Big Sam's long ball tactics are history now

US Magpie Fan wrote...

So much confuses me about this. Big Sam was not getting results, but to sack a manager after only 8 months, did they give him enough time to implement his style of play?

There were so many transfers, so many injuries, it just seems hasty. But at least I have a reason to be excited about Magpie football again!

Posted by: US Magpie Fan  | January 9, 2008 6:15 PM

Tom Riker wrote...

I agree completely, the next manager has to fit into the mold of how the fans want to see their team play. Would Shearer really do that? Klinsman clearly set his Germans teams out to attack so maybe him?

Posted by: Tom Riker  | January 9, 2008 6:36 PM

hadrian wrote...

i think the timing is perfect for keegan to slip on his managers hat again.
surely a bit of hometown pride could persuade kevin to come home , alan by his side and we are set .
let the good times roll again !

Posted by: hadrian  | January 9, 2008 6:39 PM

Peter Harper wrote...

Zip-eh-dee-doo-da
Zip-eh-dee-ay
My oh my what a wonderful day

Posted by: Peter Harper  | January 9, 2008 6:51 PM

geordie_boy wrote...

Howay the Lads Attack Attack Attack!!!!! Keegan and Shearer for the Toon and lets get some attractive play on the pitch. Play along the ground instead of the long ball tactics that did not work with attackers that are less than 6 foot.
!!!!!!!!Onwards and Upwards!!!!!!

Posted by: geordie_boy  | January 9, 2008 6:55 PM

micky wrote...

its a constant downward spiral with the toon, a new manager comes in and wants to totally change the club around with alot of new players, as fans we demand this. But changing a club around takes time, especially when you have a new group of players together, they need to learn to adjust with each other. But we get impatient and sack the manager, hence now a new manager will come in who will try to turn our fortune around with new players, but again we will lose patients and just throw him out on his backside, adding him to the list of managers we never give a realistic chance.

Also i dont want to live in the past but we should of never got rid of sir bobby robson!

Posted by: micky  | January 9, 2008 6:58 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Hmmm. That's all I can say!

Then again... in terms of actual football, this club has been in a mess since towards the end of Robson's reign when he got rid of Solano and Speed and proved (along with FS) unable or unwilling to deal effectively with the several wildcards he had either inherited or bought. On top of that, we get rumours in the press of player unrest. Never a good thing. Souness was never the right choice to solve problems. His overall track record is impressive, but he left a team in worse shape than us and acquiring him was hardly the sign of great ambition on FS's part. Of course, his method of dealing with the wildcards was no more succesful than Sir Bob's. Then we had what was basically a caretaker manager whose luck with injured players was on a par with Souness and who showed promise before it all went sour - and once again, we have rumours in the papers of player unrest. To be honest, while I never approached Roeder's games with the same low level of expectation that I approached Allardyce's, I was only too aware that Roeder seemed unable to see the failings of the central midfield partnership (which should have been Emre and one other) and one or two other players who seemed to lose interest (Parker and Duff come to mind) and that had it not been for Given, Solano, Milner and Oba's goals, we would have been considerably worse off. I certainly didn't want Allardyce and, let's face it, he lived down to our expectations - but once again, we hear grumblings about player power.

Whoever takes over, short-term or long (and, please God, get rid of Pearson), he's going to have to be resolute and experienced - and probably not English, unless Shearer is teamed with Keegan.

One point about the long ball - you know, if I had twenty quid for each time I've seen Newcastle play a long ball in the three or four seasons BEFORE Allardyce came to the club, I'd be a rich man.

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 9, 2008 7:01 PM

Dave Udberg wrote...

Glad to see the back of him, the last few months have seen some of Newcastle's worst ever performances. I just hope Mike Ashley doesn't panic when chosing Sam's replacement.
Can't believe that Steve McClaren is mentioned as one of the contenders!!
Would love to see KK back with Shearer as his understudy.

Posted by: Dave Udberg  | January 9, 2008 7:04 PM

Richy wrote...

Keegan + Shearer!!! Come on the TOON!!

Posted by: Richy  | January 9, 2008 7:08 PM

Cathal Grant wrote...

Hold off here a minute, i for one wasnt a fan of Sam's style of play, but we went years and years playing other football and didnt win anything. What is the sense in sacking him now?? we arent going to do anything this year anyway, we arent going to get in relegation trouble, so why not let him ride this year out and make an overall decision in the summer. That way we could have had a summer to get a new manager and new signings that particular manager wanted. Unless a manager is already lined up, its unlikely there will any signings this month to improve things. It is going to be interesting to see if this is another freddie shephard style mess!

Posted by: Cathal Grant  | January 9, 2008 7:08 PM

SuPeRc00l wrote...

Im really disapointed big sam has left newcastle united, i thought he wes the man for the job. the probelm at newcastle is supporters run the club not the owner. if it was my club id tell them where to go. if you run a business would u let your staff choose the customers. No.

Posted by: SuPeRc00l  | January 9, 2008 7:10 PM

Neil Robinson wrote...

Lets just get it right this time we are not expecting instant success just some progress in the right direction and a bit of entertaining football.
May be too soon for Shearer unless experienced man beside him.
timing would suggest that someone already lined up.

Posted by: Neil Robinson  | January 9, 2008 7:12 PM

BWFC forever wrote...

High Expectations. Punching well above yours and big sams weight

Posted by: BWFC forever  | January 9, 2008 7:18 PM

Phil wrote...

Keegan and Shearer love the club. Together, they could share the massive workload of running NUFC, and would inspire great players to join a "winner".
I applaud Mike Ashley's courage. We were going nowhere under Sam Alladyce. After the signings he has made, I certainly wouldn't trust him with my money. I'm afraid the attachment to sport science was a smokescreen to make Alladyce appear a lot more astute than he really is. As we now know, tactics and team selection actually hindered the team, and was not indicative of a big club mentality. Bad business practice only gets worse in time, not better. Mike Ashley has had to stump up his own money to get rid of Alladyce. He truly inherited a mess from Fred Shepherd - and it's a costly one to fix, as Alladyce's signings have certainly not appreciated in value (with the exception of Faye). Thanks, Mike Ashley, for caring about the club, and I know the great Geordie public will show its appreciation when you get things sorted.

Posted by: Phil  | January 9, 2008 7:24 PM

Malcolm Harrison wrote...

it is obvious that there is only one man who can do this job and it isnt alan shearer, god!

Posted by: Malcolm Harrison  | January 9, 2008 7:27 PM

Boydy wrote...

Lads and lasses, for them that say he should have been given time ......how much time do you need to pick a team to beat Derby and Wigan? (Throw in the Mackems, Boro and god knows who else at the bottom of the league).

I could pick a team from our work that would give them two a run for their money.

I must say .... too many people seem to have got excited about the magnificent peformance against a tough team - er, a nil-nil draw with the mighty Stoke?

PS - Does anybody know what McClaren was doing at SJP recently? Grovelling to his old boss Sven, for a job? Or - god forbid - a quiet meeting with Mort??

Posted by: Boydy  | January 9, 2008 7:31 PM

norm wrote...

Sam was never a favourite for manager for me, but they gave Roeder more than a year, surely to the end of the season would have been a more sensible time to sack him, can only see relegation with the macams now.

Posted by: norm  | January 9, 2008 7:32 PM

tony smith wrote...

Yet again the laughing stock of the footbal world. When will we learn nothing is going to be acheieved by hiring and firing managers every year. Since Keegan left 5 managers have been hired and fired without any of them given a fair amount of time to acheive anything.I know Allerdyce was apointed by the old owners but only been given eight months totally stinks. Money we have paid out for firing managers beggars beleif.The next apointment has to be the correct one as the club needs stability because the players we have are the players that could take the club forward with maybe a few top class additions I

Posted by: tony smith  | January 9, 2008 7:34 PM

Bill wrote...

We have made ourselves a laughing stock (again). Why now? The transfer window has just opened. We play MUFC in three days time, Stoke in 7. We won't have our African players for a few weeks. It was rumoured he was trying to sign players during the transfer window. He was beginning to play players in there right positions and performances were picking up though obviously not results. So why now?! Our next home game is agst Bolton. I would have preferred SA to be in charge of that game than some new face-i.e. of course if Ashley/Mort have someone in mind. If it is McClaren, god help us!
The plain simple truth is he was not given enough time. Who is going to manage the poisoned chalice that is NUFC?
Howay the toon - I think!

Posted by: Bill  | January 9, 2008 7:39 PM

treblein99 wrote...

except it...ur not a big team...thats y u got big sam..............and u aint even got ne history..........

Ryder's reply: Apart from 6 FA Cup's, 4 League titles and a European trophy.

Posted by: treblein99  | January 9, 2008 7:43 PM

Rassam wrote...

i just wonder how long did souness and roeder get? totally out of order, disappointing of the board, will a great manager want the job if they think the board will chop them as soon things go wrong? i do have hope still, i can only think the benefits of Big Sam will still be felt after the new manager is appointed with all the science malava and extra doctors and physio will do us good. i would rather see murinhio with shearer as no2 atr least we will be title contenders and shearer will have excellent experience before he takes the job!

Posted by: Rassam  | January 9, 2008 7:48 PM

David Merry wrote...

Newcastle fans need to not just blame the manager every time this situation happens. Is it all Sam Allardyce's fault ? The fans have an unrealistic expectation and that pressure gets to players and all the club staff. How long is it since Newcastle were at the level that the fans demand ? They are traditionally a mid table average club and not much more. Build towards being a better club one step at a time and lower current expectations. Otherwise it will be another manager moving on again in the next few seasons....another scapegoat

Posted by: David Merry  | January 9, 2008 7:55 PM

Phil wrote...

Oops! I should have said that Faye AND Habib Beye have been the two good signings. Alladyce was stupid for signing Barton.

