Would you be happy with Harry?

Anonymous wrote...

no..dont want him

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 11, 2008 9:57 AM

Edd Case wrote...

There is only one man who is capable of really moving this club forward.

Jose Mourinho.

Posted by: Edd Case  | January 11, 2008 9:58 AM

Geoff Forster wrote...

Please Noooooooooo

Not Harry Redknapp - uninspiring and with baggage.
Mot Mark Hughes either

Jose, KK/AS or another 'World Class' manager is needed.

Posted by: Geoff Forster  | January 11, 2008 9:58 AM

Gary wrote...

I dont see what Harry would give us. He is another good old british manager like Dalglish, Souness, Big Sam.

Why cant we just be clever and go and get a top european manager.

Van Gaal, Hiddick even Jol would be a good start. Hughes would be the best of the Britsh managers.

All we want is to play with some style and be competative with the top teams.

Posted by: Gary  | January 11, 2008 9:59 AM

Ginkoh wrote...

NO For me !. Harry is not the man who lead us forward for years.I think Sam is one of the best England manager, what's different between Sam & Harry? good management at small club? much more experience? good tranfer market? Styles?? CV ?? Europe experience ???

If Sam cannot lead us better so why Harry can ??

I can predict our future. He will let us poor run next season, Fans shout SACK SACK SACK !! and SAME OLD NEWCASTLE.

Posted by: Ginkoh  | January 11, 2008 10:06 AM

GM wrote...

I’m really worried about this now, redknapp is not the person we need at the moment or at any time in the future, absolutley NO way. How can someone like him attract any of the worlds best to play for us, he is a crook, a 2nd hand car salesman at best, he struggled for years at west ham, its only this season he has had some sort of run with p’mouth, year in year out he is normally battling relegation, to say hes the best fit for the job is bulls**t…??

I am just praying that this is a smoke screen for someone else to come in, I was becoming less and less interested in watching the toon based on the sunday league style football we were playin this season and last and this proposed appointment I dont think will make me change my mind if its true thats me done with the toon n i’ve been a season ticket holder for 20 years and a supporter for 30 years.

By the way if you want to see good football at St. James, may I provide this as proof he is NOT WANTED here.. Thee so called "fantastic free-flowing football" from Portsmouth this season translates into the following recent Premiership results at Fratton Park:

29.12.07 Portsmouth 0 Middlesbrough 1
26.12.07 Portsmouth 0 Arsenal 0
15.12.07 Portsmouth 0 Tottenham 0
01.12.07 Portsmouth 0 Everton 1
11.11.07 Portsmouth 0 Man City 0
27.10.07 Portsmouth 0 West Ham 0

If this is the true level of Mike Ashley's ambition for the club, then god help us, sell up now Mike and leave us be. If not this is your chance to write your name in to Newcastle history as the man that delivered the BEST manager, the BEST players the club has ever seen and made us a force in English and European football.

Posted by: GM  | January 11, 2008 10:13 AM

MSJ wrote...

Disaster. I'm not sure I could take this, the guy is like Venables but even less successful. Please, please, please, please no.

Posted by: MSJ  | January 11, 2008 10:24 AM

pete wrote...

KEEGAN- 1000 PERCENT

Posted by: pete  | January 11, 2008 10:36 AM

PETE wrote...

I AGREE WITH GM-THE DIDNT SCORE A GOAL AT HOME IN 6 GAMES! WORSE THAN ALLARYCES RECORD

Posted by: PETE  | January 11, 2008 10:39 AM

Ian wrote...

most fans i know feel the same way as me redknapp isnt the man and niether is mark hughes i dont think there is any british managers good enough for our club .if we want to compete with the top 4 we have to become a european club like all of them they are far ahead of any english team and with the exeption of utd have european managers and thats what i think newcastle need someone proven within other european leagues and competitions morinhio would be the main man for me and most of the lads but we should be looking at the likes of him hiddink,hitzfeld,van gal instead of being linked with mid table nobodys who wont really inspire or change anything if we do go for one of these mid table men im afraid mr ashley might find the ground with fewer people next season as that seems to be the feeling unfortunatly ive already paid for next seasons i wonder if i can have my money back if he does

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

Micahel Awin wrote...

No, awful decision - pay 9m to sack Sam and get Harry? WTF?! We need proven EUROPEAN winners, only Mourinho or Hitzfeld will be a step forward rather than sideways.

Posted by: Micahel Awin  | January 11, 2008 10:45 AM

Jimmie wrote...

Noo, please dont do the same mistake over and over again. For once get it right and install a proven manager at highest level! Mourinho or Ottmar Hitzfeld please..

Posted by: Jimmie  | January 11, 2008 10:59 AM

GM wrote...

If there was a decent English/British manager around wouldnt the FA have appointed him bloody england manager.

Just heard on another site that sky are running headline that 'arry is doing a news conference at 12...doesnt look good. Anyone want my season ticket gona start to watch cramlngton blue star instead

Posted by: GM  | January 11, 2008 11:04 AM

Paul Patterson wrote...

Newcastle United need a manager that can be absolved from almost any criticism whilst in the job.

What I mean is, if he is a man of undeniable (UNDENIABLE) quality, to such a level, that the fans couldn’t even begin to question that it’s the managers fault were not winning things.

That’s what you get with top quality, that air of security, the respect from the players- Can you imagine Harry Redknapp throwing his name around world football and bringing in world class players? Imagine the best players in the world, like Kaka, Ronaldinho etc, picking up the phone and getting- ‘Ellow, got a lovell-Eye used Fowd Escouwt for ya’?

In reality, is Redknapp really that much better than Allardyce? Just the fact that I’m even asking that question should rule him out straight away.

He has NO European pedigree (Apart from maybe Mercedes) and hasn’t even touched the top 4 in his career.

Is everyone who is supporting him, just living off that 4-1 result at St James’ Park, because it was only the fact that Newcastle capitulated that that occurred, lets be fair he’s not exactly living up to the mould of ‘top class’ is he?

If, and it’s a big if, if we must stay within British contexts, with regard to our next appointment, then Mark Hughes is as good a choice as any, not that he’d be my first choice though, there simply are not enough British managers around that are up to a great standard to do the job, which is why it would be foolhardy to just dismiss a continental appointment.

I always felt sorry for the way he was treated at Chelsea, but one man who hasn’t been mentioned is Claudio Ranieri, again, not my first choice, but better than Allardyce or Redknapp.

What about the crème de la crème of the footballing elite, Lippi, Hitzfeld, Rijkaard, surely that’s the sort of calibre we need?

Redknapp would be no different to Venables and I wouldn’t want him either.

There are a few managers that would set riots off around St James’ Park- Glenn ‘The disabled supporters friend’ Hoddle, Steve ‘Under My Umbrella- Magnificent’ McClaren, Peter’ Monkey’s Heed’ Reid, George ’I know the art of winning 1-0’ Graham and Graeme ‘I know the price on the ticket’ Souness. Is Harry Redknapp that much better than any of them???

I’ve made my feelings clear on Jose Mourinho, he’d be untouchable at Newcastle and that’s why he probably wouldn’t come, he’s too untouchable now- out of our league if you like. But we surely must put the job to him, ‘if you don’t buy a ticket. . . .’ and all that.

We’d be dreaming if we were to get Keegan, which won’t realistically happen, but again- ‘if you don’t buy a ticket. . . .’ and all that. Surely there’s some sort of deal that would appeal?

I’ve been hearing the usual from most fans this week ‘Keegans just got out of a taxi near Eldon Square’ ‘Mourinho’s just bought a kebab on the Quayside’ yet the only realistic rumour I can see now is- ‘Arry’s just flogged a Citroen down Strawberry Place.

Ashley and Mort had better tread carefully. (No pun intended on that one)

P.S- Just a thought- Gordon Strachan anyone?

Paul.

Posted by: Paul Patterson  | January 11, 2008 11:08 AM

SP wrote...

GM...I would have your season ticket, but i like seeing us score goals, so with Harry as manager this wouldnt happen. And also, how did Big Sam only get £8 mil to spend in Jan, but Harry (cars salesman) will get £20 mil?? Has Mike Ashley gone mad?

Posted by: SP  | January 11, 2008 11:11 AM

Snapper wrote...

Arry boy, might be a "diamond geezer" dar'n the Old Kent Road, but Northumberland Street I think not, any bad result or decision he will run to his bolt hole dar'n saarf. We need, I am sad to say, a qualified coach with broad European experience, who can woo players as Keegan did, to come to the North East for the right reasons, football ones, not like Anelka et al who simply look upon the Prem league as the goose that lays the golden egg. 2 seasons at one club then move onto the next. The Prem is full of mercenaries, who could not care less about fans, results or anything else. Oh yes the all make the right noises, about caring about the public etc, but as soon as their agent mentions leaving off they go, after slagging the club off to their home country newspapers. Lets get this right for Gods sake.

Posted by: Snapper  | January 11, 2008 12:21 PM

danny wrote...

i would rather have sam than redknapp.

as said he as won NOTHING and is a journeyman manager.

we need someone like houllier, lippi or van gaal.

Posted by: danny  | January 11, 2008 12:22 PM

Anonymous wrote...

No. Another awkward arrogance. Klinsmann!

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 11, 2008 12:31 PM

robustyoungsoul wrote...

