HOW CARVER ENVIES EDDIE
JOHN CARVER was only in charge of his hometown club Newcastle United for five traumatic months seven years ago.
But the Geordie, 57, believes he speaks for all recent Toon bosses when he says he is envious of Eddie Howe.
The ex-Bournemouth chief is idolised by fans after reinvigorating a side who head to Manchester City today with the chance of a top-half finish, having looked relegation certs in the New Year.
But it’s not just results on the pitch which have astonished Carver, it’s the transformation off it since the Saudi-backed takeover last autumn.
“The whole 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. 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.”
Carver, like Sam Allardyce, Keegan, Joe Kinnear, Alan Shearer briefly, Chris Hughton, Alan Pardew, Steve McClaren, Rafa Benitez and Steve Bruce worked under Mike Ashley, an owner the Toon Army came to despise.
“Let’s just say it’s a very different club now,” added the former caretaker boss.
“You look at Man United now where there is a separation between the club and its fanbase.
“When that divide exists, it’s almost impossible to get it consistently right on the pitch. By the same token, when your biggest asset is right behind you, it can be an unstoppable
force.”