Former Newcastle United players have not always had a smooth return to the club.
While Alan Shearer cannot be blamed for Mike Ashley’s first relegation, the fact remains that Newcastle’s greatest legend stood on the touchline when the club was relegated to the Championship in 2009.
Kevin Keegan, of course, had already visited and left for the second time by that point.
Andy Carroll did not exactly shine when he returned, with the possible exception of Nolberto Solano.
His second time at St James’ Park was not a disaster, and it appears that the Peruvian wants to return as part of the PIF period.
Nolberto Solano eyes Newcastle return
Indeed, Solano has been chatting with Peruvian news outlet Infobae.
He has indicated that he wants to return to Newcastle as a coach to oversee the club’s U16 group, but he has yet to hear back from them.
“In Peru, I am honest, I have worked in the national team, I am a coach, but it is complicated, it is difficult,” he was quoted as saying.
“They remained with a group of national coaches that they lead. However, our class, which includes Flavio Maestri and Paul Cominges, finds it challenging.
“You must wait; if somebody dares to make an offer, it will be time to consider it. For the time being, it appears like I will work with the Newcastle sub-16 team; I am awaiting an answer.
Solano, who has previously managed in South America and Europe, was most recently in charge of Swedish second-tier club AFC Eskilstuna before being fired in October.
Newcastle’s academy is improving of late
The academy has not always been Newcastle’s most fruitful asset.
Between Carroll and Paul Dummett, there were few graduates who made the first team.
Still, things seem to be changing. Sean Longstaff may not totally persuade, but he remains an important player in Eddie Howe’s views, and Elliot Anderson is expected to go far.
Lewis Miley, meantime, has looked like a rising talent during this challenging season.
With that in mind, people who coach the club’s various age groups face a lot of strain. With FFP likely to remain an issue, cultivating talent in-house could be a viable method to reinforce ranks – as long as the young players receive the proper coaching.
Hopefully, Solano is capable of doing just that.