"We've tried everything"

Except sticking with one manager for several years, yes.

Posted by: robustyoungsoul  | January 11, 2008 12:33 PM

Charles wrote...

As much as I admire his away records, comparing them with newcastle's, I would rather pay him to STAY a pompey manager.

He has not much experience in european competitions, something Newcastle fans wants so they could finally win a trophy before they die.

If I were to elect a manager, it will be either Jose or Klinsmann. They may not come but there's hope in dreaming...

I hope Ashley will get the managers soon, before the transfer window closes, looking at conditions right now, I'd like to see at least a new striker.

Posted by: Charles  | January 11, 2008 12:35 PM

Duncan Baines wrote...

We haven't tried anyone who has won the European Cup (as a manager)

Posted by: Duncan Baines  | January 11, 2008 12:44 PM

Tony Poolan wrote...

In a word - NO!

Posted by: Tony Poolan  | January 11, 2008 12:47 PM

Mike in London wrote...

Harry not for me I'm afraid - especially as it sounds like we're begging him to come. He's hardly inspiring and is no better than Allardyce with roughly the same achievements (not much) and (allegedly) questionable transfer dealings.

Hughes would be the best of the Brits in the premiership but I've always thought George Burley will make a really good manager one day.

Mourinho would be able to handle the pressure but he hardly had Chelsea playing the 'beautiful game' and might not be keen on being told that he couldn't spend £30M on one player when he fancied it.

It's a shame that Sir Bobby is not in better health as he would be great back at the club with Shearer as his apprentice.

No, I think we should be looking abroad to someone with experience but might think that a move to Newcastle is a positive rather than having to be bribed to come here.

Hitzfeld is getting a lot of stick at Bayern but he has a great CV and Van Gaal got Roeder sacked thanks to the AZ loss so he owes us a Manager - either of those would do me with Hughes or Burley acceptable Brit options.

Posted by: Mike in London  | January 11, 2008 12:50 PM

dave wrote...

Just shows why newcastle fans are more stupid than anyone else in the league,see when harry starts playing great football and then come back and talk sense.

Posted by: dave  | January 11, 2008 12:53 PM

James 09 wrote...

Wow - Not happy at all.

Where the flippin' heck (slightly toned down version for this family blog) is the AMBITION in appointing Harry Redknapp?? Would he really come with the burning ambition to transform Newcastle United??

Anyone for the unsettled baggage?? Sure why not - this is Newcastle United after all.

Newcastle United seem to have a distinct distaste for continental managers - it really does need to end.

I'm uncertain as to Jose's severance package with Chelsea but there seems persistent suggestions that he is barred from another Prem team this season. However, if that's incorrect and we haven't even approached him, I think that's simply insane.

Posted by: James 09  | January 11, 2008 12:55 PM

andreas wrote...

klinsmann is taking over bayern in the summer,so hes out.

Posted by: andreas  | January 11, 2008 1:03 PM

steve wrote...

no, no thank you.

Keegan with Shearer learning...now that would lift the place sky high!

Posted by: steve  | January 11, 2008 1:05 PM

Andy wrote...

Gawd - we're after a manager, not sausages. What's this obsession with buying British?
Rednapp may be doing well at the moment - but what's the guarantee Portsmouth will still be up there at the end of the season? Talk about a rash decision.
It's too much of a risk for the type of money Ashley is talking of spending on a new manager. As is talk of Mark Hughes and all the other capable but unremarkable managers who'll take years to bring significant improvements - years they probably won't be allowed.
The only men for the job are Mourinho or Hiddink. At least have their rejections before we look at our plan B.

Posted by: Andy  | January 11, 2008 1:06 PM

Ron C wrote...

I'm surprised so many are against Redknapp. I'm afraid he's not my first choice either, I have to say. He doesn't talk to the BBC and is on bail until next month.

KEEGAN would be my first choice, then a top European (Hiddink, eg but forget Mourinho) and only then would I go to British managers: Strachan, Hughes and....that's about it.

Posted by: Ron C  | January 11, 2008 1:15 PM

Harry wrote...

No way.....please not someone who's only reason for coming is money.. no hunger to succeed, no idea about the north-east. No one but Keegan and Shearer will do this time, because they care, because they have support and they will be given the time without St James turning into the graveyard its become under Souness, Roeder, Allardyce

Posted by: Harry  | January 11, 2008 1:18 PM

BillF wrote...

The dream team, Keegan with Shearer as his apprentice.

Posted by: BillF  | January 11, 2008 1:22 PM

Michael Nee wrote...

If Mike Ashley wants 20k crowds next season he is going the right way about it

This will be the final straw for many fans

Worse Than Allardyce

Posted by: Michael Nee  | January 11, 2008 1:22 PM

sawdox wrote...

Very disappointed Mr. Ashley. Don't want Redknapp. It doesn't seem as if he's going to be very popular does it Lee? Why don't you show these messages to Mr. Mort (and others elsewhere on toon related websites) before it's too late?

Posted by: sawdox  | January 11, 2008 1:22 PM

James 09 wrote...

Lee - I haven't got it in me to express just how much opposition I have to this seemingly imminent appointment.

An utter lack of ambition and consideration. It would be unbelievable... but it's just so believe with Newcastle United.

Posted by: James 09  | January 11, 2008 1:30 PM

Hadrian wrote...

Bit of a step sideays isnt it?
sounds like newcastle just handing another guy hs 'chance' at a huge payoff .
how many time's have we been here ehh lads? only to wake up and find the like's of souness , allerdyce in the job , while very geordie with a voice screamed for a proven winner .
ashley cant afford to make it look like we are taking a step sideways , you have heard the way he talks and move's in buisness , harry just isnt the kind of appointment i see him making .
sacking allerdyce when we have and bringing in someone like redknapp is pathetic , and i was no sam supporter .

Posted by: Hadrian  | January 11, 2008 1:34 PM

bjw wrote...

DEFINITELY NOT REDKNAP--MAY AS WELL HAVE KEPT ALLERDYCE--SAME DIFFERENCE

WOULD BE BIG MISTAKE !!

Posted by: bjw  | January 11, 2008 1:37 PM

SB wrote...

Please not Arry "I dont speak to the BBC either" Redknapp. This would be a terrible move & will not excite the fans one bit. New Owner, new board same tired old appointments. Come on Mr Ashley must do better!!!

Posted by: SB  | January 11, 2008 1:39 PM

Bill wrote...

Contributors need to think about the impression these comments are making throughout the footie world. Most comments are negative and are meat and drink to all those people who want to have a pop at NUFC. Give Ashley credit for moving quickly to secure the best English performing manager (at the moment) in the Premiership. You can't write him off before he gets here! If he can reproduce the performance of Pompey at SJP this season I will be happy! GIVE HIM A CHANCE-Howay the Toon.

Posted by: Bill  | January 11, 2008 1:40 PM

Bongojongo wrote...

Not Harry please !
Awwwwwwww right mah sarn.

He can't even say Newcastle.
He reckons its some place called

Nooooooooooo carstle

Posted by: Bongojongo  | January 11, 2008 1:42 PM

Kelvin wrote...

I think people need to get real! We don't have the status that we use to have and are a million miles away from the top four. We need to get back to basics and build gradually or Mike Ashley gives the next manager £100 million to spend. Let's face it Newcastle are a grave yard for reputations Dalglish, Gullit, Robson had all been successful at previous clubs but only Robson was given a little time. The top managers will want to go to the top clubs and at this moment in time newcastle are nowhere near a top club. So we have choice go for the experienced middle of the road manager or take a gamble with someone like Shearer. Shearer doesnt want the job that leaves us with the middle of the road manager hence the appointment of someone like Redknapp!

Posted by: Kelvin  | January 11, 2008 1:55 PM

Toon Tone wrote...

The only man that would excite me as Newcastle's manager would be Mourinho. Before Big Sam came to Newcastle I wouldn't have said that Harry Redknapp was any better manager than he was - but both were good. Just why Sam failed to motivate players into effective football (i.e. you don't win if you don't shoot...) is a mystery to me but a pointless talking point. If Mr Ashley wants this club to be successful he has to set his sights on a proven manager regardless of him being British or not - and for me the best is Mourinho WITHOUT A SHADOW OF A DOUBT.

Posted by: Toon Tone  | January 11, 2008 1:59 PM

Craig from East Midlands wrote...

I think Redknapp is a good mid-table club manager but his track record is no different to that of Big Sam's - or even Souness and Roeder's. I do hope Mike Ashley and Chris Mort will invest sensibly in appointing the right manager of this fantastic club.

Its obvious Mike saw business sense in ploughing millions of his own money in this club in the first place.

We all know Keegan has had his own ups and downs over the last 11 years since he left United but whenever and wherever he is mentioned he still inspires fans to this day. I still believe the idea of partnership between KK and Alan Shearer would send shrivers down the spine with the rest of the Premiership! One mustn't forget that Keegan was untried when he took on the role - so why not take on untried Shearer to work alongside KK?

Mike is a good shaker and mover in business circles and I am hopeful that after mingling with fans at football grounds in the past few months he will use the right common and business sense to bring in some 'winners' especially those who have already built excellent rapport with the fans and even players.

It has got to be win-win situation for United. Fingers crossed that both common and business sense will prevail at the end.

Posted by: Craig from East Midlands  | January 11, 2008 2:02 PM

Craig wrote...

