Change of Toon since Carver’s tough times

IAN MURTAGH

GEORDIE John Carver was only in charge of his hometown club Newcastle United for five traumatic months, seven years ago.

But the 57-year-old (below) believes he speaks for all recent Toon bosses when he admits that he is envious of Eddie Howe (right).

And it is not just results on the pitch which have astonished Carver, it is the transformation off it, since the Saudi takeover last autumn.

“The club feels different from what it’s been like for years,” said Steve Clarke’s Scotland No.2.

“In fact it reminds me of the great days I had working as Sir Bobby Robson’s assistant when we qualified for the Champions League, and before that the period when Kevin Keegan was manager.

“What I would have given to have an atmosphere like it is now.

“Yes, I’m jealous of Eddie in the nicest possible sense and I am sure every recent manager feels exactly the same way.” Carver particularly loves the matchday experience at St James’ Park these days. He added: “I’m fortunate to have been at quite a lot of Newcastle’s home games either in my Scotland role or as a guest of the club. “From the moment you get out of your car and head for the ground, you can sense the excitement and optimism now. “Obviously, it started to change following the takeover but since the team have been winning regularly, everyone is walking around with a smile on their face and if they’re not singing, they’re either laughing or joking on. “Just like in Sir Bobby’s day, everyone is counting down the days to the next game. “You can feel the emotion in the minutes before kick-off with the music ramped up and the awesome flag displays. “The difference between now and a few months ago is seismic.”