Do Newcastle United really need a Director of Football?

Posted on April 25th, 2010 | 196 Comments |

Hoping to help Hughton?
Hoping to help Hughton?
There have been some worrying murmurs recently about our club treading over old ground again and looking to appoint another person in the role of Director of Football. Thing is though, do we really need one?

Owner, Mike Ashley, is apparently looking to appoint someone who has experience in negotiating the financial aspect of transfers and player contracts whilst holding extensive contacts throughout the game to aid in the role at board room level. Now this could be a dangerous tactic, as we have had our fingers burnt with a certain Dennis Wise in his role as Director of Football, and we all know how that turned out! One would hope that Mike Ashley, who has appeared to be learning from the mistakes of the past, will continue learning and recruit someone who is good for the job and will help Chris Hughton, not undermine him. We really need to get things right next season, and making sure the board and manager are singing from the same hymn sheet will be vitally important in avoiding any repeat of last the turmoil of last season.

The theory behind a Director of Football is great. It should allow the manager to crack on with the nitty gritty of the first team squad and training and not have to worry about anything else. The manager should be able to hand a list of players that he would like to strenghten the team with to the Director of Football and let him crack with sorting out the financial side of things. Unfortunately it is a model that doesn’t seem to work in the English game so much, for differing reasons.

But do we really need it? It’s always struck me that Chris Hughton seems to work well with Mike Ashley and Derek Llambias, so why change it? He even got some January signings out of Mike Ashley, much to the surprise of many fans. It’s those signings I want to focus on, and more particularly the way those signings were conducted.

There wasn’t the usual fanfare surrounding incoming players. Wayne Routledge appeared out of nowhere, Mike Williamson arrived with nothing but a few brief, re-hashed stories from the summer and Leon Best only managed to atrract some attention at the last minute. The most notable theme between them all being the fact that they were signed out of the blue. They had been kept unusually quiet, a feat that earned many plaudits from many fans and gave a feeling that, for once, the club looked like it was being run properly.

So why the change of heart if it is indeed true? The club have already demonstrated that they can deal with transfers properly, and Chris Hughton has shown he can identify his own players whilst working within a budget. It just doesn’t add up and doesn’t seem necessary in my opinion.

Mike Ashley should be mindful of the fact that if he does go ahead and appoints a ‘DoF’ that the saga of last season will be brought back up again. Anyone other than a top name like David Dein will immediately arouse the suspicion of many fans who fear it could end up like last season again and play on the still fractious relationship between fan and boardroom.

On the other hand, if it does help the club and they do get the appointment right, then I am all for it. As long as the mistakes of the past have been learnt from of course.

Let’s just wait and see eh?

NUFCBlog Author: toonsy toonsy has written 643 articles on this blog.

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196 Responses

  1. Answer = No :)

    Do we need a new chairman/MD instead of DL?

    Answer = Yessssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss! :)

  2. The only positive I can see is taking the burden of haggling prices and wages for players that Chris wants and let Hughton manage the team. That isn’t a bad idea but only if Hughton does not object. If its another Dennis Wise style appointment it would be a awful idea.

  3. if this turns out to br true,it could be another keegan situation in the making.
    does mike ashley want a dof,just to stop the manager asking for a transfer budget?.
    then are we back at the magical 20 million a year,that we never see?
    will the new dof start selling off assets behind hughton,s back?
    will chris have a say about comings and goings,or will he be treated like a mug,like keegan was?
    will the dof be of the top calibre,or just another ashley associate?namely jobs for the boys with kinnear back in tow?
    ashley must realise that a dof doesn,t seem to work in british football,and bringing one in now will wreck everything that has been achieved this season.
    could you imagine all the morale and team spirit,that has been fostered over the last 10 months,be replaced by suspicion as to who will be sold next?with players like barton,nolan et al all looking over their shoulders?
    how will chris feel after his efforts this season,his reward will be someone put in above him,what does this say to hughton?thanks for getting us promoted chris,but we dont trust you to sign players?
    i seem to remember the very same quote a couple of years back”a director of football will be appointed to help kevin”ever get the feeling you,ve heard something before.

  4. This could work if Hughton feels he needs some assistance. However, what happens if Hughton is replaced at some point in the near future? There are no guarantees that the new manager and director of football will see eye to eye.

  5. a DoF will only work if he reports to Hughton!

    Here’s a list go and get them. This is what I want, go make it happen. Full stop!

  6. Spyro – Or the DoF could step down and take the manager job? Like Avram Grant does wherever he goes? ;)

  7. I Dont think a DOF role works , and i dont think this will happen , wasnt this in the notw?

  9. i have been a critic of chris hughton over the months,and there,s no denying that.
    do i think he,s the long term solution,possibly not,but i think he at least deserves the chance,to achieve or fail under his own steam.
    ashley you said chris deserves a shot at the title,dont take it away from him,before he,s had the chance.

  10. even if this is in the bollox of the world,i think there could be some truth to it,and ashley,s got form for this type of caper.

  11. sir bobby appointed a dof when he was in charge i remember.. Gordon Milne. and that worked. i think if a director of footy should be appointed,it should be a person recommended by Hughton..

  12. TROJAN 69 says:
    April 25, 2010 at 3:15 pm

    “even if this is in the bollox of the world,i think there could be some truth to it, and ashley,s got form for this type of caper.”

    That’s why they wrote it, Trojan, because it is specious enough for you to beleive. ;-)

  13. if it,s someone,say for instance a david dein,who,s going to help with players contracts etc,then i wouldn,t be averse to that.
    imagine if it was kinnear though,it would be a feckin disaster,any ex player or manager would be bad news imo.

  15. TROJAN 69 says:
    April 25, 2010 at 3:33 pm

    “worky,the reason i feel it may have legs,is ashley,s went down this road before.”