Sorry, but i think the Newcastle fans are starting to realise how big a mistake theyve made. Sam Allardyce was our chance to sort the club out, set up a proper system, and get the club out the downward spiral were currently going through.

If im completely honest, if whats been said is true (that he didnt sack Allardyce because of fans pressure) then it was to save him some money. He took over, gave sam next to no money basically ruining out dealings in the transfer market (that said Sam probbly got the best players with what he had available) and then sacks him mid january. Does it not look like hes avoiding spending money on players? Because by the time the next managers here, he wont have time to sort out some new signings.

I'm a big fan of Allardyce, and i know next season we would have been up in the top 6 without a doubt. Everyone talks about the job he did at Bolton, but before that he was at Notts County, and did just as amazing a job there. He IS the best Brittish manager thats been around for years.

Im all for British managers, so Alan Shearers my first choice for the job, obvioulsy with someone experienced supporting him, or at least keeping Sams back room staff to help him. Second choice, although id prefer to stick to our Brit managers, Mourinhio is the only other manager id be happy with to take charge.

My overall view is that the damage is already done, and we're going to need someone special to sort this out. Sorry for speaking bad about the club, but at the end of the day, weve shot ourself in the foot.

Posted by: Craig  | January 11, 2008 2:07 PM

Graham B wrote...

Harry is not the answer in my opinion but the problem is that everyone has an expectation that whoever comes in will give us great football and instant success.

We need to have some stability in the club before we can expect to get either, the top clubs in the country have already proved that and those just behind them such as Everton are producing after giving the manager time.

Sacking Sam has done nothing for the club, he has spent time and money bringing in a huge back room staff plus some of his own players and now we are back to the drawing board again! I didn't like Sam's style of play and I admit that sometimes his team selections took some working out but he should have been given until the end of the season at least. If they get Harry in now, he will have to buy whoever he can in this window then start to stamp his style on the team. Is he likely to take us up the table this season and on to great things next season? I doubt it, then the same fans will be singing "You don't know what your doing!" and he will be out and it will be back to "Bring back Keegan and Shearer"!!!

For the money that the club throw at managers I would be happy to take the job on, as getting sacked in 6months time with a 6million pay off will do me nicely thankyou! Starting to think that most managers look at the Toon job as a way to make a quick buck!

From a fed up and disgruntled Toon fan!

Posted by: Graham B  | January 11, 2008 2:09 PM

Carl Wilson wrote...

this is a disaster, please tell me this is some sort of sick and twisted nightmare HARRY REDKNAPP!!! FOR GOD SAKES. whats he achieved, hes only just got pompey playing decent, but even still theyre only 3 places above us in the league. this shows the complete lack of knowledge and experience our owner and chairman have in football. Total lack of ambition, im a loyal geordie but if this appointment is made it will be the last straw for me. Attendances will drop to the 35k mark next season if this takes place, i just hope ashley knows this.

Posted by: Carl Wilson  | January 11, 2008 2:09 PM

Campbell Waddell wrote...

Harry Radknapp is the only English manager with the credentials to do the job. But having said that, I would prefer a foreign manager with experience at the highest level, such as Mourinho or Van Gaal. These would not have a problem with the pressure of the job and have an extensive knowledge of the foreign transfer market, and I'm sure they would have no problem attracting the kind of world class players needed for us to catch up to the big four and push for a champions league football, but they must be given enough time.

Posted by: Campbell Waddell  | January 11, 2008 2:11 PM

chris wrote...

No No No. He's never won anything, we'll be back to where we are in 6 months. Where's the ambition and long term planning? Just more dodgy geezers who have won nowt and will buy players for their own ends! Please No!

Posted by: chris  | January 11, 2008 2:14 PM

Derrick Parker wrote...

For me there are only 2 candidates - Jose, who I really don't think will come as it is too much of a risk to his reputation or Van Gaal who delivers quality football every game!

Van Gaal get my vote!!

Posted by: Derrick Parker  | January 11, 2008 2:18 PM

qdavpau wrote...

I've never posted a comment on anything but....come on!

We hired Sam because he got an unfashionable into Europe,

We sacked him got he bad results and played unattractive, unambitious football.

The fan's didn't like him because he had no attachment or warmth for the club rather than the job.

And now we wnt Harry.

A man who's never taken a club into Europe (and you can't say Southampton, West Ham or Portslouth started from a lower point than Bolton)

A man who builds teams around size and athleticism at the expense of creativity.

And have you seen their results lately?

No home wins in how long?

And can you find a manager further removed from Newcastle?

Don't dislike the man. Sure he won't be any worse than Sam - but can't see hoe - at the age of sixty and decades in management, he's suddenly going to be ay better?

Just can't se the logic. Just makes the change look like a total waste of money.

Posted by: qdavpau  | January 11, 2008 2:35 PM

Tooner4Life wrote...

How is it that everyone except Ashley knows that Harry is a waste of money, time and skin? I thought we were in poor shape when Souness was sacked, but I shudder to think where the club will be in October when Harry inevitably gets the push. Shearer won't come back to this mess, and I'm not sure I blame him. We need to give the manager full control, as they do in the NFL in America, and get Jose up here NOW!!

Ashley needs to understand that his job is to be a walking wallet and a fan, nothing else...Let someone who knows how to win in England and in Europe control the team for a change, and maybe we'll have some success.

Posted by: Tooner4Life  | January 11, 2008 2:36 PM

DIANE WILSON wrote...

He did a brilliant job for Portsmouth when he came to Southampton--- he got Saints relegated.he would be no better than Sam. Newcastle is a complete joke team thanks to people who should know better.There is no such thing as honour in football sadly.

Posted by: DIANE WILSON  | January 11, 2008 2:40 PM

Brian Whitfield wrote...

Redknapp to Newcastle??........Tragic
Oh my God, how tragic.

Posted by: Brian Whitfield  | January 11, 2008 2:40 PM

AXEL wrote...

I'm currently looking for a new job.

I've got to impress with my CV to secure an interview. I have then got to impress the interviewer with my previous achievements in past employment, demonstrating that I could be a positive and valuable acquistion for the company. I then have to outline my idea's for the future and exactly what I could bring to my prospective employer and how by employing me the company will benefit and profit by my experience and ability.

With all of this in mind, and with £million's at stake, is Harry Rednapp the right man for the position of Newcastle United manager?

I believe not.

Posted by: AXEL  | January 11, 2008 2:41 PM

Simmo wrote...

As an outside bet..... Ian Holloway - a fantastic british manager who will be in the premiership in the next couple of seasons anyway!

He'd certainly be better than 'arry; that's for sure!

Posted by: Simmo  | January 11, 2008 2:47 PM

robostu wrote...

I think we're all dreaming if we think its going to be Jose, but there is no harm in trying.

Absolutely no to Redknapp, how on earth is he going to take us to the next level?

For my money its got to be Ottmar Hitzfeld. Won the Champions League with 2 different clubs. Not even Jose has done that.

Posted by: robostu  | January 11, 2008 2:50 PM

Nasty Nick wrote...

I agree with most of these posts. What has Harry actually achieved, apart from brief periods when his teams have risen slightly above mid-table mediocrity?

Portsmouth are only 8 points ahead of us - just think, if we'd scraped past Wigan and Derby like we should have, we'd be in touching distance of these supposedly brilliant high-flyers.

And if Harry can't inspire his players to win at Flatten Park, what will he do in the pressure cooker that is St James's. And is there really any truth in these ludicrous rumours of him flying up from the south coast every day?!?!

To be honest, I can't see any of these "top foreign managers" coming here - no Champions League, no Uefa, not going to win anything this season, seemingly not a huge amount of money to spend (based on what we've seen so far), directors who don't know much about football, difficulty of attracting good players to come up and no proper structure.

After that it has to be Hughes - a good manager with a growing reputation who I think would tackle the various issues holding us back slowly and sensibly. Mind you, Strachan, Moyes and Coppell might be decent shouts as well.

Please, Mort and Ashley, don't pander to the village idiots. No KK, no Shearer, no short-term compromise, no half-hearted patch-up job.

Let's look to the future. Appoint a good manager, give him funds, support him and stick with him for at least 3 years. That, way we might just make some steady progress instead of the boom-and-bust culture that has turned us into a national joke and robbed us of any hope of building some kind of success. That is not asking too much and not an unrealistic expecation.

Posted by: Nasty Nick  | January 11, 2008 2:52 PM

Mark wrote...

Yes we all want KK & Shearer, but realisticly this isn't going to happen. Mourinho would not come to the toon, neither would some of the alledged so called top managers. Harry Redknapp is an excellent man manager, his track record in transfers in also very good, (marco boogers aside) has anybody who is not wanting him actually watched Portsmouth this season? I suspect that most of his detractors haven't. I have and alhougth they have a poor home scoring record, the reading game aside, he has that team playing entertaining football. Allerdyce couldn't get the toon playing or scoring. Anyone team with Owen, Martins & Viduka in the squad and cant get goals out of those three then there is a problem.
If Redknapp is given the job, then by the end of next season we might not be top four, by we'll be close, and we'll all enjoy watching the toon. And as for not talking to the BBC, can you blame him? And more to the point whats that got to do with his abilitys as a manager.

