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When Sam Allardyce left Newcastle United last week after less than a year, it became clear that cold, hard analysis wasn't behind the decision. All of the respected commentators agreed that Big Sam needed time, and that given time he would develop a strong team.
But that wasn't the issue, was it? As Alan Green summed up perfectly while commenting on the Man United vs Newcastle match last weekend, Allardyce's failure was not on the field, even though results were unspectacular. He was never the right man for Newcastle. In a city where passions run high, he was never able to make the emotional connection with the Toon Army that Kevin Keegan did. Maybe it was the style of football. Maybe it was his personal style. Maybe both.
Kevin Keegan hasn't been in football for several years. There's nothing rational that suggests he's really the man for the job - although he might do well - but he's a hero on Tyneside and has already captured the hearts of the fans. That might be all that the manager needs up there.
For Big Sam, there is the comfort of a huge payoff, but his pride will be dented. If nothing else, he will hopefully have learned a big lesson in stakeholder management.
What price for Shearer as his assistant? (He was pretty cagey on Match of the Day tonight).
Rob Robson, Sport Psychologist
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 | Author: | robrobson (robrobson's profile, robrobson's blog) |
 | Posted On: | Wed, 2008-01-16 23:19 |
 | Tags: | football, psychology and team sport |
 | Comments: | 0 comments, go to comments |
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