Premier League Predictions - Saturday 17th September

I haven't written an blog post in a while now, due to a combination of work, and the lack of subjects to post about really!

I thought I would have a go at predicting this weekend's Premier League results-- Kind of my version of Lawro's predictions on BBC-mine will more than likely be as bad as his!

Blackburn Vs Arsenal

The early kick off this weekend sees Arsenal  take on win-less Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park. Arsenal will come into the game off the back of a good away point in the Champions League, drawing 1-1 with Borussia Dortmund. It will be interesting to see how Arsenal do over the next few weeks, as they looks to re-establish themselves as top 4 contenders.

I worry for Blackburn. I don't believe that they brought in enough quality over the summer to take them away from the wrong end of the table. They are still desperately lacking a goalscorer, and their hope will be that Yakubu, signed from Everton in August, will be the answer to their prayers. The fans seem to be turning on Venky's, as well as Steve Kean, and if this poor run of form continues, It will be interesting to see how long it will take before the Indian owners feel it is time for a new man in charge.

My Prediction: 0-2
Actual Score: 4-2

Aston Villa Vs Newcastle

These two clubs are in remarkably similar positions at the moment, both have owners; in Randy Lerner and Mike Ashley; who have decided that they are not prepared to heavily invest in playing staff. Despite this, both of these teams enter the fixture unbeaten in the league so far.

After receiving a somewhat muted reaction following his appointment as manager, Mcleish has done well so far for Villa, with the players looking far more motivated than last year under Houllier.

Newcastle looked poor against QPR and Villa could be seen as their first real test of the season. I think they will be happy to come away with anything from Villa Park

My Prediction: 1-1
Actual Score: 1-1

Bolton Vs Norwich

Norwich have looked good so far this season, despite failing to win so far. They gave a good account of themselves against Chelsea, and were very unlucky to lose against West Brom last week.

Bolton meanwhile, were torn apart by Manchester United last week, something which they should not be embarrassed about. It is important for them that they get back on track with a win, something which they have a real chance of doing against Norwich.

My Prediction: 3-1
Actual Score: 1-2

Everton Vs Wigan

People have suggested that Everton might struggle this year, but I honestly can't see that happening. They never seem to spend any money, but every year David Moyes is somehow able to create a team challenging in the top half. This season I feel that they may be some way of the top 6, but they will still finish well away from the bottom few.

Wigan are usually poor on the road, and have had a poor week, being heavily beaten by Manchester City, then knocked out of the Carling cup by Crystal Palace

My Prediction: 2-1
Actual Score: 3-1

Swansea Vs West Brom

Swansea are playing good football at the moment, but cannot score. Against Sunderland a few weeks ago they could have easily won the game, and against Arsenal last week they again had chances to score. I feel that once they get off the mark the goals may come somewhat easier, but it is important that they begin to find their feet, otherwise they risk being left behind.

West Brom got their first win of the new campaign against Norwich last week, and with a strike force of Odemwingie and Long, they look very dangerous going forward. With Roy Hodgson at the helm they will only improve.

My Prediction: 0-2
Actual Score: 3-0

Wolves Vs QPR

Wolves have had a good start to the season, and have chance to continue if they can beat QPR at the weekend. 

QPR looked good against Newcastle, with their new signings slotting in very quickly. If they can get the players they bought towards the end of the transfer window playing well, then they will have a real chance of surprising people this season

My Prediction: 0-2
Actual Score:0-3

Are Newcastle a better team than they were last season?

