Was it because Mike Ashley would not release the funds or because Kevin Keegan could not attract the big names like he could back in his first spell as Newcastle boss?
An interesting question indeed, as we now hear KK has just two games to save his Magpies career (perhaps just ONE if the result goes badly wrong at Brum) and Ashley has Dennis Wise waiting in the wings.
Keegan claims he had a number of players on his shopping list back in January, but chairman Chris Mort said: "what we need are young players" and he made it clear Ashley was not going to throw cash at United's problem.
Just as a matter of interest ... here are the signings Newcastle and Birmingham made during that transfer window ... and the reports when they signed.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Tamas Kadar (£900,000) Newcastle have made Hungarian defender Tamas Kadar their first signing since Kevin Keegan was named as their new manager.
An interesting question indeed, as we now hear KK has just two games to save his Magpies career (perhaps just ONE if the result goes badly wrong at Brum) and Ashley has Dennis Wise waiting in the wings.
Keegan claims he had a number of players on his shopping list back in January, but chairman Chris Mort said: "what we need are young players" and he made it clear Ashley was not going to throw cash at United's problem.
Just as a matter of interest ... here are the signings Newcastle and Birmingham made during that transfer window ... and the reports when they signed.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Tamas Kadar (£900,000) Newcastle have made Hungarian defender Tamas Kadar their first signing since Kevin Keegan was named as their new manager.
The 17-year-old, who impressed the Magpies during a recent trial, has signed a four-and-half yea
r contract at St James' Park.
Newcastle are reported to have paid Zalaegerszegi 1.2million euros (£900,000) for Kadar - making him the most expensive defender in Hungarian football history.
r contract at St James' Park.Newcastle are reported to have paid Zalaegerszegi 1.2million euros (£900,000) for Kadar - making him the most expensive defender in Hungarian football history.
"My dream has come true, that I have signed to play for a club from the Premiership," Kadar told Zalaegerszegi's official website.
"My goal is, of course, to fight and grab a place in the first team as soon as ossible."
Wesley Ngo Baheng (undisc.) Newcastle have signed teenage striker Wesley Ngo Baheng from French Division Two side Le Havre.
The 18-year-old signed a pre-contract agreement with the Magpies last year before completing his move when the transfer window opened.
Bolton had wanted to sign the striker but were unable to reach an agreement with Le Havre.
Ben Tozer (undisc.) Newcastle have completed the signing of promising young Swindon defender Ben Tozer.
The 17-year-old has been in negotiations with the Magpies since the end of December but both parties have now agreed an undisclosed fee and a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Tozer joined the Robins from Plymouth in the summer and was handed his senior debut in the club's Carling Cup tie against Charlton in August.
He has since gone on to make seven first-team appearances for Swindon but will move to St James' Park with immediate effect.
BIRMINGHAM CITY
James McFadden (£5million) Birmingham have completed the signing of Everton striker James McFadden in a deal worth £6million.