We all know Newcastle United have a problem. They have the talent and the support, but they still cannot win a trophy or challenge for the title! They have made some decent signings in the last few season, like Owen, Martins, Parker and Duff, but they have also had some flops - Kluivert, Moore, Johnsen and Luque. They have been knocked out of European competitions in the last four years by some pretty average teams - Partizan Belgrade, Marseille, Sporting Lisbon and AZ Alkmaar. Hardly world beaters! Newcastle's defence has always been weak and we've always had an injury crisis. What are the odds that a 17 million pound striker would get TWO long-term injuries in the space of one year! Newcastle need to sort out their defence, and toughen up their midfield a bit, get everybody back fit and challenge for the Champions League places. They also have a problem of thinking that they are the best team in the Uefa Cup and think they have a right of entry into the final! Painful defeats have come in the Uefa Cup against Lisbon and Alkmaar, when leads have been surrendered. <u>I would like to see these players at Newcastle next season:</u> If Charlton are relegated, we should pounce for Darren Bent for around 7 million. Sylvain Distin is out of contract at Man City in the summer, so we should swoop for him for free. Joey Barton would be a good signing from City as well, for around 6.8 million. Ferreira isn't getting games at Chelsea, so 6 million should see him coming to us! Also, Wayne Bridge would be a good loan signing. We should sell Emre, Butt, Sibierski and loan out Ameobi and Krul. <div align="center"> Given Ferreira Distin Bridge Milner Barton Parker Dyer Bent Martins Owen</div>
I think Newcastle's main problem is their defence, and even though they've got Onyewu on loan, I don't think he's adapting well to the English game (did anyone see him get caught in possession at Charlton?). I really think they need to get some better defenders who work better together. Also, I think they need to get Owen back into shape and get him and Martins working together. The day Owen and Martins are up front together will be a great day for this Newcastle squad. Though I think after Shearer's retiring, Newcastle have an uphill battle ahead of them to replace him.
