Maybe the club is learning...

So many negative threads and opinions on here lately that it's only fair that the club is recognised when there are signs of things changing.

Steve McClaren has sent an email via the club tonight confirming his back room team. Now, whether it's actually Steve or not is irrelevant, the fact remains that it's good to have some open communication from the club.

Before this there was Ashley's interview and Charnley's with Mark Douglas before that. I'm not saying all is forgiven, just that we've asked for better communication and slowly but surely we're getting that.

Our owner, MD and Head Coach have ALL now publicly stated we'll bring in players. It's going to happen guys, patience is needed that's all.

 

No mention though of Cathro?

 

Yeah, Cathro is mentioned. He's joint assistant coach with Simpson.

 

Personal hands up, that's a real turning point for the club. We probably ask too much at times, though at the moment it's justified that we seek clarity with the history of false promises. So credit where it's due, they have duly delivered.

Can only speak for myself, but it's given me real reason to calm down and believe, for once, that something good is happening here. I really like the tone of McClaren's email, it bodes very well to have someone we could potentially count on, and whether it's his idea or not the communication is a breath of real fresh air. Good work, Steve.

 

It's only a small step, but it's nice to hear something from the horses mouth rather than Ryder, Douglas etc stating "we understand this" and "a source close to the club" etc.

I honestly believe McClaren is a great appointment and I like the sound of Cathro too. With Pardew I slated him after every defeat, even after some wins too because there just didn't seem to be a plan. McLaren speaks well and talks about a passing philosophy. I think Lascelles has already given an interview saying he's already encouraging ball work and possession football and we're only a couple days into pre season.

We definitely need some new blood to help them, but they have no option other than to deliver given all three "leaders" of the club have stated we'll spend. If we don't they know it'll get toxic very quickly. However, if they're as good as their word then people will get right behind McClaren and the team IMO.

 

I don't care if Steve sends me out a hard-copy of Jesus' long lost autobiography.... Sign some ****ing players!!!!!!!!!!!

 

For me it's a positive statement, irrespective if McClaren penned the email or not.

The club needs solid foundations which won't just happen overnight.
McClaren and the back-room team could turn out to be the best since the days of SBR.

No doubt, many people will find fault with it, starting with the likes of the Mail, who have already managed to be negative, preferring to dwell on who isn't part of the team.

 

I ain't got the mail

 

I think that the club are really taking all cheap measures to earning season tickets. I do think steve is genuine. Its important the fans dont get on his back right away if we enter the season with a sub par team.

 

Got mine. Thought it was very nice of him to contact me personally. However we went to same school in York and played together in the Soccer team so I think he might have singled me out.

 

Can someone cut n paste the email?

 

Going to have to add...

While a small positive step...one email does not make a break through in communication...might be the last you hear until the next season ticket. ..just give us your money, idiots ..one

Hope not and that this is the beginning of a real ongoing shift in philosophy. ..but need more than one to convince me.

(**** the daily mail and what ever spin it puts on it..)

 

Still can't feel confident we are anywhere near competent in the transfer market. I think that a massive part of that problem is that we seem unable to make players feel wanted. We should be breaking our neck to sell that number 9 shirt to Austin for instance.

However...I am quite happy with our coaching team now. I think McClaren. Has been a good choice. Everything I have heard so far suggests we are being much more professional. After yesterday's traininng session for instance he was told that in recent years the players kind of came back off holiday when they wanted in cribs and drabs and didn't get out working on the training pitch straight away. Where as he had them all back bar the internationals and on the training pitch first day back.

 

It is good to see someone from the club reaching out to the fans and trying to give us an insight in to the day to day running of the club. I think with Big Mac on the board the communication side of things will get better, apparently he is as pissed off he wasn't aloud to speak to the media as us and its something he takes quite seriously so hopefully it will continue onwards and upwards

 

Its certainly a welcome step................... but I cant help but feel that if we get off to a bad start and the crowd 'turns' then the drawbridge will quickly be hoisted up again and communication will stop. I do wish that they would start to talk to the whole of the press pack though............... I mean, who reads the ****ing Mirror!!!!

