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GMT 13:53 Sunday, December 3, 2000 Newcastle targeting Gregory

By Barry Prawira

(Zoom Soccer) - Newcastle United are said to be targeting Aston Villa boss John Gregory as their next manager.

Magpies chairman Freddie Shepherd has already started hunting down potential replacements for current Newcastle boss Bobby Robson, and is believed to have put Gregory at the top of his wanted list.

Shepherd has been checking on the availability of the Villa manager and the two men were also seen chatting last week after Newcastle’s Worthington Cup fourth-round defeat by Birmingham City at nearby St Andrew’s.

Sources from Newcastle have revealed that Gregory had actually been lined up to replace Ruud Gullit after the Dutchman left St James’ Park two seasons ago, but the northeast giants opted for the experience of the 67-year-old Robson instead.

But with Gregory having shown that he can cope very well with the task of managing a big club, the one-time Wycombe Wanderers boss has fast-forwarded himself to the front of Shepherd’s list of candidates to take over from Robson when he retires.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

Answers

LoL. That's enough to make me start supporting the Hackems. I really can't stand Gregory. Nurse - more tablets.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

Hoooo Hoooo Heeeeeeee Heeeeeeee Haaaaaaahahahahahaha. Riiiiiight.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

I can just him and Fred becoming bosom buddies - peas in a pod,as it were!

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

See how much it upset me? I was so "struck" that I forgot my manners. Mind, it must be true..............it's also in the NotW, and we all know how well they get on with Freddie.

Clarky - time for a word with RC methinks!

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

I think it's just media bullsh!t as well, a quiet weekend on the news front, so make something up. I have noticed however, and maybe it's just me, that Bobby hasn't been looking to well of late. It seems that "mischievous" spark is missing. I do hope he is Ok

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

I found JGs handling of Stan Collymore a PR disaster. Of course he had everyright to be exasperated and annoyed but slagging off one of your employees in public whilst he's in a clinic for depression showed poor judgement IMHO. I've been equally unimpressed by his transfer policy. He's paid over the odds for the likes of Steve Watson, Steve Stone, and David Ginola. I've never sensed there was a long-term vision behind his buys. On a personal level I don't warm to him either. I don't get a sense of authority or tactical insight. Clearly Robson isn't going to be in charge for the long- term so its probably wise to debate his follower. Gregory wouldn't get my vote.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

So that's a no then is it?

Put it this way, I never used to mind Villa until that tw@T took over. Now I just want to see them lose every game, go down and lose all their derby games against Birmingham, WBA and Wolves - home and away - every season while he's still in charge.

Manage Newcastle? No.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

He was on who wants to be a millonaire the other night, The question was "what makes a good footballer" he was the phone a freind:

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

Over my dead body. The day that prat manages us is the day I start following Berwick.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

What have poor old Berwick done wrong then LT?

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

you can argue till ye blue in the face.

That 'outspoken gobshite' in my humble opinion would be a good choice.

He speaks his mind (a little bit keeganesque in that respect), and suffers no fools. I actually think if he were to take over, the toon army would eventually warm to him. He views primaddonas from a fans perspective - thus the toon and Mr Gregory share a common stance. No Marcelinos, and Marics.

He's young, hard working (not like, 'Mr Shop on work days in London Gullit') and extremely grateful for his life style.

I believe he would play the fan tool - that special thing that only a manager at Newcastle could have. Just like keegan did. He seems like he has the charisma to do it.

Can you imagine how many times Kev got our players MOTIVATED by giving out a slight guilt feeling for our hard working loyal fans. He actually got our players to love the club, and to play for the fans. What he got was 100% commitment with quality players. I believe Gregory could do that.

Can you imagine THE POTENTIAL OF THE FAN TOOL, if Gregory charmed the Toon Army like Keegan and we backed him?

Another reason why it gets my backing is this game of trumps, and scoops, that the British big clubs play. You know when we beat Man Utd for Shearer, by flexing our muscle, were leeds payed 18million for Rio to go one better etc.

What better way to shut up the tripe that comes out of London about Arsenal and Chewsea being bigger clubs than NUFC. We scoop a so called big clubs messiah.

We would also have Mr Robson in the back ground with all his special scouting connections!

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

And that coming from somebody who was in cahoots with Alderman Bliddy Cunningham! Thanks T Dan.

You reckon Gregory could play the "fan's card" eh? Wel, KK certainly did. I doubt if TSM or TDO could (no I don't - I know they couldn't). But I reckon there's no better qualified than our present manager to play that one. If they won't play for him, then what chance has Gregory got? FA - and I'm not talking out the suits in Lancaster Gate.

IMHO, a t0$$3r like Gregory would alienate more fans than he'd please. It would take a lot for me to become a fan of his (and I supported TSM and TDO from the beginning until they loused things up). But there ahgain, it's only my opinion.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

T.Dan Smithy - let's just say that our assessment of Gregory's talents 'differ' somewhat ! :oP

Screach - fair point. Berwick haven't done anything to deserve me bringing the curse over from SJP. Having said that, it was noted that the lads notched up 2 wins from 2 while I was over in the UK watching them. (And as we speak, gus is starting up a kitty to get me out of Oz !)

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

JG????

hahahahahahahahaha.

wooo-hoooo-haaaaaaa-heeeeee-hooooo-haaaaaa-heeeeee

If i thought for a minute that this was serious....the man is CLUELESS. He's just signed a 33 yr old whining David Ginola! Merson, Stone, Dublin.

Journeymen the lot of them. And how's he at keeping real talent? hmmm let's see. Yorke? Yeah, did a great job of dealing with that 'prima dona' didn't he? Southgate wants a transfer, Ehiogu couldn't stand him any longer. He paid Ł4m for Stevie Watson [bless him], Ł3 for 33 yr old Luc Nilis. The average age of the team is 31+. Where was he on the list of potential England Managers? that's right - about ten places behind YBR and just behind the Blue Monkey. Do i need to go on?

nah, thought not...

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

I must admit, he reminds me a lot of a certain Gordon Lee. I think many of us remember him from days gone by, and mostly not in a good way.

-- Anonymous, December 03, 2000

I'm horrified by the idea.

That said, of course, I reserve the right to say that I've always thought he'd be the perfect Toon manager, should we actually take him on. :-)

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2000

GORDON LEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2000

I'd rather see Moyes from Preston work with Bobby for a year then give him the job. He's done wonders at Preston and with Bobby giving him the finishing touches in the Premiership way, he would do for me.

Not to enamoured by th prospect of John Gregory, plenty others out there that could do what he does.

-- Anonymous, December 04, 2000

I never laid anything on that kitty Lonly and you know it.

Re Mr Gregory, he does wear nice suits though.

-- Anonymous, December 06, 2000