Danny Murphy believes Jonjo Shelvey is well wide of the mark in his belief that Newcastle United have a squad capable of challenging for European football, speaking to Natalie Sawyer on talkSPORT (11 May, 12.30pm).
This time next year, a Newcastle side coached by Mauricio Pochettino and inspired by Gareth Bale, Edinson Cavani and Willian could be on their way back into the promised land of the Champions League with their Saudi billionaire owner pulling the strings from above.
That, of course, is entirely hypothetical. That much-discussed takeover has not even been completed just yet and, for now, Steve Bruce and Mike Ashley are still running the show at St James’ Park.
And while Shelvey might believe that a squad containing the likes of Javi Manquillo, Joelinton, Isaac Hayden and co are good enough for a top seven finish, it’s fair to say Murphy does not exactly share that opinion.
“Massive stretch, (he’s got a) wild imagination!” the former Liverpool, Tottenham and Fulham midfielder quipped of a team sat in 13th place with 35 points to their name.
“They need massive investment, they’re doing well to stay in the division (at present).”
Murphy was a little more positive when discussing the qualities of a much-maligned player who, in his view, is the best passer of a ball English football has to offer ‘by a mile’.
It remains to be seen, however, if Shelvey can survive an expensive restructuring of this Newcastle side if, or when, Mohammed Bin Salman does take a perennially underachieving club off Ashley’s hands.
Given the right midfield partner, and a coach willing to overlook the odd absence of discipline, there is no reason why the experienced play-maker cannot be the man to guide the Magpies into a bright new era on the pitch.
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