Haway Harry

Posted by: Mark  | January 11, 2008 2:54 PM

Michael Parker wrote...

Mike Ashley, YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING!!!

Posted by: Michael Parker  | January 11, 2008 2:54 PM

Sid wrote...

People say he hasn't won anything, but being fare, unless you manage one of the 'Big 4', you're not likely to have done. Who would Man Utd take on if they had to have someone who had won in the UK - Wenger, Mourinho, Benitez? Souness had won trophies, as had Dalglish.

A foreign manager could do really well - Gullit failed because he isn't that good, not because he was born outside the UK!

Redknapp might do really well, taking his team to the top echelons of the Premiership as he has done with West Ham and Pompey are good credentials.

Mourinho comes with similar credentials to those of Dalglish when he arrived here - so its no guarantee of success whoever you look at.

But if we take the Keegan era as an example, what does work is a passionate, supporter-friendly manager with a good owner passionately supporting him. I am sure Ashley will passionately support his own man....

Posted by: Sid  | January 11, 2008 2:58 PM

Mike's Pal wrote...

No No No Oh God No not Harry. If we aiming low, I'd rather Martin O Neill than Harry.
Please Mike. Listen to your pal. No to Harry.

Posted by: Mike's Pal  | January 11, 2008 3:11 PM

elyas malaysia wrote...

Lee..i am a newcastle fan from malaysia..n i might represent asia in saying that

NO TO HARRY REDKNAPP..!!!

Can u some how please use your journalistic power or ask ur big pal Alan Oliver to get this message across to the board or even straight to Mike Ashley's office:

THE FANS ARE UNITED IN NOT WANTING HARRY AS MANAGER ..!!!

why on earth should we get harry when his results lately has been simmilar to that of Big Sam..? We won't improve with him.Newcastle United are a club that should be fighting for trophies and Harry wont be able to do that.

Why the board hasn't considered Jose's name is beyond me. But it isn't a big secret anymore that Mike wants Harry so bad.

Mike..this is the Newcastle United fans' choice:
1. Jose Mourinho
2. Kevin Keegan with Shearer
3. Any Cup/Championsip winning manager.

Please Mike..Listen to the fans!

Posted by: elyas malaysia  | January 11, 2008 3:22 PM

Edinbrugh Mic wrote...

Please no.

I would rather see Keith Perry from Bedlington Terriers get the job.

In every measurable way he is worse than Allardyce.

Posted by: Edinbrugh Mic  | January 11, 2008 3:22 PM

Davey Bell wrote...

For all the "he needed more time" brigade.
How much time does it take to pick a team capable of beating Derby, Reading, Wigan or Stoke when you have squad of players, 85% of which have played Champions League football?
How much time does it take to select a formation capable of at least testing the opposition's keeper?
How much time does it take to change a style of play in order to score a goal instead of trying to stop the opposition scoring (and failing)

Posted by: Davey Bell  | January 11, 2008 3:26 PM

Michael Ryan wrote...

For the love of god no!!! This would be typical of Newcatle United to get our hopes up for a world class manager and we get Harry

Posted by: Michael Ryan  | January 11, 2008 3:27 PM

Bob Ayre wrote...

If he gets the job thats it for me like after 35 years i give up. Wont set foot in the place.

Posted by: Bob Ayre  | January 11, 2008 3:44 PM

jf wrote...

NO .

Posted by: jf  | January 11, 2008 3:46 PM

Andy Cross wrote...

I hope Harry reads sites like this to get a feeling for waht the Fans want. We throw millions of pounds on transfer fees on questionable signings. One or two players do not normally transform a club but a manager with a proven track record can. This is where we should be looking to spend big. Forget Redknapp Hughes (Holloway, whats all that about!!!) If we want to compete with the top four we need a manager who is used to managing at that level. Harry is just Sam 8 months ago, managing a team that is punching above its weight and no trophies to show for all their years in the game. We want a WINNER not a potential. Wenger is the only one out of the top four who had not won a recognised viable cup the chance of finding another like him is minute. Go for the best we can afford it.

Posted by: Andy Cross  | January 11, 2008 3:51 PM

Mark Green wrote...

Harry Rednapp huh?

He's no better than Sam Alladyce but at least the football will improve and he's a likeable guy.

It would be heart-breaking to see yet another opportunity to get a top class manager in charge slip.

I'll see what happens and get behind whoever they put in charge.
The football has got to be better than it was under Souness or Allardyce.

Posted by: Mark Green  | January 11, 2008 3:53 PM

Munich Mag wrote...

Noooooooo.......!

To be honest, I don't think there's anyone managing in Britian that I'd regard as an inspiring choice, and that we could get (so that rules out Fergusing/Wenger). Yes, Harry tries to play better football than Sam did, but other than that I think it would just be a sideways move for the club - another player who's CV just says mid table mediocrity. If he's not good enough for England he's not good enough for NUFC.

I think they need to look abroad at someone like Hiddink, Van Gaal, Hitzfeld, 'The Special One' (although I doubt he'd come), etc.

If it is to be Harry, he'd better start winning straight away, as judging be the opinions here I don't think it would be a popular choice, so I doubt he'll get much time to win the fans over.

Posted by: Munich Mag  | January 11, 2008 3:54 PM

Phil wrote...

Sorry to buck the trend, but I think Harry has overachieved with minimal resources. His signings to take Portsmouth to their best position in 52 years, have been inspirational. I think he's one of the most knowledgeable people in the game. Portsmouth DREAD losing him, and we MUST SUPPORT him with an open mind!

Ryder's reply: Portsmouth's best position has nothing to do with where Newcastle United would like to be. The sky is meant to be the limit here. Pompey is a different place to Newcastle. Saturday is football day and then the scarves get hung up until the next week, the scarves come to bed and then wake up with us on Tyneside!

Posted by: Phil  | January 11, 2008 3:57 PM

Phil wrote...

We must support Mike Ashley, or we will all look like we've shot ourselves in the foot.

Posted by: Phil  | January 11, 2008 3:59 PM

jon wrote...

no!!!harry?!?!?come on!!i'm a loyal fan for yrs n i totally agree that he wun do us any gd....might as well keep Big Sam isnt it e same??equally 'wonderful' n 'brilliant' managers....tout dat we shouldnt sack him till end of season....dumb thing 2 do....we r not onli a joke...we r clowns...come on get jose n keep him...

i'm gettin sick of tis

Posted by: jon  | January 11, 2008 3:59 PM

Dan Horton wrote...

What I find laughable is the sense of delusion around Newcastle. You are never going to attract a Mourinho or a Hitzfeld or a top European proven manager. A big crowd every week doesnt put you in the big club league. You lot have been average for many years now, yet you all live in a dream world that you are this massive European club. You are not. Wake up and smell the coffee. 52 years without a trophy says it all. Be honest with yourselves. A top class European manager wont come to you in a million years.

Posted by: Dan Horton  | January 11, 2008 4:15 PM

M.G wrote...

As a matter of fact I am sick and tired of the managers being brought to Newcastle. Their CV says it all. They have not even won local trophies, then why bring them...

We need big name "'ïnternational" managers like Morinho, Hitzfield or even Lippi. What cant our billionare afford them?

This is the solution, I wont be happy if I see Tottenham's former manager or rednap come to Newcastle.

Can anyone hear us, cant anyone see it?

Posted by: M.G  | January 11, 2008 4:20 PM

Phil wrote...

First of all - shut your mouth Ferguson ("Newcastle is a strange club"), just because your fan club chief, Alladyce got fired. Nothing galls me more than Ferguson having a pop at Newcastle. It's like him raving about Liverpool tapping Heinze, when Ferguson has sabotaged more clubs by signing their best players over the years. Ferguson, you have nothing to do with our great club - so mind your own business!! Mike Ashley can pick whomever he pays!

Posted by: Phil  | January 11, 2008 4:37 PM

Ronnie Lambert wrote...

Big U-turn from me! I sent a letter in at 2a.m. yesterday when I was ecstatic about Sam's sacking, off my nut with a sleeping pill and a few large whiskies and whimsically latched onto Redknap's name as a possible. This I did at a rather vulnerable moment when I might have even suggested Lord Lucan or Dolly Parton.....anybody but Sam. However, in the light of day, and with a clearer mind, I think 'arry would be a very bad choice. What we need is a dynamic personality with charismatic self-assurance to match the new owner's ambition, and that is not 'OLD HARRY '. In fact there is no-one of that ilk in this country so we must shop abroad. There are many big names being bandied about by our knowledgeable blogsters, such as Mourhino, Hitzfeld, Van Gaal and Gus Huddink to name a few. But this feels like we're in the last chance saloon and to grab any ' old ' manager cos he's done O.K. with a small club like Portsmouth is tantamount to stepping sideways, or backwards. Harry has achieved no more than Sam, is old, has criminal charges hanging over him, looks like a nervous wreck and totally lacks dynamism. Please Lee, compile all of these letters, print them out and personally run up to St. James' Park and put them into Chris Mort's hands before Mike Ashley makes a big mistake.

Posted by: Ronnie Lambert  | January 11, 2008 4:39 PM

John Best wrote...

A bad workman always blames his tools; poor Sam had 20 tools to choose from. When is the last time that 11 players have really done the business for NUFC. ???

Posted by: John Best  | January 11, 2008 4:45 PM

Pikeyskate wrote...

