This is turning out to be one of the best summer transfer windows under owner Mike Ashley since we spent over £50M net, back in 2015.
We had only just avoided relegation then under caretaker manager John Carver, after Alan Pardew had had enough, and left the club to join Crystal Palace in late 2014.
And Ashley seemed willing to put decent money out that summer for the likes of Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Chancel Mbemba, Florian Thauvin, and Ivan Toney – and all five players have since left the club.
Steve Bruce with Fabian Schar and Jack Colback
As a reminder here’s what we did in the summer transfer window four years ago – the summer before we were relegated again under Steve McClaren.
[table “39” not found /]With the capture of Joelinton, Kyle Scott, Jake Turner, Jetro Willems, and Allan Saint-Maximin, it’s been a good window so far for us.
Here’s how we are doing at the moment.
[table “80” not found /]Newcastle have spent a net of £20M so far this summer and could end up actually spending money this summer as we did four years ago.
In the last three summers when Newcastle had world-class manager Rafa Benitez at the club – we made a profit of £31M in 2016, spent £12M net in 2017 and made a profit of £20M net last summer.
So at least for the three summer windows under Rafa, we made a profit of £39M.
You would have thought the time to spend money was when you have a world-class manager in place – who knows what he’s doing.
But it seemed like owner Mike Ashley wanted to retain control of the club and do it his way, as we found out six weeks ago when Rafa left.
So the club have reverted back to paying out the full fees for players and signing young players on long contracts.
We’ll just have to wait and see what happens, but that’s sound financial management.
The hard part starts now for Steve Bruce, but he’s done very well so far – given the toxic state of the club.
We hope Steve’s successful at Newcastle, but the main thing is for us to remain in the Premier League this season.
If Rafa had stayed, we had hoped to be looking higher than that – perhaps for a top-eight position.
We’ve had a top-eight position only once under Ashley when we somehow finished 5th back in 2012.
But maybe Steve Bruce and the lads can do that (top eight) this season – we certainly have the best squad we have had for several years.
So we have some hope for this season, and we’ll support Steve Bruce and the players as much as we can.
We also somehow have to force Mike Ashley to sell the club – hopefully before the end of the year.
Comments welcome.
260 comments so far
jazzyp
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:16 PM
Comment #1jazzyp
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:15 PM
Comment #92
https://twitter.com/MaintainSjp/status/1157971165173952512
Rotonda heights
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:17 PM
Comment #2It’s funny from what I remember from Steve Bruce post match interviews he always said ” Well I’m not going to make any excuses” and then promptly launched into a load!
That said, Bruce is a likeable and personable character and I don’t have the same revulsion for him that I had with other unambitious Z lister yes men Pardew, Allardyce, Carver and McLaren. It’s just a shame that just like those Brit dinosaur re-treads Bruce is sadly just not very good.
The only saving grace would have been getting an Arteta or Viera type appointment to cover for losing a worldie in Rafa. One day we may actually get both a top coach to go with these exciting new players. Ash hasn’t quite realised that yet, or maybe all the decent managers / coaches are on to him now.
MarkBro
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:20 PM
Comment #3Every penny generated we will spend.
A few fancy step overs by maxi and a 40mil Brazilian wont paper the cracks for long. Weve replaced like for like. Glad gayles back for Joselu but we havent exactly pushed on.
Ill be seriously pi$$ed off if thats it
lochinvar
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:28 PM
Comment #4Ye gods.
I’ve received the Gift Box containing the Season Ticket, a coin of no fiscal value to commemorate the Fairs Cup Win, a lapel version of the coin, a lapel pin scarf and a light tan card holder.
Inscribed on the lid of the box the immortal words:
“This summer doesn’t just mark the start of another exciting season. It also marks 50 years of being inspired by those who gave us European Glory”
Inspiration goes a long way apparently. ,
big bob
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:30 PM
Comment #5Markbro – I think you will be pi££ed off mate only got 4 days left think players will be going out now maybe Hayden and some squad players be all about balancing books they don’t like net spend
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:36 PM
Comment #6I’ve looked into “Geordie” loads and theres multiple reasons said to be behind it, I like the local history, proud Geordie.
Cant say which one is true dont think anyone can.
