LEGEND IN LIVERPOOL GOD IN GLASGOW TITAN ON THE TYNE
Mathie believes Gerrard could be the ideal fit for super-rich Newcastle post
ALEX MATHIE helped kickstart the Kevin Keegan Premier League revolution as the Liverpool legend transformed the Tyneside club’s fortunes.
And the Scot is adamant Steven Gerrard could have a similar impact if the Magpies’ new Saudi-led billionaire owners target the Rangers boss.
Former England skipper Gerrard is reportedly a leading contender alongside Belgian boss Roberto Martinez and Villarreal manager Unai Emery for the soon-to-be-vacant St James’ Park hotseat.
Mathie can see exactly why the Ibrox gaffer – contracted until 2024 in Govan – would appeal to the super-rich Saudis.
The former Magpies striker also believes it is a role Gerrard would seriously consider if he was handed a blank cheque book at the richest club in England’s top flight.
Gerrard earned hero status by leading Rangers to a first top tier title in a decade to halt rivals Celtic’s bid for 10 in a row.
But Mathie says he wouldn’t have to do that if he was given the chance to succeed Steve Bruce who is facing the sack imminently.
Newcastle haven’t won a major trophy in more than half a century since winning the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup in 1969.
But he witnessed the way Keegan and strike sensation Andy Cole were revered just for playing an entertaining brand of football and challenging for honours.
And Mathie believes that would be enough for the Geordies if Gerrard took the helm after years spent languishing at the wrong end of the table.
Keegan was a messianic figure who woke a sleeping giant when he took over in 1992, leading the club into the top flight and just missing out on winning the Premier League title in 1996.
Mathie was signed for just £250,000 from Morton after Toon had won promotion back to the top flight and scored a memorable volley in a thrilling 4-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday that epitomised their free-flowing style.
That saw them dubbed The Entertainers and the 52-yearold believes Gerrard – the same age as Keegan when he took over and also an Anfield great – could have the same sort of impact in the north east.
Mathie told Record Sport: “I can see why the Newcastle owners would want Gerrard and why it would be attractive to him given the budget he’d have.
“I know Gerrard was treated like a god in the blue half of Glasgow after winning the league last season.
“But his status at Newcastle if he came even close to doing that would be unbelievable.
“Apart from Kevin Keegan and Sir Bobby [Robson], there hasn’t really been a manager who has come in and fulfilled what the club really needs.
“Gerrard could have the same impact in Newcastle as Kevin Keegan did because he has a similar background in terms of being a huge name and an awesome player.
“He could be the new Keegan because he’s young and he can build and maybe that’s what they’ll be looking for.
“If Gerrard got the job he would be going into the same as what Kevin Keegan went into – a massive, well-supported club desperate to be successful.
“It’s probably similar to what he went into at Rangers in terms of the passion of the support so there wouldn’t be much difference apart from the one major one which is the money he’d have to play with.
“The main thing is the passion is there at the Old Firm and that’s one thing that is the exact same at Newcastle.
“People in England forget how massive Rangers and Celtic are and how big a fan base they have and how demanding they are.
“To win the fans over isn’t easy and you can’t knock what Gerrard has done in Scotland and that would stand him in good stead if he got the Newcastle job. It’s like a goldfish
Gerrard could be the new Keegan because he’s young and he can build and maybe that’s what they are looking for ALEX MATHIE
bowl in Glasgow but you never hear any scandal about Steven Gerrard – he was a total professional.
“Kevin Keegan was the exact same. He was always for the fans.
“You have to win them over and to do that you have to play attractive football and Gerrard only knows how to play one way – be positive.
“If Gerrard got the job and could turn Newcastle into trophy challengers and European regulars then he’d have the key to Newcastle.
“You don’t even have to win silverware as he did at Rangers. Just to be up there challenging would be a start.
“Rafa Benitez is well thought of and he never won anything. The Newcastle fans just want the team to go out and play good, attractive football. When I played there Andy Cole was God.
“Andy couldn’t walk down the street without people shouting and singing his name. It was phenomenal.
“It was the same with Kevin with what he brought at the time. We were the entertainers and the fans are just so passionate – they live for a Saturday.
“Kevin Keegan came in and got everyone playing. Keegan was a hero as a player at Newcastle.
“They were in the old Second Division when he took over and he got them into the Premier League and came so close to winning it.
“The Newcastle job is huge. People underestimate it because of their lack of major honours. But the club is huge and the fans are fanatical.
“One of the issues you have is getting players to go to the north east because a lot of foreign players want to go to London so they can go back to see their families quicker.
“But Keegan managed to attract the likes of Tino Asprilla, Philippee Albert and David Ginola and I’m sure Steven Gerrard could have that same influence.
“There are similarities in terms of age when they went into management and they were big names as players.
“Gerrard has been brought up the right way through the Liverpool system and Kevin Keegan was the same.”
Gerrard recently highlighted the fact he “hadn’t spent a penny” in the last two transfer windows as he admitted funds were needed to improve.
That wouldn’t be an issue at St James’ Park under the new owners but with that would come a risk with expectations through the roof.
But Mathie said: “It would be hard for him not to think about Newcastle if he’s offered the job because of the money that will be invested.
“It would be a risk for his managerial prospects but let’s face it – it’s not a bad risk! Who wouldn’t want those millions to spend on players?
“Gerrard would have to seriously look at it. It’s better going to a club where you know you’re going to get funds to spend. But the main thing is getting the club to connect and the team to gel. Gerrard could do that because he has done it at Rangers.”