3. Failure To Recognise Lack Of Squad Depth
Many of Pardew's sympathisers will point to Newcastle's awful spate of injuries this season as being the principal reason why they have failed to live up to their lofty 5th placed finish last season. True enough, the Magpies' treatment room has often been fuller than the changing room this season, and that has been unfortunate. The likes of Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Cisse and Tiote have all suffered with injury set-backs this term and many clubs would toil in the absence of such important players. But surely it was up to Pardew to notice that his side had a distinct lack of depth this term? Following their impressive fifth placed finish last season, Pardew had the opportunity to build on the foundations already laid by their canter toward the Champions League places and buy in some more quality players. Instead, he left it far too late and waited until January before doing all his transfer dealings. That has given those that have come in recently very little time to gel with the first team squad and the potential of the likes of Sissoko won't be fully recognised until next season. Pardew should have realised the need to bring in extra players back in August, but he didn't.