Neil is happy as Lilywhites open up Toon

ALEX Neil believes “nobody would have grumbled” had Preston North End defeated Newcastle United at Deepdale because they “opened up” a really good team at times.

Rafa Benitez’s Magpies drew 1-1 in Lancashire on Saturday, with Aleksandar Mitrovic’s opener being cancelled out by Tom Barkhuizen’s leveller.

But although Neil concedes Newcastle started the game more brightly and that his side were perhaps a little awestruck by the opposition, he stresses the Lilywhites grew into the match.

In fact, during the second half, Neil (pictured below) believes Preston regularly threatened United and repeatedly found space in behind the Newcastle back four.

“I thought it was a great performance,” Neil explained.

“The only thing that disappointed me was that in the first 15 minutes, we looked like we lacked a bit of belief in what we were doing. Maybe that was because of the calibre of the opposition.

“Once we settled down and made a few passes, we were fine – it was good to see them react to conceding a goal.

“I thought all in all, it was a great test for us and we really held our own.

“I think at the start of the match, in the first 15 minutes, we looked a bit tentative and a bit scared because we were playing Newcastle, but then I thought we grew in confidence as the first half wore on, and I thought our best spell was leading up to half-time really.

“It was a big step-up in opposition for us but it finished one each and to be honest, I don’t think anyone would have grumbled had we gone on and won the game.

“The game was quite evenly matched and we were really pleased with how our lads played. The good thing is that they seem to be getting hold of how we want to play, some of our football was excellent.

“It’s about being brave enough to play against good players. No disrespect to the teams we’ve played but we are playing against international players that have got real quality but I thought we more than held our own.

“We opened a really good team up and created chances. I’ve no complaints whatsoever, the boys tried really hard and some of them played really well.” Chief Sports Writer NEWCASTLE United’s recruitment drive continues to chug through the summer transfer window, much to the annoyance of both Rafa Benitez and the Toon Army.

In fact, even some of the current players are talking behind the scenes about Newcastle’s sluggish trading so far.

True, the Magpies now have four permanent signings through the door and the team will have a slightly different look next season both defensively and in attack.

But anybody thinking Newcastle have done enough are kidding themselves.

Mike Ashley wasn’t present at Deepdale for the 1-1 draw with Preston North End but managing director Lee Charnley watched on from the stands in his native Lancashire and could clearly see there’s plenty of room for improvement on the pitch.

You can’t read too much into pre-season friendlies, they’re nothing more than a fitness and conditioning exercise for players and the chance for managers to experiment with new tactics and formations.

That didn’t stop around 3,000 Newcastle fans making the journey to Deepdale and North End officials must have been delighted by their presence after they helped bolster the gate to 7,380 and significantly boost their coffers.

Contrast that to the 4,493 attendance Preston had at the same time last year for a friendly against Stoke City with just 906 away fans and it’s clear why English clubs are more than happy to accommodate the Toon Army in pre-season. And now the time has come to reward those fans with a team that are heading back to the Premier League to compete fiercely and not be involved in a relegation fight like the last two seasons United have plied their trade in the top division. Newcastle fielded a team that had players operating out of position with a sprinkling of youngsters and players that might not even be here by the time the season kicks off.

As refreshing as it was to see Siem De Jong and Aleksandar Mitrovic doing reasonably well in a Newcastle shirt again on Saturday, both could be sold if the right bid comes in for them this summer and both of them know the score on that front.

With less than three weeks left until the opening game against Tottenham Hotspur, it’s clear that Newcastle still need at least a couple of signings through the door to face up to one of the best sides in the country from the last couple of seasons.

The only starters from Saturday’s game who will probably turn out against Spurs are Ciaran Clark, Jonjo Shelvey, Dwight Gayle, Florian Lejuene Lee Ryder and Jacob Murphy.

Of course, there are places up for grabs in the starting XI but a capable striker is still needed, a creative midfield man plus more cover out wide.

After the game, Benitez was his usual affable self; he spoke pleasantly to the media but the key message from his briefing seemed to be he wasn’t sure that all targets will be signed.

When asked about incoming deals he just said: “Hopefully.”

The fact is that Benitez has done most of his work in identifying players this summer.

Benitez has picked the targets he wants and pushed that list in front of the powers that be.

Transfers can’t be done at the flick of a switch and take the time to process, but incoming transfer deals at Newcastle are currently stuttering at the negotiating and administration stage.

Just like the team on the pitch, Newcastle’s board have plenty of work left to do this summer.