We need a foreigner

[Shearergol]

Tony Mowbray or Gary Johnson would be perfect for you, but neither are high-profile enough, it's a shame.

 

How would they be perfect? Not having a go, just wondered.

 

Johnson in particular, has masterminded to promotions, Bristol City and Yeovil, both on fairly low budgets. Plays brilliant football in a league where it is difficult to implement that style of play, has experience at an international level and generally seems to be an astute fella, very good.

 

Mowbray, again turned Hibs into a top 4 SPL side and is regarded by their fans as one of their best managers, and despite building up a great squad and losing in the play-offs to Derby last season, losing some of his prized assets to Prem clubs, he's been brilliant in the transfer market this season. I've been particularly impressed with Filipe Teixera. They play great football, second that imho of Bristol City this season.

 

Both these guys need a chance in the big-time, they are good enough, however young English managers aren't really given the chance at the top-level and I would like to see one of them at a big-ish club, such as Newcastle, although a risk it is one I think would pay off.

 

I don't disagree with them both being good up-and-coming managers. I watch lower legue football week in, week out, and there aren't many better than those two. However, Newcastle are at a stage now where they need something more than people who know how to get small clubs to over-achieve.

[Guest RodrigoPalacio]

Doubt we are in a position to gamble with either of them two tbh.  Love to see a high profile foreigner here though.  Someone who'll implement an exciting but effective brand of football.

[KaKa]

Tell you who I'd go for if I were MA - and I'm talking about realistic targets, so I'm excluding Mourinho etc etc - Slaven Bilic.

 

Agreed ... check this interview out.

 

Croatia's new leader is one of Blazevic's gentlemen, Slaven Bilic. His coaching staff consists of friends from the legendary team. The maverick Robert Prosinecki, who wanders around with a permanent entourage and a plump stomach, still flashes his technique on the training pitch. The old assist machine Aljosa Asanovic flits around looking thoughtful in his spectacles. The iconic goalkeeper Drazen Ladic tutors the keepers of today. Is their presence inspiring or intimidating?

 

Bilic appreciates the aura but dislikes the invitation for people to make unfair comparisons between past and present. 'It is a chip on the shoulder of my team,' he says. 'You can't compare. It is like comparing England to 1966 and Bobby Moore. That was 40 years ago.'

 

He speaks with authority that belies the fact that, at 38, he is only three years older than the senior member of his squad, midfielder Niko Kovac.

 

Bilic, once of West Ham and Everton, is not your average international football manager. He has a tattoo of his wife's name on his wrist, silver studding his left ear and tracksuit bottoms rolled up to the knees. He writes lyrics and plays guitar in a rock band. He flips open a packet of Marlboro Lights before he is ready to talk.

 

The image of Bilic the rebel has always been slightly misleading. As a player he was committed and intelligent. As a manager, he has a serious and ambitious core. He has a law degree and reads American psychology books to understand his players and his job better because Balkan culture is too macho for psychology to be part of everyday life.

 

'When you say "shrink" in Croatia they think about players lying on a couch,' says Bilic. 'It is a sensitive thing.'

 

His modern approach was challenged early in his managerial career. Preparing for his first competitive match, the Euro 2008 qualifying opener in Russia last month, three of his players abused his trust and sneaked away from Slovenia to visit Fontana, a Zagreb nightclub famed for the combination of folk music and women who dress like porn stars. Bilic banished them from the squad and fined them the equivalent of £17,000 each.

 

'It's a situation that has really helped me in terms of understanding how you cope being friends with some of the players and their manager,' says Bilic. 'We missed them in Russia. But my idea is that our work should be hard. Disciplined.'

 

These high principles contrast starkly with the most infamous image of his playing days. During the 1998 World Cup semi-finals, Laurent Blanc and Bilic tangled at a corner. The hardened Croat, who was already on a yellow card, collapsed clutching his face and the France libero was sent off. A nice guy missing the final led to international outrage.

 

Does he feel regrets? 'No, no, no,' he says. 'Because I am clean in front of the mirror. I didn't do it because I wanted him to get sent off, I did it because I didn't want to get another card. But the most important point is he hit me. I understand the whole reaction because it was in France. It was the semi-final. Afterwards the whole of Europe - England especially - were like puritans. But nowadays everybody is acting week in, week out to get an opponent sent off.'

 

He has learnt from the episode and moved on. These days he is concerned only with his team's evolution and Steve McClaren can expect his thorniest challenge on Wednesday evening at the Maksimir, where Croatia are undefeated.

 

'We have not lost a game at home in five qualification tournaments,' says Bilic. 'That's unbelievable. With our fans, we play with the wind at our backs. But this is by far the toughest group Croatia has ever had.'

