OPINION
While there will be few Newcastle United fans who will have many complaints about their side’s top-ten finish last season, the manner it came about would have left some wanting more.
For a club whose history includes Kevin Keegan’s entertainers, Premier League record holder Alan Shearer and mercurial – not to mention Gallic – talents such as Laurent Robert, David Ginola and Hatem Ben Arfa, the Toon Army have become accustomed to attacking football down the years.
However, Rafael Benitez has brought a much more pragmatic approach to St James’ Park in recent times and while it has resulted in relative success, it is not the manner in which the supporters pride themselves on.
Results have often been ground out with backs-to-the-wall displays, the strength of the Magpies lying at the back with resolute displays from the likes of Jamaal Lascelles, Paul Dummett and Martin Dubravka, rather than up top.
However, that could well change this summer, and if Benitez gets his way, the St James’ Park faithful will be off their seats much more often.
The Northern Echo claim that Newcastle are in discussions to sign wing duo Kenedy and Andros Townsend from their respective clubs, and the Toon Army know exactly how exciting the pair can be to watch.
The duo are in the mould of traditional wingers, using their pace and trickery to burn past opponents, something which has been lacking with Matt Ritchie out on the flank.
The Scottish international is a hard worker and talented football player, but he lacks the attributes which can change a game in the blink of an eye, and, as the report claims, selling him could be a wise move from Benitez.
Newcastle fans might be sad to see their senior stalwart go, but he will be relegated to a memory when Townsend and Kenedy are tearing up and down the flanks, using their attacking qualities to raise the roof at St James’ Park.