Just for those who are yet to read the Lee Charnley interview, here it is below.
1) Why is it taking so long to make a decision?
Some people won’t believe this but the approach for Alan from Crystal Palace came as a surprise to us. We didn’t expect it. People have asked us whether – because of the way the second part of last season went and the way we started this season – we had a contingency plan in the background. We didn’t. I didn’t have a number of candidates/options in the background, which some clubs do have when a Manager has a difficult period. There was no deal already in place for someone we could bring in. His leaving at this time was unexpected.
During the difficult periods our focus was on supporting Alan. I hope people are starting to realise now that when we feel we have the right person in that position, indeed any position, our focus is on supporting them in order that together we can ride through the rough periods that, inevitably, come.
Everything is not always going to be great or perfect but we think that as an organisation, one of our strengths is how we react and the support we give people when things aren’t going particularly well. The majority of which is private and behind the scenes which in my opinion is the way it should be.
People may well say that the position we now find ourselves in isn’t ideal and I accept that to a point, but as I have stated Alan’s departure came as a surprise. I must stress and repeat that we parted with Alan on very good terms.
I would re-iterate the quote I issued at the time of his departure in that we moved on significantly as a club during his four years, on and off the field, and Alan played a big part in that and I thank him.
2) Has there been interest in the job?
We’ve had about 80 applications of people interested in the role. That’s people within football.
Clearly a number of those can be easily discounted but what has been left is a good number of individuals who have different qualities, experience and strengths – some of those are willing and available to come now, others not until the summer.
The important thing to stress here is that there is a process I have been working through the same as I would if I were looking for any other senior member of staff. It’s not a case of someone getting the job because he’s a friend of a friend or he knows someone.
It is a proper structured process which I believe will in the end give us the best individual for the job. When we put the statement out when Alan left we chose our words very carefully in terms of what we would be looking for as a replacement.
We are looking for a head coach – that will be his role – we’re moving away from the traditional manager, in terms of title and perception.3) Can you explain the role of head coach at Newcastle?
3) Can you explain the role of head coach at Newcastle?
Our overall strategy and structure won’t change – we’re looking for someone who will work within our parameters and will buy into and work with us in terms of what we do and how we operate.
The traditional English manager who would want full control is not what I’m looking for – they don’t fit within our structure or strategy.
This isn’t something new but it’s a refinement of the role Alan Pardew had. It’s a greater clarity for whoever gets the job, in terms of what they do, what their role is and what they can speak to the media about.
That way everyone – players, supporters, media – are clearer. He’s the head coach, not a traditional manager. He doesn’t have the final say on transfers and doesn’t get involved in every aspect of the business.
His job is to coach the players and implement and oversee a philosophy that goes through the first team, the reserves and down through the Academy to improve the players and to ensure we get the best out of them.
4) Will the head coach have some say on transfers?
The new head coach will have to set out to us what his playing style is, what his philosophy is and what he looks for in his team because that then impacts on what we look for in terms of recruitment. It all works together.
The head coach picks the team. We don’t interfere in that. If the relationship works in the right way and everyone is going in the same direction and believes in our strategy and policy then there is no point in us buying a player that the head coach doesn’t want because he doesn’t play him and we don’t get the best out of our investment.
When someone says: ‘Does he have any say on transfers?’ Yes. Does he have the final say? No he doesn’t. There’s a difference there. We hope it’s a happy marriage.
We want someone who sees the bigger picture because my thinking will always be medium to long-term. When people talk about what we’re going to do in this transfer window, I am looking at the next transfer window and the window after and what impact it will have on that.
Are there better opportunities if we wait three or four months rather than committing now? It’s trying to find that balance but also an individual in a head coach that trusts us. If we say ‘You aren’t going to get that now but you will in the summer’, it’s someone who is prepared to say ‘OK’ and trusts us to do that.
It’s also someone that for example, if we were to get an offer for a player that is at a value that we want to take, isn’t nervous about getting a replacement. There has to be a trust. We want to make things better and improve things but sometimes our timelines might not meet.
His requirements might be short-term but our view on some occasions may well be we’d rather wait because we can get better options and better value. Between me and the head coach and Graham, it’s a relationship that will have to develop. He will have to trust and believe in what we do.
5) Is this another long term appointment?
We see this as a long-term decision.
We’ve got a number of options: clearly my preference is to try and find someone to bring in now. However, because it will be a long-term commitment, if I have to wait until the summer for what I believe is the right individual then I would rather wait than actually take someone now who I think isn’t the best fit.
