Why I fear Newcastle won't survive in the Premier League unless Ashley puts his hand in his pocket

By Brian McNally

Published 13:58 02/04/10

• 

Follow Brian McNally on Twitter

A Newcastle United fans' website ran an April Fools' Day spoof story claiming that owner Mike Ashley had sacked manager Chris Hughton on the eve of the impending return to the Premier League.

The fact that many fans were initially prepared to believe the hoax was further proof that the Toon Army has little faith in the men running their club.

Newcastle supporters have backed their team in amazing numbers this season as they strolled through their Championship programme, but the more astute among them know that this side will struggle in the top flight.

And, as they begin to celebrate their instant return to the Premier League, their delight will be tempered by the difficult job that lies ahead.

Suggestions that there is only £15million available to strengthen the squad for top-flight football does not augur well for next season.

If Ashley thinks Newcastle will survive on that kind of outlay he is kidding himself.

That sort of money would buy only one top-class Premier League striker and perhaps a decent midfielder and it is clear that Hughton needs to recruit around five or six players this summer.

And with Ashley hinting at a further cull of the remaining big earners at the club quantity becomes as big an issue as quality.

Newcastle have easily been the best and most consistent side in the Championship this season and Hughton deserves tremendous credit for masterminding the instant return to the top flight.

But even he will be well aware that there are not enough Premier League quality players in the squad to guarantee survival next season.

The size of the task can be gauged from the fact that neighbours Sunderland have spent in excess of £100million on players since winning promotion three years ago but are still anchored in the bottom half of the Premier League table.

If Newcastle are to be comfortable next season then Ashley must find ways of raising new investment if he is ruling out a sale.

The billionaire owner has made some poor business decisions since buying the club in 2007, but trying to keep Newcastle up on the cheap would be the worst of all.

Fancy winning £3,000 for FREE this month? Play Mirror Football Streak for your chance to win cash prizes! Start predicting now!