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Controlled Anger A Must For Newcastle Fans On Saturday

10 years ago
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Let’s make one thing clear first, I do NOT think Alan Pardew is the right man to be leading our beloved Newcastle United.

For me this is not a recent development either, I have been convinced of this since the 19th of January 2013.

For those trying to remember the relevance of this date, it was the day we lost 2-1 at home against Reading.

While it’s no secret we’ve lost plenty of games at home during Pardew’s reign, particularly during the 2012/13 season in question, this game stood out for me. It’s a game we were comfortably winning 1-0 but when Adam Le Fondre got a goal back for the Premier League strugglers, our hapless leader decided it would be a tactical stroke of genius to take off out best player Yohan Cabaye.

Having already removed the forward thinking Marveaux for defensive option James Perch, it seemed that Pardew was prepared to shore up for a point, only for le Fondre to strike again 6 minutes later. This for me was the proof that for all his flaws, the one that prevents Pardew from being fit for the job, is his inability to find a plan B when things aren’t going the team’s way.

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There have been occasions where Pardew has got his pre-match tactics spot on and we’ve claimed some impressive wins during his time in charge, successive wins against Chelsea and last season’s win at Old Trafford spring to mind.

However, when things don’t go to plan, which is often the case in sport, Pardew has no ability to change the plan. This is painfully obvious from the ridiculously low number of points gained from losing positions, a stat I think we’re all too familiar with.

For the outsider looking in, the manager’s ability to affect the game with substitutions or tactical adjustments, is the only real judgement we have on their ability. The managers regarded as the greatest of all time have these moments dotted across their CV; Ferguson in the CL final, Van Gaal at the World Cup etc. So once again it seems clear that Pardew is NOT the right man for the job.

However, and this is the reason I have decided to write this article, I am begging my fellow Newcastle fans who will be at Saturday’s match not to abuse Mr Pardew once the referee blows his whistle to start the game.

I am as frustrated as the next man with the team’s record in 2014, the games I’ve been to have been some of the least enjoyable experiences as a Newcastle fan.

However, I am dreading the negative atmosphere that awaits on Saturday and feel it will cost us any chance of a victory we sorely need.

Pardew has mentioned a few times recently that the atmosphere from the fans hasn’t helped. I know a lot of people have taken offense to this, considering the rubbish we’ve had to watch at times, but on this occasion Pardew is right.

I am a sport psychologist by trade and one of the most common effects across all levels of sport is that of home advantage. While I know nearly all of us want Pardew out, I’m asking us all to save our vocal criticism of the manager for before the game, at half-time and at the end of the game.

At the end of the day we need points and Hull City at home is a game we need to win, so please everyone get behind the players on Saturday and help create an intimidating home atmosphere.

Of course if we are 3-0 down after 30 minutes, I don’t think we can do much more damage to the team, so feel free to abuse the muppet!

HOWAY THE LADS & PARDEW OUT!

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