When John Carver was officially appointed Newcastle gaffer in January following Alan Pardew’s departure to Crystal Palace, few viewed the former assistant as anything more than a nightwatchman – a steady hand to hold the fort until a more qualified and exciting manager, most likely former Lyon head coach Remi Garde, would arrive in the summer.
Indeed, Carver was only ever handed a contract until the end of the season and his return for the Magpies thus far stands at a miserly two wins in twelve games, equating to a win rate of just 17%. Logic suggests neither the fans nor the board hold a vested interest in seeing him don the St. James’ Park dugout long term.
However, the 50 year-old appears to have some very big ideas regarding Newcastle’s summer recruitment strategy, seemingly believing he’ll be around on Tyneside long enough to see it in action.
As reported by The Northern Echo this morning, the Newcastle manager has stated; “I think the fact we have made it public that we are going to invest – without naming any names – I’ve seen some of the players they are talking about and I’m quite excited about them.
“With the additions and what we have here (players out of contract need to be dealt with) I think we can put out a group of players who could be competitive – and not just competitive in the top ten. Competitive!
“I think the club will let you know when any business is done. That’s how they have always done it and it’s the right way to work. But because I’m a fan and I know the work that has been done, I also know it’s not one or two people. It’s major work that has to be done and we know that. I know the type of players the fans like – and they’re the ones on the list – absolutely.”
Certainly some interesting quotes, but with the summer looming and little left for the Magpies to play for in the Premier League, more sceptical sectors of the Toon Army will view this as a public relations exercise before a genuine transfer strategy – in a bid to ramp up next year’s season ticket sales.
The potential alternative of Carver getting the Newcastle gig permanently, to many, just doesn’t bare thinking about.