How will John Carver Fair during Pardew’s Absence?
That means that for the next 7 matches John Carver will be the man on the touchline for Newcastle United and in the first 3 games will likely be the man giving the pre-match and half time team talks.
So what credentials does he have to fulfil this role?
Well Carver has had a long term on and off relationship with the Toon Army first arriving when Sir Bobby Robson was in charge at the club. Following Robson’s departure Carver tasted full control for the first time and produced a 3-0 win over Blackburn.
He was never considered to take over from Bobby Robson though and when Graeme Souness was appointed his contract was terminated with Souness bringing in his own backroom team.
Since leaving the club in 2004 Carver has had a decent amount of opportunities as the main man.
In 2005 he took over for a brief Spell at Leeds United as caretaker manager before poor results saw him replaced. He also had a spell as head coach of Toronto FC in the MLS where he managed 12 wins and 12 draws in a 40 game stint in charge.
Carver then returned to Newcastle United on a trial basis when Alan Pardew took over and was subsequently offered a 5 year deal to stay at the club.
OK that sounds decent, so what can we expect from him on the touchline?
We can expect a relatively like for like replacement of Alan Pardew so anyone hoping for a cooling off period will likely be disappointed.
Carver has a record of ill-discipline throughout his career which certainly won’t surprise anyone who’s seen his behaviour on the touchline.
During his spell as head coach at Toronto FC Carver was fined $750 for openly slagging off match officials in a post-match interview and in 2013 he was sent to the stands after his reaction to Calum McManaman’s (horrendous) tackle on Haiara during an away fixture at Wigan.
Great another hot head on the touchline then but more importantly how will the players react to this switch up?
Carver has got a lot going for him at Newcastle United. He’s a local lad and the passion he’s shown in the past has certainly endeared him to the fans. He also comes across as the kind of guy who isn’t scared to, for want of a better way of putting it, shove a rocket up the arse of anyone who isn’t pulling their weight.
He certainly won’t be taking the supply teachers role in Pardew’s absence and personally I can’t see the players feeling like they’ll get an easier ride with him on the side-lines.
The bottom line is he’ll likely be in constant contact with Alan Pardew throughout all 7 matches and will act merely to convey exactly what the manager wants. He has the players respect which I’m sure will help and I can’t see Pardew not being there having a huge impact on results.
That being said it’s obviously not an ideal situation and one which can only really impact negatively. Let’s just hope it’s not by too much.
Comments Welcome
The Spectator's View 
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