If Newcastle thought the announcement of young signings Kyle Scott and Jake Turner would give them some respite from cynical, worried fans who are full of disillusionment and dread, they were sadly mistaken.
There was a constant theme in the reaction of fans on social media, and it would be fair to say that the club’s historically poor transfer windows – particularly when transfer deadline day looms – is being used as a benchmark by supporters.
The signings of free-agents Scott, a midfielder who spent 12 years at Chelsea, and Turner, a goalkeeper whose Bolton contract expired, may well be seen as two for the future, and will be great deals if they flourish at under-23 level.
But fans are rightly worried about the first team prospects, and despite plenty of rumours and speculation circulating, only Joelinton has so far signed this off-season, with plenty more business needed between now and August 8, when the transfer window closes.
Many fans are sceptical that any deals will get done, and it is hard to blame them, having been in this situation a number of times before, only for Newcastle to be sadly short of numbers and often just one injury away from a catastrophe.
Fans worry about Groundhog Day transfer window
As the new season looms, and the window edges shut, Newcastle’s lethargy in the transfer market does have a very familiar feel to it.
Lee Charnley appears to be continuing his low-balling tactics, as he excruciatingly tries to save a penny here or there, while seeming to ignore the severity of the perilous situation we find ourselves in.
Fans, however, can think about nothing other than that, and have been quick to say as much in response to the club’s Tweet about their latest additions.
Here are a selection of replies:
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