Eddie Howe spoke for the first time on the record this week about his need to trim his Newcastle United squad.
So often recently, when asked, Howe has waxed lyrical about any, and every, member of his Magpies squad, whether they are playing, available, eligible or not.
But, with just two games to go, Howe has finally shone a light on his thinking ahead of the summer window - and the issues staring him in the face... The need to cut down the squad size to take the leap from the Premier League alsorans, to European spot contenders.
Speaking at the weekend, Howe said: “Every summer I have been in management I have had difficult decisions to make at the end of a season,” he said.“Players that you love and have a great relationship with, sometimes have to leave for the benefit of the team. This season is no different.
“I am sure there will be players who leave who have represented the club in a brilliant way. But those decisions can wait for the end of the season.
“Right now it is about making judgements and assessments on everybody I am working with. Training, the training ground is an important place, I am making judgments there and on days like today I am making judgments on performances I see, that is natural.”
But which players that the manager “loves” are most at risk?
Here we take a look at those squad members most likely to be shown the St James’ Parke exitdoor this summer:
1. Matt Ritchie
Howe is a HUGE fan of Ritchie, so much so he was desperate for him to stay around the squad in Janaury, to the detriment of others. This should be the summer the player Howe “loves” from his time at Bournemouth moves on.
2. Federico Fernandez
Howe has gone on record to state how much he rates the central defender, but has only used him at a push, in desperation, when available. Has been a tremendous servant to the club since arriving from Swansea under Rafa Benitez.
3. Ciaran Clark
Left out in January, Clark looks certain to depart this summer, if a suitable buyer can be sought. Added to the group in 2016, he’s lasted even longer than probably even he thought at United.
4. Dwight Gayle
Often for strikers it can be goals that are hard to come by, however it’s been that way in terms of minutes for Gayle for more than two years now. It’s hard to see how he lasts another year at the club, with the Championship a likely destination.