I’m not going to take someone who is free and available now if we have a better option and options by waiting until the end of the season. I know that won’t be an entirely popular point of view but for me that is the most sensible thing to do. It is about the medium to long term and ensuring we get the ‘right one’.
6) How close are you to making a decision?
I hope that by the end of this week I will have a better indication of where we sit. I’ll know the really, really credible individuals who would be of real interest to us and from there, whether a decision can be made now or whether that decision can wait until the summer.
There’s a wide range of options. There are some people who genuinely can’t move now, whether that be for personal reasons, contractual or a whole host of things – they can’t come now. There are some that can, whether they are tied to other clubs but have a compensation element involved or are out-of-work.
What I have done so far is go through them, with Graham’s input, and really refine the candidates. I needed to make sure those individuals understand what the role is, understand what is expected of them here, understand the pressures that come with this role and understand what their philosophy is and the culture they would create and develop here.
7) Are you going to appoint a “yes” man to this position?
I’m confident at the end of this process the individual will be best suited for what we’re looking for and can work within the structure we have. I don’t think anything works and you’re never going to move forward if you have ‘yes’ people in key positions.
I know people label me as someone who says yes all the time, but believe me, if I said yes to everything suggested I wouldn’t last very long. It doesn’t work that way. They have to challenge me, I have to challenge Mike over things – that is how management works. That’s what I expect from all of my heads of department.
But do I want someone in who will continually try to change our strategy or put obstacles in our way? Clearly not. They will have to aligned with what we are doing.
8) What types of candidates are Newcastle looking at?
I know that the individual who comes in will be credible and best suited for this role. First and foremost, they have to be a good coach and with a track record of developing players and giving young players a chance is important.
For me, style of play is important. How they conduct themselves is also important as the head coach will play a key part in how the club is perceived through his conduct on and off the field.
9) What will happen in the January transfer window?
I saw the stuff Gary Lineker tweeted saying we’re hanging back from appointing a head coach so we don’t have to sign anyone which isn’t correct. Are we delaying to get through the January window? Absolutely not.
In all honesty, the January window is not one we ever envisaged being particularly active in. That’s partly because of the amount of business we did in the summer but also because January is a difficult market to operate in.
There are very few options whereby a club can achieve the quality required and also get value. There is often a reason as to why a player might be available in January.
We were forced to bring players in a couple of years ago in January because of where we were in the league and some of those transactions we brought forward from the following summer at significant cost.
As a general principle, January’s not an attractive window. Another important thing to note and something often not mentioned is Premier League teams are only allowed to name 25 players – we’re currently at 25.
10) Will Newcastle sell any players?
I would never, ever rule out selling anyone because the worst thing I could do is over-promise and under-deliver. You will never, ever get me saying never but I would say we’re very difficult sellers.
We make it very difficult for people to get our players. We put them on long-term contracts. We are not easy sellers, despite that perception. As we sit here today I can’t envisage any player we want to retain leaving.
11) Are you looking at new ways that Newcastle can communicate?
I think we do communicate but we need to find a better way to communicate.
Our view was that Alan was the one who was front and centre and will take all of the questions on all areas of the club. Alan was then left, sometimes, in a difficult position answering questions that he probably wasn’t best suited to answer.
This is an opportunity for us with a new head coach coming in – there’s more clarity about his role and what he does. His role is coaching and that’s what he can talk about. If that’s the case it’s only right that I then support him in terms of the messaging going out.
If I’m saying ‘Only talk about team selection and the games’ there needs to be another voice. I think the information has been out there, through the fan’s forum and through the statements, but it’s how we get it out there that needs to improve.
12) Will you be taking a more prominent role personally?
I’m not someone who courts the media or has relationships with journalists giving them on or off-the-record information about players or any other elements of club business. I want to go about our or my business quietly and professionally. That’s where I want to be.
I do however accept we need to look at how we communicate and I think if we do that it will certainly help on lots of different levels.
Contrary to popular belief we don’t disregard people’s views – however our intention and focus and what we always aim to do is make decisions that we feel are in the best interests for the football club. They won’t always be popular and won’t always be liked but we make them for what we believe are the right reasons.
13) Has the role of Chief Scout Graham Carr changed?
On the football side we look at it as a triangle. That’s me, the head coach and Graham.
Graham’s role won’t change. In terms of this process he will be heavily involved and will support me with his knowledge, his feedback and his contacts to get some background information on the people we’re speaking to.
