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Newcastle: Is there anyone big enough for the No.9 shirt? |
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There will never be another Alan Shearer, let’s make that perfectly clear, but who can possibly fill his boots at St James’s Park? Newcastle United must have thought they had the ideal replacement for Shearer when they signed Michael Owen from Real Madrid, but his move to Tyneside has been ravaged by injury and the former Liverpool marksman looks set to miss the majority of the campaign following his freak knee injury at the World Cup. So on the eve of the new season kicking off, and the end of the transfer window looming, Glen Roeder is frantically scouring Europe to sign another striker to boost his attacking options.
Alberto Luque and Shola Ameobi are the only recognised strikers at the club but they are unlikely to strike fear into the hearts of the opposition. Luque has it all to prove to the fans while Ameobi can’t be expected to shoulder the responsibility all by himself.
Paul Atkinson, a lifelong Newcastle supporter, believes the solution to the problem was at the club all along and is not at all excited about those being touted for a move to St James’s.
"You just can’t understand the reasoning of Shepherd sometimes. Michael Chopra was costing us nothing and we could easily have held on to him until we had replacements sorted, but once again it’s the eve of the season and still no new strikers. We are now looking at Camara from Wigan, and Martins from Inter Milan, neither of which particularly set the pulse racing.”
To say Shearer is a hero to the people of Newcastle is an understatement. He’s the Premiership’s all time top goalscorer, Newcastle’s finest striker after breaking the legendary Jackie Milburn’s long-standing scoring record and ended his career with 206 goals for the Toon. He revealed his intention to hang up his boots two seasons ago but it will be strange to see the Magpies line-up without him, as Paul explains.
“It was always slightly daunting to see the team parade onto the pitch without the big man when he was injured, or suspended. The team always seems to look apprehensive and strangely smaller in stature without Shearer striding out in front.
“Scott Parker is tasked with taking over but it remains to be seen. I think he needs a more advanced role for the fans to take to him more. He could be the next Rob Lee but it seems he is being moulded into a Paul Bracewell, less dynamic but hard working and solid. Question is who are they saving the number 9 shirt for? Is anyone big enough to wear it?”
One thing’s for sure, Newcastle should create chances this season. Damien Duff is one of the most exciting wingers in the country and is a snip at just £5 million. And with Nolberto Solano down the right with Charles N’Zogobia waiting in the wings, Ameobi and Luque should have plenty of chances to become heroes. Paul claims that Roeder would do well to build the team around their new signing.
”Damien Duff is a star and we need to adapt the team to playing with him. We did it very successfully when Andy Cole was the spearhead of our strike force, but the general lack of a coherent plan is hampering us at the moment. It’s never clear if we are a long ball team or a to feet, passing team. In the end we are not very good at either.”
Scott Parker has been a revelation at St James’s Park since arriving from Chelsea. His tireless energy, will to win and passing ability has won him a number of admirers and many felt he was unfortunate to have been overlooked by Sven for the World Cup. He has made the defensive midfielder role his own at Tyneside but the return of Nicky Butt from his loan spell at Birmingham may allow Roeder to let Parker adopt a more attacking role. He showed at Charlton that he has an eye for goal and can play intriquate balls in behind the defence and if he was given the licence he could provide some quality ammunition.
Question marks remain over Newcastle’s ability to defend despite having one of the best goalkeepers in the country. Bramble and Boumsong must be switched on at all times and communicate with each other. If they can get a few clean sheets under their belt the confidence will grow. And their performances will come under even more scrutiny if the team finds goals hard to come by.
Roeder impressed the Geordie public by taking the same squad of players that Souness had at his disposal and actually got them playing attacking and winning football. He ruffled a few feathers at the LMA with his appointment but Shepherd won’t care if Roeder can build on what he achieved last season. He’s got a whole season ahead of him to make a name for himself and he’s going to grab this opportunity with both hands. But Paul has a sneaking suspicion that he’s only keeping the seat warm for a certain number 9.
”Roeder, nice bloke, but you can’t help feeling he is a one season trick until Shearer comes into management. I wish him well and hope he could see Shearer off by winning a trophy, but the extra investment that a Shearer figurehead manager would attract would be hard for the board to ignore.
”It’s a relief not to have Souness in charge, Roeder is a respected chap in the city, and as ever will have the entire Toon Army behind him. Who knows it might be the year to lift a pot, but as long as the football is entertaining we don’t mind really, you can’t miss what you never had or remember having!”
Newcastle fans are notoriously optimistic but I think the majority of them would be pleased to finish inside the top half of the table considering the options available up front. Of course a big name signing could make all the difference.
Colin Illingworth
17 August 2006
www.squarefootball.net
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