Pardew’s NO.2: Carver’s Back

Newcastle finally filled the void left by Colin Calderwood today by announcing the John Carver is return to the club in the role of Alan Pardew’s assistant manager.

Carver, returns to the club where he served as assistant manager to the late great Sir Bobby Robson, on a four month contract until the end of the season.

Pardew has implied that he would like to get to know John a bit better before signing him to a long term deal but negotiations will commence in the summer should Carver be deemed an asset.

Pardew gave his thoughts on the appointment to the official club website:

“I’m delighted to be bringing John on board, he has an excellent track record as a coach and of course knows this club very well.

“It was crucial for me that I brought in an assistant who I knew would work well with the current coaching team we have here. We’ve got a good solid set-up with some excellent staff and maintaining that stability is very important to me. John fitted the bill perfectly.

“It’s a short term deal at the moment in order that I can get to know John better and it gives us both the chance to see how the next four months pan out working together.

“That said, I’m very confident he’ll be a great addition to our coaching staff and hopefully, if things go well, we can make it a longer term appointment come the summer.”

Carver then gave his take on his new position:

“I am proud and honoured to be able to come back once again to my home town club.

“I have been lucky to be able to work around the world with some excellent people. However, I have always been a fan of this magnificent club and the years I spent working here were some of the happiest of my life.

“I am looking forward to working with Alan Pardew and building on the recent strides that the club has taken to get back to where we belong, at the top of English football.

“I understand how much the club and the results mean to these wonderful fans and I am delighted to be have the opportunity to assist Alan in delivering them the success they deserve.

“I would like to thank Mike, Derek and Alan for giving me this incredible opportunity.”

So… all very encouraging stuff for Newcastle as we now finally have an assistant manager. One things for sure, Pardew’s Ashley’s man. Hughton was often blocked from appointing an assistant manager but Pardew has got his way. A sign of Pardew’s negotiation skills with the board? Or just Ashley knowing he no longer wanted Hughton when was contemplating an assistant being appointed.

John Carver, however, is a terrific coach who aided Sir Bobby in our Champions League days. A man of great experience and a man of great dignity who loves the club.

A splendid appointment, in my opinion. Agree? Disagree? Tell me below.

Category: General, Transfer