Newcastle Manager's First Interviews - Did They Deliver On Their Promises?
12. Alan Pardew
After replacing Chris Hughton in December 2010, the would-be Premier League manager of the year said:
"I understand what this club means to its supporters. Throughout the football world people recognise that this is a unique club in many ways, with supporters who are second to none in their loyalty, passion and devotion for the team. "I'm not a Geordie of course, but I'm a football person with a love of the game and I can assure you I bring great drive, desire and commitment to the job. "Chris Hughton did a great job last season, guiding the club back to the Premier League, and he continued that good work this season. It is my aim to build on that now and take this club forward. "I have always managed teams that have played attacking positive football, something I know the supporters here appreciate. "At the same time I intend to focus on developing exciting young players through the club's excellent Academy and development squad, and I know the board here at St James' Park are very committed to that too."
To be fair to Pardew, much of what he said in his first interview came true. But there is one line in there that makes your cringe you recall the utter dross he put us through at times during his four years at the club. First of all, there was little doubting his commitment to the cause. He weathered a plethora of storms that would have had a lesser man (or one more in tune with what was really best of the club) tucking his tail between his legs and crying all the way home to his mummy. No one can blame Pards for eventually walking out on the club, it was a decision that was best for both parties. He also left the club in a slightly better position than when he arrived. Newcastle were 11th in the table when he arrived and despite coming close to relegation once, he had the club sitting 10th and with a European campaign under his belt. That positive, attacking football he spoke about only reared it's head for around half a season as the front three of Ba, Cisse and Ben Arfa dazzled United into a fifth place finish. For the rest of the time, the sight of Mike Williamson hoofing an aimless ball up the park had become so commonplace that you almost didn't realise that it was happening. And there's little doubting that the squad he (or Graham Carr) left behind at Newcastle has plenty of potential in it, meaning his final sentiment has some truth to it. However, it remains to be seen how much of that potential the players will be allowed to release before they're inevitably sold off. Did He Deliver? Sort Of!
