Last Season Recap:
Newcastle’s season got off to a poor start in the back office when they appointed Joe Kinnear as Director of Football, despite outright disapproval from the fans. Kinnear was a terrible liar and in his first interview with Newcastle, his true colors came out.
Kinnear blurted out garbage and lies about how much he bought players for. He mentioned a couple of players he bought for low prices, however in reality bought them for an outstanding amount more. He also said that he managed Wimbledon FC for over 10 years when it was just seven.
Players and managers weren’t pleased with how Newcastle was being run. Defender Danny Simpson left the Magpies for relegated QPR, and midfielder James Perch left for Wigan Athletic. Derek Llambias resigned as Managing Director following Kinnear’s appointment.
Yohan Cabaye stirred up a lot of controversy when he refused to play in the final days of the summer transfer window, due to him wanting to leave the club as well. Cabaye finally got his wish in January when he was sold to French power house PSG for £19 million.
On February 3, Joe Kinnear finally resigned from his role as Director of Football amidst substantial amounts of distaste from the fans and board. He was in office for less than eighth months.
Newcastle finished in 10th place with 49 points. Their goal differential was very poor at -16.
Notable 2014 Newcomers:
Rémy Cabella (Montpellier, £12m)
Cabella is an exciting young attacking midfielder from French club Montpellier. Last season Cabella scored 14 goals in 36 total appearances. In addition to that he set up five more, adding five assists to his name. Cabella was a regular starter for Montpellier and Newcastle will really benefit from his arrival.
Emmanuel Riviere (Monaco, £6.3m)
Riviere is yet again another exciting young attacking midfielder from France. Last season for Monaco he scored 10 times in 19 appearances, in 11 of those Riviere came on as a substitute. In addition to those goals he bagged a couple of assists. Riviera and Cabella are both capable of starting for Newcastle in the upcoming season with Yohan Cabaye’s departure in January.
Siem de Jong (Ajax, £6m)
De Jong is brought in to possibly replace Loic Remy’s production. While that will be hard, de Jong is a capable player. Last season he managed seven goals in 16 league games. However, he failed to net any more in Ajax’s Champion’s League and Europa League matches. De Jong is a risk that Pardew will have to deal with, but for only £6m he is a low risk, high reward type purchase.
Daryl Janmaat (Feyenoord, £5m)
After an impressive performance in the World Cup with the Netherlands, Pardew decided on Janmaat to replace departing right-back Mathieu Debuchy. Janmaat played for most of last season at Feyenoord, capping thirty appearances for the club, and his play in the World Cup was more than enough to convince Pardew that he’s the right man to fill a big hole in their defense.
Jack Colback (Sunderland, Free)
An interesting but brief storyline in this transfer as Sunderland let one of its players go to their rival, Newcastle. Reports say that fans of Sunderland believe this transfer has left a bitter taste in their mouths.
Colback was a regular starter for the black cats last season. He picked up 28 appearances at Sunderland, often at central midfield. He netted three goals and set up another two. A decent pickup by Newcastle, especially for a price of nothing.
Notable Players On Their Way Out:
Mathieu Debuchy (Arsenal, £12m)
French international Mathieo Debuchy was arguably one of Newcastle’s best players last season. He started 28 matches and six of those he was named man of the match. That’s an incredible feat for an outside defender. He was decently productive on offense as well as he scored a goal and set up three more. Janmaat replaces Debuchy at right-back, but that is indeed a downgrade at the position.
Dan Gosling (AFC Bournemouth, Free)
Gosling was a semi-regular starter, capping 21 times for Newcastle last season. He did a decent job playing as holding midfielder in the center of the pitch. Gosling scored a couple of times but was unable to bag any assists. A good pickup by Bournemouth, and a good decision to not re-sign him by Newcastle.
Major Storylines:
Andy Carroll
As of late, several reports have been surfacing about a potential reunion with former striker Andy Carroll. The English striker currently plays for West Ham, but after leaving Newcastle a few years ago he was never able to recapture that remarkable form.
Newcastle and West Ham are coincidentally participating in the same tournament down-under in New Zealand, and there is a rumor that a £15 million offer can convince West Ham to sell the club star.
Andy Carroll appeared 15 times for West Ham. In those appearances he scored just two goals and assisted four more.
Clement Grenier
In late January, Newcastle had a last minute bid rejected for midfielder Clement Grenier, he insisted that he would prefer a move in the summer instead. Now that it is summer time and transfers are in full form, Newcastle have rejuvenated their interest in the youngster.
Originally, Grenier was more interested in moving to a champions league participating team, but now reports are suggesting he is open to a move to Newcastle United. Many are saying he can be the one to replace Yohan Cabaye’s production, while others believe Cabella and de Jong will be his replacement.
Grenier capped 31 times for Lyon last season, scoring five goals and bagging six assists.
Predictions:
Newcastle have had a very successful transfer window so far. Signing five productive players for just under £30m is very impressive. They did lose Debuchy, one of their best players last year, and Cabaye in January. However, no one will know what their “replacements” can do until they are seen wearing the Newcastle jersey.
Premier League: 9th
Domestic Cup(s): 4th Round
