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Newcastle Transfer Policy: Club say they’ll consider buying older players

8 years ago
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The Newcastle transfer policy could be allowed exceptions to the age rule currently imposed by Mike Ashley.

Nine days after the latest Fans Forum meeting between supporters and club took place, the minutes have finally been made public, with the club insisting it was still concentrating on buying players ‘on the way up’, rather than those towards the end of their careers.

When pressed on whether signing some with Premier League experience could help complement this policy, the club stated these ‘exceptions’ would be considered in ‘specific circumstances’.

Whether still being deep in relegation trouble in January would be considered ‘specific circumstances’ remains to be seen.

Asked about the 25 man squad rule in the Premier League, the club stated they were averse to having more than 25 such players on the payroll, at the moment they have exactly 25 who are rated as senior players (not Under 21s).

However, we all know that a good number of them are not good enough and have proved impossible to move on, meaning that if Newcastle are desperate for new players, would the club not buy them solely because they already had 25 senior professionals?

Fans Forum questions and answers:

Question:

“The current ‘hot issue’ for the vast majority of fans is the transfer policy. Undoubtedly, this is directly related to the poor start to the season. It has been widely reported in the media that the current policy may be under review, and this has further heightened the level of interest in this key issue.”

Club reply:

‘While accepting the start to the league season had been disappointing, the club underlined its commitment to the transfer policy that had been outlined to supporters in the email on 2nd September. This focuses on buying players whose careers are “on the way up”, rather than buying players who are nearing the end of their careers. The club believes that this is in its best interests and will help it to achieve its goals in the medium to long term.

The club stated that its aim was to secure players who could improve individually and collectively, rather than focussing on potential sell-on value. The club turned down substantial offers in the summer 2015 window because it has no need or desire to sell its best players.’

Question:

“Could the club complement the new players with players who have Premier League experience? They could benefit some of the younger ones, especially in weaker areas of the squad.”

Club reply:

‘The club’s policy on recruitment remains unchanged however, as previously stated, it may consider exceptions in specific circumstances.’

Question:

“Will the 25-man squad system have an impact on what the club does in January? If there is a long-term injury, would the club changes it policy then?”

Club reply:

‘The club stated that it wanted to avoid a scenario of having players above the 25-man squad who it was paying but who were not available to play even if fit.’

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