Posted by: Phil  | January 9, 2008 7:57 PM

Michael Shanley wrote...

it was interesting to read Alan Oliver's column on saturday when he said that Chris Mort blew his socks off when he heard the name of the man who wanted to manage Newcastle. Is this why things changed so suddenly

Posted by: Michael Shanley  | January 9, 2008 8:08 PM

medan wrote...

I have to say as a person who critized SAM's approach and his ability to be a succefull coach at NewCastle long term, I have a mixed feeling:

1] I was hoping for some insane reason that he would change his ways and start showing progress.

2] Hopefully Ashely and Mort has ligned up a very good manager to replace him.

3] I believe he got off the wrong side of the fans and would have taking him a miracle to win thier support. I believe a manager that does not have the support of majority of the fans would have a hrad time succeding in any sport as it aslo affects the way the players look at him.

Anyways let's hope best days are ahead of us. Sometime such a drastic action is required to wake up a sleeping gaint taht is Newcastle.

Posted by: medan  | January 9, 2008 8:09 PM

Ian Robinson wrote...

I cannot support the "give him time" brigade - give him time to do what, create Bolton mark 2 ?

Given the signings so far would anybody be happy to give Sam more money - certainly Mike Ashley had enough sense to cry enough. It is a simple fact that no team playing a long ball, high pressure game has won anything in either England or Europe for the last 20 years - allowing this folly to continue would only have laid the foundations for future failure.

Posted by: Ian Robinson  | January 9, 2008 8:19 PM

david gilbert wrote...

about time, what took Mort and ashley to realise the man was a dinosaur that only knew one way of playing. All this talk about him being a great manager but what did he actually achieve at bolton in all his years there a highest finish of 7th. Bobby Robson got sacked for finishing 3rd, 4th and 5th so on that reasoning alone he should never have been appointed. I never wanted him and subsequent events have proved everything I feared would happen has come true, one dimensional football, making players suit his syle rather than find a way to utilise their strengths, disillusionment amongst the players and a complete stubbornness that his way was right regardless of results. All the anticipation and excitement of going to games has been destroyed for me as he has taken this Club backwards and it will take whoever takes over a long time to restore confidence in the players and their ability. After the Liverpool game I said to my brother Alex that he had to go and go now and when he said who will we get I replied it doesn't matter anyone but him, we are going down under him. Hopefully we may see players playing in their proper positions and the semblance of a team pattern because that has been one of the big issues so far this season the system changes so frequently that the players do not know their role and a lack of continuity has also led to confusion in players. Lets now have a settled formation and consistency in selection and the points should accumulate from now on so we do not get caught up in the relegation battle and the new manager can build a team for the future.

Posted by: david gilbert  | January 9, 2008 8:21 PM

Metag wrote...

Ehe moronic youngsters who started supporting during the Keegan years have their wish. I hope shearer is appointed and falls flat on his ar**
With these supporters we will never win a damn thing.
Disgraceful!!!

Posted by: Metag  | January 9, 2008 8:22 PM

Duncan wrote...

I think the munchkins said it best:

DING DONG THE WITCH IS DEAD!

Posted by: Duncan  | January 9, 2008 8:23 PM

Jap wrote...

I don't normally agree with managerial sackings ater such a short time but in Allardyce's case I welcome it. It's been obvious for some time that his so-called "tactics" were embarrassingly inept and also pretty clear that he'd lost the dressing room, despite what the players have been saying in the press.
How can Allardyce claim that we deserved to beat Stoke? He must have been watching a different game to the rest of us. The last few months have been nothing short of appalling and removing him now can only be of benefit to the club before any more damage is done.
How many REAL signs of improvement or progress have we actually seen since he took over? Yep, it's a struggle to think of one,isn't it?

Posted by: Jap  | January 9, 2008 8:23 PM

Big_G78 wrote...

Why is everyone saying he's been sacked? The media calls it 'mutual consent' and to me that's the logical conclusion.

There have been more than enough chances in recent weeks for Mort and Ashley to sack BS but they had chosen not to.

I think the fact that we've been linked with one or 2 established premiership players (i.e. Wes Brown, Kevin Nolan) suggests that BS has approached Mort and Ashley for funds and they haven't been forthcoming. Taking the lack of financial backing to its logical conclusion BS realised that they were probably going to replace him in the summer. He's confronted them and decided to leave now instead of sit around for a few months waiting for the inevitable.

Ashley and Mort might have someone lined up but maybe not until the summer. This means a caretaker period for Pearson.

The fact that they've claimed the prospective manager is British doesn't mean a thing. Could simply be a red herring. We'll have to wait and see.

Posted by: Big_G78  | January 9, 2008 8:29 PM

Duncan Baines wrote...

It's got to be Kev! With Albert as his assistant. This time let's make sure we don't appoint a defensive coach!

Posted by: Duncan Baines  | January 9, 2008 8:31 PM

mark logan wrote...

Mike Ashley on holiday in portugal last few weeks? Jose not been in the news recently? Hummmmm

Posted by: mark logan  | January 9, 2008 8:39 PM

Lee wrote...

Would you like to approach Tony Pulis ?

Posted by: Lee  | January 9, 2008 8:49 PM

petemac wrote...

I know that Sam's style of football was worse than watching paint dry but I would have give him to the end of the season to dig himself out, (or further in?).
I'm dreading this Sat versus Sam's big mate Fergie, and I don't mean the one outa
Black-eyed-peas, this Fergie is gonna want to give us a good hiding.

Posted by: petemac  | January 9, 2008 8:50 PM

Davy Greena wrote...

Well its happened, big Sam has gone and probably with three years pay for eight months work. Now get rid of the Scouse psycho, and the waste of money that turns out for England more than the club that pays his wages. I hope Mike and Chris can pick a proper manager,not big Al, he has broad shoulders but the job would be too big and too soon for him. Get rid of those masquerading as a coaching team, but please, please, please not McLaren, his brolly wouldnt be big enough. Its wor Jurgen for me

Posted by: Davy Greena  | January 9, 2008 8:51 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Wrong, Wrong, Wrong.
Newcastle knew what they were getting when they signed him. His style of play takes time to develope.
There is a problem, a serious problem but the board must be strong, have faith in their jugdement and not give way to the howling masses. If Shearer is the new manager then the truth about Alan Sheares ability will be exposed. No more constantly whinging to the ref. no more elbowing, no more idilizing the God AS, he will stand and fall on his own abilaty. Oh yes, if he is given the job, Toon fans will look back in two years time and say, my god what did we do ?

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 9, 2008 8:54 PM

Norm wrote...

For the first time in 12 years as a STH at St. James I left the Man City game before the end. It's good to see that Mort & Ashley are not afraid to act BUT
please do not appoint McLaren or Jol or Hughes. I think the end came when Allerdyce said the Stoke result was a good result.

Posted by: Norm  | January 9, 2008 9:03 PM

mag in boro wrote...

if you look at the results and performances dont think ashley had a choice if the change hadnt been made we could have ended up in a lot worse position than we are now a new man coming in has half a season to work out who has the heart and passion to play for our club the rest gone in the summer
roeder was given more time because he took over as caretaker and qualifed the club for europe who is to say our new man can do the same
i cant believe MA has got rid without a replacement already lined up and although shearer is bookies favorite dont think he would want to take up the reigns martin jol is available with proven experience and a track record of playing good football
but new manager needs to understand exactly what newcastle united means to the fans and to the city as a whole

forget mourinho as is meant to have a block in place from chelsea preventing him to manage another prem club this season

Norm...the reason he has been sacked is to prevent the possibility of a relegation fight where as leaving him in place for another few months that was looking a certainty

Posted by: mag in boro  | January 9, 2008 9:05 PM

jpm wrote...

laughing stock AGAIN , the players should once again hang their heads in shame for doing nowt to help sam , and the boo boys get their way again , well done lads , keegan shearer ? dont make me laugh , you live in never neverland ,good luck big sam some of us were behind you .

Posted by: jpm  | January 9, 2008 9:05 PM

Dave wrote...

I personally thought that they woudl stick with him at least till the end of the season. Obviously not .... I think the only reason he has been sacked is cause we have a replacement lined up and they will be given cash during the window. Lets hop its not McClaren or some other uselsss sod......

Posted by: Dave  | January 9, 2008 9:15 PM

STEVE wrote...

to be honest i am shocked by this,just cos of the timing tho and after all the backing bsa was given by the board (in the press!) Otherwise its not too daft is it....if i owned a business that had a guy in charge of the shop floor that had been from a previous regime and was performing dreadfully i would change it....its been suggested that we wont go down...OH REALLY! we are just awful at the moment and i saw no light at the end of the tunnel perfomance and signing wise. Those like the press who say its same old,same old at the toon are fools,cos these are the same who were saying give sam time cos hes just been here a short while....WELL,obviously,these same hypocrites arent prepared to extend the same courtesy to m.ashley and c.mort(no fools at all,a billionaire and a lawyer). COME ON,we all pay to see good football and we werent...so be it,sam will be paid off handsomely and we move on.Now i dont know if it will be a good thing in he end but lets just be patient and think,if bsa were still in charge in this window what would he buy,defenders yes,flair ball players no. Who will we get????? jose? doubt it ,jol? i hope not(had a good squad at spurs that i could av managed and still got the bullet),some relatively unknown foreigner......not sure....all i do know is that IT HAD BETTER NOT BE STEVE MCLAREN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! UP THE MAGS...........BELEIVE......

Posted by: STEVE  | January 9, 2008 9:19 PM

steve wrote...

forgot to say........KEEGAN and another,wether it be big al or not....would be my choice.....lets get a bit of feel good back.....and make up for lost time......

Posted by: steve  | January 9, 2008 9:22 PM

Buzza wrote...

If Mike Ashley has a Mourinho or Hitsveld lined up then I say more power to him ; go for it. If he is thinking Shearer then God help us. It's very hard for me to understand why so many fans want Shearer to manage the club. OK - he was a great player but that does not translate to being a great manager. We need a proven winner not a pipe dream. Very worrying times yet again for the Toon.

