Newcastle's next messiah impresses again
The belief that Newcastle fans only take to managers that have a history with the club, such as Kevin Keegan and Alan Shearer, is somewhat overstated, but it's undeniably easier to earn the trust of the Toon Army - and most fanbases - if you've already given the supporters reason to believe in you.
Chris Hughton took a while to win around the St James' Park crowd, with his success leading him to become very popular before his controversial sacking, while the jury is still out on Alan Pardew due to the belief that he got the job because of his friendship with Mike Ashley and co rather than his ability.
So without a so-called messiah figure on Tyneside right now, some Magpies fans must be tracking the progress of former midfielder Temuri Ketsbaia, who was very popular in his three years in the north east, keenly in the early years of his coaching career. Those who are can't fail to be impressed.
The 43-year-old, who also had spells in Britain with Wolves and Dundee, guided his first employers Anorthosis Famagusta, into the group stage of the 2008-09 Champions League - becoming the first Cypriot team to progress that far - and coming agonisingly close to reaching the knockout rounds.
After claiming two titles there, he had a brief, unbeaten stint with Olympiacos, before taking charge of the Georgia national team in 2009. His return to his homeland has been glorious, with not a single defeat suffered in ten games, their 1-0 weekend victory over Croatia being the best result yet.
As a result, Georgia - having never previously reached an international tournament - are two points off the top of the incredibly open Euro 2012 qualifying Group F, which they are [6.2] to finish first in. Given the credit Slaven Bilic received for his hot streak as Croatia boss, Ketsbaia deserves huge praise.
Ketsbaia admitted after Keegan's second departure in 2008 that he would love to manage Newcastle, so if there is a vacancy once Georgia's participation in Euro 2012 has concluded, the fiery cult hero would have to be seriously considered.
Newcastle fans, would you like to see Ketsbaia given a chance? Tell us below...
Published: 28 Mar 2011
Davies (March 28, 2011 12:52 PM) said:
MASSIVE YES
Sam (March 28, 2011 1:26 PM) said:
Ketbaia my lord, Ketsbaia!!!
Man on the Tyne Bridge (March 28, 2011 1:28 PM) said:
ANOTHER MASSIVE YES. Given that he serves a reasonable apprenticeship, and it looks good so far, he has heaps of charisma which the Mags will love. THe guy is so passionate about the game and I,m sure this would rub off on the players.
Betfair Football (March 28, 2011 1:48 PM) said:
We thought he'd be popular. It's certainly a fine record that he boasts despite having only coached for a few years. The fact he has delivered results in three countries and in European competitions as well as domestically also bodes well. No question of him struggling to handle the pressure either!
AndyMac (March 28, 2011 3:13 PM) said:
but no chance of managing the Toon unless he's got some previously unreported gambling debts :(
Why would the Fatman want to take on someone with a history of success when he can get losers like Pardwho for next to nothing ?
Rob (March 28, 2011 5:15 PM) said:
He sounds like the man with the plan. would he get along with current management, I think not, with his temperament, I'd bet one day he'd knock fat ashly flat out and storm the club.
Al Rob (March 28, 2011 11:54 PM) said:
He's passionate with charisma, he has a swagger and loves newcastle. would be great to see him back at SJP in the future, but for now all my support has to be for Alan Pardew..
thre are a number of young managers who would love to take the challenge of NUFC not least LEE CLARK - now thats a man who would instill passion for the black n white shirt. too many names to shout about any one guy in my opinion.
Pauljo (March 29, 2011 6:45 AM) said:
As long as he doesn't think the players are corner flags, when it goes wrong :-)