There's a chance that John Carver could still land the Newcastle United head coach's job on a full time basis... Let that sink in for a second. Despite plunging the team from mid-table no man's land right into the thick of a Premier League relegation battle, a battle they only survived by the skin of their teeth on the final day of the season, he is still one of the frontrunners for the post. Carver's five month stint in the top job proved he was way out of his depth. Everything about the way he handled the rigours of Premier League management he did wrong; it was hard to watch at times. The likes of David Brent or Mike Bassett would have surely been better suited for the job. United are set to talk to their stand-in in the next 24 hours to set his future clear. And due to the fact he was handed an eight-year contract along with Alan Pardew in 2012, it is expected that the Geordie, who was once Sir Bobby Robson's assistant you know, will be told to revert to his old position and work alongside the new man which of course everyone knows will be Steve McClaren. No matter who the new head coach was going to be, having Carver involved at all will simply not work. How could it? It is apparent to Magpie fans that witnessed the team's performances during the second half of last term that he completely lost the dressing room, and was only saved when they took the responsibility of the club's premier League status on their own shoulders. He even admitted in a press conference that there was a chances that the players weren't listening to him. And who could forget him hanging out Mike Williamson to dry at Leicester while Daryl Janmaat's refusal to acknowledge him after the Dutchman's own dismissal in the same game said everything that you needed to know. The dynamic of a former head coach reverting to the position of assistant is a funny one for a player too. For the man who once had all the say to then take a step back and answer to another man will confuse them and could potentially undermine the authority the new gaffer has. There's no way it can work. At the end of the day, any prospective manager will want to bring in his own staff in and not be lumbered with the likes of Carver, Steve Stone and Andy Woodman. And he should be afforded the opportunity to do so. Once more this one boils down to Mike Ashley and the rash decision to hand the management team in 2012, and scout Graham Carr, lengthy deals. Is there anything the owner can do right? For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.