Posted by: Buzza  | January 9, 2008 9:24 PM

Michael Nee wrote...

I don't care what the football world thinks of us. We are not here to entertain them, we are here to do what is best for Newcastle.

Thankfully Ashley and Mort have done the deed. It was always a matter of when and not if.

Stats don't lie:

2 Wins in 13

No Win in 5 Games

1 Goal in 4

Should of been beaten by Derby and Stoke

Not good enough, if any1 can defend these performances, then they are in the wrong club, cos we should be better than this.

We are not wanting champions league football, we just want something that is worth shouting about, and the football on show this season rates along the Richard Dinnis era.

I think we have to go foreign, my choice like last time was Gerard Houller and is now. Sam Allardyce had won no trophies and got bolton to 6th, well Glenn Roeder got us to 7th and West Ham and he isn't a top manager.

Posted by: Michael Nee  | January 9, 2008 9:25 PM

RAY WILSON wrote...

Hi Lee. Well we all knew it would happen the bookies are rarely wrong and he was there next favourite to go. Well he has gone now and all I can say is thank goodness. His style of football team strategies and tactics were awful. I have seen some poor managers ie Dinnis,Lee,Souness-to name a few-and he was right down there with them.Please forget the media hype about -GIVE HIM TIME-his signings were awful and his playing methods made an average team look a poor one. I can see why Mike and Chris were not prepared to give him any more money-his potential targets were again not any better than what we have and it would have been a further case of wasted money. The job was just too big for him -he still acted as though he was at Bolton-second string signings may have worked at Bolton -but they will never be accepted at the toon. I have said before on this message board -Keegan and Joe Harvey always bought quality-and that quality excited the fans who were able to watch real football-forget this nonsense we are a trophy hunting crowd who insist the manager wins things-nothing could be further from the truth-all 52,000 of us have turned up for years -wanting to watch good football and have some pride in our team-yes it would be great to win something -but thats not the be all of our expectations-under Sam we have become more and more bored than ever and it had to change. I hope the chairman has thought very carefully about the next appointment-it has to be someone who can inspire,make good signings,and be able to identify with this club-I know all managers make the odd bad signing but hey all the money this guy spent last summer has been wasted-maybe with Faye and Beye exceptions.good by Sam good luck and dont bother us again.

Posted by: RAY WILSON  | January 9, 2008 9:37 PM

Martin wrote...

I know what you all mean by the type of football he plays but how long has it been said that we need to sort out the defence before we can seriously compete in the top 3?. I was complaining when he left milner & emre out while smith was playing (badly in) midfield but look where we are in the league & how long the players have been together - surely we should've given him more time. The only reason for getting rid off him , I hope , is that Shearer (or Keegan) is ready to step up.

Posted by: Martin  | January 9, 2008 9:43 PM

Martin wrote...

what manager is now going to want the job knowing he's got to produce the goods within a few months ? - certainly not one who's in a good job at the minute!

Posted by: Martin  | January 9, 2008 9:49 PM

dave wrote...

What I'm feeling now is mainly disappointment: I was never an Allardyce fan but once he was appointed it was a case of "let's get on with the job of rebuilding" and I thought he was the right one to do that. Eight months later we're once again no further forward with yet another sacking or parting, however you want to put it, well inside the contracted period. I cannot honestly see anyone wanting to manage this club and I'm therefore fearful of the future. Those who've mentioned names are living in Cloud Cuckoo Land: Klinsmann: he can't be bothered leaving his home to manage the German national team - why would he bother with a club like NUFC. Shearer: He was divisive as a player, has no managerial experience and appears to be enjoying being on TV. McLaren: someone's pulling the plonker there surely? Keegan: very much doubt if he'd want to return - he doesn't need the dosh or the pressure.
As for appointing a coach from overseas - I'd be for that if there was a suitably qualified person available but in the middle of a crisis like we're in with matches against Manure and Arsenal coming up and more importantly, with NUFC's history of over expectations and short contracts for the coach where are the incentives. I love this club but even I wouldn't volunteer - talk about a poisoned chalice. HTL

Posted by: dave  | January 9, 2008 9:50 PM

peter mc wrote...

i have been observing a betting site and alan shearer has gone from 7/4 favourite to 9/2 while harry redknapp has gone from 12/5 second fav to 1/2 fav for the job in a matter of 2 hours,also portsmouth visit the mackems at weekend so wondering if something is in the pipeline

Posted by: peter mc  | January 9, 2008 9:53 PM

Myron wrote...

The same old story isn't it. Another manager got sack, if not wrong the 8th man in the 10 years times. Later new manager in the helm stay around a year fail to deliver then get sack, anther come in and get sack in short period of time and the story goes on repeating. How many times do we want this to happen? I'm Sick of it already, i sincerely hope Mr Mike got a excellent candidate for the post for short terms and future benefits of the club.

Howay the lad, for the better tomorrow!

Posted by: Myron  | January 9, 2008 10:02 PM

Burny wrote...

One word. Jose. Expensive but bring him on.

Posted by: Burny  | January 9, 2008 10:48 PM

Saxon Paige Vickers-Buckley wrote...

I'm sorry but I strongly object (or should that be "object strongly"?) to the idea that NUFC are a laughingstock (again). I'll have you know that MCFC have that taped (or did), so leave it.

Many of you are gutted that Old Cod Face Rollthedice has left the building (re Elvis). Don't be. Two words: Joey Barton. You were well-warned about him...goes to Sam's judgment. Joey is still up for assault causing actual bodily against Dabo, his trial is set for the 30th June, 2008... and let's not forget his attempt to blind City player Jamie Tandy with a cigar, or assaulting that 15 year-old Everton fan... Joey Barton is down for destroying what little morale existed in City's dressing-room last season. Goes to judgment. Joey is going away for a long time...

My sources tell me that Rotund Samuel's last words (a la Captain Oates) were, "I am just going outside and may be some time." In Joey's future I hear... "I am just going inside now..."

You all need to get a grip. Is it right that you have had ten managers in ten years? Is this the Italian Government school of footie management.?

Go round uns to the wall and seek Jose. He might say no, he probably will (goodbye Rafa...you're not "their" man either), but it's worth a go.

Harry Kickback? Are you serious?

Don't fret.

Posted by: Saxon Paige Vickers-Buckley  | January 9, 2008 10:51 PM

Uncle Norm wrote...

Glad he's gone. He was never the man for the job. Unfortunately, he's left us with Smith and Barton. Hope that Emre doesn't go, but I wouldn't blame him after the way he's been treated. We need him centre midfield.

Posted by: Uncle Norm  | January 9, 2008 10:58 PM

Saxon Paige Vickers-Buckley wrote...

Oh, another thing. After you lost to us, Sam gave an interview which he began by stating he was not going to crticize the officials. 3 minutes later he finally wound up having a go at the ref. Fair enough I suppose. What really stood out though was his bizarre assertion that if Elano had been sent off - as he should in Sam's high-in-the-stands-opinion - he would not have been in a position to score.

[Sam characterized Elano "Desperate Dan" Elano's foul as a "career ender." Puh-lease Sam. I'll have whatever you're drinking.]

Er. Goal first, yellow card afterwards Sam.

Obviously GOOD managers spend the first half away from the players, and in this case, some tear in the space-time continuum exacerbated the old problem inherent.

His comments after the STOKE game were the final bale of straw. He must have forgotten other people watched the game. Sam, you were lucky to get nil, full-stop.

Sam's remarks were either evidence of substance abuse, or the drowning man going down bubbled to the surface...glug, glug.

Anyway, good luck lads. Just take a deep breathe. We've been through worse at Man City.

Posted by: Saxon Paige Vickers-Buckley  | January 9, 2008 11:10 PM

Phil 9 wrote...

So sam has gone and this was no suprise, sooner or later MA & Mort were gonna get rid, so sooner the beter. Lets see who there gonna bring in. they have to get it right or we could be in the championship with the SMB's next year. It's gonna be a fresh start, a new era, so lets all get behind the next appointment, give them all our support and get rid of the boo boy's attitude and bring the good times back. We all hope for KK & AS please god..But also Klinsman, Mourinho, Hidink, Lippi But Please god not JOL or McClaren or Rednapp. There is some top players in the squad and we have seen what they can produce in the correct positions.We need some passion with tactical awarness and experience and a love for the city and fans. Now where would you get that!!! come on mike bring them together and give them a massive budget,
We might not win anything but the Football will be magic again and throw in a trophy over the next few years and thats me a happy Lad again. Just some entertainment will do the job nicely

Posted by: Phil 9  | January 9, 2008 11:21 PM

bonnielad wrote...

i don't think it was a big shock to see sam getting the punt.his style of play and the woeful choice of his defensive buys meant that it was only a matter of time.now united are stuck again with a number of players who are never going to be up to standard of premier league.how about giving the scouts a big raspberry for their efforts resulting in these poor buys.i don't think shearer is ready or ,in my opinion will ever be ready to take the reins of uniteds manager.go for someone like mourinhno (probably not available this year )remember he was a protege of bobby robson or his ilk please please don't go for mcclaren.it is another sorry day in the fortunes of a club who should be up with the best

Posted by: bonnielad  | January 9, 2008 11:29 PM

Dan wrote...

Whats wrong with Steve McClaren? He took charge of a cr** lower table team and won the League Cup and got to the Uefa cup Final, look where we are now, 8th at best this season. The only problem McClaren had at England apart from a load of spoilt, lazy players was a poor selection of goalkeepers, not a problem at Toon. My favoutite is actually Jol, mainly because there is a good chance he could lure Defoe to the team and get us into a good position within a couple of seasons. I don't think Redknapp could cut it, a top half finish is legendary for Portsmouth so hes never felt the pressure like being at Toon. I seriously don't think Mourinho would want the job and the less said about Shearer at this point the better, though I would take him as assistant manager anyday! I think there are enough good unemployed managers out there to pay a massive compensation bill for an employed one, just to pay another compensation bill when we sack him. So in short, Jol or McClaren for the job.

