Newcastle cannot be happy with recruitment, says Jamie Carragher
Tuesday 15 September 2015 10:29, UK
Jamie Carragher questioned Newcastle's recruitment policy after their winless start to the season continued against West Ham.
Newcastle were beaten 2-0 at Upton Park on Monday Night Football to slip to the foot of the Premier League table.
As well as picking up just two points from five league matches, they have also scored a league-low two goals and rarely looked like staging a comeback against the Hammers.
"It's the same story with Newcastle," said Carragher on Monday Night Football. "There is a new manager, £40m-50m spent, but it's still the same.
"Mistakes at the back, getting counter-attacked, no threat up front - Newcastle used to be about exciting things happening but they are buying these players from abroad, spending a lot of money of them, and they are not actually doing anything.
"Newcastle are certainly one of those teams who, over the years, cannot be happy with their recruitment and the money they have spent."
Among the signings made by Newcastle over the summer were Georginio Wijnaldum, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Florian Thauvin and Chancel Mbemba.
Their net spend of £46.02m was the second highest in the top flight but so far they have struggled to get into their stride under Steve McClaren.
"They have spent as much money as some of the top teams in Europe and you don't see what you are getting for it," said Carragher.
"[Owner] Mike Ashley is probably thinking 'I've spent £40m-50m and it's no different, we are just continually wasting money'."
The defeat at West Ham was Newcastle's third league loss in their last four games and Gary Neville thinks they need to be more adventurous going forward.
"The front three need service and support," he said. "They don't take enough risks or get players in the box. McClaren needs to get them taking more risks but then you have to keep that balance playing away from home.
"They huffed and puffed… but the three central midfield players don't prevent counter attacks or set up goals."
