John Carver has opened up about the bitter circumstances surrounding his first departure from Newcastle United, a situation that left him with lingering feelings of resentment toward his former boss, Graeme Souness. Carver, who had been assistant to Sir Bobby Robson at Newcastle, was appointed caretaker manager after Robson’s sacking in 2004. His first match in charge was a 3-0 win over Blackburn Rovers, which seemed to show promise. However, that success was followed by tension when Souness took over as the permanent manager shortly after.
Carver described how things quickly soured between the two men. He had hoped for some mutual respect and collaboration but was disappointed. He explained that Souness failed to acknowledge his role or even approach him in a professional manner. Instead, Carver found himself sidelined when Souness arrived with his own staff, and they were introduced to the players without any consultation with him. It was an uncomfortable moment for Carver, who felt disrespected by the way Souness handled the situation.
Carver recalled an awkward encounter in the dining room when Souness and his staff sat down with the existing staff, seemingly ignoring Carver’s presence. Carver, ever blunt and direct, addressed the issue immediately, stating that they needed to have a conversation. The two then spoke privately, and Souness explained that he was bringing in his own people. While Carver was initially willing to accept the decision, he felt betrayed when he was offered the role of academy director, which he saw as an attempt to push him aside. He decided that it was time to leave.
Feeling deeply disrespected, Carver packed his things and walked out, telling Souness that he would be taking a break. He revealed that if he were to see Souness again, he wouldn’t want to speak to him and would not shake his hand, a sentiment he still holds to this day. For Carver, it wasn’t about football tactics but about how Souness treated him personally. He described Souness as a football legend but also stated that his interpersonal skills left much to be desired, which ultimately contributed to Carver’s decision to part ways with the club.
The fallout from Souness’ time at Newcastle was significant. The team’s performance under his management faltered, with the club dropping from 5th place in the Premier League during the 2003-04 season to 14th in his first season at the helm. By the time Souness was dismissed in 2006, the Magpies were struggling in mid-table, and the damage was done. However, Newcastle did show signs of recovery, finishing 7th that season under the guidance of Glenn Roeder.
Carver, who would go on to return to Newcastle as assistant manager to Alan Pardew in 2011, eventually became interim manager after Pardew’s departure. Despite helping the team avoid relegation during a tumultuous period, Carver’s second spell at St James’ Park ended in disappointment. He left the club after the 2014-15 season, only to later take up the role of assistant manager with the Scotland national team. While Carver’s career has seen ups and downs, his time at Newcastle remains a poignant chapter, marked by a deep sense of personal dissatisfaction over how he was treated by Souness.
