Ex-Scotland and Rangers frontman Ally McCoist has confessed to harbouring concerns about Newcastle United’s prospects heading into the new campaign.
With the season commencing in just a matter of days, the club from St James’ Park are preparing for a daunting first fixture against Liverpool.
What lies ahead over the coming months remains unclear, given the significant upheaval that has transformed the squad.
McCoist, who enjoyed a distinguished career at Ibrox and represented his country, has observed as influential performers Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes have departed, with promising youngsters Sean Steur and Aladji Bamba drafted in to fill the void.
While optimism persists among supporters on Tyneside regarding what might be accomplished, there is also recognition that patience will be required as these newcomers develop.
McCoist believes the most significant loss was the departure of Eddie Howe, who chose to leave his position as manager. The Austrian has taken over the reins, though McCoist has been careful not to rush to judgment about him, acknowledging he knows little about the coach and that he deserves opportunity to establish himself.
The former striker has also identified a specific midfield target that could strengthen the group.
Speaking to talkSPORT Bet, McCoist expressed his anxiety about the club’s direction. He noted that losing established characters such as Gordon, Guimaraes and Tonali would be difficult regardless of other circumstances, but that Howe’s decision to leave compounds the challenge. While unwilling to criticise the new appointment in advance, McCoist admitted significant concern about the squad’s depletion. He identified Carlos Baleba as someone he rates highly and suggested the club urgently require someone capable of filling the positions vacated by Guimaraes and Tonali, acknowledging that supporters have legitimate reasons to feel uneasy.
Newcastle remain optimistic about securing a new central midfielder before the campaign kicks off, though the window for integrating any newcomers before Sunday’s encounter with Liverpool is narrowing considerably.