Clark Showdown With Allardyce?

Last updated : 23 July 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Coleman made Clark his skipper when the pair were at Fulham, and have stayed mates ever since.

It has left Clark in a strange position whether to stay with his beloved United or link up again with Coleman with a new challenge in sunny Spain.

Yes we all know how Clarky is "Newcastle's biggest fan; a Geordie-boy through and through; he bleeds black and white blood; etc etc" ... and he said his ambition in life is to manage Newcastle United.

But he shocked the entire Geordie nation when he took the offer to sign for Sunderland (God forbid!), and he has yet to find out if he is in Sam Allardyce's future plans.

Clarky took charge of the Reserve side last August when Tommy Craig (who had great record of bring through the kids) was sacked, and Clark's first year in charge brought mixed fortunes.

Some say it was a great move to get him, and he has already turned down the chance to join Kevin Bond, Glenn Roeder's former No 2, at Bournemouth to stay at St James' Park (or Kingston Park).

Sam Allardyce has unofficially retained his services, and the Toon boss still refuses to give him a contract until he knows he is up to the job.

Clark has worked without a contract since he came back to the club, and he would think long and hard about leaving United again. But this is a golden opportunity to make a name for himself in Spain.

I think Alan Shearer is well ahead of Clark should Mike Ashley want a Geordie manager, but I can tell you straight off the cuff ... being a Geordie will NOT influence Ashley. And neither Clark ... or Shearer ... will be the next Newcastle manager.

Clark needs to make himself a success elsewhere and that "somewhere" is staring him straight in the face with Coleman's offer.