    It might be a good idea this time, Trojan.

  17. If a Dof is mainly to sort out the money side of contracts etc. Surely thats part of Llambias’s job. Better get rid of him and get someone who knows football.That would also save money.

  18. worky,could be a good idea if it,s only to do the work on players contracts etc.
    i dont mind that kind of set up,but if it,s to bring in another dennis wise appointment,then i,m not for that.
    call me old fashioned,but a manager lives and dies by his own decisions,and should always have the right to pick his own players.

  19. There`s obviously a division of responsibilities at every club.
    With the manager and coaches taking care of the training,
    tactics, team selection and obviously the putting together of a team of compatible players.
    As far as negotiating transfer deals, wages and other financial affairs, that should be the province of the bean counters in conjunction with an experienced board.
    It seems the idea of a director of football is not a popular one in the UK (a country that in many cases does not welcome change)
    Actually every successful side has a someone in charge of the financial side, he may not be known as the director of football, but where does one draw the line?
    Unfortunately for us we have a footballing novice in that position, combined with a novice owner, not a healthy situation, blind leading the blind , so to speak.
    In the case of NUFC i would certainly welcome a change at the top.
    With Llambias replaced by someone with a track record in the game, who could work in a cohesive manner with both CH and Ashley.
    Face it who will be making the decisions as to what players to go for and what each is worth in the market, Llambias ?
    Whatever name is given to the position, this club is in dire need of someone in that key position, with the qualities and experience of say a David Dien.

  21. Chris F says:
    April 25, 2010 at 3:54 pm

    “commas – the new apostrophe.”

    Watch out, the punctuation police are about ;)

  23. Why is it that the majority of those opposing the appointment of a DOF use the argument, it does`nt seem to work in the UK, that`s it ?
    Sorry thats not an argument.

  24. And the moderators are on the case`s of the the grammar police.
    This blog is getting very “Stasi” like

  25. Chuck – We don’t have ‘moderators’, just rulers ;)

    What other argument is there? The fact is that having a DOF doesn’t generally work in the UK. Have a search on the internet and you will see many failed examples of it over here.

  26. Chelsea have a director of football and it works fine for them, arsenal and man united have the most experienced managers in the game so do not need anyone to help them. So saying it doesn’t work in England is pretty innaccurate.

    A Director of Football, if it’s the right person then this could be exactly what we need. Dennis Wise didn’t have the right experience or credentials and Keegan is a prima donna who’s best days were well behind him, that is why the DoF situation failed initially. Which was still completely Ashleys fault anyway. So he could easily make the same sort of stupid mistakes again. The idiot.

  27. Gallowgate-I agree with what you’re saying, but at the same time I dont think Chelsea are a great example. Given the money they have, I could be DOF at Chelsea. I could turn round and go, “so…Kaka, Messi, Ibrahimovic, Aguero..they’re all canny footballers. We have the money and we’re one of the top two teams in England, lets go try and get them”..
    As for newcastle, we’d need someone experienced in the role with the ability to pick out a player at the right price, a shrewd business man who knows the game and knows the role. I understand what you’re saying, but Chelsea are an established team and they’re moneybags.

  28. What about Peter Storrie? He is looking for a job and only ever had Portsmouth’s best interest at heart ;)

  29. I just dont see the benefit of a DOF If we have a good Manager and a CEO that knows what he is doing then whats the point of DOF

  30. I don’t think bringing in a DoF is to replace anything that CH does, it will be a middleman between CH & the board, someone who takes over what Ashley himself was doing by sorting out the money, contracts etc as I don’t think CH did that either, it was left top Ashley to cough up the money, so this new DoF will be to let Ashley off the hook for anyone thats brought in….. if it’s true that is.. lol

  31. I think Ross (#27) may have it right when he states that a DOF should ‘know the role’ he is asked to play. This does NOT mean he picks players and forces them on the manager. The scouts are to find the players and both the DOF and manager run the rule over them. This involves a lot of give and take. Yes there will be differences of opinion, but if they are a team (just as on the field) this can be a very healthy situation. But to appoint someone with a ‘my way or the highway’ idea of the direction of the club just leads us back to the trouble we had with Wise.

  32. I imagine Ashley has learned his lesson when it comes to repudiating the contracts of people who have the wherewithal to stick up for themselves.

    No doubt any new team management structure will have been discussed with CH in his negotiations over his future at the club. He must be OK with it.

    I don’t see why a DOF can’t work if everyone’s signed up to the idea.

    But the manager/coach should always have the final say on acquisitions IMHO, as he’ll be the one taking a walk if things don’t go to plan – not the owner.

  34. UTD111 says:
    April 25, 2010 at 6:13 pm

    “I was reading this morning that they’re going for Sir Kevin Keegan”

    That’ll make the papers tomorrow ;)

  35. one thing is for sure,there has to be a clear definition of what people’s roles are at the club.
    what is lamearse’s official title?i’ve heard on the one hand it’s chairman,on the other it’s stadium manager,what the hell is he ffs?well there are a few things i think he is lol.
    there are some apostrophes in place for the grammer police lol.

  36. TROJAN 69 says:
    April 25, 2010 at 6:27 pm

    “what is lamearse’s official title?i’ve heard on the one hand it’s chairman,on the other it’s stadium manager,what the hell is he ffs?”

    Trojan, his job title is Managing Director of Newcastle United Football Club.