The one I’ve heard the most from way older folk than myself is it came from a type of lamp the old miners used.
King George is also very popular but the man on the street says no.
Who knows it’s a bit like the myth behind the flag of Bernicia told by some.
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:38 PM
Comment #7I’ll judge the window when its closed. Some guys on here were screaming that we would never buy the likes of asm or joelinton. It could have been better, it coykd have been worse.
The next Mike Williamson
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:46 PM
Comment #8Player for player, we are similar to how we ended the season with Jetro added. Joelinton for Rondon. Maximin for Perez. Bruce for Rafa. The big difference is comparing to the start of last season. We now have Longstaff, Almiron. And if we get a full season from Lejuenes and Shelvey that could make a difference. I rate Lejuenes very highly.
MarkBro
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:46 PM
Comment #9Who knows. Another winger and a forward, get rid of a few squad fillers, this squad maybe ok. We could spend in Jan if needed
beefman13
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:46 PM
Comment #10It isn’t the point of the new signings coming in, for me it’s the point of the upheaval the downright disappointements and hope that was taken away for the coming season, ie the takeover the chance to build our club up again the respect, the chance to start with new owners who would give us all new hope, instead we have again been flung around in the tumble dryer and literally £hit on, conned, we imo are now yet again in the process of being called mugs by the hiarchy, they see us as all mouth no trousers, they are b loody so right.They have done the sting on us again, it’s unacceptable, we do not deserve it, got to make a stand, got to.
Tony Baloney
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:47 PM
Comment #11looks like Ed is getting back on board with supporting NUFC and hoping we do well and play well. Despite Mike Ashley.
Maybe the Confederacy of Dunces on here may also have a rethink? Doubt it.
AND FINALLY some people are seeing Toon22 for what he is. He never talks NUFC. It is always KBA and taxes. I think that if he met Alan Shearer in a bar he wouldn’t know who he was. He might know one of the Partners at Grant Thornton though.
MarkBro
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:47 PM
Comment #12I also think muto and gayle will help us out for goals, given a chance
The next Mike Williamson
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:49 PM
Comment #13If we had a proper manager I’d predict 8th because I’m an optimist and this is a good squad. With Bruce my prediction depends on how quickly we react and sack him. I’ll say an optimistic 16th.
the white tino
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:50 PM
Comment #14So where has all the rest of the money gone?? We’ve spent next to nowt over the last 12 years WHERE’S THE MONEY GONE???
Tony Baloney
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:51 PM
Comment #15I told you about Steve Smith. We have to go bodyline next test with Archer.
The next Mike Williamson
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:51 PM
Comment #16When does Martoons league start?
Ron Knee
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:52 PM
Comment #17TnMW
We’ll finish in the top 17 – probably.
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:52 PM
Comment #18OP, maybe you could educate your new friend about geordieness. Dickhead.
Tony Baloney
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:53 PM
Comment #19With VAR Gayle will get us penalties.
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:53 PM
Comment #20The window could have been a lot worse.
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:56 PM
Comment #21Mike im still not certain re lejeune defensively, especially re ball watching and pace. Lovely footballer though, really like him.
lochinvar
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:56 PM
Comment #22Newcastle United head coach Steve Bruce has admitted that striker Dwight Gayle’s calf injury isn’t responding to treatment, according to The Chronicle.
The newspaper claims that there is an ongoing problem with the 28-year-old, on a reported £40,000-per-week [Source: Spotrac], which remains unresolved.The Englishman, who spent the last campaign on loan in the Championship with West Bromwich Albion, is yet to feature for the Magpies in pre season.
The Daily Star reported recently that Bruce was ready to sanction another loan for the player, but after Saturday’s win over St Etienne the Magpies boss dismissed the possibility of Gayle leaving the club.
The next Mike Williamson
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:57 PM
Comment #23The two longstaffs give me hope. The only way we can break into the top ten is by getting lucky with a few good youths then hitting the lottery by finding a bale type who can drag us into the top 4. I doubt they’ll end up that good, but they could rule England’s midfield for years and can both score. We should loan Matty out this year.
