Comments on: Sack Dennis Wise And Keep Kevin Keegan

By: Rob Scott

Rob Scott — Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:17:14 +0000

If Mike Ashley wants to chose Dennis Wise over Kevin Keegan that is entirely a matter for his judgement. Wise has a long and illustrious career in football management. Every club where he has held a management position has been supremely successful. It is well known that the most successful teams in the world including Manchester United, Real Madrid, and Inter Milan have been seeking his services. He has refused them all so he help North Eastern teams to deliver the success that they deserve. After outstanding success at Leeds and Newcastle, it is rumoured that he will soon be taking up another important role in the North East. God bless him and so say all of us.

By: Dave Allison

Dave Allison — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 14:39:09 +0000

Lonnie, I’m not sure that his problems with transfers was to do with those players coming into the club. It is believed that the board were attempting to sell Owen and Barton on the closing day of the transfer window, leaving no time to obtain replacements. Whilst I had no problem with Barton leaving the club (find me a Mag who does), this was against Keegan’s wishes.

Also, I’m under no illusion that Keegan really wanted to sell Milner to Villa – he stated this prior to his departure. The fact that he announced, post-transfer, that it was his decision was surely a board initiative – “put on a brave face Kev and support our decision via a press conference.” At this point, it seems he was willing to, reluctantly, cooperate. Until the Owen / Barton debacle…

By: Lonnie

Lonnie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:54:31 +0000

The reasoning for having a director of football is so that the manager is not caught up haggling player contracts, etc. The world of football has moved on from the days of a handshake deal and a pint at the local pub.

That said, the director needs to work with the manager in order to bring in the types of players that he wants. There can be problems though when teams only focus on Plan A (a particular player) and have no Plan B, C or D for filling a role on the team.

To belittle Wise over transfers is a bit harsh. As you state, six (actually it’s seven) players were transferred out and five players were brought in.

Four defenders were shipped out along with three midfielders. Two defenders and two midfielders plus a striker were brought in. Doesn’t seem so bad to me.

How many players do you think Newcastle need? Look at what Manchester United accomplished last season by sticking to a core of players.

Numbers become an issue as you can’t have 24 first team players and keep everyone happy unless you’re in Europe and having extended cup runs in everything. Even then it’s a stretch. Look what happens at clubs like Chelsea, Man United, etc. The core sticks around and the fringe players that don’t get regular playing time move on. Yes, there will be injuries but that’s what your bench of 7 is for.

If Keegan is unhappy with the transfer situation then he needs to clearly express to the director which areas of the team he thinks need to be beefed up. The players currently filling those areas then need to be moved out. If the director does not do that to his satisfaction then they need to sort that out with the board in private and not air their laundry in public (i.e. telling the press that without big money he can’t make the team move up the standings).

By: Dave Allison

Dave Allison — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 13:00:07 +0000

Whilst I have had no problems with signings – especially Guthrie, who’s attitude and performances so far have been excellent, particularly in pre-seasaon – I do not like Dennis Wise, and you make a very valid point that Keegan could have picked out these players (and probably more) himself.

At the same time, however, we have no grounds to show him the door. OK, Derek Llambias allegedly ’sacked’ Kevin, but there was even less ground for this decision.

PS. Just discovered this blog today and have been thoroughly enjoying the views on the SJP situation – and have since added the feed to iGoogle! Top work…

By: Pork Romeo

Pork Romeo — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 12:17:58 +0000

Could not have said it better myself Gaffer… Wise should go…