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Boss: 'There's A Spring In Our Step'
Written by Newcastle Utd
Steve McClaren says there is a "spring in the step" of Newcastle United's players, following four new arrivals
By Anthony Marshall - Newcastle United Managing Editor
Steve McClaren says there is a "spring in the step" of Newcastle United's players, following four new arrivals in the January transfer window.
The Magpies recruited England international duo Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend, Ivory Coast striker Seydou Doumbia and former Bordeaux captain Henri Saivet to help lift them up the Barclays Premier League table.
Ahead of Wednesday's trip to Everton, McClaren spoke of his delighted at United's transfer business - and revealed he is not the only one excited about the future at St. James' Park.
"I think we've done very good business, making four very good signings. I'm delighted with what we've done," said the head coach.
"We've kept very quiet about our business and gone about it very quietly, but we have recruited very good players, and it is a statement of intent on what we want to do.
"We go forward now with some very good players and a good squad.
"With these new players coming in, it ups the level in training, and we've noticed that. There's been a spring in the step.
"It wasn't just something the Club needed but something the players needed as well.
"When we speak to them, they are delighted with the quality of player we have brought in."
United are unsure whether Doumbia will be available at Goodison Park on Wednesday, with the former CSKA Moscow and Roma front man still awaiting a work permit.
But, once given the green light to pull on the black and white striped shirt, McClaren is excited about what he will bring to the Magpies' line-up.
"We're hoping (he will be available for Everton) - it's touch and go," continued the boss.
"But if not tomorrow (against Everton), then definitely Saturday.
"He hasn't played in the Premier League and hasn't trained for a couple of weeks, so he may take a while to adapt.
"But he has a record of goals and adds to our competition for places.
"Mitrovic has been our only recognised number nine for a while, but with Doumbia coming in and Cisse back in three or four weeks, we have strikers who can score goals."