The transfer window slammed shut on Wednesday night, with Newcastle failing to add much promised fire power to their squad. The failure to sign anyone on the final day of transfer dealings was far too predictable for many, mirroring the failed attempts to bring in a replacement for Andy Carroll on the final day of the January transfer window. The lack of incoming striker has tainted what was otherwise a relatively good window for the North East club. Although losing key team members such as Nolan, Barton and Enrique, the Newcastle hierarchy managed to add the likes of Cabaye and Obertan, with left back Davide Santon the latest player to sign for the Toon as a much needed replacement for the departed Enrique. After having 7 months to plan possible signings, it is disappointing that no striker could be brought in to alleviate the concerns of the Geordie faithful, and also to fulfill the promises made by manager, Alan Pardew. I feel genuinely sorry for the former Southampton man, as he has repeatedly stated since the arrival of Sylvain Marveaux that he would recruit 2 further players; a Left Back and a Striker. Less than 2 weeks ago he stated 'We’re trying to make sure this club is stronger than it was last year, as it stands, when we started the season, I’d say we’re not at in position yet. But hopefully we will be.' I understand that Pardew was trying to excite the fans in his statement, but surely he must have been aware that saying the team is not better than last season, after having 3 months to strengthen, is a high risk strategy should the club have failed to get any further players through the door. As it turned out, he managed only one further addition in left back Davide Santon. So if we are to believe what Pardew said, then that means we are still worse than last season? I must say, I believe we are a much stronger team, and the lack of striker is not as big a problem as some people say.


Since June, Newcastle have been linked with an array of strikers, from English talent such as Jermaine Defoe, to relatively unheard of foreign forwards like Brest forward, Nolan Roux. I liked the way that we had gone about recruiting our other targets. We seemingly had a list of potential buys that had been identified, and we managed to sign up some very promising talent. However, when it came to finding a striker the cool and calm recruitment that had led to the signatures of Cabaye, Marveaux and Ba seemed to go out of the window. It seemed, especially towards the end of the window that we were just desperate to recruit anyone who would cost around £10m. When we were linked with an offer for Fulham target Bryan Ruiz in the final hours, it felt very much as though we were just desperate. I am glad Ruiz headed for Fulham. When David Craig appeared on Sky Sports News telling the nation that we had a helicopter ready to bring Ruiz to the north east, I must admit I got rather excited, especially after watching videos of him on Youtube. I'm glad we didn't sign him though, as he was a player, that until that final hours of the window has not been linked with Newcastle, and I feel that it is a more sensible policy to wait, before spending an over inflated price for a striker who has excelled in a pool dutch league. Remember Afonso Alves?

I sometimes feel that British fans are quite gullible when it comes to foreign talent. For example, we were linked with Modibo Maiga, a Malian international playing for Sochaux. The french league is a league much worse than the premier league, yet 23 year old Maiga has only scored 14 goals in his 36 appearances for the club. Compare this to 24 year old Irishman Leon Best, who has scored 8 goals in 15 premier league matches. the same could be said for Kevin Gameiro, who we were linked with earlier in the transfer window. He had a record of around 1 goal in 2 for Lorient, again in the poor French league. He signed for PSG for around £10m. Best, who has a similar scoring record in a far superior league, yet he was linked with a £3m move to championship side Birmingham over the summer. I understand that his scoring record is only across a small number of games, and is therefore not perhaps as accurate, but surely at only 24 he is worth retaining and given the role as our main striker? He did very well last season following the sale of Andy Carroll, when Newcastle were tipped to struggle.

Maiga- an improvement on what we have?

If we look at the stats, it shows that goals were no more hard to come by in the second half of the season following Andy Carroll's departure, than they were in the first half. In the first 19 games- up to Carroll's final game against Tottenham on the 28th December, we scored 28 goals. If the loss of Carroll is to be believed as being so catastrophic as some say then you would think that we scored much less in the second 19 games of the season. From Carroll's last game on the 28th December, until the end of the season we scored 28 goals- exactly the same number as with Carroll.


So then, the lack of Andy Carroll is perhaps not as important as you might think. When you also consider that Kevin Nolan scored only 2 of his 12 goals following the Gateshead born striker's departure, then you start to think that perhaps  the Newcastle strike force was more balanced without Carroll, as Leon Best, Peter Lovenkrands and Shola Ameobi stepped up to fill the void.


Moving away from the failure to recruit a striker, I also feel that the team are stronger in midfield. Previously we were playing Joey Barton as a makeshift right midfielder. Over the summer we have signed Sylvain Marveaux; who can play at a number of positions across the midfield; and Gabriel Obertan, an out and out right winger.


