Alan Shearer has resisted the challenge of managing his famous town club, Newcastle United, until now.
Mike Ashley – tremendous opportunity – please don’t mess this one up
And when the SOS call came from beleaguered owner and Derek Llambias over the weekend, Alan though it over, phoned some friends and then accepted the challenge for 8 games.
But before Alan came in it looks like Mike has acquiesced to Alan’s wishes to get rid of Dennis Wise, and that he is only in charge of playing matter, including the transfer market.
Why Mike would do this, if Alan is only go to stay for 8 games, is an interesting question, but right now 8 game is all that really matters right now at Newcastle United.
It reflects well on a man, who would drop everything for a couple of months, as he attempts to save his home town club from the unthinkable – relegation.
And if Alan dies succeed, which we think he will, there will be enormous pressure on the Newcastle icon, to take the job on a permanent basis.
This has to also be a coup for Mike Ashley, because we just didn’t think Alan would touch Newcastle, with Mike still the owner.
But in a way it’s a mini vote of confidence for Mike from the great one, but no doubt Alan will see how things are handled for 8 games, and if he is successful will sit down with Mike and Derek for another long chat on the future of the club.
We know Alan has absolutely zippo management experience but when you look at good players who have gone onto be good managers there are a number of qualities they have:
- Motivation skills
- Respect from their players
- Run a disciplined ship with no nonsense allowed
- Passion for the club
- Leadership
We’re sure there’s more than this, including of course football strategy and the like, but our main point is that Alan seems to have the management skills necessary in spades, and he is also a very single-minded individual, who will not be happy until Newcastle United are great again.
This is also a huge opportunity for Mike Ashley, and probably also his last on Tyneside, and if he messes this up, he will probably have to sell the club.
But we hope Mike will have learned form his many mistakes he’s made since Keegan left in early September. However, Mike seems to have completely back-tracked on what he wasn’t willing to do for Kevin – to get Alan into the club.
We hope Mike has now learned from his many mistakes – we certainly hope so.
Comments welcome.
56 comments so far
magforlife
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:20 AM
Comment #1Dont be suprised if the club is bought by the Kuwaiti businessman Zafari who was looking at Liverpool and this appointment could be the start.
BT9MAG
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Comment #2SJH made a comment linking Shearer to Keegan…Neither had managerial experience before taking over Newcastle! Experience helps, but if you have the makings of a good manager, generally that will shine through regardless!
Shearer is right when he says he has the makings of a good squad, simply lacking in confidence…
P.S. Summer transfer window we will be linked to dozens of ex-Newcastle players (who Shearer is still ‘in contact with’ AND possibly Dimitar Berbatov)
Kash
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:21 AM
Comment #3Actually Big Al does have some management experience as he was pretty much Roeders assistant when Souness got the big boot (for being absolutely sh1t)!
If Big Al stays and we stay up, considerable investment is needed, no bones about that really!
ELFER
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Comment #4Geordies be fair and let ashley learn from his mistakes…seems that he desperately tries to do everything right now! Hope he continious and I hope we stay up!
Let’s get behind them all and back the team! Let’s fight that relegation demon together!
UTD111
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Comment #5Good point Kash – in fact Roeder’s record is OK while Sir Alan was still there, its only after Alan left that Roeder went downhill…..
Hope thats a good sign!
simon376@work
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:27 AM
Comment #6Here’s something that’s worth a read, quite sensible really and shows what some fans do think.
http://soccerlens.com/why-we-should-all-be-jealous-of-newcastle-fans/25684/
On another note, I agree with comments that have been made for why it’ only 8 games (for now) that the apointment has been made for, but perhaps one is the fact that Joe is still on the sick. I know his contract is only until the summer, but I don’t think it would be right or perhaps legal to replace him while in his situation.
Archie Brand
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Comment #7“Why Mike would do this, if Alan is only go to stay for 8 games, is an interesting question, but right now 8 game is all that really matters right now at Newcastle United.”
The words “desperate”, “Straws” and “Clutching”
Why would Ashley do this?
Because 8 games is all Ashley has to retain the value of his investment. We seem to forget that Ashley probably wants us to stay up more than anyone else.
Ed – what makes you think that Shearer has any management skills at all? He’s done nothing to even hint at this.
If we stay up, at this point it will be on motivation alone.
shearerbliss
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Comment #8I think AS will wait to see where we are in the summer and the transfer budget avalible, before commiting himself to a contract.
