Newcastle United’s transfer business is still having repercussions
Eddie Howe and chairman of Newcastle United, Yasir Al-Rumayyan
Eddie Howe was very clear in his demands to Newcastle United’s owners at the end of last season. New signings were needed – and quickly.
In the immediate aftermath of the final day defeat against Everton at St James’ Park, despite which saw Newcastle qualify for the Champions League, Howe was firm in his message to then Sporting Director Paul Mitchell, the recruitment team and United owners PIF.
“Speed is key for us and I have reiterated that many times internally,” he said. “Speed is key because we have to be dynamic, we have to be ready to conclude things very quickly because good players don’t hang around for long.
“That’s what we will be trying but the reality of that is it’s not always in your hands – but we will do our best to do things early.”
The fear for Howe was that with such an overhaul of the squad needed – four or five signings in key areas were identified for the summer window – bedding them in had to be done swiftly.
Four months on, and with teething problems – particularly in attack – evident for Newcastle, the Toon boss admits it wasn’t ideal to get key players like Nick Woltemade in so late in the window. Woltemade’s integration has been the focus of much conversation after the goalless draw against Bournemouth which saw his teammates struggle to play to his strengths – and vice versa.
“Of course that was my intention,” said Howe when asked about his remarks about getting in signings quickly. “But I think that would be the intention of everyone at the club.
“No one would be saying they would like to do their business late and start the season with a group of players that you have to mould. That was never the intention of anyone.
“But the way the summer unfolded – and there’s a whole host of reasons – as to why that happened – this is the situation we have been placed in and it’s now our job to try and make the best of that. That’s always been my method of work.
“It’s clear this summer was, turbulent isn’t probably the right word but it was difficult. We had to come out of it as strong as we could and I think we have.
“The squad is strong, but we need to do a lot of work now to try and gel the team together.”
Howe is renowned for his meticulous approach, and demanding that players get up to speed in terms of fitness, intensity and tactical understanding before he unleashes them in Newcastle’s starting XI. Bruno Guimaraes, Alexander Isak, Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall were all forced to be patient after signing, working hard on the training ground first to get to grips with Howe’s style of play.
Woltemade hasn’t had that luxury, and with Yoane Wissa injured he has been thrust into the spotlight. The German has a unique style of play that will take Newcastle time to get used to, as well as the 23-year-old adapting to life in the Premier League.
“We have had the biggest change to the squad in my time here,” Howe said.
“In an ideal world, you have a full six-week pre-season, you iron out any issues you have and you’re forming your partnerships and team relationships. Then, as you start the season, they’re formed.
“We’re in that position now where we are going to have to do that as we play. I’ve got no issue doing that. I’ve done it before.”
Woltemade could be rested for this evening’s Carabao Cup tie against Bradford, but fellow summer signing Aaron Ramsdale could make his debut in goal.