JOHNGIBSON Toon fans must thank Pards and Big Sam for doing us a huge favour
EX-BOSSES HELPING KEEP MAGPIES UP
CAN you rely upon those who came to the North East but were not taken to Geordie hearts?
Well, in Newcastle’s case, the answer may well be a glorious ‘yes’ as the Premier League relegation race enters the home straight.
While United’s players gazed on via telly screens from their warm-weather base in Spain, those previously disliked by the faithful were joyously applauded.
Alan Pardew, never a beloved figure at St James’ Park, made it a racing certainty West Brom are going down with the 11th defeat of his 17-match time at the Hawthorns when cuffed yet again at Bournemouth.
Meanwhile, Sam Allardyce, equally reviled here, saw Everton end an abysmal run of five successive away defeats with a 2-1 victory at an increasingly doomed Stoke.
Even if Geordie deserters Andros Townsend and Yohan Cabaye won with Crystal Palace, they at least dumped Huddersfield right in it – and the Terriers have to come to the Toon next on Easter Saturday. Well demoralised, we hope.
Just to add to Geordie gratitude for those not on a Newcastle love list, former Mackem boss David Moyes is at the helm of a West Ham club being torn asunder by divided, angry fans spitting venom at vilified owners which threatens to blow the Hammers out of the PL. Yeah, it is turning out to be a canny time right now! Pardew has made a grand fist of taking West Bromwich down and so occupying one of the three positions Newcastle must avoid. He boasted upon his appointment Albion would “play on the front foot”. Really? Pardew’s appalling record at the Hawthorns reads played 17, won one, drawn five, and lost 11 with eight points gained out of a possible 51. As a consequence of such a shocking run, there have been almost weekly meetings of Albion’s top brass to discuss Pardew’s future. Aided by another former Newcastle employee John Carver, Pardew has had to endure the Chris Brunt affair when the manager was openly criticised, Taxigate in Spain and Grzegorz Krychowiak having to be fined after snubbing both manager and young substitute when brought off. Hardly dressingroom harmony. Even Allardyce, with his poor away record whch has threatened his employment at Goodison Park, could not blow it at a sliding Stoke.
Facing 10 men from as early as the first half, he saw Everton pegged back at 1-1 before scrambling over the line.
Moyes, who took Sunderland out of top-flight football last season, could make it an unwanted double with West Ham, who have imploded big style.
Such is the poisonous atmosphere on the terraces which spilled over on to the pitch last time out, one-time Arsenal and England star Paul Merson has stated: “West Ham supporters can take West Ham down.”
Their next match? Southampton under new manager Mark Hughes at home again.
A colossal six-pointer. Oh my, lose that and the touch paper will be well and truly lit.
Regardless, a big thank-you must go to Pardew and Allardyce. Aye, and Moyes too. Belatedly, we are grateful to all three of you.