What is a football coach? What is the primary role of a coach? A quick search by definition brings up: ” A person who trains an athlete or a team of athletes .” Being such a vague and general answer I began to look further. A coach is someone who instructs and works with athletes to prepare them for anything from performing at their peak in professional sports, to developing skills that will help a person achieve life and career goals. You may be wondering where I’m going with this but bear with me.
John Carver was appointed as head coach at Newcastle United back in January. What many saw as a short term replacement to “see us through till the end of the season” has infact culminated in a nightmare scenario – one which has Newcastle United staring down the barrel of relegation. The reason I ask these questions above is to establish whether John Carver can be constituted as a coach. Ask any normal, rational fan and the answer will be an emphatic no. But this is too easy, I’d prefer to examine facts and establish my own opinion.
Managing a squad of professional, multi-millionaire, athletes requires a great level of skill and knowledge. History shows as wages have increased, egos and self appraisal have risen in parallel. The old management styles of Sir Alex Ferguson and Brian Clough are now redundant. Players must be given an environment to thrive, whilst fulfilling the obligations of the board and dreams of the fans. Attitudes can change quickly in football. A sharp change in results can see a loss in confidence and you’re out of the door, quicker than you can collect your tactics board.
John Carver, born and raised in Newcastle, is a fan of the club. His passion and desire to see the club do well has never been in question. Passion alone will not generate results. Coaches are judged solely on results. In an era where premier league status results in huge portions of income, results are even further scrutinised and examined. Beginning 1st Jan 2015, John Carver has achieved 2 victories from a possible 18 fixtures. A run of defeats spanning 8 games, a new record low. This is not good enough by anyone’s standards. Many other coaches would have been shown the door a long time ago. Having allowed him to remain at the helm has allowed Newcastle to stagnate, fall into a rut and sap all confidence and morale from the playing staff.
Game plans, approach, tactics, philosophy – they come together under the same umbrella. Relying upon the coach to deliver. When the coach is not delivering positive results, methods are scrutinised. Whilst watching Newcastle United it has made grim viewing. Players take to the field of play a disorganised team. Players appear confused in their roles, both collectively and individually. A strong cohesive unit will always excel over individualism. Individual mistakes, lapses in concentration, and fundamental basics disregarded. Levels of discipline have dropped dramatically. Coloccini, Williamson, Jaanmat, Sissoko have all seen red during Carver’s reign. If you include Cisse’s retrospective ban for spitting, the facts show a clear lack of responsibility. Body language can say a lot about a players mentality. Every player whose seen red has shown no regard for their actions. Rather than being disappointed, the player merely trudges away unrepentant and unconcerned. Given the amount of instances Carver has failed in his duty to remind the players of their obligations not only to themselves as paid professionals but to the club and the fans.
Carver’s Newcastle appear to have no realistic game plan. Formation has changed regularly – all signs the coach has no definitive plan to generate results. What is the philosophy of Newcastle United? We as a team set up to neither exploit the opposition offensively or grind a result out via counter attacking and defending resolutely. Possession and transitioning between defense and offense have been omitted from all thoughts. Long aimless balls forward are now standard practice. Given Azoze Perez is 5ft 10, an oversight has obviously been made.
Fixtures within the Premier League are becoming more intense by the year. Clubs are looking towards players who are physically in peak condition. Strength, pace, stamina and work rate is being chosen above technical ability. A reason why the Premier League is suffering in a loss of quality. Having said this midfield is where games are being won and lost. To say Newcastle’s midfield is anonymous is, in my opinion, a fair judgment. Given the quality available its not unrealistic to expect more. You have to ask what is the purpose of Newcastle having a midfield? They offer little threat offensively. Slow, labored build up allows the opposition to position themselves easily to avert danger whilst defensively they offer no support to overran defenders. Given the length of time Carver has been in charge, weaknesses in the plans should have been addressed and rectified. If you don’t have the capacity to adjust, how can you justify your position?
Public relations (PR) is something Newcastle United do not understand the concept of. John Carver in particular has been involved in several PR disasters. Threatening and abusive language directed at fans during matchday and declaring himself “the best coach in the premier league” are just the tip of the iceberg. John Carver appears intent on not only alienating the fanbase but also angering and saddening the very foundation of the club. Fans have taken to all platforms possible to display their disgust but he continues his reign. Vurnon Anita recently, when speaking to media, questioned the tactics of the coach. Very rare are players so open. Interviews are predominantly made with a clear agenda. Whether to excite fans or avert stress. Anita giving such a frank and open interview makes fans wonder what exactly is going on behind the scenes. Rumors of players fighting amongst themselves, and the coach doing nothing to suggest Newcastle United can move forward. Respect is a two way street.
In answer to the question does John Carver constitute a coach, the answer is no. He neither motivates, excites or drives the players to be the best they possibly can be. The club has regressed further than many thought was possible. Carver has neither the acumen, experience or know how to reroute the direction Newcastle are currently heading in. Carver can talk all day about his love for the club and the region. This is not enough. Given the opportunity many fans would love to manage Newcastle but as like John Carver do not posses the necessary skill. Many may ask why he hasn’t walked away when he loves the club. My question is would you? Given he has 5 years remaining on his current contract, he would be in line for compensation should he be relieved of his duties. No matter how much he loves the club, he’s never going to walk away from monetary compensation. I believe he’s deluded, convinced in abilities he doesn’t possess. This is his dream job, he will cling onto the role as long as the club allow him to. Money will decide his fate nothing else.
Whilst I was pouring over these questions, I asked myself who is to blame for John Carver being at the helm? Lee Charnley has to take responsibility. As managing director, Lee Charnley oversees the day-to-day operations of the club. I think it is more than fair to say they vast majority of fans didn’t expect to be in this precarious position. Most were prepared to wait till the summer, on the promise the best fit coach would be employed. I believe the situation changed. After a disastrous run or fixtures, Newcastle were free falling without a fight. Charnley refused to act. Sunderland and Aston Villa were both sinking without a trace under Poyet and Lambert. What both clubs did however is readdress the balance. Sacking their manager and bringing in a change in personnel has seen an upturn in fortune. Both clubs as of now are safe, giving themselves a stress free, final weekend and a chance to rebuild for next season. Bringing in a new coach can provide firstly just a change of voice, new ideas and ways of thinking. Such simple little changes can do wonders as shown. Charnley could have acted and averted the crisis brewing. Bringing in a short term replacement or “fix” may have brought instant results. Something we most desperately needed.
Steve McClaren was rumored to have been offered the post with three games to go in the season. McLaren rejected the role and we were left with the current staff. The approach in my mind stunk of desperation. I don’t believe any manager would take on such a task giving very little time and room to maneuver. Change had to be made with 5-10 games to go. Judgment will be giving on Sunday Evening when we will finally know our fate. Relegation is a real possibility and Lee Charnley has overseen this. Should his role be in question? Absolutely! One thing is certain it’s never plain sailing supporting Newcastle United.