Posted by: Dan  | January 9, 2008 11:30 PM

John wrote...

I,m sick of people saying Newcastle fans are too demanding. Only one man is to blame for Sams departure and thats Sam. How can he not see that playing people out of position and his bad signings have got him in this mess. Examples, Makes Geremi captain but he has to sub him all the time. Signs Enrique but plays N,Zogbia. Plays centre halves at full back Blatent tactical mistakes with subs.Cant see that Barton is bad news. Results in home games with Derby, Portsmouth Man City. Give us some credit.

Posted by: John  | January 9, 2008 11:34 PM

Peter wrote...

Get Lippi in!!! Master tactician, motivator, can attract players and would surely sort the defence. Failing that the only English manager worth having is KK (barring Robson, but poor soul is on borrowed time now).

I may even give Stuart Pearce a go because he is a quality young manager who knows how to motivate and has a good pulse on young players.

I don't want another amatuer who will balk at the thought of being able to spend £10m on one player. I don't want another amateur who thinks kicking the ball in the air is the way to play footie. I don't want someone who can't attract the big names we should have and who can't inspire the youngsters. I want someone who plays touch football, short, quick possession football and who plays the channels and the width. I want a manager who will teach that attack begins in defence and defence in attack....a strong work ethic across the pitch.

Hopefully, we won't lose Ameobi who was getting better after the hip op, or Emre who finally settled down. Sam had too many defenders and midfielders and no strikers. Kept buying defenders then never gave them a chance to form a bond.

He was the worst manager i have ever seen!!! Thank God he's gone!

Posted by: Peter  | January 9, 2008 11:36 PM

Action Steve wrote...

Chris Waddle for manager!

Posted by: Action Steve  | January 9, 2008 11:44 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Lets get one thing straight. The media create the pressure, a deluded minority of fans, hangers on from the Keegan era increase it and the media pick it up again, and the pressure increases. The true NUFC fans support whoever is in charge, and whoever is in the starting eleven.
Until the media leave us alone, and those deluded ones (please) go to Asda with the wife on a Saturday afternoon nothing will change.
Sam, all the best mate. You were never going to be given the time.
As for expectation. As long as I've been a supporter and season ticket holder (43 years now) NUFC supporters have never had any great expectation. The Keegan era was a one off. It will not happen again, a fairytale maybe, but it brought with it an expectation from certain sections of the media and Keegan era gloryhunters which is desstroying the club that I love.
This was once a proud club with real working class support which shouted itself hoarse every game regardless of the quality of the performance or the result. How times have changed, we have become a laughing stock, a circus. Which person who is of sane mind would take this job now. I really fear for my club.

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 10, 2008 12:02 AM

Anonymous wrote...

Jol might be a good choice...I wanted BSA to succeed but so many turgid performances were very disappointing.

Not McClaren thank you!

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 10, 2008 12:47 AM

Phil wrote...

If the bookies are right - Newcastle will be getting probably the best pound-for-pound manager in Britain. No one has squeezed more out of a pound than Harry - what he has achieved on shoestring budgets, in many ways, is more remarkable than the achievements of other top managers who have enjoyed big club advantage. Harry has to be the shrewdest and wiliest manager out there. Other than a Keegan - Shearer tandum, Harry definitely gets my vote!

Posted by: Phil  | January 10, 2008 1:58 AM

lee johnston wrote...

I'd have liked to see Sam stay for a bit longer, when he left Bolton he said he wanted a challenge and at NUFC he got that. He also said that it would take time? Ok so his style of football isn't great to watch but I'd like to see us play boring and win a few times rather than play great be 14 points ahead at christmas and blow it all away?
Anyway about a new manager not that stupid ginger, please not him.
But if NUFC want someone who will control the players (maybe even Barton) and who knows about football, my Mam is available as she left her job last week.

But whoever it is I'd love to see them make something of us again.........!

TOON, TOON, BLACK AND WHITE ARMY!!!!!

Posted by: lee johnston  | January 10, 2008 3:07 AM

Lee Atkinson wrote...

The right move at the wrong time we will never bring any players in now and will be stuck with what we have. if the new manager can utilise the players we have better than sam did then we might climb out of trouble.I think whoever is coming in has been lined up for a few weeks and has a player shortlist already submitted otherwise its a really silly decision to sack our manager at this time in the season

Posted by: Lee Atkinson  | January 10, 2008 3:15 AM

Mike Wood wrote...

Allardyce was not the man for the job, and neither will Shearer be. We need someone who can motivate players and get them to play for each other. To me there appears to be players not liking each other, or with loyalty to the toon.
Mike Wood, South Africa

Posted by: Mike Wood  | January 10, 2008 5:48 AM

Mike Wood wrote...

Allardyce was not the man for the job, and neither will Shearer be. We need someone who can motivate players and get them to play for each other. To me there appears to be players not liking each other, or with loyalty to the toon.
Mike Wood, South Africa

Posted by: Mike Wood  | January 10, 2008 5:56 AM

Colin Parker wrote...

OK, so Ashley has sacked Allardyce ... and now what?

For me this is now the acid test of Ashley's ambition for the club. Is he playing at being a club owner or is he a deadly serious club owning billionaire like Ambranovich? If he is, there is only one man he should be breaking the bank for and that is Mourinho.

Although I would be ecstatic if Mourinho came, I would be just as ecstatic if Ashley pulled out all the stops to get him and failed. Because that would show that Ashley's ambition matches that of 52,000 season ticket holders, many of whom have ploughed money into the club for 40 years or more with only the 1969 Fairs Cup to show for it.

I have supported Newcastle and gone to matches since I was 7. I am now 55. The last time Newcastle won a domestic trophy I was aged 2, that's 53 years without success. FIFTY THREE YEARS.

And in 47 years that I have supported 'the toon' we haven't even won a League Cup, never mind the FA Cup or League. FORTY SEVEN YEARS.

Is there any other club in the world (and I mean the world) that would have a sell out 52,000 crowd with that dismal record? NO. NO. NO.

Fans of other clubs cannot even begin to imagine what winning a trophy would mean to us Geordies. I heard an Aston Villa fan say our expectations are far too high. Is winning 1 League Cup after 53 trophyless years an expectation too high? You just don't understand Mr A Villa.

So Mr Ashley. I and 10's, nay 100's, of 1000's of loyal Toon fans have kept this great underachieving club to the fore of English football through our undiminished support, blind faith and never failing ambition. We now have a billionaire owner who faces the acid test ...

DOES YOUR AMBITION MATCH OURS MR ASHLEY?

You can afford him. Go for him with every thing you've got. The man will become a God, a Legend, a brother to Wor Jackie Milburn, if he gives us success. And so to will you Mr Ashley.

Go for Mourinho Mr Ashley, even if you fail. Nothing else will prove to me that you are worthy of owning our great club.

Posted by: Colin Parker  | January 10, 2008 7:24 AM

Geoff Reynolds wrote...

Bring back Kev! At least he wont cost as much when he quits in a year.

Posted by: Geoff Reynolds  | January 10, 2008 7:56 AM

Tony in Leicester wrote...

How can any manager survive at Newcastle when Newcastle fans are the most fickle in the football league. You only have yourselves to blame for the pressure you exert on your managers when they job is hard enough. Get behind your next manager not just for the highs but also the lows.

Posted by: Tony in Leicester  | January 10, 2008 8:14 AM

John Clapson wrote...

Shocked at Big Sam's sacking. . .Yes, the performances and results were'nt good enough but to sack him at this early stage is madness.

Who are they going to get in? My choice would be Martin O Neill and Shearer on the training staff so he can learn, I'm not convinced Martin would leave Villa for the madness of the Toon.

Personally, I would have given Big Sam a season or too because I think he would have turned the club around. He has made some good signings (Faye, beye) while clearing out some of the rubbish (Bramble, Babyaro, etc). Personally, I would sell Owen and buy Defoe, sell Emre and Barton and get some more players in.

I am worried about Jol, Redknapp and horrified at the prospect of the useless McClaren!!

Posted by: John Clapson  | January 10, 2008 8:29 AM

Nenad wrote...

Amen to that, Colin Parker. I've been watching the Toon only for 10 years, and I'm 24 years old. Plus, I'm not a Geordie by blood, but Newcastle United has become a part of me during these years, and I want to see our captain lift a trophy, behing him black and white confetti flying, thousands of Geordies screaming in ectasy. So I can imagine how you must feel! I think that that Ashley should go for Mourinho. He may not play the most beautiful game, but he won the Champions League with Porto, so that says it all really.

A few words about Big Sam. All of his "scientific methods", "I want players with Premiership experiance" came to nothing. Bying one of the most talented left backs and sticking him to bench to watch N'Zogbia playing left back is just annoying! And it's just one of the things. "Performances" against Fulham and Stoke are enough to earn anyone the sack, not to mention winning one point in two games against Derby. Hello?!?!

Please, DO NOT get Jol, Redknapp or some joker like that. Give Mourinho all the millions he asks, and let him do his thing!

Nenad from Serbia, still Keeping the Faith!

Posted by: Nenad  | January 10, 2008 9:06 AM

Anonymous wrote...

Do you really think Spurs would've put up with performances like this? Liverpool? England?

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 10, 2008 9:08 AM

Anonymous wrote...

It is time for Newcastle to prove they are a BIG club and appoint 'The Special One' he is one of only a handful of managers in the world who can take the Maggies to the heights they should be at.
So far as the sacking of Same this will be remembered as Sheppard's legacy right man but the wrong club The
long ball is fine with 'smaller' club's with low budgets where money is a big issue but if Newcastle want to achieve a top four finish then it will take skill, a good work rate and good organisation - Bring on the Special One

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 10, 2008 9:26 AM

Reigate Geordie wrote...

