It looks very likely that Danny Simpson will be on his way out of Newcastle this Summer. Now usually when a player who has played almost every game in a season leaves, there is hysteria and panic. This isn’t the case with Danny Simpson.
The sticking point seems to be that Simpson wants a deal similar to other first team regulars, something he isn’t going to get. It is clear to everyone who has watched NUFC this season that Danny Simpson is not a bad footballer, nor is he a fantastic footballer, he is not of the stature of the likes of Colocinni, Cisse, Cabaye etc. He has done a good job at right back, especially seeing as he had only fifteen appearances in the Premiership before he joined Newcastle.
Steady as he is, a world beater he is not. He never will be it seems. There are many flaws in his game. His crossing needs work and he isalso prone to being beaten too easily on occasions. Then the next issue, he probably won’t be a starting player next year. If you ask most fans where our weaknesses lie, it is the full backs. The solution to many seems to be move Santon to right back and buy a left back, or leave him there and buy a right back. A host of full backs are being linked to the club, including Pieters, Debuchy and Nathaniel Clyne. How much truth there is in these rumours remains to be seen but there is simply no smoke without fire, stay or go – Danny Simpson will not be in Newcastle’s starting eleven next season.
Danny has claimed he isn’t being greedy and I don’t think he is. He simply feels he deserves a wage level with other key players. This year he has been a key player but next year as the club looks to move forward in the league and in Europe, he won’t be, there are better available.
This isn’t simply a tirade against Danny Simpson, I just wanted to make the point that Simpson maybe can feel justified on his request for more wages but his calibre perhaps doesn’t justify them. Danny may need to have a sit down and realise where he came from. His career has come so far in the last few years, from a reserve player to a player who will be playing in Europe. Is that not enough of a reason to want to stay, ambition rather than money?
Maybe if Danny realised how far he had come he may take a wage rise less than what he wants and enjoy playing for us in Europe. I hope Danny Simpson does stay as he is a big part of the squad and taking it apart can’t be good for morale.
So come on Simpson, sign up. Help keep the squad together. Simpson is a steady footballer without being exceptional and could be a fantastic squad player to have next season. His claim for more money may be unjust but hopefully we can keep him on board.
However, if he does go, good luck Danny as you have played a big role for Newcastle in the last three years and let’s not forget that and be blinded by the usual hatred when a player leaves.
(If like Alex you fancy writing something for The Mag click here for details)