This will support other research and feedback we have sought and will seek on our preferred candidates. It’s a joined-up process we’re in. Clearly he will continue to be an important part of what we do in order to move forward on the field and his relationship with the head coach is something that needs to be strong.
14) Is Mike Ashley going to sell Newcastle and buy Rangers FC?
There is nothing to say on this other than to repeat what we said in the statement in September – I’d refer everyone to that.
To be honest it is nice to actually hear something from the man himself but it doesn’t really tell us much more than we already know. To me there is not enough communication from the club and it results in hearsay and wild speculation becoming truths. Also many fans have already made their minds up about the regime so no matter what is said publicly, it will be met with derision. It may well be a lose, lose situation regarding the clubs communication with fans. Say nothing and get slated for it, speak often and get slated for it. The club has created this current situation and how they go about building trust and friendly open lines of communication are any ones guess.
What are your thoughts?
WOOOO HOOOO LOST THE 1% CREDIBILITY YOU HAD. 😛
I rest my case 😆
Gash 1
Troy 0
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Troy @ 294 How come you suddenly believe what the regime is saying?
So, are you going to answer my question at whatever number this is?
brisvegas(Quote)
Troy, everyone knew ash sold Carroll.. Everyone. Only you thought otherwise.. Embarrassing 😳
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Kim @ 288 I dont think there will be hell to pay with the fans ? Because the fans have been put down that much that they are now so easy pleased with just one half decent signing etc.
Actually its not just fans IMO but most British people in general dont have the balls or the get up and go to stand up and fight for what they believe in now a days. Most people just end up excepting what is handed to them and IMO we will eventually pay the price for our lax attitude we are starting to become the same as the Aussie’s 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
I hated Pardew throughout his reign at the club as a person. Nothing has changed. I’ve always said he was part of the regime.
There’s a huge difference in not rating someone because of ability or personality.
Nothing changes in my stance.
Selling Carroll and performances on thr field are totally different. You know it. I know it. But I don’t trust many on here know it.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Aussies gonna love this bashing of troy, its OK Aussie, I’ve got you back. Troys just totally embarrassed himself even more that humanly possible 😛
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
I ne er called for Pards to walk. 😯 😳 ❓
😆 😆
If Pardew could not have persuaded Carroll to stay at the club on an improved but reasonable wage in those 3 months then Pardew should also have walked from the club. 😯
Shame on Pardew and in my eyes he should walk from the club now! 😆 😆 🙄 😳
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Troy we had 12 attempts against chelsea and 16 attempts against southampton. There more attack minded under Carver and it’s more entertaining to watch as a fan. Luck hasn’t been on our side. Give me until the end of the season. If Carver win’s 9 out of 16 games he will equal Pardew’s point tally in less games.
Terry(Quote)
Anyway, night nite. Please take another week of reflection troy to the fibs you tell 😛
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Begas
Good to see you ask questions when it suits. I always answer. You don’t. One of the few bloggers I consider as no credibility whatsoever. You always challenge and run. I’ve come to assume it’s an Ozzy trait.
I will answer., if you point out the post number you are referring to.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy, sorry, seeing to Lew. Mbiwa, Marv and Benny, seemingly didn’t know what to do with any of em and yes I know Benny is a case but he has talent all the same. Mbiwa never given a proper run at CB but shoved over to lb ffs, seems he rated Willo more than Mbiwa, go figure. Here Troy this sums up Percy perfectly 😆
Lee Ryder @lee_ryder
· 2 hrs 2 hours ago
Hearing that #cpfc could have won the race to sign Shola Ameobi #wba
kimtoon(Quote)
@terry
You’re wasting your time. Troy can’t see past his love for Alan
He even called for him to be the England manager 😆 😯
I told him then to get a grip and he questioned my comments. Now he’s at Palace 😳
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Terry
You ve already made the brave claim Carver is better than Pards. Pards has won manager of the year, numerous manager of the months, got us to top 5 and quarters of the Europa cup but after 3 games and no wins you are bold enough to say Carver is better.
Bootifool.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Haha begas. You’ve got less credibility than me 😳
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Brett
He left the toon voluntarily to go to Palace. In eyes, a step up.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Dave @ 304 Oh no, you have a long way to go before you become as bad as Aussies. 😆
brisvegas(Quote)
Mark I bet Troy will be cheering Palace on that day so he can say
Pardew 1
Carver 0
Terry(Quote)
302, Troy, 302. You keep ignoring it and trying to change the topic.
brisvegas(Quote)
Kim
Do you really understand the dynamics of mangers, players, squads?
