10 Stages Of Newcastle United's 2015 Summer Transfer Window
7. Fan Frustration Reaches Fever Pitch
A by-product of Newcastles hesitancy in the transfer window was the gradual increase in frustration among supporters, who were being forced to remain teeth-grindingly optimistic that a new signing would be unveiled before the Magpies kick off their season against Southampton on August 9th. Newcastle alleged that there is method to their meticulous brand of madness, but the rising discontent among supporters was overtly illustrated by a steep decline in season-ticket sales (despite protestations from the club to the contrary). Its understood Lee Charnley was set an objective to sign up to six players this summer and lend credence to Mike Ashleys promise to invest in new blood. But the microscopic modicum of faith supporters mightve had in Newcastles managing director began to evaporate, a residual mistrust born from the many failures from his first foray into the transfer market last year. The trail had gone decidedly Siberian on Florian Thauvin, while Charnley continued to dawdle instead of moving forward in the pursuit of the aforementioned Charlie Austin, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Bas Dost, the three strikers identified by chief scout Graham Carr as being capable of restoring a ruthless edge to Newcastles impotent attack, while interest in Schalke defender Joel Matip had yet to develop into anything serious. Talk continued to intensify that a deal was close for Georginio Wijnaldum, but its understandable why supporters were anxious and agitated as other clubs accelerated through the gears and actively strengthened their squads, while Newcastle remained stranded in neutral with the new season a month away.
