We are finally hearing from some of Steve McClaren’s new coaches and they have been talking on nufcTV – and on a new show they are calling Magpies 24/7.
Steve McClaren with his new coaches
From left to right – Schoenmaker, Simpson, McClaren, Cathro (smile needed) and Black
Goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman isn’t shown
This is what Paul Simpson – who was assistant manager to Steve at Derby County had to say:
“It’s a great opportunity for us all to come to a football club like this.” “Steve’s tried to put a management team together that’s going to help as much as we possibly can; he’s brought Ian Cathro in, who’s a very bright up-and-coming coach with a fantastic energy to him and really good ideas, and myself to help with the organisational stuff, an extra pair of hands out on the training field.”
“Alessandro’s come in on the fitness side to go alongside what’s already here and one thing that has really pleased us since we came into the building is that the other staff have been absolutely spot on so far. They’ve really taken us in, they all want to be involved and hopefully with us all together we can help bring some real good times back to the football club.”
“We’re delighted with what we’ve got. The players are showing that they’ve got the enthusiasm, that they want to learn and listen. I think they’re still a little bit nervous because of all the changes that are going on but they’ll get used to us – they’ll realise that we’re not the type of people who rule everything with a stick.”
“We want their input into it. We want them to enjoy training, we want them to be enthusiastic and I think when you come back for pre-season, you can’t help but be enthusiastic working at a football club like this.”
Ian Cathro is only 28 years old and the youngest member of Steve McClaren’s staff – and he was the assistant manager at Valencia last season, but left a few weeks ago for personal reasons.
Ian is already well respected as a coach for one so young, but he is a really hard worker and seems to be born to be in coaching.
This is what the Scot had to say:
“Everyone’s keen to make some progress. My view is to give everything that I possibly can, spend every hour of the day that I can apply to trying to support Steve and the rest of the staff, help the players improve and just give every part of me that I can. I think that’s the role of an assistant coach and I’ll try and do my very best.”
“I know I’m still probably quite young, and that’s written in the first line of most things, but I don’t feel it. I’m just a hard worker and you get a lot done when you focus entirely on one thing.” “I’m already losing my hair so time for me seems to be passing a little bit quicker than for others, perhaps.”
Those are good words from both Paul and Ian and it seems they are a good team already.
After it took a while for Steve to put together his coaching team – which also includes goalkeeping coach Andy Woodman – Steve has put together what looks like an excellent team who can get the very best out of the players already at the club.
It’s taking a little time to get new players in, but if we can get a couple or three in this week that would be excellent.
There’s a lot of concern with fans at the moment because of the lack of signings at the club but remember – all’s well that ends well.
Here’s hoping.
Comments welcome.
163 comments so far
Belfast
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:36 PM
Comment #41I’m just thinking Luke Edwards is maybe jumping on the bandwagon with this one. The bloke has probably been left out because he hasn’t returned to training yet.
I tend to believe Sky more than Edwards or Ryder tbh
AndyMac
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:38 PM
Comment #42“Paul Simpson And Ian Cathro Outline Their Coaching Roles”
One puts the cones out and the other………..
will die for the toon army
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:38 PM
Comment #43Was planning to go to work tomorrow and boost around my buddies. Telling them I told u to trust the board.
Slank
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:39 PM
Comment #44Novocastrian66 @ 34
‘..According to the Telegraph, Wijnaldum has been left out of PSV’s squad For a pre season friendly…’
Unless it’s a very odd and unique coincidence but the article in the Telegraph is by a person who shares the same name as Lee Ryder of the Chronicle.
Belfast
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:40 PM
Comment #45I always laugh when I think about Edwards. I remember him giving some pundit dogs abuse last pre season for predicting Leyton Orient would be relegated last season.
Leyton Orient got relegated.
will die for the toon army
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:41 PM
Comment #46Belfast
Me too. Sky Sports is my reliable source
Tsunki
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:42 PM
Comment #47Don’t pour too much scorn on the coaching setup just yet. If they come up with the goods and make us a decent team Jeff and his multiples will be all over us like flies on something that flies really like.
Tsunki
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:43 PM
Comment #48Well Sky is a preferred media partner after all…
Tsunki
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:44 PM
Comment #49Has anyone checked Indykaila and Soccer sauce yet though?
Tsunki
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:46 PM
Comment #50And maybe someone could find Himanshu and see what his tip for backup striker is. I know he always had a soft spot for Shola. A muddy hole at the bottom of his garden 🙂
optimistic prime
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:46 PM
Comment #51Sky is the same as all the rest, stories built on gossip. They’ll spin the same stories as everyone else and claim exclusive.
The only reliable source is when it’s confirmed by either club.
Moonraker15
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:50 PM
Comment #52OP
If Anita is in our “new” midfield then we ain’t gonna be challenging for any honours. With respect to him he’s a squad player and we need someone who will dominate midfield (Cabaye would do ).
The trouble is this regime and especially Pardew has lowered our expectations so much we are now thinking that way.
