5. Why Were First-Team Players Allowed To Leave On Loan When The Magpies Have Such A Threadbare Squad?
Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa was allowed to leave for Roma on loan last summer - before making his move permanent - as was Sylvain Marveaux, and the exodus of players then continued in January. Davide Santon moved to Inter Milan - where his deal will be made permanent - Adam Campbell joined Gateshead, while Haris Vuckic, Remie Streete, Shane Ferguson, Kevin Mbabu and Gael Bigirimana all (in theory) left for Rangers. The Magpies have a threadbare squad and have been struggling to name a bench in recent weeks - so Carver must be asked why so many players were allowed to leave on loan.