Newcastle have had a summer to forget, there is no doubt about it, but has it been bad enough to see them finish bottom of the Premier League when May comes around?
The answer is yes, according to highly respected BBC Sport chief football writer Phil McNulty, as he predicts how the Premier League will finish this season.
Being considered a worse prospect than Sheffield United and Norwich City – two sides who have hardly set the world alight with their summer signings – is a pretty damning indictment of the shambles Newcastle are perceived to be to the national audience.
He mentions the “blizzard of discontent” from supporters, and dispels the myth that Toon fans are greedy and entitled, when he adds “contrary to belief” fans “do not want too much” merely “a little of what they genuinely deserve”.
He is spot on. He is one of the few national journalists who ‘gets it’. He knows the hopes of the fans, and what we are asking for. He often stands up for us, where others will not.
A long season awaits if BBC reporter is correct
But despite a couple of big-money signings, McNulty still thinks it will be a big task for Newcastle to survive this season, with his prediction of 20th position for Steve Bruce’s side.
He signed off with a dire warning: “When will the torture end for Newcastle’s supporters? It may get worse before it gets better.”
Stark words indeed, and fans will hope that he is eating humble pie next summer, with Newcastle proving him wrong.
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