Toon gloom as latest Charlton reject arrives

For some unfathomable reason Newcastle United thinks it is a good idea to bring Charlton rejects on to the coaching staff at St. James's Park. First the Magpies hired relegation specialist Iain Dowie as coach. Down they went, just as Hull City did the following year.

Now they have brought in the 'Silver Fox', Alan Pardew. Admittedly, Pardew is probably the better of the two. His appearance is less inclined to scare those of a nervous disposition. He can't claim to be a rocket scientist. He won't take players on a run up the A1 just before a match. Whilst he probably does enjoy the occasional glass of wine in his Surrey Hills home, that's as far as it goes. He also takes an interest of the welfare of everyone involved in the club, broadly defined.

I have a lot of friends who are Toon fans so I hope it works out for them. Newcastle have some of the most passionate fans in the country and they are far less irritating than those of Portsmouth. Even when we were thumped 3-0 at St. James's Park, I enjoyed my visits, even if I needed treatment for altitude sickness after reaching the away seats.

One Charlton fan went out to put a bet on a Newcastle relegation after the news was leaked. I can see his point, but let's hope they survive.

I have subsequently learnt that the Silver Fox has been appointed on a five-and-a-half year contract. You've got to admire his nerve, but what's all that about?

Newcastle is on a short list of three clubs drawn up by the Qatar Investment Authority as they look for a Premiership 'trophy' in the wake of their World Cup hosting success. Goodness knows what they would make of Pardew, but then Spurs is their first choice and 'Arry may seem a bit unusual to them.