Steve McClaren looks set to take charge of Newcastle United in the forthcoming 15/16 Premier League campaign, barring any minor hitches or technicalities. Rumours have been wide spread for several months that the ex-Derby man was the primary target to succeed the departed Alan Pardew.
A cloud of pessimism has engulfed social media and message boards across the region. Many fans loudly showing discontent for the incoming, former England manager. Feelings amongst the fans range from an opportunity missed to a clear distaste to the appointment.
Fans are, before McClaren has even been officially appointed, condemning Newcastle to another season of doom and strife. My question would be why? As supporters isn’t it out primary duty to get behind the incoming coach and give him the best opportunity to stamp his mark on the club? Since the sacking of Sir Bobby Robson over a decade ago Newcastle United have seen a whole range of characters manage the club. Graham Souness, Sam Allardyce, Kevin Keegan, Joe Kinnear, Chris Hughton, Alan Pardew and John Carver have all sat in the hot seat. All of these men, barring Carver and Kinnear, have received the full support and backing of the Geordie faithful, so why is it beyond us to support McClaren? Trying to look and predict the future is nonsensical giving no human is capable of such a trait. Would it be unreasonable to have an open mind and allow the incoming coach to stamp his mark?
How many are forming a decision on McClaren solely based on his days as England manager? We all remember the rain soaked night at Wembley. The infamous night England surrendered the chance to qualify for the European Championships. The night the media labeled McClaren as the “Wally with a Brolly”. The British media are without doubt the biggest opposition to the English national team. Every manager has, under their tenure, endured criticism and abuse far beyond what is morally acceptable. Sir Bobby Robson, for the gentleman he was, suffered at the hands of a witch hunt, centered around damaging his reputation. Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Bobby Robson and Terry Venables are, in my mind, the only managers who have escaped the poisoned chalice with any morsel of dignity.
It is fair for journalists to report facts, but how much of their coverage actually was? How far are the media allowed to go before fans will recognise the columns as vendettas and agendas not inline with the situation? The media at any other level of football are stout defenders of British managers. Pardew, Allardyce, Pulis and many others are placed upon pedestals not bestowing their ability. Should any failures occur at clubs under their tenure there is always an excuse to exonerate them from all responsibility and blame. My opinion is none of these managers would be given a job on the continent, they don’t possess the tactical acumen to succeed. European coaches have tried and failed to progress the England team; Fabio Capello, a Champions League winner with a CV which would stand up against the very best, and Sven Goran Eriksson, another league winner and supposed tactical coach. Neither of these men were treated by the English media in a manner similar to McClaren.
McClaren, after having several meetings with Sir Bobby Robson, moved abroad to get away from the baying English media and attempted to rebuild a shattered reputation. Moving away would allow McClaren to get away from the glaring light and prove once again he had ability to succeed at the highest level. Taking charge of FC Twente was a brilliant decision, ultimately ending with McClaren delievering Twente’s first ever league title. Before Mcclaren took charge Twente finished 4th languishing 17 points behind eventual champions PSV Eindhoven. Giving little resources available and a keen eye for a bargain what McClaren achieved was excellent and certainly shouldn’t be disregarded. McClaren recouped more money from incoming transfers than actually spending, whilst overcoming larger clubs including Ajax, PSV and Feyenoord, who have far greater resources and Ajax particularly, who have poached and dominated the Dutch youth talent with their famed academy. After winning the title, McClaren left Twente in a far better financial position. Many of the players who once plied their trade under McClaren moved on to pastures new – larger clubs were taking notice of the talents being showcased at Twente. Tiote as we all know signed from Twente. A player who was loved on the terraces at St James’ Park was tutored by McClaren. Over time Tiote has stagnated, largely due to inadequate coaching. Reinvigorating Tiote to his former self would be a major boost to Newcastle moving forward.
Prior to managing England, McClaren honed his trade from one of the greatest managers to have ever graced a dugout, Sir Alex Ferguson. McClaren is one of many who have worked under Sir Alex and went on to try and forge their own career at the helm. Brian Kidd, Carlos Queiroz have all tried and failed in one capacity or another. Kidd suffered relegation with Blackburn. Queiroz was hired and replaced quickly at Real Madrid largely due to an inability to obtain credible results. McClaren moved to Middlesbrough. McClaren delivered their first piece of silverware. A league cup trophy many of our fans would be very envious of having within our empty trophy cabinet. A Europa League final was delivered to the lowly Boro. Nobody could have predicted that and whilst they were dominated and defeated this must be seen as a large success, given the resources and clubs who enter the tournament. Stuttgart, Roma and Basel were all seen off by McClaren’s side.
