Alan Pardew: Nice Bloke- Ashley's Puppet

Alan Pardew: Nice Bloke - Ashley's Puppet

Thursday, 07 July 2011 19:34 Michael Weightman

With the constant starvation of any sort of communication coming out of St James’, it was refreshing to hear Alan Pardew answering fans’ questions on local radio this week, with extra credit given as it’s the first week of pre-season training.

Media attention is never something the Gaffer shies away from and whether it be his Cockney banter or his exuding confidence- the boss often comes across, in the words of Tim Nice but Dim, as a thoroughly nice bloke.

Yet, in spite of this there is still something unnerving when he speaks, something that makes you think- hang on is this actually you talking here.

It may be the scepticism that has been instilled in all fans throughout the Ashley regime, but Pardew’s party line stance still leaves many unanswered questions for supporters.

Transfers

The burning question for all Newcastle fans since January 31^st has been how and when that £35 million will be spent.  The manager said days before Carroll was sold that he would not be leaving, and when it happened, he was quick to reassure fans that the full amount would be spent- saying at the time: “This money has to be reinvested in the team, all of it, and he(Mike Ashley) has assured me of that. For the Newcastle fan, that is the most important message I can give today, that all that money will be used.”

Reassuring words and part of all of us wanted to believe that this would be the case; bring in 3 top draw players that could really push the team on, and this would of course be in addition to what we already have, not as a replacement.

However even though only one of our four new additions cost any money, Pardew claimed that a large chunk of the £35 million had gone, with agent’s fees being a main culprit in its disappearance.  Now regardless of how inflated football prices are surely the manager can not truly believe this to be the case. Surely he should be banging the Chairman’s door down demanding that more of that cash is spent, and let’s not forget the extra money the club will have received through season ticket sales, Premier League placing money and shirt sales.

But no, he was not just accepting of the situation but more than happy with it and this has to the worrying thing. Strong managers don’t accept a situation where a player is sold over their head on a broken promise: weak managers, out of their depth, do.

Managing Style

And this is the point- is Pardew strong enough to command the respect of the players if he himself is being puppeteered by his boss. Can he make the big decisions, the ruthless calls. Will he be able to manage egos and show he is the man to lead us forward.

For arguments sake let’s say he did try, but failed to get Ashley to buy; how can he get players to do what he wants. There’s no doubting the players could well like him, but respecting him as a boss is a different matter.

It does seem as though he has tried to flex his muscles somewhat though by clearly defining different playing roles within the club. Some players he said will be playing every game mentioning the likes of Barton and Coloccini. Others, such as Ranger & Best, will simply be squad players and although this may show us more of Pardew the man, it’s also a dangerous ploy excluding players before a ball has been kicked. It may be a way of Pardew showing his master that he won’t be pushed around and that this team is his. But he should be cautious if trying to be more Ashley like as the exclusion tactic has hardly won the chairman many fans so far.

Onwards and Upwards

With five years still left on his current deal and the fact he is perceived as Ashley’s man, it’s a fair bet to say Pardew is here to stay.

The problem being though is how long he can continue to be a ‘Yes Man’; Danny Wallace tried it when answering yes to everyone’s questions and soon got a smack in the face when someone asked if he wanted to sleep with his wife.

And although it may be more of a proverbial slap in the face, Pardew has to be wary of it coming his way if he does not exert some authority soon.

However the whole situation feels like a good guy/bad guy Hollywood film.  The likeable intern, promoted to a fancy new office in a role he probably shouldn’t be in. Going on to become the face of a corrupt organisation, but still able able to fumble his way through with his natural patter, seemingly unaware of the sinister events that are going on behind the scene.

Ok this may be slightly dramatic, but even though Pardew does claim to be his own man- it still seems to be another crafty Cockney who’s pulling all the strings

Alan Shearer Interview

Exclusive Interview: Alan Shearer talks to Sport.co.uk's resident Geordie

 

Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 13 May 2011 - 10:56
Author: Michael Weightman 
Comments: 3 Go... 