  37. Toonsy

    And thats still not an argument, “look on the internet and you will see how many failed”
    Thats a lazy cop out on presenting an argument.
    The fact is whatever title he is given, there`s that guy at every successful club that is the buffer between ownership and management, some are referred to as the managing director, but the role is the same.
    Does anyone think for a moment Alex Ferguson has full control over all deals, well I got news for you neither he or Arsene or any other manager has that authority.
    It`s the bean counters who control the purse strings.
    Sure they work in a cohesive manner and yes there, like everywhere else there are power struggles.
    But you can bet your ass that each of the top clubs have an experienced money guy that is every bit as responsible for the clubs success as the manager.
    And in our case someone who can successfully fill that role is badly needed, the alternate is, “wor Derick”

  38. chuck says:
    April 25, 2010 at 6:55 pm

    Statler, you must have been laying off the Amstel recently because you actually have a good point! :-)

    Of course, the only people who have “full say” over transfers ultimately are the owner(s).

  39. chuck says:
    April 25, 2010 at 6:55 pm

    “And thats still not an argument, “look on the internet and you will see how many failed”
    Thats a lazy cop out on presenting an argument.”

    Possibly, but it still diesn’t negate the fact that the majority of director of football appointments in England have turned sour.

    The only teams in England that have a DoF are Chelsea, West Ham, Huddersfield, Reading, Stoke, Bristol Rovers and Halesowen Town.

    Llambias should be the money man at Newcastle if we are going by title. He is the one who is in the same position as David Gill at Man U, David Dein at Arsenal, Peter Kenyon at Chelsea. So we already have that position filled, Chuck.

    So it is now looking like it will be a DoF, and these just don’t work in England, for whatever reason.

  41. I honestly think that in some ways D Wise has put alot of people of the idea of a DOF, well the title anyway. I just dont think he was a good choice to fill that role and do what was needed, it seems that with Wise he was out of his comfort zone, to young and no experience of the role, and thought he was a station above everyone else. But I do believe that we need someone to take the weight of CH with jobs that he shouldn’t really need to do, IMO ch should pick the players he wants and leave it to a savvy MD to go out and approach the player and to the deal so to speak, but it has to be players that CH wants not who the MD wants. But all this DOF could just be another piece of sunday rag sh1te to stir trouble.
    I also think the last year or so has taught MA and Co a lot of lessons, and I really cant see MA making anymore mistakes maybe a few small errors along the way but nowt major.

  42. chuck’s right,
    & just to hoy my 10p in the pot:
    people now say dof ‘doesn’t work in england’ cos they know it works everywhere else, so can’t just arbitrarily say ‘it doesn’t work’ anymore.
    Aye,
    other clubs ower here just call it something else or hide the fact.
    ;)

  43. On re reading some of the comments above, I don`t believe there`s a great deal of difference of opinion, just in the perception of exactly what the DOF`s role is.

    But it being perceived as an import from the continent does`nt sit well with many.

    The fact is (yeah I realize most managers have to take courses etc.) but most do not have the expertise to deal with complicated contracts (the money side)face it many are ex-players with standard educations.

    Also most have neither the time or inclination to deal with such matters, being fully involved with matters pertaining to the team itself.

    What I am not saying is the manager should have players foisted on him by bean counters, as building a team within the financial resources of the club should remain
    his responsibility.

  44. If we had an MD that knew ‘football’ this wouldn’t be an issue.
    So it’s a case of 2 people to do 1 job.
    Owners right.

    But, anyhoo,
    it’s probably all shite dredged up from last year, like all press-mongers piffle.
    They can’t just congratulate us & move on, they hold grudges & want their own back-shite-hawks!
    Gotta say i like everyone’s magnanimity on the subject though, well done all.
    :)

  45. Aside form sign Xisco without KK’s permission, what did Dennis Wise do wrong again?

  47. Aye, I agree, with a lot of points. Big Dave the nail on the head in my view, that Wise has tainted the image if a DoF.

    As I said in the article, the theory of a DoF should be excellent, so pehaps it’s been the execution of it on these shores that has been shabby?

    But where do you draw the line?

    It has to be someone that Hughton trusts, but on the other hand it also has to be someone Mike Ashley trusts. I don’t think they have worked together long enough to have formed a mutual kinship with anyone.

    So who does that leave?

    Not many. The straw has to be broken somewhere, but where? Do we try for someone that Hughton trusts and hope Ashley learns to do the same? Or do we do it the other way and get someone Ashley trusts and hope Hughton can accept it?

  48. Spyro, what about Nacho Gonzalez? The YouTube player that was signed as a favour to an agent, another one the manager didn’t want but was signed regardless?

  49. Chuck I think a lot of it has to do with the title used as there is so many different ones used I have heard Lambs-ass reffered to as with C’man, CEO, MD etc. and thats not counting the other titles he has like Dekka the D’head, c@nt, B’sturd, owl heed ;)

  50. xisco and nacho spyro, on the basis of youtube clips to do a favour for a south american agent. He also sanctioned the sale of James Milner who, I think we will all agree, is one of the best midfielders in the country and has been the heartbeat of a quality villa side all season. He also told KK that he’d get him Schweinsteiger to replace him, but then completely f*cked him off.

  53. Big Dave says:
    April 25, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    “Chuck I think a lot of it has to do with the title used as there is so many different ones used I have heard Lambs-ass reffered to as with C’man, CEO, MD etc.”

    He’s only been referred to by the club as the Managing Director, Dave.

  54. “xisco and nacho spyro, on the basis of youtube clips to do a favour for a south american agent. He also sanctioned the sale of James Milner who, I think we will all agree, is one of the best midfielders in the country and has been the heartbeat of a quality villa side all season. He also told KK that he’d get him Schweinsteiger to replace him, but then completely f*cked him off.”

    Wasn’t the favour to the agent a way of ensuring we got first pick of some South American talent in the future. Common sense tells me that this sort of thing happens all the time behind the scenes. I’m 100% certain the likes of Allardyce, Redknapp and even Fergy have been involved in such things.

