Mike Ashley: The man responsible for Newcastle United's relegation
After watching their club dance painfully, time and again, with the drop, Newcastle fans have finally been put out of their misery. The club has been relegated to the Championship, despite a late-season revival under the experienced Rafa Benitez.
Although there are questions regarding the Spaniard’s commitment to the club, one thing is certain – Newcastle has been on a steady decline over the last couple of seasons, and there is no one to blame but Mike Ashley.
If anything, last season’s relegation battle that went on to the final day of the season with Hull City should have been a wake-up call for Newcastle, who only months before were nowhere near the drop zone. After John Carver’s unsuccessful spell came to an end, the Magpies needed a manager at the helm who had the capability to build a squad that was worthy of finishing upper-mid table. In other words, they needed a manager who has had enough experience in the top flight.
Instead, they chose Steve McClaren, a manager who was sacked just 15 days prior to his appointment by Derby County. This decision resembles Aston Villa’s decision when they appointed an inexperienced Remi Garde after Tim Sherwood’s disastrous start to the season.
Villa would live to regret that decision as Garde went on to record one of the worst stints as a manager in Premier League history, which ended with the Villains dropping into the Championship. The Magpies, on the other hand, have had a shambolic season of their own.
They have shown glimpses of promise with a 6-2 victory against the Canaries, and wins over both Liverpool and Tottenham, but have failed to deliver for large parts of the season, whether it be on the offence or defence - just ask Sergio Aguero.
Transfer market did not work for Newcastle
This came as a surprise to many, given their expenditure in recent times. Newcastle has had one of the biggest spending sprees in all of Europe this season (£80 million), bringing in high-quality players like Georginio Wijnaldum, Chancel Mbemba, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Jonjo Shelvey.
Newcastle had all the boxes ticked on the transfer front, masterminded by Graham Carr - the man who brought players like Hatem Ben Arfa, Yohan Cabaye and Cheikh Tiote to Tyneside while being financially backed by Mike Ashley, who promised the fans that the club will spend big.
But at the end of it all, their decision to appoint a man with very little experience at a higher level has cost them their place in the top flight. McClaren’s record of his previous endeavours as a manager speaks for itself. Recently, he was sacked by VFL Wolfsburg and Derby County before he took over the reins at Newcastle.
He has proved to be a good second-in-command in the coaching hierarchy but not the man in charge. Granted, it was a decision put into motion by Lee Charnley, the Magpies’ under-fire managing director but Mike Ashley should’ve known better. They needed an experienced head at the top rather than someone with a lack of familiarity, particularly after Carver’s stint in the hot seat as a caretaker.
Faith in the manager
Contrary to public opinion, their decision to stick by Steve McClaren during the January transfer window was both understandable and admirable, as managers have been sacked for nothing over the last few seasons. Quique Sanchez Flores is the most recent addition to that list despite having delivered a 13th placed finish upon the Hornets’ return to the top flight.
McClaren failed miserably despite being provided all the tools to succeed at the club but the last few games under Benitez have shown the Newcastle faithful where their beloved club could have been if they had appointed a manager who could deliver. Their 5-1 riot over Spurs on the final day of the season was arguably the best performance that they have put up all season, obliterating the Londoners’ chances of sealing 2nd place. But it was too late to make amends.
It is yet to be seen if Lee Charnley will be able to convince the former Real Madrid manager to stay on at St. James’ Park. Undoubtedly, it is a mammoth task at hand to replace Benitez but the Toon have no choice if they are to become a force they once were, and make a quick return to the top flight. For now, they make their return to the second tier of English football after 6 years and hope for a quick return to the top flight.