Newcastle United must sign at least four experienced players before the transfer window closes on September 1 to give new head coach Matthias Jaissle a chance, according to John Gibson in his latest column.
Jaissle, 38, has arrived with a new coaching team, replacing Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones on the touchline. Five new signings are already in place, with more expected. The club's pre-season has been mixed, with a 3-1 defeat to Everton at Murrayfield highlighting defensive frailties.
Urgent need for experience
Gibson argues that without four new experienced signings, Jaissle's task becomes impossible. He points to the second half against Everton, where the back four consisted of Mason Miley, Henry Johnson, Miodrag Pivas and Dylan Charlton – all young players. Throwing them in against Liverpool, who visit on the opening day, would be a risk.
The transfer window closes on September 1, and Gibson stresses the urgency. Ross Wilson, the sporting director, was in Edinburgh to see the need for himself.
New signings must step up
Gibson also calls on last year's arrivals – Wissa, Woltemade, Elanga and Ramsey – to finally justify their expense. He notes that Wissa and Elanga showed more energy at the World Cup and in early pre-season, but Woltemade still needs to prove himself.
He says it is a two-way street: the manager must get the best out of the player, but the player must also get the best out of himself.
Pre-season results can be misleading, as Arsenal have lost to Real Betis and Borussia Dortmund, and Liverpool lost to Monaco. But Gibson questions whether the new-look Magpies have the same resilience.
