Alan Pardew has hit back at Simon Jordan’s claim that Eddie Howe is nothing more than a “gatekeeper” for a better manager at Newcastle United.
Pardew feels it’s disrespectful and unfair to suggest the Saudi PIF will be looking for an upgrade sooner rather than later, feeling Howe’s work has “earned the respect” to oversee the new phase of this exciting project.
Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Toon boss feels this season was “always going to be difficult” due to the added expectation and busy schedule. He thinks we got “found out a little bit” in the Champions League, feels we haven’t been quite “as fluid” this season and believes the squad require some surgery this summer, but insists that Howe has proven he is capable of overseeing success at St James’ Park.
“I don’t like the term gatekeeper. That’s not respectful or a nice thing to say about someone that’s done a terrific job”, Pardew said.
“It was always going to be a difficult year after the fantastic year they had last year and with the Champions League campaign which I actually commentated on and went to most of their games.
“They got found out a little bit, the quality was above them, and they’re suffering, they’re not as fluid as they were last year. There needs to be some surgery on the squad in the summer.
“I think Eddie has earned the respect to do that surgery. The problem that they face with the financial rules is how much they can spend and how much manoeuvrability they have got.”
Howe’s lack of tactical awareness and ability to change things when needed has been there for all to see with no plan B apparent.
Despite being one of his critics he does however deserve and has earned another chance to take us forward and show that he can adapt to adversity.
Joseph(Quote)
Joseph, May I respectfully suggest you’re talking with little understanding of what has happened this season. Any plans for changing things around and a plan B have gone right out of the window when a full team of players have been out, many of them long term, making any ‘balanced’ changes impossible. The teams he has put out have been simply a necessary compromise in an effort to stay in the top half while being fully aware of the lack of serious options left in his squad.
Tonytoon(Quote)
Well said Tony, Could not agree more
rab(Quote)
Tonytoon:-
I have a full understanding of what has happened this season and despite the players that have been injured long term, a change to a back 5 could have at least stopped us leaking the number of goals we have conceded, and help protect a fragile midfield area.
The only time we have looked to protect what we had was at Aston Villa when Bailey came on and looked dangerous.
We definitely have had the players available to try something different.
Joseph(Quote)
Can understand all the points here the injuries should we go to a back 5 one of the biggest issues we’ve had is losing Nick Pope the goals we have conceded since he got injured is alarming
Darren Bebb(Quote)
Darren Bebb :-
One of the biggest reasons is the midfield has lacked a player like Willock who covered a lot of ground quickly for Burn in particular, none of the current trio have the pace to get up and down the pitch which leaves us very open when they all go forward.
A back 5 in those circumstances when we are conceding like we are is worth a try as a temporary measure until we get players back.
Joseph(Quote)
British Football directors are over exaggerated, their are better ones way way way better…good luck man United…he organized our facilities that’s what we need him for…
Nufc ethiopian(Quote)
Developing a player isn’t same as identifying talent…1 we missed Leonardo now at Benicia…
Nufc ethiopian(Quote)