With a couple of decent results over the next three matches, Newcastle could keep their good league position heading into the new year. We are currently sitting in the ninth spot but just 3 points behind 5th place Sheffield United albeit with a worse goal difference.
We have three games running through New Years Day – Man United away tomorrow followed by two home matches against Everton on Saturday, then Leicester City on Wednesday. All of which we could get something from.
Newcastle are also 10 points clear of the relegation zone as we hit the midway point of the campaign tomorrow. Unfortunately for Newcastle fans, this is the mark of success for the club. It’s not that we are within a stone’s throw of fighting for a place in Europe.
The powers that be will see a comfortable finish in mid-table as a rousing success. For Ashley and Co., anywhere a few places above 17th will do just fine to keep everything ticking along.
Therefore, we could see a very quiet window for Newcastle in January. Barring a sudden downturn in form or a couple of season-ending injuries to key players, we don’t see any incomings being sanctioned next month.
While January is a difficult month for transfers, it’s also a window where teams can that are perched for a European place can strengthen to build on a promising first half of the campaign.
However, it’s also a window where teams with glaring weaknesses address their faults. While Bruce has definitely outperformed our expectations, we’ve been winning games that could have gone either way.
Are we just punching above our weight at the moment, or is this team capable of pulling out results for the entirety of a season? The Premier League is so tight this season that a string of losses could see us plummet down the table and find ourselves in a fight we aren’t fully prepared for.
It’s not difficult to see what’s wrong with the team. We don’t create enough chances or put them away when we do. It’s an area that could be addressed by a signing or two next month.
However, the higher Steve Bruce soars, the less likely it becomes that he’ll be given the support to reach even loftier heights.
13 comments so far
Lindisfarne
Dec 25, 2019 at 10:17 PM
Comment #17 injuries says otherwise
toon22
Dec 25, 2019 at 10:28 PM
Comment #2Bants
Posted proof of the PR
Hiya
toon22
Dec 25, 2019 at 10:30 PM
Comment #3Tried to call a truce
Offered to bury the hatchet numerous times
But JIb and his many alts just cant let it be can they
Sadly nobody cares anymore
Australian Pie
Dec 25, 2019 at 10:46 PM
Comment #4And if he is PR for Ashley, then what?
Can’t believe I just had to read comments over 4 threads trying to prove Jib is PR when it doesn’t matter if he is or isn’t
Australian Pie
Dec 25, 2019 at 10:49 PM
Comment #5I think its apparent to all that we need to strengthen in January. All credit to Bruce for what he has done but we have been very fortunate and with some luck against us could be sitting around the bottom 3.
In saying that though I don’t think we are any worse than Southampton, Norwich, Villa, Brighton, Sheffield, Palace etc.
I can for sure see Ashley gambling on this and only bringing in 2 or 3 youth players and calling it a busy window
fairscup
Dec 25, 2019 at 10:49 PM
Comment #6Hope everyone has had a good day – Merry Christmas to everone
Lilongwe Geordie
Dec 25, 2019 at 11:15 PM
Comment #7In 22’s defence he did offer a Xmas ceasefire. Don’t think he broke it first
TomaKaThor
Dec 25, 2019 at 11:19 PM
Comment #8If Fat Ash had the slightest clue about football he would know we have got 3 points in numerous matches we could of easily got no points, we have been very lucky so far….. But fat boy doesn’t have a clue so he won’t invest and I can forsee us going on an abysmal run at some point and so easily be dragged into a regulation battle…. But hey ho this is Newcastle so it’s just business as usual.. Shame because with 2 good additions I feel we could stay mid table until the end and talk of Europe will be there all season long….
P.s I am not bothered about Europe tbh because I know we won’t do anything nor do I think it will make a difference to who we can attract transfer wise… I do however want us to finish as high as possible obviously
RobLeenio
Dec 25, 2019 at 11:29 PM
Comment #9Martoon, cheers matey – always wondered about how to insert a link in text.
Happy Christmas Everyone 😉
Assassins Inc
Dec 25, 2019 at 11:59 PM
Comment #10Honestly even if people are on this site solely for the purpose of being PR for MA, honestly do we really give a fcuk.
I mean if they are, they are and we can either listen to there opinions or choose to ignore them.
22 you’ve proved you point, now let’s get back to the club.
dougie
Dec 26, 2019 at 12:26 AM
Comment #11There’s no chance of any strengthening happening in the window.The parasite thinks we are safe now.We have been extremely luck so far and goals from the defenders won’t carry on all season.I see a relegation dogfight for us till the last game.Hope I’m wrong and we get to 40 points and hopefully someone will come in and turn Sports Direct FC into NUFC again.
stan anderson
Dec 26, 2019 at 12:31 AM
Comment #12Strange how devisive Ashlie is.
Got fellow MAGS at each others throat.
Such a shame some dont see it as it is,
IN MY OPINION.
martoon
Dec 26, 2019 at 12:40 AM
Comment #13RobLeenio No problem mate.
Toon22 no I haven’t read all your posts because believe it or not I’ve had better things to do on Christmas day
I still think you’re barking up the wrong tree because Jib freely admits his job is online so he obviously knows all the tricks.