So after only two days of optimism surrounding the potential appointment of Patrick Vieira - Newcastle United have once again brought us all back down to earth with a dump. All the optimism which followed Mike Ashley's interview and the news of the Vieira interest has all but gone.
With Vieira out of the running it appear that Steve McClaren has a clear shot at managing out club - is is simply either McClaren or the unthinkable Carver?
I actually do not mind McClaren at all and honestly think he will do a steady job. He will stabalise the club and I have no reason to doubt he is a quality coach. You do not work for Alex Ferguson for so long if you are an idiot, you do not win the Cup with Boro or league with Twente if you are not talented. McClaren's coaching ability is far better than his charisma and this is his major downfall. Let's all remember McClaren is a massive improvement on Carver - it is disrespectful to even compare the two.
Kevin Keegan and Bobby Robson were great managers and with big strong personalities who could inspire both players and fans. We all bought into what they had to say and backed them to the hilt. McClaren will not offer this. Fan opinion is very negative and he faces and immediate uphill battle to win over the St James crowd.
Appointing Vieira would have been a clear indication that NUFC were ready to go in a new direction and offer a bright, young head coach free reign to shape the club. Sadly this does not appear to be the case and McClaren will happily accept his role within our 'structure'. He will work hand in hand with the ever increasingly powerful Graham Carr.
If the worst case scenario is appointing Carver then McClaren isn't a bad option and with heavy investment he could be the calm steadying influence our troublesome club needs.
Whoever is appointed Mike Ashley needs to follow up on his promise and dig into those very deep pockets and stump up the funds needed to rebuilt our team.