I must agree ed this is a small confidence booast for MA and the board and goes to show that he is not as bad a the press and fans make him out to be!
beyethegreat
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Comment #9i am glad ma is starting to do the right thing though i am fairly sad to see wise leave i am delighted shearer has been appointed new manager
question how come david craig isnt reporting on us anymore and that other gadgy has taken over
ronaldeano
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Comment #10@Beye
He got rid of Wise because a DOF dosent work. This has been proven recently with spurs DOF, Collomoli
MA is realising all the terrible mistakes he has made and to his credit, he is starting to correct them.
NUFC fans were right to vent their fustrations at Ashley and Wise imo
ronaldeano
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Comment #11Plus, Bassong was KK’s player and he has proven to be an excelent buy by the ‘manager’
Wises buys have been……….debatable
toon_under
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:35 AM
Comment #12I’m not reading too much into the “8 games” appointment. Apparently since Roeder and Southgate there is now a “temporary manager” arrangement where you can manage without the pro badge for up to 12 weeks.. so that is what he will be covered by until he finishes it. But should the worst happen, would the club keep him next year in the championship, or more importantly, would he want to go back to his job at the beeb?
Now that he’s has played his trump card, I just hope Ashley backs Al – there’s no way back from this one fat man..
Nobby_Long
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Comment #13Message for Stardust – haven’t been able to get back to respond to you since you posted ‘Shame on you’ towards me.
Sorry, mate, but right back at ya !!
Shearer has said the club needs him, not that he beleives in what Ashley is doing.
If Ashley has finally done something right, do you think that’s because he is some kind of genius, or has finally realised that we were right all along, and he has finally seen his ways were wrong???
If we stay up, then he’s bought some breathing space…that is all.
Ashely has to wake up & smell the coffee – perhaps he is just starting to do that…..time will tell
beyethegreat
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Comment #14ronaldeano
newcastle fans were definately right to vent their frustrations i agree without question
the only reason i would like to see wise stay is coz of the academy which i think he has done a good job with and what will happen with the academy we were apparently building in france
Stardust
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:52 AM
Comment #15Nobby – not that bothered fella 😉 – just glad we are Newcastle United again.
beyethegreat
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Comment #16stardust
arent we all imo this is a more inteligent move than people are giving ma crdit for
beyethegreat
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:55 AM
Comment #17http://www.nufc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10278~1610030,00.html
NotAGhostToon
Apr 2, 2009 at 11:59 AM
Comment #18beyethegreat, thats put a massive smile on my face! looks like he’s already getting on with gutierrez, maybe he’s saying chuck a cross in my way and i’ll show the lads how to head it!
beyethegreat
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:01 PM
Comment #19ghost
yeah perhaps he can teach gutierrez to score after all if maradonna and shearer cant teach him to score there is no chance i a mquite optomistic but i have just remembered that bassong and taylor are out damn we may have to play cacapa
Stuart79
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:02 PM
Comment #20Why do sky always find the mongs outside shearers and put them on tv?
Derek The Bingo Caller Llambias
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:03 PM
Comment #21Usually a board member introduces the manager at a press conference and answers some questions.
Up until last season it was Shepherd and last season Chris Mort introduced Kevin Keegan with a performance mystic Meg would have been proud of (“it gives us enormous pressure to announce the appointment of Kevin Keegan” (or something along those lines)).
So will be interesting to see whether Mike Ashley has the guts to face the media amid earlier rumours that he was going to speak to Sky Sports.
Steve R
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Comment #22I can’t wait to hear how insane the atmosphere is going to be at St. James!! I am sure all we will hear is the revival of all the SHEARER chants.
I am super happy that Shearer has Dowie as his assistant, that was a very good move on his part.
BT9MAG
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Comment #23Ronaldeano – how was Beye Keegan’s player? I thought he was brought on trial for Keegan to look at?
BT9MAG
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Comment #24bassong even
beyethegreat
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:25 PM
Comment #25bt9
i assume you mean bassonng
no bassong said in an interview that keegan knew bassongs agent
Nobby_Long
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:49 PM
Comment #26Stardust,
If you would stop attacking people for their views, and stop twisting facts, then I would not be bothered either.
Strange you’re not bothered when your views appear wrong, but very bothered when you think you’re right.
Anyway, lets put it to oneside…..life’s too short, as is the rest of the season.
I’ll be there Saturday, as I’ve been at every other home game this season. The place should be rocking……let’s hope Big Al puts a rocket up their backsides & we at least scare the shit out of Chelsea.
A bit of passion, agression & desire on the pitch would be very welcome & long overdue.