McClaren has been sacked from positions, however which manager hasn’t. Appointments on occasions are just not meant to be. This should not be seen as a black mark on his resume. Looking over history there is many different reasons why managers don’t succeed. Brian Clough, Jose Mourinho and thousands more have faced the dreaded axe. I would have far more concerns had success had not been achieved in his career. Dressing rooms are weird and wonderful places. A mixture of ego’s cultures and nationalities present a whole range of added pressures. The slightest grumble can result in a monumental shift in mood and before you know it a new direction is needed.
Looking in terms of Newcastle United the club has suffered for too long. Since Sir Bobby, only one season has resulted in the club reaching the higher echelons of the league. Far too often managers have been poorly selected and have never been a right fit for the club. Newcastle is without doubt a special club, a club drove on by passion of the entire region. Newcastle United is unique, it’s more than a club it’s a way of life. Success are greeted with delight, failures cast depressing clouds. Newcastle over the years have appointed managers whose tactical awareness has been lacking. First of all McClaren will bring with him a wealth of knowledge and experience which will have served him well to face the impending challenges and pressures. Suggestions of new modern approach have been banded around. Is a rebuilding job, on the scale Newcastle actually require, a place to be taking risks? Inexperience could be disastrous and obviously it was a risk the board were not willing to take.
Graham Carr, despite being employed as a Chief Scout has managed to acquire a lot of power and influence. Carr is a fine scout, largely due to his contracts and can be attributed to the players who have graced the hallowed turf. McClaren, going by recent rumors is a long time friend of Carr. Suggestions and theories suggest Carr is instrumental in bringing his friend to the club. I see this as a positive rather than a job for the boys mentality. Friendship goes a long way. For far too long many within power at Newcastle United have not been on the same wavelength. Far to decisions have been made, poor judgements and PR disasters have seen the club stagnate. With McClaren coming in I would make an assumption Carr would want to give his friend the best possible chance to achieve success. Giving Newcastle operate now under a European blueprint, the relationship between scout, coach and managing director is imperative.
We were made aware of interest in McClaren back in January, when it emerged he was the primary target. At that moment in time Derby were flying high at the top of the league and playing football many are envious of. Derby were 15th in the Championship when McClaren took over. Nigel Clough had left the club in a mess. McClaren went within a whisker of gaining promotion to the Premier League. Losing to Harry Redknapp’s QPR side in a game they dominated for long periods. The decline at Derby came at a time mounting speculation over McClarens future came to a head. I would suggest it had a major influence on the squad. If the squad believe the manager is leaving for pastures new it can be quite easy to take their eye off the ball. McClaren was relieved of his duties at the end of the season, having failed to make the playoffs. Having spoken to several Derby fans, I received glowing endorsements for their former manager. Many suggested it was the best football they had watched in many a year. He was attributed at revitalizing the club and moving them forward. What he has left was a squad and foundation for a new man to embark upon. Having no ill feeling from vast sections of the previous fan base is always encouraging.
In conclusion I would firstly like to say Steve was never my first choice. I, however, don’t make the decisions nor the appointments. Giving what we have been served in the last three seasons I would have thought a new man would bring positivity. No matter who the club appointed there will always be groans. I feel unfair stigmas are creating a barrier of discontent. Don’t judge a man by the media, judge him for here and now. What I would say is he has a pedigree and achieved success in his time. Fans put names like De Boer and Cocu forward but they have only achieved what McClaren has and with far greater resources. Laudrup is another name and he too has achieved a resume similar to McClaren but with an added ego which has been questioned many times. A new voice, philosophy and ideas are required. Too long the players have looked lost both individually and collectively. I’m not suggesting that Newcastle is a bed of roses, far from it. What I’m asking is fans put away the knives and give him a chance to make a mark. Recruitment and reinforcements are required. Deadwood and players deemed surplus to requirements need moving on. Give the club a chance to make the investment and judge thereafter. We all want the best for the club. There has been little to nothing to celebrate about recently, open your minds and think; like a Phoenix we can rise again. Live in hope rather than fear.