Centrally, we lost Kevin Nolan, due to the refusal to give him a long deal. At the time people saw it as a major error by the board, as he was at many times last year, our best player. Following watching Yohan Cabaye for the first few games of the season however, any worries have quickly evaporated. Cabaye looks like a very good player. He is younger than Nolan, more mobile and seems a bargain for his £4.3m price tag.


Defensively, Jose Enrique left to Liverpool, after one of the most protracted deals of the summer came to an end in August. Similarly to the vacant striker's position, a host of names were linked, including PSV's Erik Pieters and Aly Cissokho, however Newcastle eventually plumped for Inter full back, Davide Santon. Descrobed as the next Paolo Maldini by Jose Mourinho, he is an exciting prospect and at only 20, has his career ahead of him. Although perhaps not at the standard of Enrique yet, he definitely has potential to grow into a player surpassing the quality of the Spaniard.

So to answer the question, as to whether Newcastle a better team than they were last season, it seems only fair to compare the teams. If we count Andy Carroll as a major loss, then we should perhaps assess the recovery of the side following his departure. The squad for the first game after his move to Liverpool; a 1-0 defeat to Fulham, was as follows:

Harper, Coloccini, Enrique, Williamson, Simpson, Nolan, Barton,Guthrie, Gutierrez, Best, Ameobi

Subs: Krul, Campbell, Perch, Ferguson, Lovenkrands, Ranger, Richardson

Compare this with our team in our 2-1 victory Fulham last week:

Krul, Coloccini, Simpson, R. Taylor, S. Taylor, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Tiote, Lovenkrands, Best, Obertan

Subs: Soderberg, Smith, Marveaux, Vuckic, Ferguson, Ba, Sammy Ameobi

Consider that to add to that team is Santon and Ben Arfa, as well as Shola Ameobi, Harper, Gosling, then I believe that considering we have lost possibly our four best players, in Carroll, Enrique, Nolan and Barton, we have done remarkably well to retain the core of the team, whilst also making additions that show progression from an aging team, into one full of youth and potential. The failure to add a new striker is a source of frustration, but with the likes of Krul, Cabaye and Ben Arfa our team has very exciting young players, and with the momentum created from our first 3 results, Newcastle have a very good chance of improving on the 12th place finish of last year. HWTL

Who Newcastle should buy, but probably won't

Just a quick article/blog thing- sorry if its not very well written

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The summer transfer window will shut on Wednesday night, and unless the board get a move on, Newcastle will be left short on players. It is imperative in the next few days that Newcastle are able to bring in at least a left back and a striker. Here are some of the players we have been linked with that I feel we should sign:

Left Back:
After Jose Enrique's long awaited move to Liverpool was finally completed, I keenly awaited news of the arrival of a new left back. 2 Weeks later and still no-one has been brought in. With no recognised left back in the team, we need at least one player to fill 'The Bull's' rather large boots.


Erik Pieters (PSV)
Dutchman Pieters fits the Newcastle recruitment policy very well. He is young and cheap, but could also be very good for Newcastle. At only 23 he has already played a number of teams for the Holland national team, and has played for a good European side in PSV. It seems that his signing is imminent, for a fee of between 5 and 7 million, depending on what newspapers you read. From the few times I have seen him play he looks to be a good player that will only improve.


Centre Back
The centre of defence is a position of relative strength for Newcastle. Mike Williamson was recruited 18 months ago and has did well to establish a place in the side. Since Steven Taylor's return to fitness, there has been a competition for places. The second centre back position is taken by Coloccini, captain and fan favourite. He has grown into a very capable Premier League defender after a nightmare year in his first season in the north east. I do feel however that if a European club were to come calling, Newcastle might be persuaded to sell an aging defender who, according to the Daily Mirror is on up to £80,000 a week. I therefore feel that the addition of a young centre back may not be the worst idea.



