'I’ve been confident up to now...': Newcastle United takeover, Premier League return and Wembley chances discussed

Here our writers Miles Starforth and Jordan Cronin dissect another week of takeover talk at St James’s Park and discuss a host of other issues on the black and white front - including the return of the top-flight season next week.

Do you still think the Premier League will approve the proposed takeover?

MS: “I’ve been confident up to now about the chances of the deal being approved. However, the process has proved far more awkward for the Premier League than any of us could have imagined when the £300million deal was first agreed given that the takeover has dragged the Premier League and Newcastle United into the geopolitical dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar.”

JC: “I still remain hopeful but naturally, the longer it goes on, the more I question my confidence. The length it is taking to make a final decision plus having no football to focus on has contributed to a level of scrutiny like no other takeover. It’s been very hard to switch off.”

What do you think is the main reason for the delay?

MS: “I think the reasons are twofold. First, of course, is work which has been going on to restart the Premier League. Does the Premier League have the bandwidth to deal with this and also an owners’ and directors’ test in a timely manner? May not. Of course, if it wasn’t for the issue of piracy in Saudi Arabia, then we would most likely already have had a decision. Undoubtedly, this has complicated the process.”

JC: “The Premier League has had a lot on its plate by dealing with Project Restart but with the league back up-and-running next week, there is no excuse to drag this out any longer. I fully understand that it is the most complex takeover the PL has ever had to deal with but the process has gone on for almost three months now - it’s been absolute torture for Newcastle fans and terribly unfair on everyone associated with the football club. I’m also cautious that the World Trade Organisation report is due to be publicly released in the next few weeks which has allegedly established a link between Saudi Arabia and piracy. That may or may not carry some significance - for better or for worse.”

Are Newcastle United well-equipped to finish the season strongly?

MS: “When the Premier League resumes, it won’t be like the Premier League we know and love. It’ll be very different, and that isn’t just because the games will be played in empty stadiums. It can't possibly be as physical and intense after a three-month break. Also, playing at home won’t be such an advantage - look at the experience in the Bundesliga - and players and teams won’t be anywhere near as sharp as they were in March. That’ll take time. Will this benefit the more technically-gifted players?”

JC: “I do worry about Newcastle playing behind closed doors because I honestly do believe the fans play a fundamental part in how their team performs on the pitch. We’ve already seen some freak results in Germany and how the percentage of home wins is down significantly since the restart. There is, of course, all that, coupled with the fact United don’t tend to start seasons very strongly. I won’t be at all surprised if they limp towards the Premier League survival line.”

Which players will be key for the club in its remaining games?

MS: “Pace and technique will be so important when the Premier League restarts. Defenders will be fully up to speed, and there will be mistakes. Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron will be all-important, while Jonjo Shelvey could also shine.”

JC: “Teams always have to dig deep in the latter stage of the season but even more so now given the unprecedented circumstances we find ourselves in, so Newcastle will need their leader-type figures such as Jamaal Lascelles and Matt Ritchie. Martin Dubravka coming back is a huge boost too. I think being behind closed doors could have an opposite effect on players. For example, ASM is a crowd-pleaser whereas Joelinton has perhaps struggled with the crowd on his back.”

Can Newcastle United get to Wembley?

MS: “The team would have the best chance of beating Manchester City in their FA Cup quarter-final with a capacity home crowd behind the players. Newcastle United have all but lost home advantage for the tie, and that’s the worry. Still, I’d like to think that Steve Bruce’s side can give the Premier League champions a tough game at St James’s Park, and with a bit of luck - and surely the club is due some good fortune in this competition - they can reach Wembley.”

JC: “In front of a packed St James’s Park, I thought Newcastle had every chance of beating Manchester City but without the home fans, the excitement for the game has lost its magnitude - and I feel weird saying that given it is a FA Cup quarter-final tie. That said, I’ll almost certainly feel differently when matchday arrives...”