http://www.thesecretfootballer.com/articles/the-secret-fan/26278/can-boring-steve-mcclaren-rescue-newcastle-united/
Can ‘boring’ Steve McClaren rescue Newcastle United?Share0Tweet0Email0Share0
Steve McClaren was announced as Newcastle United’s new boss last week.
Several months of speculation as to who would take the role of head coach – whatever that means – had passed by, with some exciting names mentioned.
Frank de Boer, Remi Garde and, most recently, Patrick Vieira were among them.
Many of the Toon Army felt that any of the abovementioned would be a step in the right direction.
Men who were forward looking, who wouldn’t be a “yes man” and who would most likely give Newcastle the shake-up it needed. But none of those ended up getting the job.
It might have been because they didn’t want it and who can blame them for not wanting to take charge at a club where you won’t actually be in charge?
Enough about what could have been. McClaren is holding the reins now and one could suggest that the appointment may be described best by one particular adjective – boring.
I know it is way too early to deem McClaren a failure, most would agree with that.
He had some success at Manchester United as assistant manager. Or should it be said that he simply witnessed the greatness that was Sir Alex Ferguson?
He did a fine job at FC Twente, winning the Dutch league in the 2009-10 season as well as the coach-of-the-season award.
His spell at Middlesbrough certainly had its successful moments as well as his stint at Derby County.
He’s also faced some tough tasks, most notably when he took charge of England
Yet he’s also faced some tough tasks, most notably when he took charge of England. Plus his tenure at Nottingham Forest.
Still, it may be argued that McClaren has the ability to steady the ship at Newcastle after what has been a season to forget.
Albeit the bar has been set pretty low by John Carver and Steve Stone, who needed to be replaced despite their undeniable passion and love for the club.
Related: Mike Ashley should get out of Newcastle United … now
Newcastle have stated that they are looking for a top-eight finish but, with our current squad, even Jose Mourinho would find that difficult.
The club desperately needs to invest in several positions as well as clearing out some of the present players.
Seeing defender Mike Williamson linked with a move away to Leeds United has excited many fans, almost as much as signing a new striker.
Two new centre backs, a winger, a creative midfielder and a forward are the minimum requirements to strengthen an already thin and injury-prone squad.
The prospect of Charlie Austin and Saido Berahino joining is mouth-watering.
But when you have followed Newcastle for long enough you will have noticed that of the may players the club has been linked with, very few of them “get over the line”.
McClaren is an above-average manager but that’s it. Will he succeed at Newcastle?
This will be heavily dependent on the amount of investment put into the club by owner Mike Ashley.
McClaren needs the tools and the backing of the fans but, unfortunately, at a club like Newcastle, he will have this only for a brief moment if his team does not perform.
The margin for error is small at NUFC, with the fans having huge expectations
The margin for error is small at NUFC, with the fans having huge expectations. McClaren enters St James’ Park like a slightly overweight male skating on thin ice.
We all hope he makes it, we are all hoping for a fairy tale, but we all know how thin this ice is.
After what this club has been through over the past years, it is extremely difficult to be optimistic.
This club and these fans deserve success. Let’s just hope Mr McClaren can bring it.
