Vital Warning: Sign a playmaker, or die trying

It is no secret that Newcastle United are desperately short in the creativity department. Some fans argue that it may be one of the main factors that decided the club's ugly fate. But everyone, including rival fans agree that unless the Toon can buy a playmaker to pull the strings in midfield, the entire framework of the side springs off into a wayward scramble.

With an imminent fire-sale on the cards, the likes of Kevin Nolan, Alan Smith, Joey Barton, and even Nicky Butt may depart St James Park.

It leaves behind young Danny Guthrie, bought from Liverpool FC for a nominal fee by Kevin Keegan, who has proved to be a promising player, albeit amongst a band of worn-out has-beens.

United would be a fool to let go of Guthrie who is rated highly by most pundits, and is seen to be an up-and-comer in the United ranks.

However, the ex-Liverpool man is a defensive midfielder at heart, and even though he has bags of stamina and endurance, he needs a partner to unlock defenses.

This potential partner requires a host of attributes, most of which relate to passing, vision, creativity, and stamina. Lest not forget -- he must be prepared to put on his shooting boots every now and then.

There are hundreds of players all over the world with the ability to control a game -- the coveted midfield generals... the midfield maestros, the playmakers.

The only question is - Can Newcastle United find them, bid for them, and actually bring them to St James' Park?

Year after year, the same inadequacies, the same deficiencies - but no one remedied the situation. Last season was the pinnacle of mediocrity, and who would deny that when on the ball, the Newcastle United players seemed lost, and without ideas...?

The club has been warned, yet again. As Big Al stated before, 'Mistakes have been made in the past. We are now paying the price.'

Let us not succumb to the same mistakes. Buy smart. Buy young. Buy appropriate.

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