25 players in a squad. 11 places each game. Do you really believe Pards is unique?
This happens at every single club bar none.
Are you being serious with those 4 players of 25?
I want you now to answer sensibly.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@kim
Totally correct. Pardew hates creative wingers. He only wants workers. Only Jonas fitted into pardew plans. The rest left or were subbed.
Only this season since Alan reacted to fans pressure did we see obertan flourish when allowed to play. He’s an awful manager who finds it hard to change
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Troy I think you might be right that its an ozzy trait to ask questions but never give an answer when asked, as I have asked Aussie several times to answer me in how I twisted what he said but up to now he just keeps repeating himself or tries to be a smart *** 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
Begas
I take it you are taking the p155.
Very funny.
So let’s not mess round. Tell me the post where I’ve said I believe the regime and I will answer.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Palace is a step up 😳
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Mark @ 314 Woo hoo! Made it to the top of Troy’s list. Does that make me the most credible person on the blog?
Anyone who writes off a whole squad based on a few pre-season friendlies has no credibility in football matters.
brisvegas(Quote)
Bris @ 316 whats the point your trying to make ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
Big Dave
I’ve been watching. He’s never answered your question and he does it regularly. Begas is the worst. They are both very huffy characters.
The English have a strength to face the challenges. We conquered the world and chased the convicts to Australia.
Shame it’s got to this. But there’s a real weakness showing through that needs highlighting and addressing.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy I have answered you already and so has mark, it’s a fact he never gave Mbiwa a fair run you cannot dispute that. Bloody criminal to let him go on loan to Roma imo, AND we are paying his wages until they buy him. Oh and he was **** for Roma wasn’t he 🙄
kimtoon(Quote)
BRISVEGAS 😉
He still hasn’t answered your question 😳
ASHLEYS GASH AKA MARK(Quote)
Troy, your undying love for sir Percival is clouding all your judgement, think maybe it’s laundry basket time for you.
Anyway I’m off, nighty nite . 😉
kimtoon(Quote)
Dave @325 What do you mean what point am I trying to make?
brisvegas(Quote)
Kim spot on there. Pardew preferred Williamson. It didn’t matter we beat spurs 1-0 away from home and Chelsea 2-0 Mbiwa still gets dropped after two excellent performance’s.
Terry(Quote)
Mark @ 328 He never does
brisvegas(Quote)
Bris @ 330 because I don’t know why you mentioned me @ 316 😕
Big Dave(Quote)
Kim
You really don’t get it. Did you read my post and digest it. Your reply indicates not.
I’m not asking Mark to reply. What’s he got to do with it. ?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
I was adding to what you said @ 304 “IMO we will eventually pay the price for our lax attitude we are starting to become the same as the Aussie’s”
brisvegas(Quote)
Kim
Please read your post @ 311 and then my response at 318 & then yours at 327
Do you really believe you’ve answered adequately?
What’s Marks response got to do with our convo by the way?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
319 not the nonsense at 318
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Terry
Thoughts on 313?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Bris. Please don’t judge all Geordies the same, troys a one off. 😛
I think all Aussies are cool since I saw that guy from neighbours on TOTP’s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trfYjucLGj0
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Bris @ 335 well from what I know from several members of my family and friends that have imagrated to Oz and from on here it seems to me that Ozzy’s just seem to see the good in everything and just get on with things even if they dont like it.
Big Dave(Quote)
Begas
Will you please explain which question I haven’t answered ?
Unlike you, I don’t hide.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Brett Strength
This blog is scarce of Geordies. That’s why I disagree with so many. Think about it. It’s ironic that my views are the norm in my workplace and social life.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
haha Dave thats a bit stereotyping coz you know 2 on here and have several family members.. 😆
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
saying that, most Irish I know have bad teeth, ginger hair, ride ponies through council estates and walk like leprechauns.. & I know loads.
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
haha if I was in your social life or work, I’d agree with everything you say… 😉
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Mark@ 344 who is Irish ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
@BD Irish people ❓
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Big Dave
I don’t think there’s a question to be asked whether the two Ozzies are laid back. It’s all over their posts and have been for years. There’s no drive, just acceptance and wherever will be will be.
