There have been a few hints put out last night, about who the new manager will be at Newcastle United, but if Chris Mort and owner Mike Ashley have done their jobs well, we expect the new manager appointment to be announced today.
Chris Mort – OK we just sacked Big Sam – now what – thinks?
The first hint that was put out was that it would be British manager. That sounds a little strange, because if he was English they would have said that – so we immediately thought it may be Mark Hughes of Blackburn.
But that also meant it couldn’t be two of our favorites – Jose Mourinho or Sven Eriksson.
Then Alan Shearer, who’s smarter than a lot of people realize, let it be known through friends that it would not be him, because he was happy with his job at the BBC.
So then a potential nightmare appointment of Steve McClaren was put out – most Geordie supporters were seen to vomit on the spot. He wasn’t successful at Middlesbrough, and was way out of his depth for England. Enough said.
If Sam lasted only last 8 months at Newcastle we’d give McClaren a couple of months at best, and that’s if he performed above his norm. This would be a nightmare appointment for the Newcastle United club, and an absolute nightmare for Newcastle fans.
Then the favorite last night became Harry Redknapp, the Portsmouth and former Soutampton and West Ham manager. But harry has done all his management in the South of England, and we didn’t think he would ever want the Newcastle job, with all it’s stress and hassle. He knows all about what it’s like at Newcastle, and surely this is not for him, at his age.
But Harry seems to be the current favorite. A decent manager, but he’ll still be a disappointment to Newcastle fans, who now expect a world class manager because they sacked Sam in the way they did. Sam was given but 8 months in the job, which will look even more absurd as time goes by.
Initially a 20/1 chance at Hills, Harry’s odds were quickly slashed to an odds-on favorite for the Newcastle manager job. Mark Hughes was the other British manager punters latched on to, and the Blackburn manager was slashed to 7/2 from 25s by bet365 before settling back at 9/2. We think Mark would jump at the Newcastle job.
Shearer’s chances of getting the job seemed to wither further when the BBC reported yesterday that sources close to the former England striker – were saying he was unlikely to succeed Allardyce at Newcastle. Shearer is currently on vacation.
And further reports on Sky Sports News that the club were looking for an “experienced” manager prompted a further cut of Redknapp to just 2/7 with Hills. We think it is far more likely that Mark Hughes will be the appointment. We would have expected better but Mark Hughes would just about be acceptable. He’s certainly a football man who has proved he can manage, but he hasn’t won anything either.
But is this is true we will be very disappointed in the management and planning skills of Ashley and Mort. They should have had the manager already well lined up before taking the amazing action yesterday of sacking Sam Allardyce at this awkward time.
Sam was obviously taken by surprise by the whole thing. We thought the new management would be different than the old – but Sam’s tenure in the job of less than 8 months is the shortest tenure of any new manager for decades. Seems like it’s the same ole same ole – no change at all in other words.
Right now Newcastle fans need to be pleasantly surprised by the new manager appointment, otherwise Mort and Ashley may find a lot of unhappy fans in Newcastle. This thing could even backfire on them, if they don’t show they have planned way ahead for the appointment and show they know what they are doing.
What do you think? Who do you think our new manager will be?
We expect for him to be announced tomorrow – so please let us know.
Comments very welcome.
121 comments so far
Tooner
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:36 AM
Comment #1I don’t want Hughes or Redknapp. Redknapp is all about mediocre players and maybe nipping a UEFA cup position. Mark Hughes won’t bring the style the Toon wants.
Give me Van Gaal or Mourinho.
Ed Harrison
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:39 AM
Comment #2Tooner – I really hope we have a top guy lined up – getting a little worried to be honest – although we wouldn’t have expected an announcement on Wed – because of some respect for Big Sam.
One bombshell at a time.
Hadrian
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:39 AM
Comment #3you would assume they know who there man is .
pompy has dennied any contact so i really dont think its redknapp.
Mclaren just lost ashley MILLION’s , mike not happy at all about england being out of euro’s so there is no chance in hell he will get nufc job .
my money’s on keegan , the fact he was offered a sporting directors role still dwell on my mind .
i really expect our board to have someone lined up , the timing was crazy if not , if was down to stoke he would have been gone on monday , unless they put the wheels in motion then and got confirmation today on a replacement .
ObaFan2
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:55 AM
Comment #4It is certainly a worrying time, the next move we will have to live with for the next season and a half atleast if not (and hopefully) alot more.
No to :
Jol
McClaren
Redknapp plz bookies be wrong plz
There’s still money around for Shearer and 9-1 odds at Ladbrokes is unbelievable good value imo.
