After day 5 of this Newcastle saga, which has become an acute embarrassment to the club for their complete lack of any real action that fans can see – or that have been reported by the club itself – there is a report in the Independent tonight that Mike Ashley will be flying in on Friday to try to sort out the mess.
And believe us, this is another mess the club have made of what should have been a fairly straight-forward situation.
It looks like Benitez’ representatives, who have been negotiating for three days with Newcastle, are now ready let their client (Benitez) sign a three-year contract at Newcastle.
But because Newcastle have moved with glacier like movement since Saturday, there is now a possibility Rafa will not want to take over until after the Leicester City game on Monday night – and that could become our 8th successive away loss and only 9 games left to play.
Lee Charnley – leading Newcastle – but where to?
Just exactly what Lee Charnley and others have been doing or thinking this week – they have certainly not moved with the purpose, decisiveness and urgency necessary of a club in such serious danger of being relegated.
But what’s new – they never do.
Any normal club would have fired McClaren after the Bournemouth disgrace – whether it was Sunday or Monday – and put say Ian Cathro in charge of training but no – Steve McClaren has come in to take the training for the last three days – in what they have turned into a bizarre situation and (very) embarrassing to the club.
It’s amazing to have to even say this – but apparently the Board have still not made a decision on whether McClaren will stay at Newcastle and even denied to local papers this afternoon that Steve McClaren had finally been fired, when that’s what Sky Sports reported.
And the very fact the Board have protected and stayed with Steve McClaren all season long – when he has the worst record of any manager in Newcastle’s Premier league history – has put Newcastle into this dangerous situation where it looks we will now be relegated.
From what we can understand – and it’s not easy – Ashley will fly in tomorrow to give the go ahead for Newcastle to formally present a three year deal to Benitez, with an option in the contract that he can leave if Newcastle if we are relegated.
Mike may also be required to ensure Benitez that he will have full control of all transfers, which will be a big change in the way Newcastle are managed and a change for the better too.
But with things still so uncertain, Newcastle may now have to make a decision on who will be in charge of the team on Monday night – and if it’s Steve McClaren – just how embarrassing will that be?
Lee Charley’s big mistake was to keep McClaren employed as he was negotiating for a new manager – and any normal club would have fired McClaren quickly after the Bournemouth disgrace – which was after all a must win game after the defeat at Stoke – where McClaren went all out for a 0-0 draw(and failed) after 18 days of preparation for the game.
But because Charnley cannot seem to make a decision to save his life, Newcastle have looked to be both dithering and incompetent to the outside world looking on in amazement as nothing gets done – and not for the first time this season.
In truth, Steve McClaren should have been fired long ago and long before we dropped 9 points behind the 5th bottom club Swansea City.
It will be the sixth day tomorrow of this soap opera – and we have no idea what will happen – but if it’s anything like the previous five days – then nothing much will happen and the dithering and confusion will continue.
Why?
We have no idea, other than people in their jobs in senior management positions at the club cannot seem to get the job done.
69 comments so far
mattyNUFC
Mar 10, 2016 at 11:35 PM
Comment #1i know drew carey loves football, but did we really have to make him our managing director?
lesh
Mar 10, 2016 at 11:47 PM
Comment #2But Ed, there’s another troublesome issue for Ashley to rule on and that’s whether he can find a face-saving way of scrapping his HC model with Carr calling the shots.
Let Benitez know that he’ll have control of all transfers, restructuring and scouting plus an MD who’s knows what he-she’s doing to report to and he’ll be in like a shot.
Charnley is in denial about what’s expected of him. The spineless excuse for an MD is in denial about the state the Club’s in and avoiding the things he needs to do.
Maybe Ashley might even do Charnley a favour and put him out of his misery – in a humane way of course.
magicmac
Mar 10, 2016 at 11:56 PM
Comment #3Can any of my fellow Newcastle fans tell me how that little waste of space Charnly is still in a job, is he actually doing his best to get us relegated, as he was the one who appointed john carver to take over last season, and he was the one who appointed Mc Claren this season along with old man Carr, as kevin keegan said previously you could put on a postage stamp what Charnly knows about football, is it any wonder we are in a mess, and are the laughing stock of the whole country, no wonder Alan Shearer said we were a mess from top to bottom, the clowns running the circus, charnley has even got the balls to look Steve Mc Claren in the eye and say your fired, what a slimey waste of space, i hope to god if Rafa is to be the new manager, one of the first things he does is get rid of Charnley and old man Carr. Rant over ho way the lads.
banjax
Mar 10, 2016 at 11:58 PM
Comment #4I would believe anything until it is confirmed by the club. If the Ashley taking charge bit is correct then we can look forward to Charnley and his crew getting sacked as well. Too much to hope for !
jimiley
Mar 10, 2016 at 11:59 PM
Comment #5Sack Charnley first of all. Then deal with the manager situation. Penfold is the Oliver Hardy of footy.
