---
title: "Worst five signings of the Ashley era"
canonical: "https://readnewcastle.com/2015/07/14/worst-five-signings-of-the-ashley-era/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Evin Grant"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2015-07-14T18:24:18Z"
modified: "2015-07-14T21:15:02Z"
---

# Worst five signings of the Ashley era

Having already looked at the top five signings of the Ashley era, it is now time to turn our attentions to a slightly less positive side of things.

Mike Ashley’s transfer policy leading up to this window has been questioned by many. His clear instructions to the board is to sign players who represent the best value for money and, as expected, we have had some truly awful players. So, here is my worst five signings of the Ashley era:

**Xisco**

The first name on my short-list comes as no surprise. Would this really be a worst five signings list without Francisco Jimenez Tejada – otherwise known as Xisco – making an appearance?

The Spaniard signing from Deportivo La Coruna for £5.7million in 2008 and, after scoring on his debut in a 2-1 defeat to Hull City, the Geordie faithful were optimistic about the new arrival. However, that optimism was short-lived as the club attempted to sell him after just four months. An attempt that was blocked by FIFA – as a player is not allowed to play for three clubs in one season (much like the Ben Arfa situation). He was then loaned back to Deportivo.

The underwhelming striker spent five years at Newcastle and made only nine senior appearances. Not only was this a poor signing – it was an expensive one too. Money certainly not well spent.

![Ian Horrocks/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readnewcastle/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2015/07/82623768.jpg)

**Shefki Kuqi**

The less said about this man the better.

Kuqi was unveiled as a Newcastle player in February 10th 2011, after the club failed to find a replacement for £35million-man Andy Carroll, and was given the number 42 jersey.

He was 34-year-old at the time and did not a single match. He did make six substitute appearances though, but he didn’t even get a sniff at the opposition goal.

In May 2011 (just three months after being unveiled), the Finnish striker was released, putting an end to his uninspiring spell at the club.

![Ian Harrocks/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readnewcastle/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2015/07/108967394.jpg)

**Sol Campbell**

After an illustrious career at both Tottenham and Arsenal, and a great career for England, it was safe to say that in July 2010, at 35 years of age – that Sol Campbell was, for all intents and purposes, past his best.

But that’s not what the Newcastle hierarchy believed, when they signed him on a free transfer in that month.

He was sidelined for two months in his one and only season on Tyneside due to injury. The six games he did manage were far from impressive and he was released at the end of the season, with the club rejected the chance to offer him a contract extension.

![Ian Harrocks/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readnewcastle/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2015/07/103128442.jpg)

**Fabrice Pancrate**

On 21 November 2009, Pancrate signed a contract with Newcastle until the end of the season, with an extension option, and was handed the number 21 jersey.

He had a reputation for beating full-backs with various tricks and skills in Ligue 1, and with him coming to the Championship, the fans rightly expected good performances.

But they actually received the opposite. Pancrate played 16 games and apart from one wonder goal against Watford, he was below average, being substituted in every game he started (9).

The Frenchman was released at the end of the season and did not enjoy his time at Newcastle.

[www.youtube.com (embedded)](https://www.youtube.com/embed/aXbwyXZqK3s)

**Mike Williamson**

Last, but certainly not least (well, maybe least), Iron Mike. The only player on this list that, rather tragically, remains on the books of Newcastle United.

He signed for £1.25 in January 2010 – a fee that nobody would cough up for his abilities nowadays.

Williamson had a decent half season in the Championship and impressed the club enough to receive a five-year contract extension (which expires next summer). He then proved to the Newcastle fans that he was not up to the standard of the Premier League in 2012, with a run of dire performances which saw him dropped in favour of Steven Taylor. Sadly, Taylor is susceptible to an injury and Williamson was recalled to replace him.

The following season, Williamson was riddled with injuries which saw his first-team opportunities limited, but he was back to normal in the season just gone – as in he was truly atrocious. I am pretty sure everyone will agree.

His lack of discipline, unprofessional and cowardly performances contributed to a disastrous season for the club. Not to mention his relationship with the almighty John Carver, who accused the 6ft4 defender of deliberately getting sent off against Leicester to avoid the club’s relegation battle.

If there is a footballing God, then perhaps it will summon ‘Iron Mike’ awake from St James’ Park once and for all.

![Plumb Images/Getty Images](https://readeverything.co/readnewcastle/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2015/07/471939182.jpg)

**Other notable mentions:** Wayne Routledge (£1.5m); Facundo Ferreyra (loan); Danny Guthrie (£2.5m); Dan Gosling (free); Romain Amalfitano (free); Gabriel Obertan (£3.5m); Yoan Gouffran (£2.2m)

**Have we missed anyone out that you would mention? Let us know in the comments section below.**