I’m sure McClaren will be looking to push for top 6 net season and with 3 good signings he can achieve that!
Belfast
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:54 PM
Comment #53Yep Skunki just checked the hmmmmmm ever reliable soccer sauce.
It’s Monday tomorrow according to their sauces.
mydogscalledperez
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:55 PM
Comment #54I work in Sachins and Black was in last night with Dave Watson and Cathro. Hoping they were working on the training plans for the new signings if they ever arrive
clinath@ed
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:58 PM
Comment #55Tsunki….skid mark, brilliant.
optimistic prime
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:58 PM
Comment #56Moonraker
I’m shocked you think we’ll be challenging for any honours or top six.
Slightly more shocked that you think 3 players would give us a good enough squad/team to do either.
I don’t think expectations get any lower than when romanticising about former players, Cabaye wasn’t and still isn’t as great as some make out.
Good player but I wouldn’t take him back and doubt many would. with his attitude it would be a disaster.
Belfast
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:58 PM
Comment #57I’ve been wondering for a while how they have such a good reputation on the Itk scene? their follower count is pretty shite (terrible actually) when you compare it to the other bullshitters.
sing in the corner
Jul 5, 2015 at 6:59 PM
Comment #58Mydog@54
Maybe they were discussing Naan-i?
croftus5678
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:00 PM
Comment #59before anita signed for us i thought he was a very good player ! 6mil was a bargain imo.
unfortunatly even as the player he was i cant see him adapting to the prem as he kinda didnt do much apart from make sure another player got the ball as i recall !
not too many tackles in that respect a believe pardew actually did improve him but neither was he creative or any good at getting in the box to score or assist but he purely kept things ticking over in midfield !
imo i’d prefer colback/tiote/abied/sissoko over him.
not that he’s a bad player ! just not my type of player.
Ibizatoon
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:04 PM
Comment #60I have seen lots of calls for waiting to see what McClaren can unleash from our current playing squad. In the same breath however, I have seen lots of calls questioning certain players attitudes / commitment, usually followed by “He can be sold”.
My question is, if we are to assume that McClaren can impact on their playing style and performance, can he not do the same with their attitude / commitment? Why is it some players are worthy of this clean slate, but not others?
Either we’re going in to this with preconceptions or open minds. Or is it a case of pick and choose?
Sissoko is probably the biggest name in the squad who is subjected to this unbalanced criticism at the moment. Cisse usually gets a bit too. I fully admit he has left me more than frustrated. He often gave up. The same could be argued for the club itself previously. Clean slate?
Let’s face it, he’s still one of our purples. The idea is to be upgrading the deadwood, surely? That would then possibly push Sissoko down the pecking order, make him a sub player. Isn’t that how we turn this squad in to one that can challenge for silverware?
We’ve been told that we’re now in a good financial position. Therefore, there should be no need to move on our top players to fund this next re-build. This is the window we’ve all been waiting for, why is the mentality the same as the previous ones?
Okay, maybe more than one question.
mydogscalledperez
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:04 PM
Comment #61I’d rig the tables with hearing devices if it was my place!! The sturridge being only able to play one game a week from now on is buidling up pace, would we be in for him if benteke goes to liverpool and balotelli stays??
Moonraker15
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:06 PM
Comment #62OP
like I say, our expectations have been lowered by all the dumbing down but if you take out the obvious 5 or 6 teams there’s nothing much to worry about and we got 5th place a couple of seasons ago with useless Pardew in charge!
However, the new signings have to be quality and we can’t do it with the likes of Anita as a regular!
firebug666
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:06 PM
Comment #63Soccer Sauce Have reported a bid accepted for Georgio Wijnaldum.
Soccer Sauce ?@soccer_sauce 4h4 hours ago
Breaking: Newcastle have agreed a fee for Georgio Wijnaldum.Player to travel to Tyneside early next week. #NUFC
Most media seem to agree a deal is close, except Sky; I wonder if they have paid their monthly fee for access all areas.
will die for the toon army
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:06 PM
Comment #64I believe too with the right signings we will try to challenge the top 6. It will b US, Everton, Stoke, Westham and Southampton.
beermonkey
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:06 PM
Comment #65prime
anita has never had a decent run in the team and on few occasions has done well then been dropped
people go on about his size but from the new pic on nufc website he is the same size as colback
lachelles looks a giant
anita abied are two players I hope McLaren can do something with
Ibizatoon
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:07 PM
Comment #66When Anita got a little run in the team (no joke meant about his small legs – that would be childish…) didn’t he put in a few MOTM performances? Only to then be dropped because a favourite was back in contention?
Same with MBiwa if I recall correctly. Don’t get me wrong, both have had howlers too, but if that is going to be the way in which we judge, we’re going to need a whole new team.
croftus5678
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:08 PM
Comment #67@60 ibiza
tbh i’d rather not risk the fact that our avg players at best can be improved enough to win us something !
if they are that good at their jobs surely they can improve more talented players than our current ones ?
