BY FAN FUEL – SOCCER CENTRAL INSIDERS
In this week’s edition of Soccer Central Ask the Insiders, Gerry Dobson and Daniel Fernandes answer several fan questions including what they think of MLSE hiring TIm Leiweke and what it could mean for Toronto FC; and what they think of the decision making of Newcastle manager Alan Pardew.
Michelle asks: What, if any, effect will MLSE’s hiring of Tim Leiweke as president and CEO have on TFC?
Gerry Dobson: Leiweke is a good one. He’s the man who brought David Beckham to the Los Angeles Galaxy. Such a move might not be in the best interest of TFC, but the point is that he’s a visionary and thinks big. I see nothing but good things coming from TFC with him in charge.
Patrick asks: What do you think of the decision making by Newcastle manager Alan Pardew? Seems like many of the fans want him gone. Do you see that happening?
Daniel Fernandes: When owner Mike Ashley sacked Chris Houghton and brought in Alan Pardew midway through the 2010-11 season, alot of eyebrows were raised. It wasn’t a popular decision at the time with many Newcastle fans as well. But one thing became clear, Pardew was, for whatever reason, going to be given a long leash (multi-year deal) and a decent budget to work with. In the 2011-12 season, they went on a great run and Alan Pardew was named Premier League Manager of the Season. Not even the late Sir Bobby Robson claimed that honour, in fact, Pardew was the first Newcastle bench boss to do so. But that was last year, and things change quickly in football. This season has been one of peaks and valleys for Newcastle. I think the added demands of Europa League football (where they reached the last eight), the sale of Demba Ba mid way through, untimely injuries (Ben Arfa, Sissoko, Cabayae, Coloccini etc) proved too much for Pardew and Newcastle to cope with. If the club can avoid relegation, and they probably will, I can see Mike Ashley giving Pardew a few months in the new season to get the club back on track and fighting for places in Europe.
Have your say: Have an opinion on the news of the day? Better yet, want to become a Fan Fuel blogger? Email us here. | Read more Fan Fuel blogs here
Marcus asks: Do you agree with the move by the Queens Park Ranger to keep Harry Redknapp as manager?
Gerry Dobson: They’re paying him a ton of money and they just got relegated. I don’t see they have much choice. And he’ll be happy to collect his paycheque no matter what division he’s managing in. Its going to be a battle for them to bounce back up no matter who is in charge. Might as well be him.
Francis asks: Given the public announcement that current NBA player Jason Collins made announcing he was gay, how far away do you think we are for a current soccer player to come out? Do you think it would happen in the MLS before Europe?
Gerry Dobson: I have no opinion on which professional athlete from which league, and from which continent will be next to make an announcement he is gay. All I am hoping for is the day when an individual’s lifestyle is no longer an issue. Gay, straight, whatever, it doesn’t matter to me. Everyone’s lifestyle should be accepted openly.