All the stats in the world prove nothing ... ... he was engaged to save them from relegation, said he would and failed. But the Mags will say absolutely anything to absolve him from blame.
Rafa is a bit like Mourinho in my opinion, but not as good. He is living on past glories but his current ability is limited. I would be amazed if he is at Everton next year as I do not think he fits the built in mentality of them at all (and I have a soft spot for Everton). He can organise a team but doesnt have much about him creatively. That champions league with Liverpool was less about his tactical nous and more about his desperation. To me Bruce is a better manager than him and if I had a choice of both it would be Bruce.
Newcastles official fan station talksport now on about the elite managers they should be aiming for but get Hiddink till the end of the season then aim high after that. Seems money can buy you respect in the media.
The bindippers Champions League, was all about the best player on the pitch 'Stevie G' refusing to be beaten, even when a couple of goals down. Sheer force of his skill and personality turned that game around IMHO like. Beckham once did the same, playing for England, in a qualifying game (Greece?). We were losing and he refused to roll over, his determination, guts and skill inspired the rest of his team mates.
Yeah I've heard a few times over the years that at half time Rafa didn't have a clue what to say so Gerrard stepped up and did it for him.
If you watch that free kick he scored against Greece again,Teddy Sheringham runs over, says something to Beckham as he is fastening his lace, Sheringham looks up at the goal then jogs off,Beckham takes the free kick and the rest is history. Years later it came out the Sheringham had said to Beckham "ill take this one" because Beckham couldn't hit a barn door all game,He replied "it's too far out for you", Sheringham agreed and ran off.
Good to see. I didn't know the exact figures before I saw that, but I've been saying to a Mag mate of mine for ages that Bruce has done no worse than Benitez. Yet Benitez could do no wrong in their eyes, while Bruce could do no right. This just proves it.
As big Sam said: "I won't ever be going to a top-four club because I'm not called Allardici, just Allardyce." Big (if only in their own heads) teams are suckers for snobbery.
Back in the 90s (for example when Arsene Wenger joined Arsenal) continental coaches did bring something different. We've caught up here now. For the Mags, employing someone foreign keeps alive the fantasy that they're a big club because that's what the big clubs were doing in the late 90s.
I was seeing a lass from Wallsend during that period. Was a load of the lads from the club used to be season ticket holders and they used to absolutely slate him every week. I also remember him coming to the SOL when I was a season ticket holder. Always got a massive reception from us as I remember it. Just shows how highly he was regarded as I can't see it being that way for any other former mag manager.
Is that what it means when you desperately dive for something which was never a foul in a million years?
Not really its just some sports men and women have a personality trait that can inspire others as they go about playing. Beckham for me was really just a 'one trick pony', however WHAT A TRICK. He played for a USA team, they took him on wanting to win their league. They even played in a final play-off, but lost. All Beckham's team ran off the pitch straight to the dressing room. Just like that cheating twat at A Madrid (he got Beckham sent off in a world cup). Beckham stayed on the pitch and shook hands with all the winning team. A couple of years later of course they did win the league. Gerrard was a great player... more talented than Becks.
Sir John Hall on talkshite slagging Mike Ashley. Asking for access to see what the Saudi intentions are with the club. Jordan asks “were there good times” and he pitter pattered about without answering that finishing 5th was a good season. Jim White “these fans “ (who slagged their manager and often got stick from him for it) “are fantastic” John Hall wants Wenger!!!!!!!
Football pundits, media, reporters, existing/former players and managers up and down the country can only force feed us this utter tosh, what with having the Saudi's beady eye hanging over them. They will be hoping for Brownie points from them, and anybody speaking even slightly out of turn risk meeting with a nasty accident.
The only difference between Bruce and Rafa is a couple of stone. Can't wait to see who they get for the relegation battle. Hope it's a big name used to buying whoever he wants who can't get anyone to go Sid James' Park
I can’t listen to it. I’ve also been avoiding Sky Sports like the plague, I’m thinking of cancelling it if I’m honest. The **** fest is unbearable. They were even talking about it on motd last Saturday night despite the fact the scum weren’t playing until Sunday. I switched it over in the end. Think I’ll just watch the rugby this weekend and listen to the Sunderland match of course.