footballnotsoccer
Paladin
Hardy
KC Hill
techman
Graham Fisher
Andrew Aigner-Muehler
LukeS
Craig HillHave Newcastle made a big mistake?
February 11th 2008 08:50
The second half performance of King Kev's Newcastle United in their 4-1 defeat at Aston Villa on saturday was one of the most woeful performances I have seen from any Premier League team.
The side looked dispirited, disjointed and totally out of their depth. How can this be? With players of the quality of Steven Taylor, Nicky Butt, James Milner, Damien Duff and Michael Owen, surely this team shouldn't be looking over their shoulders at the relegation zone.
"We are fragile. I believe we have enough to be a Premier League club next season but I'm under no illusions that we need to get to the 40-point mark." Keegan said after the game, "I have a big challenge. It's not a case of me coming in and waving a magic wand but it's down to me to solve it."
Keegan said of the players, "These players have taken a lot of knocks. We need spirit and togetherness."
I have no idea what 'knocks' King Kev is referring to.
The fact is that when Sam Allardyce was sacked, Newcastle were sitting comfortably in mid-table. They were not setting the world alight but Big Sam was just starting his job of turning the club around. He wasn't given a chance. Keegan has returned, and the team have drawn two and lost three games since he did. There is no doubt that the team is considerably more shambolic now than it was a few weeks ago.
Coach Nigel Pearson has resigned his position saying that he no longer wanted to work for the club. Dennis Wise has been brought in as a 'Director of football' type role which defies all known logic. Keegan is already beginning to look strained in the way he has done in the past, shortly before walking out on a job.
It is all going horribly wrong for The Magpies, and it is difficult to see how they can reverse their fortunes. They failed to sign anyone during the transfer window, despite trying for several. Keegan laughably said that he hadn't actually wanted to sign anyone as he was happy with his current squad.
If Keegan can manage to rescue this season for the Toon army, he really will be crowned as King of the Geordies. I'm not holding my breath.
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