Derek
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:00 AM
Comment #6We think Ed is sounding like a broken record. 4 or more articles per day telling us how amazing/surprising/ridiculois it is that McClaren still has his job and he doesn’t know why..
Let us tell you why, Ed. It is because this is Mike Ashley’s Newcastle United and he and everyone below him are running a business, not a normal football club.
We think Ed should print out some banners, fly across the Atlantic, stand in front of SJP and lead a reunited Ashley Out protest if we lose the derby in the next home game.
ASHLEY OUT. REUNITE THE PROTESTS
MadisonToon
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:11 AM
Comment #7What happened to balance, Ed? I know you’re upset that McClaren is still here but can’t you figure out some reasons why he hasn’t been fired? What if the board are worried that we won’t be able to get a good enough manager in for the run-in? If they are McClaren as superior to firing him and promoting from within (Cathro) then there is no reason to fire him until they have a replacement. Since they clearly do not have a replacement, firing SM and putting in a temp from within (see Carver, 2015) is unlikely to be a worthwhile move. I also want McClaren out and Benitez in but my desire for change is not blinding my ability to understand how to go about making what could be a multi-year major decision that will affect everything at the club.
MadisonToon
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:12 AM
Comment #8*If they see McClaren
First post on mobile, wow, the inability to make changes within a comment is frustrating!
Blackley and Brownlie
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:16 AM
Comment #9Ed, you need to come to terms with, and accept for the sake of your own sanity and all round good health, the fact that Mike is that rare breed who keeps a dog and barks himself. Mike doesn’t like dogs barking and doesn’t like barking himself if the truth be told. Mike prefers to bury bones and will only bark when he sees Lee chasing his own tail, which Lee is prone to do.
andrew84
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:30 AM
Comment #10If (God forbid) the worst happens and we don’t get Benitez in, and McClaren stays, but somehow manages to cock things up even more than he already has….
Will Ed blame himself for making life unbearable for the tufted genius, like he blamed the rabble/shower/mob/gang/delinquents who made Pardew walk away? 😉
lesh
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:33 AM
Comment #11This time tomorrow we could be singing Ashley’s praises because Rafa Benitez is actually joining us.
If that is the case, it’ll confirm that Ashley’s had to take over negotiations to try to recruit a manager who might just save the season – and millions of pounds.
It’ll also confirm that Charnley’s been proven to lack the qualities of a chief executive and that he’s not up to the job.
Blofal
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:38 AM
Comment #12My guess is Ashley has to come in to sort out the new structure before Benitez will sign.
That will likely include the demotion of Carr and the sacking of Moncur (what does he do anyhow?). Benitez cannot be officially signed until this is done and given that he is no numpty… Benitez will want it all in writing before he signs to avoid another KK scenario.
It doesn’t matter about not being in charge for Leicester as we are unlikely to win regardless. Lets just hope the boys send McLaren off with a proper performance. He deserves that after the way the club has treated him this week.
asl123
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:42 AM
Comment #13Restructure or sack the board especially LC and GC. SM just a scapegoat in the mud
Mister Tuff
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:49 AM
Comment #14WHATS THAT FAINT SOUND I HEAR IN THE DISTANCE.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vna4AAC1bdE
It’s Mr Tubbs riding into the Toon on his charger to save NUFC.
He’ll sort the beggars out – decisive action – cutlass at the ready – first for the chop Wally Brolly – cut down before he opens his gob – oot.
Announcement that The Waiter is to be employed – crowd go wild.
Bit later -appearance on Sky – promising loads of stuff (which after study meant nowt).
