Since January 5, Newcastle have not won a game at home. They have collected three points just once, away at Birmingham. I am sure many people think that Andy Carroll’s departure, and a lack of replacement, is the reason for this.
When Carroll left, the remaining players must have felt a bit deflated. After he was not replaced, there must have been a feeling of, ‘well we are going to stay up anyway’ and ‘now our top goal scorer has left, let’s wait for next season’. It must have been difficult to motivate the players. Admittedly, Carroll left on the last day of the window, but if Newcastle had plans of selling, they should have brought in a new player earlier in January. Also, Newcastle could have signed a player on loan. I was surprised they were not interested in John Carew, who although is getting old still can offer a lot. But maybe Mike Ashley has his sight’s set higher, only time will tell.
Contrary to this, I don’t think Carroll’s absence has been hugely detrimental to Newcastle. I think they have actually been very unlucky in the last two months. Had it not been for last minute equalisers by Gyan at Sunderland, and Lennon against Tottenham, Newcastle would have four more points and sit above Sunderland, Everton and Bolton in the table at 7th. You can hardly say their spirit has been crushed; just look at their comeback against Arsenal.
In Newcastle’s defence, it is very difficult to sign a player in January who makes an impact in the first season. Torres has shown just how difficult it is to move clubs, mid-season. It would have been even more difficult for Newcastle to find someone from abroad to come in, settle down and start scoring goals. A panic January buy could have resulted in wasting the Carroll money.
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But next season Newcastle could be an even better team. Their midfield in particular looks strong. Newcastle fans will be delighted with the contract extension by Tiote, who has been one of the finds of the season. If you add to that players like Barton, and now the loan of Stephen Ireland, in addition to the goals of Kevin Nolan, they look very strong in the middle. Furthermore, with the exciting Ben Arfa coming back to fitness, they could even have a strong finish to this season.
Newcastle are still in need of a striker, and will no doubt look to bring one in this summer. But that is the best time to look for one. Newcastle have £35m from Carroll, and Mike Ashley has reportedly said that all that money will go back into the club. I wonder how much faith Newcastle fans have in Ashley to keep to this?
But, should Newcastle look to spend their money this summer, where should they look to spend it? Their defence at home has become a worry; they have conceded 22 goals at St. James’ Park this season, that is the fourth most in the Premier League. But Steven Taylor has been out for most of the season. His return, along with Steve Harper, should restore their defensive stability.
With their squad looking relatively strong in all areas other than attack, it would make sense to invest as much money as possible in a striker; they need someone to lead the line. If Nolan is going to play just behind the striker, like he has done effectively this year, Newcastle need a Carroll like player up front who can hold the ball up, but also contribute with goals. This type of player does not come cheap. Newcastle are more likely to find one in the summer, than they would have been in January.
As it stands, Newcastle have hardly missed Andy Carroll as of yet. Sorry Newcastle fans, but I think this was a good decision by Mike Ashley.
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