Newcastle United have a new manager and his name is Steve McClaren. Yes, the wally with the brolly is now in charge of my team. Happy Days.
Now is it the inspirational appointment I was hoping for...well no. For me McClaren has plenty to prove and this is without doubt his last chance in the top flight. Does he deserve this chance? I would argue no, but then when we appointed Alan Pardew he had just be sacked by Southampton who were at the time in League One so we have such a precedent of bringing managers in from lower league clubs. Obviously, the powers that be think that McClaren is the man however I know that many fans will be sceptical and will, as I do, see him as a cheap option. Having said that I will give him my full backing to begin with and hope he has learnt from his failed time with England as well as his experiences at Twente, Wolfsburg, Nottingham Forest and Derby County.
It appears he will be backed in the transfer market however I just hope they sign proven players. Yes, I am delighted that it appears the club is willing to spend £10million + on a player but he has to be the right player and I am certainly sceptical of spending such money on players from the Dutch, Belgian and French league. The problem at Newcastle at the moment is that we do not have time nor the luxury for players to 'settle' or 'find their feet'. We need players who will hit the ground running given the state of the squad. That is why for me Charlie Austin is a must. He fits the bill perfectly for exactly what we are looking for.
For now though, I will be eagerly watching Newcastle's transfer activity as well as who McClaren brings into his backroom team. Hopefully the combination of the two will inspire positively and bring a feel good factor back to the club. I know it sounds a long shot but one can but hope.
The start of the season is going to be vital. He needs a good start or he really will find himself in trouble and possibly out of a job by Christmas. The fans will back him and any new players at the start but patience has worn thin given the last few seasons and they will turn very quickly if they do not see the desired effort from the players.
Hope springs eternal they say, well all I say is that they don't support Newcastle United.
