Freddy and the Brink

Apparently, Newcastle United Chairman Freddy Shepherd has been on holiday in Spain, soaking up the sun and the euphoria of recently signing Michael Owen.

In the meantime, the press has been full of speculation about his manager Graeme Souness, who is reputed to be, as more than one headline put it, “On the brink”.

For some reason, Freddy is not averse to sacking managers early in the season, as Bobby Robson will testify, so he may not be deterred by certain small details that might sway other men. The fact, for instance, that Graeme Souness is only now beginning to assemble a squad that he could describe as ‘his’, a squad that promises to be very impressive indeed – assuming, of course, that he is given the time to develop it. And then there’s the current injury position – five senior players, including new midfield pair Parker and Emre, out of action.

In the light of all that, a 3-0 victory at Blackburn, enhanced by Michael Owen’s first for the club, a stunning Shearer free kick and a goal of extraordinary composure by N’Zogbia, and achieved in spite of Mike Riley’s insistence upon dismissing Taylor for what at worst was a minor transgression, might be regarded as warranting a stay of execution at the very least.

If, on the other hand, Freddy returns suntanned but unmoved, determined to give credence to rumours that he’s aiming to be Tyneside’s answer to ‘Deadly Doug’, he might consider this. There are clubs who have profited by demonstrating patience where their managers are concerned. Manchester United, in the case of Alex Ferguson for instance; Charlton with Alan Curbishley and more recently West Ham United with Alan Pardew.

One other thing springs to mind. There aren’t many clubs where the manager’s departure has been swiftly followed by that of the chairman who appointed him.

Are you ready for the brink, Freddy?