From the best case scenarios to the worst, how might this summer look?
NEWCASTLE are embroiled in a relegation battle that has United fans fearing for the worst.
The Magpies’ dire 3-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion has left them just two points above the relegation zone with nine matches remaining and United are now favourites with the bookmakers to return to the Championship.
Steve Bruce has presided over a run of just two wins in 20 matches in all competitions that has left the Toon Army facing up to the very real possibility of a third relegation in 13 seasons of Mike Ashley’s ownership.
Despite pressure growing on Bruce, the club have opted to stick by him over the international break and he is expected to be in charge for the visit of Tottenham next Sunday.
The knock-on effects of relegation could be really damaging for Newcastle, while remaining in the Premier
League keeps alive hopes of a transformative takeover of the club being revived.
As such, The Chronicle has taken a look into the best and worst case scenarios facing the Magpies this summer.
BEST CASE SCENARIO Avoid relegation
An obvious place to start but it couldn’t be more crucial.
Avoiding relegation means Newcastle retain the riches of the Premier League’s lucrative TV money and keeps them best positioned for a takeover that could transform the club.
In addition, the club’s key players will more likely stay which gives United the basis to build on and grow under a new manager/ owner.
Newcastle have nine matches to save their season and it is still firmly in their hands to do so.
However, they are going to have defy the formbook to pick up points with six of their next seven matches coming against sides who are in the top half of the Premier League table.
United will have to show us something different to what they have previously produced under Bruce
this term.
Add a couple of smart signings
Regardless of what division Newcastle are in next season, it is obvious the squad needs improvement. A new goalscorer to compete with Callum Wilson is essential, as is a creative midfielder. The Magpies could make a substantial improvement in the right-back department while a new centre-half and a winger wouldn’t go amiss either.
Appoint a bright, forwardthinking, young manager
This is key.
It is clear Newcastle fans have reached the end of the road with Bruce. Newcastle have backed him for now but the stats don’t lie.
United have regressed under Bruce, rather than progressed, despite the Magpies’ boss being handed a handsome transfer budget in the summer, while also tying down a number of players to long-term deals.
This is Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United right now and it is not a pretty sight. While Bruce’s longevity in top-flight management is to be commended it is clear that the game has moved on. Brighton and Fulham, Newcastle’s direct rivals in the relegation battle, may not be better than Newcastle man for man, but they have a clear identity and principles that they stick to win, lose