Changing the manager at Newcastle may not be a silver bullet and when a change is made it doesn’t always lead to saving the club from relegation or an instant turnaround.
But there have been cases too when it has helped – Sunderland were saved last year by bringing in Dick Advocaat and he used all his experience to get them out of trouble.
And Sam Allardyce is doing the same thing right now with the Black Cats.
Mike Ashley and Lee Charnley – will choose next manager?
Crystal Palace have been saved the last two seasons by bringing in Tony Pulis and then Alan Pardew when they were in the relegation zone and both managers did exceptionally well in moving Palace up the table.
When you look at who is available if Steve McClaren is fired, there are three that come to mind and are available – because we don’t think thrifty Mike Ashley will pay compensation to get a manager out of his contract at another club and into Newcastle.
He only likes getting compensation when he effectively sells his manager to another club – which is what he did in early January with Alan Pardew.
Here are three possible managers for Newcastle who are available.
David Moyes
52 year-old David Moyes was often thought to be the perfect manager for Newcastle while he was at Everton because he had them in the top six quite a few times when little money was available at the Goodison Park club.
But since he left Everton in the summer of 2013 he’s had two failures – one well documented with Manchester United after he took over from Sir Alex Ferguson and another recently at Real Sociedad.
Mike Ashley has tried to get David to Newcastle a couple of times according to reports and maybe that’s the main reason why he may be the one to take over from McClaren – if he leaves.
David stands no nonsense with players and is a good motivator and man-manager.
Brendan Rodgers
42 year-old Brendan Rodgers has just lost his job at Liverpool and he would probably be a popular choice with Newcastle fans because he plays very good football – possession football – something Steve McClaren has been trying at Newcastle with limited success.
He has had his failures notably at Reading, when he made a very bad start there back in 2009, and was fired after six months with a record of 23 games played with only six wins and 11 defeats.
But after his Swansea and Liverpool experiences since then he has become a much more experienced and savvy manager and still very young at 42.
He would be a popular choice at Newcastle because he plays good attacking football which is great to watch.
Steven Gerrard recently said Brendan was the best one on one manager he had ever worked with.
Nigel Pearson
52 year-old Nigel Pearson was hired by Glenn Roeder at Newcastle in 2007 as assistant manager and he left a year later after Kevin Keegan was appointed as the Newcastle manager for a second time to replace the fired Sam Allardyce.
He has been manager of Leicester City twice and pulled off one of the great escape acts of all time in the Premier League when over the last nine games of last season he got seven wins and a draw – 22 points.
In the previous 29 games, Leicester had only 19 points so yes – miracles are still possible in today’s world
But Nigel can be a fiery personality who stands no nonsense from his players and he may be too big a personality for Newcastle in the Mike Ashley regime.
He was at odds at Leicester City with Thai Billionaire Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha last summer before he was surprisingly fired – even after the great escape act he pulled off for the club.
At the moment, Leicester are top of the Premier League so Nigel has left some legacy there.
==========
So there are three possibilities to take over at Newcastle if Steve McClaren is fired.
Who would you prefer – and why?
Comments welcome.
69 comments so far
El Sleeve
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:32 AM
Comment #1Any, now! This week! I predict 5 – 0 to Liverpool
eaststandgeordie1982
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:40 AM
Comment #2If mbabu is fit he must be worth a shot as a DM he’s stronger and can defend better than what we have in that position we are to weak in the middle. No doubt it will be the same team again and same set up.
toon kk
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:40 AM
Comment #3Don’t go to the match, I’ll guarantee you’ll be disappointed, we’ll play our usual dross and get a good thumping.
Ron Knee
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:46 AM
Comment #4It won’t be Pearson. He was a success in his last job. Of the other two, which one has the worse record? Moyes has had two recent failures so he’d be the natural choice.
Charlie in the Gallowgate
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:46 AM
Comment #5Ed
Please NO – all F**in losers
Ain’t got a clue who I would like but someone young off centre but up-to date with football not bloody dinosaurs.
Anyway Elliot injured – got repetitive stress injury from picking the ball out of the back of the net
eaststandgeordie1982
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:49 AM
Comment #6Elliott
Janmaat mbemba dummett mbabu
Perez Colback gini Roberts
Mitro cisse
Simple 4-4-2 get the basics right, worth a shot get a couple of the young ones on at least they will try, put gini in his position.
