31st May 2005
Q: With Kluivert, Milner, Carr and Butt brought in during
the Summer of 2004, what were your expectations at the start of the
season?
For an improvement upon last season. I thought that Kluivert and Butt
would have the greatest impact – how wrong I was. The four signings
have disappointed as a whole.
Q: Many back then at the time were calling for Sir Bobby's
head - were you one of them?
No. But I did think this would be his last season.
Q: We had our usual great start to the season and the usual
happened - Sir Bobby was sacked a few games in; who was your preferred
choice of manager to replace him?
Ottmar Hitzfeld. Although when Souness was appointed I was quite happy.
I certainly didn't want O'Leary or Bruce.
Q: Your initial thoughts on Graeme Souness' appointment?
I was pleased. I thought that as a manager he needed to work with
good players as, having been such a good player himself, he didn't
seem to tolerate poor players. I thought he was a good bloke and that
he would bring us a trophy.
Q: And now, 7 months into the job?
I have no faith in his tactical know how but I still think he's a
decent bloke who wants to succeed. A lot depends upon his signings.
Q: Do you back him or do you want him out?
I back him.
Q: United dipped back into the transfer market in January
and brought in Boumsong, Faye and Babayaro, how do you think each
has performed?
Faye had found his level at Portsmouth and is not good enough – how
can he be when he offers absolutely nothing in attack? I read something
the other day saying that when Faye settles he should chip in with
a few goals – who are they kidding? Amdy Faye will never score for
Newcastle United – in the modern game you can't have a midfielder
that you can say that about. Babayaro is a decent player but an awful
person – he must go. Boumsong is OK – a ball-watcher who can be somewhat
of a liability. But he is strong and looks to have a good understanding
with Bramble.
Q: And those signed in the Summer?
Kluivert – didn't want to succeed. Butt – Unlucky with injuries but
has generally lost a yard of pace and a lot of confidence. Carr –
I've said all along he is not good enough for where we want to be.
He fouls persistently and for a so-called 'attacking' full-back he
can't cross, shoot or dribble. Milner – Still a lot to prove but worth
another season at least.
Q: Who is your player of the season?
Titus Bramble. He will play for England within a year.
Q: And who in your opinion, has been the worst?
Andy O'Brien – a total liability who undermined confidence throughout
the side.
Q: With the likes of Taylor, Ramage, Milner, Jenas, Ambrose,
N'Zogbia and Chopra, many believe we have a good crop of youngsters
there, do you expect them to make it at Newcastle?
It's the most promising crop we have had for a while. Jenas and N'Zogbia
are certainly the most promising. Chopra, Ramage and Ambrose are not
good enough. Taylor and Milner have a chance with a bit of luck and
some good coaching and guidance.
Q: What was the most disappointing aspect of the season for
you?
The notion of having no game plan whatsoever in most of our league
games. I'm hoping that with the addition of some quality signings
we will start to see that Souness can in fact send out a team with
a pre-defined game plan.
Q: And the best?
Our European form.
Q: What in your opinion are our strengths and weaknesses?
Our weaknesses are our full back positions and the fact we have six
central midfielders yet no pair that look good together. Our main
strength is our support and reputation as a big club – two factors
that are going to be crucial in attracting the caliber of player needed
to turn our club around.
Q: Freddy Shepherd, how do you rate his management of the
club this season in particular?
I think Freddy wants to get it right. He has a big summer ahead of
him with regards to stumping up the cash for players and being able
to persuade top players to the club. If not then I feel next season
the fans will turn on the board.
Q: Do you back him or do you want him out?
Somewhere in between. He hasn't got many lives left however.
Q: Bellamy - would you like to see him back at the club, thoughts
please?
As a player I would love to. As a person I feel it was no coincidence
our best form of the season followed his departure. It's sad because
he loved the club and the fans, he just let himself down on too many
occasions.
Q: Bowyer - should he stay or go, thoughts please?
Go. We could get about £2million for a player that isn't good enough
to take us where we want to be. His distribution is careless and despite
his unquestioned commitment and effort he is not good enough.
Q: Butt - should he stay or go, thoughts please?
Go. He's lost a yard of pace and all of his confidence. His contribution
to our attack is at best minimal – like I said before, central midfielders
who can only 'defend' are a dying breed. Makelele, Viera etc. can
all pick a pass going forward as well as protecting their back four.
Q: The enigma of Robert - how do you assess that whole saga?
When we're playing well and winning he is a luxury we can afford.
At the moment we can't accommodate a player of his wasteful tendencies
and outright laziness. He must go.
Q: Dyer's refusal to play on the right wing and snub of the
Captain's armband upset many with calls that he should never play
for United again. Since then he has knuckled down and put in some
fine performances. Has he won you over, thoughts please?
He hasn't won me over at all. Next season he has to find a position,
play there regularly and contribute with either goals or assists rather
than just hard work. He flatters to deceive and I'm far from convinced
that he justifies a starting berth.
Q: Kluivert - would you have liked the club to have kept him
on?
No. He didn't want to succeed here. A complete waste of time.
Q: Which 5 players would you like to see signed in the close-season?
Realistically please.
If the press is to be believed then Owen and Wright-Phillips are realistic
targets. I think we'll make an approach but ultimately will be unsuccessful.
I think we will sign: Luis Boa Morte, Gareth Barry, Robbie Keane and
Scott Parker. Players I would like to see arrive: Owen, Wright-Phillips
or Figo and Benni McCarthy.
Q: Has Shearer, in your opinion, made the right decision to
not retire as he had first planned or the correct one?
I still think if he hadn't of announced his decision to stay on we
might have won something last season – it took away the feeling of
having to win something for Shearer's last season. It was the right
decision as I think we will still need him next season – although
he shouldn't start every game.
Q: Shepherd has claimed he'd like Big Al to take over from
Souness one day, your thoughts?
I want Shearer to be manager one day – but I'm also scared of him
failing. I think it would be best if he went away for a few years
and then returned – much in the same fashion as Keegan.
Q: Shearer - is he a good or bad Captain?
He is captain that leads by example rather then instruction. A good
captain nonetheless.
Q: What should be his role next season?
Primarily as a player. The coaching side of things can wait although
he can gain some good experience next year. But I can't see him staying
on as a coach beyond next year so I'm not too sure if it's worth him
becoming too involved.
Q: Aaron Hughes' sale - your thoughts?
Not good enough and if we can replace him with a good left back and
right back then surely this is better than having an average player
like Hughes.
Q: Finally, what are your expectations for next season, in this moment
in time?
I think we'll finish in the top six but not the top four. Anything
less then European qualification and Souness will go. If we're not
on course for this at Christmas then he will go then. We say it every
year but, maybe a good cup run.
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