Newcastle United: Fans react to Chris Waugh report on recruitment

Lots of Newcastle United fans have reacted to a report from The Athletic journalist Chris Waugh after it was shared by the journalist on his official Twitter page.

After the northern club furloughed non-playing members of staff, including their scouting and recruiting departments (including head of recruitment Steve Nickson), Waugh analyses the potential impact that this could have on future transfers at Newcastle.

He explains that scouts do not only attend games, they use tools such as Wyscout to analyse players and have connections with agents.

The issues are explained in the piece. Scouts don't only attend games, they use tools such as Wyscout to analyse players, etc. & have connections with agents. A recruitment-staff member at another club says he's arguably busier than ever.

— Chris Waugh (@ChrisDHWaugh) April 7, 2020

One player who was scouted and signed before the season started was Joelinton, who has not had the best of campaigns on Tyneside and was picked out for criticism by some Magpies below.

The 23-year old has only managed three goals and four assists in 34 games in all competitions this season, including just one in the Premier League, according to Transfermarkt. For a £40 million price tag, you can see why some members of the Toon Army have questioned the scouting department.

These NUFC supporters had their say on Waugh’s piece, with one suggesting that whoever signed Joelinton should be sacked and not furloughed…

Whoever signed Joelinton, should’ve been sacked, never mind furloughed.

— MarkyMarc (@Marky_Marc77) April 7, 2020

Won’t spend any money great excuse for Ashley

— Stuart Cowie (@Stuart72584324) April 7, 2020

If we can’t pay wages how do we sign players ‍♂️

— stuber99 (@stuber991) April 7, 2020

Maybe all our scouts are getting laid off if PIF take over and they may have their own setup arranged in background? Just a theory…

— Shadders (@Shadders86) April 7, 2020