David O’Deary
August 9th, 2009 | Author: Shaw
It look like Mr. Ashley may be about to make his worst decision yet, by making 3 years unemployed manager David O’Leary manager of Newcastle.
David’s managerial career started great at Leeds. At the end of his first season (1998-99) Leeds finished fourth in the Premiership and qualified for the UEFA Cup. His second season brought more success with their campaign ending with a semi-final defeat to the Turkish side Galatasaray and a third placed finish in the Premiership (with Champions League qualification). He has a fantastic young side at his disposal with the likes of ; Kewell, A. Smith, I.Harte, M.Bridges, R. Ferdiand, J. Woodgate backed by the experience of L.Radebe, N.Martyn and D.Batty.
The next two season brought a champions league Semi-final defeat and a 6th and a 5th placed finish respectively; but O’Leary had blown £100m on players in these two seasons and hadn’t returned any silverware. As a result he was sacked, and we all know what happened to Leeds next.
Although he can’t be blamed for Ridsdale making a pigs ear of Leeds, his poor transfer policy did not help. (David had 6 forwards at one point – Viduka, Smith, Kewell, Bridges, Huckerby, Keane and one left back in Harte)
After being sacked, O’Leary moved to Villa. In his first season he revitalised there season by taking them from 17th to 6th, despite having a thin squad. His other two seasons resulted in a 10th and 16th placed finish, as a strained relationship with Doug Ellis took it’s toll. He eventually left via mutual consent.
Three years later and O’Leary has yet to find a new club. I personally think it is madness that Ashley is considering him as the man to take Newcastle back to the Premiership. The job is perhaps the most demanding in football and David is about as fresh as a pair of tramps boxers His success at Leeds, 9 years ago, counts for nothing, but what do I know?
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It’s certainly an interesting one. I thought he was a pretty good manager at Leeds generally and had an eye for picking players. He did seem to go a bit mental however and start spending money on anyone with two legs, and considering that is Newcastle’s favourite pastime I can see things going tits up on Tyneside.
As another Leeds fan I share a certain affection for O’Leary and the glory days under his reign. Given the uncertainty of ownership and Ashley’s unwillingness to invest he could be the best manager they can get. However with the current imbalance in the squad his transfer policy would have to mature.
He’s fresher than Kinnear was and i’d put O’Leary in charge ahead of him and possibly (even with the emotional attachment) Alan Shearer.
It should not be forgotten that O’Leary began in management as defensive coach at Leeds. His appointment saw an improvement in that department with even Paul Beesley, possibly the worst centre back to have played in the premiership, looking at least competent. It is of common assent that sorting out the Bar Codes defensively is vital and that SheRa is unlikely to be the girl for that particular job.
He was less culpable for the financial crash than Ridsdale, though the book was utter, utter stupidity, as were the decadent purchases, Fowler and Keene, at the beginning of the decline.
That said he has done the job, towards the top, which is probably vital to a quick or even immediate return to the prem.