Miami Geordie

Barclays Manager of the Month award goes to Mr Moneycini

Quite fitting really that Barclays bank sponsored award goes to Roberto Mancini for the Premier League manager of the month award for October. No taking away from Mancini’s work, you would expect wins over the likes of Wolves/Villa at home and Blackburn away, for the sheer size of investment made in the squad (+250 million pounds of spending by Mancini alone).

manc

Taking a look at the table of EPL spending since 2006, and Man City are streets above anyone in the spending department.

Now, compare at the other end of the table, Newcastle United who have not only spent less than 1/5 of Man City, they’ve sold more than they’ve spent. Taking this into account, Newcastle’s record in October become even more remarkable and hence makes a strong argument why it should be Alan Pardew holding the award:

This was the run of fixtures where we “hadnt played anyone yet”. However, closer inspection will reveal each of these to be very much key games/results:

1. Wolves vs Newcastle; away at the slugfest that is the Molineux Stadium. 3 points massive. 2nd half team faded a bit, but 1st half total dominance and 2 goal lead.

2. Newcastle vs Spurs; the “1st test of season” for Newcastle. Fantastic flowing game, silencing the potent attack of Bale, Modric and VDV. At end of game nearly took the full 3 points. Tactically spot on by Pardew

3. Newcastle vs Wigan; Wigan gave Newcastle a run for their money and were by no means a role over. Late in the game substitution by Pardew of Shola Ameobi and HBA save the day.

4. Stoke City vs Newcastle; the anti-football team of football. Beaten only once in 2011 at the Britannia Stadium. Tactical masterstroke by Alan Pardew playing Stoke at their own game.

Well, Pardew may not have gotten “MOM” award, but perhaps some consolation can be taken from the LMA Manager of the Month:

Yes, would have been a hattrick of awards for Newcastle United related management if Pardew had won. Well done Chris Hughton and Lee Clark. However, the award has been in the past though to be cursed as winners go onto a terrible spell. Lets hoping that begins on the 19th November for Mancini.

P.S. Dont even get me started on Demba Ba for player of the month…

4 November 2011 ·