If 'Arry goes to Newcastle it'll all end in tears. He is notoriously thin-skinned when it comes to the slightest criticism. There is already significant fan opposition to his appointment. Three games without a win and he'll buckle under the pressure.

Posted by: Pikeyskate  | January 11, 2008 4:52 PM

MickyB wrote...

Please not Redknapp. It'll end in tears and we'll have to endure another public ridiculing in the national press.
Van Gaal is the man. Give him the money and the time and we'll see the type of football you'd be happy to pay money to watch, win, lose or draw. As a football club the new regime have cleared out the last vestiges of the Hall and Shepherd era, and should be applauded to the rafters. But, don't waste the oppurtunity to bury the past and take a new direction by bringing in the same old tripe Shepherd would have gone for.

Posted by: MickyB  | January 11, 2008 5:06 PM

big bob wrote...

No. God, no!

Posted by: big bob  | January 11, 2008 5:16 PM

broken nuts wrote...

Sack big Sam and bring in Harry BIG MISTAKE !!! We fans cant take much more or this nonsense. We need a proven world class winner as our leader......

Posted by: broken nuts  | January 11, 2008 5:19 PM

Sy wrote...

Some good points above.

This is another classic example of the Newcastle United management not listening to what the fans want.

Neither Mort nor Ashley are football men, yet they're blinding deciding that an Englishman is the only option.

Fair enough, Mourinho may not be the slightest bit interest, but based on the fan opinion I've seen this week, his name is mentioned more than anyone - and rightly so. Apparently £1m will undo the deal with Chelsea which prohibits him from a Premiership job this season.

But at least give him the chance to say no.

Have some ambition Ashley. The way you'll start recouping your investment is not through grinding out 1-0 wins and attracting random, budget footballers.

It's through big names and big (positive!) publicity. Getting our games back onto TV (and not because they're a good chance of seeing a giant-killing), and getting back into Europe.

Sadly though, this doesn't look like the direction for the club. See you again in eight or nine months when we lose a couple of games and we're on the lookout for a new manager.

The sooner Newcastle United learn that taking fan opinion into consideration when appointing managers will ultimately ease the pressure when things go wrong, then this absolute circus will continue. We are fast becoming a laughing stock, when not so long ago we were the entire country's second favourite team.

How Mr Keegan and Sir John must feel seeing the work they put into making United Premiership contenders being steadily dismantled. Thanks anyway gentlemen.

Posted by: Sy  | January 11, 2008 5:25 PM

Lesley Hughes wrote...

Why don't they just ask Shearer as he seems to control the club anyway.

Posted by: Lesley Hughes  | January 11, 2008 5:34 PM

davidb wrote...

I would rather have given Allardyce more time than bring in Redknapp - I don't see much difference between them. Unless we get someone who is a clear improvement, the sacking of Allardyce is going to look even more absurd. Of the British managers, I'm not wild about the idea of an unproven Shearer, but I'd prefer him to Redknapp, and I think Hughes is promising - beyond them there's nothing much (if you consider McLaren and Pearce the best on offer). If we're talking fantasy appointments, then I'd go for Scolari, Van Gaal, or Mourinho, in that order - but you'd need to promise them total control and a big, long-term budget, otherwise there's no chance they'd come. But if you're a billionaire...

Posted by: davidb  | January 11, 2008 5:45 PM

Mikael Lundgren wrote...

Hi.Im a Nufc supporter living in Sweden.
I follow the games every week.I think
there is to much focus on the manager.
I mean,hes not the one training them,is he? A managers job is to give the lads playing ,harmony and and a solid ground to stand on.Hes to be the tool for the players to use,to give them trust when they are having a bad day at work.If the manager lets the players be in focus
and him self take a backseat he will be payed back by a great team spirit. and with that a lot of good games and points. Thanks for my say.

Posted by: Mikael Lundgren  | January 11, 2008 5:59 PM

Tom wrote...

Rednappe No N0 Noooooooooooooo Please

Posted by: Tom  | January 11, 2008 6:03 PM

Ivor Clark wrote...

What is going on at my beloved NUFC??. We sack a manager without already having a replacement lined up???....Please, please not Harry Redknapp....track record even worse than Big Sam!....And how come the likes of Nigel Pearson and Terry Mac keep their jobs? - surely they are just as culpable for the tactics mess and poor team play as the previous managers have been??....We need a total clearout and overhaul. This season is already over with little real chance of progress in the FA cup and now just a struggle to the end of the season to get our 40 pts and be safe (again). Ashley et al have to think bigger than Redknapp if he really thinks good times and a return on his investment will come back to St James, and soon.......or is this all a smokescreen for the return of KK??....

Posted by: Ivor Clark  | January 11, 2008 6:41 PM

lee johnston wrote...

There is only one man who is capable of really moving this club forward.

Jose Mourinho.

Someone wrote this earlier, and I'd love to agree with this. But will he or any other manager be given the funds to make a team, of money grabbing gitts sorry I mean top quality players? or will it just be a case of same old and him get sacked again? as long as he's not that GINGER BLOKE we all know who i mean. they must be given time and money, and the power to run the team the way they want. Not the team to be run by the fan's the way it is now. I don't care if the football is not as good as the keegan era, but "I'd love it, just love it" to be great again

Posted by: lee johnston  | January 11, 2008 6:44 PM

Russ wrote...

Agree with most on here. I remember when Souness was hired I felt short changed, when Roeder was given the reins on a full-time basis I felt cheated and when Allardyce was appointed I felt suicidal. Rednapp - No, No No! Hasn't our experience with the last few taught us anything about employing journeymen managers??? Ask any Southampton fan what Rednapp did for their team, and the asnwer will scare you. I am living in hope that Ashley is playing a clever game and feeding the press red-herrings, whilst his real target remains anonymous!

Posted by: Russ  | January 11, 2008 7:12 PM

Phill in Bristol wrote...

I've spent the last 48 hours defending the club against accusations that we're a 'disgrace' for sacking Allardyce. 'He wasn't Ashley's man' ... 'judge Ashley on the appointment he makes, not the sacking' ... 'at least Ashley's actually trying to give the fans what they want, how many Chairmen do that?' ... and so on. Big Mike's meant to be a smart guy. Not prone to rash decisions. And a true fan. My hopes we're very high, especially when his best mate the Spurs Vice-Chairman said Newcastle fans should be 'very excited'.

Well, all I can say now is, if we appoint Redknapp, then all the non-Geordies who've been saying we're a joke are absolutely spot on. If that's the extent of Big Mike's vision for our once glorious club, then God help us.

I'm praying it doesn't happen. If it does, then it really will be a case of different Chairman, same old story ...

Posted by: Phill in Bristol  | January 11, 2008 7:15 PM

Gary Perkins wrote...

Redknapp?

Same again. Not only does he have no european experience but name one significant trophy he has won as a manager?
If Mourinho is available you have got to try and get him (Sir Bobby Robson could pursuade him). And Alan Shearer would a perfect assistant.

But please ... NO HARRY REDKNAPP!!!

Posted by: Gary Perkins  | January 11, 2008 7:39 PM

Neil wrote...

The club needs stability.i dont feel sam was given enough time.all us fans want to see is the spirit and effort from the team.along with goals and results.to be honest the new manager would do well to replace half of the team.

Posted by: Neil  | January 11, 2008 7:53 PM

Teena wrote...

Was neither shocked at Sam's sacking (bound to happen sooner or later) nor the way it happened. In true Toon style (Ashley been taking lessons from FatFred?) we do it mid-season with no proper replacement lined up.. things never change, do they?
'arry would defo be the wrong choice if we're looking for someone with pedigree, style & ambition who can take us forward and bring back entertaining & successful football.. bad enough that the list the media (!!!) draw up includes names like El Tel & McClown, makin g 'arry look like a "decent manager" by comparison..
If it had to be a British manager at all I'd take Hughes but he apparently doesn't fancy the job..
We should have kept Sam till summer, suffered through the rest of the season (I for one am not of the opinion that, given time, he would have brought success and/or good football) and then gone for Hitzfeld who's leaving Bayern at the end of the season... or some other "big", proven & ambitious manager.. there must be a few out there..
Guess all we can do now is pray that Ashley & Mort know what they're doing (I'm not convinced as both are not exactly experts when it comes to football) and live with whoever is daft/daring/greedy enough to take the job..
Keepin' the faith is asking a lot of any Newcastle supporter these days.. I'm determined to hang in there, surely our day will come.

Posted by: Teena  | January 11, 2008 8:10 PM

lardy wrote...

I can't see how Redknapp is going to be any better than Souness or Allardyce.

For the stupid amount of money reportedly on the table we should be getting a Jose or a Hitzfeld.

Posted by: lardy  | January 11, 2008 8:14 PM

LancyMag wrote...

The only way this could become worse is if Peter Reid was in the frame !!!!!!

