By Noy Shani @NoyShani @TLE_Sport
Steve McClaren was appointed the new Newcastle United head coach on Wednesday. The London Economic’s Noy Shani checked out what the digital world thinks about Mike Ashley’s move and reflects on whether McClaren is the answer Newcastle fans have been waiting for all along.
So is Steve McClaren’s appointment at Newcastle united good or bad for the Toon Army and owner Mike Ashley? The former England manager signed a three year deal with a further five year extension option and has already made some big statements in the national press.
“I am determined to give Newcastle fans a team they can be proud of – I am here to win trophies” he was quoted saying.
After failing big time when his England side did not qualify to the UEFA Euro 2008 tournament, McClaren tried his luck with Dutch side FC Twente, with whom we won the domestic league in 2010 and participated in the Champions League.
You may remember he took modest Middlesbrough all the way to the UEFA Cup final in 2005/6, only to lose to Sevilla 4-0, and more recently managed Championship side Derby County and missed on a playoff spot by just goal difference, a failure that led to his sacking.
Can he make a comeback to the big stage though? Veteran football journalist Mick Dennis thinks it much depends on his signings and the size of Mike Ashley’s pockets.
“He is a very good coach, but in the Premier League it is all about recruitment. We’ll see what he’s allowed to spend.”
The reaction from Newcastle supporters online is mixed. Some ‘cannot wait’ to see McClaren on the sidelines, while others think he is beyond his time.
Jack Lang, football writer for Mirror Football thinks it is good move by Newcastle: “Looks like a good appointment to me. Did well at Boro and probably still feels he has something to prove,” he said.
Some Twitter users were cynical:
When do we start #McClarenOut? I have some banners ready RT “@NUFC: #WelcomeSteve #nufc pic.twitter.com/di1CawUO1O“
— Chris-Leo Ngaruthi (@Ngaruthi) June 11, 2015
Others were more optimistic:
@NUFC As long as McClaren is honest, does his best & produces entertaining football… win, lose or draw he’ll be backed 100% by #NUFC fans.
— DJH (@NUFCDJH) June 11, 2015
It would be premature to judge McClaren’s fate before even a single minute of play took place.
However in my opinion, despite the great record with Middlesbrough and the good years as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, McClaren’s time does seem to have passed.
Verdict: an early exit and a fat compensation package from Mr Ashley.