Newcastle United received a wake up call in our disappointing season just past.
The Club needs to reflect on their performance on and off the pitch at every level. They need to evolve and they need unity of purpose.
Things are settling in at the Board and Senior Management and, at least outwardly, all seem to be aligned.
However, they need to hit the ground running in the summer transfer window to prove it to many of us cynical fans who’ve seen the mistakes and the subsequent poor results from throughout the organisation.
Especially from our gaffer who has borne the brunt of the criticism and, in my opinion, rightly so.
I believe the first priority is to strengthen our attack by bringing in proven, clinical finishers. For far too long, we have relied heavily on one or two individuals to carry the goal-scoring burden, and that reliance has made us predictable. We need a striker who offers something different—whether that is physicality, intelligent movement, or the ability to link play creatively.
At the same time, we must provide better support from midfield and out wide. Last season (2025/26), our attacking play became far too easy to read, and without greater creativity around the forward line, even the most talented striker will struggle to thrive. Arguably, only Harvey Barnes can be called a clinical finisher, but he’s more of an important ancillary component than the main piece of a deadly strike force.
There are players already in the squad who show promise but I am not convinced they are ready to lead the line at the level we need. William Osula has encouraging physical attributes and flashes of potential, but I still question whether he is prepared to take on that responsibility week in, week out. Yoane Wissa is another player who raises doubts for me—can he realistically replicate the output he achieved at Brentford in a different system and under greater pressure? I am not fully convinced. Nick Woltemade, for all his technical quality, is not a natural target number nine in a 4-3-3 system, and asking him to fill that role may not bring out his best qualities. Rather than hoping these players adapt or exceed expectations, I firmly believe we must invest in a proven striker—someone who can deliver consistently and immediately at this level.
Defensive improvements are just as critical. In my view, the goalkeeping position is one of the most urgent areas to address. Bringing in a goalkeeper who can either push Nick Pope to a higher standard or replace him altogether should be a top priority. Stability at the back starts with confidence in the player between the posts, and without that, the entire defensive structure can become unsettled. Beyond that, I believe we need to add another dominant centre-back—someone who can command the defence physically and provide leadership. Full-back depth is another concern; we need more reliable options to maintain consistency over the course of a long and demanding season.
Newcastle United had clear issues in how we defend as a unit. Our struggles with set-pieces were evident last season, and we conceded too many avoidable goals from situations that should be easier to manage with the right preparation and organisation. Equally frustrating was our inability to close out games when we were ahead. Time and again, we allowed leads to slip due to lapses in concentration or poor game management. These are not problems that require a complete overhaul—they are fixable with better coaching, improved communication, and, potentially, the right additions to the squad.
Squad regeneration, in my opinion, is non-negotiable. The experienced core of this Newcastle United team has given everything and I have immense respect for what they have contributed. However, the demands of modern football mean we cannot rely on the same group indefinitely. We need to bring in younger, hungrier players who can inject energy and compete for places. This is especially important if we return to European competition, where the number of fixtures can quickly expose a lack of depth.
To make that regeneration possible, we will likely need to make some difficult decisions in the transfer market. The sale of Anthony Gordon seems imminent and its important that the funds generated are spent wisely. Moving on fringe players, or those whose best years are behind them, could generate funds for reinvestment while also helping us stay within financial regulations. The goal should be to build a deeper, more balanced squad—one that allows for rotation without a significant drop in quality. If we get that right, we will be far better equipped to handle the challenges of competing on multiple fronts. I’ll admit though…it’s a big IF. How much money is in the transfer kitty and can Ross Wilson and his team get the right mix of players with the spend available? This is the question we are all asking and we’ll soon find out. And, as important, can we get these new signings in early?
Tactically, I believe evolution is essential. Eddie Howe has done a tremendous job, and I hold him in high regard, but questions remain about whether his high intensity approach can be sustained across an entire season. At times, we have looked predictable and opponents have found ways to exploit that. We need to show greater flexibility—whether that means adjusting our style of play, varying our formations, or being more pragmatic in certain situations. Next season with only one match a week plus the Cups is where he seems most comfortable. I and many others back him to do fine and we’ll see improvement from a squad of players that is more rested….but then if we get to Europe for 2027/28 will we slide back because of his inability to manage effectively in a more competitive and congested schedule.
I also think there is value in strengthening the coaching staff. Bringing in a specialist set-piece coach could help address any obvious weaknesses, (albeit, they tried that last year with very poor results) we need to do better in both attacking and defending dead-ball situations. Similarly, adding a tactically sharp assistant could provide fresh ideas and support in-game decision-making. While I respect what Howe has achieved and appreciate his understanding of the club, I do have concerns. If he cannot consistently motivate the squad, manage games effectively when we are leading, or adapt his tactics to suit different challenges, then the club may eventually have to make difficult decisions. He is clearly an intelligent manager but there have been moments where he appears too stubborn to change. Surely, he could use a different perspective from his coaching staff – Eddie Howe has seemed too stubborn to evolve from his matchday plan on formation, substitutions etc. that were developed during the week to be able to adapt to in-game situations.
Looking ahead, I cannot overstate how important a strong start next season will be. For me, that process has already begun—the moment the previous campaign ended. Recruitment must be decisive and efficient. We cannot afford drawn-out transfer sagas that delay integration. New signings need time to settle into the system, build relationships with teammates, and adapt to the demands of the Premier League. I believe we will need to move on at least five players to reshape the squad effectively and we must ensure we are getting better value for the money we spend.
Building early momentum will be crucial. A strong start can set the tone for the entire season, boosting confidence and creating a sense of belief within the squad. Consistency is something we have lacked at times and addressing that will be key to any success we hope to achieve.
The passion of the Newcastle United fanbase is something not to be taken for granted. It is unmatched and it brings both energy and expectation. As supporters, we demand more than mid-table mediocrity—and rightly so. The players must feel that expectation from the very first day of the new season. Representing this club comes with responsibility, and that standard must be reflected in performances on the pitch.
Despite everything, I remain cautiously optimistic about where we are heading. There is still a strong core of talent within the squad and the club is backed by ambitious ownership that clearly wants to succeed. While last season exposed several significant weaknesses, it also showed glimpses of what we are capable of when things click into place.
If we approach the summer with focus and intent—prioritising the signing of a top striker, a reliable goalkeeper, and key defensive reinforcements—I truly believe we can bounce back strongly in the 2026/27 season particularly with many fewer matches to play in. The foundations are there; it is now about building on them in the right way.
As always, I will be fully invested in every step of that journey. I believe we can restore St James’ Park as a fortress and bring exciting times back to Tyneside. The potential is there for this team to rise again, and with the right decisions over the next few months, I am confident we can see Newcastle United flying high once more.