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WHICH McCLAREN SIGNING COULD WIN GEORDIE FAITHFUL OVER?

Which McClaren Signing Could Win Geordie Faithful Over?

So, fast forward through Mario’s first season on Merseyside and it could well be time for him to get the removal men in once again, as the noises coming out of Liverpool suggest they will listen to offers. But is he un-employable? I say no.

This time around, wherever he goes, if he goes, he really needs to find a club where he will be loved by the fans and the manager, whilst also getting the game time on the pitch a player of his quality deserves. His career stats to date are by no means a disgrace, considering all that has gone on, and he has proven himself on the biggest stage of all, scoring at the World Cup.

At the beginning of June, Newcastle appointed Steve McClaren as their new boss. Now this wasn’t every Newcastle fans first choice by any means, and the crux of the matter is, it WILL take some serious work for former England Head Coach McClaren to turn those loyal Geordie supporters around and get them all on his side for the start of the new season.

But, there is however, I believe, a great opportunity lying in waiting just a few hours down the M6 at Liverpool, all be-it a gamble. Mario Balotelli. If there is one thing those Geordies love to see, it is transfer activity, especially in the number 9 position. And I believe Balotelli ticks all the boxes.

Now before you stop reading, hear me out. YES, Mario had a treacherous first season at Anfield – ending up with a final goal return of just 1 in the Premiership for 2014-15. He started poorly, had injuries, and then fell completely down the pecking order come the end of the season. His confidence looked shot, and his body language screamed of an unhappy chappy on most outings.

Liverpool are once again recruiting up top, with Samba star Firmino and England’s Danny Ings now on the books, they’ll also have Daniel Sturridge back in ranks after recent health issues, whilst at Newcastle, they really only have Papiss Cisse to get the net rippling – a player strongly linked away with a move to Turkey right now. Newcastle, I believe, would provide the perfect chance to get things bubbling again for Mario, whilst also giving the Newcastle faithful a new hero up top if there is indeed a void to fill should Cisse make way.

Now aged 24, Balotelli has been around a fair bit, accumulating transfer fees of £59m in three transfers, his career is beginning to resemble Nicolas Anelka infact – who himself moved between 5 different clubs in his first 6 seasons as a professional. But Balotelli is not experiencing anywhere near the highs in comparison to the young Anelka.

Starting his career at Lumezzane, Ballotelli made a couple of appearances for the firsts – with an unsuccessful trial at Barca wedged in-between his big move to Serie a giants Inter in 2007. His love/hate figure Roberto Mancini – then manager – brought him into the first team and the potential within this raw youngster was clear for all to see.

But when Mancini left Inter and was replaced by the special one, it was like the disappearance of the headmaster. Balotelli’s disciplinary record became appalling, so much so that the relationship with new boss Mourinho was irreparable. He faced suspension in January 2009 after ongoing disciplinary issues and when his previous mentor/boss Mancini was installed as Manchester City boss, it provided the perfect opportunity to get out and start a fresh.

City stuck their neck out in 2010 and paid £20m for this young Italian, who, leaving behind Inter, had scored 20 times in 59 outings – respectable, but he would go on to have probably his most enjoyable spell of his career to date during his stint at Eastlands. Scoring 20 times again, this time in 50 appearances, and helping City to their first Premier League crown. He was endeared by the City fans, and to a certain extent by much travelling support around the country too. His on/off field antics are well documented, when he eventually left Manchester for Milan in January 2013 it was a loss for our league. A rare maverick in this day and age, I admit, I was sad to see him depart.

Despite scoring 26 times in 43 games in his second spell in Italy it wasn’t to be at Milan. So when Brendan Rodgers was faced with the unenviable task of trying to replace Luis Suarez, he turned to Balotelli…and Rickie Lambert. Ending the season down the pecking order, so much so, young England star Raheem Sterling – a midfielder by trade, was starting games up top on his own – a kick in the teeth for Balotelli.

Cast your mind back to Andrew Cole, Les Ferdinand, Faustino Asprilla and the main man, Alan Shearer. Strikers the Gallowgate End at St James’ worshipped. How they would love to have someone to worship once again. McClaren, known to be a top man manager could be just the mentor required to get Balotelli smiling again, whilst kick staring his fledgling career. Steve, get your chequebook out, take a gamble, and get Mario Balotelli to Newcastle.