 

I personalised it for you as well!

Dear Nolberto's Salsa Inferno,

I wanted to take the opportunity to write to you directly to thank you for the warm welcome I have received since I arrived at Newcastle United.


Anybody who knows me well has known for a long time that I’ve wanted to be Head Coach of this great club and now that I’m here, I’m relishing what is ahead.


My time here so far has been spent meeting a lot of people, both inside the club and outside. At any club, you have to absorb as much information as possible, adapt quickly and then put your own stamp on things. Planning is key.


On the surface, things can seem quiet, but beneath it, I want to assure you that we are striving to be prepared for the upcoming season. The hard work needed to push us where we want to go is well underway.


That was no clearer anywhere than at the training ground yesterday as we welcomed the players back for the first day of pre-season training. There are some very tough days and weeks ahead for all of us in terms of hard work but the players are applying themselves fantastically and they will need to maintain those high standards, especially as we add to the squad this summer.


I know the anticipation is already out there and that you want to see new players coming through the door immediately. That is natural. For me as head coach, however, it is so important that the right players come through the door. However long that takes, I want to make sure that we have just the type of people who can come in and force us forward.


I have certainly got that in my newly-appointed backroom team and I've had the pleasure of welcoming them to the club. I’m sure you will extend the same warm welcome to them as I have received.

Paul Simpson, who I know very well and have worked with for many years, has joined the club as assistant coach alongside Ian Cathro, who is rightly regarded as one of the most promising young coaches in Europe.


In addition, Alessandro Schoenmaker has joined the club as fitness coach and Steve Black, who many of you will know following his time here and at Newcastle Falcons, has returned to the club as a consultant. I have worked with both Alessandro and Steve before and, alongside goalkeeper coach Andy Woodman who remains at the club, their expertise will be hugely beneficial.


The plan we have as a club excites me. It isn't a quick fix, it’s not going to happen overnight. It’s going to take patience and ups and downs, knocks, highs and lows, but we have got an opportunity over time to really make a statement. I’m looking forward to being with you on the journey.


It is our intention to update you directly on a regular basis and we hope these direct messages will provide you with a greater insight into the club.


We will be in touch again before our first game at Gateshead next week, shortly before we depart for the US.


Best wishes,

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Steve McClaren
Head Coach

 

Where our new players???? nice email but ultimately a load of the usual NUFC tosh. Prove to me that the club has ambition, by signing some good players, and I will give you a chance.. I feel that you can`t deliver that, so, FCUK OFF!!!!

 

SM has only seen the players for last couple of days - he will be assessing the squad and what he thinks he needs - give him a f'ing chance!

 

My take is that the the priorities facing Newcastle are

1. Board: semi done, Penfold still there ...v poor ...but at least a couple of footballing people on there ...grade c- change ..could do a lot lot better

2. Backroom staff: this email and the people coming in...positive step forward, very pleased with Cathro joining as assistant to the assistant? manager. (hopefully future manager in 4-5 yrs) Carver and stone's bodies quietly disposed of in the Tyne, pity Woodman didn't join them.. grade B+. Positive

3. Playing staff: Totally agree where the hell are they!...but...for me, getting the first 2 things right is more important, long term, for us. The club has been a shambles for years.. Get the structure right ...player will follow..so I am ok with a slight delay or waiting for the right players. .next couple of weeks odd ...will , hopefully show us that we are beginning to act in a more professional manner, players arriving.etc ..would love some new faces yesterday mind.

 

Well, after Chelsea picked up Falcao on loan today, we are officially the only PL club to have signed absolutely nobody. No intention to be negative, but none of the reasons really wash now. The last one we've let seep into our reasoning is that it's a new manager so patience, please. Ok, but what about West Ham or Leicester?

For the more patient (GCB!), have you set an informal deadline in your own minds as to when it becomes nonsense?