Ashley hoping to turn bad blood into young blood?
Posted on January 5th, 2010 | 40 Comments |
But arguably one of the more disappointing casualties of the long-running saga, was the departure of Richard Money who was no doubt influenced by the off-field shenanigans at Gallowgate. Hardly something to be proudly associated with after all. Of course, he was also apparently keen to rejoin a club he was fond of, but it’s surely no coincidence that he left during a time of uncertainty.
Money only lasted a year and a half or so as Academy Director at the Toon, but in that time built up a good reputation and was making good progress with the talent at his disposal. His departure to Luton Town was a big signal to some fans that the board had effectively dropped their priorities on the youth side. Which in itself fuelled the rumours that Ashley was only here for the short term and to get the best price he could from a future sale.
Of course that might still be true but the appointment of Willie Donachie may also go some way to contradicting that theory, and illustrating more long term intentions. The former Scotland international Willie Donachie has been appointed today at the club’s Benton Academy, and the ex-Manchester City and Oldham Athletic coach and Millwall manager, seems chuffed to be part of it all:
“I am joining a great club and a terrific set-up at Newcastle United.
“It is a fabulous move for me and one that I’m immensely looking forward to.”
According to The Chronicle, Donachie is expected to work with United’s under-18s with cult hero Kenny Wharton and Joe Joyce to help nurture Newcastle’s young talent in the Academy League and the FA Youth Cup. Academy gaffer, Joyce had this to say:
“I am delighted Willie has joined our team at the Academy.
“He brings a wealth of experience to the role and I am sure that over time he will prove a great asset to the club.”
I’m just about old enough to remember Panini sticker books with Donachie’s mug in them but that’s about it from his playing days, though I do remember when he had a decent run when he was helping Joe Royle out at Oldham back in the ’90s. Considering the plethora of young kids we were getting in at one stage, the conveyor belt seems to have dried up, which would suggest the link in that chain is now gone.
However, hopefully this appointment re-emphasises the focus on the youth and that we make moves to add to the likes of the promising Vukcic, Spear and Adjei to name but a few, who are all making good progress in the youth ranks. And also that Wharton, Joyce and Donachie are soon hammering on Chris Hughton’s door to give them some first team action.
1st wahey