 

Bilic has faith in the team he is moulding, with a clutch of youngsters - playmaker Luka Modric, naturalised Brazilian striker Eduardo Da Silva and right-back Vedran Corluka - offering something different from the more experienced mainstays. They all flourished with Bilic at the helm for the under-21s before the coach's promotion in the summer and he thinks highly of them.

 

'If they were English, they wouldn't play for Dinamo Zagreb they would play for Arsenal. But because they don't play in such a big league, there is always a big question mark over them. OK, they are good in our league, but how would they look against John Terry?' Wednesday night's match will give him an interesting barometer.

 

There are worries about the lack of a natural predator after Dado Prso's retirement and goalkeeper Stipe Pletikosa has not been playing for his club, Shakhtar Donetsk. Bilic will not disagree, but he prefers to fuel his players' confidence than discuss weaknesses.

 

He spent the World Cup scouting and was unimpressed by a nation that he follows keenly, England. 'I watched all their matches with my son, Leo, because he likes England,' says Bilic. 'They didn't play well. They were pretty bad for a team of such potential. It was strange.

 

On paper, there is little better in the world.'

 

Bilic's connections with England date to his spells with West Ham and Everton in the late 1990s. He grew particularly friendly with Rio Ferdinand at Upton Park. 'We used to stay often after training, practising and talking,' says Bilic.

 

'I go back to when I started in Hajduk Split and when older players hug you, talk to you, it means a lot. I tried to be the same when I was a so-called "star" at West Ham. In the spring of 1997 we were strong in defence. It was Marc Rieper from Denmark, Julian Dicks - legend - and myself and we played some games together with Rio, and Frank Lampard as well. When I moved, that opened the door for Rio, although he was sad that I left.'

 

He also remembers Harry Redknapp - 'a smashing manager' - talking about a brilliant youngster called Joe Cole. Then, once Bilic moved to Everton, there was another prodigy causing a stir. Wayne Rooney? 'I remember him from the canteen.' Any specific details? 'He was a 14-year-old scally and they all look the same!'

 

This is a game that resonates strongly for a charismatic, young manager. Not to mention his son, Leo. And what does the godfather make of it all? 'This Croatian team can beat anybody,' says Blazevic. 'Actually I am more worried about Andorra than England.'

 

 

Seems very intelligent, but also has one of those crazy personalities. I'm in love. Bilic for Newcastle.

 

 

 

[Alberto2005]

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/01/13/sfnfro113.xml

 

 

[Adam]

Ottmar Hitzfeld

 

We have a winner

[fredbob]

How ridiculous would it be if we got turned down by Redknapp and appointed Hitzfeld.

[Adam]

How ridiculous would it be if we got turned down by Redknapp and appointed Hitzfeld.

 

It would be so amazing ridiculous it might just happen

[EthiGeordie]

      I think Van Gal would come here he might be a bad choice though

[Memphis]

Van Gall, Hitzfeld, and Houllier are all far better candidates than Redknapp ever was.

[chicago_shearer]

Weird logic.  "Shame the mid table Premiership manager doesn't want the job.  I suppose we'll have to settle for three of the most successful managers in Europe."

 

Would greatly prefer Hitzfeld or Houllier to Van Gaal, but any one of the three would be exceptional tbh.  Just hope it happens with time left in the transfer window for some changes to be made.

[Flip]

lil bro dreamed about Hitzfeld, hes not a newcastle fan and now hes all hyped he might have had a dream tell him something, what a stupid kneejerk he is. well never get him

 

[Baggio]

Can someone copy & paste what Enrique's link says please.

[chicago_shearer]

Newcastle extend hunt for manager to Europe

 

By Martin Hardy

Last Updated: 1:53am GMT 13/01/2008

 

Newcastle's search for a new manager will now spread to the continent after their much-publicised move for Harry Redknapp ended in failure yesterday.

 

Gerard Houllier, Louis van Gaal and Ottmar Hitzfeld are all now in the frame for the position created by Sam Allardyce's surprise sacking on Wednesday.

 

There was, however, intrigue to go with the disappointment of missing out on their only original target.

 

Senior Newcastle sources last night denied they had even offered the position to Redknapp during a meeting in London on Friday evening, insisting the Portsmouth manager's refusal to move to the North East and his desire to commute had ended their talks.

 

"During discussions Harry raised the subject of being able to fly up to the North East," said the source. "We've always believed that the manager would be somebody based full time in Newcastle.

 

"That was a major stumbling point and it was clear when we talked about the issue there was no point in going any further.

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"The fans wouldn't have been happy with a manager who was flying up and down from his home on the south coast. Managing Newcastle United is a massive job and huge responsibility and it requires total commitment."

 

However, that responsibility will not be handed to Alan Shearer. The former Newcastle captain was effectively ruled out of the running by the same senior source.