Tsunki
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:10 PM
Comment #68Oh right soccer sauce says it’s done and dusted? Oh well, let’s move on then…
Ibizatoon
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:10 PM
Comment #69Croftus…Sorry, you’ve lost me a little. Are you talking about Sissoko or the current team in general?
welshgeordie9
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:13 PM
Comment #70Still no news on players coming in, what a load of rubbish.
optimistic prime
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:13 PM
Comment #71Ibiza
The problem is we are only allowed 11 purples. Who decides when a purple has turned maroon or that a maroon is nearly purple?
I understand what you’re saying but what do you see happening if Sissoko ends up on the bench, would he fight for his place or stamp his feet then cause bother and demand a move.
Some players IMO just aren’t good enough to warrant a place in a EPL squad never mind a chance a first 11.
Some players showed their true colours last year, I wouldn’t give them a second chance to fail so miserably again.
will die for the toon army
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:13 PM
Comment #72Was impressed with Anita in last games. Mainly at RB but was very impressed in last game. If he plays continously as he diid at Westham but him in.
croftus5678
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:14 PM
Comment #73@69 ibiza
as a whole mate esp the ones who let us down last year i.e. colo/willo/river ect !
mcclaren could prob improve them for all i know but why take the risk when we could buy an already class player and start improving them instead of trying to get the best price ashley can do for our misfits.
Ibizatoon
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:21 PM
Comment #74OP…I mentioned this the other day. The board need to provide clarity to the situation.
We are being led to believe things are changing. We are being left to assume what those changes are.
It appears to be a devisive issue. Why not clear it up? Didn’t the club say communication needed to be addressed back in January?
Croftus…I see. I also agree. However, my point was more for those who are saying we should give this new team of coaches time to see what can be done with the current squad, where do you draw the line? Not sure you’ll be able to answer, much like me 🙂
Still, realistically and reasonably, how many new players can we expect to arrive this summer?
I see no rush to let our current purples go quite yet. If their heads drop, then sell them. Otherwise we’re maybe improving the quality of our starting 11, but the backup options will be exactly the same.
optimistic prime
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:22 PM
Comment #75If it wasn’t for Anita’s performance in midfield against West Ham we’d be in the championship end of story.
He showed Colback and Sissoko how to play that role despite hardly getting a sniff and previously being shunted around the pitch.
Guti took the headlines and rightly so but the best player by a country mile was Anita.
Closing down, tackling, turning the ball over and always being available which took massive pressure off the back 4.
He’s in the right place at the right time all the time, it’s not his fault he’s played alongside headless chicken grafter types.
awaydays
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:23 PM
Comment #76People acting as if theyve been watching ivan toney since he broke through… Stop jumping on the band wagon
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:24 PM
Comment #77https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNxT5neb6Ms
If we are really after this Rolan guy he shows some very good little touches and finishes
Get Austin for 15 million Rolan for about 8 and that would be Cisse replaced so he can go get his final big pay cheque and pay for his 400 girlfriends !!
On Anita I think he may start every game under Mclaren and will be integral to our play
croftus5678
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:28 PM
Comment #78@74 ibiza
i cant see the future thats for sure but looking at whats in the squad with reguards to pro players on fairly decent wages and the fact i honestly believe ashley is so greedy he will look to either run those players out of their contract hoping a team comes in for them before they are free or get compensation or we can improve them enough for another team to bid for them to get some sort of money from them!
or even sell a player like sissoko so we can buy a cheaper replacement (better replacement if he can as long as they improve in value)
i’m guessing 1 or 2 signings so he has not got wasted players just picking up wages maybe 3 if someone is sold.
optimistic prime
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:30 PM
Comment #79When Anita picked the ball up and ran the whole length of the pitch against West Ham then fluffed the pass loads gave Anita a hard time.
I pointed at the 3 that followed him up the pitch, you could have dropped a hankerchief over all 3. Intelligent play would have had one pull back slightly one go right and the other left giving Anita options.
Instead all 3 ran together a cpl feet apart and Anita got shit for failing to find them.
IMO he shoulda have just shot as the 3 muppets following didn’t deserve a pass for not stretching the play and helping Anita out.
Poor play on their part
Ibizatoon
Jul 5, 2015 at 7:36 PM
Comment #80Croftus…I think I get what you’re saying – it has been a long day (week, month…). My point was more not to do with what we expect Ashley may or may not do, nor what McClaren and Co, can or can’t do, but more why, as fans, do we appear to be keen to move on players who are quite frankly our better players, even with their shortcomings?
Surely we can think of players we want rid of before Sissoko? Some may think that no one will buy these players from us. Fair enough. Wouldn’t it be bold, given that these are supposed new days at NUFC, that they simply replaced a player for not being good enough.
They’ve done it in the past when “attitude” has been the issue. Given that we’re now in good financial shape and trying to bolt on horses, could that thinking not be applied to talent and ability…or more to the point, lack of talent and / or ability?