James Tomkins (West Ham United)
If we were to dip into the market for a centre half, West Ham youngster James Tomkins would get my vote. Tomkins was one of few positives for for the Hammers last year, as he proved to be a very capable defender in a season in which he was given a real run in the side. He is only 22, and has made 10 appearances for the England u21 side. I feel is already a good strong defender, standing tall at 6'3", and will continue to get better in the coming years. I think he again would cost very little in the current market, and would be keen to have a another chance in the Premier League.

Midfield
The departure of Joey Barton may leave Newcastle short of some grit in the middle, but I feel with players such as Dan Gosling and Danny Guthrie on the fringes of the first team, it is not a position that needs addressing in this transfer window.

Forwards:
To really create some competition Newcastle need 2 new strikers in my view. Even last year when we has Carroll it felt as though we were relying on him too heavily, so I think it is important to have some competition for places. The sooner Nile Ranger is kicked out of the club the better. I used to think he could be the next big thing, but he has abused his position too many times, and with his latest misdemeanors- reportedly assaulting a 31 year old man- I think it is time for Newcastle to cut their losses and move on, as he does not seem to be the sort of player the club should be associated with. In the last few weeks, we have been linked with Sochaux striker Modibo Maiga, but there are also many others that could do well on Tyneside.

Modibo Maiga (Sochaux)

Maiga is a young striker playing for French team Sochaux. He has been heavily linked with a move to Newcastle, to such an extent that he has gone on strike in an attempt to force through a move. At only 23, and with 15 goals in 36 games for Sochaux, he obviously has a lot of potential, but I feel that the attitude he has shown is one that may be best avoided. I also feel that it is dangerous to buy almost exclusively from France. Yes, there are many players that have played in France and been world class, but there are also a number of players that have come from France and have been dubbed the next big thing, only to fail and disappear into anonymity- Anthony Le Tallec anyone?



Nicklas Bendtner (Arsenal)

Nicklas Bendtner seems to split opinion. I feel that he would be a brilliant signing for us. Having watched him at Arsenal extensively (my Dad is a Gunner), I think he just needs to be loved. At Arsenal he has shown flashes of brilliance, and also flashes of sheer inability.  He seems to have been around a long time, yet is still only 23. During his time with the London club, he has always played second fiddle to Robin Van Persie, but I feel if he was given the role of being the main striker at a club; the number 9 role at Newcastle; he could grow into a very good player. He would probably cost around £10 million, but is proven in the Premier League, unlike Maiga.

If Newcastle get two of these players in, I guess most fans would be happy. The two that look most likely are Pieters and Maiga, with the former due to sign in the next few days. My only concern is that, with an Injury prone Demba Ba, and an unproven player such as the Sochaux man, Newcastle may once again be relying too heavily on the likes of Leon Best and Shola Ameobi.

Sunderland 0-1 Newcastle - Match Review

Newcastle remain top dogs in the North East, after triumphing yet again over their Wearside rivals. A 1-0 Victory in a hard fought encounter at the Stadium of Light means that Newcastle have lost only one of their last 13 matches against Sunderland.

The Wearsiders were on top for large portions of the game, particularly in the first half, but they failed to make their dominance show and were punished by a Newcastle side that were particularly well organised. The hosts wasted their best opportunities through Stephane  Sessegnon and Asamoah Gyan, and they were duly punished when Ryan Taylor's cross-come-shot found the back of the net.

Newcastle winger, Jonas Gutierrez was felled by Lee Cattermole in the 62nd minute, and Taylor duly stepped up and dispatched the resulting free-kick with great aplomb, culrling his effort from the far left, across the body of outstretched 'keeper Simon Mignolet, and into the top corner of the Sunderland goal.

Taylor's goal ensured that the majority of the 48,000 supporters present left unhappy, with Sunderland yet again being unable to take anything from their derby day opponents.

Ryan Taylor's freekick finds the back of the Sunderland net. 

