Newcastle United's January transfer window - The Verdict

Newcastle United's January transfer window closed with five new signings heading to Tyneside as Eddie Howe looks to fight off the threat of relegation.

Dozens of names were linked with a winter move to St James' Park and while some were far-fetched, other names were of genuine interest to the club - some signing, some not.

To make sense of the window and all the business that occurred, BBC Radio Newcastle's Matthew Raisbeck joined Andrew Musgrove on

Matthew, who is the Toon match-day commentator, shared his view on United's arrival and those players who are to miss out on the rest of the season.

Speaking about Ciaran Clark, the defender who has been taken out of club's 25-man squad, Matthew said: "Understandably after the red card against Norwich there was a lot of criticism at Clark, then he got the sending off while in Saudi Arabia too - he's not in the 25-man squad, he turned down the chance to go elsewhere on deadline day.

"Over the last six years, Clark has been one of the most underrated performers in the team.

"In the Championship I thought he was their most consistent player, I thought he was brilliant.

"We're lucky enough to have access to players, and Ciaran Clark was always one of the most approachable and friendly, you can see he is a good guy and that he has the respect of his teammates.

"Being left out of the squad is a sad way to end this part of his Newcastle career."

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