Man City performance dulls transfer talk, Newcastle demand clear as run ends & Castore defended
THE FRIDAY DEBRIEF: The debate rages on as to how good Newcastle United’s transfer window really was – plus, the Magpies’ return to a 3pm kick-off & kit manufacturer Castore have been defended
As the dust began to settle on Newcastle United’s summer transfer window, the overriding emotion was one of positivity. Sandro Tonali, Milan’s golden boy, poached from the San Siro and Harvey Barnes’ arrival from relegated Leicester City were two deals not to be sniffed at.
Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall, two of England’s most promising full-backs, brought in to learn from Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn respectively, again, were solid deals on paper. However, as Newcastle lost three Premier League games on the spin, questions naturally emerged as to whether Eddie Howe had spent his limited funds wisely enough.
Did they need to go out and sign a number six? Should they have searched for an upgrade at left-back? Do they have enough on the right going forward? All valid questions but ones that were ultimately sparked by the reactionary nature of football support after uncharacteristic defeats.
Fast forward to the present day and Newcastle have since kept four clean sheets in a row, winning three of their last four in the process. The aforementioned transfer debate has subsequently quietened once more, helped undoubtedly by Tino Livramento’s barnstorming debut against Manchester City this week.
Newcastle fans, as expected, have had to be patient with the right-back playing backup to Kieran Trippier, but were treated to a defensive masterclass as the youngster kept Jack Grealish quiet all night. Lewis Hall, on the opposite flank, was subbed at half-time but showed incredible versatility during his brief stint in the side.
It’s pleasing to see with Newcastle back on their feet, the transfer discussion has died down. With January fast approaching, that may not be the case for long.
Newcastle’s incredible TV run ends
A Saturday 3pm kick-off? Newcastle fans aren’t used to this these days. In fact, the last time the Magpies lined up in the traditional weekend slot was April 8, 2023 as they beat Brentford 2-1 at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Saturday’s clash with Burnley will be the first 3pm game at St James’ Park in 2023, with the last coming on New Year’s Eve against Leeds United last year. It seems as though Howe has missed the usual Premier League slot!
“I wasn’t aware of that [run]. I suppose I’m still a traditionalist in that sense,” he told reporters on Friday. “As I kid I was always 3pm on a Saturday – it’s what you built your whole week around. I’m still the same and still love a Saturday at 3pm but we accept now we play on different days and we get used to that.”
Each of Newcastle’s opening six Premier League clashes have been televised, including their draw with AC Milan and Wednesday’s win over City. It goes to show the pulling power of the north east outfit these days.
Castore defended amid criticism
Newcastle have jumped to the defence of Castore after the kit manufacturer faced growing pressure over their Aston Villa offering season. Players at the Midlands outfit have complained their ‘wet look’ shirts are difficult to play in, with stars feeling as though they are weighed down by the kit as it grows gradually wetter during matches.
Newcastle will end their manufacturing deal with Castore at the end of the season after announcing an eagerly-anticipated reunion with Adidas. However, after claims in the Telegraph that the current arrangement was ended due to concerns over the quality of kits, they jumped to the defence of the company.
“The club has found the quality of Castore products to be extremely high,” a Newcastle statement explained. “We are proud to be wearing Castore’s well-designed, innovative training and match kits in the Premier League and Champions League and are appreciative of Castore’s support and contribution to the club’s trajectory over the last three seasons.”
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