Monday 25 May 2015 00:55, UK
Graeme Souness believes now is the time for Newcastle United to appoint a long-term manager and stick with him no matter what happens.
The Magpies narrowly avoided relegation from the Premier League after beating West Ham 2-0 on the final day of the season.
Had they gone down it would have been their second relegation in six years and former manager Souness says owner Mike Ashley has to 'put a marker down' by making a long-term appointment.
“They need stability, they have to say, 'there is your manager for the next five years, no matter what happens there’s your manager, and get behind him because we are not changing him',” said Souness.
“I would like them to give someone a five-year contract, for Mike Ashley to come out and say this is the man the football board have chosen, no matter what happens he is here for five years and give someone a chance at this club.
“Continuity is what makes success, but it is all about getting over the humps on the road to that; that’s what football is all about.”
Continuity is what makes success, but it is all about getting over the humps on the road to that; that’s what football is all about.
Ashley gave his first televised interview to Sky Sports ahead of the match against West Ham, when he revealed he is not prepared to sell the club until they win a trophy.
“He came across really well,” said Souness. “He has shown passion, it might not be what the majority want to hear - that he is going to stay and not selling for any price - but he should have had that interview years ago and he would have got a lot of the fans onside.
“It would appear he stuck a lot of money in on day one and he is gradually getting to where he wants to be, where he is going to generate more and might stick his hand in his pocket.”
Newcastle have had 12 different managers since the turn of the century, including Souness, who was in charge for 87 matches between 2004-2006.
Current boss John Carver said he wants to stay on as manager but it remains unclear whether he will be given the chance.
“They have to pick the right man,” said Souness. “The supporters have to take a breath and say: 'We are going to stick with this guy. We know sometimes we are not going to go home at the weekend very happy with the performance or result, but we are going to stick with him and give someone a chance to develop a football club.'
“They fill this place for fun, even when they are not going well, give someone a chance... in the north east managers don’t get that, they chop and change for fun, that has to stop."
