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5 transfer windows after Demba Ba left – Pardew says Newcastle need a striker

9 years ago
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The 2012 last refrains of Auld Lang Syne were still echoing when Demba Ba signed on for glory and riches at Chelsea…well riches anyway.

Activating his release clause, Newcastle’s best striker left for £7.5m, leaving Papiss Cisse as the only credible forward at St.James’ Park.

Actually, the previous summer United had already been desperate for a third forward to complement Ba and Cisse, especially with the acceptance that Demba Ba was never going to stick around and could activate that clause at any time.

If you recall, Newcastle had finished an excellent fifth and the summer of 2012 we looked to see who would be brought in to build on that relative success. We got Vurnon Anita.

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So January 2013, Demba Ba leaves and Newcastle are desperate for a quality striker, though in reality two were really needed.

Loic Remy was allegedly on the brink of joining United but instead went to relegation certainties QPR, with Newcastle then buying a mixed bunch to save the team from relegation; Haidara, Mapou, Gouffran, Sissoko and Debuchy – not an out and out striker amongst them, quality or not.

Summer 2013 transfer window – no striker bought and Loic Remy a last minute temporary loan signing.

January 2014 window – already it was obvious Remy had no intention of staying at Newcastle longer than he had to, despite this no striker was bought.

Summer 2014 – this is the fourth transfer window for Newcastle’s striker search and with Mike Ashley refusing to invest in a quality forward, United end up with journeyman Emmanuel Riviere after Loic Remy predictably runs out the door. Already having played averagely at three French clubs and nowhere near the national side set-up, little wonder Riviere has found it impossible to make the step up from the lower ranked Ligue 1. Alan Pardew admitting subsequently that Riviere was never seen as the answer to Newcastle’s main striking needs.

Ayoze Perez has been a massive surprise bonus and despite Alan Pardew claiming he would be gently introduced as one for the future, he has featured in nearly every single Premier League game. The Newcastle manager also admitting in recent days that he is more of a linking midfield to attack player than an out and out striker.

On the brink of January 2015 transfer window, Alan Pardew has had this to say;

“I said in the summer we needed another striker but we didn’t manage to secure one.

“In this window I think it is important we bring another striker in.”

It’s simple;

“If you look at us as a team we need to score more goals.

“It is as simple as that if we are going to make any impact in the Premier League.”

Yes Alan, we have all known for two years now that Newcastle are desperate for at least one, preferably two, quality strikers. Every window you say the same thing about needing to buy one.

Kevin Keegan would never have stood for this woeful lack of investment in the team and neither should you.

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