Whoever is next please oh please lets go in the right direction…….upwards and onwards.
netboffin
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:56 AM
Comment #5Roy Keane
coolsmurf
Jan 10, 2008 at 1:58 AM
Comment #6am still totally shocked because didn’t see it coming. shades of FFS.
Stephen
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:00 AM
Comment #7I think Newcastle are a disgrace after what they did to Big Sam.Lets make it clear performances were poor at times and sometimes he made some weird tactic changes,but this guy got Bolton into the premiership and after a few years sustained them as a top 7 team and the amazing thing was most of his buys were free transfers.I can understand why we got rid of souness and Roeder Roeder is a mouse he couldnt motivate anyone and Souness bought Boumsong do i need to say anymore on him????Big Sam was only here for 6 months and even though he should of done better he sounds like a very smart guy and had a good long term plan for the club………..
But unfortuntly fans and board have got impatient and decided to get rid of in my opnion an excellent manager.
I really hope this doesnt come back to haunt us look what happened when we sacked Sir Bobby we went back years do we really want to go futher behind????
Who i like as manager???
Mark Hughes seems like a good manager….I like the signings he makes the likes of Benni Mcarthy at like 3 million scored loads of goals last season then he got Santa Cruz for the same price and he has scored like 7 goals in the last 5 games……He seems like a mangaer who can improve a team and i think he be an ok choice but be honest with ya no better than Big Sam
I would love Jose Mourinhio to come his smartness in the transfer market is not so clever though but makes up for it with alot of attributes but needs loads of cash to be a success..
Dont think he will come though and dont think he can join another english club til next summer………..
If we get Steve maclaren or a chris coleman type……
Well i am afraid to say toon fans expect more mid table medicorty at the most.
micepie
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:01 AM
Comment #8I’d not to be hugely disappointed with Rednapp at all, but I would be with McClarem and a little disappointed with Hughes too.
Jol would be good, so would Houllier with the right assistant…
Keep Oba
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:07 AM
Comment #9Well…looks like its time to get a new banner for the website…Allardyce and Barton glaring back at us. Creepy.
Hadrian
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:09 AM
Comment #10Alan Oliver article , jan 5th
There is never a dull moment where Newcastle United are concerned. At the moment Sam Allardyce is under fire from a good percentage of United fans, but chairman Chris Mort insisted to me at Stamford Bridge that they were happy with their manager. That was on Saturday night. On Sunday night I received a phone call from someone who works for the biggest agents in the world. He wanted Chris Morts mobile number. On Monday the aforesaid top guy’s repesentative contacted the United chairman who repeated what he had told me at Chelsea. But then Chris Mort was suddenly given the name of the someone who would like to manage Newcastle United. And I am told it nearly blew the chairman’s socks off. I know the name of the top agent and his colleague who contacted me. But not the name of the would – be United Manager. That has not stopped me wondering about it. The top man in question is friends with the José Murinho camp. So has José been touted as Newcastle manager? or Marcello Lippi, who is currently out of work? all I can say is watch this space.
——————-
interesting huh 😀 😀
Keep Oba
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:10 AM
Comment #11Put N’Zogbia in a mainshot…he has been by far our best player on the season.
Lawman
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:18 AM
Comment #12hmmmmm…..
the legend that he is, I still think Shearer needs a bit more managerial experience to manage a club the size of NUFC and the expectations attached to it.
Although not as successful as I’d hoped, I would’ve at least given BSA until the end of the season. Nothing positive could possibly come out of this situation.
As for Hughes and Redknapp….. NO!!!! They are mediocre managers – not bad but by no mean brilliant!!! If we’re slating McClaren (don’t get me wrong, I’m no fan of McClaren either), at least he’s won the league cup and got to Uefa cup final. What’s Hughes and Redknapp won??? Why would they be considered ok and acceptable if McClaren’s a definitely NO NO???
Personally I’d love Jose the special one to manage us but that’s hope more than anything else. My second (and more realistic) choice would be Marcello Lippi. Serie A titles, Champions League and World Cup victories…… what more could you ask for on a CV????
geordie_jordan
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:18 AM
Comment #13MARK HUGHES please!!!!!!
far east
Jan 10, 2008 at 2:29 AM
Comment #14give nigel pearson to prove himself guys! he might be the one…
Aussie geordie
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:05 AM
Comment #15I think they have done it becasue they are the new owners and they want their own man. I wasn’t a nufc supporter in the days of Keegan but he would certainly bring a reputation with him and I’d love to see what he can do. I have no doubt the next manager will get time to settle in and do what he wants with the team but I think Ashley is only prepared to wait and have patience with someone he himself had chosen and hired. Fair enough too seeing as we all want him to put $20 mill on the table for transfers.
