Former Rangers and Scotland striker Ally McCoist has admitted he is worried about Newcastle United, pointing to the departure of former head coach Eddie Howe as a bigger setback than the sales of key players.
With the new season just days away, Newcastle face a huge opening-day challenge against Liverpool. However, what will follow over the course of the campaign remains a mystery, with so much uncertainty surrounding the future of the new-look side.
McCoist on player exits and Howe's departure
McCoist has watched on as key players Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were sold, with youngsters such as Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba brought in to replace them. There is plenty of optimism on Tyneside over what they can achieve, but also an acknowledgment that it will take time for them to fulfil their potential.
However, McCoist fears the biggest blow was the decision of Eddie Howe to step down as head coach. He has been replaced by Matthias Jaissle, and while McCoist is quick not to judge the German, he feels Howe's exit will be a major setback for the club.
"I worry about Newcastle, I really do," he told talkSPORT Bet slots site. "Never mind Tonali and Guimaraes, losing those big players and personalities is tough. But they've lost Eddie Howe."
Jaissle given time but concerns remain
McCoist added: "That said, I'm not pre-judging Matthias Jaissle because I don't know an awful lot about him, he should be given time to do his job. But I do worry. I worry about the squad losing Gordon, Guimaraes, and Tonali? Crikey, man. They definitely need players in."
McCoist also pinpointed a midfield transfer target Newcastle should pursue in order to give their squad a timely boost. "Carlos Baleba is a player, by the way, I like him a lot. They certainly need somebody to come in to help fill the boots of Bruno Guimaraes and Tonali. I think a lot of Newcastle fans are slightly concerned at this moment in time, and I think with justification."
Newcastle are hopeful of bringing in a new central midfielder, potentially before the season starts, although time is now running out to integrate any new faces into the squad before the game with Liverpool on Sunday.
