Who Next?
Posted by Kev in Newcastle, Sam Aladyce | 7 February 2006
By Kevin Howourth - RLN Newcastle United
With Graeme Souness relieved of his position as Newcastle United boss, yet again we're on the lookout for another 'World-Class' manager. But who would you like to take the hot-seat? I know Sam Allardyce is a firm favourite, but is he really the kind of manager you want ? There is no doubting his capabilities, and what he has done with Bolton Wanderers has been very impressive. But let's face it, Newcastle United have strived for the days of Kevin Keegan and his 'Entertainers', and if it's entertaining football you want, Allardyce isn't the answer.
Now I think for everybody associated with Newcastle United , number one on the agenda is silverware. An issue for concern if appointing Big Sam, is whether the club would be used as a stepping stone for him to manage England, where I believe he will ultimately end up (I won't give you my views on that little issue either!).
My main concern however, would be the style of football. Would you really want to go to St James' Park to watch a defensive Newcastle United (if that is possible!) play out a scrappy 1-0 victory over Fulham, because I certainly wouldn't. If anything I wanna go to watch my beloved Toon Army play a 4-3 thriller, coming out of the ground drained of energy, and looking forward to the next game. But hey, maybe we have to sacrifice entertainment for trophies?
Another candidate is Martin O'Neill. Again, no hiding the fact he is a good manager, but do you remember what the Leicester City side he managed were labelled as? 'BORING!' I honestly believe if you manage Newcastle United you have to play quality, mouth-watering football or else you will not be a success on Tyneside. Did Keegan and Robson do it? Yes. Were they loved? Yes. Did Dalglish or Souness play entertainingly? I think not. Were they loved? NO!
Sven Goran Eriksson's name has also popped up, but although he is a quality manager, do you think you could keep the Playboy Swede off the thousands of young adorable geordie girls on the Quayside and Bigg Market? We don't need more controversy! For me their is only one solution.
If I had it my way I'd bring back King Kev, with Mr Shearer, being his immediate right-hand man. With this combination I'm sure Keegan would nurture Big Al' into a Newcastle United manager, and who knows he might actually lift a trophy with the Toon, as the only hope now of him getting his hands on silverware with his home-town club being the good old FA Cup - a trophy which has broke our hearts so many times.
Give us your views on the current situation, and tell us who you think should be the new, and hopefully successful Newcastle United manager!
