3. Newcastle Need A New Defender - But Don't Expect Anyone Soon
With injuries and suspensions to key defenders, Pardew had to field a makeshift back line for the City game. Steven Taylor made his first league start of the season but was found wanting when Dzeko nipped in to tuck away Kolarov's cross for the opener; this was after Yanga Mbwia had gone AWOL down the flank. If Newcastle are to push for European football they desperately need to add better defenders to their squad as back up for the first team. Unfortunately, Joe Kinnear, newly appointed director of football, has made it clear that there is likely to be little investment over the next month. In the match day programme notes he advises that "if the right player becomes available for the right price then we may do business. If not, then we won't." Newcastle splashed the cash 12 months ago to ensure that they preserved their top flight status but it looks like the purse strings are being tightened on Tyneside this January. Many will question the club's long term ambition, anxious to stay in the Premier League but not willing to invest and make the jump to push for a place near the top of the table? The Magpies have been linked with Joleon Lescott in recent days, surely he would bring so much needed stability to their back line?
