Mike Ashley’s at it again! Just when Newcastle fans think their club’s owner had stopped trying to fix what’s not broken he gets out his axe! Manager Chris Houghton is trigger-happy Ashley’s newest victim. It seems promotion as champions from the Championship and early season stability in the Premier League isn’t enough for ambitious Ashley. Hasn’t the buffoon learned anything?
Sam Allerdyce was made manager shortly before Londoner Mike Ashley bought the club in 2007. Allerdyce had an inconsistent start to the season and was sacked in January 2008 despite his side sitting comfortably above the relegation zone. In came the Messiah; King Kevin Keegan. This move was met with joyous celebrations by the Toon Army. Finally they could look forward to challenging for the title again, just like the last time Keegan was at the helm in the mid 90s!
Of course this never happened. Mike Ashley, being the football genius that he is, appointed Dennis Wise as director of football behind Keegan’s back. The messiah wasn’t too impressed by this move, and though he managed to stave off relegation, it was plainly obvious there was animosity between Keegan and his superiors. In September 2008, after a transfer window where deals had been made behind his back, Keegan left Newcastle United for the third and final time, unable to continue with his owner’s meddling.
This was met by protests from irate fans, demanding Ashley’s resignation and Keegan’s reinstating. The reaction wasn’t what they’d hoped for.
Keegan’s replacement was the touchy former Wimbledon and Nottingham Forest manager, Joe Kinnear. Oh Dear!
Kinnear hadn’t coached since he suffered a heart attack as Nottingham Forest manager in 2004. His record as a manager was hardly spectacular, and his appointment as Newcastle manager was met with contempt by fans. He didn’t last long. A profanity-laden four and a half months at the helm at St. James’ Park came to an end when health scares forced him to relinquish his duties.
The club was in trouble, threatened by relegation with a star-studded squad showing signs of depression and frustration. Mike Ashley decided to cheer everybody up by bringing in another messiah.
Most religions aren’t lucky enough to have more than one messiah, but Newcastle fans seem to have a conveyor belt. Alan Shearer was the latest false idol. A catastrophic spell in charge saw one win against equally doomed Middlesboro, and relegation away at Aston Villa.
The club had rarely seen such lows. Shearer wasn’t allowed to continue with his train wreck, and unlike Newcastle United he rejoined Match of the Day for the 2009/2010 season.
His replacement was the quiet former Spurs number two, Chris Hughton. Many pundits predicted Newcastle’s plight would only worsen in the second tier of English football. However Chris Hughton proved to be the stable figure the fans had been praying for. Newcastle eased to the Championship title, playing forceful attacking football with a solid defence.
So far this season Newcastle have won 5, drawn 4 and lost 7 in the league, leaving them in mid-table. Their wins have included a victory over Arsenal at the Emirates, a 6-0 thrashing of Aston Villa and the humiliation of local rivals Sunderland, 5-1.
So why has Mike Ashley seen it fit to sack the most successful manager Newcastle has seen since Sir. Bobby Robson? “We’re looking for a manager with more managerial experience.”
This is one of the most pathetic official excuses for sacking a manager I’ve ever read.
Chris Hughton has done an outstanding job at rejuvenating Newcastle United, yet because this is his first job it’s thought he can’t be trusted to remain in charge without imploding spectacularly. Graeme Souness, Glenn Roeder, Sam Allerdyce, Kevin Keegan and Joe Kinnear all had far more experience than Hughton, yet none have been as successful during their stints at the club.
The truth is that Mike Ashley and his “cockney mafia” as they’ve been labelled on Tyneside got bored. Hughton was a calm character who was popular amongst fans and players alike. He had steadied the ship in his time in charge and reinstalled pride in the club. That wasn’t good enough for Mike Ashley who’s once again shown a lack of respect for his manager, the players, the fans and the club.
Rumours are that Mike Ashley’s target is Martin Jol, now that the jolly Dutchman has left Ajax following a disappointing stint in Amsterdam. Jol and Hughton worked together at Spurs and the two should have a long discussion before Jol considers applying for the hot seat at St. James’ Park.
The next Newcastle boss has got to be ready to work with one of the most difficult owners in English football. Geordies wish that for once they could say goodbye to the owner instead of the manager. Congratulations Mr. Ashley, you’ve once again managed to turn one of England’s greatest clubs into a laughing stock.When will you learn that if it isn't boken, don't fix it!
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