They often say you shouldn’t meet your heroes; and as a former Newcastle season ticket holder and a babe of the Keegan revolution-this daunting prospect was now in front of me.

However, as it happens, Alan Shearer had this very feeling the day before when he was paired with Lee Westwood in a charity golf tournament- describing it as ‘a privilege and honour’ to be partnering the world’s number one.

High praise from a man who during his career smashed records galore and is still the highest goal scorer in Premier League history. His £15million move back home in 1996 made him, at the time, the world’s most expensive player and while on Tyneside he broke Jackie Milburn’s Newcastle scoring record by netting 206 times forthe Magpies.

In an exclusive interview with Sport.co.uk we talked about him returning to management, Andy Carroll & England and playing in goal for Newcastle. 

It was intriguing to know whether or not a man who has played football at the highest level, was nervous about playing alongside a competitor at the top of his sport:

“I wasn’t nervous playing with the world’s number one it was the 750-1000 people surrounding the tee that I was nervous about.”

Surviving at a canter

The event, which took place in the North East, saw pilgrims flock to see the Messiah and the fans will be reassured to know that their former captain is happy with the Magpies’ first season back in the top flight: 

“It’s probably better than a lot of people thought. I think their main aim this year was survival and they have done that at a canter. They can finish the season and be proud of what they have achieved. They had a tough time when Andy Carroll left but that’s all over with now and what they spend in the summer will determine how successful they are next season”

When asked if he thought there was more to the Carroll story than met the eye he said:

“I don’t know the answer to that; I’d be amazed if he had gone in and demanded to move away from Newcastle. We were all disappointed because he was an integral part of Newcastle and he had a very good season up until he left. But £35million is a hell of a lot of money and I think both clubs got a very good deal.”

Of course Carroll will be under the stewardship of Shearer’s old boss Kenny Dalglish and the former Blackburn man is not surprised his old Gaffer has had such an impact at Anfield: “I know how he operates and know what he is like, and he’s a great football guy. He gives players the feel good factor and that’s exactly what he has done at Liverpool. He’s taken over a struggling side and he has transformed them.”

The transfer however leaves many unanswered questions for Toon fans and when asked who would like to replace the Gateshead born striker, the answer was simple: “Rooney.”

Time to strengthen

Joking aside Shearer was confident that plans were in place to strengthen the side:

“I’m pretty positive the manager and his team have identified targets and they probably know in this moment in time who they want to go for. They are like everyone else they will look to strengthen: how much money the manager will have no one knows.”

This ambiguity under Ashley that has been the catalyst for so many of the unnecessary problems during his regime and the club’s former number 9 was unsure whether or not there would be further departures:  “We don’t want our best players to leave but you never know what is happening behind the scenes.”

It’s the last part of this answer that showed despite his love for his club, he’s still not convinced by what’s going on at board level. It’s evident that the way in which he left Newcastle as manager still hurts Shearer and he does still pine to manage his hometown club:

“I thought I was going to be (the manager) but for whatever reason it did not materialise. I loved my time there, I really enjoyed the challenges it brought every day- despite what happened at the end."

Open to offers

He had recently been linked with the Blackburn job before Steve Kean took over on a full time basis, and admits that no matter what the division if the right club came along he would be interested: “I think you have to open your eyes up to anything and everything; not dismiss anything, because there’s some big clubs out there not in the Premier League. I think that’s where everybody wants to be but I’m not naive and stupid enough to believe I can walk straight into a Premier League club.”

He also dismissed the notion that great players cannot become great managers: 

“There have also been great players who have been great successes and there have also been great managers who have never played the game- so there’s no guarantee either way.”

Just for the record it was this fascinated fan interviewing him who referred to him as great, not a self imposed title by Mr Shearer himself.

