MURRAYFIELD – It’s safe to say Newcastle United 2.0 remains a work in progress.
The word on the ground is that new boss Matthias Jaissle has made a strong start at St James’ Park. Behind the scenes, the work has been sharp; the sessions – the ones he’s been able to fit in between games – are fresh and intense.
He has projected confidence without over-promising and has had a word and a handshake with everyone at the club, from the doorman to the director of football. “A people person” is how one source describes him.
But even a manager that Newcastle believe will become one of the continent’s elite head coaches in time can only do so much with a squad that feels short of the quality required to hit the club’s goal of returning to European competition this term.
Fans have been prepared to buy into the Jaissle revolution but he needs help. A comprehensive 3-1 defeat at Murrayfield to a battle-hardened Everton – albeit with the usual pre-season caveats – was chastening. Incomings are needed as soon as possible.
