I think the mass negative reaction is a backlash from peoples own expectations being dashed. They thought we were going to hire a Lippi or a Mourinho because surely this guy Ashley is going to want the best.
But when have Newcastle EVER signed a top drawer manager? Never. (Robson had been a top drawer but was in the twilight of his career when he arrived. Everyone knew that was a temporary shift from day one.)
Now I don't know if Ashley ever even considered one of these Lippi types or at least discovered it was a non-starter. Maybe he just took advice from his mate Kelmsley. But if 'Arry is the next boss and he's given money to spend he'll get us into Europe faster than Sam would have.
Given his age, Old 'arry might be thinking of jacking it all in 3 or 4 years from now, and, if we're in Europe regularly when that happens then maybe that elusive top drawer manager will finally become a reality.
He gets my backing from day one if we start attacking again, may not have been my first choice, or even second or third, but he certainly was very far from last choice.