Graeme Souness takes swipe at Newcastle fans and says why he found it ‘very difficult’ as manager

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Graeme Souness’ time as a manager came to an end after his two-year spell in charge of Newcastle United.

Graeme Souness spent just short of two years in charge of Newcastle between 2004 and 2006 in what turned out to be the Scotsman’s final managerial spell.

He was sacked at St James’ Park with a win rate of 43 percent after winning 36 of his 83 games in charge of the side.

Souness found Newcastle owners ‘difficult’ to work with and explained that his poor relationship with the hierarchy at St James’ Park is the reason he never went back into management.

Now 18 years since Souness was sacked as manager, the 71-year-old has taken a swipe at Newcastle fans and their expectations.

Graeme Souness aims dig at Newcastle fans

Souness was never taken on board by the Newcastle fanbase during his time as manager.

But he only has himself to blame after making several questionable decisions. The signing of Michael Owen in 2005 is at the top of that list.

Speaking on the Up Front podcast, Souness still seems bitter about his Newcastle sacking and decided to take a swipe at the club’s supporters.

“I worked at Newcastle for two years and found it a very difficult place. I think there’s a general frustration born out of them not being successful,” he said.

“I found you could be going well but then after one defeat it’s as if everything is going wrong.

Later in the podcast, Souness said: “I think you have to be a big player to play at Newcastle because the crowd turn very quickly.

“They think they’re as big as Liverpool so I’d say you have to be a big player at Liverpool, Man United, Arsenal, Man City.

“[Newcastle are in that bracket] because of the pressure exerted from supporters.”

Graeme Souness couldn’t be more wrong about Newcastle fans

There is no fanbase in the Premier League more passionate or loyal than Newcastle supporters.

Even during the years when Newcastle were lurking around the relegation zone, St James’ Park was packed out and rallied behind the side.

Rival managers have even said that St James’ Park has the best atmosphere in the Premier League, and Souness’ comments deflect from the fact that he underperformed at the club.

READ MORE: Whether Amanda Staveley’s interest in Tottenham Hotspur investment is genuine after Newcastle exit

His comments around the club’s hierarchy are fair, but Newcastle have started a fresh chapter since the PIF takeover and there is now a rebuilt bond between fans, players and the board.

One of the major decisions being made by PIF is whether to build Newcastle a new stadium or stay put at St James’ Park.