Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has spoken about how important he feels experience is.
Rafael Benitez has hinted in the Chronicle that he will still be willing to bring in veterans at Newcastle United this summer.
Benitez brought in 34-year-old Daryl Murphy from Ipswich Town last summer, and his faith in the experienced forward has paid dividends recently.
Murphy has scored some crucial goals for Newcastle in recent weeks, and Benitez has suggested that he feels that bringing in older players is crucial.
“Robbie Fowler was a fantastic striker and we brought him back because he was not playing [when managing at Liverpool],” Benitez said.
“We needed a specific plan for him. We worked very hard with him and he did well. He made a contribution on the pitch and in the dressing room.
“Murphy is different because he has scored goals and played more games.
“But in terms of his influence in the team and the fact he is so professional and such a nice lad, it’s a big positive.”
Newcastle chairman Mike Ashley has previously been unwilling to sanction deals for older transfer targets, as he prefers to buy players with some resale value.
Newcastle could well be in the market for some experienced Premier League players this summer, though.
The Magpies look set to return to the top flight, providing that they don’t chock between now and the end of the season.
And one player who should be on Benitez’s wishlist is Chelsea’s John Terry.
Terry will reportedly (London Evening Standard) not be offered a new contract by Chelsea, but he is wanting to carry on playing football.
And Newcastle would be wise to snap him up, if they are promoted.
Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles and Ciaran Clark have formed a reliable partnership at Championship level, but there are questions marks over both of their qualities at Premier League level.
The same simply cannot be said of Terry, as he has been one of England’s finest ever defenders over his career to date.
Although Terry is now reaching the twilight of his career, he could still be a valuable addition for Newcastle.
Terry still has a lot of quality, and he would be a guiding influence on some of the younger members of Newcastle’s squad.
And, as a free transfer, Terry should be near the top of Newcastle’s wishlist – if they are promoted this season.
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