Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has defended the club’s lack of spending during the summer transfer window and has backed owner Mike Ashley.
Newcastle were linked to a host of top international players all summer long, and many expected the club to make at least three marquee signings.
The Tyneside outfit were linked to players such as FC Twente’s Brazilian centre half http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Mathieu-Debuchy-c24682. The club was a firm favourite to land both before the window closed, but a deal never materialized.
Debuchy was still expected to sign for the Magpies, but the transfer saga dragged on as Newcastle refused to meet Lille’s valuation. The French international had himself expressed a desire to sign for the club, but Newcastle and Lille were unable to reach
an agreement.
The club did however sign versatile Dutch midfielder http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Alan-c4244 Pardew
as he lost most of his first team players after the international break.
Many have criticised the club’s lack of spending and activity in the transfer market, but Pardew believes that it was more important to keep hold of the squad that helped the club finish fifth in the league last season.
The likes of http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Demba-Ba-c10812 are still Newcastle players, despite interest from a host of top European clubs. Pardew believes his club can still build upon last season’s success regardless of their mixed start to the season.
Speaking about Newcastle’s spending, or lack thereof, Pardew said:
“You have to look over the period of 18 months that I’ve been here. I think we have spent very well and wisely.”
“You could argue that we should have gone out and spent (more) money on players, but then if it didn’t work out that would have been a bigger criticism. We spent the money wisely and I think our fans should be thankful for that.”
The manager still managed to add promising youngsters such as Gael Bigirimana, Romain Amalfitano and Curtis Good and believes he has a strong and balanced squad.
“I think we should be thankful for what we’ve got. We have a competitive squad,” he added.
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