Newcastle United have barely put a foot wrong in the transfer market since the change of ownership, and Toon co-owner Jamie Reuben has explained how they have done it.
The Magpies have been incredible since PIF and co bought the club, surging up the Premier League table. It started with a relegation battle, and it has led us to the Champions League in just a season and a half.
The turnaround has been remarkable, and it has been made possible by the new recruits who have arrived at St James’ Park during the previous three transfer windows.
The new owners have spent a lot of money, and pretty much every player they have signed has justified the investment. Newcastle‘s owners have a brilliant track record when it comes to buying players, and now Reuben has explained how Eddie Howe has ensured that the club keep getting it right in the transfer market.
Jamie Reuben says Newcastle are signing the right characters
Reuben has appeared on the Business Of Sport podcast, and talked about the club using data when recruiting players. However, he explained that it is not just about the data that they analyse.
“Data gets you so far, but the character of the player has to fit with the dynamic of the dressing room,” he said.
“Eddie Howe is very particular about the type of player he brings in. They must fight for the team. They must be a team player.
“We have a bunch of amazing characters and that really helps us. They work tirelessly, they give everything on the pitch. They love the city and they love the club.
“Data is so important, but also the character of the individual as well. You don’t want to upset the dressing room or change the dynamic. You have to be very particular about the character you bring in.”
More of the same needed this summer
Newcastle have signed players who have improved the squad, but have also fit in with the dressing room ethos that Howe has instilled.
The Magpies easily could have spent a load of money on better players immediately after the takeover, but the club’s relegation concerns meant that it was essential they signed the right characters. Luckily we did that, and that mentality has continued ever since.
It will happen again this summer, with the added caveat that these players also need to be good enough to strengthen a squad that is going to be competing in the Champions League.
The Toon recruitment team have got it right on every occasion so far, and fans will back them to do it again this summer. Howe is so meticulous that there is no way he will let a bad egg join and jeopardise the harmony on Tyneside.
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