Signings don’t worry Simpson

01 June 2011 09:30
AS Alan Pardew attempts to add Kevin Gameiro to a summer signing list that already features Yohan Cabaye, Newcastle full-back Danny Simpson has insisted his teammates are not afraid of facing increased competition for their places next season.[LNB] Pardew has spoken to Gameiro and his representatives after Lorient accepted a £10m bid for the striker's services last week.[LNB] The talks are understood to have been fruitful, but Gameiro's preference for a move to Spain means he is unlikely to make a decision on his future for a number of weeks.[LNB] Valencia and Sevilla have both been credited with an interest in the 24-year-old, but neither would be able to match Newcastle's willingness to pay the whole of his transfer fee up front, an offer that appeals to the Lorient hierarchy.[LNB] The Magpies are prepared to sit tight, even though their stand off with Gameiro could hamper their pursuit of Lille attacker Gervinho, who has hinted he will reveal his preferred summer destination this week.[LNB] Newcastle have discussed Gervinho's future with Lille officials, but are understood to be reluctant to sign both the African and Gameiro.[LNB] Pardew has alternative options if both players rebuff his advances, and whatever happens with Jose Enrique and Joey Barton this summer, it now appears certain that at least three or four new signings will be arriving at St James' Park.[LNB] That will place a question mark against the future of a number of players who were first-team regulars last season, but having targeted a topten finish next term, Simpson accepts the need for greater depth in the squad.[LNB] I think it'll be nice to have a few fresh faces at the club,[LNB] said the defender. We all know that it's a squad game now, and we need a squad to help us finish as high up the league as we can.[LNB] There'll always be injuries and suspensions, and it's healthy to know that your place is always under threat.[LNB] Just look at a club like Manchester United. There are big players being left out there every week, but they know the whole of the squad will be used at some stage.[LNB] We have quite a small squad. I know the manager wants to bring in a few fresh faces and we all welcome that.[LNB] It's certainly not something we're scared of.[LNB] Cabaye is the first fresh face' through the door, and assuming the 25-year-old starts next season, it is difficult to see how Barton, Kevin Nolan and Cheik Tiote can also feature in the same starting lineup.[LNB] The arrival of up to two new strikers would push the likes of Peter Lovenkrands, Leon Best and Nile Ranger down the pecking order, while Gervinho would potentially challenge Jonas Gutierrez and Hatem Ben Arfa for a firstteam place.[LNB] Pardew insists he is not attempting a complete summer overhaul, but armed with the £35m that was raised from the sale of Andy Carroll, the Magpies manager is clearly intent on building a side that is capable of challenging for a topeight finish next season.[LNB] It's all about making gradual progress, said Simpson.[LNB] The manager has only been here six months, but he's got a long-term contract and he's got his plans about how he wants us to improve.[LNB] He knows he can't do it straight away, but step by step, I'm sure we'll carry on improving. We'll start pre-season together with a few new faces, and I'm sure we're going in the right direction.[LNB] We all know there's going to be added pressure next season.[LNB] We've had a laugh about the fans wanting Europe or whatever, but it's true and they have every right to expect that.[LNB] We want to kick on ourselves anyway. We've done well this season, even though we had a few injuries and a few players left, but now we'll have a full pre-season with the new manager and we're looking to move forward.[LNB] West Ham's hunt for the man they will entrust to take them back to the Premier League could end today, with Sam Allardyce thought to be close to taking the Upton Park reins.[LNB] The Hammers sacked Avram Grant last month after relegation to the npower Championship.[LNB] Former Newcastle boss Allardyce has impressed coowners David Gold and David Sullivan so much that he could be unveiled on a twoyear deal today.[LNB] It will be his first job since he was dismissed by Blackburn in December and it will be the first time he has managed outside the top flight in a decade.[LNB]

Source: Northern_Echo