I would hate to be like that. But, it takes all sorts they say.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@BD & Troy.. lol I tend to agree with you. sorry Aussies
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Whatever will be I mean wallaby
Troy Stavers(Quote)
its all lies I tell you. we’ll never try and get better than Alan 😳
Ronald is the twin brother of Frank, and he is currently the assistant manager of the Ajax Youth Academy.
Ronald has been interviewed by Sky Sports News and this is what he said:
“They asked if you’re interested in maybe coming to Newcastle and Frank said ‘not at this moment’.” “He’s not discussing anything now, not even Newcastle. Even if a club comes, he’s not talking.”
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Mark why did you randomly bring up your comment at 344 ❓ are you going to try to back pedal or are you going to have the balls to admit that you thought I was Irish ❓ 😆 😳
Big Dave(Quote)
Brett
You are a bad example of a Geordie. If you are actually one. You are certainly slow to cat h on I know that much. Though you’ve got a sense of humour. But you do lose it at times which gets a bit embarrassing like.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Troy @ 348 yeah my mate , Niece etc said it took them a while to get used to their laid back attitude,
Big Dave(Quote)
Got to say. The blogs been great without Sharpy. 😛
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@Troy. theres a saying in Aussie called ‘doing the Harold ‘ after their president just disappeared after getting harassed by a geordie on the beach 😯
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
I Don’t need to have ball to admit I thought you were Irish 🙄 But yes, I did. 😉 do you have ginger hair? bad teeth? a pony or a funny walk 😛
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Mark still doesn’t know what fence he wants to settle on he just flutters back and forward, a typical flutter bye 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
Oh how I wish I was as English as you guys. It’d be great to be able to whinge and moan all day about how awful life is and then blame somebody else for my state of mind. Oh to be free of being responsible for my own thoughts.
brisvegas(Quote)
@Troy. lol don’t talk about embarrassments mate 🙄 😳
I’m from Scotland, anyway, You only caught up that Ashley sold Carroll haha though it was Pardew. and Carroll was in bits (according to your sauce) 😳 😆 like ***** he was, chuffed to bits more like.
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Big Dave
It’s their culture. They look out their wooden shacks at the vast open dusty horizon and think, fick it, it’s too hot to care.
We walk oot wor brick houses into the reezin cad and think, this is nee good,I’ve got to graft and not put up with **** to get into a hot country like Australia, where they divvent give a fick.
Sad but true.
Troy Stavers(Quote)
@brisvegas like I said, don’t judge all.
I can see the good, or I try and give people a chance.. even some things Ashley has done, BDave and Troy are like the two miserable ***** off the muppets show. always first to predict doom and gloom 😳
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Mark @ 357 I would guess I am more British than you and no I dont have ginger hair, bad teeth or a pony?
Do you know the difference between Northern Ireland and the republic of Ireland or do you just lump them all together ❓
Big Dave(Quote)
Brett
There’s no denying or hiding. You fluttered like a cabbage white for years over Ashley. You know it’s true. Why couldn’t you see the obvious. ?
You have demanded Pards gets the sack fir months now. We’ve predicted this farce. You’ve got what you wanted. I knew and know what’s going to happen but you told me you thought it was worth the risk.
What’s going to happen Brett regarding the managerial post ?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Mark it’s funny that we think of the Scot’s as being ginger and bad teeth only they normally have a tin of iron bru 😀 so is that you ❓ 😆
Big Dave(Quote)
yes dave I do 🙄 I love history.. How comes you guess youre more British than me? anyway, **** British thats too multicultural I’m a Thoroughbred Anglander 😛
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Brett
I sense from your answers you don’t live on tyneside and haven’t for a while. I’m astute in that respect.
True?
Troy Stavers(Quote)
lol I’m not from Scotland, but in the summer I’m tinged with ginge. I have scottish in my blood (nana). we all have a little of Celtic in us. more so the Irish than Northern england..
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
@Troy. Ive lived in Westerhope 42 years. 😉 supported the toon since Liverpool went out of fashion 😉
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Mark when you live here your either British or Irish one or the other there is no in between , so maybe you will give me a history lesson 😉
Big Dave(Quote)
I would say Troy had ginger hair, although thats a lie, as he has none 😛
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
Brett
You do not live in Westerhope now. Tell the troooooth. 😉
Troy Stavers(Quote)
Dave, this is a football blog. not the national geographic blog
Get your BanHammer out and disable your login 😛
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
@Troy. Nobody in their right mind would pretend to live in this **** hole. Better than gateshead though 😉
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)
come on.. admit you live in Gateshead you little tinker 😉
Ashleys Gash aka Mark(Quote)