Newcastle United brace themselves for another Premier League campaign full of highs and lows.
Is another soap opera season in store for the Magpies?
It is fair to say that life at St James' Park is far from dull and as Newcastle United brace themselves for a new campaign it looks like we will be treated to another season of highs and lows.
The Magpies are never shy of creating a story and although the young at heart will point to the drama of Byker Grove, it would appear television executives have missed a trick in failing to base a soap opera on Tyneside.
Last term continued the theme for throwing up the unexpected as former manager Sam Allardyce departed in January with supporters displaying almost as much gratitude as the rest of us show to the above named children's TV series for launching the careers of Ant and Dec.
Prior to kick-off last year, there were murmurs floating around the North East that Allardyce was the man to bring to an end a 53-year wait for a domestic trophy, but as Newcastle loitered above the relegation zone shortly after Christmas the former Bolton boss paid the price and that, of course, brought about the return of Kevin Keegan.
The Geordie Messiah is a Newcastle legend, as this writer found out to his cost on a social outing to region when an ill-advised, 'King Kev, I'm not so sure...' taxi seat opinion was offered, resulting in a barracking from an emotional driver and a severely lightened wallet following a dubiously hefty fare.
But they do say never go back, and that looked like it was the case as Newcastle continued to limp along under Keegan, who resisted the urge to invest heavily in the New Year transfer window, going nine games in all competitions without a victory as if walking through a swimming pool - bundles of effort, but little movement.
Renewed optimism
However, four wins from their final eight Premier League games saw the Toon avoid the drop and secured a 12th-placed finish to bring about a sense of renewed optimism for Keegan's second managerial spell and the 2008/09 season.
Newcastle, though, as has been established, do not do things by halves and frustrating summer months have been endured with new faces in short supply and opinions raging over Joey Barton's 74 days in Strangeways, while the midfielder has also been handed a Football Association violent conduct charge for his misdemeanour at ex-club Manchester City.
Keegan was expected to overhaul his inherited squad this close-season, but there have been only three signings in Argentine winger Jonas Gutierrez, former Liverpool midfielder Danny Guthrie and Metz defender Sebastien Bassong (don't worry, I didn't say Boumsong).
David Rozehnal, Peter Ramage, Stephen Carr and James Troisi have all left as Keegan demonstrates he holds a ruthless side, although rumours linking the club with Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos suggest a kind-hearted nature remains.
With Pablo Aimar, Aaron Lennon and Dean Ashton all offered as possible transfer targets in a pre-season which has seen Newcastle hit by a string of injuries, Guthrie's entrance may appear a strange one, but a deficiency in a holding midfielder was a weakness last season as an ageing Nicky Butt and an uncomfortable Alan Smith wrestled with the role.
Elsewhere, Newcastle have focused their attentions on ensuring star assets remain at the club and securing centre-back Steven Taylor's signature on a new three-year contract will be a major boost to a defence which leaked 65 league goals last term, while hopes are high that England striker Michael Owen will soon put pen-to-paper.
Passionate support
Newcastle undoubtedly possess all that is necessary to again become a major Premier League force; a high-profile manager, passionate support (taxi drivers and all), a large and beautiful stadium, and a talented squad. But the club appears to enjoy pressing the self-destruct button.
Shay Given is a top class goalkeeper and Taylor would be welcomed into the ranks of any of the Premier League's 'big four', while James Milner, Damien Duff, Geremi and Charles N'Zogbia ooze talent in midfield.
In attack, the quality of Obafemi Martins and Mark Viduka, who is not expected to be fit until September, cannot be questioned, while Owen, another pre-season injury victim, is also a class act and at least one of the forwards should guarantee 15 league goals - if they can avoid further time on the physio's table.
But many members of the Newcastle squad have flattered to deceive, often against the league's 'lesser' opponents, and this is perhaps the major reason why Keegan, a master in motivation and man-management, was reappointed.
The lack of significant signings, though, is alarming as Newcastle's squad is not one of the largest. Deportivo La Coruna defender Fabricio Coloccini is in advanced discussions, but the limited transfer activity and reports of two prospective club buyers - Indian business tycoon Anil Ambani, and the Singapore-based Profitable Group - raises questions over the long-term commitment of the current board.
A few optimists may insist Newcastle should be competing in Europe, but with a gap to Everton and Aston Villa existing from last season that not even the Tyne Bridge could straddle, and with the likes of Tottenham, Manchester City and Portsmouth reinforcing, Keegan appears to have his hands full.
The former England boss faces a tricky task in improving and a 17th August Old Trafford kick-off will not have been high on any wish-lists, but a top-half finish may not be out of reach, while a decent cup run could offer a sparkle of hope in the desperate desire to end that long wait for silverware.
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