Umar Farooq
Its a breakthrough for Newcastle in the transfer market – and a player I'm really excited about. He’s six months late, but arguably a better footballer now. So welcome to Newcastle, Loic Remy.
Sometimes, as a Newcastle fan, the off-season can be more stressful than the actual season itself. Rumours of big bids coming in for big players, will they stay? Will they go? The anxious wait for new signings, offers, rejections, personal terms, agent fees, and medicals – it’s all so stressful as a fan, when it really shouldn't be. In our case, we also have the enigmatic character of owner Mike Ashley, who loves to spring a surprise or two just when things are going all well and good. This summer it was the return of Joe Kinnear, this time as the club’s director of football. It didn't make sense at the time, but with Alan Pardew still here and a player through the door, maybe Joe is slowly turning the fans on his side.
This transfer window has been as frustrating as ever. After a horrendous 2012/13 campaign, all fans wanted were a few new signings early on to bring back the belief. Instead, we got Kinnear, Cisse complaining about Wonga, and constant rumours about Cabaye heading off to Monaco, PSG or Man Utd.
After seeing the likes of Southampton, Swansea and Norwich sign supposed Newcastle targets, Kinnear finally delivered his first signing with the capture of QPR striker Loic Remy. It’s a player Toon fans are all too familiar with, and thought would be playing at St James’ Park in January, before he chose West London over Tyneside.
It’s all water under the bridge, as far as I’m concerned. I’ve never understood why football fans expect loyalty from players who are not from the area and are not supporters of the team.
I’m excited about Remy. I think he’s a top player who will fit into the Newcastle team perfectly. He's got pace, and clinical finishing ability – both of which we lacked last season. He's also joining a squad with plenty of good French players, which should help him settle in. Just thinking about Remy playing alongside Cabaye, Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Marveaux and Gouffran is a mouth-watering prospect. Remy scored 6 goals in 14 games for a QPR team which got relegated. Here, he had the prefect stage to make his mark and I expect him to grasp the opportunity with both fans.