Despite Sunderland's dominance, it could be argued the Geordie faithful should have had more than just a single goal to celebrate, as Joey Barton was denied a goal after only 15 minutes, when Sunderland new boy Sebastian Larsson appeared to clear Barton's header off the line with his arm. The Incensed Newcastle midfielde raced towards referee Howard Webb, but only a corner resulted. For Webb's sake, it was fortunate that this moment of controversy did affect the outcome of the game.

Sunderland lost defender Phil Bardsley late on after a agricultural challenge on Magpie defender Fabricio Coloccini lead to his second yellow card, and was an illustration of the Black Cat's frustration. It was one of many moments of unfair tackling in an keenly fought,match and it could be argued that referee Webb did well to keep 22 players on the pitch for as long as he did, with both Cabaye and Cattermole both making fouls that in other games perhaps would have been worthy of red cards.

The win gives Newcastle four points from their opening 2 games, and with the hope that Pardew is able to invest further in the team in the next 10 days, Newcastle look to be a capable premier league side that could potentially challenge for a top half position.

Season preview/prediction - updated

The 2011-12 Premier League season is shaping up to be a very interesting one as far as Newcastle United are concerned. A summer in which the £35m from the sale of Andy Carroll was promised to be reinvested has nearly come to a conclusion. Instead of big name, big price-tag players arriving at St James's, Newcastle have sold their inspirational captain, had a tour to America somewhat wasted by a combination of injury and visa issues, and made a certain tweeting midfielder available on a free transfer. Throughout the summer Newcastle have looked to recruit, as well as selling, and although manager Alan Pardew professes the club are an appealing option to prospective purchases, the club seem to have had difficulty recruiting players of any note. The question is have Newcastle managed to build a squad capable of improving on their 12^th place position of last year, or are the Toon Army in for a season in which finger nails will be lacking for many?

Goalkeepers: 

Although no goalkeepers have been signed during the summer, it could be seen that Newcastle have still increased their depth between the sticks. Fraser Forster, out on loan at Scottish giants, Celtic last year, has returned and is seemingly up for the competition of becoming Newcastle's number one. Steve Harper is now 36, and last year showed glimpses that it may be time for United to install a new first team regular. In the last year it is Tim Krul who has made the greatest claim. He has gone from strength to strength, getting much more game time than in his previous four years with Newcastle. This culminated in a call-up to the Dutch national team in June, earning two caps against Brazil and Uruguay. From Pardew's pre-season team selections, it would appear that he feels Krul is the man that can be Newcastle's 'keeper for the next few years.

Defence: 

Nothing much has changed defensively over the last few months. Newcastle have been linked with a seemingly never-ending list of left backs from across the globe. It seemed that Newcastle were operating a selling before buying policy with regards to a left back – with want away full back Jose Enrique staying in the North East for much more of the summer than most expected. Surely now that his move to Liverpool has been completed Newcastle merely have to put the finishing touches to a deal to bring in a new defender. Erik Pieters of PSV is a name that has been mooted in the last few days, but with the Eindhoven team apparently demanding £6m, will Ashley instead choose to revert to seemingly his favourite hunting ground- the bargain bin of French Ligue 1? The hope amongst the Geordie faithful is that the Newcastle hierarchy have a pre-arranged replacement, although, of course, nothing is ever that simple at Newcastle.

Midfield: 

If you were to ask a Newcastle fan what areas of the team were in need of bolstering at the end of last season, most would have probably highlighted the need for strengthening in defence, and for one or two new strikers. It is odd then, that so far, of the four first team players brought in, three have been midfielders. The sale of Kevin Nolan to West Ham is a deal that many fans saw as the heart being pulled out of the team, but with the summer additions of Obertan, Marveaux and Cabaye, plus the return of Hatem Ben Arfa, and of forgotten man, Dan Gosling, Newcastle surely have one of the strongest midfields outside of the top four.

Will Pardew be able to bring in a new no.9 to excite the fans?

