The ins and outs at the North East's big two
Feb 2 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
There have been mixed fortunes on Tyneside and Wearside in the January transfer market. Mark Douglas assesses the month’s fraught dealings
JANUARY is a confusing month in the world of football but now all the hype, conjecture and hyperbole has evaporated there is a refreshingly straightforward way of bringing Newcastle and Sunderland’s transfer window dealings to account.
It all boils down to whether either club is in a stronger position now than they were on December 31, when so much hope was invested in a football’s month of opportunity. On that front, there are mixed fortunes for the North East’s twin superpowers.
The answer from St James’ Park is an unequivocal yes. Newcastle’s six signings have definitely strengthened Chris Hughton’s squad – providing hardened Championship know-how in areas where United looked brittle.
In Wayne Routledge and Leon Best he has astutely added pace, the one area where Newcastle had a glaring deficiency, and in Mike Williamson and Fitz Hall, players who know how to operate with their backs against the wall on a wet Tuesday night in Doncaster.
Just as importantly, Hughton has held on to key men like Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith, Jonás Gutiérrez and Steven Taylor – which was a crucial statement of intent on the part of an unpopular owner.
Substantial savings were made by letting the woeful Geremi leave – no great loss given his obvious diminishing ability.
