Chris Waddle has claimed that Newcastle United are a “top six” side, but has suggested that it could be some time before the club reaches that level again.
The Magpies have not finished in the top six since they reached fifth under Alan Pardew in the 2011/12 season.
As quoted in the Shields Gazette, Waddle said: “It will be a while before you see a club play the way Kevin [Keegan] had us play – unless someone takes over at Newcastle.
“Unless that happens, the way modern football is, it will be a long time for the club.
“As a club they are top six – the fans definitely are.”
OPINION
You fear that Waddle is bang on the money with this one. You can’t expect to make progress while you’re actively treading water, and judging by the way Mike Ashley has run the club in recent times, it’s going to be a while before they see anything like the kind of success that many fans will be praying for. A new owner is probably the only way that it’s ever going to happen, but even then, Ashley’s reign of stagnation has been so dire that it could take years to properly mend the damage. Undoubtedly, the infrastructure and support is there to make the club great again, but right now, it’s a long, long way off.
