There are only so many times Newcastle United supporters - never mind players - can hear John Carver talk about his "passion" and "commitment" to the head coach role. Hull City's home defeat to Burnley and Newcastle's first point since February 28th have ensured that the Magpies' Premier League destiny is in their own hands - but, if they are going to finally win a match at the 10th attempt, then their interim head coach needs to sing from a different hymn sheet. After every single match, particularly following the eight consecutive defeats between February 28th and May 9th, Carver has taken pride in announcing that no-one could possibly be more "passionate" or "dedicated" to the role than himself. He has also enjoyed repeating over and over again that he has ensured his players have understood the importance of pulling on the black-and-white-striped shirt and giving their all.
However, as the oft-used cliché goes, actions speak louder than words - and the only action Newcastle United supporters have witnessed with any regularity in the last few months has been watching goalkeeper Tim Krul repeatedly pick the ball out of his own net. From his public mumblings it seems fair to assume that Carver does exactly the same thing in the changing room with the players pre-match and at half-time as he does during his interviews - undoubtedly his teamtalks will contain drivel about everyone giving their all for the "Geordie cause". When the Magpies take to the Loftus Road pitch on Saturday, they need to be sent out with an inspiring and innovative teamtalk - preferably containing sound tactics, although that may be hoping for too much - and they need to be given direction from their head coach.
This situation is not about passion, this is about a relegation dogfight. It is about being technically sound in possession. It is about being defensively compact. It is about defending set-pieces (at least semi-) competently. It is about creating chances. It is about putting the ball into the back of Queens Park Rangers' net. And, most importantly, it is about winning the football match. Modern-day footballers are mercenaries - whether that word is used in a positive or a negative sense, it is simply a fact. Players move from club to club, and from country to country, in order to earn money representing a side who they often have little-to-no connection with. Yes, players such as Philippe Albert, Rob Lee and Nobby Solano have established a love and affinity with Newcastle United that will remain with them forever - but in general most professionals come and go having gained just a small emotional connection to any club.
Carver's hopeless attempts to play up to some profound sense of duty that he feels Newcastle players have towards the Toon faithful is simply absurb - because in the majority of cases it just doesn't exist. Paul Dummett, Steven Taylor, Jack Colback and the other Newcastle United supporters aside, Carver's teamtalks will just fall on deaf ears. Modern-day footballers are professionals but more-accurately they are mercenaries.
If Newcastle are to secure the victory they need on Saturday to all-but ensure their Premier League survival for at least another season, then Carver needs to drop the "Geordie-ness" of which he is so proud. Newcastle United do not need a Geordie steering the ship right now; they need a manager. Let's hope John Carver has it within him to deliver that.
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