Newcastle Transfers: 5 Reasons Pardew MUST Keep Demba Ba
5. Fans
Following Alan Shearers retirement in 2006 Newcastles fans have been waiting for that player to arrive. Not necessarily the infamous number 9, but a fans favourite who gives his all and performs well for the team.
The likes of Owen, Martins, Parker and Nolan all came and went but the only one who came close was the home-grown talent of one Andy Carroll. Sold to Liverpool in January 2011 for a record British transfer fee of £35 million the reaction was controversial, both for the sale itself and perceived lack of investment in a replacement.
The arrival of Demba Ba in June 2011 however suppressed the discontent and since then Ba has certainly endeared himself to the Geordie faithful. Were the fans favourite and current top scorer to leave in similar circumstances to those surrounding the Carroll transfer then it is not difficult to envisage a supporter backlash to rival those surrounding the sackings of Keegan and Hughton, or the re-naming of St. Jamess Park.
Taking all into consideration therefore, it would be wise for Alan Pardew, Derek Llambias and Mike Ashley to do all within their powers to ensure Newcastle retain the services of Demba Ba for the foreseeable future.