Arguably two of Newcastle's greatest performers of the last Premier League era. Arguably two of Newcastle's perennial under performers of the last two Premier League seasons. How do you solve a couple of problems like Fabricio Coloccini and Tim Krul? Well, one way to do it, and the way that every other professional club in the world chooses to do it, is to have a squad brimming with players that are competing for places in the starting XI. This is something that has gone out of the window since The Magpies returned to the Premier League in 2010. Tim Krul has an able deputy in Rob Elliot, but the gulf in class between the pair is always evident. Even though Rob has proved himself to be a good 'keeper when called upon in the last two seasons, often producing Man of the Match performances along the way, the finer details of his game leave a lot to be desired and prove he is nothing more than a solid Premier League back up. Coloccini, on the other hand, has no competition whatsoever. He is the captain of the club which makes him untouchable to a certain extent, but the lack of options in the Newcastle defence has allowed him to coast along in second gear for far too long now and that needs to change whatever division The Toon are in next season. League One's Mike Williamson and the very basic Paul Dummett are his only competition. (You would have to concede that Steven Taylor's days as a professional footballer are numbered if this record of one lengthy injury a season keeps up.) Should Newcastle have kept Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa this term then things could have been a lot different. The Frenchmen seemed to be the heir to Colo's throne as the ball playing centre half. But inexplicably, Newcastle decided to let him go before he could get his cultured feet well and truly under the table. Also, Alan Pardew's insistence of playing two smaller centre backs, bereft of much in the way of strength or heading ability (yes, I'm referring directly that THAT first half away at Everton against the mountain that is Romelu Lukaku) didn't help either man's cause. That also begs the question why a man of Willo's size wasn't brought in to play alongside one of them, but that can be saved for another time. The bottom line is that Newcastle's squad is far too thin. Already, fans are collating their lists of players who must be sold in the summer. My suggestion would be to keep the uselessness of Yoan Gouffran, Sammy Ameobi and Vurnon Anita and bring in players that will go straight ahead of them in the pecking order. This, in theory, should see increased performances from those back up players due to their desire not to sit on the bench or in the stands every week. That's still the mindset of the modern day player, right? However, in the captain's case, THAT open letter didn't wash with any self respecting Geordie and he should be allowed to leave. It's clear he wanted to a long time ago and was kept in the country against his wishes. Newcastle need to cut their losses with their highest earner and lowest performer... For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
