Can Money Buy Success? Chelsea Manage OK
By Nu Mad
Updated Friday, 29th June 2007
Sir Bobby Robson's first signing as Newcastle United manager was Alan Shearer's old strike partner from Blackburn Rovers days Kevin Gallacher, and he warns Big Sam "money will not guarantee success".
Gallacher came to Tyneside for £500,000 from Blackburn in October 1999. Scottish international who was a great favourite with the crowd. Moved on at the end of his contract in 2001 to join Preston North End after making 48 appearances for Newcastle, scoring six goals.
Blackburn saw success throughout the Jack Walker era and picked up the Premiership in 1995 due mainly to Walker's millions. And you don't need me to tell you about the success of
Chelsea with Russian money.
Gallacher (talking to the Chronicle): "Money is not everything. Some clubs have pumped money in and not been successful so you have to be wary.
"We had money at Blackburn and won the title but a lot of clubs have not had the success they wanted. Looking at Newcastle, they have not won silverware for a long time.
"As a club you would have to say they deserve to win something but at this stage they need better players there to do that. You have to hope with Big Sam and the new board coming in they can conjure up something with the new finances.
"United have the basis of a decent squad so far and good young players. From 25 years of age downwards there are fine players like Steven Taylor and James Milner but you always need experience too.
"It is up to Sam with the money he has available to spend it wisely, which is what he did at Bolton. He has the finances behind him, so hopefully he can do it at Newcastle.
"Hopefully, Michael Owen will stay on. United missed him very badly last year like any team would. Oba needed time to settle and is still a young lad but Owen has the experience."