Attackers:

After the well documented loss of Andy Carroll in January, Newcastle were visibly short of firepower in the second half of last season. It was important therefore that the club strengthened heavily at the business end of the pitch. Since May, Newcastle have only managed to add Demba Ba to their list of strikers, leaving them with 3 players in Leon Best, Shola Ameobi and Ba, that are all very similar players. All three are tall and muscular; there is therefore a worry that this will leave the team very short on tactical options, with the long ball up to a big man not matching the additions of pace and flair in midfield. Ameobi has been tied down to a new contract, something which I see as a definite positive. Yes he is frustrating, and yes, he will never be a 20+ goals a season man, but he has a passion for the club that I feel is important to keep. Pardew has promised on several occasions since the addition of Demba Ba, that he will bring in at least one more front man before the 31^st August, but after being linked with a string of attackers including Gervinho, Defoe, Bendtner and Erdinc, I am worried that players of any real proven quality simply do not want to play for a team, that although playing in front of 50,000 every week, have not been in European competition  since 2006, and have shown very little in the way of being able to recreate their top 4 form of the early noughties.

As a Newcastle fan, I feel that the immediate aim of the club should be to stabilise, therefore Premier League survival should be the first target. Anything after that would be a bonus. Talks of pushing for Europe are somewhat premature, as despite considerable strengthening, the team is still someway of the likes of Tottenham or Everton. If Pardew can bring in a Striker and a left back before the transfer window slams shut, then I believe a top half finish would not be unattainable. With the current group of players the worry is that the team simply do not have enough depth, or enough firepower, and they may find themselves in a scrap for survival.

My Prediction for this season: 12th

Newcastle 0-0 Arsenal

In what proved to be a fiery opening to the season, Newcastle took a point from an Arsenal side missing several key players. At times dull, both sides lacked ambition, but it was Joey Barton, who yet again stole the headlines for the wrong reasons after clashing with the Gunners' Ivorian winger, Gervinho.


The opening 45 minutes was all Arsenal, their trademark passing game leaving Newcastle looking sluggish and off the pace. When the play occasionally was in Arsenal's half, toon strikers Ba and Ameobi both struggled to keep hold of the ball, or to carve out anything resembling an attack on Szczesny's goal. The lack of ambition from the home side was somewhat worrying, and if the first half is anything to go by, goals may be somewhat hard to come by this season.


Half time saw new signing Gabriel Obertan, replace Ba, the former West Ham man looking well off the pace, and almost non-existent at times. The introduction of the former Claifontaine attendee brought some much needed pace to the United attack. Despite this, Newcastle still rarely penetrated the Arsenal back four, only having one shot on target. Obertan did however, show glimpses of real quality, something that was dramatically lacking in the first period.


Then came the two main talking points, both of which involved man of the moment, Joey Barton. Firstly he was involved in a fracas with Alex Song. After a firm, but fair tackle on the Cameroonian, Song chose to stamp on Barton's calf. The incensed Liverpudlian raced towards the touchline to remonstrate with the fourth official, but to no avail, as the officials failed to spot Song's malicious attack, who had clearly targeted Barton. A Joey Barton of previous years may have at this point lost his cool, but he appeared to collect himself and continue despite his unjust treatment.


After this, the game seemed to be coming to a somewhat uneventful conclusion, but when Gervinho dramtically went down in the box after a Chiek Tiote tackle. Barton took exception to the Ivorian's attempt to buy a penalty, hauling the former Lille man to his feet. A rash decision by Barton to get involved caused fisticuffs, and it was Gervinho who was given his marching orders after raising his hands to Barton.  Many thought that Barton was to follow, but the former Manchester City player was only given a yellow card, referee Peter Walton seemingly adjudging that Gervinho's slap was a more serious misdemeanor than Barton's. Prior to his sending off, Arsenal's new signing had looked, in truth, the only real threat for Arsenal, who as usual were strong in possession until the final third.


Following the unsavoury and somewhat embarrassing coming together, the match fizzled out somewhat, with Newcastle lacking any desire to try and win the mach against the ten men of Arsenal, whilst the London club seemed content with taking a point away from what had been a bruising trip to the north east.


