Speed To The Rescue As Boat Starts To Sink!
Last updated : 25 August 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor
After losing their first three games, we predict Sammy Lee won't be manager at the Reebok by November. The little Scouser has not got what it takes; looks a nervous wreck; and blames every man and his dog for the mess the club is in.
Ivan Campo talks about "a very sad atmosphere" in the dressing room since Sam Allardyce left, and that just adds to the upheaval.
Nicolas Anelka will leave before the transfer window closes, closely followed, perhaps, by El Hadji Diouf and Abdoulaye Faye.
But the old warhorse, Gary Speed still believes life at the Reebok Stadium isn't all bad. Having graced the Premier League more times than anyone (524 appearances and counting), Speed is the man they should look to.
Gary Speed: "It's always going to be a difficult time for players because Sam had been here a long time.
"Sammy's a different person, a different animal if you like. He's got his own ideas on the game and it's going to take everyone a bit of time to get used to them.
"If you look at the Premier League historically, the start is massively important. If you don't get off to a good start, you're always playing catch-up. The quicker you can get some points on the board the better. I remember at Newcastle when after eight games I think we had one point.
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"Then Ruud Gullit left Newcastle and Bobby Robson came in. We beat Sheffield Wednesday 8-0 in his first game and from then on we showed Champions League form but still only finished 13th. It just shows you what a good start means. That's why these next two games are massively important.
"Sam did a hell of a lot for me. I've got a lot to thank him for. I moved here at 34 when Newcastle thought I was finished. If I'd have gone to any other club I'd probably be retired by now. I'll always talk to Sam, give him a ring to discuss things. Because of my age, we were more like mates than manager and player.
"Players talking of moving on, that kind of thing has always gone on.
"There might be a whisper that another club wants you and you fancy a change. It's the way players go about it now that's different. Some might go on strike, or say they're not doing this or that. That's totally the wrong way to go about things because if I was the manager of the club wanting that player I'd be wondering what kind of character he is. Do I really want him?
"We've got to look after Bolton Wanderers. Nobody wants to see Nicolas go. He's a great player and a nice guy. But I don't think you can blame someone if they want to join a Champions League club.
"The older I get, the more dedicated and passionate I seem to become. It's desire as well. I never get sick of the feeling before a game, or going out to play. I know I'll miss it when I stop. My dad's a fit guy. Maybe I get it from him. He was crap at football though!
"Everyone goes through spells when they're not playing well. When I first went to Newcastle I was awful. Couldn't kick a ball. But I knuckled down, really worked hard and turned it around."