Read Daniel Storey’s reviews for all 20 Premier League clubs here
A season of unimaginable change at St James Park, defined not by what happened on the pitch – although far more on that later – but by the images of the Sports Direct signs being taken down from the ground in December.
Most supporters had lost hope of the Mike Ashley era, with all of its self-inflicted decay, ever ending. They now have new owners, a new manager, new hope and half a new squad with more surely to come.
We must reflect on the circumstances of the takeover and the identity of those uber-rich owners. For all the righteous celebration of Ashley’s departure, there are significant moral questions about being owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment fund.
Not every supporter cares even a jot and many more are able to put those concerns to one side in favour of concentrating on football, but for those outside that support it is a deal that leaves a horrible taste in the mouth. “What would Bobby Robson think?” is a pertinent question here. Newcastle’s favourite son, motivated by kindness throughout his life, would surely have been appalled.
More from Football
The Saudis arrived with a mission to keep Newcastle in the Premier League, made more difficult by the gross underperformance of Steve Bruce. Bruce left by mutual consent less than a fortnight after the takeover was completed. He was quick to fight his own corner, but failed to make good on his promise to address worsening form on the pitch. Newcastle won none of their first eight league games of the season.
Unsurprisingly, the owners did not hang about. They appointed Eddie Howe and then allowed him to spend £90m in January. Chris Wood was a short-term striker option (Callum Wilson had a serious injury) that hurt relegation rivals Burnley, Dan Burn was the physical central defender they craved and Bruno Guimaraes has added flair to a central midfield that too often had relied upon work rate and energy.
Howe did not succeed from the get-go. During his first 10 weeks in charge, Newcastle failed to beat Brentford, Norwich and Watford in the league, lost 4-0 at Leicester and were dumped out of the FA Cup by Cambridge United of League One. At that point, relegation seemed more probability than possibility.
Even considering the January outlay, Howe has flourished at St James. The new signings have made an enormous difference, but it would be obtuse not to acknowledge the improvement in Emil Krafth, Jacob Murphy, Fabian Schar, Joelinton and Ryan Fraser. Howe was nominated for the Manager of the Year award for taking Newcastle well clear of danger. He has also helped change the mood; no longer do fans attend matches purely through grim loyalty and habit.
More on Newcastle United FC
Relegation is a game-changer for Burnley, with debts to pay and key players set to leave22 May, 2022
Man Utd, Spurs and Newcastle will 'define the transfer market' as Rice stays at West Ham21 May, 2022
Newcastle keen on 'new Benzema', Brentford make Eriksen offer, Everton insist future is bright19 May, 2022That upward momentum will surely continue. PIF have ambitions to channel the power of the fanbase and will use significant capital this summer to improve the squad. The changes to the Champions League from 2024 will create an extra place for English clubs and Newcastle’s aim is to use limitless funds to be part of that conversation. If you had a pound for every player they are linked with this summer, you would have enough to match their wealth.
But we cannot end anywhere other than the nagging question that underpins this all. You can choose to bask in new-found wealth, delighting in potential being realised. But after a season in which one Premier League club was forced to change owners due to links with the aggressive conflict waged by a state, nobody can pretend that one arm of Saudi power controlling a club while the state itself bombs Yemen is a satisfactory situation. One thing is true beyond doubt, and needs no ruling from the Premier League to confirm: Newcastle United will never be the same again.
Player of the season: Joelinton
Best signing: Dan Burn
Breakout star: Bruno Guimaraes
The Score is Daniel Storey’s weekly verdict on all 20 Premier League teams’ performances. Sign up here to receive the newsletter every Monday morning next season
from Football | News and analysis from the Premier League and beyond | iNews https://ift.tt/iG2NpVh
Post a Comment