Lots of Newcastle United fans have been reacting on social media after the Chronicle’s Mark Douglas offered a critique into the club’s historic failings in the transfer market by naming his worst ever signings.
There have been plenty of poor players brought to St. James’ Park down the years, with some failing to live up to their reputations, price tag or the pressure of playing for the Toon once on the field in Black and White.
For Douglas, the worst of all time was Xisco, who was lured to the North East during Kevin Keegan’s time in charge and handed a £50,000-per-week contract, but only made 11 appearances for the club across all competitions during a five-year stint that never suggested he was good enough to make it here.
Other notable flops mentioned included £18million man Michael Owen for his heart not being in the right place, the questionable £8m defender Jean Alain Boumsong, and World Cup winner Stephane Guivarc’h.
Where do we need to improve in January?
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Forwards
The club have also made mistakes in allowing players to go, with Douglas including Malcom Macdonald, Les Ferdinand and Paul Gascoigne’s departures in his list of our worst pieces of business in the transfer market.
Some fans disagreed with the full list, though, as some reacted by suggesting players such as Alan Smith, Luuk de Jong, Andreas Andersson and Marcelino Elena ought to have been included.
Here are some of the messages shared…
No Alan Smith? I’d also have the other De Jong brother, he was terrible.
— anthony stobart (@booktowertom) November 17, 2019
No geremi? He was such a ridiculous signing and then made captain and all
— Kevin Monaghan (@youngmono) November 17, 2019
Don’t disagree with any of those being on the list, though I’d argue letting go of two future European Cup winners in Ronnie Simpson and Frank Clark was much more pivotal than signing Wayne Fereday.
— Michael Hudson (@DolphinHotel) November 17, 2019
Owen had a very good goal per game ratio even with the fact that he was always getting injured.
He always put his best for us because he likes being called up by England.
With less injuries and he would have been more consistent with more goals.
But oh well.
— deji adesoga (@done2stay) November 17, 2019
No Mitrovic? ????
— The Steve (@TheMightySteve) November 17, 2019
How about Albert Luque, Jon Dahl Tommason and Andreas Anderson
— Marcus (@papi1ion) November 18, 2019
Andreas Andersson? Voted AC Milan’s worst ever player.
— Andy⚫️⚪️ (@El_Tibur0n) November 17, 2019
No Marcelino, Nacho González, Rivierie, Duombia, Saivet? They should for sure be in there.
— Mark Douglas (@markattias) November 17, 2019
I think you e forgotten Luque, Boumsong and Bramble
— LP (@____LP____) November 17, 2019