Newcastle fans react to squad strength '“ and think pressure is on Steve McClaren

Newcastle United have been one of the biggest spenders in the transfer window '“ but fans remain unsure about whether the squad is strong enough to beat relegation.
Steve McClarenSteve McClaren
Steve McClaren

The Magpies have acted after finding themselves in the bottom three of the Premier League and facing the very real prospect of dropping into the Championship.

Jonjo Shelvey, Andros Townsend and Henri Saivet have been brought in for a combined total of £29million, while Newcastle today signed striker Seydou Doumbia on loan.

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However, bids for Saido Berahino and attempts to sign cover at left-back came to nothing, leaving some fans concerned that there is not enough quality in either box.

Here is a selection of comments taken from Twitter:

@HarryKeogh5: Think everyone agrees that defence is woefully inadequate & cover non-existent. SM not good enough to sort it

‏@failNUFC76: if Doumbia and Townsend hit the ground running and do well (like Shelvey) it’s been a good window for us

@gordonbennett12: if we had signed John Stones and Benteke people would still moan

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@GallowgateShots: we’ll soon find out. If McClaren can’t retain PL status with this squad then he’s simply not good enough.

@ToonArmySun: How can they not have recruited a LB or CB? Madness.

@ADMusgrove: schoolboy errors will remain in that defence. Also, SM still has a lot to prove.

@Jaimehop32: still think we left a bit short but better window than most expected, pressure on SM big time now

@AOlssonNUFC: No LB No CB no proven PL striker bought

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@GrahamStokoe: Some good signings IMO. But not convinced that we’ve adequately addressed our most urgent issues.

@andyeswecan: it’s not just about signing strikers. With Shelvey and Townsend, we have more options to create too. Defence a worry though.

@shieldsmag51: priority for last 2 windows and beyond was surely a good dominant centre back so that’s why people disappointed.