Toon Legend Backs Chairman

Last updated : 10 May 2007 By Footy Mad - Editor

Reading his comments in the local newspaper, which are logged here, and seeing him on "Look North", it didn't add up.

On both accounts Moncur was backing the appointment of Sam Allardyce as the next manager of Newcastle United, but on TV he was FAR from convincing. It was as though he was just pleased to see Glenn Roeder "walk the walk", and anything else was a bonus.

But, as I said, here is the transcript from the Chronicle:

Moncur: "After Saturday's match I said on the Century FM phone-in that something had to happen at Newcastle United. To tell the truth, I didn't know what, but everybody now knows just what has happened. And the fans who have called in seem to be split 50-50 for and against Sam Allardyce.

"Well you can mark me down as one of the 50% who are for him. And let me say straightaway that I respect Allardyce. Yes he has some baggage. But tell me a manager in the Premiership who hasn't got baggage.

"In fact, which one of us hasn't got some baggage?

"Sam Allardyce is my type of manager. He is a big lad and strong enough to chin any player who steps out of line. One of the concerns of the United supporters who have spoken to me is that they are convinced that Bolton Wanderers have not played good football under Allardyce.

"Well if Bolton's football has not been very good then there is a very good reason for it. For make no mistake about it, Sam Allardyce has done a great job at Bolton with limited resources, and this latter fact might reflect on how his side have played.

"For me, Sam never had the players to play fancy football. But hopefully Sam will get some money at St James' Park and Newcastle will get some players with flair.

"But as far as I am concerned, good football is not a priority for Newcastle United in their current situation. What we need is to have a winning team and to get up that league table.

"When we won the Fairs Cup in 1969 did we play silky football? Like hell we did. Some fans have mentioned the fact to me that they don't want Sam Allardyce because he used to play for Sunderland, but I cannot believe they can even say that. What's that got to do with it?

"It's like saying Steve Bruce should be the next manager of United because he is a Geordie.

"There is no doubt Glenn did a super job at the end of last season. But I have to say that luck plays a big part in a manager's job these days and Glenn has had plenty this season but all of it has been bad.

"However, Glenn is a big boy and he knows the score. When a manager takes a job there are only two things that are going to happen.

"He will either get the sack or that he will better himself. But I was sorry to see Glenn Roeder go. And when he is sitting on the beach in the summer he will be thinking a lot of his players could have done much better for him.

"Graeme Souness apart, Freddy Shepherd has brought in some big and great names in the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Ruud Gullit and Sir Bobby Robson.

"Whoever he brings in this time he should be supported and backed by the Newcastle United supporters."

*1960/74 R.Moncur 343/3 8
Superb Scottish international centre-half. Captain of the Fairs Cup side, scoring three goals in the two-legged final. Went to Sunderland for £30,000, then was player-manager at Carlisle. He stole Peter Beardsley right from underneath United's noses. Manager of Hearts then Plymouth.