Roeder handed St James’ Park post
Shepherd blasts LMA
Mariners through to Play-Off Final
— As expected, Glenn Roeder is confirmed as Newcastle United manager with a two-year contract.
It completes a remarkable recovery by the former Toon skipper after being struck down by a life-threatening brain tumour in April 2003.
The ex-West Ham United boss was in charge of Newcastle’s youth academy when took over as caretaker manager in February following the dismissal of Graeme Souness.
United’s form improved immediately. They took 32 points from 15 Premiership games and secured a place in next season’s Intertoto Cup with a victory over champions Chelsea on the last day of the campaign.
50 year-old Roeder commented: “If you work hard and fight for the dream it proves that anything in life is possible, and when the opportunity comes along you have to be ready for it.”
It had been rumoured that the newly-retired Alan Shearer would assist Roeder, however the Toon legend is appointed to the new post of the club’s sporting ambassador.
Chairman Freddie Shepherd explains: “His role is exactly what is says on the tin. He will be our ambassador around the world.”
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— As Roeder’s sudden illness meant he wasn’t able to complete his UEFA Pro Licence course, the Premier League had to grant Newcastle United special dispensation before his appointment could be confirmed.
The League Manager’s Association (LMA) voiced their concerns that the FIFA directive was overlooked or, as LMA chief executive John Barnwell put it: “The UEFA Pro Licence stops those people who make the appointments from appointing the butcher, the baker and the candlestick maker.
“Prospective managers are now looking at it and thinking, ‘If I want to manage in the top league, I don’t need to bother to get qualifications, do I? What am I bothering for?’.
“The Professional Footballers’ Association have blown their lid as well. All their guys will think they don’t need to bother now. So I’m absolutely furious.”
Newcastle United chairman Freddie Shepherd isn’t particularly chuffed either: “I think it’s a disgrace he [Barnwell] said that, and shame on him.
“For a union leader to try to stop someone getting a job I think is incredible. I can’t believe he said this remark.”
— In the 100th meeting with their Lincolnshire rivals, Grimsby Town beat Lincoln City 2-1 at Blundell Park to go through 3-1 on aggregate to the League Two Play-Off Final.
The Imps drew level with Marvin Robinson’s opener but the Mariners restored their one goal advantage from the first leg through substitute and former Lincoln centre-back Ben Futcher.
Leading scorer Gary Jones clinched the victory with a 81st minute header but he was sent-off in added time and, subject to an appeal, will miss the final.
At the 11th attempt, this is the first of this season’s Play-Off games to be won by the home team.
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