Nobby_Long
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:53 PM
Comment #27Stuart79 , I’m sure Sky don’t need to look too hard – most people would be at work, school, college etc. Plus, having articulate people giving sensible comments, doesn’t fit into the national stereotyping of Geordies, and probably doesn’t make ‘good television’
shearerwonderland.
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Comment #28shearer seems to have had an impact on the players already
its so good to see
Stardust
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:55 PM
Comment #29Nobby – “Stardust,
If you would stop attacking people for their views, and stop twisting facts, then I would not be bothered either.
Strange you’re not bothered when your views appear wrong, but very bothered when you think you’re right”
Disagree fella- I have campaigned for everyone to get behind the club – they are now. Now isnt the time for me – I simply neednt reinforce the point any more – people are aligned, I did my bit and stood by the club. Now others are aligned i am happy so I want to celebrate that for now.
Debate is for another day.
shearerwonderland.
Apr 2, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Comment #30i know sometimes they ask the stupidest of fans
but it is always good to see we actually do have passionate fans
i mean would you see the likes of tottenham , west ham , blackburn ect ect
in there thousands welcoming a manager
i dont think so
Marty-Toon
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Comment #31Off the subject a little but
Do we get an article on Newcastle having two of the Best looking men in Football?
*Ian Dowie
*Peter Beardsley
Lol
shearerwonderland.
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Comment #32wish i could be theree
theres thousands there
guuuuttttteddd
Nobby_Long
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Comment #33Stardust – what a twisted view you have mate!!
OK, we’ll all wait for you to decide the time for debate then.
lesh
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:05 PM
Comment #34Again, some good posts…. well Sawdust’s going back to type – though it wouldn’y last long! Have you ever heard of the worf ‘humility’? Eat some and try to have a nice-to-be-nice day eh. Ya never know, you maight increase your circle of friend!
On a more positive note, Ed cited the qualities required of a Manager as follows,
Motivation skills
Respect from their players
Run a disciplined ship with no nonsense allowed
Passion for the club
Leadership
The key on which is implicit in the above is communication and that’s the key to success,
A shrewd, albeit late, move by MA and I do believe he has learned from the recent past.
Imagine it, him, MA having to pick up the phone and make that call? It wouldn’t have been easy for him and I do believe that stay up or otherwise, yesterday will be remembered as the day that NUFC were reborn.
Ein sieg, ein reich, ein Shearer!!!!
Stardust
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:08 PM
Comment #35Lesh as always I dont care a jot for any view you may hold – I stood by the club in its time of need.
Nobby “Nobby_Long // Apr 2, 2009 at 1:03 PM
Stardust – what a twisted view you have mate!!”
Couldnt disagree more – I see things far more clearly than you ever could, I can filter out the Unimportant and knowable, Unimportant and unknowable, Important and Unkowable and concentrate on the Important and Knowable only.
Thats what clear thinkers do – just ask Warren Buffett.
UTD111
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Comment #36Nobby
Stardust has gone quiet because his glorious leader has had to eat humble pie and accept the fans were right all along.
Wise has gone, the DOF system has been kicked into touch and all at the insistence of Sir Alan Shearer, according to the Journal. No way was Sir Alan going to take any rubbish from Wise.
Yes we are all United again Stardust, and I agree with you thats great. But we are United ON OUR TERMS – Sir Alan saw to that….
Stuart79
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:14 PM
Comment #37stardust
Come on man! Even in one of our few good days you still antaganise people! Why?
You didn’t stand by the club on ya own ya know!
The 3 or 4 thousands fans who have deserted recently have not stood by the club. So don’t generalise please!
Lets just enjoy this day!
UTD111
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:17 PM
Comment #38Well said Lesh! I’ve always said the three most important things in management are communication, communication and communication!!
Sir Alan has proven he has this quality in abundance – maybe he could give some lessons to Cashley and Harry Potter Lambiarse LOL
Nobby_Long
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:24 PM
Comment #39Stardust – well perhaps we should all bow to you then.
You do not know anything about me, other than what you have derived from my posts on here. – – – obviously incorrectly.
I see the picture very clearly indeed. To see the pitcure, one must first open ones eyes.
I’m not so insecure in my own views that I must berate & abuse others, which you are often compelled to do. Belittling others is not a sign of superiority – it is a sign of insecurity & weakness.
Perhaps you get a kick out of abusing people & just see this a huge ego trip? Well that’s up to you fella.
If you cannot respect others, then you cannot respect yourself.
Nobby_Long
Apr 2, 2009 at 1:37 PM
Comment #40Enough of this. off to watch press conf.