I genuinely can't think of anyone with the mettle and ability that we need who would come here. Not saying they don't exist, but I can't think of a name off the top of my head. We need someone who knows how to manage well rather than the usual journeymen that Ashley usually goes for. However, we also need someone with the reputation, respect and standing within the game who can stand up to Ashley and tell him when and how he is wrong. Ashley is no idiot. His biggest problem is his tiny circle of trust. We need someone who can break into that circle based on what they have already done within the game, and give it to Ashley straight. If he trusts that person then he may just listen. The problem is we will never attract someone like that. I can't see Rafa staying, but god we need him to.
Rafa leaving? I don't really want to think about that atm. We've had that many kicks in the knackers the last few year, I don't fancy another one. Perhaps he might feel that appreciated he'd consider staying? Hopefully.....
Not a chance of Rafa staying if you go down. That's why he has a tentative 3 year contract, but the option to take his payday and leave at the end of this season. If you stay up, he will stay I think. He has the balls and the experience and reputation to tell MA as it is and demand things done his way. Rafa will have offers from teams in top flights, European comps, etc in the summer. NUFC was something to tide him along till then.
That is what happened last time we went down. Is your gut feeling for the man in charge at the minute though, or one of his backroom staff like Ian Cathro?
No to both! Not sure on Cathro, he always looks like he is sulking. I always wanted Sean Dyche as manager.
Rafa isn't going to manage a 2nd tier team, no way. Even if we go down, he's done his reputation no harm here and will have no shortage of offers. Who do I want if/when we go down? Chris Hughton. But he'd obviously never come back after the way he was treated.
Who'd want to work under a cock muncher like Ashley? I can see it being someone like Nigel Pearson. Then again, they may promote Beardsley..... That would be the death knell of this club
My initial reaction was Nigel Pearson. I'm no fan boi of his but he has the experience and he seems to be completely his own man and I cant see him towing the party line. If he got us promoted, stabilised us in the top flight again for a season and then ****ed off, id be relatively happy. Other than him all of the 'usual suspects' are pretty unappealing. To be honest I see Charnley and Carrs departure just as important as who the next manager is.
I think Pearson would be a good choice. There will probably be Martinez available too who wouldn't be too bad.
I think Ashley would go for a very low key option, someone who would toe the line. Step forward Lee Clark with Ashley thinking the fans would accept him 'cause he's one of us.
If you get Pearson I'd expect you to bounce straight back up. Possibly in two years as year 1 may be a rebuilding exercise. Martinez would be a disaster imo. If we go down and Big Sam leaves, I'd be praying for Pearson...
