Peter Whittingham would be a good signing for Newcastle.
Posted on August 4th, 2010 | 63 Comments |
One of the areas that concerns me is out on the wing, both of them actually. Wayne Routledge and Jonas Gutierrez are likely to be our first choice wide men this season, but what happens when injury or suspension strikes either of them?
On the right, we may just about be alright for a short period as we have Ryan Taylor who can cover there. It wouldn’t be ideal, but he could do a job for a short amount of time. Mind you, I would still like to see it strengthened. What about the left hand side of midfield though? What happens if or when we are missing Jonas Gutierrez? In pre-season we have either played a striker or a central midfielder wide on the left, which is far from ideal.
The problem with trying to cover the position currently occupied by Jonas Gutierrez is trying to find someone who would be ok with playing second fiddle for a while. Or alternatively, you could make sure that the player bought can cover in a few positions to increase his game time.
Step forward Peter Whittigham, who would fulfill that criteria, certainly he would fill the second part of that criteria as he can play in a number of midfield and attacking roles, including out wide on the left. Whittingham had a storming season in the Championship last season and scored 25 goals, more than any of our players could manage. He also hit the woodwork nine times and racked up ten assists throughout the course of the season, which isn’t bad at all. He is also a left-footed player, which is something we are lacking at the moment.
In my opinion, Whittingham is one of the best players outside of the Premier League, within the English league structure of course. I have been a long time admirer of his and firmly believe he could come to Newcastle and do a job for us. His current club, Cardiff, are suffering a cash crisis at the moment and have just rejected a bid of around £1 million from Nottingham Forest for the services of the player. I think we could get him for £1.5 million, which wouldn’t be a bad bit of business at all.
I know Whittingham is a name that isn’t as exciting as a Ben Arfa for example, but I still believe he could do a job for us. I’m not of the school of delusion that thinks we could get a Schweinsteiger or an Anelka, those kind of thoughts are out of touch with where the club is at the minute. Nothing wrong with being a dreamer though I guess.
What we need are players who have a point to prove, of which Whittingham is one. Even Ben Arfa, should we end up getting him, has a point to prove, which would be great for us and would add that bit of flair and guile we are missing. Getting both would settle my mind wiith regard to the wide positions and leave me feeling more comfortable about the state of our squad.
Anyway, it’s just my opinion, like.
I cannot really remember him when I was at the CC Stadium … which speaks volumes … in fact I think he was subbed!
Is he really good enough for the premier league?