Toon stars playing for futures

[bawan 0]

Newcastle's struggling squad have been warned that they are playing for their St James' Park futures.

 

The Magpies are hovering just six points above the relegation zone and have yet to taste victory since Kevin Keegan's return as manager.

 

Heavy defeats at Arsenal and Aston Villa have come alongside home draws against Bolton and Middlesbrough.

 

And with Manchester United the visitors to the North East on Saturday, there is little sign of respite for the Toon Army with a trip to Anfield on the horizon.

 

Keegan's trusted No.2 Terry McDermott admits their run of games has been tough, but insists every member of the squad must prove their worth before an expected summer spending spree.

 

He told the Daily Express: "The fixture list has not been kind to Kevin but you don't get anything for free in the Premier League these days.

 

"The standard is so high across the board that it is impossible to say there are easier games and more difficult ones. It doesn't work that way.

 

"Kevin knows what he wants and he will get it but he needs to bring in some fresh faces in the summer and right now, all the players are playing for their futures.

 

"The manager wants them to show the type of determination and drive he got from the last Newcastle team he created - and he won't stop until he gets it."

 

And McDermott insists Keegan needs to be given time to turn things around at Newcastle, pointing to the difficulties he endured in the early stages of his first stint at the helm in the 1990s.

 

 

The Magpies came close to sliding into the old Third Division, but victories in their final two matches saw them beat the drop.

 

McDermott added: "There were some tough times in those early days. Kevin has always said the signing of Brian Kilcline in the back end of the 1991-92 season was the principal reason for us staying up, but it was very much touch and go.

 

"What happened the following season is that Kevin chose some high-class footballers and the momentum started from there. But what that first season in charge shows is that it takes time and patience to build a side.

 

"Kevin has not even bought anyone yet. What is the old phrase about Rome not being built in a day? Well, they are right."

[snakehips 0]

The problem I have with 'players playing for their futures' is how many actually want to stay here??? There will be those who don't give a fuck about staying here and will play accordingly imo.

 

EDIT: Maybe Keegan should threaten them with being forced to stay here if they don't pull their fingers out!

Edited February 21, 2008 by snakehips

[sammynb 2934]

Keegan's trusted No.2 Terry McDermott

 

That scares me more than the lack of transfer movement we had in the Jan window.