Alan Smith: We have to make signings

Jan 20 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United skipper Alan Smith has issued a fresh call for new signings to help the club through a potentially treacherous February fixture glut.

United have been frustrated in their efforts to bring in the four new faces Chris Hughton wants before the end of the month, with deals for Matthew Kilgallon and Jermaine Beckford dead.

There is money to spend, but owner Mike Ashley is keeping a tight rein on finances and there is a possibility that United may have to dip into the loan market to reinforce a squad that will be sorely tested by a run of eight games in 28 days – starting with Saturday’s FA Cup game at West Brom.

United are intent on making progress in that competition, which would only heighten the pressure on their squad ahead of what Smith (pictured left) admits is a potentially “difficult” month.

He has confidence Hughton will act decisively before the end of January, but admits it is a gamble not to add to a squad that will be depleted further by the departure of Danny Simpson – unless that deal can be rescued at the 11th hour.

Although their first XI is

clearly capable of competing with the best that the Championship has to offer, United struggled in late autumn when they lost Steven Taylor and Fabricio Coloccini to injuries.

Similarly, if Smith or top scorer Kevin Nolan was ruled out for any prolonged period it may leave United vulnerable.

“Obviously in this league there are a lot of games and if you have a good run in the FA Cup there are a lot more games,” Smith said.

“There has been well documented stuff in the Press about the players he was trying to get in and as a group of lads, we want Chris to bring in who we can get along with and welcome into the group, because it is going to be a difficult time.