EPL – Newcastle United 2015-16 report card

EPL – Newcastle United 2015-16 report card

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Hopes were high heading into the 2015-16 season, but after a series of mistakes both on and off the pitch, Newcastle United found themselves in a relegation battle that proved to be too much.

The Story

After narrowly avoiding the drop in 2014-15, the Toon saw this season as a chance to start a new chapter and all seemed well on Tyneside after a busy offseason with new arrivals coming in. However, old habits seemed to once again come to the forefront at St James’ Park and they had to wait until October before registering their first win of the season.

The following months would see even more struggles for the Magpies, but they had the chance to move out of the bottom three with consecutive matches against relegation rivals Sunderland and Norwich City. Newcastle would only take one point from the six on offer, which had them on the brink of the drop and despite ending the season unbeaten in the last six, they were unable to survive.


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Key Player – Rob Elliot

Many so called big names let themselves down big time this season. Rob Elliot, however, can hold his head high. The Irishman was thrown into the deep end after Tim Krul suffered a season ending injury in October. Four clean sheets in 21 appearances may not seem flattering, but there were many times throughout the campaign when Elliot kept Newcastle in a match, or kept the losing score respectable. He suffered a sidelining injury of his own in March, but after an impressive spell between the posts, he could be the first choice gloveman in the Championship next season.

The Manager

The two managers the Geordies had were worlds apart in terms of their impact on the squad. Steve McClaren began the campaign in the hot seat and looked out of his depth from the outset. Negative tactics, failing to learn from mistakes, and personal attacks on journalists eventually forced the former England manager out in early March. In his place came Rafa Benitez. The Spaniard took his time to influence the squad, but the improvement in defensive organisation and his superb man management skills were there for all to see. He may have been unable to prevent relegation, but this was through no fault of his own and Newcastle’s chances of making an instant return to the top-flight could hinge on whether Rafa stays or goes.

Whp was the most disappointing player for Newcastle this season?

Offseason Recruitment

Newcastle’s number one priority this offseason will be player retention, as Premier League clubs will be looking at quality players like Andros Townsend and Ayoze Perez, just to name a few. With a significantly reduced wage bill, the Toon will need to be modest in the window, but players with Championship experience like Nathan Redmond (Norwich City), Will Hughes (Derby County) and Lewis Dunk (Brighton) are names that should be looked at. Returning striker Adam Armstrong will feel like a new signing after he scored 20 goals on loan at League One side Coventry City.

Grade – F

No other grade does this season justice. To spend £80 million and still get relegated is nothing short of disaster, considering what other clubs have done on a much smaller budget. An outfit the size of Newcastle should not be going down, let alone twice in seven years and there is plenty of soul searching to be done if they want to make an instant return to the big time.

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