Munster Mag
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:52 AM
Comment #7Pearson on a contract till end of season
Munster Mag
Dec 6, 2015 at 10:53 AM
Comment #8Sparky we wont get stuffed today. It will be close honest
hibbitt
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:02 AM
Comment #9munster how do you work that out ????
Graeme
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:04 AM
Comment #10Munster Mag – Close to what though??
Close to a shambles? A rout? A complete humiliation?
So many possibilities there!!
bladeuser
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:08 AM
Comment #11Even now some of u sheep r spouting off that u would b happy with a 5-0 loss
U r pathetic fans
You should now be tabled as the worst fans in England
I presume at 5-0 down u will be clapping your pathetic players because they kept the score down
Don’t u get it even 1-0 is zero points and closer to the drop
Knowledgeable fans must b sick if they have to sit next to one of u lot
ASH OUT
SMAC OUT
COLO OUT
SHEEP Out
Newcastle for alltid
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:09 AM
Comment #12Previous seasons under Pardew, even if we had our poor spells, matches like the one today were matches where we could suddenly have a world-class match and win – 2-0, 3-0.
I just can`t see that happening this season, as we`ve been beyond poor, and unable to play even basic football.
There`s just too many teams playing better football than us at the moment. They all have a plan, and know how to get the best out of their players. We don`t have a plan, and at the same time haven`t got quality players anymore. A couple of years ago when we were playing poorly, you had the feeling that we really had a class-team, and it was just a matter of getting the players going. I struggle to see that in our team now. It`s unbalanced, lack creativity and quality in all areas.
When we were relegated in 09 we had reached a point where the team was full of overpaid players who really couldn`t care less if they were relagated with Newcastle, West Bromwich, Sunderland, or any other team. And in the Championship we built our team around tough, british players who had the mentality that “this is f*cking Newcastle, and we will work our a*ses off to get back in the PL.
When we, in turn, were promoted, these players were slowly “phased out”, and we bought players that fitted in the team. We`ve kept on bying and bying, and giving chances to players that are simply not good enough, eventually losing all the guts that fired us back up.
The team I see now resembles the one that got us relegated. These players are comfortable even if we get relegated. Heck, Wijnaldum can just go to another PL side, Ayoze Perez is probably wanted in La Liga, Mitrovic to some German club.
I miss the Nolans, Bartons, Smiths, Carrolls who gave it all. Even Leon Best! They gave their best, even when their ability wasn`t always there.
My only fear when we get relegated this time, is that I can`t see us bounce back so easily this time. This club is a mess.
lesh
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:09 AM
Comment #13Speculative headlines like this are just wishful thinking where Moyes and Rodgers are concerned.
The fourth para of Ed’s earlier summary of McClaren’s conference say it all – other people (Charnley and Carr both supported by Ashley) make decisions that he has no real influence over and is expected to get the best out of players dumped on him.
Such a state of affairs would not be acceptable to the likes of Moyes and Rodgers where Pearson might accept the regime’s arrogant incompetence.
All in all, McClaren’s position, like Pardew’s before him, is virtually untenable.
In a Guardian article yesterday, McCl when asked whether Colo’d be captain today, his response was ‘yes, if he plays’. That sounds as though McCl may have been considering pushing the boat out by dropping him. Remember when Gullet dropped Shearer and what happened thereafter?
What a mess Ashley and his sycophants have made of the Club – it’s a disgrace and further requires major changes at the top.
Ron Knee
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:10 AM
Comment #14Is there any news of TFL? He hasn’t posted for a while.
Graeme
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:17 AM
Comment #15Bladeuser – to keep the score at 0-1 would require a reasonable defence, playing as a cohesive unit, against a better team. NUFC simply don’t have a defence, let alone a cohesive one.
I would suggest that most, if not all fans on here, would give their left nut for a 1-0 win – unfortunately, realism set in, about 3 years ago.
We are what we are – a total mish mash of a team, lacking in skills, pace, self-belief, which stems from an owner who has minimal interest in Football or creating a Football Team.