Peter Taylor said this week that he fancied Shearer as a future England manager and while looking slightly bemused by the comment-he replied: “I’m not naive enough to shout from the rooftops and say I want to do that as there are many outstanding candidates out there. I played and captained my country and so it would be something I’d be honoured to do.”

Reflecting on England’s performances at last year’s World Cup, which he watched from the BBC studio stationed in South Africa, he noted: “Things went against us at the World Cup and we were pretty poor. I’m sure mistakes have been made and no doubt learned from and we have had a decent start to the (Euro 2012 qualifying) campaign.”

And on the competition in Poland and Ukraine: “I think it will be exactly the same, no doubt we will be there and qualify and it’s how we perform on that major tournament. We don’t know until we go out there.”

No regrets

With 30 international goals to his name, many feel he hung up his Three Lions’ boots too early after his retirement in 2000. However, Shearer explained the decision: “It was because of the injuries that I had- which meant I had to adapt my game. I was confident that I could of played for England but to maintain the standard that I always wanted to keep I had to sacrifice one of them. Obviously it couldn’t have been my club career and after that I went onto play for another six years, so I think the decision was the correct one.”

Given England’s underperformance in recent years, I was interested to know if he thought any other players had stuck around too long: “Not really; I think there’s a perception that when you get to 30 you’re not allowed a bad game because of your age. But there’s some greatly experienced guys out there and still with a lot to offer England.” 

Adding: “That was my personal decision to do that, so you go along with what the guys want but if they are performing at the highest level it doesn’t matter how old or young they are.”

I’d managed to hold out sounding like an excited ball boy until the end but was desperate to know which goal gave him the most satisfaction. Despite my suggestion of a strike against Charlton at St James’ where he reached 200 Premier League goals and both fans continually chanted his name- it was breaking Milburn’s record that he holds dear: “When I broke the record for Newcastle against Portsmouth, the reaction of the crowd that day will stay with me forever. I mean it went on for another 15-20 minutes. It was just incredible- that goal was very special.”

What might have been?

As the interview drew to a close, I knew there was only time for one more question and I’d always been desperate to know if it was true; had he had a trial for Newcastle as a goalkeeper? 

“There was 22 guys there [at the trial] and there was only one goalkeeper; we all had to take a turn in goal just for five or ten minutes- but no they didn’t just stick me straight in goal.”

It does make you wonder about the man who watched Shearer as an outfield player but let him slip through the net. After all, having made a name for himself at Southampton and winning the title with Blackburn that mistake cost Newcastle owner Sir John Hall a full £15 million to rectify.  
Interview over, I felt much like Shearer did the day before: honoured and privileged to be alongside the world’s best. It was also encouraging hearing a former player so passionate about not just club and country, but the game in general. His manner of talking about all subjects openly and honestly makes a refreshing change from the banal responses we have become accustomed to from modern players. 

So as I left and shook the hand of a player I had idolised for years, I realised that sometimes meeting your heroes is all it’s cracked up to be.

Bottom at Christmas - Can West Ham United survive?

Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 22 December 2010 - 16:49
Author: Michael Weightman
Comments: 1 Go... 

Exactly one week before Christmas, the bleak mid-winter well and truly arrived in Britain; as the footballing calendar was decimated with frozen pitches, unsafe surroundings and sullen men dragged around packed department stores rather than cheering on their boys.

Still, on the bright side, not long to wait for the match on Boxing Day as many of us will make our way to the game still trying to digest the food gorged the day before and wishing we hadn’t had that extra turkey slice. The festive period is a magical time for all concerned and it’s when the league really starts to take shape; the champions start to get stronger and the top and bottom halves begin to drift apart. But for one team, their festive time is overshadowed by the tag-The team bottom at Christmas- in the knowledge that in the eighteen previous seasons, only one team, West Bromwich Albion, have overcame this obstacle and avoided relegation.

