Quite what Kevin Keegan is expected to do if a couple of his defenders pick up an injury is anyone's guess, but the brutal truth is Newcastle's squad has a flimsy feel to it following the close of the transfer window.
The double signing of Uruguay international midfielder Ignacio Gonzalez and Spanish Under-21 international striker Xisco were welcome additions to the squad on deadline day, but they probably weren't enough to satisfy expectant supporters who were looking to be inspired by the new arrivals, not trawling the internet trying to discover who they are.
Quite where the "wow" signing owner Mike Ashley promised last month went is another mystery, but at least the billionaire can down a pint right lads and lasses!? Middle aged man in replica shirt downing warm, over-priced beer, it's enough to give football fans a bad name!
Last week, Keegan urged supporters to judge the quality of the club's transfer business after the close of the window and I think it's fairly safe to assume few of you are thrilled with what has happened this summer.
Ever the optimist, has the manager been let down by those above him? There were rumours flying around last night that Keegan argued with managing director Derek Llambias at a meeting yesterday. Muck-racking or approaching s**t storm, it's just more bad publicity for the club as a whole.
However, before everyone starts descending into doom and gloom mode, you never know how things are going to pan out over the course of a Premier League campaign and Newcastle do still have a pretty strong first XI as long as everyone is fit, with different options from the bench.
Everton had a small squad last season and they still managed to finish fifth because they were largely fortunate with injuries and made sure they did not pick up any un-necessary suspensions, Newcastle must hope for the same, at least until the transfer re-opens in another blaze of speculation in January. Erm, Nicky Butt, I think that applies to you don't you!?
In the meantime, the likes of David Edgar and Ben Tozer are going to have to rise to the challenge if injuries in defence do hit. Young lads like these are often heard bemoaning a lack of first team opportunities because of expensive foreign imports, well this season could be the making - or breaking - of them.
In midfield, Newcastle at least have a few options, even if one of them is public enemy number one Joey Barton and there are plenty of strikers for Keegan - typical of him - to choose from, even if they are all rather too familiar with the decor of the treatment room.
On another note, how ridiculous was the club statement yesterday which attempted to claim that Ashley did not know that the drink he was downing - illegally in his seat at Arsenal - was alcoholic. Talk about insulting our intelligence, seems to have become something of a theme!
Whoop, whoop, whoop, sorry I've gone slightly delirious after nine hours of listening to Sky Sports News.... like biting into a pair of sweaty socks while someone smacks you over the head with a rusty spoon!
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