[Archived] Nicko's Thread

[Plastic Head]

Interesting day. Shame about the half-time full-time bet.

Got to say the manager's comments about Newcastle United are a little bit strange.

He had a specific chance to nail it in the press conference and wouldn't.

I think he would take it if he was asked.

However, as I hear it, he has not been.

There will be stories tomorrow, I fear my paper among them, saying he is getting the job.

I am yet to be convinced, but he could have killed this thing once and for all.

Alan I don't think anyone would entirely rule themselves out until they had been asked, seen the money on offer and terms of the positione etc.

Any idea how much more Ashley is willing to pay compared to Redknapp/Sparky's current wages?

Money talks...not always but usually in football.

[nicko]

Setanta- Hughes happy at Rovers

Sky- Hughes coy about Newcastle

But thankfully Sir Bobby has just come out in full on support of Shearer and that's likely to be the headline grabber.

No, I think not.

And Sparky's stuff - when he was asked the real questions by the press and NOT Sky - was revealing. In my opinion.

[John]

I know we are trying to remain positive about this, but I fear something is going on behind the scenes. There has been no word from our chairman on the matter, and I think some initial contact has been made (from Newcastle to BRFC).

Hughes comments back this up, and he is basically saying that something might be happening with NUFC. Or on the verge for happening.

I hope I am wrong.....

[doctorryan]

Line of the day from The Sunday Times's Rod Liddle:

.......................Meanwhile, the poor Geordies are in the process of being rebuffed by every sentient human being whose ambition in life is more than simply to pocket six million quid for having been a failure and run for the hills. They want beautiful, flowing football and tangible success, at St James’ Park. Fine. I, meanwhile, want Jessica Alba and the Nobel prize for literature. I make my prospects slightly more realistic.

[Paul Mellelieu]

I think you can only come to the conclusion, from Hughes' comments, that he would, given the right terms, take the job. I think Philip's spin is wide of the mark.

[Lathund]

Well if he goes the he goes....BUT it would be a huge mistake in my opinion.

I used to think that as well, but not so sure anymore. Look at BFS; he came out of this OK, it's Mort/Ashley who are taking flak. Essentially, people know that Newcastle is in shambles and that any new managers aren't likely to be given a chance.

So if he fails he won't take much of the blame, and will come out of it quite a bit richer than he entered. If he succeeds he'll be hailed as the best thing since sliced bread, succeeding where so many others have failed before him. If Ashley would seriously back his new manager then Newcastle do have the ability to challenge seriously for a CL spot.

Though that's a big "if", and I'll hardly even believe it when I see it.

[deryck guyler's spoon]

There are two clubs I hate losing players/managers to those being Spuds and The Barcodes. Both have hugely inflated ideas of their own importance and ridiculous delusions of grandeur.

I was ready to accept the inevitable when Hughes went to the Theatre of Merchandising to take the detestable Manyoo's hotseat but to lose him to Newcastle would be guttingly painfull and reinforce all the media stereotypes about our club's "lack of status".

The signs look grim.

[Hasta]

There will be stories tomorrow, I fear my paper among them, saying he is getting the job.

If that's true back now on Betfair and get laying tomorrow.

[herbergeehh]

So, in the meantime, what do you make of Dario Simic, Nicko?

[Rover 'til I die]

These post match comments sound a lot more positive

Mark Hughes 13 January 2008

"I have support from the chairman (John Williams) and the board. That is something you do not give up lightly.

"The fact is I have continuity here and a good situation. Things are in place and I am very conscious of that.

"All I am trying to do is my job to the best of my ability with the help of my staff.

"I am not into self-promotion but speculation has surrounded me in the past.

"But I am still Blackburn manager and have a job to do here.

"In football you need time and I have been given that. I am proud to be manager of this club."

[Hasta]

RoverTillIDie - They are the comments on most links. Unfortunately, rather like Shearer over 10 years ago, there's no definate denial there. Chances are he won't get offered the job but if he does we've got problems. I take them quotes as a message to Newcastle that he is interested as long as he is allowed to get on with running the club, allowed time and no outside interference.

[Blue blood]

Hearing the 5 live interview Hughes seemed pretty neutral to me. Didn't say for definate either way.

I think a lot would depend on what they would offer him, not just money. but also transfer budget, aims for the next couple of seasons, club infrastructure etc. To me it sounds like Hughes would be interested in hearing what they would have to say, but by no means has definately decided to go. Much depends on Newcastle's selling of the club.

Hopefully the board may be prompted to show their faith in Hughes and give him a bit more cash as a signal they want him to stay. I'm realistic that we haven't umpteen millions to spend, but surely our most promising manager in a long time ought to be given a bit more financial backing.

