 |
Newcastle have now taken just eight points from the 30 they have contested, something chairman Freddy Shepherd insisted in his programme notes they had to improve upon drastically. He said the team had to produce against Charlton (which didn't happen) and Sheffield United next weekend.
He knows the supporters are gunning for him and last week Sir John Hall said the board had talked about bringing in an experienced man as a "director of football". That must be a step closer today, because United have a massive match in Italy on Thursday against a very good team, one they could perhaps afford to lose, but not suffer an embarrassment. As for Sheffield United - lose that one and the bullets will be flying.
Shepherd: "With two sides currently below us coming to St James' Park in the next two games, this is our opportunity to climb up the league. And it is an opportunity we must take.
"We have a lot of quality in our playing squad and have spent good money on players who now have to repay our faith by producing the goods where it matters."
We reported last week that Hall had hinted he wants someone to bring back the "feel good factor" that Kevin Keegan brought to Tyneside. And if the board insist on keeping Glenn Roeder to keep the seat warm for Alan Shearer when he eventually takes the job, Roeder is NOT big enough to for the job himself. He needs a helping hand ... and that could happen very soon.