Expert tells NUFC fans to be patient as finances are calculated
May 29 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
Supporters may be growing nervous as they wait for Alan Shearer to be permanently appointed as Newcastle manager, but financial experts believe patience may be required as the club works out how to cushion the blow of relegation. Mark Douglas reports
He also wants the ‘right people’ on board – and it was suggested yesterday that he may want a man with football experience to be appointed to the board.
Niall Quinn has worked well as Sunderland chairman, and a similar sounding board would be welcomed by Shearer. With Shearer the overwhelming choice of Newcastle’s players and supporters, it is difficult to envisage a way forward for Ashley if he does not manage to convince United’s iconic former number nine to stay.
Rob Lee, who some feel will have a place on the coaching staff if Shearer opts to stay, added his voice to the chorus of ex-United favourites calling the caretaker boss to stay on.
“I certainly think Alan should stay, I think it is the only appointment Mike Ashley can make with the club going down. It reminds me of the situation when I joined in 1992 under Kevin Keegan when we were in the old first division,” Lee said.
“The club needs rebuilding, it has needed rebuilding for many years. Mike Ashley takes a lot of the blame, but it has been coming for a long time.
“It’s disappointing for the club, but in the long term it might be a blessing in disguise, to take one step back to get two steps forward. I hope Alan stays in charge with a long-term contract because it is a long-term thing.”
Lee believes that the players should take responsibility – and has predicted a major overhaul of personnel this summer.
Obafemi Martins’ injury means he is unlikely to lead the exodus, but the likes of Joey Barton, Jonás Gutiérrez, Alan Smith and Kevin Nolan would all have re-sale value.
“The players should take responsibility, I have been relegated myself and you have to accept responsibility and take the blame, as the manager can only put the players on the pitch and it is up to you to win games,” said Lee. “And Newcastle should be winning more games than they won last season.”
