Real Football Man All of the Football, All of the time
Mike Ashley has rolled the dice then. With 10 games to go of Newcastle’s season it was obviously felt that there had to be change if they were to get themselves out of the drop zone and ultimately that change is the sacking of Steve McClaren and the arrival of Rafa Benitez.
From Real Madrid to Newcastle in less than a season. I don’t think anyone especially Benitez would have seen that career trajectory taking place but it must be said Newcastle have pulled off quite the masterstroke in getting him in to aid their bid for survival.
Many people myself included felt that some of the names that were being mentioned such as Brendan Rodgers, David Moyes and Benitez wouldn’t want to come in at this stage of the season as they wouldn’t want a potential relegation on their C.V. it was felt that if Steve McClaren was to be sacked with a quarter of the season to go it would be the wrong time to appoint any of those aforementioned Managers.
You had the feeling that it would have been someone like Nigel Pearson coming in at this stage ready to roll his sleeves up and get stuck into the job in hand. So credit has to go to Benitez for taking the risk and deciding that now is the time to get back into management.
It will be interesting to see if there is any breakage in the 3 year contract that was signed Yesterday. Maybe he can walk away at the end of the season if he fails to beat the drop. Would Benitez have the appetite to manage in The Championship. Imagine from going to the Nou Camp to Stadium:MK in less than 12 months
But for now the task in hand is making sure they start picking up wins and getting themselves of the bottom 3. Before McClaren’s sacking their trip to Leicester on Monday had a home win written all over it, now I wouldn’t be so sure.
You would still make Leicester the favourites and as league leaders why woulnd’t you but we all know what a new Manager bounce can do. It’s almost a free shot this game with any point being a bonus just before what is going to be one of the biggest 6 pointers all season. The Tyne and Wear Derby.
If Benitez can win that he will already put himself into Geordie folklore and give the club a massive boost. A win there could propel their momentum and seriously dent Sunderland’s. It’s certainly looking like one of these teams will definitely be going down this season and this game will have a big bearing on who.
Steve McClaren was dead man walking at St James Park but with 10 games to go and just a point from safety, the certainly have the time and arguably do have the personnel to turn it around but one thing is for sure after Yesterday’s appointment they now certainly have the coach.
