Newcastle United: Another case of post-transfer season frustration

September 4, 2008

Newcastle United, a club known recently for its relegation battles in the previous season, is again in a tight spot after transfer season ended this week.

After a great start to this season with a 1-1 away draw at Old Trafford against Manchester United and a win against Blackburn Rovers, the spirits started to go down with a 3-0 loss against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, and the end of the transfer window proved this.

While an attempt to sell owner Mike Ashley’s not-so-recent dislike Joey Barton was of course more than expected, it was also unsuccessful.

To everyone’s surprise, it is being said that the club also tried to sell Michael Owen in wake of his contract expiring. They were also eliminating the possibility of any January window negotiations, when some clubs would like to take him for a free transfer next year.

This transfer season revealed to one and all, including manager Kevin Keegan, that he does not have the full control over transfers, in and out. The selling of James Milner for 12 million pounds to Aston Villa proved this.

To add to his vows, Keegan’s biggest problem this season is a small and injury ridden squad, which desperately needed new players, something that probably will have to wait till January.

In case Keegan is sacked, he is expected to get around 8 million pounds as a compensation for a premature contract termination.

Let’s wait for Newcastle’s coming matches to see what a mood change they can bring. For example, the draw against Man U lifted their spirits and ended the pre season gloom at the Magpies’ camp.

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