I dare say he saw Sam as the unambitious choice and he wants our club to go places!
Aussie geordie
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:16 AM
Comment #16Is this the end of Smith????????? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE
Loisss
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:30 AM
Comment #17Ed, I know these times are tough on the nerves but… when you write that Hughes has won nothing, you’re being unfair… Rovers qualified for Europe if I remember… And would someone like Mourhino really do better with the resources available at Blackburn? I think he does a great job. Martin Jol has done very good as well with two 5th places…
Hadji
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:34 AM
Comment #18Well…we need a new chapter in our club so lets start it with
1-Gus Hiddink
2-Quqie Sanchez Flores
3-Jose Mourinho
jhholda
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:39 AM
Comment #19Hadrian – interesting article. Do you have a link for it?
shearyadi
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:39 AM
Comment #20Here we go again…Mark Hughes taking Blackburn to Europe? Sam Allardyce also did that with Bolton. Harry Redknapp? I would rather take a nap.
No foreign manager they say, it’s just like what they said to Sam that his job is safe last weekend.
Same old, same old, same old….
Bron
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:40 AM
Comment #21Well all I can say is its about bloody time we got rid of Big Sam…wasnt doin us any good what so ever!!No expectations met so out with the old and in with the new!Obviously I would love Shearer to be our next manager but I doubt he will want that position so soon!Lets go with Jose Mourinho as the next big shot for us and have Shearer as his assistant!That sounds like a canny combination to me!!I loved wor Bobby Robsons strategies so lets give Mourinho a chance and see if any has rubbed off on him!Well all I can say whoever it is we things cant get any worse than it is now so let the good times begin!!C
Loisss
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:42 AM
Comment #22By the way, even if I think Hughes is a good manager, I don’t see him leaving Blackburn now… If your “British manager” news is true, could it be David O’Leary? He’s available…
dobbo
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:45 AM
Comment #23ashley did well to keep the takeover quiet, theres no question in my mind they have the replacement.
the opportunity not to give alladyce funds led to the ultimate stand off, which ended the only way it would.
watch this space i believe it”ll be as big as the time keegan arrived.
you dont think ashley wasted the opportunity to stand with the lads , and not take in their feelings, hes a shrewd cookie, cant wait for the suprise.
ObaFan2
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:49 AM
Comment #24Villa and City both interested in Oba.
Dan
Jan 10, 2008 at 3:59 AM
Comment #25please not David O’Leary….
please not Keegan he has had his time, and he couldnt handle the pressure then what makes people think he could now..
Sam needed time, like any business it takes time. I agree Mike wanted his own person..
I cant see Newcastle winning anything for a long time! because ideas take time and if you expect to win straight away which the fans and the board want you need patience which both seem not to have!
If you want world class then you buy world class and pay the cash.. and that goes for the manager to.. all this talk of redknapp and Hughes they are good where they are but not world class..
Newcastle needs A fresh start and fresh ideas and the fans need to learn it takes time!
ginkoh
Jan 10, 2008 at 4:06 AM
Comment #26Forget about world class manager!!!!! Jol, Rednapp, Mclaren, Hughes, oe even Jewell for all of us, that’s our sin.
My choice is Van gal from Akmaar. Why no one condidate him. His style and profile is very good. I quite impress how they played against us last year.
ginkoh
Jan 10, 2008 at 4:10 AM
Comment #27No foreign manager = No future for all of us now. that’s truth no doubt about that !!
Appoint new manager will show the vision of our chairman. Let’s hope. God’s sake.
Apostol
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:06 AM
Comment #28Why not Guus Hiddink , but the problem is that it will be very difficult to leave Russia just before the EC , so Van Gaal is good or Hristo Stoichkov
Len
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:23 AM
Comment #29No point giving someone more time who is completely lost. This is the first time I find myself hoping Alan Oliver is right. Who knows maybe someone with an ego the size of the Himalayas needs a challenge to match.
Dan
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:35 AM
Comment #30jose has such an ego… would like Hiddink dont know much about Van Gaal..