Posted by: LancyMag  | January 11, 2008 8:22 PM

bonnielad wrote...

not harry he has the same sort of credentials as bs mid table capabilities and at 60 years of age how can that be a long term project.mentioned that it would cost 1million compensation to chelsea for jose what is that in the big picture of todays inflated wages in the premier league.what about frank rickaard from barca? he could bring ronaldinho etoo messi puyol and a few more lets get real we are going to be stuck with the same team as we have now,another season to be written off.what a bunch of dopes we are at newcastle expecting to be capable of catching up to the big 4.maybe its what we deserve for being so loyal to the black and whites

Posted by: bonnielad  | January 11, 2008 8:23 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Dear Mike Ashley,

I thought you were a little eccentric when I heard you were a recluse and carried a carrier bag rather than a briefcase. Neither of those deserve ridicule, but who or what have you been listening to to make you make the most ridiculuous choice of manager you possible? Do you think having one of your players and your manager banged up at Her Majesty's pleasure is good for business or good for the already joke reputation of this club?

Harry Redknapp is a barrow boy turned good. We need an educated man, a Lippi, Hitzfeld, Trappatoni, or Mourinho. We don't need anymore Del Boys. Perhaps you're trying to be the first Premier Chairman to own a club that has appointed 3 convicted felons? Souness and Allardyce will soon be indicted and Harry's on bail!

I can only imagine you made your money by being in the right place at the right time because none of this makes any sense. Get a man with pedigree, not a man who looks like he eats Pedigree Chum (remember that liberal MP and his bloodhound Henry? LOL!)

This club is massive....all these idiots who think we're not don't know the business side of Newcastle. They can't see the fan base. This is an international club with international fans. It wasn't long ago that you could walk into any sportshop in any major city in Europe and buy an NU shirt. The fan base in the UK is as big as Liverpool's. They have had years of success and have everything to be proud of. We have only the knowledge that one day someone will wake up and realise that English managers can't manage to run a bath, let alone a football team.

Get a foriegn manager or get lost!

Peter Lee

PS
On the bright side if you appoint Harry we can all do this again in 8 months to a year's time.

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 11, 2008 8:31 PM

Frankie Howard wrote...

No, no, a thousand times no!

Posted by: Frankie Howard  | January 11, 2008 8:42 PM

Jinky Jim wrote...

Knowledge and passion is the only solution for Newcastle. Keegan and Shearer is the only solution for Newcastle!(forget about Arfer Daily)

Posted by: Jinky Jim  | January 11, 2008 8:47 PM

Peter wrote...

My God!!!!! I've just noticed a terribly worrying statistic!!!!

Allardyce's points ratio is 45.1% accroding to nufc.com. Just seen Harry's and he's at 38%

Mike you're mental!!!

Portsmouth are a provincial town who have a stadium that looks like a South African shanty town. They have fans who think they're a big club who could only ever dream of having some of the players we have had here.

This team has potential. There are some excellent players here, but the job of ANY manager, irrespective of industry, is to get the best from the available resources. That means having the right personnel playing the right system.

The warning signs were there when he was quoted in the Independent as saying: "A defender's job is to just kick the ball away or out to touch!" It's also widely reported that in a pre-match game where he was eulogising about stopping players that some bright soul perked up and asked "Yes but what do we do when we get the ball?"

Harry Redknapp is a dog's dinner of a man. So is his idea of football. How successful was he at West Ham? How successful is he at Pompey? I'm afraid that we have a right to demand success and yes to expect it. This club has matched many of the big clubs in transfer spends in the past. It's just a few of the managers can manage to buy a decent £1.5m player, but as with the nouveau riche they think that gold plated doo-doo is class.

I was so happy when I heard the news that I shouted out Hooray!!!! I even bored my girlfriend senseless (a smug Arsenal fan) with who I hoped we'd get. Fortunately for her, the stupid pub we were in had the sound down on SkySports because had it been up I would have been going mental. Even she said to me (and she is a lady) "you don't want that horse trader at Newcastle! He's an East End Barrow Boy....the real life Del Boy!"

So we get rid of Fat Sam and replace him with Chunky (it was Clement Freud's dog Henry, and it was Chunky not Pedigree Chum) Mike Ashley, I hope Harry is banged up in prison because this is the only way we'll be rid of Droopy.

Posted by: Peter  | January 11, 2008 8:49 PM

Mike wrote...

What I would like is a manager who gives us the 3rd best defensive record in the premiership for at least 3 seasons running(Keegan), exciting attackng football(Keegan), a team who are real challengers for the Premiership(Keegan)
I am among those poor unfortunates who were blooded on the rubbish served up in the late 70's/early 80's. Remember Wrexham at home in 79/80!!!!I'm among 7000 odd who do.
We are no longer a plc, the Halls and Shephard have gone. All the reasons that made THE KING leave are now removed. For Goodness sake let him now finish the job he so spectacularly started. Ask him. He would not be able to resist. With this squad and Keegan in charge, can you imagine the power of positive thinking. Makes my hair stand on end. Please Mr Ashley, show some common sense. It's not a decision that requires bottle, just a business analysis of the facts.A man who has a proven track record(Look at where we were when he arrived and where we were when he left), who has the motivation(he has black and white blood running through his veins) and the unequivocal backing of the fans(your customers).
A man who would not be able to resist the challenge because of his love of the club/city/fans. He is one of us. It is an absolute no brainer - BRING BACK THE MOST SUCCESFUL MANAGER IN THE RECENT HISTORY OF NUFC TO FINISH THE JOB HE STARTED.
KEVIN KEEGAN IS THE ONLY MAN FOR THE JOB

Posted by: Mike  | January 11, 2008 8:56 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Why don't they appoint a player coach. Michael Owen.

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 11, 2008 9:37 PM

Anonymous wrote...

Or even a player's coach. Nigel Pearson.

Posted by: Anonymous  | January 11, 2008 9:49 PM

karl wrote...

I can see where MA is coming from - Sam wasn't his choice, and the standard of football played has been atrocious. I can't understand how we can battle Arsenal and Chelsea yet fail against sides we should be playing off the park. The players need to look at themselves and if they're not content to give 110% for the black and white then they can disappear off somewhere else. I am concerned that we are becoming the laughing stock of the premiership - the press in general potray us as probably the most demanding crowd in football - that's bo$%%$£ks - we just want our team to play football and give 110% effort - which to be fair we haven't seen [apart from Milner, Given, Harper, Taylor]. Let's move on - KK and Shearer would be a disaster - it was fantastic while it lasted but it's history. Redknapp I'm not so sure about, BUT, given the hysteria the press whip up over the 'pressure' here in Newcastle, who is going to want the job? It's becoming as bad as the England Job. Whoever we end up with, the main thing is that we turn SJP back into the cauldron of noise it can be - only 100% of it should be behind our team - not against it, and please, MA, if you appoint someone at least give them a few seasons to build something otherwise we'll end up in the 2nd division and your investment will be worth SFA.

Posted by: karl  | January 11, 2008 9:50 PM

Mike Smith wrote...

Well Well

I got really bored looking at all of the comments against the appointment of Harry.

I am not sure it is correct but stop and think a little.

1) Any attendee at a match who boos their own team is not a true supporter. (I've supported them since 1961 and believe me I know what a bad team is and I never booed them)

2) Who put 250 mill. to buy the club.

3) With the players we have got we should be at least in the top 6.

4) Whereas I wasn't keen on the mutual departure of Sam remember who gave him the job when he knew he was selling his shares? Mike actually gave Sam a chance even though it wsan't his manager.

5) Sam didn't go for attacking football at its best which I believe was achieveable with the squad that we have.

6) WAKE UP - lets not be in fairy stories, who would really want to come at this particular time with our record??????????????????

Posted by: Mike Smith  | January 11, 2008 10:05 PM

Gary wrote...

For gods sake forget about Keegan what did he win again? stop living in the past and realise we are not a big club, Morinho wouldnt come Shearer is just a non starter, Redknapp wouldnt be my first realistic choice but I do think given the right backing he would do a good job. My first choice would be Jol.

Posted by: Gary  | January 11, 2008 10:05 PM

Peter Miller wrote...

I don't know how other people are thinking but 2 days on, I'm still very undecided over the whole matter. I was not happy with how things were going under Big Fat Sam, although, 8 months in charge is not long enough to judge anyone. He could be classed as a failure after 2 seasons, not after 8 months. However, if Mike Ashley thought about it and wanted rid before it got any worse, then fair enough.
As for the next manager, I can't believe how many times we have gone through this in the last few years. I believe everyone wanted Bobby Robson and I guess, at the time, a lot of people wanted Dalglish and Gullit too. The difference this time is that not one name really stands out as a perfect successor. We want someone to love the club - Alan Shearer, Kevin Keegan! We want someone who's done it all before in the Premier League - Harry Redknapp, Mark Hughes! We want someone who will excite us and be a winner - Jose Mourinho, Marcello Lippi! Whoever it is, we've got to get behind him, the players and the club because we will only be successful if everyone is pulling in the same direction. Here's to a new start. Again!!!

Posted by: Peter Miller  | January 11, 2008 10:23 PM

Marty ov blakelaw wrote...

Bring Back Kevin Keegan and give him the millions to sort the team out! Harry Redknapp wont move the club forward

Posted by: Marty ov blakelaw  | January 11, 2008 11:00 PM

Sir Pedro Beardsley wrote...

What a shambles! At least Allardyce had a long term template, albeit a flawed one on the football front. Redknapp makes no sense at all. All the lads calling for Mourinho are either taking too many recreational drugs or are just plain deluded. Anyway, we aren't getting a foreign manager, apparently, so any "world class" options out for a start. So.....where does that leave us? Sparky? (maybe the only Brit who could do it), McLaren, Venables, O'Leary et al - go away I never thought I would say this, but the only option to lift the club, restore some pride and, in time, reunite the fans is Keegan / Shearer combo. Thats how mental the situation is.

