Jimbo 175 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 New Year but same old Newcastle crisis By Ray Ryan SAM ALLARDYCE is facing revolts from his players, his backroom staff and the fans as he battles to keep his job at Newcastle. After just seven months in the job, Allardyce is looking increasingly isolated as the clamour for his sacking grows. Yesterday's 2-1 defeat at Chelsea has only increased that pressure as senior players have become increasingly frustrated by the team's lack of progress, their negative tactics and the manager's questionable signings. The fans are equally upset at the way Newcastle are playing, especially after Allardyce went with a 4-5-1 formation on Boxing Day at Wigan and still ended up losing. The former Bolton boss has brought in nine players and more than 18 backroom staff, yet even among them there is doubt over his decisions. A senior Newcastle source said: "The whole place is a mess. People are not happy and changes will have to be made very shortly. "Results on the field have not been good and things are far from good off it as well. "Owner Mike Ashley has been sitting among the fans and has been given an insight into how they feel." Many fans would love to see Alan Shearer given a chance as manager but the Toon legend is in two minds. Shearer was critical of the way Newcastle played on Boxing Day, bemoaning their lack of flair and creativity in his role as a BBC pundit. The former Newcastle No9 insisted the fans wanted to see exciting, free-flowing football. But he has no experience of management and knows the job could be a poisoned chalice. Progress He enjoys legendary status on Tyneside and several people close to him have warned he may jeopardise that by taking over a team with little chance of progress. However, Shearer is a determined character and may well see the job as a chance to make a massive impression. Allardyce has been forced to live with speculation surrounding Shearer yet he insists it is something which does not faze him. He said: "I've had people ask me about Alan Shearer replacing me but that is out of my hands. "The only thing that can stop the criticism and speculation is winning games. That's what we are paid to do. "I believe I can still do a job here — given time — because it is a slow process turning a football club around. "This club has never lived up to fans' expectations but I believe we can still move in the right direction." Whoever ends up in charge faces a massive job to repair the club's shattered morale. Allardyce publicly criticised his players after they scraped a draw with Derby and lost at Wigan. Senior players believe that broke the bond of trust between them and the manager and now feel little or no loyalty to him. Allardyce also lost face with the players by attempting to take them to a hotel for four days over Christmas. Several members of the first-team squad complained, insisting they wanted to be with their families on Christmas Day, and Allardyce changed his mind. Ironically, that has only served to strengthen the players' hand because they believe they forced him to reconsider. Fit Questions have been asked in the dressing room about why Joey Barton was out roaming the streets in Liverpool at 5am on Thursday morning, when he hadn't been fit enough to play against Wigan the day before. Allardyce fought hard to persuade the Newcastle board to sign Barton on the understanding he was a reformed character. Now, with Barton spending New Year in jail after allegations of assault and affray, the manager's judgement will be called into question. Some players also believe Sam shows favouritism to Michael Owen, who has spent much of his time at St James' Park injured. They believe Owen, who has made just 14 appearances for the club in 2007, is given a start every time he is fit, regardless of how well other players might be doing. Allardyce's position could be decided in a crucial FA Cup tie at Stoke next week. Chairman Chris Mort has always given his backing to Big Sam. But that changed last week after the 1-0 defeat to Wigan, when he publicly refused to give any support to Sam. Owner Ashley — in an interview with the News of the World earlier in the season — admitted he would give Allardyce plenty of time to turn the club around. But he is known in the business world as a ruthless man who gets what he wants and will not stand for second best. He will not be scared by the £50million price tag on getting rid of Allardyce if he believes that is the right decision to take the club forward. Axe With the January transfer window about to open, Ashley does not have much room for manoeuvre. He could axe Allardyce now and give the new boss cash to spend immediately in a desperate attempt to turn things around. But if he decides to give Allardyce more time, he could find himself boxed into a corner by the end of next month with no improvement on the pitch and no opportunity to make significant changes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fish 11080 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 a non-quote and an old quote. non-story and yet more proof that the media would rather print any old rubbish than actually do some investigative Journalism. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jimbo 175 Posted December 30, 2007 Author Share Posted December 30, 2007 Its rather naive to expect someone to put their name to such a quote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Fish 11080 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 It's more naive to expect that quote to be attributal to a source of note Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tooj 17 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Excellent, more shit stirring from the press. You have to love it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NobbySol 22 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 And this artcile contridicts one from it's own publishment. This article says Ashley won't be worried by the 50m required to install a new manager and backroom staff while the other article states - "So Ashley has to decide whether to stick or twist with Allardyce because of the huge sums involved." Great Journalism Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dynamite 7320 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Bit harsh to expect them to spend xmas without seeing their kids! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ketsbaia 0 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Bit harsh to expect them to spend xmas without seeing their kids! In hindsight it looks like a brilliant idea from BSA. If he was allowed to take the team straight from Wigan to Chelsea then Barton wouldn't have been out paggering other people. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dynamite 7320 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Yeah but then he would still be in the team. I wish Smith would go out and pan someone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 How come Mark Hughes, to give one example is a great coach working miracles etc. yet Allardyce is on the brink? As far as I can tell both views are inventions of the press and seem especially incongruous when one considers that Blackburn are one point ahead of us. I know their game in hand is against Derby but even if they win they're only four points ahead of 'club in crisis' Newcastle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Kenneth Noisewater 0 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Yeah but then he would still be in the team. I wish Smith would go out and pan someone! Unlikely. He is a teetotaller, much like your good self. