According to Richard Keys, a ‘former Geordie legend’ was in agreement when discussing the likelihood of Newcastle’s survival after a ‘poor’ January transfer window.
Newcastle are struggling in the Premier League, but boosted their survival hopes with a raft of signings in January, including a late flurry towards the end of the window.
However, writing on his personal blog, broadcaster Keys still doesn’t have faith in the Toon beating the drop – and while he didn’t name this ‘legend’, it appears he is not the only one.
He wrote: “I don’t see enough goals in them to survive. I was texting a Geordie Legend on another matter this week and he agreed.”
TIF Thoughts on Richard Keys’ comments about Newcastle United’s Premier League survival chances…
Although the Saudi takeover sparked hope for a lot of Newcastle fans over the direction that the club was heading, it appears that former players are still not convinced.
With the poor start to the 2021/22 campaign for the Magpies, it was always going to be a tough mountain to climb for survival, even with the injection of unlimited funds.
Eddie Howe signed Dan Burn, Matt Targett, Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood and Kieran Trippier in the recent window, however, the main issue of a lack of depth in the attacking area still remains.
Callum Wilson has been sidelined due to injury since 27th December and is not set to return anytime soon. Howe was short on attacking options even when Wilson was available, therefore the question on the lips of the Newcastle fans would surely be why they didn’t sign more than one forward.
It is important to note that not all problems can be resolved by spending big all at once and getting a whole new squad halfway through a season. But considering the current situation that they find themselves in the league, you would have thought that bringing in a partner or competition for new signing Wood, would be a main focus.
So Keys and the mystery legend may have a point, but whether they will be rueing reported failed pursuits of the likes of Hugo Ekitike remains to be seen.