Newcastle sack Souness
Thursday, February 2, 2006
Article summary
Newcastle United FC have reacted to slipping to 15th place in the Premiership by sacking manager Graeme Souness after 16 months at the St James' Park helm.
Article body
Free spending
Souness left Blackburn Rovers FC to replace Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle weeks into the 2004/05 season, but has been unable to revive the north-east club's fortunes despite spending freely in the transfer market on such players as Michael Owen (€23.5m), Scott Parker (€9.8m), Albert Luque (€14m) and Emre Belözoğlu (€6m). Last night's 3-0 loss at Manchester City FC left Newcastle just six points above the relegation zone, prompting the board to act.
Statement
A club statement said: "Newcastle United today announced that the employment of Graeme Souness has been terminated with immediate effect. Glenn Roeder will take charge of first-team affairs for the immediate future. Roeder will be assisted by captain Alan Shearer and will be caretaker manager for Saturday's game against Portsmouth [FC]." A statement released by Souness read: "I am obviously saddened at the way things have worked out at St James' Park. I wish the club, the players and the supporters good fortune and success going forward."
European champion
Former Scottish international Souness started out in management with Rangers FC in 1986 before being appointed by his former team Liverpool FC in 1991. The 52-year-old worked subsequently at Galatasaray SK, Southampton FC, Torino Calcio and SL Benfica. As a player, Souness won the European Champion Clubs' Cup three times with Liverpool.
