‘They’ll have to take job off me’

JOHN Carver hopes to learn his fate within 48 hours of the end of Newcastle United’s season.
IN CHARGE ... John Carver.IN CHARGE ... John Carver.
IN CHARGE ... John Carver.

Carver still feels he is in “pole position” to become the club’s head coach on a permanent basis – despite the team’s poor form.

The 50-year-old is also aware that many fans are against his appointment.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Relegation-threatened United take on Queens Park Rangers, already condemned to the Championship, at Loftus Road tomorrow knowing a win could be enough to secure the club’s Premier League status.

Newcastle wrap up their season with a home game against West Ham United on May 24.

Carver’s side are two points above third-from-bottom Hull City after claiming just one point from their last nine games.

However, Carver – who feels the club’s poor record this year is largely down to the injuries and suspensions which have decimated his squad – still feels he is the frontrunner for the post.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Asked if his chance had gone given the club’s predicament near the foot of the league, Carver said: “No, because I have the job

“They have to take it off me now!”

Carver will go on holiday the Wednesday immediately after the West Ham match, and he hopes to be told whether he has the job on a full-time basis before he leaves the country.

However, there won’t be any dicussions before the last ball is kicked.

“There has been nothing discussed,” said Carver. “We have just focused on these two games.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’m going away on holiday on the Wednesday after the West Ham game, so I would like to know where I am by then.

“But I want no discussions from now until the West Ham game is finished. I don’t think it’s right, I think it’s important we have to keep all our focus on these games.”

Carver’s stance won’t change even if the club secures its top-flight status at Loftus Road.

He added: “Even if we’re safe – if we win on Saturday and all the results go our way – I still want to go and win the West Ham game.

“Then we’ll talk about it (my future).

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I want to win everything I do. This goes back to what I said last week about me believing, in my head, I am the best.

“I want to win everything. I’m so competitive.

“My pride has been hurt by the run of results – I want to do something about it.

“If that means winning the next two games, that will make me feel a little bit better.”

Carver welcomes defender Daryl Janmaat back from suspension for the QPR game.