10 Idiotic Decisions Made By Former Newcastle Players

5. John Carver Tried To Fight A Fanbase

When Alan Pardew talks endlessly about his players fighting for him and for the team, it's easy to roll your eyes and dismiss the bluster, but when it comes to John Carver, the statement is a little closer to the truth. Though not exactly a famous former player - he failed to make a first team appearance in two years at the club - the assistant manager was once highly rated as a coach, especially by Sir Bobby Robson, but has devastated his reputation this season by being a little too pro-Pardew for some Newcastle fans. And his backing of the manager came to a head before the Southampton game - inevitably surrendered 4-0 - when the notoriously fiery Geordie offered out any fan who didn't agree to take down Sack Pardew banners in the crowd. Annoyed that the protests could affect the team - rather than being concerned how his own coaching was doing the same thing - Carver was told in no uncertain terms to leave it alone, he reacted by telling fans to come to the training ground on Monday to "sort it out". He was inevitably forced to retract his statement and apologise, and didn't turn up for one fan who genuinely took up his offer:

"I was disappointed to see banners that could, in my opinion, distract the players and take focus away from the job in hand - namely winning the match.

"I went over to our fans to ask them to help us and requested that they take the banners down... I was met with abuse from one supporter and I regret that I responded inappropriately. I sincerely apologise for any offence caused by my reaction. Every fan is entitled to an opinion, positive or negative, and I respect that. I hope fans will understand that I, like them, only wanted what was best for the team."