Mike just wanted his own man in the job..
jeremy9
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:38 AM
Comment #31Maybe SA wasn’t lining up anybody good or with flair this January and that pushed the envelope to sign someone new – some new manager that stars would like to come play for. We got Oba and Owens, BSA’s football doesn’t suit them. What he did with Bolton, great. That is impressive, but for a team with ambitions of fifth and up, he couldn’t have taken us there could he??? Besides, everyone said it when Sam was hired, that you don’t like his football. If media and others want to say we need to give time and we’re not as big as we think, well we’re tired of the direction we’re going. It sounds as if we’re a hell of a lot better now with Mike Ashley so I am not going to worry about the future of the club, I think he will work on that regardless of who is the manager. And McLaren is terrible; what’s worse is he acted like he know more than anyone about football.
jeremy9
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:42 AM
Comment #32do Mort and Ashley have nicknames?? There has got to be something good out there
Marc Kobrin
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:53 AM
Comment #33We need a top manager with a CV of proven WINNING and success,
any of ( i know its a wish list, but if we want to improve…)
Lippi
Mourinho
Van Gaal
Flores
Houllier
NO NO NO NO NO to :
Redknapp
McLaren
Hughes
Shearer (not ready)
O Leary
apan
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:53 AM
Comment #34m gutted, sacking a manager in January is insane! if they want to sacked him at least let him managed til the end of the season, but i guess Christ Mort & Mike Ashley already got their candidates, hopefully not alan shearer, his not experienced enough, but i would love to see Klinsmann, Van Gaal, Omar Hitzfield or even Mourinho to come here, howay the lads!
Sorry big sam u sacked, i guess ur tactics didnt suit us, at all
Craig Allen
Jan 10, 2008 at 5:57 AM
Comment #35I’d prefer Martin O Neill to Redknapp. Please let it not be Redknapp.
Please let it be the best manager for the job and hope the board doesn’t limit themselves to the only British thinking.
Would be interesting to see who of Sam’s favorites the new manager will hold onto.
Ah, Ed you’ll be averaging 200 comments per post until the end of season. Newsworthy stuff.
😀
EDIT: (love the feature, btw ED) Also be interesting to see who (if not all) of the huge contingent of backroom staff Sam brought in would remain or leave.
Aussie Dave
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:04 AM
Comment #36Hiddink is an absolutely brilliant manager, he worked wonders with our national team, Russia and he always did well at PSV. Tactically there is no equal in world football, and he has an aura about him that creates massive respect from players.
Mourinho would be great as well, if we got Jose you know he has been promised shit loads of cash.
I am not overly happy with yet another sacking. Michael Owen has seen more managers at NUFC than games played.
At least with a new manager, who will be installed by the new ownership, there will be no excuses in backing him financially. The only way to improve is to spend big on world class players then maintain the results, seemed to have worked ok for Chelsea and City.
scotty
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:25 AM
Comment #37As i reported in one of the articles after the city defeat – A friend who works within St. James told me that Alan Shearer had stayed late that night, and had agreed to become the next manager if Sam didn’t manage anything less than a win against Stoke.
So far all of this is becoming a reality! But i really hope if Shearer takes over – it will be until the end of the season only. My first choice since the club was restructured was Morinho – and still my favourite but, the fact he can’t take over straight away may prove to be a big stumbling block.
As for the rest of the managers being linked i think the only other positives would be Lippi, Hitzfeld or Klinsman. The rest have all been ridiculed by the English media and have lost their respect as top flight managers.
Watch this space……………………….
Steve
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:28 AM
Comment #38A couple of observations:
1) Is it not true that Nigel Pearson will be taking the team to Old Trafford this weekend. I do believe this is the state of affairs. If so, that would surely suggest that there will be no appointment before then.
2) Betting agencies know about as much as my Grandma about the new appointment. Mort and Ashley are the type to not give anything away. This notion that it will be a British manager is a load of Hoo Haa. Mort and Ashley would never hint at such rubbish.
If I could also submit my opinion, I do believe the new Gaffer should be a man who taken teams into the Champions League, plays the ball on the deck and favours a short game which is creative and attacking…
Hadrian, if you ccould supply us with a link to the article you speak of, I’d be very keen to read it.
Howay the Lads
Tripp
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:50 AM
Comment #39Well, there’s never a dull moment with NUFC is there? What a massive surprise. The announcement better be good and better not be wor Alan. Mort and Ashley’s stock with me is certainly in the balance. Though, knowing Mort, who seems like the calculating type, they have their ducks in a row. They bloody well better be squared away.
Howay the lads!
Magjp
Jan 10, 2008 at 6:51 AM
Comment #40AGAINST MAN U
I am at least surprised AT THE TIMING . I will be further gutted if it takes a long time to find a replacement.
I don’t understand these matters but, does it mean that Sam goes with back room staff?
Well, my Question is, WHICH TEAM SHOULD NIGEL PLAY AGAINST MANURE???