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We knew we weren't good enough! Shola Ameobi calls on Newcastle to improve quality
NEWCASTLE striker Shola Ameobi claims that Magpies players knew they didn't have a good enough squad this season and has called on the club to invest in the summer.
Alan Pardew's side have lost their last five Premier League games and had really difficulty finding the net since January after Yohan Cabaye left for PSG.
Injuries have also hit Newcastle hard, with the absence of on-loan striker Loic Remy felt particularly strongly, and Ameobi - who has been rumoured to be keen on a move elsewhere in the summer - has called on owner Mike Ashley to loosen the purse strings at the end of the season.
He told BBC Radio Newcastle: "That is something the club have to put right for next season. We need quality players and we need a quality squad as well.
"This has all been brought out to a lot of people but we, as players, knew that. I think the fans are getting to see that now."
We need quality players and we need a quality squad as well.
Pardew has borne the brunt of fans' frustrations in recent weeks with many calling for his head with a season which at one point promised so much ending in depressing style.
However, 32-year-old Ameobi is adamant there are mitigating factors as the manager waits to see how Ashley will allow him to rebuild during the summer.
He said: "We have limited resources at the moment and when we lose one or two key players it hurts the team badly.
"That is what the manager has had to put up with, unfortunately."