Bobby Moncur should be seen as a godly figure on Tyneside. The fact of the matter is though, he isn't. Big Bob was the last captain to lift a major trophy in the black and white. He was the man that led United to the legendary Inter Cities Fairs Cup win on 11 June 1969. In what was a two legged affair, United triumphed over jpesti Dózsa 6-2 on aggregate. Since then, the Scotsman has stayed involved in the club in a number of capacities, being appointed as Club Ambassador a couple of years back now. The role of club ambassador is a fantastic idea. Appointing someone that has led a club to glory, epitomises the traditions of the institution and more than anything, understands what a club means to the people of a particular area, needs to be applauded. However, it's sad to say that Bobby isn't doing the role justice. As the weeks and months go on, it is apparent that the powers that be at Newcastle United are having an effect on one of the clubs greatest players. It is becoming far too commonplace that we are seeing Moncur's column in The Chronicle spouting ideas he simple can't believe. He seems to forget every single ideology of Newcastle United, something he had more than a helping hand creating in the first place. In his latest piece, Moncur claims that if John Carver leads NUFC to a top 10 finish in the Premier League, he deserves a shot at the head coach's job full time. Hearing a man that led Newcastle to numerous trophies in his time claiming that 10th place would be a success is sickening, but maybe there's more to Bobby's role than meets the eye. Unfortunately, the way Mike Ashley has conducted his business since arriving at NE1 means that Bobby is more than likely one of his many puppets, and not the club representative he is billed to be. Ashley is the be all and end all at Newcastle United. He runs the show his way and seemingly won't accept any backchat from anybody who is employed by the club. This iron first ruling of the club seems to have had an effect of Bobby. Are his hands tied? Surely a man of his pride and stature in the game doesn't believe what he is quoted as saying many times throughout the year. Maybe any money that comes with the role is simply irresistible for Bob, but his reputation in the eyes of the 50,000 that turn up to St James' Park every two weeks is dwindling. This shouldn't be happening, something's got to give. One of two things needs to happen. Bob needs to stand on his own two feet and use his status as a Magpies great to air his own personal views and not those of the club mandate. Or, he needs step down from the role as a matter of principle and pride. We can't be having one of the greatest players to wear the black and white being besmirched any longer.
