Regrets? Fans have too few to mention

Jan 10 2008 by Paul James, The Journal

NEWCASTLE fans last night spoke of their shock at the timing of Sam Allardyce’s departure, but all had confidence that owner Mike Ashley and chairman Chris Mort would have a top replacement lined up.

Two names dominated their speculation: former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho and Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The club’s honorary vice-president, Malcolm Dix, said he had seen Mr Mort and Allardyce at Tuesday’s reserve team defeat to Sunderland, accompanied by Sir Bobby Robson, who was Mourinho’s mentor at Barcelona, Porto and Sporting Lisbon.

Mr Dix said yesterday: “We were talking about a variety of different things and they were all very amicable. It would be interesting to know if they’ve got anybody lined up. There’s been rumours flying around about Mourinho and something might have occurred in that area that precipitated the decision.”

Editor of Newcastle fanzine The Mag, Mark Jensen, said: “I’m 100% confident that the people running the club will have done it because it’s the right time. They haven’t panicked. I’m sure they must have someone else in mind.

“He wasn’t their initial choice. It hasn’t been a disastrous season but it’s been nothing like anybody would have hoped for, and the quality of the football hasn’t been great.

“Managers who don’t win matches and don’t provide entertaining football are always going to be under pressure. The club was in a mess when he took over as manager, but he hasn’t made a very good job of it. Alan Shearer isn’t going to be far from the headlines and Mourinho would be a dream for a lot of fans.

“We want someone either with proven experience and a successful track record. Or Alan Shearer would tick all the boxes apart from that successful track record as a manager.”

Frank Gilmour, of the Newcastle United Independent Supporters Association, said: “I was expecting it after the Stoke game. Allardyce hasn’t excited me, but I said he was the wrong man when he got the job.

“I haven’t enjoyed a single football match this season and I never said that under previous managers. I won’t miss him.

“The talk is Alan Shearer amongst the fans. I’d love to see him but I don’t think it’s the right time. He looks happy working for the BBC, you wonder why he would take the job. But if he did the fans would love it.

“I think Gerard Houllier would do a fantastic job. He’s been a success at every club he’s been to.

“This time I just hope they make the right decision. Mourinho’s another one who has done it and he’s a proven winner. Whether he would come I don’t know, but Jose knows what our fans think about their football.”

Steve Wraith, editor of fanzine Players Inc, former fans liaison officer at St James’s Park, said: “I wouldn’t say it was the right decision. I’ve backed Sam from his appointment and I still say that six months and 24 games isn’t enough time for a manager.

“We’ve got a new regime at the club and I would think Sam was on a hiding to nothing, being Freddie Shepherd’s appointment. Maybe Mike Ashley and Chris Mort have had somebody in mind from the start. Only time will tell.

“We’re certainly very stable as a club upstairs. We just need to find that winning combination in the dressing room – someone who can cope with the pressure, knows what the fans think and gets results on the pitch.”

The following statement was released by Newcastle United last night: Newcastle United has today parted company with Sam Allardyce as its manager with immediate effect. This decision has been reached by mutual agreement. Newcastle United chairman Chris Mort said: “Mike and I would like to place on record our thanks for Sam’s efforts and wish him well for the future. A new manager has not yet been appointed at Newcastle United. We will make a further announcement on the managerial position when appropriate.” Sam Allardyce said: “I am disappointed to be leaving Newcastle United but I wish the club all the best for the remainder of the season and for the future.” First Team coach Nigel Pearson will take charge of the team for Saturday’s game at Manchester United.

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