Pre-Season Discussion: A look ahead to the Future: Newcastle United

After a fantastic 2011/12 season Newcastle United faced a complete change of fortunes in 2012/13 season. They finished 5th in 2011/12 but the scenery changed so drastically for the Magpies that at one stage manager Alan Pardew came out and stated that if money was not invested in the squad the club may face relegation once again. Well, for sure, Alan Pardew and the entire Toon Army would be hoping for better fortune this time around as they look to start another season in the EPL. We take a look at expectations from the Toon Army, their recent transfer activity and who can be the savior and hero for the Toon-side this time around.

Season 2012/13

 

• Newcastle United finished 16th losing a grand total of 19 games; only the three relegated teams had lost more.
• Newcastle United recorded a 3-0 home win against Wigan and 3-2 win against Chelsea which can be recorded as their best wins of the season.
• Papiss Cisse ended up highest scorer for the club scoring 13 goals.
• Fabricio Coloccini won the player of the year award for the Magpies.

Transfers

Departures

Steve Harper (Hull City), Danny Simpson (QPR), James Perch (Wigan), Mehdi Abeid (Panathinaikos)

Signings

Olivier Kemen (Metz), Loic Remy(QPR, loan)

The transfer window has seen Newcastle United been very patient. Not a lot of players have been linked to the Magpies and rightfully so. They ended up buying a contingent of players in the Winter Transfer window to ensure survival and any more players will only eat up squad place rather than being of any real help. Loic Remy should cover-up for the departure of Demba Ba while fringe players like Harper, Simpson and Perch have been shifted as well.

Man To Watch

Hatem Ben Arfa and Papiss Cise

Injuries have plagued his career so far and that is the only reason he is still at Newcastle United. The lad is extremely gifted and is a really exquisite talent. His runs, directness, pace, and skills are a treat to watch when in full flow and Newcastle would be hoping that the french-man bags in a complete season without much injury trouble. Along with the talents of Cisse and Remy Ben Arfa will flourish both in terms of goals and assists. Papiss Cisse is another one who should be looking to recapture his form from the winter he signed for the club, while Remy must be looking to make amends and fully focus on his career rather than glittering pay cheques.

Verdict

Mid- Table : 11th

Newcastle United have seen the high and low of premier league football in consecutive seasons and if sanity prevails this is where they should be looking to finish. They may still lack the talent to be a consistent top-half team but 11th position has to be the target, any thing less than 11th should be considered a failure considering the expenditure and stature of the football club.