Mr Tubbs is the Toon hero -his name will be sung on the streets and terraces. All misdeeds forgiven.
sickandtired
Mar 11, 2016 at 12:51 AM
Comment #15This is exactly why Ashley created his ‘Board’ after last seasons debacle. People doing his bidding are the ones being blamed for everything – and Bishop then has ‘Mike’ flying in to sort it all out. Zero to hero for some very small minded ‘supporters’.
Facts are though, none of them should have their jobs and it was Ashley who gave them. It’s Ashley who directed and enforced the ‘model’ they all adhere to. Ashley and Charnley were the sole Board members up until this change and if anyone is dumb enough to think Moncur or Carr was going to change anything then you belong in a padded room.
Oh yes, don’t forget McClaren. Coach and fellow Board member – yet he keeps telling us he’s never even spoken directly with Ashley!
It’s all just smoke and mirrors to keep the Fat one out of the spotlight and being held accountable for the mess once again.
Oldgit1
Mar 11, 2016 at 1:31 AM
Comment #16Lee charnly cannot sack a board member, in every industry the person must be two level of management up, so that would be Ashley hence the reason he is flying in. Trust me.
Toonacious T
Mar 11, 2016 at 1:41 AM
Comment #17In the midst of all this madness, does anyone know is Chancel Mbemba back from injury soon? No offence but Rafa can’t play centre back and I’m convinced that only Mbemba and Lascelles can provide us with points. Taylor or Colo spells defeat for me. I also seem to be alone in thinking Janmaat is a liability defensively and rarely has an end product going forward. Rafa needs to work some serious magic for us to stay up.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 11, 2016 at 1:46 AM
Comment #18I’m confident that Rafa is coming and I couldn’t care less what happens to McClaren, Carr and Charnley, they could be stuck in a broom cupboard for me.
When Rafa takes charge, he will be the boss, the rest of the minions will be told by Big Mike to shut up and listen.
That is my dream scenario as I see the archangel Rafa swoop onto the scene and lift us to safety and I have had a couple of shots of Jack Daniels to clarify my visions.
Onwards and upwards.
SPRINGY
Mar 11, 2016 at 1:51 AM
Comment #19old git
u think thats the case….im not so sure ashley will pan graham carr….the club needs a scout..he may take away some of his broad room power so he’s just a scout, reporting to the new manager….,moncur will go back to being an ambassador for the club….charnley is the query??…is ashley happy with charnleys running of the club and if not who else could come in and do the job….them questions will decide charnleys fate.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 11, 2016 at 1:53 AM
Comment #20Toonacious
I think its pretty obvious that Jaanmat and the rest of the team haven’t had a clue how to work as a team. Taylor in particular has looked lost.
It would be silly to expect Rafa to wave a magic wand over them and suddenly get a Barcelona clone but if he could at least get a bit of cohesion and structure into them then we may have a chance.
SPRINGY
Mar 11, 2016 at 1:53 AM
Comment #21toonacious
think mbemba misses the leicester game but should be back for the mackems….physioroom.com is canny for return dates for players.
SPRINGY
Mar 11, 2016 at 1:57 AM
Comment #22essex
i to have seen thru those old No;7 tinted glasses…..i had too coz of the shit we’ve had to endure the last couple of years…..jack daniels has helped…..alot!!lol
Blofal
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:00 AM
Comment #23http://eplindex.com/30418/chelseas-tactical-progress-benitez-in-depth-analysis.html
Essex reading this gave me a lot of hope about how Benetiz organises his teams. We could potentially see changes immediately.
Back Door Man
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:01 AM
Comment #24I say leave Ed alone; respect his take on issues and if needs be post positively. I’d argue he should be insulated from barbs as we don’t want him absconding with all the balls … we’d be left with no blog to play in.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:04 AM
Comment #25Springy
Aye it works widows, errr wandas err waldows, anyway it clarifies my thinking.
Howay the lids
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:13 AM
Comment #26Blofal
I didn’t read it all but the midfield is always the key to a successful team imo, get that right and the rest falls into place.
I’ve always liked the idea of a sweeper in the team (diverging a bit here) a Beckenbaur or Moore, I reckon that Mbabu could do that for us and a good manager could make it work.
Essex Geordie Bill
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:21 AM
Comment #27I reckon our American cousins must be still out on the town, probably about 8pm over there. so as everyone else seemingly has gone to bed then so will I.