Realism sucks, but its what we are and where we are.
jesperfuglsang - capt'n awesome of the lemon crew
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:20 AM
Comment #16Those three managers are equally as pointless as the one we have and the one we had!
Graeme
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:30 AM
Comment #17Jesper – Ashley wouldn’t contemplate any of them – they are far to removed from his plan. They are thinking managers, who would want to succeed – simply not our modus operandi under Ashley!!!
Lindisfarne
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:35 AM
Comment #18So Schtevie says something “doesn’t fit” at the moment but does he mean he does not fit with the players? He does not fit the role he is employed in? Or perhaps the more long standing problem of the corporate plan at the club not fitting the purposes of PL football?
I would guess the latter and that if we know anything, there will be no ‘plans’ for Managerial change, even if the the Head Coach walks of his own accord. We can discuss the merits and minuses of potential candidates but the idea that a successful change over will take place is flawed.
We also do not have the type of players to successfully hold a defensive wall that will prevent L’pool from scoring today. By all means try to play the game with two banks of four behind the ball, but also water the pitch, break up play with injuries, throw ins and do not let them press. The easiest way to counter act them and play to our strengths is to play the ball back to the goal keeper and kick it long to the forwards out wide.
Munster Mag
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:40 AM
Comment #19Hibbitt these things happen in football a lot. Trust the munster man 🙂
Lindisfarne
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:40 AM
Comment #20Graeme
Not the type of realism that you refer to but what has been missing in the past few games is a realistic plan that deals with the opposition strengths. The team did defend well against ManU, Arsenal (with 10 men) and Chelsea, so it can be done even without the most brilliant of defenders.
Lee Charnley Bunga Party
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:41 AM
Comment #21Something has certainly happened behind the scenes as the team was starting to play a faster and more direct way which was starting to get us some results but for Butland we would have trounced Stoke who yesterday pounded Man City !! What a difference a couple of weeks makes !!
Maybe its true Simpson , Black , Cathro and Shoenmaker are having arguments about the best way to go and the players have decided methods are not working for them?
Personally for me it feels like some players have been told or think there time is up in January so its caused the squad to down tools (like a Perez or Sissoko transfer is already confirmed behind the scenes )
Would be typical Newcastle that Sissoko turns up and helps us get a result today
At the same time maybe us getting pounded by 5 or 6 is the best way for Ashley to get the message that change has to be made
lochinvar
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:43 AM
Comment #22Why not employ all 3 as Managers.
Think of the spine offs.
Any two involved on match day while the third opened a tatty sports store in Dartford.
Press conferences would be easy – “now over to you Nigel, no please David feel free to answer. Brendan anything you would like to add ?”
Merchandising opportunities would be amazing.
The Three Amigos.
The Three Mousekateers.
Three men in a stadium.
Free fall.
banjax
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:43 AM
Comment #23I don’t think McLaren has two games left to save his job. If the result today is as expected then I think he be sacked on Monday. It comes to a terrible pass when you dread to watch your team get hammered big style on International television, but that is where we are at the moment. We call only hope that Newcastle win today, but then we would probably lose the next game, so maybe it’s best we lose this game but get the changes we all so desperately want.
Ron Knee
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:51 AM
Comment #24banjax
But does he want to save his job? It sounds like he’s given up already.
Lindisfarne
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:53 AM
Comment #25———-Gini——–Perez——Sissoko
—–Colback——deJong—–Janmaat
Dummett—–Collo—–Mbemba—–Mbabu
———————-Darlow
The front three need to be capable of dropping back into the midfield to help out and carry the ball forward, hence no out and out striker is required (look at Stoke yesterday). deJong may not be a good choice for this match but he needs to start playing in the middle of the pitch as he does not have the quickness to play up front but has the quality to dictate the tempo and pick a decent pass.
Small World
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:54 AM
Comment #26For those of you who for whatever reason don’t get the match – you might not have realised the retro match day program covers this season. Today’s is interesting from 12th Feb 1975. I recall it well having been at the memorable match on a dark, damp Wednesday night
http://www.nufc.co.uk/articles/20151203/pick-up-a-retro-programme-on-sunday_2281670_5183693
That season we finished our usual 14/15th. Liverpool were a force in European football and had tonked us in the previous years cup final.
The score?
