McClaren vs Vieira: Who should Newcastle choose as their new head coach?

EXPERIENCE

McClaren

The extent of McClaren’s CV is one of his biggest attractions. Having begun his coaching career with Oxford and Derby, he spent three years as Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, helping the club to claim the treble in 1999.

His five-year spell at Middlesbrough saw the Teessiders win the Carling Cup and reach the UEFA Cup final, and his achievements at the Riverside saw him appointed as England boss in 2006.

His period in charge of the national team was a disaster, with England failing to qualify for Euro 2008, but he went on to win the Dutch Eredivisie with FC Twente and manage in the Bundesliga with Wolfsburg.

Vieira

Whereas McClaren’s playing career was spent in the lower leagues, Vieira was one of the most successful midfielders of his generation. His nine years at Arsenal saw him win three Premier League titles and four FA Cups, and he was part of the France squad that won the 1998 World Cup, coming on as a substitute in the final.

However, his coaching career is still in its infancy, and he is yet to take on a senior role. He joined Manchester City’s backroom staff in 2011 as a football development executive, and stepped up to take over the club’s reserve team in May 2013.

He is highly-regarded within the backroom set-up at the Etihad, but might his lack of managerial experience count against him when posited against a veteran operator like McClaren?

STATUS

McClaren

McClaren’s standing has fluctuated wildly throughout his career, but even his harshest critic would have to concede that he is a proven performer with extensive international experience.

His failure with England undoubtedly damaged his reputation, but his willingness to broaden his horizons by heading overseas – following the example of Sir Bobby Robson – earned him considerable respect.

The last few years have been more difficult though, and his struggles with both Nottingham Forest and Derby mean his appointment would hardly win universal praise amongst the Newcastle fans.

Vieira

Whereas McClaren’s candidature has been greeted with a collective shrug of the shoulders on Tyneside, news of Vieira’s interest was met with a great deal of excitement when it broke over the weekend.

The Frenchman might not be an established name in terms of management, but his achievements with both Arsenal and France mean he is a globally-recognised figure with a broad appeal that spreads way beyond Tyneside.

From a fans’ perspective, appointing such a well-known name would boost interest and morale at a time when season-ticket sales are believed to be flagging. And from a club point of view, having Vieira in charge might make it easier to market Newcastle abroad.

COACHING ABILITY AND TACTICS

McClaren

Having helped Derby win promotion to the Premier League in his role as assistant to Jim Smith, it was McClaren’s move to Manchester United that saw him establish a reputation as one of the most progressive coaches in the English game.

Ferguson trusted him to oversee a large proportion of Manchester United’s training sessions, and the 54-year-old’s coaching ability has always been one of his key strengths. He is also renowned as a good man manager, who is generally respected by the players working under him.

His time at Middlesbrough saw him criticised for being overly negative, although McClaren could point to his side’s remarkable European comebacks against Basle and Steaua Bucharest as proof of a willingness to throw caution to the wind when required.

Vieira

Vieira’s coaching experience has been gained at a much lower level than McClaren’s, although the Frenchman, who recently completed a UEFA Pro Licence course in Wales, has gained respect for his effective stewardship of a Manchester City development side that won the Premier League International Cup last season.

Those who have watched City’s reserves regularly speak of a slick, possession-based style that prioritises retention of the ball and a high-tempo pressing game. However, it is worth noting that no academy player has established a place in City’s first team on Vieira’s watch.

It is also worth pointing out that up until now, Vieira’s experience has been with young, emerging players who are likely to hang on his every word. Given his volatility as a player, how would he deal with disgruntled seasoned professionals with egos to match the size of their salaries?

SUITABILITY FOR NEWCASTLE

McClaren

From Mike Ashley’s point of view, it is easy to see why McClaren ticks a lot of boxes. You know what you are going to get from him, and after a disastrous end to last season under John Carver, a safe pair of hands could be desirable.

Crucially, McClaren is also an experienced political operator who is unlikely to rock the boat and demand changes to the backroom structure that Ashley places great faith in. Like it or not, that will be important to the Magpies owner.

The criticism of a McClaren appointment would be that it lacked vision and a sense of excitement. Ashley pledged to make changes when he finally appeared on television ahead on the final day of the season, yet installing McClaren would feel like an extension of the status quo.

Vieira

There is no doubt that Vieira is the more high-risk of the two candidates, and while Ashley has hardly been averse to taking a gamble in his wider business dealings, last season proved the slenderness of the margins between mid-table stability and a potentially disastrous relegation.

The latest soundings from the Vieira camp could also cause alarm bells to ring in the St James’ Park boardroom, with those close to the Frenchman suggesting he would only take over if he had a significant input into all transfer dealings.

Yet with his club in a trough, might Ashley decide the risk is worth taking? The last couple of seasons have been tortuous, so might a radical change of direction start with a surprise choice of head coach?