a sign of weakness

By: j | September 7th, 2008

If you will allow me for a moment, I find it pathetic when management uses the media in a attempt to win public sentiment regarding the Kevin Keegan situation. I’m not sure what they think they are going to accomplish but surely they must realize that by bashing him in the media they will not make things any easier on them.

However that simple notion escapes the Newcastle board and today they issued the following statement, that in my opinion embarrasses the club:

“It is a fact Keegan was allowed to manage his duties without any interference,” read the statement.

“It is a fact he agreed not to talk to the media in relation to the acquisition or disposal of players.”

“It is a fact that NUFC is a business and operates, like all businesses, with financial constraints,” the statement continued.

“It is a fact that NUFC’s financial constraints inform its transfer dealings.

“The board of NUFC have responsibility to ensure that the club is able to meet its commitments which include the wages and the transfer fees for players.”

Kevin Keegan responded through vthe League Managers’ Association (LMA).

“At the time at which I joined Newcastle United Football Club it was made very clear to me that I would have the final say on player movement in and out of the club,” it read.

While the club is putting up the front that is looking for a manager and engaging in this ridiculous public nonsense, Sir Bobby Robson commented that “no manager worth his salt is going to take the Newcastle job with the current set-up.” He went on to state:

“The breakdown between the different job titles has left Newcastle in disarray and it is time for Ashley to sort it out.”

“The owner or chairman is the most important person at a football club, the manager is second and everyone else third.

“If a director of football does not have the blessing of the manager, it does not work.”

Newcastle should eliminate this pathetic attempt to win public sentiment and go about finding a suitable replacement. Anything less is transparent and the public will not stand for it.