Gutierrez the latest player to urge the board to spend.

Jonas Gutierrez has today become the latest player to urge the club to invest in the playing squad in the summer.

Jonas joins the likes of Joey Barton, Kevin Nolan and Jose Enrique who have all said in recent weeks that they would like to see the board splashing some of the cash that they made from the sale of Andy Carroll when the summer transfer window opens up for business.

I fully believe that we aren't a million miles away from being a steady top eight team. I know we are in that position at the minute, but I'm talking about in general and over a longer period than just this season. When all of our players are fit we can give anyone a game, but it's when injuries inevitably mount up that we look a lot weaker.

The solution? Strengthen the squad obviously. I very much doubt that we will see vast amounts of cash spent on one player, but I do believe that we will see a reasonable amount spent on four or five players. Maybe it's wishful thinking though?

Anyway, back to Jonas Gutierrez.....

The Argentine winger has urged the club to strengthen in the summer to avoid running the risk of being relegated again. It's a far cry from the Daily Mail saying that "Jonas Gutierrez has joined the growing list of Newcastle players threatening to quit the club unless owner Mike Ashley spends the cash from Andy Carroll's £35 million transfer." Hmm. Daily Mail-tastic :roll:

Now see if what the article tries to suggest actually ties in with what Jonas had to say.

"I am happy here, and yes I do want to stay. My family is happy as well," said Jonas. "The only issue is that the club has to decide what it wants to do next season. We do not want to be back in a position where we have problems with relegation."

"We are in a good position at the moment, with the players to make a strong team, but we need to add a few more to make sure we continue to move forward. That is the key."

"We are all part of a group, and it is important that group stays together. Sometimes, things happen that mean it is very difficult for a player to stay. Look at Andy Carroll in January - £35million, Liverpool, that is difficult for the club and the player to turn down. But in general, I want all of the players at this club to stay. That will make it much easier for the team to be strong next season."

Now my eyesight isn't the best, but I'm damned if I can see any threat of quitting the club in there. Can you?

Jonas is right of course and this summer could see us build on what will have been achieved this season, if we invest some cash in the transfer market. These lads deserve to be backed by the board after they saved Mike Ashley's skin (and wallet) by first gaining promotion and then virtually guaranteeing Premier League safety with eleven games still to go.

The players have done their bit this season, as have the fans, the staff and the manager (both of them). Now it's time for Tweedledee and Tweedledum to play their part in the rebuilding process.

Unfortunately, I'm not overly confident of that happening.