NEWCASTLE deserve their promotion but major surgery is required. No side that loses ten matches in a Championship season can be considered Premier League-ready.
Matt Ritchie is proven class, Ciaran Clarke a cultured centre-back, Jonjo Shelvey possesses matchwinning quality (albeit allied to a dubious workrate) and Isaac Hayden is an emerging talent.
But beyond that? With the exception of the lethal but injury-prone Dwight Gayle, the Magpies’ squad is a monument to mediocrity. Ask yourself: would any other top-flight side want Jack Colback? Mo Diame? Yoan Gouffran?
The sa...