anything but Dennis Wise

By: j | September 5th, 2008

With the Kevin Keegan affair concluded, the listing Magpie ship must deal with the vacant managerial post. To those who are surprised by events leading up to it, it was somewhat expected. As I have detailed in the past the financial picture of the club is far from rosy and old reports of owner Mike Ashley asset base are just that, old and dated and terribly in need of revision. If not clearer my friends, the realities of the Newcastle situation is that its juggling its financial bottom-line and the balance sheet of the owners business are co-mingled.

What these leaves us with an empty parade where hopes and dreams towards a upper-mid level table finish are quickly overshadowed with the reality of comfortably avoiding relegation. That’s a fairly foul comment isn’t it and one I had hoped not to make but any club foolish enough to let go James Milner, the U-21 England captain, deserves little more. As a die-hard, and I mean die-hard, supporter of the game I’ve watched more than my share of lower division and non-league matches and once we get to Premier League I am hopeful that those in-charge have the mettle to support a player who is a critical part the future of The Three Lions. Unfortunately Newcastle didn’t and proof of the madness that waifs through the executive branch of the club

I don’t for a second lay blame on Mike Ashley shoulders regarding that situation. He’s dealing with many other issues, most notably plunging sales in his business and shareholders wondering if their stock-price will ever come back. I do however point the finger of guilt towards Dennis Wise and like many who know him or of him, realized the day they hired him trouble would follow.

Newcastle has been in disarray for quite some time if you must know, cleansing part of the coaching support structure and quickly they have amassed a following of older coaches hoping to see them in the Championship. Another foul comment isn’t it but it is the straight truth and one that you won’t see in any news source but fellow coaches, do talk amongst ourselves. That aside, the course of this ship needs to be righted or this season will crumble.

The first step must be in hiring a quality manager, a man of tradition, of honour and distinction. A mature individual who can calm the seas and shape a new course. He needs to be able to command respect with his experience and even his years as he is facing a mutiny. In using those words, none relates to Wise. A talented player that unfortunately never was blessed with maturation and not only has shown argumentative approach that constantly seeks out conflict but one that attempts to conquer situations by dividing loyalties. He has done that in Newcastle and I hate to tell you, it was predictable as he has done that throughout his entire Football career. Equally, the words “loyalty and honour” and he should never be mentioned in the same sentence and if you wish a little insight into that, I’d be happy to tell you of what he did to Leeds last campaign or maybe the grand ol’ days at Chelsea if you wish but simply, he is a bad seed that never matured and should not be the head of the club.

Unfortunately he is well rooted in the structure of Newcastle and when it came down to the choice of either firing Wise or Mr. Keegan, Newcastle management showed their idiocy and let go a loyal man who you and I could be proud of. If management was smart now, they’d clean house and tell their “Executive Director” what Ken Bates should have at the end of 2006 campaign, to move-on. You’re not welcome and are a dis-loyal, disruptive force on a team and you have been since you were a boy.

Unfortunately we all know that isn’t about to happen. Wise will be pushing hard for his former right-hand man, Gustavo Poyet, now with Tottenham to have the job. Gus Poyet is a extremely good coach but unfortunately with him you get Wise and basically that should cross him off the list. While I note additional candidates, I think Gus Poyet effectively has the job as Wise will twist and manipulate the situation to get what he wants just as he has in done.

At this stage, choices will be difficult. Highly regarded, mature coaches will not want to enter this situation and will equally recognize the financial structure of the club is teetering on its edge. Given this many names mentioned are not likely to even consider the situation and more of the media searching for “copy.” My choices would be for experienced men who understand the area and will command respect such as; Terry Venables, David O’Leary, Sam Allardyce, Stuart Pearce (although he has ruled himself out) and the recently freed-up Alan Curbishley. Equally I doubt any of them would take the position with Wise around because they all know his approach and demeanor quite well.

Please let me know your thoughts on who you would like to see lead Newcastle?