Ahead of Saturday’s game against Newcastle, we asked Thomas Bore (editor of Read Newcastle) some questions. Here are his thoughts before the game against the Magpies at the Liberty Stadium.

Newcastle had a very disappointing season in 2014/15. Can you better yourselves this season?

Disappointing is an understatement. We were woeful last campaign, but Alan Pardew, John Carver and the rest of the inadequate backroom staff are gone. The four new signings that arrived on Tyneside this summer, coupled with the overhaul of the backroom staff, let fans know that Mike Ashley meant business in his interview on the final day of last season. Should we manage to sign one of our defensive targets before the window slams shut, we should definitely be aiming for a top ten finish this season – as well as a decent performance in the two domestic cup competitions.

How has Newcastle’s summer transfer business been? Can the signings improve you?

I am very pleased with our business this summer. Gini Wijnaldum and Chancel Mbemba both impressed on their Premier League debut, with the former netting his first competitive goal for the club too. Aleksandar Mitrovic was a second half substitute but made an immediate impact – getting booked just 11 seconds into his debut. While he failed to get on the scoresheet, he proved to be a handful for Southampton’s defenders and will cope with the demands of the Premier League with ease.

Is Steve McClaren the right man to take the club forward?

While many fans were hoping for a more exciting name, such as Patrick Vieira or Remi Garde, Steve McClaren is a safe pair of hands who can take the club forward. Immediately he has attempted to bring a fast attacking brand of football to Newcastle, which is what the fans want to see. The style of football should see last season’s flops (including Vurnon Anita and Remy Cabella) blossom. McClaren was instantly taken to be the fans by declaring the club were to actually try in cups, something that Alan Pardew and John Carver were both reluctant to do.

How do you view Swansea? And how will they do this season?

I must admit, I have always had a soft spot for Swansea. Their rise to the Premier League was spectacular, but it was then followed up by the Swans playing a beautiful brand of attacking football – a bold step for a newly promoted side. This season Garry Monk’s side should be looking to replicate, if not better, last season’s 8th place finish. Having watched Southampton in their opening fixture, the absence of Clyne and Alderweireld was clear to see and their defensive frailties could see them drop points this season – opening the door for Swansea to snatch 7th place.

What are your thoughts on the job Garry Monk is doing?

Garry Monk’s performance as Swansea manager has been superb. He was not intimidated by the task of managing a mid-table Premier League club as his first managerial appointment. In fact, any pressure that came with it, he thrived on. Not only has he continued Swansea’s uprising to establish them as a top-eight club, but he has done it while playing attractive football – a rarity in the Premier League nowadays (with the likes of Sam Allardyce, Alan Pardew and Tony Pulis earning plaudits for simply ‘steadying the ship’, despite their negative tactics).

What Swansea players will trouble Newcastle on Saturday?

With Garry Monk and his team likely to identify Massadio Haidara as our biggest weakness, Andre Ayew and Jeferson Montero are likely to cause us the most trouble. The tricky wing duo boast excellent close control, as well as having pace in abundance, and will cause countless problems down our left-hand side.

And who will the Swans have to look out for in the Magpies’ squad?

Georginio Wijnaldum for sure. He scored on his Premier League debut and looks a real threat from midfield. Last season’s Dutch Player of the Year, much like Ayew and Montero, possesses a great deal of pace and can punish teams on the counter attack. Gabriel Obertan will be another one to watch (no, seriously) as he is such a threat in counter-attacking situations.

If you could take three Swansea players to St James’ Park, who would you choose?

Jefferson Montero, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Neil Taylor would have to be my three.

How will the game plan out? Prediction?

I imagine it’ll be a pretty even affair, so I’m going with the same score we both recorded last weekend – 2-2.

Thank you to Thomas for speaking to us – be sure to check out Read Newcastle.