As a born and bred NUFC fan for the last 40 years these are my thoughts for what they are worth!! OK So Big Sam was struggling to get the results we expect, BUT, can you really say he was given a fair chance to turn around a team that has been struggling for YEARS to get the results we expect. I do not think so. We can only hope that Mike has had a long think about who should replace Sam and has already decided to give him at least two seasons to do the job. Howay the Lads

Posted by: Reigate Geordie  | January 10, 2008 9:33 AM

David Robinson wrote...

I'm very pleased Sam's gone. He was never right for Newcastle and Ashley & Mort knew this. I'm all for being patient but when the style of play is so un-Newcastle under Allardyce, I for one couldn't bear it.
You can win things and very efficient and workmanlike all day but when you do it with a bit of flair it makes all the difference. Keegan knew this, Robson knew this. They had 500000 geordies 100% behind them knowing this too.
Call me shallow but I'd much rather win 5-3 than 1-0. I'd also much rather lose games but show a bit of heart and passion unlike the toothless displays of late.
In my opinion, only one man truely knew what the fans wanted.
I'd love it if we got Keegan... love it!

Posted by: David Robinson  | January 10, 2008 9:39 AM

Dave wrote...

Im so pleased - about time! Its not about giving big Sam time - hes had that - to constantly play players out of position, drop the performing players, formation and tactics was awful!!!! Hes too stubborn as he think he knows best. Was he watching the same games as us??? Not sitting in the dugout for the first half of matches says it all for me! We dont need to rush into appointing a manager - our seasons going no where - lets wait!

Posted by: Dave  | January 10, 2008 9:40 AM

Ina wrote...

it is time football teams were made to realise football is a game,not just a moneymaker,big sam was never given a chance,as for shearer he is like beckham,tie the ball to his foot and throw him in the net,it is the only way they can score,Scotland might not have the best team,but at least they take a pride in the game,to them it is country first,big bucks second

Posted by: Ina  | January 10, 2008 9:41 AM

malcolm callender wrote...

Like most Toon Fans i have been dissalusioned with the style of football played by Big Sam this season, which at times has been shocking.

That said no manager in the world is going to turn around a football club in 8 months and the sooner WE as Newcastle fans appreciate that then the quicker success will come.

The biggest reason that NUFC has not been sucessfull is that no recent manager has been given time, and a big factor for that is the fan factor.

Sam rightly pointed to Fergusson Moyes Wenger to name but a few who achieved sucess after being given a decent run to sort things out.

I know other fans will point to the style of football as being the reason he was hounded out and that is fair comment but when will we learn.

We claim to be the best fans in the world and for 30 years i have believed that with all my heart but i am now getting to the stage where i believe many fans let their hearts rule their heads and in actual fact live in a fantasy world with absolutely no concept of the game at all.

I wish Sam all the best I was always AGAINST his appointment from the start but believe that after his appointment he should have been given at least 2 seasons to make an impact.

Which TOP Manager do you think will now put his reputation on the line for a job which is an undoubted poison chalis in football, or will the clamour for Shearer see him take the post? Lets get real! Shearer is a legend but manager of Newcastle United not likely! One day when he has cut his managerial teeth i hope he will return, but do you think he will want to risk his God like status in a job where we will all be calling for his head after six months.

Harry Redknapp must be rubbing his hands in glee. We'll employ him on a 4 year contract keep him 6 months and pay him 6 million to leave. Sounds like a superb investment to me!!!!!!!

Posted by: malcolm callender  | January 10, 2008 9:43 AM

Jack Forrest wrote...

New owner,new chairman, new manager,new players,same supporters,same shambles.

Posted by: Jack Forrest  | January 10, 2008 9:56 AM

Big Kev wrote...

Whoever gets the job needs to be given time to see it through. Whatever you hear over the next few days the new manager will be either Redknapp or Sparky Hughes, ignore the rest because it aint gona happen it's one or the other. So fans have got to stop crying on for Al to take charge, it's a non starter & get behind the new man which ever one of the two it turns out to be. I'd prefer Hughes myself but there you go.

Posted by: Big Kev  | January 10, 2008 10:54 AM

James wrote...

I cant beleive these people stating Sam was never given a chance and needed more time!! Are they for real! Do they go to the games! Obviously not!!! If so they would know game after game his team selection and tactics bemused fans even before kick off. He had chance after each game to correct things, and pick the 'best' 11 to which he didnt! Football is now a business - which time doesnt stand still! How much more time do u want? Enough to drive the fans away, turn the TV cameras away, which is where the revenue comes from? In my opinion action has been to slow. All we want is a manager who picks the best 11 and who play with passion. And we were never going to get that with Sam. We would be fighting relegation before long. I accept to turn things around takes more time, but Sam was never going to do that which was obvious by his obnoxious managerial style.

Posted by: James  | January 10, 2008 11:04 AM

luvgaz wrote...

wor Gazza for the job,Beardsly assist, wallsend boys club yeaaaaa

Posted by: luvgaz  | January 10, 2008 11:07 AM

Edinburgh Michael wrote...

Whatever happens, I hope to god we follow the FA's new approach; we need someone in the mould of Cappello not Mclaren.

So please - no Redknapp.

If it has to be homegrown I would much rather see Coppell get a shot.

Posted by: Edinburgh Michael  | January 10, 2008 11:14 AM

Bob wrote...

I have read some illogical rubbish on this -and other- sites but SuPeRcOOl is the worst so far. The fans are not the staff they ARE the customers and, as any successful businessman will tell you, pleasing the customers is the way to achieve and maintain success.

Posted by: Bob  | January 10, 2008 11:14 AM

Siomi wrote...

Thank God! Ashley showed who really wears the trousers and went for it.

I don't think he would have done this now unless he had a replacement up his sleeve. I am convinced Red napp is a red herring.

It has to be Jose Mourinho. Surely Chelsea won't object to him coming to salvage something for us from this season, we aren't realistically going to threaten them for anything...

And NOT NIGEL ******* PEARSON as caretaker, PLEASE! The last time this vinnie jones wannabe took the helm we almost lost two of our most important players through his confrontational crew cut managerial approach. THAT MAN HAS TO BE SACKED ASAP! God help us everyday HE remains at the club.

Posted by: Siomi  | January 10, 2008 11:33 AM

URU2 wrote...

NUFC isn't going to win a damn thing if we continue to act like this. Barton was spot on when he said the fans need to change their ways, or NUFC will win nowt. Sorry to see you go Sam, given more than 5 minutes in the hotseat, I think you'd have done good things for NUFC. You "fans" who got him booted should be ashamed of yourselves. You don't know how to support a football club.

Posted by: URU2  | January 10, 2008 11:40 AM

kinverroy wrote...

Fans have won - another manager gone - absolutely brilliant!!
Where do we go now? - don't make me laugh by suggesting Shearer - yes he was a great player but that's where his CV ends - he hasn't mastered being a TV pundit yet.
Whoever it is, and please God, not either of the Cockney spivs Redknapp or Venables, boring McClaren, Jol or even the great KK, THEY NEED TO BE GIVEN TIME

Posted by: kinverroy  | January 10, 2008 11:41 AM

Charles wrote...

Once again we sacked another manager. To think it is wrong will be stupid but to think it was right will be even stupider. All supporters, just look at the team right now and without a manager, we surely lose to MU heavily for sure. I certainly will not want MU to win large against Newcastle because their damn supporters will rub it in my face with a pie.

Sam signed his own sack warrant when he failed to live up to his reputation and display bad tactics but to leave now? I don't think so...he should be leaving at the end of the season, now Newcastle is put in turmoil until god knows when.

Ashley, will you tell me why you chose to sack him in January when the transfer windows are open?

Who's going to buy players?You?

I for one, will vote either Klinsmann or Jose to take our club, alongside Shearer as assistant manager.

Posted by: Charles  | January 10, 2008 11:42 AM

RICHIE wrote...

Sam was out of his depth and overrated. He was clueless when it came to tactics (443 - 442- 532), played players totally out of position and was more interested in nullifying the opposition than going out and winning a game. All great managers play the same system with players in the right positions and play possession football (see Man Utd and Arsenal). There was no progress and I'm amazed at fans who wanted to give him more time. Sam is an average manager who won nothing and was lucky to get the job in the first place. Well done to Ashley for having the guts and foresight to make a difficult decision. Perhaps we'll see some progress now. As for Sam! Well he'll probably end up at Preston or somewhere like that (along with McClaren who's cut from the same cloth). Shankly was always right when he said football is a simple game ruined by idiots. Perhaps Sam should have taken heed because all the football science in the world won't help if you can't keep the game simple and entertaining (see the Keegan years for how football should be played).

Posted by: RICHIE  | January 10, 2008 12:02 PM

neil wrote...

so newcastle haven't won the premier leaguge for xmas so once again they sack the manager,thats the way to go well done,why dont fans realise they are not a big club and are light years away from the top 4

Posted by: neil  | January 10, 2008 12:09 PM

iain nicolson wrote...

changin a team does take time so we did sam try and do it all in one go.

unless you spend a fortune on players ala chelsea no team can adapt to alien tactics. especially oens who have been struggling for confidence in there normal positions.

sam should of played 442 and kept it simple, even the 442 is workable for long ball tactics, especially when you have the players we do. he could even have plaued two defensive mf players in cm. by the time he did that the players didt trust him and wernt performaing.

Posted by: iain nicolson  | January 10, 2008 12:23 PM

Michael Nee wrote...

I've paid £500 for a season ticket this season to see the worst football that I have ever seen Newcastle play. If anyone who had seen us play every game this season would understand why we wanted him out.

It wasn't getting better, it was getting worse by every game.

He' Spent 25 million

Brought in 9 of his own players

It's the players he brought in who are playing the poorest

Roeder and Souness for godsake's could do better with this team, at least they had the injury excuse, which Sam couldn't even use.