Posted by: Sir Pedro Beardsley  | January 11, 2008 11:13 PM

RAY WILSON wrote...

Hi lee. Well Big sams gone and he only had himself to blame -now Harry-ugh I dont think so-not that I dislike Harry -but this job demands much more than most as the previous long list of managers have found out.I am getting a raw feeling that the situation is not going to be addressed as thorough as it should-not exactly knee jerk-but not exactly well thought out either.If we want to make progress we have to look at what we really need. I do think Harrys cv will not match that need-we have been a club devoid of stability for years-surely in order to bring stability we need a younger manager who is going to spend some time with this club and bring it to where we aspire it to be.I think Harry would be overwhelmed in the job-much like I thought Sam was. Surely if Mike Astley is spending all this money on the present changes it must be time to get it right-wonder what the millions in severance pay we have paid to our past managers would now add up to. I think it was right for Sam to go -but I dont see Harry as the man to take us to any great heights. Mourinho might have been the only candidate to do so-if not then Keegan -if not then give it to Shearer he is the only one who might succeed even though his cv does not fit the bill either-however knowing Shearers determination I somehow think he might just be the winner we all want. As for Harry? no thanks he would go the same way as the rest-sorry but I think we are going to get it all wrong again.

Posted by: RAY WILSON  | January 11, 2008 11:30 PM

victor wrote...

NUFC is a special-strange-mad-club. It is a great-great privilege to lead this s-s-m-NUFC. No one (incl Jose, Jol, Lippy, Gaal etc) able realy understand what is the s-s-m-club NU unless he has this s-s-m-cNU inheritance/blood.
Remember KK? It was first Managerial Job here... No CV/European trophies etc. Just blood!. He is Great now because he was special Geordy. He is a History now But young Geordy's blood is still available. There is still chance to inject it into this SPECIAL-STRANGE-MAD-CLUBNU. Have we approach to Shearer? I believe he wants this privilage and majority of Toon Army will stay behind him.

Posted by: victor  | January 12, 2008 12:03 AM

Kevin wrote...

No way do we want Arry, i hope this is a smoke screen or Your playing with fire not listening to the fans weve put up with enough of not having any say in who we want as our manager, Im sorry but you have to listen to your customers we wont buy in to something we dont want or accept....LISTEN to the fans we want HITZFELD / SHEARER/KEEGAN / VAN GAAL / HIDDINK / JOSE (1)Fair enough if they no but...
NO WAY ARRY on an aaaarrooplayne

Posted by: Kevin  | January 12, 2008 12:24 AM

Buzza wrote...

Rednapp is not the answer. We would have been better off sticking with Sam rather than take on another high profile underachiever. If Mike Ashley and Mr Mort think that this is the dream appointment that Toon fans want then they are sadly mistaken and should not be in charge of NUFC. As for Shearer - maybe it would be for the best if he got the job as he probably would fail miserably and that would be one less monkey on the Toon faithfuls backs ! Give us Jose - he's a man with an ego capable of living with the expectation on Tyneside - Harry is a used car salesman who will be gone within a year but with a much boosted pension plan in his back pocket ( paid for by the fans ). Stay south Harry - do us all a favour.

Posted by: Buzza  | January 12, 2008 12:28 AM

Dan wrote...

Definitely not Harry, like Sam he couldn't handle the pressure, I don't see why we can't attract a world class manager like Mourinho, look at Man City they were far worse than us last year and know they are prospering under Sven and a billionaire owner, I think we can easily emulate the same model, we just have to believe in our club and our chairman, I doubt he will hire Redknapp after seeing the fans opinions, after all he knows about as much about football as we do. I'd stilllike to see David Dein come in as director of football, helps keep out the duff signings.

Posted by: Dan  | January 12, 2008 12:49 AM

James 09 wrote...

Lee - do you think there is as much opposition to Harry being appointed, as say there was against Souness or Allardyce?? After only a couple of days I think there could well be.

Again - utter lack of ambition and consideration. What are we going to be happy with some decent stuff played, middle table mediocrity and yet more and more years without success?? - that is the hard currency of football success - trophies. Not since 1969 (domestic since 1955), and this is simply NOT the way forward and beyond.

Posted by: James 09  | January 12, 2008 12:58 AM

Fat Bronzed Aussie wrote...

Please please no not Harry
Newcastle has a strong history and tradition and we need a WORLD CLASS LEADER - JOSE or GUS to lead this club back to glory

Posted by: Fat Bronzed Aussie  | January 12, 2008 1:07 AM

dexter wrote...

Reality check fans. If we have to pay Redknapp a supposed 5m a season to make managing us attractive then what hope do we have of attracting a TOP coach. Whilst we would all love to see Mourinho here why would he chose us over Milan or Barcelona? You all deserve better than redknapp, sounness, roeder and Allardyce but it ain't coming.

One thing Redknapp has done well (and probably better than any manager we've had) is bring through the youth players. Lampard, ferdinand, cole, carrick, defoe, All england players. He also managed to calm dicanio and get the best out of him. It would be quite a change to have a cockney in charge and might even help close the North south divide!

There is certain baggage (so he should feel at home in the hot seat) but one thing Harry has done is build solid clubs with teams that play attractive football. If he is chosen then please let's get behind him because we can't afford another fiasco.

I know our club means the world to it's fans but we can't kid ourselves that top managers will see us as a 'sleeping giant' anymore. We are not a glamour club, we're not in europe and right now we don't look like being there for a good few seasons. Whilst the rest of English football laughs at us, let's show them who the best fans in the world are. Get right behind our team and do what we do best. That is always believe that this season could be the one we see silverware.

Posted by: dexter  | January 12, 2008 2:28 AM

Magic Bill wrote...

We want flowing football, we want excitement, we want passion and we want to be entertained. We need a manager that every single fan will unite behind, we want to go "yes!" not "oh". We need king Kev back and, at the risk of being shouted down, I would like to see Lee Clarke as no 2, That man bleeds in black & white. He absolutely loves this club as much as we do.

Please Mr Ashley, don't give us another also ran, maybe the Keegan magic is all used up, maybe he wouldn't succeed but oh, what a time we would have trying. You've sat in a divided, discontent crowd, imagine what a difference 52000 geordies all sing the same song would make.

I'm going to end this here because I am starting to drool at the thought.

Posted by: Magic Bill  | January 12, 2008 2:54 AM

Jack Willis wrote...

Pardon my French, but CRAP! Let's just go for the best for a change - Jose Mourinho. Definitely not the tactical pygmy Keegan, again. Just get it right for a change.

Posted by: Jack Willis  | January 12, 2008 4:45 AM

Siomi wrote...

It can't be Harry, and it won't be. That's final. He won't take it and we will dodge that bullet.

He has many positives - one being he talks to players and explores how THEY like to play. He would also generate a family team spirit with players playing for each other. But it can't be him because he doesn't have the qualifications for this job.

Minimum on the CV is winning the league or a European cup (not including the Intertoto that Roeder has on his CV). Also required is good evidence of club management - coordination with youth/academy, admin, facitlities, and CLEAN business deals.

Harry fails on both.

It has to be offered to Mourinho and then Hitzfeld, then maybe Houlier or Ranieri or even Hudink.

If we are to ignore the minimum qualification requirements, then it has to be,

Peter Beardsley!

BUT PLEASE GET RID OF THAT WASTE OF SPACE,

Nigel 'callmevinnie' Pearson - what a joke!

Posted by: Siomi  | January 12, 2008 5:05 AM

jon wrote...

harry??u mean harry potter right??they are just as good....come on....try jose....at least if he rejects us ashley cant be blamed for not tryin by the demandin fans....

Posted by: jon  | January 12, 2008 7:46 AM

John Fowler wrote...

Greetings from Australia! I've followed Newcastle United since childhood & was at St James' Park the day Alan Shearer scored his record goal v Portsmouth & Glenn Roedder took over from Graeme Souness.Like most of you here i've (sadly) seen it all before & still believe Sir Bobby should never have been sacked & as a result it's been downhill ever since.When Souness was sacked your local papers touted Sven (who,with the gift of hindsight, would've been ideal)& Martin O'Neill,among others,& we opted for Roedder.Without stating the bleeding obvious we need a manager who has one stuff which means both Harry,nice bloke that he is,or Mark Hughes should be overlooked.
Do we know for a fact that Mourinho wouldn't come to St James'? For me he's the obvious & only choice.

Posted by: John Fowler  | January 12, 2008 7:57 AM

Billy wrote...

Here is some food for thought? Is it just me or do you get the impression that there is more at work within Newcastel United than meets the eye. What I mean by this is that the club seems to have turned into a cash cow for those players and managers who are approaching retirement and want to go out with their pockets comfortably padded.
Here again we have an exanple with Ol' Harry. What is at stake here? If he is appointed and I hope he is not, then whether he makes a success of the job or not is completely accademic as far as his finances are concerned.
This pattern has prevailed for some time now with Newcastle and I can only hope that the new owner is not of the same mind set. Let the club limp along for a few years, take the TV money then sell at a profit. The generous fans paying the bills along the way.
The new owners have an opportunity here, appoint someone with something to prove or something to lose. A young manager with ambition or someone in the veign of Mourinio ( unfinished buisness).