    Sanctioned the sale of Milner? Mate, the guy wanted to leave as he has ambition and Villa are clearly on the up. Even KK aknowledged that. Should we have turned our nose up at 12million for a player who wanted to join Villa? Of course not.

    Don’t make me laugh. How do oyu know that the stupid Schweinsteiger rumour was true?! Behave.

  55. The truth is, most people dislike Wise because of a petty vendetta against a man who was a particular nasty little player.

  56. I’ll agree that milner is a clogger.
    He’s a bit better clogger now he’s employed in the more central position that no one here would, so well done to mo’n for that. Though me & a few others suggested it yonks back, maybe mo’n reads this?
    :)
    kk sold milner so he would get paid more.
    :)

  57. Toonsy yer right I think he looks a bit like Peter Sellers inspector clouseau as well. Did Ice say how long he was out for ?

  58. Drago-The only thing that would make me question the Schweinsteiger rumour is the fact that when talking to the press, KK said something along the lines of “I think in the coming days, everyone will understand why we’ve sold Milner, I think the fans will realise why”

    Yes, its only rumour, however its been said that a price had been agreed between us and Bayern for the player and thats why (along with him handing in a transfer request obviously), KK said let him go. However, KK had apparently been told a fee had been agreed and the player wanted the move. When it came down to it, Schweinsteiger wanted nowt to do with us.

  59. Worky he was once reffered to as deputy chairman ;) but thats not the point im making, its the titles in general in this case the dreaded DOF

  60. Dragonera` says:
    April 25, 2010 at 7:44 pm

    “The truth is, most people dislike Wise because of a petty vendetta against a man who was a particular nasty little player.”

    No, like Derek Llambias, it’s because he got on the wrong side of Keegan. Everyone who has an dispute with Keegan should be killed, if that isn’t too good for them!

  61. I’m sure Wenger, Redknapp et all do accept favours from agents, if they choose to. I doubt they would have a player thrust upon them or they would at the very least have the option of saying no.

  62. Ross

    Alright, mate.

    Even if that is the case, that can’t be blamed on anybody. Before contracts can be negotiated a fee has to be agreed with the club. If this story were true, after agreeing the fee Schweinsteiger obviously decided he is better than the likes of NUFC and turned his nose up at us. Why can’t then turn down Milner’s transfer request as we would be left with a seriously unhappy player

  64. Toonsy

    I agree, which is why i said “Aside from signing Xisco without KK’s permission”

  65. Don’t see the point in a dof if it’s just to arrange the transfers.

    What is the MD and club Secretary’s role in the transfers to and from the club?

    It’s not needed and for a club who are watching the pennies, what’s the point in adding another hefty wage bill to the club. Especially to do a job that should be done by the MD.

  66. workyticket > No, like Derek Llambias, it’s because he got on the wrong side of Keegan. Everyone who has an dispute with Keegan should be killed, if that isn’t too good for them!
    Yer right it is too good for them they should built a cage at SJP for them so that fans can throw rotten fruit etc at them :lol:

  67. Stuart

    I am sure MA is thinkin the same thing and this story is utter tosh. If MA wanted a DOF, he would, and possibly is already at the club under another title.

  68. Dragonera-I fully understand your point of view mate and after the whole debacle, I still dont think KK is exempt from taking some blame for what happened. Nobody really knows what went on behind the scenes, it’s all paper talk that we’re grounding opinions on. Do I like Ashley and Llambias? No. Do I think it takes two to tango however?..

    Either way, what is done is done. We’ve righted a wrong this season and now is the time to look forward rather than dwelling on the past. I see this as a fresh start for the club and the fans. We owe it to ourselves to clean the slate and we owe to the likes of Hughton and the players who have done a fantastic job this season. However, the debate of Ashley putting his hand in his pocket will come up again this summer and quite rightly so. This squad needs strengthening because as we’ve seen over the past 12 months or so, the gulf between the PL and the CCC, is nothing short of huge.

  69. Big Dave says:
    April 25, 2010 at 8:05 pm

    “Yer right it is too good for them they should built a cage at SJP for them so that fans can throw rotten fruit etc at them”

    I believe that some of these may be more appropriate.

    http://www.oddee.com/item_96596.aspx

    Items 2,5 and 6 are from Chuck’s private collection so I hear ;)

  70. Ross

    Agreed. I saw Reo Coker sitting on the Villa bench with a face like a smacked arse today, worth a punt? I have always like his combative, competitive nature. Surely he would be better in DM than Smith.

    Carlos Vela on loan? He isn’t getting time at Arsenal, but i doubt Wenger will want to part with such a hot prospect after waiting years for his arrival.

    What do you think about RB? I am convinced we need an experienced player there so that Simpson could be back up.

  71. lol sorry spyro looks like I got a wee bit under your collar there! As Ross pointed out, there were a fair few reasons the Shweinsteiger story seemed credible so it wasn’t a story I discarded as wild speculation and whatnot. I agree, the favour to an agent seems quite practical, but paying 5.7 mil for a total flop on deadline day was a very, very poor bit of business on his behalf. Also, I know Wise is out now, but we didn’t see or get ‘first dibs’ on any South American talent, as far as I’m aware?

    Also, Milner wanting to leave didn’t have to be the be all and end all mate. A contract’s a contract and I thought one of the main reasons he was pissed off was cos Stevie Taylor got a rise to 35k or whatever and he didn’t? I’ll try and behave though, mate, as this again could be wild speculation. Seemed a credbible story at the time though.

  72. also Spyro, when I saw reo-coker against Arsenal he had nasri in his back pocket for the entirety of the game, and that was playing RB, out of position. I know for a fact a lot villa fans rate him highly and feel he deserves more playing time, even if it can’t be in the middle. I should think he’s definitely worth a punt. Though I’d prefer to see Cabaye come in personally.

