Richards says ‘awful’ Newcastle need more January signings and ‘fast’

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BBC pundit Micah Richards has labelled Newcastle United “awful” under Eddie Howe and believes the Magpies need further January signings and “fast”.

In a match one again dubbed a ‘relegation six-pointer’, the Toon Army failed to hold onto their one-goal lead against Watford.

St James’ Park was shell-shocked when Joao Pedro leapt above club captain Jamaal Lascelles to gain a priceless point for Claudio Ranieri’s side.

If the former Bournemouth manager’s side could have held on, we would have climbed out of the relegation places and have built momentum ahead of another crucial clash against Leeds United, on Saturday.

But it was deflating blow which will only add to the growing need for further signings to be brought to Tyneside.

However, former England and Manchester City defender Micah Richards has claimed that he hasn’t noticed any significant changes in Newcastle’s displays under the former Cherries boss.

When asked by Match of the Day host Gary Lineker whether there had been any noticeable uplift in Newcastle’s performances under Howe, Richards said: “No not really, there was a big improvement against Manchester United when they got the draw, and you thought they would kick on from it then.

“But they’ve been awful to be honest. January is so important and they need to get some players in fast.”

The signings of Kieran Trippier and Chris Wood have been a positive start to the window, but the Magpies desperately need more.

With only half of the January transfer window remaining, PIFs quest to land key targets is likely to hit more stumbling blocks, as clubs continue to stand firm on the availability of their prized assets.

But with asking prices likely to continue to soar, the club’s Saudi-led consortium may have no choice put to stump up the cash.

Because right now, this team still isn’t good enough to ensure our Premier League status.

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