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dynamite 7320 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 You dont have to be drunk to hit someone. Barton slapped a 15 year old sober as a judge! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid Dynamite 7320 Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Theres a good piece in the sunday sun today by neil farrington which goes against the notion that BS in under pressure because the media has created it. He points out that nufc fans dont particularly expect him to win anything, dont even expect him to get us into the top 4. All we want is 11 players playing in their proper positions, 11 players trying hard and an exciting game now and again. Sam can bitch and moan all he wants but if he cant even provide those basic requirements he is definately at the wrong club. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted December 30, 2007 Share Posted December 30, 2007 Theres a good piece in the sunday sun today by neil farrington which goes against the notion that BS in under pressure because the media has created it. He points out that nufc fans dont particularly expect him to win anything, dont even expect him to get us into the top 4. All we want is 11 players playing in their proper positions, 11 players trying hard and an exciting game now and again. Sam can bitch and moan all he wants but if he cant even provide those basic requirements he is definately at the wrong club. The media have 'fanned the flames' as it were, without a doubt. I agree re: the expectations but whether you are for Allardyce, against him or even undecided I think you have to realise we are very much a work in progress. I'm not saying some judgements can't be made and I'm as perplexed as anyone by some of the selections etc. but the notion we are a club in crisis strikes me as a total fabrication. We're as close to 5th as we are to 5th bottom. And that isn't me clutching at straws or whatever, it's a fact. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Patrokles Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 How come Mark Hughes, to give one example is a great coach working miracles etc. yet Allardyce is on the brink? As far as I can tell both views are inventions of the press and seem especially incongruous when one considers that Blackburn are one point ahead of us. I know their game in hand is against Derby but even if they win they're only four points ahead of 'club in crisis' Newcastle. Because unfortunately a lot of people need to be spoon-fed their opinions to have any at all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holden McGroin 6951 Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 How come Mark Hughes, to give one example is a great coach working miracles etc. yet Allardyce is on the brink? As far as I can tell both views are inventions of the press and seem especially incongruous when one considers that Blackburn are one point ahead of us. I know their game in hand is against Derby but even if they win they're only four points ahead of 'club in crisis' Newcastle. Maybe because he is getting the best out of his players? Maybe its because he has done well on a limited budget? Perhaps its even because his team plays decent football? All things the Fatman can't seem to get right - at the moment. On a side note. Bentley is looking a top class player. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sammynb 3640 Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 On a side note. Bentley is looking a top class player. But Pederson looks way off the form he was a season or two ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JawD 99 Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 What many are latching on to I think is not the clubs position, its the manner of defeat, the players in questionable positions, the tactics etc. These, coupled with the expectations of the club and fans (and even media) of what they expect Newcastle United to be, is currently all we are not. If it was just down to position, we' d and he'd be fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 How come Mark Hughes, to give one example is a great coach working miracles etc. yet Allardyce is on the brink? As far as I can tell both views are inventions of the press and seem especially incongruous when one considers that Blackburn are one point ahead of us. I know their game in hand is against Derby but even if they win they're only four points ahead of 'club in crisis' Newcastle. Maybe because he is getting the best out of his players? Maybe its because he has done well on a limited budget? Perhaps its even because his team plays decent football? All things the Fatman can't seem to get right - at the moment. On a side note. Bentley is looking a top class player. He's had a lot more time too. They were fairly dour, albeit solid too, when he first arrived. Either way they are only just doing better than us so I don't see why he's doing so well this season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Holden McGroin 6951 Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 How come Mark Hughes, to give one example is a great coach working miracles etc. yet Allardyce is on the brink? As far as I can tell both views are inventions of the press and seem especially incongruous when one considers that Blackburn are one point ahead of us. I know their game in hand is against Derby but even if they win they're only four points ahead of 'club in crisis' Newcastle. Maybe because he is getting the best out of his players? Maybe its because he has done well on a limited budget? Perhaps its even because his team plays decent football? All things the Fatman can't seem to get right - at the moment. On a side note. Bentley is looking a top class player. He's had a lot more time too. They were fairly dour, albeit solid too, when he first arrived. Either way they are only just doing better than us so I don't see why he's doing so well this season. See above points Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted December 31, 2007 Share Posted December 31, 2007 How come Mark Hughes, to give one example is a great coach working miracles etc. yet Allardyce is on the brink? As far as I can tell both views are inventions of the press and seem especially incongruous when one considers that Blackburn are one point ahead of us. I know their game in hand is against Derby but even if they win they're only four points ahead of 'club in crisis' Newcastle. Maybe because he is getting the best out of his players? Maybe its because he has done well on a limited budget? Perhaps its even because his team plays decent football? All things the Fatman can't seem to get right - at the moment. On a side note. Bentley is looking a top class player. He's had a lot more time too. They were fairly dour, albeit solid too, when he first arrived. Either way they are only just doing better than us so I don't see why he's doing so well this season. See above points None of which change the fact they're only four points better off and he has had a lot more time. Same goes for people like Redknapp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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