BIG CHANGES OVER BIG NAMES ARE NEEDED FROM NEW OWNERS
BIG SIGNINGS ARE NOT THE PRIORITY, SAYS HEED BOSS
MIKE Williamson has urged the would-be owners of Newcastle United to prioritise investment in the club’s infrastructure over superstar signings.
The deal to end Mike Ashley’s turbulent 13-year tenure on Tyneside remains in the hands of the Premier League.
However, the latest updates with Project Restart have led to confidence from the Saudi Public Investment Fund-led consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley that their deal will be approved.
Speculation in recent months has focused upon superstar signings such as Gareth Bale and Edinson Cavani and a possible replacement for Magpies’ head coach Steve Bruce.
However, former United defender and current Gateshead player-manager Williamson believes the would-be owners should prioritise their initial spending behind the scenes.
The 36-year-old believes longserving staff should be rewarded for their efforts and foundations put in place with the academy and training ground to help achieve long-term success. Williamson told The Chronicle: “There is going to be a list as long as your arm of things to do to get the club to where everyone wants it to be.
“For me, it is investing in the infrastructure, the academy, getting a new training ground and really rewarding people who have been working relentlessly behind the scenes without much credit.
“I have worked with a lot of fantastic people who have everyday given their heart and soul for not much reward financially. “I would want to take care of that side of things and build from there.
“The worst thing you can do is go out and sign all these superstars just to get the fans on your side and not put the foundations in place first.
“I would love to go to St James’
Park and watch some of these superstars – but you need to put the foundations in and build from there so it is a sustainable and successful club.”
Away from the rumours of rivalling Europe’s elite for the most indemand talent, speculation has also centred upon Bruce’s future at St James’ Park.
The 59-year-old has spoken of his desire to take the club forward under the new regime but reports have indicated former Magpies’ boss Rafa Benitez and Mauricio Pochettino have been earmarked as potential replacements.
However, Williamson believes it is “disrespectful” at this stage to discuss sacking Bruce, insisting the head coach has done a “brilliant job” in his short spell in charge so far.
Williamson added: “I hope if the takeover does happen Steve Bruce gets the opportunity.
“I have spoken to many fans about speculation and everyone is excited, it is only natural.
“It is the possibility of how it can change the city and the area but we have a manager who has come in and done a brilliant job – we cannot underestimate that – so anything which happens now you have to take it day by day.”
There is going to be a list as long as your arm of things to do to get the club to where everyone wants it to be