Graeme Souness has opened up on why managing Newcastle United put him off of football altogether.
Souness was manager of the Magpies between 2004 and 2006 having previously spent time coaching the likes of Liverpool, Benfica and Galatasaray, but he would never manage another team after leaving Tyneside.
On talkSPORT’s Simon & Souness show, Souness explained how he found dealing with those in charge at Newcastle very difficult and it completely put him off of managing another team again.
Souness found Newcastle owners ‘difficult’ to work with
In the modern age of Newcastle United, the owners are often praised for their constant communication with Eddie Howe and how patient they have been with him despite recent Premier League results not going their way.
However, as most will be aware of, it was hardly ever smooth sailing at Newcastle prior to the takeover with the club consistently underperforming and struggling to meet the expectations of some.
Souness worked under former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd who eventually had the Scotsman sacked after a defeat to Manchester City, but things were very difficult during his tenure at the club.
Similar to Howe this season, Souness had struggled with a number of injuries while in the North East and was heavily criticised by the fans for his purchase in the transfer market with Michael Owen being the obvious blunder.
Looking back, the now 70-year-old admitted he found things very difficult at St James’ Park and it forced his retirement from management.
On the podcast, Souness said: “I spent a couple of years up there. I found it a very difficult job, a difficult place to work. But it’s different ownership now. People I was answering to, well they put me off football forever and being a manager.”
Newcastle are a completely different club these days
Thankfully for the supporters Newcastle have been transformed as a football club and are a shadow of their former selves.
The last two decades have been tough for the Magpies who have seen their team relegated twice and been involved in what felt like endless relegation battles with no ambition to go any higher.
Now, there is a clear long-term plan in place, there is a manager who has a distinct style of play and there is a squad who are willing to throw their bodies on the line for their manager and their supporters.
The future looks so much brighter for Newcastle than it did back in Souness’ day and there’s a lot to be excited about on Tyenside.
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