No doubt post match talk will centre on bad boy Barton's inability to control his temper, although it should be Alex Song who bears the brunt of any media criticism. His stamp was not only premeditated but unecessary, nd is something that should not be seen on a football pitch.

Premier League Preview

The 2011-12 Premier League season is shaping up to be a very interesting one as far as Newcastle United are concerned. A summer in which the £35m from the sale of Andy Carroll was promised to be reinvested has nearly come to a conclusion. Instead of big name, big price-tag players arriving at St James's, Newcastle have sold their inspirational captain, had a tour to America somewhat wasted by a combination of injury and visa issues, and made their player of last season available on a free transfer. Of course, at Newcastle United, soap opera politics are a given, and with the frankly bizarre friendly against fiorentina the most recent event in the club's mad-cap recent history, nothing is a surprise to the fans anymore. As they prepare to face Arsenal in their opening game of the season, have done enough to improve their squad sufficiently and finish higher than their 12th place of last year?

Goalkeepers:
Although no goalkeepers have been signed during the summer, it could be seen that Newcastle have still increased their depth between the sticks. Fraser Forster, out on loan at Scottish giants, Celtic last year, has returned and is seemingly up for the competition of becoming Newcastle's number one. Steve Harper is now 36, and last year showed glimpses that it may be time for united to install a new first team regular. In the last year it is Tim Krul who has made the greatest claim. He has gone from strength to strength, getting much more game time than in his previous four years with Newcastle. This culminated in a call-up to the Dutch national team in June, earning two caps against Brazil and Uruguay. From Pardew's pre season team selections, it would appear that he feels Krul is the man he feels can be Newcastle's 'keeper for the next few years.

Defence:
Nothing much has changed defensively over the last few months. Newcastle have been linked with a seemingly never-ending list of left backs from across the globe. But with Jose Enrique still employed by the club there has so far, been no need to replace the Bull of St James's park. Surely, however it can only be a matter of time before his proposed move to Liverpool finally clicks into place, and Enrique moves west. The hope amongst the geordie faithful is that the Newcastle hierachy have a pre-arranged replacement for the want-away Spaniard .

Midfield:
If you were to ask a Newcastle fan what areas of the team were in need of bolstering at the end of last season, most would have probably highlighted the need for strengthening in defence, and for one or two new strikers. It is odd then, that so far, of the four first team players brought in, three have been midfielders. The sale of Kevin Nolan to West Ham is a deal that many fans saw as the heart being pulled out of the team, but with the summer additions of Obertan, Marveaux and Cabaye, plus the return of Hatem Ben Arfa, and the return of forgotten man, Dan Gosling, Newcastle surely have one of the strongest midfields outside of the top four.

Attackers:
After the well documented loss of Andy Carroll in January, Newcastle were visibly short of firepower in the second half of the season. It was important therefore that the club strengthened heavily at the business end of the pitch. Since May, Newcastle have only managed to add Demba Ba to their list of strikers, leaving them with 3 players in Leon Best, Shola Ameobi and Ba, that are all very similar players; all three are tall and muscular; there is therefore a worry that this will leave the team very short on tactical options, with the long ball up to a big man not matching h the additions of pace and flair in midfield.. Ameobi has been tied down to a new contract, something which I see as a definite positive. Yes he is frustrating, and yes, he will never be a 20+ goals a season man, but he has a passion for the club that I feel is important to keep.hopefully he won't be relied on as heavily as in previous years if Newcastle manage to bring in at least one more striker before the 31st August, and I tend to feel that the board have seen the importance of having at least some continuity within the squad.

As a Newcastle fan, I feel that the immediate aim of the club should be to stabilise, therefore Premier League survival should be the first target. Anything after that would be a bonus. Talks of pushing for Europe are somewhat premature, as despite considerable strengthening, the team is still someway of the likes of Tottenham or Everton. Although it is something that should be aimed for in the near future, qualifying for Europe during the rebuilding of the club could do more harm than good, as the squad was visibly stretched last year after just playing Premier League and domestic cup games.

My Prediction: 12th