Wanted to see another fullback arrive on Tyneside so that Santon could be put at right back, with him being right footed.
Another centre half too, to challenge with Williamson for a place when Colo/Taylor unavailable. Youngster with potential and a bit of fire in his belly would do for a season-long loan.
New number 9 is what we need more than anything though.
Linked with Ridgewell as well as Bryan Ruiz today.
Squad I'd hoped for.
The three keepers
RBs - Santon, Simpson
LBs - NEW LB, (Santon)
CBs - Colo, S Taylor, Williamson, NEW CB
Wingers - Jonas, Marveaux, Obertan, Abeid
CMs - Tiote, Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Vuckic
CFs - NEW CF, Ba, Best, Ameobi
Utility players - Gosling, R Taylor
apart from the youngsters, the rest can go to free up wage space.
4-5-1, or 4-4-2, or even an unconventional 4-3-3-come-4-5-1
Would give us a VERY solid, un-Newcastle-like defence, good mix of pace, skill and graft in the midfield and goal potential up front. That is a 25 man squad I would be very, very happy with.
Real shame we haven't got shot of Alan Smith, what a waste of valuable wage money he is. James Perch likewise.