Loads of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after Managing Director Lee Charnley addressed what the club’s plans are for 2020.
Charnley has stated hope that the New Year brings with it the start to a new chapter for the Magpies, having spent much of the past 12 months embroiled in anger from the fanbase at how Rafa Benitez’s contract situation was handled.
The club also had to fight for survival in the Premier League until our place in the top-flight was secured in April, with just three games to spare, after ending our first campaign back in the division 10th in the standings just a year before.
A wealth of new signings arriving on Tyneside in January should not be expected, though, as Charnley is firm on the message that a vast majority of United’s transfer activity would be carried out in the summer rather than in the winter.
“Steve [Bruce has] gone on record as saying he’s happy with his group of players, and when we approached the window in the summer, we did so on the basis that we would do the vast majority of our business in that window,” Charnley told BBC Newcastle.
“In January, we’ve got, hopefully, Matt Ritchie to come back – who we’ve not really seen this season. Jamaal [Lascelles] hopefully should be back. Obviously, we’ve got Florian Lejeune, who the manager’s not seen, so at the minute, we’ve got good strength in depth in most positions.
“What I don’t want to do is over-promise and under-deliver. But, is that to say if the right opportunity came up that we wouldn’t look at it? Then, clearly if there’s an opportunity there that makes sense for us, that may well be something that we could look at.”
Do we need to spend in January?
Yes
No
United broke our club-record spend in the last January window to bring Miguel Almiron to the Premier League from MLS franchise Atlanta United, at a cost of £21million.
The club also spent big to acquire Joelinton in the summer, with the striker arriving from Bundesliga side TSG Hoffenheim at a new club-record £40m.
A repeat in January would thus seem unlikely, going by Charnley’s recent comment, which drew a lot of reactions on social media.
Here are some of the messages shared…
“we spunked the lot on joelinton so were getting nowt” https://t.co/t0Sfd1NBXW
— B 2.0 (@JMAG1892_2) December 11, 2019
Makes you sick that this leach has been part of the downfall of our once world class club yet gets a free ride with majority of supporters and media.
— Big Cel (@BigCel5) December 11, 2019
He’s under delivered on everything he’s ever done at #nufc apart from making mr shepherd a nice cup of tetleys https://t.co/qGwmnbynze
— Craig (@1CraigAllan) December 11, 2019
Over promise and under deliver!!! All you’ve ever done is under deliver!! https://t.co/29YFd1WOXT
— KK (@Keeeeegurrnnnnn) December 11, 2019
Rafa walks due to lack of ambition.10k+ boycott matches,club sell off #NUFC land for MA family profit,Ashley sees SD advertising suffer.Launches PR campaign by getting SB ask club to act,club gives away tickets, LC does interview saying we want best for #NUFC!@MagpieGroupNUFC🤢🤮 https://t.co/Z8DIQVTmWM
— dave mcp (@davemcp) December 11, 2019
That’s Charnley for we’re on 22 points before Xmas and we’ll get to 40 no bother so you’ve had your lot lads n lasses. No kicking on from us. You can sit there watch it for free and not complain a jot #NUFC https://t.co/NbCDpiXpvj
— Jack (@jackm1892) December 11, 2019
Ah the managing expectations line. Problem is, we’ve spent the last 12 years having our expectations ‘managed’ #NUFC https://t.co/0nqL89VOZG
— Pasty Guy (@Joeeeeeee_96) December 11, 2019
That’s where the free tickets are coming from! The transfer window kitty
— Mick (@Looney_Toon1892) December 11, 2019
Ah so that’s where Pardew was spoon fed the old ‘like a new signing’ line
— Daryl Taylor (@darylbethyname) December 11, 2019
Ah yes. 3 players coming back from injury. They will be like new players. Phew. And here is me thinking our dear leader would be forced to go and buy some more.
— Sam Garcia (@SanDiegoSam1975) December 11, 2019
In other Newcastle United news, a 6-cap man has been applauded for enjoying a ‘renaissance’ in form.