31st August 2004
By
Craig Hope
Where to now? In my opinion I should not be writing this article –
we should not have sacked Sir Bobby. As much as certain decisions
have left me bemused e.g. Bowyer on the right, Sir Bobby has had an
exceptionally unlucky start to the season. Once again, in keeping
with Mexico 86, 'hands' have played a major role in his downfall.
Following on from Maradona, it was Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's turn
at the Riverside to guide in Boro's equaliser via the use of his hand.
Four days later and Shay Given's hands (or lack of them) let Norwich
back into a game that looked to be ours. And then to what would be
Bobby's final game in charge, Thomas Sorensen, escaping a red card
after a deliberate handball outside the area. And thinking back, how
many times have his 'hands' been Sir Bobby's nemesis. Enough has been
said of the timing of his dismissal, unanimously agreed upon as ridiculous.
But, our Silver Haired Saviour has gone, its time to look to the future.
Gerard Houiller? Like most of you I expect, I screamed
at the television upon the mere suggestion of his name. Five trophies
in his time at Liverpool were not even enough to pacify the Liverpool
board. He would bring with him dourness not witnessed since the Dalglish
era. The Geordie public needs a manager with charisma and character
– somebody we can ultimately love and worship. Keegan had it, so to
did Gullit to an extent, Dalglish didn't and Sir Bob definitely did.
Houllier is the wrong choice, if you don't agree then remind yourself
that the same guy signed Emile Heskey and Igor Biscan, not to mention
a whole host of other second rate foreigners.
Terry Venables? Two major advantages. Firstly, his
apparent willingness to come in for a short, stop gap period (see
his ultimately successful spell at the Boro). Secondly, his friendship
with Shearer. Venables could groom Big Al for the remainder of the
season before handing over the reigns in the summer. However, to replace
a man of Sir Bobby's stature with a slimy, publicity junkie like Venables
would be unacceptable. Short term I may be persuaded to accept El
Tel, in the long term however his appointment would not represent
progress.
Gordon Strachan? A very likeable fellow who says it how it
is, a person who the Geordies could definitely adhere to. My only
concern is his lack of experience in managing a club at the Champions
League end of things, because ultimately that is where we want to
be. Could Strachan attract big names such as Kluivert the way in which
Sir Bobby could? The Scot has definite passion and would take no crap
from our potential laden lot of underperforming youngsters. He is
certainly ahead of our two previous candidates in any managerial queue
developing on Barrack Road.
Brian Robson? Being a Geordie he fits Freddie's solitary
criteria preference stated thus far. A former England great who during
the height of his Boro spell was being touted as the future boss at
SJP. Since then however things have gone downhill fast for Captain
Marvel with him last being seen guiding Bradford City towards relegation.
A non starter I feel but on account of being Geordie and once showing
signs of becoming a decent manager I thought I'd throw him in.
Kevin Keegan? He needs no introduction, a possible
return however could be more do with sentiment than any real strategic
decision. Personally, I would love to see him return because I will
always love him. Thinking with my head however (something ironically
Keegan struggled with), does a return to his style of football (which
so far has failed to win him anything) represent a step forward for
NUFC? I think not but it would certainly guarantee excitement. Hopefully
KK would bring with him Wright-Phillips as well.
Steve McClaren? Having just checked Sky Bet I find
the dour smoggie priced at 9/2 to become next Toon boss. We don't
want him. He's boring, uninspiring and overrated.
Sam Allardyce? Another manager similar in attributes
to Strachan. Has worked wonders with a smaller club and is definitely
a good bloke, but could he cut the mustard at the pressure cooker
that is Newcastle United?
Alan Curbishley? Much the same point as stated about
Big Sam above.
David O'Leary? Does any Newcastle supporter seriously
want the Irish con man as our next boss? He played a major part in
Leeds demise when trusted with lots of money. With a possible £30m
available at SJP is O'Leary the man you really want to spend it? His
one decent signing that stands out however is that of Nobby Solano,
do you think he could bring him back as well?
Sven Goran Eriksson? The Swede has undoubted talent
at club level. Take a look at his successes whilst in Serie A. He
is in the mould of Wenger, an astute foreign coach with top class
credentials. Not as an outlandish suggestion as you may think, he
could certainly attract top names but does lack that certain passion
I believe you need to succeed at SJP and win over the Geordie public.
Sven for the Toon and Robson for England?
Steve Bruce? Another Geordie. The obvious candidate
in many people's opinion. No doubt a contract dispute with Birmingham
would ensue and have all Geordies forgiven Bruce for his Man Utd loyalties.
I think not and his appointment would be met with definite disapproval
in some quarters.
Martin O'Neil? Certainly possesses the passion credentials
I mentioned earlier, whether or not he'd want to come is another matter.
He has been linked with every vacant managers position in England
since he moved north of the border and has yet to accept any of them,
would the lure of the St. James' soap opera tempt him away from Glasgow?
Alan Shearer? He will become manager of Newcastle
United one day; of this I have no doubt. Do we really want Big Al's
last playing season however to be hampered by managerial responsibilities?
An interesting interview with Don Howe yesterday quoted him as saying
that it is an impossible task to successfully combine both playing
and managing. Shearer gave up international football to concentrate
on playing and spend more time with his family. If he becomes manager
he won't be going home at 1 0'clock with the rest of the squad, in
my opinion this extra burden would reflect his performance on the
pitch. Keep playing Alan and keep scoring!
Having explored Sir Bobby's possible replacements we still find ourselves
without a candidate that is a definite favourite. The Bookies say
McClaren, Freddie Shepherd says a Geordie and Sky Sports say Houillier.
Personally I would like to see a Keegan – Shearer partnership and
let the good times roll. They could certainly attract top names and
would stamp out any crap from our talented bunch of prima donnas.
I don't think it will happen, I don't know what will happen. All we
can do is hope, hope Freddie chooses the right man and that early
season sackings become a thing of the past at SJP.
PS. If you live in Newcastle you may have noticed signs giving directions
towards the 'Circus' at the beginning of the Central Motorway. The
signs then take you off the motorway at the town moor exit, make your
own mind up as to where the signs should direct you from there.
Craig Hope wants your feedback - If
you have any propositions for Craig or any comments regarding this
or any of his other articles or any matter regarding NUFC he would
love to hear from you so drop
him a line. |
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