No Present Like the Time

Newcastle United’s drab home draw against struggling Charlton Athletic epitomised the state of a club that seems to have been in transition for decades. They have a wonderful stadium and they have legions of loyal fans whose patience has been tested to breaking point by season after season of failure and under-achievement. And the brutal truth is that they haven’t even been close to success since Kevin Keegan’s time. Why?

Lack of stability is the simple answer and that in turn has been caused by poor judgement at the very top. The result is a procession of managers, some of whom should never have been appointed, and all of whom have come and gone without sufficient time even to build solid foundations. Vast sums of money have been spent and in the face of regular upheaval much of it has been wasted, yet the executive structure which has presided over all this failure remains, apparently inviolable.

The result is a team that, like the curate’s egg, is good only in parts – a side with impressive strengths which are sadly counterbalanced by glaring weaknesses. And until this is addressed, there will be no consistency.

It has to be acknowledged that there have been some very good signings. Scott Parker, for instance – determined, committed, brave, a leader, fiercely competitive and technically sound. Solano, the wise old head – composed, skilful and a good finisher. The talented young N’zogbia, and little Rossi, on loan from Manchester United – quick, sharp and with real predatory instincts. And above all perhaps, Damien Duff - an inspired acquisition. With his pale complexion and fragile looking frame, Duff moves with the faded air of a marathon runner fighting for the finish line, but all this is deceptive – this great dropper of the shoulders has ample endurance, more strength than at first appears, wonderful close control and genuine flair.

But there are so many areas needing attention. Babayaro is simply not good, or committed, enough. Stephen Carr, shaven headed, bullnecked and belligerent, is a totally unsubtle full back with an uncompromising line in tackles and a sledgehammer approach to passing. Titus Bramble, for all his physical attributes, seems at times to have the attention span of a five year old – not an appealing trait in a centre back. And up front both Martins and Ameobi are models of inconsistency.

What it all amounts to is this. Glenn Roeder needs time. Time to get Shay Given and Michael Owen back. Time to strengthen significantly at the back and up front, so that Newcastle United ship fewer, and score more, goals. Time to organise and to coach. Time to build confidence. Time to develop as a manager.

In other words, Glenn Roeder needs what no Newcastle United manager has been given in recent years.

So don’t hold your breath.