LONDON (UK) – Newcastle United signing agreements with Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser and Jamal Lewis have come at the right time, lifting the mood at St James’ Park said the club’s manager Steve Bruce. They have a season opener against West Ham United on Saturday.
Wilson and Lewis were brought in from Bournemouth and Norwich City for 35 million pounds respectively and Fraser came on a free transfer.
“In the past you’d have liked to have the signings done before pre-season, but this year there’s been no real pre-season as such,” Bruce said in a briefing.
“I’m delighted with what we’ve done, just at the right time. We’ve managed to bring four or five in, we’ve got one or two signed up as well and another couple in discussions so we’re progressing.
“Hopefully, we can get it done and dusted before that scramble which always comes in about a month’s time.”
Mike Ashley, the owner of Newcastle, has often faced flak for his lack of ambition in the transfer market and Bruce is glad that the boss has finally opened the coffers.
“Sometimes the manager needs a bit of help, certainly over the last week… with certain transfers he’s had to flex his muscles, which was good to see,” Bruce said.
“Newcastle always seem to be in a storm, and there is nothing like a few signings to lift the mood. Very quietly in amongst the storm, we have been trying to work our way through and when they get over the line… everybody is delighted.”