Posted by: Michael Nee  | January 10, 2008 12:36 PM

MarkyMark wrote...

Well another season, another manager in and out of nufc. While I agree that Allardyce didn't have a chance after only 24 games in charge to change things around to his way of thinking, let's face it the way things were going the fans did not want to see things implemented the Allardyce way.

The big problem Big Sam had was not just his results but his style of play (or lack of it) and his strange decisions and tactics. Playing defensive football with a weak defense just invites more pressure. Playing players out of position does nothing for their confidence nor for the stability of the team. Long ball football with Owen and Martins up front together just boggles the mind. But most of all going away to places like Derby County looking to shut up shop hope for a draw and then get beaten is just plain diabolical.

I do not agree with people craving for Shearer, Keegan etc...that was the past, it was good but it is firmly time to move on. But whoever takes the job on needs to be made clear of the type of football expected, the results that are expected but most of all given time to get things right...there is no magic button to push. But for those out there who think the Toon Army have unrealistic expectations....No we don't! We expect to get value for money. We have the 4th highest wage bill in the premiership, are one of the 20 richest clubs in europe despite not actually having european money coming in, and fill the stadium for the 3rd highest crowd in the premiership, so why can't we expect to be a top half team competing for european places rather than a struggling mid-table side in a precarious position of being dragge in to the relegation fight??? A trophy would be nice, but giving a good account of ourselves and show committment, win games we SHOULD be winning and at least compete witht he top teams more is the very least we should expect!

Posted by: MarkyMark  | January 10, 2008 12:49 PM

trev wrote...

It is noticeable how many journalists and contributors to 5 Live slag off NUFC supporters for having "Expectations which are too high." They ought to try being one of us and see how they feel!

Is it not every football supporter's desire to have high expectations for their club? Whatever snyde remarks are made about us "not really being a big club," we actually ARE in comparison to most of the rest. How many millions have been doled out to managers over our tenure in the Premiership to win err.... Nowt! Our expenditure must be up there with the top clubs in Europe.

At least under KK and much of BR's reign we played some decent football and gave the fans hope. We now have had too many years of poor quality football and half hearted players giving us no hope or reasonable expectation. "We're s... and we're sick of it!"

I was ashamed on sunday to see players pulling out of 50-50 tackles and with the seeming inability to pass to a member of their own team.

Clear out Pearson, McDermott and get some proper coaches in with a manager who knows how to play football and buy players who have passion and commitment.

Posted by: trev  | January 10, 2008 12:49 PM

Mark Back from Washington wrote...

Well been back from the US since Nov seen the game slive and on TV and have to say I am not surprised that SAM has gone. Lets face it it was on the cards it was now or never and MA is not a man to settle for second best as we know.

I said it before and I still stand by my statement that BS is not a bad manager just not a good premiership manager.

I think his down fall was to be honest a combination of on and off the field.

Off the field from the word go he made promises he could not keep and hyped himself up so much he was always going to fall off. He got his players in and then failed to sort out the defence to the point that one of his imports never played. And when things went right he took the glory, but when they went wrong it was never his doing (come on he even blamed the police and one point), if he had been in the elk of Robson and even Roeder who in post match interviews took it on the chin then I think he would have had more support from the fans.

On the pitch I think he was destroying the players, the costant changing of the team and the general morale of the players never seem to eminate. Result was poor performances as well as the team becoming incapable of forming playing partnerships, further result worse morale and possibly a bit of anger from within the team.

I am not sad that he has gone but do wish him all the best. As I have said previously, I just don't think he had the tactically ability to ustilse, what is a very good squad of players.

At Bolton he did well with a team suited to playing one way which happened to connect with his style. With Newcastle you have a squad that is full of players who don't play the long game.

All in all he did'nt match up to his own hype, did'nt tame Barton, did'nt identify were players best positions where. He also appeared to be under player presure as he played players such a Geremi whe there were better players available.

Best of luck MS but sorry as I susspected you took on a job that was out of your league.

Posted by: Mark Back from Washington  | January 10, 2008 12:52 PM

ever the optimist wrote...

Can I have the job. I am sure for half the money I couldnt make any more of a mess.

Posted by: ever the optimist  | January 10, 2008 12:52 PM

Genghiz wrote...

I shed a tear at first when I heard the news because I'm human. But he didn't play up to expectations with the talent he has. I wish him luck and to Newcastle.

Posted by: Genghiz  | January 10, 2008 12:53 PM

robustyoungsoul wrote...

Awful, awful decision. I don't care if a pet rock is named manager of this team next, it needs to have at least a couple of years to make decisions before rushing to judgment.

As long as the fans of this team constantly get what they want, NUFC will ALWAYS be mediocre.

Posted by: robustyoungsoul  | January 10, 2008 12:54 PM

PhilK wrote...

I see the phrase 'laughing stock' being used re the toon management situation. More like 'embarrasing' for those so called managers who reckon they can win things with our club. NUFC exposed Big Sam's lack of competence at the top flight. Fat Freddy's judgement is to blame here, thinking Souness, Roeder and Alardyce could take us where we need to be, and of course humiliating Bobby.

The best fans, best stadium, tons of money. No, its not too much to ask for a good manager to get us where we need to be quickly.

Redknap, Hughes, Allardyce, Hoddle, Venables - more and more of the same. In fact look at the bookies favourites - Hughes and Redknapp - not won a trophy between them... and without entertainment. The clubs they represent are nothing like NUFC and the fans have low expectations and are actually grateful for the manager keeping them in the premiership - survival is their silverware!

NUFC fans demand entertainment, the London press were the only ones who hounded Keegan for lack of Silverware - we loved him for his entertainment. Ruud taking us to the cup final demonstrated that - we still didn't like the bloke!

But...the answer here is 'the chosen one' beyond doubt. He craves the worship, knows how to assemble a team and win...and entertain.

A note on Sven.....out of the mold of our dodgy old premiership management scene....instant success. Who says you can't have immediate success with the right approach and vision.

One final note...NUFC crave players who want to play for the club. Berbatov is a life long toon supporter and slept in a toon shirt as a kid. At £30m, a snip - we've wasted a lot more than that on dross recently. I don't see the club expressing any interest in this transfer window. He may go to Man U, but Shearer nearly did until the club he idolised as a youngster came a long an bought him!!! Finally, the cost of Jose will be far less than the pay-offs associated with another long spell of managerial changes.

Posted by: PhilK  | January 10, 2008 1:05 PM

BigLarf wrote...

Eight Months! Big Club! You are having a larf!

To reiterate. Sir Alex F was appointed manager at Old Trafford on November 6, 1986,
1988-89 season was a disappointment, eleventh in the league and losing 1–0 at home to Forest in the FA Cup quarter-final.

September 1989 (Three years into the job and won nothing nor looked likely to) United suffered a humiliating 5–1 away defeat against City. Things did not improve during the rest of 1989, and many journalists and supporters called for Ferguson to be sacked. United went on a run of six defeats...

But with bit of patience and rationale... Well you know the rest...

Premier League: (9 times)

FA Cup: (5 times)

League Cup: (twice)

FA Charity/Community Shield: (7 times)

UEFA Champions League: (once)

UEFA Cup Winners' Cup: (once)

Intercontinental Cup: (once)

UEFA Super Cup: (once)

Always look on the bright side of life... See you Saturday... And Please, please let Shearer have the job...

Posted by: BigLarf  | January 10, 2008 1:36 PM

Deaco wrote...

I agree with the decision. If we were going to be successful in 3-5 years time as Sam kept saying then why do we have to start the period so very poor!

In order for success in 3 years time we need to be heading in that direction. The football clearly showed that we were heading AWAY from any success. All the pundits etc. saying that it is crazy are simply trying to support a colleague.

We can now start fresh, excellent new owner, some good players (when played in position)now a new manager. This can't be some average premiership manager and I can't see how they will be British apart from it being Ferguson!!

We will have to look elsewhere. My choices would be:

1. Mourinho
2. Lippi
3. Hitzfeld
4. Houllier

I don't understand the Keegan thing. Yes I witnessed the great days, but look at Fulham, Manchester City. Something clicked here at Newcastle at the time and it would turn out like a bad school reunion, where things just aren't quite rosie and how they used to be!

With all due respect to Keegan there is a reason he is running soccer schools and not managing anymore!

Posted by: Deaco  | January 10, 2008 1:41 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Here we go again on the managerial roundabout with all the speculation and usual suspects whose names are linked to every job that becomes available. Like many others I am shocked at Big Sam was not given more time, not that I blame MA for reacting this way after all he does own the club.The football we have played this season has been boring, ugly and totally unacceptable. Apart from Faye and Beye the signings BS made have been poor to say the least,
continually playing players out of position did nothing to endure him to the Toon army. I have followed the Toon for over 40 years and now travel a 400 mile round trip to watch them, believe me I have had some very long journeys home after some of the performances this season. Is it to much to want your team to play attractive football and for players to give their all. As for a replacement for SA as I said before the usual names will be bandied about but who will want the job, I for one do not think Alan Shearer should be offered it unless he works in tandem with an experienced manager with a proven track record then takes over sometime down the road. If MA wants to take the risk on an up and coming young English manager then he could do a lot worse than giving Paul Ince a go, he has done well with his previous and current teams, just thought I throw a different name into the mix. For now we as Newcastle supporters must get behind the team on Saturday and hope Big Sams departure can be a catylist for a barnstorming performance against Man U, Howay the Lads.

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 10, 2008 1:48 PM

WA wrote...

