Newcastle Are A Club At A Crossroads - And Their Future Lies Wholly In Lee Charnley's Hands

Newcastle United have their (second-biggest) summer in recent memory ahead of them. Having only just survived in the Premier League on the final day of the 2014-15 season, they now have a blank slate from which to start rebuilding. The Magpies need a complete squad overhaul, they need to reprioritise the domestic cups in order to begin the process of re-engaging with their disgruntled fanbase - but most imminently they need to appoint a new "head coach". Make no mistake about it, the name chosen to be Newcastle's next head coach will go a long way to indicating whether or not Mike Ashley's words that he will not "leave until we win something" were a promise he means to keep, or simply a desperate case of attempting to placate the Toon faithful in an attempt to keep the Magpies in the Premier League at the 11th hour.

Strangely enough, Newcastle's future direction does not lie with their owner, however. No, the Sports Direct magnate has given sole responsibility for the decision making to the effective face of the upper-echelons of the Ashley regime - managing director Lee Charnley. This is the same Lee Charnley who, almost exactly five months ago, decided that John Carver could be trusted taking over the reins from Alan Pardew until the end of the season. The same Lee Charnley who decided no investment was needed in the squad in January. And the same Lee Charnley who thought it wise to allow several Magpies players to depart on loan, leaving them desperately short during the Premier League run-in. As a result, Newcastle claimed just three victories between New Year's Day and the end of the season, tumbled down the Premier League table, and only secured their Premier League status on the final day of the campaign - despite being ninth on 26 points following Pardew's last game in charge.

Hopefully Charnley has learned the lessons of this failing - because an equally-inept appointment this time around would result in Newcastle missing out on a golden opportunity to rebuild. The board know there must be investment in players, they know the Magpies squad needs overhauling, and they know it is crucial to be in the Premier League at the end of next season - when the obscenely-lucrative new TV deal kicks in. But this future vision relies on one thing - the perfect head coach. The man in the dugout will mould the team, he will decide the style of play and, ultimately, he will prove whether Newcastle actually mean to carry through with their promise to begin competing on all fronts once more.

Carver has - surely - firebombed his own chances of getting the job permanently following a win percentage of just 15% from 20 games in charge. Yet the names of Michael Laudrup - who left Swansea City having become disengaged after little-more than 18 months in the role - and Steve McClaren, who has failed to get Derby County promoted on two occasions and who turned down the opportunity to save the Magpies with three games remaining, lack ambition as well. Charnley must grasp the opportunity he has to completely remould Newcastle for the better and appoint an exciting coach with a real and fully-orchestrated vision for the club. Christophe Galtier has worked wonders on a tight budget at Saint-Etienne, Remi Garde brought through youth and won trophies during three years at Lyon, David Moyes still remains one of the most-naturally gifted British coaches, while names such as ex-Brentford manager Mark Warburton and soon-to-be-departed Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic should also be in the mix.

The current regime at Newcastle have been given an opportunity for salvation following a near-death experience in 2014-15 - and Charnley must prove his worth. If he picks the right head coach then the club could flourish and the Toon faithful may start returning in their droves. But, should Charnley get it wrong, then there will simply not be another opportunity to build bridges with Newcastle United supporters quite as promising as this one in the foreseeable future. So all over to you, Mr Charnley - no pressure... CLICK HERE to view 12 leading contenders for the Newcastle United head coach's role.For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow WhatCultureNUFC on Twitter and Facebook.