The next Mike Williamson
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:58 PM
Comment #24Break into the top 4 I meant
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 12:58 PM
Comment #25Tony, 22 may be a shill for Dave whelan, ashleys old enemy, wigan coach. . Hiya JJB 🙂
Tony Baloney
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:01 PM
Comment #26The thing about Bruce is that I have no idea what he is like as a manager. I never watched any of the teams he Managed in the PL and we don’t get the Championship on TV in the US (Dinnington. People calling him a traitor for managing the Mackems is silly. And what he said to their fans about it being a big club and the like is what all Managers do.
Moonraker15
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:02 PM
Comment #27That is amazing that Rafa got us promoted and established the team in the premier league over 3 years AND made a transfer profit of £39 million!
Ashley didn’t appreciate what a gem he had!
What a clown!
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:03 PM
Comment #28Rotunda, sincere condolences mate.
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:05 PM
Comment #29Agree tony. Its professional sport. I dont hate barry venison either. Brilliant player on his day too.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:08 PM
Comment #30Munster
Maybe you could educate yourself on football, I wont hold my breath as you haven’t managed yet.
Mund
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:08 PM
Comment #31We absolutely should keep Matty Longstaff around for this season he is far better than the back up we already have.
Who would you rather take a squad place up Colback or young Longstaff? Matty all the way for me and he looks a real quality player in the making, a real live wire this pre-season and could offer a lot this year.
Look at Declan Rice been around the first team the last couple of seasons he is now 20 so since around 17-18 yrs old. We should defo do the same with Matty keep him around for at least half a year till Jan and I think in that time he will show his worth to the team. Both Longstaff’s offer different qualities and it’s exciting to see them grow in the first team.
Essex Geordie Bill
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:09 PM
Comment #32OP
If you don’t read the nightshift comments how can you judge them?
Toon22 reaps what he sows as far as bullying (?) goes, if he was to stick to his MA mantra and not try to justify his attacks on phantom shills and supposed Ashley lovers then he’d get a lot less stick on the blog.
I for one don’t hate him, more like pity, I really wish Ashley would go so he can lose the obsession with him.
Having said that I will reiterate what I’ve always said, everybody is entitled to an opinion on the blog no matter how wrong it can be, it’s also open for people to respond to those opinions again rightly or wrongly.
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:10 PM
Comment #33TMNR
My highlight of yesterday was Longstaff to Longstaff, the younger with virtually his first touch
BACK O THE NET
Buzzing for the lad, brought a tear to the eye.
It would be a dream to have our own brothers as a CM pairing.
lesh
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:11 PM
Comment #34Munster Mag
I may have missed some of your posts so forgive the question: Are you suggesting that knowing the words to certain songs determines whether or not someone has an affiliation with NUFC?
If it is the case you’re making that someone who can’t fill in the missing words to songs isn’t a fan, I’m afraid you’re on thin ice.
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:13 PM
Comment #35Op i have coached and captained at football and still play. I dont need any education from you thanks. Go teach 22. Your friend needs you.
Moonraker15
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:14 PM
Comment #36Beef
It’s a difficult situation because for many of us who live and breathe the Toon a boycott is hurting us more than Ashley.
To give an example of what Ashley has done to Newcastle in 12 years, I was listening to a pundit on talksport about our signings and he said, “ if Joelinton was brilliant he wouldn’t be going to Newcastle”. That where we’ve come in the years since we were an automatic champions league every year!
If the money had been properly invested, who knows where we’d be?
Mindshaft
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:15 PM
Comment #37Please do not respond to people telling us where they live, people name calling, people baiting , people seeking attention – you’re just feeding them .. if we starve them the blog will be a much better place for all.
No need to respond to this post 🙂
Munster Mag
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:15 PM
Comment #38Lesh, i was merely exposing 22 for his complete lack of knowledge re nufc. Are you ok with that?
#BoycottAshley ( OP)
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:17 PM
Comment #39Munster
I’ve read your posts, I pity any team you’re involved with.
davo
Aug 4, 2019 at 1:17 PM
Comment #40Plenty of people coming on here saying they hate Mike Ashley then spending the next 8 hours- defending Mike Ashley, rubbishing protest efforts aimed at getting rid of Mike Ashley,rewriting history re Rafa getting forced out of the club and being replaced by literally the only manager that would take the job.
Long live Toon 22