‘Surprised me’: Gary Neville says Newcastle’s owners have done something ‘interesting’

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Speaking on The Overlap, Gary Neville has been discussing Newcastle United 12 months on from their Saudi takeover.

A year ago, the Magpies became the richest football club in the world, but, to be honest, you wouldn’t think it.

Yes, they’ve reinvigorated their squad, but they haven’t spent lavishly on superstar players or managers.

Newcastle have taken a very measured approach as they’ve tried to climb the Premier League table, and it’s worked a treat thus far.

Neville says that he’s been quite surprised by Newcastle’s patient approach so far, stating that they’re doing a really good job.

Newcastle’s patient approach

“I think it’s interesting to be fair. I didn’t think the ownership would be as wise, as mature or as patient as they have been in the first six to 12 months. If you think of other owners that have come in; Abu Dhabi at City or other big wealthy sponsors of football, they usually want as star signing, a star manager, a name,” Neville said.

They’ve done the opposite and that’s surprised me a bit, they’ve been mature, patient and understated.

“The Newcastle ownership have appointed a manager with a good record, the players aren’t massive names, they’re building a spirit, connecting with fans and aren’t wasting money on older players who’d see it as just a payday. They’re doing a really good job.”

Not splashed out

The interesting thing about this Newcastle squad is that it’s not unattainable for any team of this stature right now.

Yes, big money has been spent on the likes of Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Bruno Guimaraes, but those types of signings are comparable to what West Ham have been doing.

The Hammers signed Nayef Aguerd, Gianluca Scamacca and Lucas Paqueta this summer, three players of similar stature and value to the aforementioned Newcastle trio, and yet, West Ham aren’t in the top four, while Newcastle fly high.

This has been a patient approach from the Magpies. They’ve not gone all guns blazing in the market, they’ve aimed for slow progress and they’re currently ahead of schedule.