So the transfer window closes, and Newcastle have spent more than we have received. Has the activity been good?

Seasoned observers have been looking for clues for the owner’s long term intentions. Objectives have obviously been targeted on the relatively short term goal of promotion, but with an eye to what needs are for next season.

Supporters are mindful that the summer season activity was mostly outward bound. Notable departures included arguably some of the best defensive signings of recent times, with Beye off to Villa and Bassong to Spurs. Cacapa, the seasoned Brazil international, and Edgar, a young player with some impressive performances behind him, further diluted defence. Abdoulaye Faye was another who sought the exit door.

Striking options were similarly thinned out, with Viduka, who seemed allergic to playing in winter, and the once prolific Michael Owen both running down their contracts and picking up their “loyalty” bonuses. One would question whether their loyalties were to the club, or international options and wallets.

Width had disappeared in the January window and the previous summer, in the shape of N’Zogbia and Milner. The wing clearout seemed almost complete with the departure of Damien Duff.

Lovenkrands had been signed as short term cover last season, and was signed again during the summer. Finally match fit, without a pre-season, he is now looking the part at this level.

One of the latest January moves, and perhaps the most welcome in some quarters, was outward bound. Known among the press as a utilty player, and by supporters as a futility player, was Geremi. His contributions in midfield included being the only player to score from a deadball situation away from home in several years. His defensive duties saw him responsible for one of the few away goals scored at St James’ this season, against Plymouth.

The first January signing was Danny Simpson, a player who had been on loan from Man United. In his early loan games, he showed a natural inclination to go forward. This was curbed with Hughton’s defensive philosophy, and until the visit of West Brom, and a referee who offered no protection, he proved adept at his brief.

On the opposite side of defence, Enrique has come into his own in this league. However, having been one of few defensive injuries this season, January proved the time that he would finally succumb to the demands of the season.

Hughton has moved quickly to reinforce this area in the window, with the signing of van Aanholt on loan from Chelsea. We only have one game to go on, but after a hesitant first 20 minutes, van became the man, showing potential going forward and discipline in set pieces in defence.

Central defence had been another area free of injuries. Coloccini has stabilised, with Steve Taylor the talismanic figure and the youthful Kadar as back up. Previous injuries cost the Toon 2 of the three defeats so far this season, and again Hughton has moved quickly to ensure that a repeat is avoided.

Mark Williamson was impressive enough at Watford to secure a move to Portsmouth, behind seasoned internationals. His first two outings for Newcastle have confirmed potential, despite a lack of match fitness. Fitz Hall, on loan from QPR, has added further depth until the end of the season. Hall is one of the paciest defenders in this league.

The most exciting signing of the window has been Wayne Routledge. Having shown youthful promise, Routledge has failed to deliver consistently through his career, but remains an obvious talent. His pace is undoubted, and his finesse fleetingly evident when playing a subtle ball through for Ranger to score against Palace, but will he consistently deliver?

The final piece of the January jigsaw has been up front. Leon Best is the striking arrival from Coventry. His form is ambiguous, not having scored in his last 10 league games, but with a rate of over 50% having notched 9 in his previous 16.

The signings seem consistent with Hughton’s apparent strategy. He seems to be convinced that the team should be built from the back, which is where the bulk of signings have been made, four out of 6 and 5 out of 7 if Simpson is included.

The more attacking options were signed from the ranks of the unemployed between windows, Lovenkrands and Pancrate who has shown one magic moment, and unforgettable goal from nothing against Watford.

There have been a couple of themes from the transfer activity, notably the window’s permanent signings have been of an age where they will not lose value, and with their prime ahead of them. The older Hall has been signed on loan.

The other theme has been value for money, with the highest fee around the £1m mark.

The positives are that Hughton has been able to add depth to defence, width and pace to midfield, and options up front. The negatives are that the level of investment is lower than some would like, and that the signings have not been of the level to guarantee confidence if promoted. There could well, however, be a hunger in those who have joined, which was evidently lacking in the failures of the past.

The club will not lose money on those signed, unlike in the recent past. The last few windows have reduced outgoings, and probably ensured promotion, allowing Ashley more flexibility to sell the club.

It goes down as a largely good window under the circumstances, but if promoted, probably still leaves the club with a mountain to climb. Loan arrangements mean that Hughton could still face a future challenge wide on the left, if he is to prove his credentials.

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