:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/18901863/176934891.0.jpg)
The summer transfer window was frustrating for Newcastle United fans, as newly appointed Director of Football Joe Kinnear promised signings multiple times within set deadlines, but delivered absolutely no one. The Magpies desperately needed to add another striker to their lineup over the summer, but all the club could muster is Loic Remy on a season-long loan from Queen's Park Rangers.
Alan Pardew, who at times was noticeably frustrated with how the window was progressing, released a statement on the window that has come and closed.
We are delighted to have brought Loic Remy to the club in this window and we believe he will form an exciting and effective partnership with Papiss Cisse.
Joe has worked hard on numerous targets, particularly an additional offensive player. However some of the options that were available within our financial means were not as good as the players we already had and there is no point bringing in new players unless they can improve us and take us forward.
We did the majority of our business in the January window, signing five excellent first team players.
With the strong squad we have we should all approach the season in a positive, optimistic frame of mind.
The statement is predictable, if anything. The jokes about the "It's like a new signing!" and how the club picked up players during the January window now ring with truth. I suspect Newcastle will once again purchase in the January window, but one can only hope they're not panic buys that disrupt the club even more than it already is.