One of Manchester United’s Barclays Premier League pseudo rivals has parted ways with their manager, which should reaffirm the supporters they are very fortunate to have Sir Alex Ferguson as their boss.
Somewhat shockingly, Newcastle United’s Chris Hughton became the second manager in England’s top-flight to fall victim of the pressures to win-at-all-costs mentality that is bestowed on them unrealistic, off-base businessman owners.
A statement from Newcastle said, “[We] feels that an individual with more managerial experience is needed to take the club forward,” which is something that Ferguson admitted that the next United manager must have as well.
With that said, the difference between these two clubs is quite dramatic, and the Magpies, who lost 3-0 at Old Trafford in the opening match of the season, currently sit in 12th place in the Premier League after gaining promotion last season.
Even though he does not have the managerial experience that Mike Ashley is looking for, Hughton, 51, is six years older than Sir Alex was when he took the managerial reigns at Old Trafford in November 1986.
Patience is something that is not in the vocabulary in today’s results-driven football world, which prevents a young, energetic manager from being given a fair chance to succeed.
Manchester United is a club that needs an established manager, because they are competing for trophies on a regular basis, but Newcastle has not won the Premier League / First Division title since 1926/27 – which will certainly be extended to a mere 84 years at the end of this current season.
There are really only a handful of managers, who will be even considered for the position once Sir Alex decides for himself that he has had achieved enough and retire.
One thing is for sure, though, and the United supporters can rest assure that some board member would never have the audacity put in a request for his resignation because he is not doing an adequate job or not like what happened with Hughton.
Jose Mourinho, David Moyes and Josep “Pep” Guardiola, who is 12 years younger than Hughton, will all be on the United managerial short wish list when the times comes, but it really would be a shame if former captain, Steve Bruce, does not get an honest look for the United hot seat.
Bruce, 49, has guided Sunderland, who was on the wrong end of 5-1 hammering from Hughton’s Newcastle in the Tyne-Wear derby, to seventh position in a very competitive, strange Premier League after 16 matches.
In any career field, someone cannot gain experience unless they are given a chance to prove themselves, which looks to be a risk that Premier League may not be willing to take.
It’s quite concerning, and the reasons why Hughton was fired could very well hinder a future Ferguson-type from throwing their hat into the managerial ring, which will not be good for the sport.
What is the most disrespectful part is that Hughton could have undermined by Ashley or another Toon board member, because Newcastle has already been linked with a replacement.
Martin Jol, who resigned from his position with Ajax this morning, has been heavily linked with the job, and this could be another Manchester City managerial change.
This time last season, Mark Hughes was sacked by one of City’s Sheikh owners, and was immediately place while his seat was still warm by Roberto Mancini.
Thankfully, Hughes was given another bite of the cherry with Fulham following Roy Hodgson’s departure for Liverpool, and before his new club’s recent match against his former employers he let fly some harsh, but just criticism directed at Mancini.
The former United legend basically claimed that Mancini stole his job, and that, “There should be respect for people’s positions.”
Well, Sparky, in spite of UEFA’s Respect campaign, there is no respect for managers, unless you have handed the greedy owners exactly what they want – and even then that might not be enough.
Another manager that is trying to force himself into his dream job is Tottenham’s Harry Redknapp and his love obsession with the England national team post.
Spurs fans have to thank Harry’s arm-around-the-shoulder approach which took them from the relegation to the Champions League in under two seasons at the helm, but for some reason the outspoken manager cannot speak loud enough about his distaste Fabio Capello and the job he would as England boss.
Manchester United supporters should be appreciative that Sir Alex Ferguson has delayed his retirement – again – so they are not subjected to the managerial merry-go-round that happens every year in modern-day football.
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