this and doesn’t make further excuses come the end of the season.

What’s your take? Do Newcastle United need more British players?

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