Phillips: ‘Exciting’ Newcastle project is truly underway as PiF ‘throw money’ at new arrival with ‘deal done’
Kevin Phillips has hailed Newcastle after they completed a swoop for Liverpool’s performance analyst Mark Leyland.
The former Sunderland striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the appointment is a “good first step” as the Magpies start their “exciting project” under the new Saudi regime.
As per the Independent (15 December), Leyland has joined Newcastle from Liverpool in the role of first-team coach analyst.
The 36-year-old has a good relationship with Magpies boss Eddie Howe, with whom he worked at Burnley.
Football Insider revealed yesterday (17 December) that former Celtic head of recruitment Nick Hammond has agreed to a short-term Newcastle United transfer adviser role.
Phillips suggested that new owners Saudi PiF have “thrown money” at the new hires in order to kickstart the “exciting” new project.
“Credit to them, of course – if you can poach someone from Liverpool then you must be doing something right,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“But then again, I would imagine a lot more money has been thrown at him to get him to make that jump.
“At the end of the day, let’s not beat around the bush – that’s what it’s about. Why would you leave Liverpool and go to Newcastle? It’s as simple as that.
“Credit to Newcastle for getting the deal done. It is a good first step – but he is not going to keep them in the Premier League.
“It’s about getting players through the door who can do that. This deal won’t bear any influence on the pitch to make the huge turnaround they need.
“You have to start somewhere to get this exciting project underway. They’ve got him through the door to be part of their success for the next four, five, six years.”
Newcastle sit second from bottom in the Premier League after winning just one of their 17 games this term.
The Magpies have conceded the most goals in the top flight this season (37).
In other news, Newcastle could “soon” sign “sensational” player after Football Insider source’s update.