John Carver meets angry Newcastle fans who abused him
Saturday 2 May 2015 10:58, UK
Under-fire Newcastle United manager John Carver has taken time out to meet the two fans who abused him during last week’s home defeat by Swansea.
Allen O’Connell and Thomas Concannon were involved in a flare up at St James Park with Carver who responded by confronting the duo to tell them they were both out of order.
The two season ticket holders were then invited to meet the Magpies boss at the club’s training ground and one of them spoke to the Newcastle Chronicle about the chat.
O’Connell, 22, a hotel receptionist, told the newspaper: “We didn’t hold anything back, we told him what we thought.
“He admitted his players aren’t good enough because of injury. He said he had money to spend but would walk if they couldn’t buy any new players.
“He said he sympathised with us. He didn’t actually say that he wanted to be manager next season but you could just tell that he wants it. But he did say he would still be at the club at some capacity – no matter what.
“We told him that he wasn’t good enough as a manager, we didn’t say the actual words because that would be disrespectful, but we said the club wasn’t doing well and that’s down to the manager.
“He took everything we said on the chin and was good about it but we told him how unhappy we are with the club, so he knows.”
Carver made it clear it was important to connect with the fans but stressed his meeting with O’Connell and Concannon was a one-off.
He said: “I don’t want 52,000 phone calls now wanting to come and see me because that would be a bit difficult.
“It’s important I get the points across for them to understand a little bit more about me. I’m one of them and I understand their frustrations.
“I want them to see I can relate to them and give them a bit of time. At least if they get a feel for me, they will understand a bit better though I’m not looking for sympathy.”
