Carew: Too old for Hughton?United have found themselves linked with yet another Premiership forward this week with talks of our interest in Aston Villa forward John Carew – but we do really need him?
He’s powerful and good in the air with an eye for goal and he’s experienced and 37 goals from 87 starts isn’t a bad record in the Premier League.
But an average of 10 goals a season in three years – is it any better then what United already have? A fit Shola Ameobi could achieve that and could Carew form a partnership with either Carroll or Ameobi? so like for like.
I don’t expect a move for Carew, he doesnt fit in with the kind of signings made by Hughton, players he can develop and who can be moulded into the side. (more…)
The 12th man?It’s an accusation that gets thrown about quite often, usually by the press in fairness.
The concensus of the media seems to be that we are a demanding bunch of fans who have aspirations that have been fuelled by a couple of years of heady heights under Kevin Keegan and a couple more years of heady heights under Sir Bobby Robson, and when they aren’t being matched we, apparently, turn against our own team, manager, etc.
Those nasty nasty Newcastle fans, eh?
But is there an element of truth in those accusations? The latest media frenzy regarding Chris Hughton’s position suggests that there might have been, to me anyway. Most of us are aware that the story started off in the minds of the media, and in particular a certain Anal Oliver, but it did get through to players and, rather ridiculously, some fans aswell. (more…)
Hughton ponders his next move.The search rolls on for Chris Hughton as he looks to hire an assistant to fill the roll that Colin Calderwood left.
Brian Kerr was a name that had been thrown around, but both Hughton and Kerr, who is currently managing the Faroe Islands, have ruled out that rumour. Another name that was being mentioned was Kevin Sheedy, but Hughton has said today that there is no basis in that rumour either.
Hughton missed out on his first-choice when Steve Clarke turned the opportunity to return to Tyneside, and it seems that the process of finding a replacement for Calderwood is taking longer than anticipated. It’s a situation that needs to be resolved soon though as Hughton can’t keep doing everything on his own.
“There’s no truth to the speculation that Brian Kerr will be coming to the club as my assistant,” replied Hughton when asked by The Chronicle about the rumours of Brian Kerr being appointed as his sidekick. (more…)
Harper: The one with the s**te sculpture (again).Anyone who doubts Newcastle United’s players total loyalty must take a look at comments made since the derby victory.
Shola Ameobi, Kevin Nolan and Joey Barton have now been joined by long serving, and long suffering goalkeeper, Steve Harper, in endorsing Hughton’s hopes for a new contract.
Harper, who has worked with 10 managers since joining the club in 1993 should be more knowledgeable then as to what United need from their boss.
And Speaking to the Telegraphy. Harper has now outlined the characteristics which make Hughton “perfect” for United:
“He has been the ideal manager for us. He doesn’t work the crowd; he just gets his head down and gets on with the job. He doesn’t milk it; he gets on with things irrespective of things going on around him.”
“He is incredible. He is always the same, he doesn’t get carried away when things are going well and he doesn’t get too down when they are not. He is very level-headed, which is what this club needs. He is the perfect man for the job.”(more…)
