So are Newcastle fans coming around to the idea of Steve McClaren yet?
Well the signing of Holland international Georginio Wijnaldum – who must have had a great list of options this summer after a sensational season in the Eredivisie – must have endeared him to many a doubter.
And if he pulls this one off then Newcastle will surely start the season with greater optimism than they have had for years.
Because a run of bets has seen bookmaker SkyBet shorten their odds on Newcastle signing Charlie Austin this summer to 1/3. So The Toon are now odds on favourites to get him on board before September 3rd. Sky Sports says:
Sky Bet are reporting a resurgence of interest in Newcastle signing Charlie Austin, prompting their odds to be cut to 1/3.
We think that this deal is now a matter of when not if.
So what are Newcastle getting for their money?
Well Austin isn’t the quickest player in the world. Nor does he have the movement of Radamel Falcao.
But he is a top target man. He’s strong, powerful and will flirt with the 20 goals mark for Newcastle every season.
Because he is a wonderful finisher. Much like Harry Kane and Alan Shearer, this lad can hit the target with his eyes closed.
He doesn’t need 6 shots to hit the target. He makes the keeper work more often than not and he will score goals wherever he plays.
His work rate is also excellent and we think that he will become a firm favourite at Newcastle very quickly.
At 26 he’s coming into his pomp and he hit 18 in 36 games for a seriously struggling QPR side in The Premier League last season.
At Newcastle he may even push for a place in the England squad.
Let’s see him in action.
