Steve McClaren held his press conference and rounds of interviews yesterday for the game at home to Southampton on Sunday, and he did say he was nervous about his first game in charge in a competitive match at Newcastle.
Steve admitted that managers don’t really know how their teams will perform in that first game, but from our poll most fans – 43% – think we can win this game.
Steve McClaren – more players on the way
Newcastle fans are hoping the way the club will be run now is with Mike Ashley taking a step back into the shadows.
It does look like the Newcastle Board are fully in charge of the transfers, and Lee Charnley has been given money to invest in players in the way they see fit.
We have three good signings so far this summer, but Steve hinted things have to get better after least season’s disaster, and that more players could be on the way:
“We want it to be different, and it needs to be.¨
“The messages from the club over the past few weeks have been very clear, and a statement of intent with three very good signings and maybe – maybe – more on the way.”
“We’ve got to make that statement on the field now. It’s going to be different – a different style and different football – and everybody has got to be able to adapt.”
“Every season is a fresh start, but for Newcastle United it’s a welcome one, and I’m the guy, the head coach in the seat, who has to take it forward.”
Yesterday 19-year-old striker Ivan Toney was finally signed from Northampton Town, and we still need a defender, a winger and another striker brought in over the next 24 days, before the window slams shut on Monday, 31st August.
Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Chancel Mbemba are all very good signings, and so far Mike Ashley’s promise to invest big time in the squad this summer has turned out to be true.
We still expect Charlie Austin to come in – but that transfer has been painful and it’s stretched on for far too long.
Another club (like Spurs) could still come in and sign Charlie ahead of Newcastle.
Three more players in and only those who the club want to leave on the way out – and we should have a good squad for this season.
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Note: Two brothers Phil and Richard Milbourne are on a mission to cycle to all 92 Premier and Football League grounds in England and Wales during four weeks in July and August 2015.
It’s all on behalf of charity and they are raising money for Breast Cancer Care and the British Liver Trust.
They will be in Newcastle today – so see if you can help out a very good cause – you can read about their exploits and denote on their website pedalforpounds here.
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28 comments so far
Slank
Aug 7, 2015 at 8:50 AM
Comment #1Interesting that McClaren believes that he can play Gini and De Jong together. Presumably that would mean only one defensive midfielder Colback or Anita.
Jib
Aug 7, 2015 at 8:52 AM
Comment #2Nervous is good
Also there should be no lack of effort with every player out to impress the new boss.
Jib
Aug 7, 2015 at 8:58 AM
Comment #3The window doesn’t slam shut.
It closes for 19 games then reopens again.
The club had it wrong before , differentiating between Winter , and Summer windows.
McClaren has it sussed , every 19 games he gets a chance to reinforce the squad .
Jamseyd24
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:01 AM
Comment #4I am struggling to see us buying anyone else, I think we could be in the bottom 3 come Sept 1st if we dont get something out of Sundays game.
Lilongwe Geordie
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:02 AM
Comment #5Jib,
McClaren might think that, but it doesn’t mean the club have changed. They still have specific targets, and they still expect good value. This is far harder to achieve midway through a season as if the targets are of good quality then clubs are unwilling to relinquish them without a premium being paid.
I think the 3 window talk is the three summer windows that take him up to the final year of his contract.
Jib
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:06 AM
Comment #6Jamsey (in a heavy Scottish accent)
“We’rrre DOOMED ah tell ye”
Jamsey your’e not an undertaker by any chance are you ?
Jib
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:08 AM
Comment #7Every blog needs a private Fraser
Trouble is we have about 12
And 6 Stadtler’s
and 3 Waldorf’s
Derek
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:08 AM
Comment #8It actually makes me think very little has changed hearing McLaren suggesting that we can wait until mid-season to reinforce the back line. Sounds like the same old goal of avoiding relegation by the bare minimum but not pushing for an ambitious, competitive position in the top half of the table.
If we are 10th come January I wonder if there will even be an effort to sign anyone in the next window.
