Newcastle United have been linked with Middlesbrough’s Stewart Downing, who is available on loan for the rest of the season after he has dropped down the pecking order at his home town club.
We’d be very surprised if Rafa is interested in bringing this player into the club for the rest of the season, since he would simply be a stopgap signing with no future at the club.
Stewart Downing – 32 year-old Middlesbrough winger
The former Aston Villa and Liverpool winger is also said to be keen to keep playing in the Premier League so Newcastle being linked with him could be a moot point.
Of course we will be linked with almost each and every player who is available this month, whether we are genuinely interested or not.
It seems Crystal Palace and Sam Allardyce are favorites to sign the 32 year-old, who was a good player in his time but is now well past his best.
As long as there are other younger wingers available this month, who could have a long term career at Newcastle, we think Rafa will go for them as he tries to improve the squad this month and in the summer.
Hopefully we will be promoted this season and then the summer transfer window will be massive for the club.
It seems Rafa can do a lot better than sign Stewart Downing on loan this month.
What do you think?
Comments welcome.
7 comments so far
cyprus
Jan 10, 2017 at 7:45 AM
Comment #1Ed
We need experience as well as youth for the run in. Cool heads who can ride the coming storm and chasers’ onslaught.
Not sure Downing is the solution but I’d take him. Experienced, can make a difference.
I think Rafa had better get cracking with the transfers. The squad isn’t as good as he and we think it is.
PS Ameobi can do a job too. Bring him home.
Steak and Kidney Pie
Jan 10, 2017 at 7:48 AM
Comment #2You wouldn’t want us to sign him on a permanent, but Downing is surely a more than decent player at this level, having had a fine career at the highest level, and certainly worth considering if you are looking for a fourth choice winger for the remainder of the season, and can’t get the calibre of player now, that you will be better placed to get once back.
Well past his best at 32 Ed?
cyprus
Jan 10, 2017 at 7:51 AM
Comment #3On the cup,
I guess he’s saying the right things, while inserting others that another coach wouldn’t have gotten away with:
It’s massive for the fans, of course I will try to win it… I’ll use the bit part players, it’s a good run out and helps get them match fit.
sing in the corner
Jan 10, 2017 at 7:58 AM
Comment #4I love the FA cup as much as anyone, but I think Rafa’s approach is nowt but sensible. If we were romping the league by 12 points at this stage, playing fabulous football and destroying most teams then fine, gamble and chuck everything at it.
We’re not.
Using the squad is the right thing to do. Injuries to key players can happen any time of course, but why not minimise your risks? Promotion is nowhere near a certainty right now.
cyprus
Jan 10, 2017 at 8:00 AM
Comment #5BTW
I must admit I agree with him and other coaches/management at this and other clubs. Job no1 is the PL.
It’s a shame, especially for the oldest cup in the world, to have been demoted, but money, TV, European competitions, the major clubs, have decided it’s longer term future: somewhere next to the cup winners cup cupboard…
cyprus
Jan 10, 2017 at 8:07 AM
Comment #6And imagine if -when?- this European superleague is created, with ‘permanent’ big players (something like the security council!) and temporary invitees who’ll surprisingly win something, the Leicesters, if you will.
That’s when these cups will become truly lower tier affairs.
NezzaNUFC
Jan 10, 2017 at 11:32 AM
Comment #7No we haven’t been linked with downing where do you you get this info from?
All the papers think we are after everyone and it’s old news staying old!