It’s Not All Doom and Gloom at Newcastle United

The transfer window slammed shut last night with Newcastle United signing three players on loan in January.

There are worries that the club failed to bring in another striker during the window. However, on a more positive note, Newcastle have strengthened. The addition of Danny Rose solves the problems at left back, after season ending injuries to Paul Dummett and Jetro Willems. Valentino Lazaro and Nabil Bentaleb add some much needed creativity, this will undoubtedly benefit a struggling Joelinton.

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With the transfer window shut, Steve Bruce now knows what his squad looks like for the remainder of the season. There is a lot of doom and gloom around Newcastle at the moment, there always will be until Mike Ashley finally moves on. Though, there are reasons to be positive, Bruce’s side are just four points from 5th place. A top half finish is a strong possibility.

Newcastle have a grit and a determination that can only be admired. It’s often not very pretty but it gets results. It’s easy to forget that Bruce replaced Rafael Benitez quite late in the summer. Joining midway through July. Bruce dived straight into the deep end, with little time to put his own stamp on things.

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That grit and determination will see Newcastle safe this season. The players never give up, a quality they showed against Everton at Goodison Park, snatching a point after being 2-0 down in the 93rd minute. With all the negativity surrounding Bruce’s appointment, he’s done an incredible job to steady the ship.

Bruce used the phrase “I’m not everyone’s cup of tea” a lot during his first month as manager, he knew he had an almighty task ahead of him. To Bruce’s credit, he’s not shirked the challenge - Bruce has kept his head down and got on with the job. Many feared just how the players would react to Bruce’s appointment, however, there is no doubt they are right behind him.

Injury after injury to contend with, Bruce’s side have still managed to grind out results - Seeing them reach 30 points and safety very much in their sights. Bruce has not only got Newcastle in a good position in the league, he has also stayed true to his word and taken the cup competitions seriously. Despite a forgettable performance against Oxford United in the FA Cup at St James’ Park last week, Bruce has fielded a strong side throughout the competition. A replay against Oxford on Tuesday awaits, should Newcastle win they will face West Brom in the next round.

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Despite a difficult summer, Newcastle have exceeded expectations so far this season. Another 3 points against Norwich on Saturday afternoon, will go a long way to securing their safety.

The takeover speculation will rumble on until it’s either completed or falls through. That is beyond the control of supporters, the negativity will always surround Ashley and deservedly so. However, the takeover side of things will take care of itself. In all of this, Newcastle have a great chance of finishing in the top half of the table and could progress even further in the FA Cup.