Scottish Mag 3 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 WITH Tyneside in a state of frenzy, Newcastle United in the throes of crisis and Graeme Souness widely reported to be on the verge of dismissal, the manager was duly summoned to St James’ Park yesterday afternoon. After a ten-minute conversation with his chairman, Souness emerged still in his position and, contrary to all expectations, claiming to possess the full backing of Freddy Shepherd. In the circumstances, it was a bizarre development. Newcastle fans had called for Souness to depart in the aftermath of the 1-0 defeat at home to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday and while given his outright refusal to resign, the club’s difficult financial position and Shepherd’s reluctance to spend £5 million on compensating Souness’s coaching staff, the matter was never that straightforward, but events seemed to be coming to a head. Souness’s comments would appear to contradict that, although Shepherd is yet to make any positive public statement regarding his employee. “I popped into the stadium for a cup of coffee and a brief chat with the chairman,” Souness said. “It was all very amicable. We spoke about the match on Saturday and he told me he was supportive of me and behind me. It was all very positive and upbeat. I’m absolutely fine.” With a tricky FA Cup tie away to Cheltenham Town to prepare for — defeat at Whaddon Road would surely bring an end to a traumatic 16-month tenure at Newcastle — Souness, in tandem with Dean Saunders, his first-team coach, attended last night’s reserve-team fixture against Everton. Media outlets close to Shepherd have not held back from criticising Souness and the Scot’s fractured relationship with the Evening Chronicle has had obvious political connotations. With pressure mounting after a sequence of two wins in ten league matches, television cameras yesterday focused on the ground and when Souness stepped from his car at 4.20pm, a resolution felt imminent. Little definitive followed and the backdrop may be of a stand-off between Shepherd and Souness. If the latter is not prepared to offer his resignation under any circumstance — which he is not — and Shepherd refuses to dismiss him, the pair may limp on temporarily in an uneasy truce, although the suggestion that Sam Allardyce is out of the running for the succession at Newcastle is also intriguing. A fortnight ago, Allardyce, the Bolton Wanderers manager, was the favourite to replace Souness, but the pursuit, for unknown reasons, has now gone cool. There are a lack of available alternatives and while in Glenn Roeder and Peter Beardsley, Shepherd employs potential candidates for caretakers, the appeal of immediate change is dubious. No new appointment would have funds to spend and with the first-team squad riven by injury, an impact could only be made in terms of self-confidence and morale. It may not be enough. Yet with supporters close to mutiny after months of mediocre results and constant excuses, the present situation remains intolerable. Until Shepherd speaks — or acts — yesterday was only a temporary stay of execution. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sima Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craig 6670 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 ? 83684[/snapback] That's ketchup, not sauce...! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Kelly 1208 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Regardless of whether a new manager would have transfer funds surely he would come with some tactical and motivational ability. That would put him head and shoulders above the clown that's currently in charge. Not to mention the wonders it would do for the fans and what that would do for atmosphere at the match! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Regardless of whether a new manager would have transfer funds surely he would come with some tactical and motivational ability.That would put him head and shoulders above the clown that's currently in charge. Not to mention the wonders it would do for the fans and what that would do for atmosphere at the match! 83707[/snapback] Also, even if he didn't have any cash he could 'wheel and deal' a bit, a couple out a couple in perhaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetleftpeg 0 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 A little birdie (not tweety pie) just told me that Saunders, Murray and Terry Mac will all be sacked but Souness will stay. Weird I know, so don;t shoot the messenger. This came from a canny source like. Heinz. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 43896 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 A little birdie (not tweety pie) just told me that Saunders, Murray and Terry Mac will all be sacked but Souness will stay. Weird I know, so don;t shoot the messenger. This came from a canny source like. Heinz. 83851[/snapback] This board has been crying out for a spurious-rumourmonger and you look to have grown into that role over the last couple of days. I salute you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc-mag 1 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 A little birdie (not tweety pie) just told me that Saunders, Murray and Terry Mac will all be sacked but Souness will stay. Weird I know, so don;t shoot the messenger. This came from a canny source like. Heinz. 83851[/snapback] This board has been crying out for a spurious-rumourmonger and you look to have grown into that role over the last couple of days. I salute you! 83854[/snapback] Grown? doubtful tbh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gemmill 43896 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 A little birdie (not tweety pie) just told me that Saunders, Murray and Terry Mac will all be sacked but Souness will stay. Weird I know, so don;t shoot the messenger. This came from a canny source like. Heinz. 83851[/snapback] This board has been crying out for a spurious-rumourmonger and you look to have grown into that role over the last couple of days. I salute you! 83854[/snapback] Grown? doubtful tbh. 83855[/snapback] Tip-toes then. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Renton 20965 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 A little birdie (not tweety pie) just told me that Saunders, Murray and Terry Mac will all be sacked but Souness will stay. Weird I know, so don;t shoot the messenger. This came from a canny source like. Heinz. 83851[/snapback] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sweetleftpeg 0 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Cheeky bastids! I've only put two rumours on here because they came from a very reliable source! Toontastic exclusive! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
manc-mag 1 Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 Cheeky bastids! I've only put two rumours on here because they came from a very reliable source! Toontastic exclusive! 83865[/snapback] SLP=clubmolefact! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Sima Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 What's the difference between Ketchup and Catsup? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest alex Posted January 24, 2006 Share Posted January 24, 2006 What's the difference between Ketchup and Catsup? 84019[/snapback] The spelling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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