 

"Chris Mort [the club chairman] and Mike Ashley [owner] have a good relationship with Alan Shearer," the source said. "We are well aware of the many qualities he could bring to the club, but, in the present situation, they feel that an experienced manager with a proven track record is required."

 

Shearer may yet be asked to become assistant manager at St James' Park and reports last night suggested that former Newcastle player and manager Kevin Keegan would be Ashley's ideal man to form a "local heroes" partnership with him. But the club insisted that they would not be rushed.

 

"The most important thing is getting the right man," the source said. "There is not a time frame. It is vital Newcastle get it right this time and it will take as long as it takes."

 

There is a feeling now that Ashley and Mort are already planning for next season, and that the difficulty of a potential FA Cup tie away to Arsenal, if they beat Stoke in their third-round replay on Wednesday, hastened Allardyce's departure.

 

Newcastle could now go through the January transfer window without making any signings, to the frustration of a set of supporters who believe the side desperately needs strengthening. But they may be encouraged to hear the calibre of the names being linked with the job.

 

Houllier, the French Football Federation's technical director, and Hitzfeld are both available and Van Gaal, who is at Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, has support, both from Ashley and the club's fans. Keegan, meanwhile, is running his "Soccer Circus" in Glasgow and while he said in a recent interview that he would "never say never" about a return to management, it is thought even he might deem another return to Newcastle one comeback too many.

 

Statement from Newcastle chairman Chris Mort

 

In the process of appointing a new manager at Newcastle United, we have identified and spoken to a number of potential candidates.

 

This is a very important appointment - our first since taking control of the club - and we will take as long as required to make sure we bring the right person.

 

That person will be someone we believe will be able to deliver successful results and performances to accompany that.

 

We can confirm that Harry Redknapp is one of the people the club has spoken to. However, Harry made it clear he is happy with life on the south coast and we wish him well for the future.

 

We will continue to devote our time to the very important task of selecting the right person to manage Newcastle United and we will make a further announcement when appropriate.

[Dragon55544]

Newcastle extend hunt for manager to Europe

By Martin Hardy

Last Updated: 1:53am GMT 13/01/2008

 

 

Have your say      Read comments

 

Newcastle's search for a new manager will now spread to the continent after their much-publicised move for Harry Redknapp ended in failure yesterday.

 

Why Redknapp turned down £5m a year | Redknapp vital to Portsmouth's future

Match report: Ronaldo adds to Newcastle nightmare

Patrick Barclay: Ashley must master Newcastle

Gerard Houllier, Louis van Gaal and Ottmar Hitzfeld are all now in the frame for the position created by Sam Allardyce's surprise sacking on Wednesday.

 

 

Searching: Mike Ashley will now look abroad for a new manager

There was, however, intrigue to go with the disappointment of missing out on their only original target.

 

Senior Newcastle sources last night denied they had even offered the position to Redknapp during a meeting in London on Friday evening, insisting the Portsmouth manager's refusal to move to the North East and his desire to commute had ended their talks.

 

"During discussions Harry raised the subject of being able to fly up to the North East," said the source. "We've always believed that the manager would be somebody based full time in Newcastle.

 

"That was a major stumbling point and it was clear when we talked about the issue there was no point in going any further.

 

advertisement"The fans wouldn't have been happy with a manager who was flying up and down from his home on the south coast. Managing Newcastle United is a massive job and huge responsibility and it requires total commitment."

 

However, that responsibility will not be handed to Alan Shearer. The former Newcastle captain was effectively ruled out of the running by the same senior source.

 

"Chris Mort [the club chairman] and Mike Ashley [owner] have a good relationship with Alan Shearer," the source said. "We are well aware of the many qualities he could bring to the club, but, in the present situation, they feel that an experienced manager with a proven track record is required."

 

Shearer may yet be asked to become assistant manager at St James' Park and reports last night suggested that former Newcastle player and manager Kevin Keegan would be Ashley's ideal man to form a "local heroes" partnership with him. But the club insisted that they would not be rushed.

 

"The most important thing is getting the right man," the source said. "There is not a time frame. It is vital Newcastle get it right this time and it will take as long as it takes."

 

There is a feeling now that Ashley and Mort are already planning for next season, and that the difficulty of a potential FA Cup tie away to Arsenal, if they beat Stoke in their third-round replay on Wednesday, hastened Allardyce's departure.

 

Newcastle could now go through the January transfer window without making any signings, to the frustration of a set of supporters who believe the side desperately needs strengthening. But they may be encouraged to hear the calibre of the names being linked with the job.