Newcastle 4 – 0 Liverpool.
Ray Clemence the England goalkeeper let in 4 for the first time in his career. For the final one Supermac rounded him, trapped the ball on the line goading Clemence to run back and try and retrieve it before slamming it into the Gallowgate net.
Before any one says it, no me neither……..
Carl819
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:55 AM
Comment #27None of the above 3, Moyes was overrated at Everton then has been found out since, Rogers was lucky to have Suarez then spent a fortune and ruined the team, Pearson was lucky. We are in the poo and it’s hard to see a way out unless a left of field Knight in shining armour comes riding in. Interesting to see that Santos from Valencia packed in last weekend. Unfortunately high class applicants are not likely for the job. Our previous saviours have unfortunately passed away – Sir Bobby, the greatest loss in British football in the last 30 years – or wouldn’t touch us with a barge pole, King Kev has nothing to gain and everything to lose. We are most definitely in it up to our necks. Villa and the dmbs have changed managers so they will undoubtedly improve.
sparky55
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:55 AM
Comment #28I remember many years ago when Willie McFaul was manager in the late eighties he was massively under pressure to be sacked and after a draw and two losses and then liverpool at St James next on the fixture list, (Liverpool I think were 2nd at the time) the board had decided to sack him after the inevitable loss that was about to be inflicted on us.
Against all the odds we won!
The board didn’t sack him until they lost their next game the following week.
Let’s hope the same happens again! 🙂
Small World
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:57 AM
Comment #29sparky55 // Dec 6, 2015 at 11:55 AM
See my post at 25! if looking for more omens – I love your optimism
Lindisfarne
Dec 6, 2015 at 11:59 AM
Comment #30Even 4-2-3-1 with the same players:
———————-Perez
———Gini——deJong—–Sissoko
————-Colback—-Janmaat
Dummett—–Collo—-Mbemba—–Mbabu
———————-Darlow
anthc
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:03 PM
Comment #31I think we need to try something different and stay away from British managers.
Moyes was slated at man utd for his old fashioned methods,
Rodgers loves to pay over the odds for players,
I’m unconvinced with pearson the man seems to lose the plot when the going gets tough.
I don’t know who but I think a foreign coach needs to be looked at. Mclaren clearly isn’t the man. I accept he has no control over transfers or the squad he inherited. However, the players are gutless, no spirit and lacklustre. This is down to the management imo. If we played well and players gave it their all I could take a defeat but they’re just rolling over and taking a dry bumming. I’m braving it today but will walkout if the same dross is served up. My own fault yes and I think if it does go Pete tong (which it will) then I suspect the atmosphere well what’s left of it will be toxic
Belfast
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:04 PM
Comment #32Ed is obviously in direct competition with the mag to see who can churn out the most bullshit pointless articles.
Absolutely woeful stuff from both.
AncientC
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:05 PM
Comment #33Steve Clarke is available at the moment. A non-vocal sacked Championship manager, seems right up Ashley’s street.
If you want to keep the status-quo, but merely require a slightly better points per game average, Clarke would be their man.
Lindisfarne
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:07 PM
Comment #34For whatever reason the threesome of Gini, deJong and Sissoko have not been played together, yet they would have to be our most experienced men. IMO they should be on the pitch and the team built around them.
bettyswallocks
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:25 PM
Comment #35Win , lose or draw the team needs to show commitment and endeavour . If not I think McC will jack. He’s already hinting that he’s maybe not the right fit for us.
sparky55
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:27 PM
Comment #36Small World
I always wake up optimistic then I put on the tele or listen to talksport or look at this blog and then that’s it …reality sets in!
Munster Mag
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:39 PM
Comment #37Ancient C. That makes a lot of sense.they will brand him as a modern coach etc. Oh shit.
Munster Mag
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:39 PM
Comment #38Where is bobby bee these days? Is he ok?
Lindisfarne
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:42 PM
Comment #39http://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/dec/05/steve-mcclaren-newcastle-united-problems
will die for the toon army
Dec 6, 2015 at 12:44 PM
Comment #40………..Darlow
Janmatt….Mbemba…Dummett…Mbabu
Sissoko….Colo….Colback…Wijnaldum
……….Perez…..Mitrovic