Alan Pardew must be given a chance
Dec 9 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal
Alan Pardew will be an unpopular replacement for a popular man at Newcastle United but Chief Sports Writer Luke Edwards argues he at least needs to be given a chance to change public perception.
WHEN Newcastle United sacked Chris Hughton and said they wanted to replace him with a manager who had more experience, few supporters ever envisaged that man would be Alan Pardew.
Had Mike Ashley lured Martin O’Neill, the only outstanding out of work manager, to St James’ Park, had he gone for the vastly experienced Dutchman Martin Jol, the anger and dismay at Hughton’s departure would have remained, but it probably would not have lingered for long.
Like the Kings and Queens of England that clutter our history books, succession in football management is a case of the King is Dead. Long live the King. Not now.
Managers normally quit to take another job when they are popular, they are not generally sacked, yet this is what happened to Hughton.
Had Newcastle brought in a manager of proven stature, a big name with a CV bulging with European campaigns and trophies, they would have won the argument behind the need to replace Hughton fairly comfortable.
There were enough minor misgivings about the former boss to ensure that.
However, Pardew’s arrival will not easily convince people Hughton has been replaced by anyone better equipped to stave off the threat of relegation and improve the squad moving forward. Instead, there will be much head-scratching this morning at the decision to give him another job in the Premier League. In fact, judging by some of the reactions to his impending appointment last night, the reception to Newcastle’s new manager could be openly hostile.
Pardew will be running uphill, through treacle, into a force nine gale with the full weight of Hughton’s achievements and reputation on his back.
It is an unenviable task, yet it is one he must be allowed to try and succeed in. There is, and never will be, any point in pre-judging a manager before he has had a chance to prove himself.
We should not forget that few believed Hughton was up to the task at the start of last season. His record as caretaker was atrocious and virtually every single United fan on the planet was desperate to see Alan Shearer appointed.
Results, performances, transfer decisions and behaviour change perceptions, no matter how negative they are. If Pardew keeps Newcastle up and spends whatever money he gets from Ashley wisely, Hughton will quickly become little more than a fond memory. That is the harsh reality of football’s fickle affections.
The flip side of that, of course, is do badly and both he and the people who appointed him will be scolded in boiling hot water on Tyneside for their folly.