  73. Toonsy now yer talking mate that is the punishment needed we could even see if Chuck would be interested in the title of Chief Torturer :lol:
    Chuck would you be interested in the job ?

  74. Dragonera` says:
    April 25, 2010 at 7:29 pm
    Aside form sign Xisco without KK’s permission, what did Dennis Wise do wrong again?
    <<<<< what did the little weasel do right

  75. Devon

    This is where it just comes to managerial style preference i suppose. I am not a fan of holding on to players that want to leave and believe it to be counter productive. Whereas some people take your stance and are adamant players should see out their contracts.

    In regards to the agent doing us favours, well as you say, there have been major changes with the likes of Wise, Jimenez etc leaving so i would think that is dead in the water.

    I agree about Xisco though, It seemed a move out of desperation by Wise in order to avoid a backlash from the fans regarding a lack of expenditure. A poor decision. I still don’t feel he was given a chance here, but oh well. I am not the type to develop emotional ties with players so the sooner he is replaced the better.

  77. I can see where this is going !
    How bout we just bury the Wise/KK thing it can result in nothing but division.
    Raking over the dead coals of a somewhat painful period most want to forget, is`nt exactly where we want to go, unless you enjoy a bitta dissension like.

  78. Batty

    I was under the impression that Wise was in charge of youth acquisitions. Something that has stagnated since his departure. You would have to say that the majority of top young players we have now were recruited whilst Wise was here. Not that this contribution warrants the absurd wages he was apparently earning.

  79. Devon

    I was quite disappointed when Reo Coker left Charlton and we didn’t go in for him. He is a tireless worker and a leader in midfield.

  80. Big Dave says:
    April 25, 2010 at 8:21 pm

    “Toonsy now yer talking mate that is the punishment needed we could even see if Chuck would be interested in the title of Chief Torturer
    Chuck would you be interested in the job ?”

    See, he soon turned up after I exposed the tools of his trade :lol:

  81. Dragonera` says:
    April 25, 2010 at 8:29 pm

    “I was quite disappointed when Reo Coker left Charlton and we didn’t go in for him. He is a tireless worker and a leader in midfield.”

    Wimbledon ;)

  83. toonsy those devices are dark, mate.

    And dragon, I whole-heartedly agree that a player who doesn’t wanna be at a club is counter-productive, but I think if we’d upped his wages and ensured him he was central to future plans we’d still have him onboard. I’m not bitter though as what’s done is done and I like our squad these days. But Milner always was a model professional and I don’t think we would have got too much negativity from him in the dressing room. All speculation thought at the end of the day.

  84. Dragonera` says:
    April 25, 2010 at 8:27 pm

    “Not that this contribution warrants the absurd wages he was apparently earning.”

    Approximately £1 million per annum.

  85. By the way guys i am really sorry for my constant misplaced over use of comma’s it is a really bad habit but i feel like i am slowly shifting it what do you guys reckon has the amount of comma’s used decreased or increased? haha

  90. haha that’s funny cos I always noticed that Spyro! Wasn’t sure if it was advanced Grammar or something… It’s definitely gone down!

  92. Big Dave says:
    April 25, 2010 at 8:45 pm

    “George Graham havn’t heard of him in years whats he done from he left the Arse”

    He controversially managed ‘Spurs for a (short) while after Arsenal, Dave.

  94. The general opinion seems to be we don’t need another layer of management the money being better spent on the playing staff Or perhaps a P.R man to let us know what Ashley thinks and plans It would cut out loads of rumours.I have always thought this is Ashley greatest failing.Secrecy breeds discontent.

  96. Dragonera` says:
    April 25, 2010 at 8:27 pm
    Batty

    I was under the impression that Wise was in charge of youth acquisitions. Something that has stagnated since his departure. You would have to say that the majority of top young players we have now were recruited whilst Wise was here. Not that this contribution warrants the absurd wages he was apparently earning
    <<<<< yes and thats what kk thought but obviously not but my dislike goes back too his playing days 1 sneaky little weasel but iam not going too argue with u lol

  97. Igor
    Nah , not my milieu !
    I`m really a sweet natured geezer, except when presented with the occaisional opportunity to tease guys like yourselves.

    BIG DAVE
    Your a fisherman, you know about baiting hooks, right !

  98. chuck says:
    April 25, 2010 at 8:54 pm

    “I`m really a sweet natured geezer, except when presented with the occaisional opportunity to tease guys like yourselves.”

    Tease? Are you one of them man whores, Chuck? ;)

  99. As for George Graham, he says the one club that he always fancied having a crack at was Newcastle. Reckons the potential here is unrivalled but just needs run like a football club.

  100. Cheers oh yeah vaguely remember Spuds but not Leeds ;) .
    Batty he was a dirty little weasel with a real bad case of small man syndrome

  102. My George Graham may make it into the papers tomorrow ;)

    He has worked with Hughton before though, so at least they know each other.

  103. Toonsy
    Instead of Peter Storrie or George Graham, why not just get the guy that destroyed Leeds United, face it we could compete with Real Madrid for players, then sign O`Dreary as manager.
    That`d work !

  104. How long until Adriano of Sevilla gets poached by a big club. He burst on to the scene 4 years ago in the UEFA Cup and is still at Sevilla! WTF!?

    Batty

    I hated Wise as a player too.

  105. Chuck I think you would be a real good natured likable geezer with a real dry sense of humor. I do think alot of bloggers will be misunderstood on here when they say things at times as you cant see a glint in there eyes on the tinternet

  106. Big Dave says:
    April 25, 2010 at 9:00 pm

    “small man syndrome”

    Small man syndrome is a complete myth, Dave. Just about all the men who have been used as ‘examples’ of this prejudice haven’t even been especially small.

