Could there be too many Frenchmen on Tyneside?
Usually you find disclaimers at the end of pieces. But, in this case, let me put it right up front. Through this article, I don’t want to court controversy, I just want to know what fellow supporters think.
As many, if not all, of you passionate magpie supporters would know that Newcastle United have really done well in the transfer windows by getting real value for their money on their signings. The real success stories have come out from France or Frenchmen, notable mentions going to Yohan Cabaye and Hatem Ben Arfa. Others include Sylvain Marveaux and Gabriel Obertan. United have even signed Romain Amalfitano from Ligue 1 side Reims for the season. Apart from these, many reserve players and youngsters have been brought in from across the channel. Even in the close season, there have been a lot of French names that have been linked with a move to St. James’s park. All of them have been thoroughly scouted and fit the brief perfectly at SJP.
The bottom line is that if any player is good enough then he should play for Newcastle, irrespective of their nationality or any other parameter. However, the thought is: are there too many too many French nationals on Tyneside and is it a necessarily a bad thing? Of course, United have been bitten more than once by some less than ordinary French players which include, Jean Alain Boumsong, Louis Saha, Sylvain Distin and most recent Fabrice Pancrate (remember him). So, there lies an extra need to be twice or may be thrice shy.
The other negative implications could also hinder the progress of the squad. It allows cliques to be formed between players which does affect team spirit. An example of this was when Manchester City had too many Brazilians (Robinho, Elano and Jo) in their squad and that affected the squad to some extent, undermining the authority of then manager Mark Hughes. Another point being, it gives a very parochial view of the transfer system. The supporters too would like players from different parts of the globe. This will bring in a different playing style and qualities and of course, variety is the spice of life.
Having delved into the potential negatives let me just say that scouting in France has brought its due rewards with some excellent signings. The fact that Newcastle finished 5th in the previous campaign was a lot down to their contribution. As for the forming of cliques, that job is for the coaching staff and the manager Alan Pardew, who works hands on to make sure nothing of that sort transpires. Players unable to adapt to life on Tyneside can be of any nationality.
It is ultimately down to the manager and the board to decide whether a player X can fit into their philosophy, can embrace the club’s or country’s culture. Personally, I would like Newcastle to bring in players from other countries or continents may be, without affecting the football naturally. After all, winning football is good football or the only football and as the saying goes, don’t fix what isn’t broken.