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Opinion

The question really is ‘Are these Stan Collymore players good enough for Newcastle?’

7 years ago
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Stan Collymore is always good for a bit of controversy.

Never shy of an alternative opinion, he is forever keen to be noticed.

So little surprise that he is one of the many making suggestions as to what Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez should do in this upcoming summer transfer market.

Stan Collymore came up with three players who he believes ‘would all do a sensational job at St James Park’.

Stan Collymore talking to The Mirror:

“Mike Ashley must trust his manager, let him use his contacts and profile in the game…and there are three players in particular I’d love to see Rafa Benitez go for.

They are Cesc Fabregas, John Terry and Jermain Defoe, who would all do a sensational job at St James Park.”

The reaction to these three suggestions has been much hilarity, especially with the two Chelsea players, but shouldn’t the real question be whether this trio are good enough/right for Newcastle – certainly with two of the suggested signings?

Whilst I can’t stand him as a person and think he was a little bit overrated due to having it easy most of the time playing for a dominant team, I have to concede that John Terry was an excellent Premier League centre-back and Captain.

The key word though surely has to be WAS.

Terry turns 37 in December and has only made four Premier League starts for Chelsea this season, maybe he could do a good job for Newcastle next season but there also must be a very decent chance that he is past it now.

Similarly with Jermain Defoe, he will be 35 in October and as a striker the age factor is even more key, especially for one he relies on a bit of pace to create chances and get an angle to shoot.

There is no doubt that scoring 15 goals for a really rubbish Sunderland team has been some achievement this season but his goal on Saturday against Hull was his first in 13 weeks.

Like John Terry, there is every chance that Defoe will go over the top at any time and you couldn’t rely on him being your best chance of goals next season. He could well be a decent bet to bring in as one of your strikers and bring off the bench BUT one thing is for sure and that is a move to Newcastle would be arguably greater for him, than for NUFC.

As for Cesc Fabregas, he is slightly different. However, would it really be so incredulous if Newcastle were to go for him?

Yes it would maybe be a (very nice) surprise if Fabregas did come to St James Park but in many ways it could be a great move for him as well.

He is 30 years old now, has only started 11 Premier League games for Chelsea this season, and hasn’t been selected for Spain since the Euros.

One major argument is that he will be looking for Champions League football but if so, there is every chance he wouldn’t be offered the chance of that at an English club.

If Champions League football isn’t a deal breaker, why shouldn’t Rafa Benitez be able to sell Newcastle to Fabregas as a project?

The midfielder cost £30m when Chelsea brought him back three years ago and any transfer fee will be surely significantly less than that now and within what Newcastle could afford, if they saw Fabregas as a potential lynchpin in a return to the Premier League.

As Newcastle fans we should never under sell our club, it can be great again and whilst nobody should see us as having a right to be attracting certain players and getting (relative) success, there is no reason why we can’t aim for the stars.

(All contributions from Newcastle fans welcome, send articles (as well as ideas/suggestions) to contribute@themag.co.uk)

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