 

Redknapp's southern comforts | In pics: Premier League action

Premier League Transfer Talk

Newcastle United homepage

Houllier, the French Football Federation's technical director, and Hitzfeld are both available and Van Gaal, who is at Dutch club AZ Alkmaar, has support, both from Ashley and the club's fans. Keegan, meanwhile, is running his "Soccer Circus" in Glasgow and while he said in a recent interview that he would "never say never" about a return to management, it is thought even he might deem another return to Newcastle one comeback too many.

 

 

Statement from Newcastle chairman Chris Mort

 

In the process of appointing a new manager at Newcastle United, we have identified and spoken to a number of potential candidates.

 

This is a very important appointment - our first since taking control of the club - and we will take as long as required to make sure we bring the right person.

 

That person will be someone we believe will be able to deliver successful results and performances to accompany that.

 

We can confirm that Harry Redknapp is one of the people the club has spoken to. However, Harry made it clear he is happy with life on the south coast and we wish him well for the future.

 

We will continue to devote our time to the very important task of selecting the right person to manage Newcastle United and we will make a further announcement when appropriate.

 

 

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/main.jhtml?xml=/sport/2008/01/13/sfnfro113.xml

[Baggio]

Thanks lads.

[merlin]

The top European coaches will NOT come to SJP -people have to get their head round this.

Manchester & Liverpool is as far north as they wish to be - we are seen as a club with no recent history of success..imagine a top British manager(if there was one, say Fergie) choosing to manage Fiorentina or Nantes...now maybe if Milan or B/Munich came calling.....!

[Dragon55544]

The top European coaches will NOT come to SJP -people have to get their head round this.

Manchester & Liverpool is as far north as they wish to be - we are seen as a club with no recent history of success..imagine a top British manager(if there was one, say Fergie) choosing to manage Fiorentina or Nantes...now maybe if Milan or B/Munich came calling.....!

 

i disagree

[Parky]

There are some interesting names in that Telegraph article, I hope these avenues will be explored before approaching Hughes.

[Thespence]

There are some interesting names in that Telegraph article, I hope these avenues will be explored before approaching Hughes.

 

Who you backing now Parky?

 

Didier Deschamp is not keen on joining a club mid season & is one of the front runners to take over France after the Euro's.

[Dr. Nguyen Van Falk]

Houllier would come if contacted I think, my choice Van Gaal might if the offer was too tempting

[SUPERTOON]

Sir John Hall says it should be given to Houllier

[healthyaddiction]

Houllier would be the safest bet but from what i remember the football his liverpool side played was pretty dour.  Not sure how his Lyon side played though so if anyone could enlighten me that would be great.  I would still take him though because you can't argue with the results he got for liverpool really and he could be interested.

 

Hitzfeld is obviously a great manager but i think unrealistic.  The football his Bayern side currently play though is great, just don't think there is a cat's chance in hell.

 

Van Gaal is a excellent manager currently doing brilliantly with Alkmaar.  The football they play is meant to be fantastic as well.  We could maybe tempt him because as i understand it Alkmaar are quite a small club in what is largely an average league.  As the man is so arrogant that he makes Mourinho look modest perhaps he would like a shot in the premiership trying to make a team filled with promise finally meet it.

 

If we got any of these managers it would be amazing.

[WarrenBartonCentrePartin]

Tell you who I'd go for if I were MA - and I'm talking about realistic targets, so I'm excluding Mourinho etc etc - Slaven Bilic.

I'd take him, simply because he isn't a stereotypical manager (beanie hat, earring, smokes etc)  but if he were to leave Croatia it wouldn't be until after Euro 2008.  And after yesterdays showing, we need someone NOW.

[Parky]

There are some interesting names in that Telegraph article, I hope these avenues will be explored before approaching Hughes.

 

Who you backing now Parky?

 

Didier Deschamp is not keen on joining a club mid season & is one of the front runners to take over France after the Euro's.

 

If not DD I'd go for Van Gaal or Houllier. With Houllier I would look to move him upstairs at some point as a DOF and then bring in Shearer with a couple of crack young coaches (one european and one english).

[Shearergol]

Houllier would be the safest bet but from what i remember the football his liverpool side played was pretty dour.  Not sure how his Lyon side played though so if anyone could enlighten me that would be great.  I would still take him though because you can't argue with the results he got for liverpool really and he could be interested.

 

Hitzfeld is obviously a great manager but i think unrealistic.  The football his Bayern side currently play though is great, just don't think there is a cat's chance in hell.

 

Van Gaal is a excellent manager currently doing brilliantly with Alkmaar.  The football they play is meant to be fantastic as well.  We could maybe tempt him because as i understand it Alkmaar are quite a small club in what is largely an average league.  As the man is so arrogant that he makes Mourinho look modest perhaps he would like a shot in the premiership trying to make a team filled with promise finally meet it.

 

If we got any of these managers it would be amazing.

 

Liverpool played more attractive football under Houllier than they're managing at the moment.