Source: Northern_Echo
Regretful Carver planning Newcastle’s exit
JOHN Carver will be plotting Newcastle's FA Cup downfall this afternoon, but had things gone a little differently this summer, the former Magpies caretaker could have been barking out instructions from the away bench at Home Park.[LNB] Carver was appointed assistant to Paul Mariner at Plymouth Argyle after the former England international replaced Paul Sturrock at the start of last month.[LNB] However, he is best remembered as the long-term assistant to Sir Bobby Robson at St James' Park, a position he filled for more than three years at the start of the last decade.[LNB] Carver's last involvement with the Magpies was as caretaker boss in a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers in 2004, but the 44-year-old was released when Graeme Souness took over on Tyneside the following week.[LNB] He has subsequently worked at Leeds United and Toronto FC, but was widely tipped to return to Newcastle if his close friend, Alan Shearer, was appointed on a permanent basis in the summer.[LNB] That did not happen, and while Carver is delighted to have been offered his current position at Plymouth, he admits to a tinge of regret at the way things have panned out in the last six months.[LNB] It's strange really because if Alan had become Newcastle boss, I'd probably be part of the coaching set-up there now, said Carver, who was a trainee at Newcastle in the 1980s before going on to play for Cardiff City.[LNB] Obviously, I always hoped he'd get the job on a permanent basis last summer.[LNB] After working there under Sir Bobby, I never gave up hope of going back. And for a time, it looked as if that would happen with Alan.[LNB] But all credit to Chris Hughton, who has done a terrific job under difficult circumstances.[LNB] He has got Newcastle to the top of the table with one hand behind his back.[LNB] Prior to joining Plymouth, Carver spent a brief spell as a radio summariser with BBC Radio Newcastle, and he has seen enough of the current Newcastle side to appreciate why they are six points clear at the top of the Championship table.[LNB] In my opinion, they are far and away the best team in the Championship, he said.[LNB] They have the best resources and the best group of players.[LNB] They have got themselves into a great position and I just hope they do not fall away. I don't think they will.[LNB] Nevertheless, Carver will be attempting to trip up his hometown team this afternoon, even if he admits he will find it impossible to celebrate a Plymouth victory.[LNB] This will be the first time I've ever been in the opposition dug-out against Newcastle,[LNB] he said.[LNB] I've got to know the Plymouth lads really well in the short time I've been down here, but it will feel strange.[LNB] Of course, I'll be doing all I can to help Plymouth win, but there's no way I could celebrate a goal against Newcastle.[LNB] It just wouldn't feel right[LNB]