Night all
The overrated Frenchman
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:44 AM
Comment #28Benitez and his team must read and hear things, and must be fully aware of the shortcomings of the current board. If he does take the job, Charnley and Carr (and Moncur) would have to go as part of his conditions, surely. Imagine the likes of Charnley dictating how the club is run to Rafa Benitez, in effect giving him a job description. Imagine the doddering old crook Carr telling him which players he’s getting, like it or not. That is farcical.
Derek
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:45 AM
Comment #29Back Door Man,
Many of us have been reading this blog for years. Much like you just said, Ed has pleaded with fans to stay positive during the woeful times of Pardew and Carver.
Now we ask you, just like we asked Ed about a year ago.. What is there to be positive about? Even he can not longer put a positive spin on the way things are at present
willowdalerez
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:47 AM
Comment #30I just wish a decision were made so the Squad can move on one way or the other.
willowdalerez
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:51 AM
Comment #31Derek
I think Back Door Man is clear. He wants insults directed at Ed to stop. Unless you are responding to some post he made on an earlier blog he isn’t saying the situation is at all rosy.
willowdalerez
Mar 11, 2016 at 2:54 AM
Comment #32I am betting Benitez is unwilling without an exit if we are relegated, control over transfers and independence from the Board… My guess is the delay is Ashley wants Benitez to give up on some of those asks and Benitez isn\t having any of it.
Dingo†®
Mar 11, 2016 at 3:04 AM
Comment #33Blofal,
Interesting link man… i have stated before that i would like to see Jonjo and Siem de Jong in the center spraying it about..
alas….. Benitez isnt our manager….. yet.
Derek
Mar 11, 2016 at 3:23 AM
Comment #34willow,
What you and Back Door Man refer to as insults are actually attempts to help some people understand something that they are clearly having trouble to get their head around. i.e. those confused about why Ashley/Charnley and co are so poor at making footballing-related decisions.
It is in the best interests of the blog and the fans to remove uncertainty from articles when it is clear to many of us the root cause of the problem
nut meg
Mar 11, 2016 at 3:45 AM
Comment #35The only chance we have of securing our PL status is by changing the manager.We don’t have time to fcuk about,we’re running out of games….just get the fcuking job done!! I think most people know there’s no guarantee’s in football but Benitez should give the players in kick up the a*se and at the same time gets the attention & respect from them that has been missing for far too long. If this saga goes pear shaped Charley & co should prepare for the worst kind of sh*t imaginable with zero sympathy from me.
expatmag
Mar 11, 2016 at 4:30 AM
Comment #36For those people who think we will get nothing at Leicester, if we appoint Benitez prior to the game, we can still get something from the game if the players put in a commited performance.
I watched their last home game against Norwich and quite frankly, Norwich were robbed.
Goofy
Mar 11, 2016 at 4:48 AM
Comment #37Not sure about the whole situation when Shearer took over in basically the same scenario, I only remember us being relegated and Shearer being left in limbo until Chris Hughton took over.
Just wondering if they give Benitez the same treatment? There are rumours of him having the option to stay on if we go down.
It’s a no lose situation for Benitez. If we stay up he has put himself back on the map, after being sacked from Real, staying up would iron a few creases out of his track record and going down would do absolutely nowt to his reputation.
I haven’t felt excited about Newcastle in a long time. Benitez is what we need and I might even give Ashley a lityle bit of respect if this pulls off.
John Akomfrah
Mar 11, 2016 at 5:19 AM
Comment #38we will always be robbed by pl appointment of dodgy refs they just don’t want us there
Jail for Ashley
Mar 11, 2016 at 5:37 AM
Comment #39Madison Toon
Do you honestly think that after this whole sorry and embarrassing saga that Mclaren will be the one to save the day if Benitez doesn’t come in, if you can’t see that the guy has lost it and lost it for good after that Chelsea debacle then maybe you should apply for a job on the board. If Benitez doesn’t come it won’t be because of the deluded fans, or that we are a one club city in the fifth biggest city in England or that we are the 18th richest club in the world with the 19th best stadium in Europe (according to the Telegraph), it won’t be because we have the ability to spend 80M in a season either. It will be purely down to the bunch of incompetent and unqualified clowns we have running our famous club!
Jail for Ashley
Mar 11, 2016 at 5:38 AM
Comment #40JA,
Don’t be daft.