PARTY TOON!
Ex-magpie Barton thrilled for Geordies’ new era
And one of their former stars can’t wait for the good times to roll – even if it means a Geordie making way for a fresh face in the dugout.
Warren Barton spent more than seven years at St James’ Park after signing from Wimbledon in 1995.
And he believes the £305million Saudi takeover, brokered by Amanda Staveley, could usher in one of the most incredible periods in the club’s history.
But he admits the mega-bucks owners are unlikely to settle for second best when it comes to appointing a successor to Steve Bruce who is all set to be sacked.
“I think they will want their own man in,” Barton said. “Steve has won seven in 37 games, it’s not a great ratio.
“I think it speaks for itself. When this takeover first surfaced 18 months ago, all the talk was of Mauricio Pochettino taking over.
“This is what I think about when I think about Newcastle managers.
“Think about Kevin Keegan – he
These fans
have been treated with a lack of respect - something
that they don t deserve. That’s’ Mike Ashley s
loss
was passionate, he was engaged, he had an understanding of what’s expected. From Steve’s point of view, he was a great leader at Manchester United, but it just hasn’t happened at Newcastle.
“He’s a good man, but he’s also realistic. I just think it needs a new manager to match the new beginning and new era.”
The kind of wealth brought to the club by the Saudi consortium is mind-blowing.
Although many fans will have concerns about the human rights record of the Saudi dynasty, the Toon Army will have no reservations at the prospect of Mike
Ashley packing his bags.
Barton believes the overriding feeling will be one of relief that one of the most divisive periods in the club’s history is over.
He said: “My initial thought is just satisfaction for the Newcastle fans. I can just imagine in the pubs, in the workplace, the taxi drivers, those kids
going to school, there will be a real feeling of hope and positivity – they have their club back.
“Then you start dreaming about what might happen. I’ve heard people in the consortium talk about the training ground, the academy – suddenly there’s a whole lot of positivity around the club.
“These fans have been
treated with a lack of respect – something that they don’t deserve.
“That’s Mike Ashley’s loss. It’s a new chapter and it’s a new part of Newcastle’s history. This is going to play a major part in the club’s history.
“And they’re going to be in a hurry, too. This isn’t some 10-year project, they have the kind of money that means Newcastle are going to be a force.
“Not this season, but definitely next season and beyond.
“This is huge. I’m excited. And the most exciting thing is that I’m not the only one!”