  109. chuck says:
    Toonsy
    Instead of Peter Storrie or George Graham, why not just get the guy that destroyed Leeds United, face it we could compete with Real Madrid for players, then sign O`Dreary as manager.
    That`d work !

    or why not get Joking Joe back

  117. wye aye worky,if you are on about small men causing bother napoleon was tiny by all accounts.

  118. and whilst were on a similar subject.. do we all know where the english “V” sign came from?? great story!

  119. trojan, i think they made out he was 5’4 but i gather he was closer to 5’7… still tiny!

  120. the world is full of four foot heavies,who want to take on the world.
    eveyone on here will have a mate or aquaintence,who’s vertically challenged,and a little hot heed.

  123. Don`t have great expectations in regard to a new DOF, though un-doubtably there are good candidates available.
    It`s an important position (DOF, Managing Director, whatever)and depending on someone like Llambias is a recipe for disaster, remember the rumor a while back that Dien was about to join the club.
    Had everyone exited (clutching at straws)but I just cant see Ashley spending big bucks on a proven candidate, but I have been proven wrong once or twice, i think.

  124. david dein would be a great addition i reckon, although very unlikely.. the reason (i think) he left the gunners was because he sided more with wenger than the board… am i right??

  125. TROJAN 69 says:
    April 25, 2010 at 9:20 pm

    “wye aye worky,if you are on about small men causing bother napoleon was tiny by all accounts.”

    So was everyone in Napoleon’s time Trojan. Bonaparte was actually of average height, as was Hitler, Stalin and the rest. You have said previously that it is wrong to be prejudiced against black people, so why do you think it’s ok to be so prejudiced about small people and spread untruths about them?

  126. eastend toon there is a few theories Archers used it to show the French they still had their fingers :)
    As for your avatar you need to sign up with gravatar.com and upload your pic there

  128. Anyone under five five, must be really enjoying the general put down of himself and those smaller.
    Guess political awareness along with common sense is in fact not so common.
    Amstel time in the City, later !

  129. eastend toon says:
    April 25, 2010 at 9:24 pm

    “trojan, i think they made out he was 5′4 but i gather he was closer to 5′7… still tiny!”

    That was quite large in those days, eastend. Didn’t you know that?

  131. aye dave, thats the story i know.. any frech archers we caught, we’d chop off their first two fingers to make sure they never threw another arrow at us.. i imagine on the battle field us brits woulda found that quite funny, well, i do now… probably not the best kinda warfare to be involved in!

    but then, what is?

  133. yeah worky we were much shorter then, supposedly were on the evolutional road upwards… time will tell eh?

  137. Drago-sorry for the late reply mate. I like Reo Coker and he isn’t getting a game at Villa but what would his wage demands be like? Doubt they’d be too severe when I think about it, he just seems like a player that wants first team football. I do like Smith but if RK pitched in with 1 goal next season it would be a higher return than what we have, haha.

    As for Vela, i’d love to have him here. He’d work well with the likes of Carroll I think. Small, fast, knows where the goal is and can finish in plenty of different ways. I’m under the impression though that Wenger said he wouldnt be going out on loan even though he isn’t getting a kick at the Emirates.
    On the subject of Carroll actually, have your opinions on him changed? lol. I genuinly think he’ll be able to cut it in the prem next season. Last season he came on leaps and bounds for me. They say the CCC is a far more physical league and he stood shoulder to shoulder with plenty of hard nosed CB’s, gave as good as he got and was incredibly dominant in the air against most. I’m excited to see how he does next season.

  139. Just read through the blogs ref Wise………Xisco,better men than him have made mistakes with players,but what he did do was say that Keegan would have the final say on everything..LIE!!…..thats the worst imo…..anyway roll on next season.HWTL

  140. Ross re Carroll I think he has grew so much this year and think he will be able to take it to the next level, and looking forward to see how he gets on in the prem

  142. Big Dave-He’s a big, strong lad who’s good in the air and his finishing has improved. I’m impressed with his hold up play aswell. One thing I really noticed as the season went on was his ability to make intelligent runs. I dunno whether he’s been taking pointers from Mcloven (who for me would come on and heavily influence games without even having the ball at times), lol but I was really impressed with his progression.
    The only thing I would say is he needs to practice with his weaker foot. At times he looked desperate to get it onto his left foot, even inside the box. Pull the trigger with your weaker foot when the chance arises like.

  144. Ross your right I think his confidence has helped him I was also really pleased to see him and Taylor with their arms round eachother as I think Taylor has a big part to play in our team, though I will feel a bit sorry for Williamson as he has done a good job, I wonder what he would be like at RB ;)

  146. Dave-I was incredibly impressed with Williamson. The lad had barely kicked a ball at Pompey, came to us, settled quickly, slotted into the team without fuss when asked to and he looked no nonsense when it came to his style of defending. Another one who seemingly just wanted to play football and enjoyed getting to do so with us regardless of the league we were playing in.

    I have one tiny niggle regarding the defence next season. This might sound strange but give me a chance, haha. Enrique and Colo. Both been mint this season, but they seemed canny happy knocking the ball about at the back and passing their way out of trouble. Doubt they’ll get away with that next season so hopefully it isn’t a habit they’ve developed. Put it this way, when Manure are at our bit next season and the ball falls to Jose with Rooney breathing down his neck, i’ll be out my seat quite literally screaming “boot it, boot it” haha

  147. Ross I too get a bit scared when they pass it about instead of getting rid of it straight away, but I think they will know or will be told in no uncertain terms they wont get away with it in the prem

  149. Dave- Fans, pundits, everyone said Jose was head and shoulders above all other players in the championship and it showed when from LB, he could pick up the ball, dance through a few opposing attackers and calmly pass the ball out of defence. Still bricked it every time he did it though, haha. Like you say, reckon he’ll be reminded of the first thing he probably learnt, the “if in doubt, put it out” rule, lol.

