Top-class players don't necessarily make top-class managers - that's the general consensus, anyway. It is often said that just because someone has been successful during their playing career then that is absolutely no indication that they will also be successful as a coach. That could well be dished out by Newcastle United as one of the reasons why they did not pursue their initial interest in Patrick Vieira - a player who won the World Cup and European Championship with France, as well as Premier League titles and FA Cups with Arsenal, but who has no previous senior managerial experience. It looks likely that Newcastle will instead opt for the experienced - if uninspiring - Steve McClaren to replace Alan Pardew on a permanent basis, with John Carver reverting to his previous role in the club's backroom staff. Yet the Magpies have employed 15 different managers in the Premier League to date - including caretaker and interim bosses, but excluding Pardew's permanent successor - and they have arrived on the scene with varying playing pedigrees, and have enjoyed differing coaching experiences at St James' Park. But, if they are to be ranked from worst to best for their playing capabilities - and not for their managerial reign at St James' Park - how do they fare?
NUFC editor for WhatCulture.com/NUFC. History graduate (University of Edinburgh) and NCTJ-trained journalist. I love sports, hopelessly following Newcastle United and Newcastle Falcons. My pastimes include watching and attending sports matches religiously, reading spy books and sampling ales.
