If Newcastle are left short of players Lee Charnley must go

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This summer has been one of the most disastrous and frustrating in recent memory for Newcastle fans – and there have been plenty of bad ones to choose from.

With the communication black-out from the club, despite the numerous big issues that were playing out, it would be hard to imagine it could get any worse.

Yet here we sit, a mere six days away from the transfer window closing, with just one new signing – albeit a record breaking deal for Joelinton – and a squad that looks threadbare, if we’re being kind.

Matt Ritchie’s hamstring injury at Hibernian on Tuesday is an example of why Newcastle need to get bodies in as soon as possible.

But in the world of managing director Lee Charnley, that urgency is an irrelevance compared to spending one or two million pound less than an asking price.

Accused of using low-balling tactics season after season, Charnley must realise that the time for haggling for a bargain is over, and asking prices simply must be met.

No more excuse for Lee Charnley

There can be no excuses if we are left woefully short this season, and the finger of blame can only be pointed in one direction.

Lee Charnley has long-been accused by fans of being out of his depth in his position, which is why there have been numerous calls for the club to employ a director of football.

While no one wants to be taken to the cleaners by a selling club, Charnley must realise the closer to the end of the window we get, the less wiggle-room there is for a bargain.

In fact, the longer he leaves it, the more chance there is of fees going up with clubs reluctant to sell without time to bring in a replacement.

Mike Ashley is supposed to be considered an astute businessman, and failure to strengthen enough could see yet another relegation loom on his watch, and that alone should see him take action.

Everyone is aware of the need to strengthen, and with money said to be available, it beggars belief that Charnley is still refusing to stump up the money to back the manager he picked to succeed Rafa Benitez.

Enough is enough. If we do not see three or four arrivals over the next week at a minimum, Ashley simply must – for the sake of the club – relieve Charnley of his duties.