    In a bit mate.

  150. i reckon carroll is at the age and has the potential… he could quite easily develop into englands No.9… he has all the attributes.. and as Ross says… everyone goes on about the CCC being more physical, and Carroll has proved he can stand shoulder to shoulder with them.. simple as

  152. ok so bare with me fella’s, i’ve signed up for gravatar, so where do i go from there to uplaod it onto here?!? sorry! technologically inadequate!

  153. Carroll’s done just fine this term.
    Well done lad, but,
    he’s not exactly mr. skill, not great at holding up the ball & makes bad decisions too, when to shoot/pass. If he works on these things he could become a good target man. Not my ideal No.9 though.
    Soz like.

  155. fair comment like chuck and i see where ya coming from.. how many goals scored on his noggin? more than his boot for sure, so yeah, still a lot to prove

  156. Playing out from the back is less dangerous than just giving the other team the ball back. Specially if they’re camped in your half.
    Occasionally, you do have to just hoof it like, but not often, have a bit faith lads.

  158. Dragon, almost two years down in an English Lit degree and I still don’t recognise dodgy grammar when I see it! :)

    Shame Adrian Chiles is off motd 2 now.

  162. motd,
    what a crock of shit that show is.
    Not looking forward to the spiel they spout next year.
    Everyone of ’em toe the party line like the f***ing gestapo.
    Can’t believe they just accepted kalou’s 2nd, 2 footed, slide in on the ‘keeper goal.
    Dislocating the goalie’s elbow-tosspots!
    :(

  164. sh*t yes fella, sorry, Clint… drunked.

    and no, the wife… unfortunately, i got some sh*t off people on here with my previous avatar (a picture of myself- and now i’m supposedly gay… go figure?) so now its a picture of my missus ( yes, i’ll no doubt get more sh*t)

    but back to whats important… Carroll has the goods you reckon or? he’s done well this term and being in the ccc has been good for him… i’d love him to find his groove come next term… big ask i know, but if he has the drive and hunger i reckon he can do it… hope so at least

  165. At least they’ve got a HD channel now though, cos their picture for football was shite.
    Though the punditry could possibly be even more asinine, inane, anodyne & toe-curling than bbc, if that’s do-able?
    :)

  166. eastend,
    i’ll keep me comments to meself then mate, with regards your mrs. :)

    Difficult one with regards Carroll.
    Is he just good the championship, can he do it in the premiership?
    Only time will tell, though this season can’t have done any harm to his confidence like. Though, by the sounds of it, that ain’t his problem, is it?
    Be great if he could replicate this term, next. He’s still young-ish & a bit daft, he needs to iron that out.
    You reckon?

  167. devon-I was 2 years deep into an English Lit degree and ended up packing it in. It was the only thing I was really good at at school so naturally decided to move onto uni with it..sadly hated every minute of it, haha.

  168. Ross,
    if you got that far, you shoulda just seen it through, you only need to get to the end & y’get a degree.
    Job done.

  169. aye, his past misdemeanors is the monkey on his back… but the lad has guts and will stand up for himself which i feel are not bad traits, of course he has to control that side of himself… but its not a bad thing having passion. of course i’ve never met the lad… but lets get realistic regarding the situations he’s been involved in… i’m inclined to believe that he’s gonna get stick from a lot of quarters just for being who he is… and ultimately, if i’m getting stick.. i’d face ’em full on.

    all i’m saying is i have sympathy for the lad and been B&W, i’m gonna give the fella the benefit of the doubt.. i dont reckon he’s a bad egg

  170. where was that to Ross? Fortunately for me eng lit is my passion (well, my other passion) so I’m actually finding it alright- I’d go as far as saying I’m really enjoying it! Doing joint honours with Media though which is a bit pap, but a decent qualification so I thought feck it!

  171. Ross… why the f*ck did you do that? you’re- i think- a well read chap… what put you off?

  172. Aye,
    he likes to ‘put it about’, of that there’s no doubt.
    Can he curb it, plenty do (most do).
    Of those that end up in court, well i guess the odds change then?
    Let’s just hope he sorts himself out in the off season.

    Right, off to kip, later mate.
    ;)

  174. As soon as i go for a while everyone comes back, fantastic, haha

    Ross

    It’s funny you should say that. I conceded a little earlier in the season that Carroll has developed quite a bit more than i expected and he is beginning to develope into a fairly well rounded player. His lack of pace and one footed-ness still alarms me, but i do actually think he will be a handfull for defenders next season.

    I may have to concede that i was wrong about Nolan too if he carries on his good form into next season.

    In regards to Enrique, i am never more calm than when the ball is at his feet. He is the best player in the Championship and will be one of the best LB’s in the Prem. I just hope the Spain manager has the balls to put him in the squad.

    Anyone think we may be able to tempt Adriano from Sevilla?…Me neither :(

  175. Also, i am sorry for constantly putting an ‘e’ at the end of words like ‘develop’. It’s almost like i have a mental battle with myself when writing the word and the dumb side of my brain always seems to come out on top, haha.

  177. i’m here sunshine! agreed re: enrique… how he’s come on since last term… quality. our back line as a whole has been pretty solid… my only concern is their speed on the turn, too many times, they’ve been caught flat footed, no?

  181. About the Milner thing, he wanted talks to improve his contract – like all young players have through their development – to bring up to the same amount as taylor and insomnia, which is fair enough considering the amount of work milner done compared to those, and he asked for those talks twice with Dennis Wise and he ignored him then Milner handed in a transfer request just to call his bluff and Dennis Wise accepted it.

    All this was said by Milner in an interview shortly after he left.

