Newcastle United supporters respond to 'Beardsley and Gazza' plea with Eddie Howe message

Newcastle United's demoralising loss to West Ham in the Premier League at the weekend has prompted one columnist to call for the team to find a modern Peter Beardsley or Paul Gascoigne - and Chronicle Live readers in our comments section think that the club may have already let one slip through their fingers.

Columnist John Gibson writes that Newcastle United are "not blessed with liberal splashes of flair and inspiration", and need a creative type who can make something out of nothing. The club have some big name midfielders, but none, as Gibson says, "possess the sheer craft and vision that in one decimating movement can turn the mundane into a work of art."

He adds: "Where is the new Beardsley? Gazza? Terry Hibbitt or Tony Green for the older enthusiasts? Nor for that matter do United have enough power across the front three to blow the hat off a bystander if Alexander Isak is being well marked or on an off day."

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"As I've said, it is becoming increasingly obvious we are what we are. Five wins, three draws, and four defeats in 12 outings is not the record of a team bursting a gut to make Europe but a team 10th in a 20-club league."

Reader Petrus thinks that a solution could come from within, if manager Eddie Howe will allow it: “Every team would like a Beardsley and Gazza. Perhaps a player will emerge from the youngsters we have. In the meantime it would help if Howe started with his best 11 players and stop waiting until we go 1 down. Barnes & Tonali, Joelinton, Bruno, and Gordon are top players and need to start, he needs find a way.”

Commenter Sussex Mal writes: “Couldn’t agree more John. Think we should have taken Bruno’s advice to get his mate Paqueta onboard. He was exceptional last night and provides exactly the type of creativity we need.”

Sickntired says: “Eddie would need a change of formation to incorporate a Beardo or Gazza, and he sure doesn't seem keen on that. If he was then I'd suggest we go 4-2-3-1 right now, and play Barnes through the middle in support of Isak, and with Gordon on the left.”

Jobo1 thinks that modern football has made the "flair player" increasingly rare: “The trouble today is you can find a player with the skills of a Gazza/Beardsley, but today's coaches will knock their individual skills out of them to suit today’s way of playing.”

DukeLeblanc reckons that we had the right player at the wrong time: “The author mentions needing flair players, but the manager sold Saint-Maximin for the likes of Barnes. Its becoming evident that more time and money spent will only see more of the same mediocrity. The acquisitions of Tonali and Barnes are good examples of big money spent and the manager doesn't seem to know how to assimilate them.”

Timbucked2 agrees: “You mean like a Saint-Maximin, who was sold for peanuts?” Stanhopesteve replies: “Seriously? Maxi had one decent game in 10!"

But reader Sheara thinks he was the right man for the job at the wrong time: “Great player. Wish we could get him back.”

Have your say! What one type of player would get Newcastle United firing again? Comment below, and join in on the conversation.