I was asked 5 years ago when we would ever win a trophy. My answer was then and is now - never. We will never win a trophy until we can defend, and the fans won't allow a manager to build a defence. Allardyce was trying sometimes two steps forward two steps back, to make us better defensively. However he was undone because we don't have a competent striker at the club, and I include YMO, Oba and Viduka in that assessment. We have even less pace and movement in the forward line than we did when Shearer was at the end of his time. Martins is quick but he runs in the wrong direction mostly, meaning his pace isn't all that useful. We miss chance after chance, then let in the invariable goal and we're a beaten team. Bin Owen, Martins, Viduka and Shola, get Defoe and Ashton or Nugent. Man U Chelsea Liverpool Everton Blackburn Villa all slated by their fans in recent seasons for being poor to watch - sorted their defences then started to attack. Wenger inherited a strong defence built under George Graham at the cost of painfully dull football. But their managers were all given the chance to get it right - unlike the Toon. We'd have got Fergie the sack - why do Toon fans think NUFC has a tradition of playing attractive football? In the 40 years I've been following the Toon, only 3 seasons under KK and 2 seasons under SBR has the football ever been really watchable.

Posted by: WA  | January 10, 2008 1:54 PM

Michael wrote...

erm....right. This article paints a picture of delusion for our football club, and hear's why: we do not 'belong' in the top four. We have to earn the right to get there.

We can't just assume that the next manager we get will propel us up there because we 'belong' there. It will take hard work and above all patience. And that patience has to come from the fans as well as the board.

We need to build and build from the bottom upwards, recruit solidly at every level of playing staff throughout the club rather than plumping for short term fixes, panic buys and poorly thought out transfer strategies.

the best example for us to follow would be Everton, who stuck through the tough times with David Moyes and will reap the rewards of a settled, young playing staff, a youth development policy that is producing talent that proves itself on the pitch (we are not doing that, and its a worry) and they are steadily rebuilding a club that has a tremendous history and has more of a 'claim' to 'belong' in the top four of this league than we can.

We need to get real. We have amazing support and potential, but for some reason we slip all too easily into this frenzy of over-reaction, over-expectation and unfortunately this manifested itself in the board's knee-jerk reaction to dismiss Sam Allardyce.

I wasn't a fan of Sam Allardyce's style of play, and worried about his ability in the transfer market, but when all is said and down we are 11th in a tight league and really I feel a review at the end of the season would have more prudent. We now look for a new manager and face the prospect of wasting the transfer window.

Oh well, thats how it goes for Newcastle it seems. I hope we can come out of this re-focused and realistic. Its time for the bombast and rhetoric to stop and real management of the football club to come in and make the changes that can lead us forward.

Posted by: Michael  | January 10, 2008 2:00 PM

Jason Sayers wrote...

Ottmar Hitzfeld

We wanted him b4 "Step Over King" GR.

He is leaving The mighty Munich in the summer.

Mighty only becasue of him.

Munich were very much like oursevles b4 he took over and est them as a good domestic and euro team.The only manager ever to have his name sung from the terracessince the late 50's.

Sound familar, apart from KK and SBR.

Let's not allow narrow minded cockeny press and A. Oliver to try and tell us who we need this time, I blame him for the GR appoinment!!!!!, let the bandwagon roll again for HITZFELD!!!!!!!

Keep the faith

Posted by: Jason Sayers  | January 10, 2008 2:33 PM

Tontin wrote...

Big larf is having a laugh aint he! Who does he think he is.....We are not Man U and never will be! So why compare big Sam to Sir Alex. No comparison. It doesnt make any differnece....Every man is differnet and its no different with football. Just cos it worked like that at Man U doesnt mean to say history will repeat itself. We live for the future, not the past! And now its time to move on. SImple as. If it doesnt work out again, then so be it. So long as we have stable, enjoying football. The manager will never be as big as the club. And to all those who say we are not big - look again - we are compared to the majority in the UK!!!

Posted by: Tontin  | January 10, 2008 2:49 PM

Thomas Mac Cabe wrote...

LOUIS VAN GAAL ! ! ! Offer him a massive contract and give him a massive budget and lets at least get some attacking football back at SJP. He's a great tactician and has great experience and a great track record, whilst playing attracting football.

That's not to say that I agree with the decision to sack Big Sam but we find ourselves in a humiliating position once again and the only way out is to appoint a big name manager and sign some flair players.

I suspect we will be holding our usual position as a mediocre team for the foreseeable future though. I'm usually very positive but I'm at a loss now . . .

Posted by: Thomas Mac Cabe  | January 10, 2008 2:53 PM

Mark Green wrote...

Big Sam Sacked???
As about as surprising a head line as 'Pope wears big white hat' or the shocking toilet habits of bears.

The timing may have surprised people after he remained in his job after he didn't know what he was doing against Liverpool and after hapless Derby deserved to do the double over us.

I hope the peculiar timing means that Ashley & Mort have lined up the man they wan't as replacement and it's someone that has won a league title before.

Freddy Shepherd always made a mess of such decisions. Lets hope Ashley and Mort get it right.

Unfortunately Mourinho has too much of an ego to come to a club which won't be winning the Champion's League any time soon.
With Sven also now taken up, I think my favourite might be Gerard Houllier who won the league with Lyon and guided Liverpool to the treble.
Harry Rednapp may bring good football but didn't his West Ham eventually end up relagated and so did Portsmouth. If he come North it would be for money. The Cheeky Cockney won't be requesting anything 'moist' from the local chippy. =) That's for sure.
Shearer has no experience in management and needs to be blooded first.
I think Mark Hughes is the only other credible alternative, else we might as well have kept Glen Roeder or take the up and coming talent of Lee Ryder. (Test to see if he's paying attention)

Posted by: Mark Green  | January 10, 2008 3:06 PM

John Low Fell wrote...

I was convinced we had Allardyce until the end of the season. I had made plans to take a book to the match, get some counselling, etc. and now a bright new dawn ( well a bit of a brighter bit of sky )emerges. I hope that a little intelligence is applied to selecting the next manager and there's nothing to suggest it won't be, after all Allardyce was sacked. If you ask me there's too much 'managing' going on, lets take a leaf out of Keegan's book and tell the lads to get on and enjoy themselves. It goes without saying that Smith could not be party to that !

Posted by: John Low Fell  | January 10, 2008 3:25 PM

kinverroy wrote...

Hope whoever gets the job quickly sorts out the players and gets rid of the hangers-on like Owen. He may have been world-class once but now he's slow and just a massive drain on the resources. If he were still world-class wouldn't he have been snapped up by bigger clubs - of course he would but they all realise what a waste of space he is?

Posted by: kinverroy  | January 10, 2008 3:31 PM

Ronnie Lambert wrote...

Now comes the sickening bit where the press all start mourning poor Sam for not getting enough time. He wanted 5 years? So would I on his money. Trouble is you have to give value for £500+ that hard working season ticket holders have literally scraped together over the year. He didn't give a monkey's about them. All his tunneled vision allowed him to see was that HE needed 5yrs. and HE would only do it HIS way. Now there is an opinion that Fat Freddy knew he'd been sold-out by Hall and outplayed by Ashley amidst growing disenchantment amongst the fans, so he spitefully banged in Sam whilst he still held the reins as an ' up yours ' to the lot o' you, knowing full well that few wanted Big Sham anyway, and with his team of rocket scientists would cost Ashley a fortune to pay them off. Luckily Mike Ashley will easily survive this and get the last laugh when he appoints his own GOOD manager, hopefully Harry Redknap, and gets these, for the large part, decent players working to their strengths as a team, the fans will do their bit. Either way he's ruined the season with his ineptitude and intransigence and it'll take the rest of this season plus the summer for a GOOD manager to turn things around. Here's where the patience of us supporters will show itself again. Stuff what the gutter press say, they'll turn on someone else after a week, and provide the bullets for another set of fans. Have you noticed how the T.V. media always start the ball rolling by slyly slipping into interviews that whoever's job might be under pressure if he loses this or that match? They did it with Martin Jol, asking him on camera after nearly every game, it was quite merciless to watch this very humble guy go through that. I believe he would have weathered the storm as his football was nice to watch and was improving, but Allardyce? Good riddance, you did it your way.

Posted by: Ronnie Lambert  | January 10, 2008 3:44 PM

Benton Bob wrote...

All right he's gone -- let's move on. For me there is only one replacement that would fit the bill and is possibly available -- JURGEN KLINSMANN. He's got style, charisma, plenty of worldwide contacts, he has agreat disposition and he's German, where there are no grey areas everything is black or white (forgive the pun). Similar to KK who gave up the sun, he would have to leave California, where I believe he lives. I think he's just been waiting for a really big opportunity and now it's arrived I hope Ashley and Mort see what I see. GET KLINSMANN ON BOARD NOW.

Posted by: Benton Bob  | January 10, 2008 4:20 PM

Mark Green wrote...

By the Way Big Larf...

Don't think WE'LL be keeping a respectful silence at the old trafford funeral home this weekend and you can stick your prawn and watercress sandwiches where the sun don't shine. :p

See you Saturday

Posted by: Mark Green  | January 10, 2008 4:31 PM

Phil wrote...

Mark Hughes would be an excellent choice of manager. He really cleaned up the Blackburn mess that Souness left. They were on their way to the Championship before Hughes took over from Souness. Hughes always is a gentleman too.

Posted by: Phil  | January 10, 2008 4:33 PM

Bwfc wrote...

Sammy Lee is free HA HA HA

Posted by: Bwfc  | January 10, 2008 4:59 PM

Sid wrote...

Some people are saying the fans have won. Given we started the season ok, if a little dull, Sam's reign I will remember for winning 2 of 13 games, the two wins being last minute goals against Brum and Fulham where we didn't deserve three points!

None of those games we deserved to win - not even Derby at home because they took their chances well and deserved two goals!

Rubbish for the last 13 games, never setting the world alight in four months, mediocre transfer activity, poor pr relations - how long do you have to be poor for before you get the sack these days.

I think Allardyce will get a job quicker and do better than Dalglish, Gullit and Souness, but don't try to kid me that Allardyce wasn't in the same bracket as those.

Why did Keegan and Robson succeed where that lot didn't....?