Jib
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:09 AM
Comment #9And 5 Victor Meldrews
Jib
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:10 AM
Comment #10Ah Derek , are you a Victor , or a Stadtler
Take a Chancel on me
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:20 AM
Comment #11I’m watching Premier League Years 11/12
on sky sports 1, we came 5th so gotta watch it lol
expatmag
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:20 AM
Comment #12This season is not the one for big expectations. It will be a mid table mediocre season with perhapz a decent cup run.
Next season however………..
Look at all the you players in the squad who have been given valuable experience at senior level throughout this season both in the PL and at other clubs.
Darlow, Lascelles, Mbembe, Haidara, Dummett, Woodman, Ameobi, Aarons, Kemen, Armstrong, Mitrovic, Wijnaldum, Roberts, Satka, Abeid, Vukic
Add that we still.have Krul Janmaat De Jong, Cabella etc plus a further 2 transfer windows to improve the squad further and get rid of the deadwood, we might just be setting a significant precedent here.
Take a Chancel on me
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:21 AM
Comment #13what a twat
http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/alan-pardew-criticises-newcastles-transfer-9808073
Bambams
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Comment #14Slank
I think it’s time we did only play with one defensive midfielder
We have all become used to ‘becoming difficult to beat’ firstly.
I am not suggesting ‘gung-ho’ but let’s try and attack more. You never know we might even get a penalty this season.
That in itself shows our style of play !
Imo
WWSBRD
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:23 AM
Comment #15Take a Chancel on me
…why is he a rude word?
Jib
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:24 AM
Comment #16Lilo
Historically Macca has always done business in the Winter , especially half season loans.
Take a Chancel on me
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:24 AM
Comment #17He’s probably right but I could never stick Pardew
Take a Chancel on me
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:26 AM
Comment #18WWSBRD
I don’t think they gave Pardew full control because they didn’t trust him
Bambams
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:30 AM
Comment #19Take a chancel on me
Pardew is obviously worried we are going to do something this year so he is already getting his excuses out.
Possibly his hands were tied but the bloke had more excuses than a politician. ….Not to mention that head butt scenario. I thought after that incident he should of been sacked. Lead by example and all that
Take a Chancel on me
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:31 AM
Comment #20Bambams
I agree he should have been sacked for the headbutt
GEORDIE69
Aug 7, 2015 at 9:32 AM
Comment #21Take a chancel on me: That’s the first time Pardew has told the truth.
Moonraker15
Aug 7, 2015 at 10:06 AM
Comment #22Pardew didn’t rock the boat at Newcastle because he couldn’t believe his luck in having the job !
Leaving for the “safe” surroundings of Crystal Palace was the best thing that could happen to us because the had to go for someone with a backbone and, success or no McClaren has that!
The transformation in our great club is amazing in a short time!
Can’t wait for Sunday ! HWTF
Moonraker15
Aug 7, 2015 at 10:09 AM
Comment #23Pardew just can’t stop talking about Newcastle haha
Moonraker15
Aug 7, 2015 at 10:18 AM
Comment #24The reinforcement of the backline is not quite as critical as some are saying because, hopefully the possession game will take some pressure off instead of constantly losing possession under Percy’s regime .
This rebuilding needs to be properly structured not thrown together. We are now operating as a proper club should do.
I think we have all suffered as supporters and it’s almost like we need counselling cos we can’t trust the new structure.
I’m prepared to get behind them cos I believe they are genuinely having a go!
HWTF
Sav
Aug 7, 2015 at 11:01 AM
Comment #2543% is not most fans, Ed. 57% fans think we won’t win.
Sivarese
Aug 7, 2015 at 11:07 AM
Comment #26Can’t wait for the game, but can’t go because I’m at a naming ceremony – gutted! Gini will do the business for us this season. TOON
remember69
Aug 7, 2015 at 12:36 PM
Comment #27Ashley IN!!!!!
loonie-toon
Aug 7, 2015 at 1:59 PM
Comment #28I fink Pardew is sounding rather jealous obv we dint just him with the cash haha