Posted by: Billy  | January 12, 2008 8:10 AM

Geoff Forster wrote...

Wow that's almost 100% No.

I hope Mort & Ashley read this before appointing Redknapp

Posted by: Geoff Forster  | January 12, 2008 8:53 AM

Sgt Bilko wrote...

Lets find a manager that's interested in football and Newcastle United

Posted by: Sgt Bilko  | January 12, 2008 9:34 AM

STEVE wrote...

I hope mike ashley or chris mort read this blog or even YOU LEE could tell alan oliver and tell em.ITS UNANIMOUS we DONT WANT REDKNAPP, hes no better than bsa or roeder,and whats all this about lettin him stay down poole and use ashleys jet to commute? that is ridiculous,how is he ever gonna tap into the fans/city psyche and realise how unique a club we are....and poole is a canny bolthole to skedaddle to when things inevitable take a turn for the worst.Redknapp will be here like all the others for a hugely over-inflated pay cheque and self gratification....and will he bring kevin bond back up? laughable.One man and only one man will ever get us playing with panache,flair and get results...also managing to bring the toon back to life as he did once before...KEEGAN with SHEARER as understudy.....THEY HAVE THE CLUB AT HEART,NO ONE ELSE DOES......Thats my dream ticket.....not redknapp and certainly not mclaren.If we cannot persuade KK/AS to rejoin we should go foreign...if we could land mourinho thatd be a major coup but methinks hes got bigger fish to fry......AND WHAT HAS AFFAIRS AT NUFC EVER HAD TO DO WITH FERGUSON??????? looking forward to the atmos today (not the match tho) itll be intriguing how it all unfolds as pompey play the mackems also.....i just hope HR is in the oppo dugout and not as SJP signing on.....MIKE ASHLEY HAS A CLEAN SLATE TO USE TO HIS ADVANTAGE,HIS FIRST APPOINTMENT COULD BE HUGE,AND IF ITS THE RIGHT ONE AND WE START TO TURN THE CORNER HELL EXPERIENCE A BUZZ LIKE NOWHERE ELSE ON EARTH.......HOWAY MIKE OUR FATE IS IN YOUR HANDS.....

Posted by: STEVE  | January 12, 2008 10:03 AM

Dave wrote...

What are we talking about here?Redknapp would be about as good for Toon as Wilkinson was when he went to Sunderland.Ok maybe we cant get Shearer Keegan, Who are the only 2 people who know and understand the passion on Tyneside and more importantly can utilize that passion.If we cant get them go at least go for a manager who has a proven track record and has won something playing attractive football.There are plenty who would love the job. 1st choice Mourino 2nd Houlier 3rd Rihcard 4th Klinsman.But please not " bloody Arry Redknapp who cant even say Newcastle,but thinks it is called Nooooooocastle!Cmon Mike shake your brain a bit!

Posted by: Dave  | January 12, 2008 10:26 AM

Andrew from Perth wrote...

What, is this some sort of sick joke?? We keep on bringing in mediocre players and mediocre managers and wonder why we're only mid-table? If we bring in H.R. then we might as well have stayed with Big Sam. H.R.’s record is hardly blowing me over. Shearer should do us all a favour and take the job...sink or swim at least the spectre of Shearer will be realised once and for all and we can stop living in his shadow.
Jose is the obvious choice but I doubt we’ll get him. That is the saddest indictment on where the decades of mismanagement have left this proud club. Ashley needs to make good and pull off something spectacular.

Posted by: Andrew from Perth  | January 12, 2008 11:28 AM

James 09 wrote...

Here's me, along with most others, deriding HR being approached but what the heck we going to do if HR rejects us??

Hughes, Curbishley?? Would rather HR.

McClaren, Hoddle, O'Leary, Venabals and others?? Severe panic.

Or show some ambition and make a concerted effort to land a top manager - impressive CV etc.

Posted by: James 09  | January 12, 2008 11:32 AM

Peter wrote...

I hope the Guardian are right and you guys are wrong. Today's Guardian (12/01/08) says that Chunky has rejected the job, preferring to stay with that famous old club Portsmouth. If that's true we've been saved another Bartonesque idiot on bail. If Ashley does appoint Chunky then Ashley is a fool. Who appoints a man facing serious charges (apart from Freddie Shepherd, re Souness and Allardyce both mentioned in the wrong doer's Hall of Fame)?

We need a manager who has seen it done, it, been there. Someone who believes he knows how to use the resources he has to best affect. Let's not forget that this club is a big club based on turnover, asset value and fanbase. Success on the pitch adds to those performance metrics. So we have an excellent starting position.

There is a very good post by someone called ToonCGull on the Guardian site under some drivel written by a Krustyesque fool called David Lacey. Read it. It recounts how this club has had 12 seasons of European football and has finished in the top 7, eight times and in the top 4, four times. It's very well written and makes the idiots appreciate exactly why we won't put up with another Souness, Roeder or Allardyce.

We need a man like Robson (before anyone starts, just read) who has done it several clubs; has managed at international and club level; has tasted European success; is respected by players and managers; and knows how to play attractive winning football. The only currently available man in that mould (apart from poor Bobby who I fear for) is Marcelo Lippi.

Lippi in case you forgot took an unfancied Italian side to World Cup glory in 2006. Argentina, Brazil and of course, that well known footballing Superpower, England, were nowhere to be seen. Lippi has had success with both Juve and AC Milan too. If you think the Toon is high pressure you've never lived in Italy where the Roman Catholic Church avoids having mass on at the same time as football. It's a country where football is regularly discussed in Parliament and where they have the guts to relegate teams, no matter how big they are and where footballing wrongdoers do the honourable thing. Perhaps the two managers we've had and the one on bail might have should take a leaf out of the Italian's book?

Lippi knows how to play football, how to motivate the world's top players not players we regard as World class and no-one else does. He can attract the sort of names who would love to get paid the money that some of our wonderful messianic players get paid. Lippi is also an intelligent man and was a great player in his day....unlike Sam who was always a kick and rush idiot. (If you want a laugh watch Rene Gattuso slapping him about on youTube after the WC2006 final!!)

Mike Ashley, if you don't approach Lippi you're a fool and you'll be in this same boat in less than a year's time. If that doesn't make you do it Mike, then remember BIRMINGHAM CITY TRIED TO APPOINT HIM!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have they got more ambition than the Toon? Only time will tell!!!!

Posted by: Peter  | January 12, 2008 11:53 AM

yiannis mazis wrote...

FROM AGIOS NIKOLAOS KRETA GREECE KEVIN KEEGAN FOR EVER.

Posted by: yiannis mazis  | January 12, 2008 2:30 PM

Paul Taylor wrote...

Shearer my first choice as understands club, with black & white blood, and could attract just about any player in the world. If foreign, Scolari then Jol. Also, decision needs to be made soon so that quality players can be brought in.

Posted by: Paul Taylor  | January 12, 2008 2:55 PM

Kraig wrote...

There is only one man for the job, and that's Jose Mourinho.

He has no club at the moment, ok we may have to pay chelski some compensation as he supposedly can't manage another premier league team until the end of the season, but surely Mike Ashley should pull out all the stops to get him here.

He will demand respect from everyone at the club, will be able to attracked world class players to get us playing the fast flowing attacking football that we all want to see. And he's tacticly sound.

It you all agree, and we keep saying it, just maybe Mike Ashley might take notice. After All he does sit wit us.

Posted by: Kraig  | January 12, 2008 3:31 PM

iain nicolson wrote...

we should at least be trying for a top manager. you dont win the prize unless you buy a ticket. the kind of money we offer to average gaffers like allardyce and redknapp would tempt many foriegn coaches.

lippi/klinsmann/mourinho etc they all cant go to real/barca/ac milan/bayern etc and even if they did the current incumbents at those clubs are very very very good managers who we could then offer a job to.

apparently mourinho to ac milan is a done deal his backroom team have been seen at milan training ground. that leaves ancelloti out of work where will he go ???

rijkaard may be out of work come the summer.

and if were after attacking football we could do worse than valverde or pellegrini managers of espanyol and villareal. there teams make barca and real look defensive minded. there both building top 4 clubs on finances that are at the level of bolton at best.

theres a few proven pl managers around who have achieved more in teh pl than sam and harry and both are out of work jol/houlier.

theres no excuse imo to be chasing people like harry or even worse appointing shearer.

Posted by: iain nicolson  | January 12, 2008 4:16 PM

Sgt Bilko wrote...

Well Lee, I see you have edited my comment and just put part of the last line in,What's wrong does the truth hurt? Doesnt matter now we've been saved the aggravation...

Posted by: Sgt Bilko  | January 12, 2008 6:24 PM

nazt wrote...

ha ha

Posted by: nazt  | January 12, 2008 7:12 PM

criz wrote...

no way is harry gonna succeed in bringin glory to e magpies cos hes in e same calibre as big sam..wats e use of signin him when both of them r alike..we really need some1 like jose mourinho who can bring back e days of glory to st james park..e manager we sign next mus 1st earn e respect of e fans instantly n harry is certainly nt 1 of them..jose, lippi, van gaal r some of e big names we shld be tryin to install as e next manager..

Posted by: criz  | January 12, 2008 7:32 PM