Posted by: Sid  | January 10, 2008 5:35 PM

Anonymous wrote...

its not the managers fault, its all ulot in newcastle,ur all scary. nobody in there right mind sholud touch you.why would keegan come back the way you treated him and all the managers.infacted were all sick of ulot moanin. stu. man u

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 10, 2008 6:06 PM

John Best wrote...

Very surprised that the end came so abruptly, thought that he would be given until the end of the season; just escaping relegation. Ashley had the balls to unload him now and I,m sure that he has somebody waiting in the wings to take over. In truth we were getting worse, despite how Sam tried to get things moving for us.Barton, Smith, Viduka & Owen , have a lot to answer for. These senior players must shoulder the blame for the poor results; it was,nt all Sams fault. There are very few , who can hold their heads up, this is as bad as it gets.

Posted by: John Best  | January 10, 2008 6:36 PM

LEE JOHNSTON wrote...

FOR MY SINS I NOW LIVE IN BLACKBURN, I COULD SEE THE PITCH FROM MY BEDROOM WINDOW BEFORE I BOUGHT MY CURRENT HOUSE, I HAVE WORKED FOR BLACKBURN ROVERS, AND IF ANYONE HAS PUT THEIR HARD EARNED MONEY ON MARK HUGHES BEING THE NEXT MANAGER OF NUFC I'D TELL THEM TO GO AND GET IT BACK. THE ONLY PLACE THAT SPARKY IS GOING AND EVERYONE DOWN HERE KNOWS IT IS OLD TRAFFORD, WHEN FERGUSON FINALLY GIVES UP.
LIKE I SAID EARLIERMY MAM COULD DO BETTER THAN A FEW OF THE LAST MANAGERS AND SHE'D WORK FOR 1/2 OF WHAT BIG SAM WAS ON?

Posted by: LEE JOHNSTON  | January 10, 2008 7:37 PM

biggs wrote...

ashley wants his own man in ,big sam blew his chance with awful football and poor signings ,players out of position week after week when not forced on him .
this is our big chance to catch up with the top four so reach for the sky ash and make us proud again.

Posted by: biggs  | January 10, 2008 8:17 PM

Andrew Davis wrote...

HI LEE,

I HAVE TO SAY WHY IS HARRY BEING LINKED THE JOB WHEN PORTSMOUTH HAVE COME OUT AND SAID HE WILL NOT BE LEAVING......

I HOPE JOSE IS AROUND THE CORNER.....

ANDREW

Posted by: Andrew Davis  | January 10, 2008 8:23 PM

Anonymous wrote...

"so newcastle haven't won the premier leaguge for xmas so once again they sack the manager,thats the way to go well done,why dont fans realise they are not a big club and are light years away from the top 4"

We're only too painfully aware of this fact - and Allardyce's style of play would never get us anywhere near.

Interesting that the national press that are 'highlighting' our managerial turnover are the very same people who were after McClaren from day one and didn't rest until he was gone.

I hope to God we get someone decent. I'm disappointed to hear that a home-grown manager is on the cards, because outside of Ferguson, no-one seems capable of the job.

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 10, 2008 8:43 PM

medan wrote...

Guys the major difference between a good manager and a bad one is the good one knows how to get the best out of his players. SAM completely frustrated and demorilzed his players. When you ask high calibre talented players to play afraid, negative football you are really making them question thier ability and rightly so question the managers abilities. To try to blame specific players is not fair or right, the buck stops with the manager. If this was a case in which the team played very well consistently and specific indviduals did not perform then there might be some justification but in this case it is quite the opposite.

Let's move on and assign the right manager and give the players the proper direction to play upto thier potential.

Posted by: medan  | January 10, 2008 8:48 PM

dexter wrote...

Strange timing but pointless to prolong the agony. Big Sam failed to get results and whilst we can all handle winning ugly, losing ugly is unbearable. Ashley has made a brave decision and I hope he gets the next appointment right. We need a born winner for this role and someone who understands the modern game. In Souness and Allardyce we had two managers who claimed they had a winning attitude and then went out to draw.

We need to look forward now, I cherish the memories of KK's reign, so lets not spoil them by silly talk of his return. With smart buys and a manager that understands his players, progress can be made. We must look at Chelsea, Man city, Liverpool over the last few years. Great leaders that can galvanise a team and play attractive football and win ugly when needed.

Posted by: dexter  | January 10, 2008 9:58 PM

paul malone wrote...

big sam was long ball merchant, u cannot play good footie that way. it is a simple concept, 11 against 11, u score more than the others u win. it is as simple as that! my cv is in the post
hope i get an interview

Posted by: paul malone  | January 10, 2008 10:58 PM

Geoff Forster wrote...

Great management by Chris Mort. Congratulations on a brave but correct decision. Better now than waste any more time going down the 'Allardyce' road.

Now we need a truly world class manager.
Someone to inspire and get the 'Toon' buzzing again.

Posted by: Geoff Forster  | January 10, 2008 11:12 PM

David McAtominey wrote...

check out the Kenny Dalgish interview with Steve Curry in the Daily Mail.

At last some sensible comment from the nationals.

Posted by: David McAtominey  | January 11, 2008 12:24 AM

Peter Dawson wrote...

Well ive just been browsing the sky sports website. They are having a poll on the next manager. David O'leary has 5.5 % of the vote. More than David moyes and Harry Redknapp. I dont really know what to make of it. It made me laugh and scared me half to death all at the same time. I hope that its a bunch of mackems messing around and not some toon supporters who think that david oleary is our saviour. All i can picture is Oleary with a big grin like one of those horrible photofits on crimewatch Uk. Anyways i have to go to bed now. Where the hell is Nick Ross to say " Dont have nightmares!" when you need him.

Posted by: Peter Dawson  | January 11, 2008 7:02 AM

simba wrote...

Wake up Toon fans. You don't belong in the top four. Who would you displace? Liverpool, Chelsea? Dream on!

When will you learn that you really are not a big club. Even Derby have won more Premiership titles than you. Does that make them a big club? Of course not. Clubs are ultimately judged on what they have achieved in recent years. And for Newcastle its nothing. Get back to reality. You will always be an average club.

Newcastle is the laughing stock of the premiership.

Posted by: simba  | January 11, 2008 9:00 AM

Big Larf wrote...

Mark Green

'" Don't think WE'LL be keeping a respectful silence at the old trafford funeral home this weekend and you can stick your prawn and watercress sandwiches where the sun don't shine. :p

See you Saturday""

That is exactly what makes you such a BIG club. Wouldnt expect anything else of you! Crack on!
Enjoy your visit! And perhaps plan ahead.. check out multimap.com for Carlisle and Swansea next season... Shearerrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Posted by: Big Larf  | January 11, 2008 10:07 AM

richard wrote...

Watching Sky Sports news yesterday I couldn't help but feel cheated by the idiots that David Craig had found to gage public opinion.

So could I ask the lad that suggested Steve Mclaren never attends another Newcastle United match and seeks urgent medical assistance - you are danger to yourself and others around you.

I also have a gripe with the fanzine that had an interview with Mr. Craig - David O'leary!?! are you mental?!

Finally I would like to cast the spot light on to man "the fans want" - Alan Shearer. A goal scoring legend on Tyneside however his part in all of this has left a sour taste in my mouth. Since Sam was appointed there have been whispers of Shearer waiting in the wings etc. but no denial from Shearer.

Even his pal and namesake on MOTD was touting him for the job. but still no denial from Shearer.

Now Sam is history and we have had mutterings from sources close to Shearer saying he probably doesn't want the job - please Alan stop playing with the hearts and minds of the Newcastle fans and tell us you don't want the job.

Contrary to idiots on Sky Sports we don't think a Shearer/Keegan partnership would be the best idea ever conceived.

Posted by: richard  | January 11, 2008 10:20 AM

David B wrote...

Let us dispel a common myth here for those non-NUFC contributors to this board. The expectations of the NUFC fans. Lazy copy writers would have you believe it’s huge. A top 8ish finish, the odd semi-final and decent football is what the majority want. Ask yourself would the fans of the other UK clubs who can boast similar attendances to ours happy with this. Of course not. Even this ‘humble’ aim is currently miles away and like it or not the man who shapes the team takes the responsibility. As Sam said it’s a results business. Managers have come and gone at Newcastle yes. They come with big salaries and some with similarly sizes egos. They believe that they can get a team who look good on paper perform on grass. They believe, as Sam did, that they can make a difference. Sam’s inability to make the team anywhere near as good as the sum of it’s parts was disappointing. His decisions were baffling and the football was amongst the worst I’ve seen at SJP in recent times. A good manager should make the team at least equal if not greater than the sum of it’s parts (Wenger / Sir Alex, Jose). Until Newcastle United find such a man the tailspin will continue.

Posted by: David B  | January 11, 2008 10:49 AM

David B wrote...

Note to London based journalists.

Recent sackings by current Football Club Boards.

Chelsea – 2, Ranieri, Mourinho
Arsenal – 2, Graham, Rioch
Spurs - - 7, Ardiles, Francis, Gross, Graham, Hoddle, Santini, Jol.
Newcastle – 1, Allardyce.

Numbers don’t lie.

Posted by: David B  | January 11, 2008 11:42 AM

david wrote...

If its Arry I will be over the moon. he will build a team we can enjoy watching and remember he has always been working on very limited funds in the transfer market. He will have the opportunity if he comes and joins the toon to draw in players with much higher abilities, and you never know we might actually win something.

Posted by: david  | January 11, 2008 4:28 PM

John Best wrote...

Simply despair !! I dont know any Premiereship manager currently employed; who could turn this ship around. Thankfully we have a small cushion of points, due to early seasons fortunes but now, we are seen ; for what we really are.I struggle to think of an overseas coach , who could arrest the slide. Perhaps a SHEARER/ROBSON, partnership, as a short term solution??

Posted by: John Best  | January 12, 2008 9:54 PM

lokpbai wrote...

Hello to members of this site please to have joined your forum.

Posted by: lokpbai  | August 19, 2008 4:19 PM