Rumors are rife regarding the firing of Steve McClaren. However, should Newcastle actually fire their manager?
Newcastle United have 10 games to save their season. Currently sat in 19th in the Premier League on 24 points, just one point behind great rivals Sunderland and safety. With Aston Villa anchored to the bottom and set for relegation, there are now two spots for three teams. Two are the aforementioned North East rivals alongside promoted Norwich, who currently sit in 18th on the same points as Newcastle.
Who survives as the Premier League season draws to a close is always a fascinating watch, and this season like any other is set up to be a nerve-wracking finish for any fans related with the clubs. Newcastle, in particular, are in a world of trouble, and the issues that they have had now shine the spotlight on manager Steve McClaren.
The man known as the Wally in the Brolly after an unfortunate night as England manager many years ago is under intense pressure, and many have been calling for his head. However, should Mike Ashley and the Newcastle board oblige, and indeed sack their manager?
There is only one way that Steve McClaren should be kept as Newcastle manager. If the club feel as though long-term success is more important, and believe in the philosophy that Steve McClaren has instilled in the club, then they should absolutely not sack him. It would be ridiculous to sacrifice the possibility of a season in the Championship and future success in favor of a quick fix, relegation staving type manager.
However, it is highly unlikely that Newcastle do believe in their current manager. There are very few fans, members of the media and even perhaps members of the club and board that do indeed believe in the quality of McClaren. Newcastle have been notoriously quiet in transfer windows past, but since McClaren’s hiring last Summer, owner Mike Ashley has been willing to dip into his pockets.
Newcastle have spent over £80 million this season, including £14 million on Aleksandar Mitrovic and Florian Thauvin and £12 million on Jonjo Shelvey and Andros Townsend this January. There are very few successes in the McClaren’s recent transfer activity and many of the issues that the club face come from poor acquisitions this season.
Why then would anyone believe in McClaren’s ability given his atrocious record in the transfer market?
Consequently, if you are pursuing long-term success, McClaren should still be sacked. So, what if you are pursuing short-term success, with the goal of staying up over the next 10 games?
Well, in this case, then there is no way that McClaren could be defended. His man management is notoriously poor, and has been highly criticized for motivating his players throughout his various managerial posts. In a fight-to-the-death relegation battle, motivating your player is absolutely crucial, and if Newcastle want to chase success in the short term, then Steve McClaren should not remain in charge for another day.
The new manager effect is something that many clubs have searched for in previous years. It is an effect that genuinely exists and could ultimately being the end of Steve McClaren with Newcastle United. It is also the reason why he should be fired. Newcastle have some big players and big wages. They simply cannot afford to be relegated, and would be in danger of missing promotion the season after.
The Championship is a very difficult club to get out of. There are some huge clubs in that league, and with the huge loss in income that Newcastle would face, it would be far from certain that they would return to the Premier League. Such uncertainty is why McClaren should be fired. Who should be brought in, however, is a very different question?