  182. Devon-That was Dundee University mate. I moved up to Edinburgh a wee while ago now and the city (Dundee) had a bit of a bad rep but it was canny when I got up there like. No Newcastle or Edinburgh but it had stuff going for it. It was voted sexiest student city not too long ago apparently and that showed, the selection of women was definitly one of its strong points? haha

    Eastend-I was always dragged through school kicking and screaming, shall we say. But because I had someone looking over my shoulder, I got the qualifications. When it came to uni and I moved into a flat bang in the center of town with 5 other lads, I found drinking numerous times a week and uni commitments sadly played second fiddle. In hindsight, alot of my mates took a year out to travel (Australia the most popular destination) and then went to uni. I think if i’d done the same, i’d have stuck in. I was glad to get out of school and when I look back, maybe I wasn’t mature enough to immediatly go into higher education. Live and learn n all that I suppose. I’m only 21 so its still an option but at the moment, I’m clueless as to what I want to do!

  185. Ross says:
    April 26, 2010 at 9:03 am

    “Eastend-I was always dragged through school kicking and screaming, shall we say. But because I had someone looking over my shoulder, I got the qualifications. When it came to uni and I moved into a flat bang in the center of town with 5 other lads, I found drinking numerous times a week and uni commitments sadly played second fiddle. In hindsight, alot of my mates took a year out to travel (Australia the most popular destination) and then went to uni. I think if i’d done the same, i’d have stuck in. I was glad to get out of school and when I look back, maybe I wasn’t mature enough to immediatly go into higher education. Live and learn n all that I suppose. I’m only 21 so its still an option but at the moment, I’m clueless as to what I want to do!”

    Don’t waste it, Ross. I made some huge clangers starting when I was 16, made some bad choices and I am still paying for them now.

    I’m not going to preach that you should have got your head down etc, because I can’t, not when I did exactly the same.

    I guess my point is, don’t leave it too late before you decide what you want to do. If you want to go back to Uni, do it. Get it our of the way and don’t dither. Short term pain, long term gain.

    I could have turned out much different. I could have had University degrees and be sitting on £150,000 a year at least now. I turned it down and it was was one the biggest regrets so far.

    On the other hand, it hasn’t worked out too bad for me in the end. It’s like a game of cards, I got dealt a brilliant hand, but folded when I should have carried on. Still, if I had have chosen a different path to the one I’m on then who knows where I would be. I wouldn’t have had the times I have had and met the people that I have.

    That concludes life stories for today :)

  186. Carroll
    He`s the new Duncan Ferguson, really reminds me of him, causes panic in the box during set pieces, excellent in the air and puts himself about a bit.
    Has a lot to learn yet and lacks pace, gives the appearance of being ungainly, common to most tall players.
    Needs to work with a good coach.
    Could be a pretty good striker, given time.

  187. George Bernard Shaw started to learn Classical Greek while in his eighties, moral- it`s never too late.

  188. Chuck says:
    April 26, 2010 at 3:13 pm

    “George Bernard Shaw started to learn Classical Greek while in his eighties, moral- it`s never too late.”

    Child prodigy and great liberal thinker, John Stuart Mill, learned Classical Greek when he was three. Moral – it’s never too early either! ;-)

  190. Dragonera (45) I canna believe anyone who supports Newcastle Utd FC would ask such a question. I will leave the answer to someone far better qualified than you, me or anyone else posting on this blog………………….

    The late Sir Bobby Robson said about the former director of football: “My biggest disappointment was Dennis Wise, a director of football who was hardly seen at the ground, and who brought in players who were neither suitable, nor right, for Newcastle United. I forgive most people, but I am not sure I can forgive Wise for what he did to my club.”

    Well said Sir Bobby, ’nuff said and I trust that answers your question.

  191. About the Milner thing, he wanted talks to improve his contract – like all young players have through their development – to bring up to the same amount as taylor and insomnia, which is fair enough considering the amount of work milner done compared to those, and he asked for those talks twice with Dennis Wise and he ignored him then Milner handed in a transfer request just to call his bluff and Dennis Wise accepted it.

    All this was said by Milner in an interview shortly after he left.

  192. Dragonera (45) I canna believe anyone who supports Newcastle Utd FC would ask such a question. I will leave the answer to someone far better qualified than you, me or anyone else posting on this blog………………….

    The late Sir Bobby Robson said about the former director of football: “My biggest disappointment was Dennis Wise, a director of football who was hardly seen at the ground, and who brought in players who were neither suitable, nor right, for Newcastle United. I forgive most people, but I am not sure I can forgive Wise for what he did to my club.”

    Well said Sir Bobby, ’nuff said and I trust that answers your question.

  193. I agree with a director of football.

    You have all agreed Ashley knows nothing about football, yes? So a DOF will be that knowledge gap in the board.

    My only fear here is that because Ashley knows how unpopular the position was, he knows he has to bring it back but will be unpopular again unless he can popularise the position by filling it with a fans favorite…….An Alan Shearer or some such…

    Ashley has a history of trying to make popular decisions instead of right decision regardless of popularity.

    I only hope this DOF if indeed true will be able to do the job and not have an Xfactor as do Keegan and Shearer.

  194. Michael 12 says:
    April 27, 2010 at 3:45 pm

    “My only fear here is that because Ashley knows how unpopular the position was, he knows he has to bring it back but will be unpopular again unless he can popularise the position by filling it with a fans favorite…….An Alan Shearer or some such… ”

    Michael 12, don’t give me nightmares!

  195. @Wokyticket: I think we can rule out Keegan taking the position as he has left a sour taste in Ashley’s mouth. Shearer taking the position….it is possible.

    Fans do not like a DOF after what allegedly happened between Keegan and Wise. the only way the fans will accpt that position is with Shearer, Keegan or some other Newcastle great takes it.

    That in my opinion would be lamentable.

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