Newcastle United set for return to the 'Graham Carr model' - Report
According to the Chronicle, the next Newcastle United 'boss' will be asked to liaise with the club's head of recruitment Steve Nickson regarding potential transfers.
The report suggests that any new manager or 'head coach' will "have a say" on his own transfer targets, however it seems the club are now looking to return to the 'Graham Carr model' following Rafa's exit - a system that had VERY mixed success prior to Benitez's arrival.
Former 'chief scout' Graham Carr left the club two years go, with his role made largely redundant after Benitez's push to take total control of transfers.
Here's a snippet from the Chronicle's latest piece, which confirms Charnley is now searching for Rafa's replacement:
'Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley has started the search for Rafa Benitez's successor with a blank canvas in terms of names - but the next Toon boss will be asked to dovetail with head of recruitment Steve Nickson.
'The new boss will certainly have a say on his own targets but a database of players put together by Nickson and European scouts Mick Tait and Paul Baker will also be available.
'Back in 2015, then boss Steve McClaren agreed to go along with some of Graham Carr's picks from Europe which resulted in Aleksandar Mitrovic, Chancel Mbemba and Gini Wijnaldum.
'Newcastle aren't likely to make any huge changes to their blueprint or outlook on transfers.
'The situation at United is certainly leaning back towards a "head coach" role with the proviso of working closely with Nickson and his recruitment team. But as it stands, Newcastle are carefully assessing their position.'
Lee Ryder's latest report suggest the club may go in a 'new direction' following Rafa's exit, however the above approach doesn't sound new at all to me.
It just sounds like the old method used before we finally broke the mould and brought in Rafa three years ago - an experienced and world class operator who took control of all footballing matters.
That's what's so crushing about Benitez's exit. He fought for change and pushed for control of recruitment, but it feels like Ashley and Charnely will bring in a 'head coach' who's not only willing to accept their tedious transfer blue print, but also work closely alongside our head scout Steve Nickson.
Here's Carr's signings prior to Rafa's arrival. A real mixed bag, with some huge flops alongside several incredible bargains:
Let's hope Nickson's potential suggestions prove to be slightly more consistent, with us likely to need all the help we can get now Rafa is no more.