[herbergeehh]

Consider those comments, and then put the question "Are you interested in the vacant position as Newcastle manager?" in front of them. Still think they're positive?

[revolutionrock!]

I dont know.

I think Hughes is 100% commited , i say this as today his Body Lang was so different than it has been.

In the past , MH has just sat down and not shown any passion. But today was different, today he was standing all match and appealing for everything he could do. And then we scored , the whole team and back room staff looked together. People have been saying theres problems at Rovers, but after today i see this as changing. Maybe Savage was the bad apple and this has solved the problem?

But i just think today the whole team(players/Staff) reaction when we scored showed that there together. And more importantly i think Hughes reaction was good.

I hope he stays.

[Bazzanotsogreat]

Its this simple- If Hughes wasn’t interested he would say something along the lines of – Im not interested in the Newcastle Job

Instead he gives us a diplomat’s answer to the questions posed, if he is offered more money and a generous transfer budget he will go and the club will only have themselves to blame. Reading through the lines of a lot of his recent comments he seems to have been asking for more money to spend but his pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

I for one wouldn’t blame the guy if he went, as much as despise Newcastle and their fans. How can he do his job in 2008 when half the fizzy pop league are given more to spend than our excellent manager?

[revolutionrock!]

Its this simple- If Hughes wasn’t interested he would say something along the lines of – Im not interested in the Newcastle Job

Instead he gives us a diplomat’s answer to the questions posed, if he is offered more money and a generous transfer budget he will go and the club will only have themselves to blame. Reading through the lines of a lot of his recent comments he seems to have been asking for more money to spend but his pleas have fallen on deaf ears.

I for one wouldn’t blame the guy if he went, as much as despise Newcastle and their fans. How can he do his job in 2008 when half the fizzy pop league are given more to spend than our excellent manager?

So true, Well said

He needs funds to take us on.

I think he wants to take us and wait for the Old Trafford job, but if we dont give him funds, he will go.

We cant aim for the Champions League when were going for players like Jason Koumas , who belongs in the fizzy pop league.

[nicko]

So, in the meantime, what do you make of Dario Simic, Nicko?

No news, no need.

[revolutionrock!]

No news, no need.

Nicko, in your eyes do you still see Jol as a favourite also?

And , how are are much loved neighbours fairing in the transfer market?

[Paul]

And then we scored , the whole team and back room staff looked together. People have been saying theres problems at Rovers, but after today i see this as changing. Maybe Savage was the bad apple and this has solved the problem?

But i just think today the whole team(players/Staff) reaction when we scored showed that there together. And more importantly i think Hughes reaction was good

Good to see someone else noted this. I felt the reaction to our winner was the most important aspect of today's game.

[revolutionrock!]

Good to see someone else noted this. I felt the reaction to our winner was the most important aspect of today's game.

And one of the happiest aspects also. Apart from seeing 1000 Rovers fans going mental

[nicko]

Nicko, in your eyes do you still see Jol as a favourite also?

And , how are are much loved neighbours fairing in the transfer market?

No to Jol...if Kemsley is still advising Ashley. He was the man who was behind Jol's knifing at Tottenham.

Burnley are trying hard. Four points off the top six, remember. If they get the left winger, striker, midfielder and possible centre half they are after they will go very close.

[Rover95]

I'd be disappointed if he went to Newcastle. I'm sure he'd give it some thought if asked but haven't we read on here that he isn't Ashleys type of bloke (too straight)

Assuming MH wants the Man U job when Fergie goes, why would he risk failing at Newcastle and spoiling any chance getting the Man U job, when all he needs to do is carry on with us for a few years and the Man U job is his, providing he maintains our position.

Hopefully, he's just flattered to be linked and thinks he may get more money to spend if he doesn't rule himself out completely

[revolutionrock!]

No to Jol...if Kemsley is still advising Ashley. He was the man who was behind Jol's knifing at Tottenham.

Burnley are trying hard. Four points off the top six, remember. If they get the left winger, striker, midfielder and possible centre half they are after they will go very close.

Im sorry, i just ###### my self.

No way will they get all those positions filled.

I also think if they cant afford £1.3m for Chaplow how can they afford players?

Maybe Brenden hasnt got the cash he thinks he has.

[nicko]

Its this simple- If Hughes wasn’t interested he would say something along the lines of – Im not interested in the Newcastle Job

Spot on.

[nicko]

Im sorry, i just ###### my self.

No way will they get all those positions filled.

I also think if they cant afford £1.3 for Chaplow how can they afford players.

Maybe Brenden hasnt got the cash he thinks he has.

Left winger - in on loan this week probably.

Striker - bid in tomorrow.

Midfielder - bid already in...an alternative in on trial this week.

Centre half - one in on trial this week.

Coyley did not rate Chaplow at that price. I tend to agree. The one he wants is better and cheaper.