Is Newcastle’s left back solution staring them in the face?
Following the exit of Jose Enrique, Newcastle United have been searching high and low for a left back. Unsurprisingly, that search has taken them to France, while Erik Pieters is also a strong contender, but is there a solution for Alan Pardew a little closer to home? Shane Ferguson is one of the most exciting talents at St James’ Park right now, but does he have the potential to save the Magpies a little bit of money and make the left back slot his own?
Shane Ferguson broke onto the scene at Newcastle last season. Although the 20 year old only has seven Premier League appearances and nine in total for Newcastle under his belt, the Northern Irishman did impress in the famous black and white striped shirt. He’s still young and he’s still raw, but he obviously did something right and impressed the management as he put pen to paper on a new five-year contract at the end of the season.
Unfortunately, an ankle injury kept Ferguson out of Newcastle’s season opener against Arsenal and he’s unlikely to feature against Sunderland tomorrow either. But long term, Shane could well be a regular on the left hand side of the Newcastle team sheet. Whether that’s at left back or left midfield remains to be seen, but you feel that if he works hard on his defensive qualities then he can become a regular in the Newcastle back four.
The good news for Ferguson and Newcastle is that the youngster isn’t far away from a return to the first team. He tweeted earlier in the week “First game back the day since injury good to be back playing again =)”. This was after Shane featured in the reserves, so he could be back in Pardew’s thinking before the month is up. Whether by that time he has more competition for the left back slot remains to be seen, but he would provide decent backup in that position at the very least.
Shane Ferguson is a player that should have a very bright future at Newcastle. He made his debut for the Northern Ireland senior team when he was just 17 and has plenty of pace to bomb up and down the left hand side of the park and has a bit of trickery to go with it. While I think it is essential that Newcastle spend money on an established left back, there’s no point in buying a player just for the sake of it and if it was a toss up between Wayne Bridge and Ferguson, I’d definitely go for the latter.
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August 19th, 2011
No.
He’s obviously a winger. Even if he was a budding LB, we shouldn’t rely solely on him, he’s never even played a full 90 mins for the first team
August 19th, 2011
agree with beatski. no evidence that he can defend, looks a bit small and lightweight for the job. he might mature into it, but looks much more like a winger. would be nice to see him get a few opportunities.
August 20th, 2011
Many good left backs – Cashley, etc start further forward and work their way back
August 19th, 2011
He’s obviously a winger. Loves going forward and confident with the ball at his feet. Stop faffing around Pards and get us a left back and a number 9!
August 20th, 2011
What s tool storie. Why not play Shola right wing If your playing players out out of position why not harper right wing. Non story to get on news now. Pathetic
August 20th, 2011
Thanks David, but Fergie actually played left back a couple of times last season and in time I reckon he can develop into that position
August 20th, 2011
The lad gets injured alot we must get a good left back he looks way to small. I hope pardew gets Cissokho . It’s fun how the pawdew said there would be a new left back and stricker in place befor the Sunderland game. If we sign 1 or 2 players it will be on the last day of the transfer window and they will be free or next to nowt. A1 chef
August 20th, 2011
With respect, what a stupid suggestion!! of course we can’t solely rely on one player so young… Newcastle have made enough money with the sales of Carroll, Nolan & Jose to buy another left back & striker. Your not Ashley in disguise are ya?????
August 21st, 2011
No, just concerned we’ll end up not buying anyone and trying to make the best of a bad situation.
August 21st, 2011
Sorry, that was below the belt, I get the point your trying to make and it’s great to see a crop of young players coming through, and think that’s the way forward for Newcastle but they have to be given time to develop and not overly relied upon, gud luck to the lad but let’s get him some help in please