Is Breaking Even On Transfers A Bad Thing?

Prompted by this tweet from @NUFC_Stats, my co-bloggers and I have been thinking about the club's transfer policy. Throw out the Andy Carroll deal, which virtually no one questions anymore, and Newcastle has basically broken even in the transfer market since returning to the Premier League in 2010. To many fans, this state of affairs is an indictment of Mike Ashley's regime - perhaps the biggest indictment. It's why our podcast contributor Phil kept referring to NUFC as "not a real sports team" in Wednesday's episode. But taking a sweep of the club over the last several seasons, what have we accomplished by breaking even?

For one thing, breaking even doesn't mean that Newcastle never buys players. After all, Ashley opened his wallet to make the Premier League's biggest buy in January 2012, then followed it up this time last year by adding five new players - four of whom regularly start, and one who very well could. Neither of those are signs of an owner who totally refuses to bring some new blood into the squad.

And what about the squad? I brought this up at the start of the season, but it has steadily improved since Newcastle returned to the Premier League in 2010. Loaning out Jonás Gutiérrez, as much as it nearly brought all of us to tears on the podcast, is yet another sign of the squad's progression. Who in the world would take back the team that finished the 2010-11 season, with its midfield of Ryan Taylor, Joey Barton, Danny Guthrie, and Shane Ferguson? The midfield and defense are pretty well stocked with the kind of options that weren't even available during the fifth-place season. While players have been sold out of those areas, they've been replaced with better ones.

Because of the persistent poor form of Papiss Cissé, the front line is the only area of the squad that feels a bit short right now. And if Newcastle sells Cissé and uses the proceeds to help buy a more effective replacement, that would mean another significant progression in my eyes. As has happened in the past, the club would be replacing a marginal option (which sadly is what Cissé is at this point) with someone who can contribute on a consistent basis. It might mean breaking even in yet another transfer window. But if the squad continues to get better in the process, why should it matter?

Lineups vs. West Ham

My suggestion: Krul; Santon, Williamson, Taylor, Haïdara; Tioté, Anita, Cabaye; Sissoko, Gouffran, Rémy

Who Pardew will choose: Krul; Yanga-Mbiwa, Williamson, Taylor, Santon; Tioté, Anita, Cabaye; Sissoko, Rémy, Gouffran

Comments

[Ande Walsh]

The 'just enough' nature is a prevailing element of the transfer policy. Where some might see the infrequent acquisitions as not enough in a team challenging for honours (indisputable I'd say) Others quite rightly recognise some improvements. Those improvements are only minor and ultimately judged against other factors.

There is no secret that the club hierarchy have no stomach for cup competitions and are immune to the idea of developing a squad, that might compete in Europe. The money needed to invest in extra games is not made up by TV revenue or gate receipts for the extra matches. Our squad blueprint is direct from the consumption of that unwritten policy.

There is another reason for the squad only inching it's improvement year on year. Pardew's erratic management has dropped price tags on many players. Undoubtedly the form of players and involvement in unwarranted competitions has played a part too. However, overstretching Pardew has limited the abilities of NUFC's commodities. His inability to man manage correctly has seen the loss of form of Ashley's most expensive purchase, Cissé. Hamstrung by cow-towing to Ba's demands and losing his most prolific striker anyway was a big dent to his ego, and nearly a fatal flaw to his tenure as NUFC manager. Whether it is Pardew's failure to delegate or his panic at being completely out of his depth, who knows? However it has resulted in many players no longer being coveted and their long contracts now looking folly. Concerns about Pardew's stewardship may be some reason for not backing him financially.

An impending World Cup, a change of form, and now we look like a club to be looted. We are not going to be relegated. We are no longer in any cup, by design. So we will not struggle to oppose many bids. Ashley has set up NUFC like his stack-em-high sell-em-cheap armchair supporters sportswear shops. There will be consternation at the want away big player as part of some PR exercise not to lose face. Many will make it out the back door without too much fuss. Loan deals and fringe players told to actively look for clubs because of the down turn in work and a squad with a depth to cope with a season already finished.

Invest for glory or for a place at the top table with all the other world brand clubs. In the last 3 years we have had 2 opportunities to take our side to the next level and failed. 5 year plans, 'Purple' players and a showcase for rising talent seem to be sufficient for those in charge. Enough is enough for Ashley and business is business.