This year it’s West Ham who prop up the league and Sport.co.uk takes a look if the Hammers have what it takes to stay in the big time.

Who’s up Next

If Avram Grant’s men are to escape the drop, then wins have to start coming and fast. However a quick perusal down the fixture list does little to inspire confidence as the Hammers face some daunting fixtures over the coming weeks.  Trips to Fulham and Newcastle look like uncomfortable fixtures for a side out of form, as do home matches with both Arsenal and Wolves, who themselves are scrapping for their Premier League lives. Added to this matches Home & Away against Everton- and it really shows up the enormity of the task in front of them. With only a few days to go until Christmas, Sport.co.uk is not in the mindset of upsetting West Ham fans; but it will take an almighty effort and a slice of luck to attain a points return for these games.

The Manager

Replaced Gianfranco Zola in the East London hot seat and you’d have to say, so far, Avram Grant has been a major let down. Let’s face it though what has Grant actually done to warrant being in charge of such a historic Premier League side? To say it’s baffling that both Chris Hughton and Sam Allardyce lost their jobs before the Israeli, is perhaps the understatement of the year. There’ll be some who’ll argue that he took Portsmouth to an FA cup final in the face of adversity; yet so did John Gregory, Dennis Wise and Alan Pardew in the noughties as they all got a sprinkle of the magic of the F.A Cup.

Then there was the time at Chelsea, he did of course guide the Blues to the Champions League final and was only a slipped penalty away from actually getting his hands on the crown. Nevertheless, that was Mourinho’s team that was playing and anyone, providing they kept things as they were, could have been a success at that time.

For the majority of 2010 Avram Grant has occupied the bottom of the Premier League and minus the superb CarlingCup victory the performances under him have been mostly uninspiring. The board have given him their backing and he needs to start repaying that faith.

The Players

It seems you can only really hang your hat on one man at the Boleyn Ground these days and thankfully for the Irons the threat of relegation has not affected the form of Scotty Parker. The central midfielder has been truly superb this season, driving the team on from midfield and shipping in with some truly memorable goals. It’s imperative that they hold on to their midfield star in the January transfer window as without him the future looks very worrying indeed.

It’s also high time that some of the more experienced players started pulling their weight. Time Robert Green remembered why he only a few months ago he was considered England’s number one. Time for Carlton Cole to re-discover the form that made him part of Capello’s England and incited rumours of a top four switch. It’s also time for the liked of Behrami and Dyer to start giving something back to a club that has afforded them a career over the past few years.

On paper the players are good enough to stay in the division, but I’m sure people said that about Newcastle and Leeds......

The Board

It would be difficult to not mention the Cockney duo at the helm especially as thus far, the purchase of their boyhood club has none gone to plan for Messrs Gold and Sullivan.  The pair’s frugal transfer budget has no doubt contributed to downfall of the club as all and sundry could see they were in need of strengthening at the end of last season. In fairness, were West Ham relegated, it would be safe to assume they are in safe hands given the two David’s tracked record of bringing Birmingham back from the Championship. Nevertheless it’s a crucial few weeks for the owners, with some undoubtedly big decisions that need to be made. 

Prediction

Despite constantly being favourite for the sack, the owners do have faith in Grant and they will need to dig deep into those pockets if they want their beloved team to survive.

The players are behind him too and just this week Junior Stanislas came out in support saying: “Everyone is fully behind the manager. People might think the team spirit is not the best because we're bottom of the league but everyone is pulling together.” He added: “We are just trying to stick together and get out of it. Being bottom at Christmas doesn't sound good but the belief is there and it has to be if we want to get out of it."

Positive words from the youngster and if points were won on belief alone then he would have probably just secured his side three vital ones. But talk is cheap and if the first half of the season is anything to go by then it’s difficult to see where West Ham will pick up the points. Scott Parker is key to their push and with him; they have an outside chance. But without him; it’s the Championship next season and Grant’s second successive relegation.