OPINION
Graham Carr is one of the most divisive behind-the-scenes presences at Newcastle United in recent years, with some proclaiming him a genius and others a fraud.
He left the club shortly into Rafael Benitez’s reign, having been in complete control of transfers for several seasons prior to the Spaniard’s arrival. Thus was brought to an end the great French invasion that had taken place on Tyneside under his watch.
However, those heady days may be about to return. The Daily Mirror reported on Saturday that prospective new Magpies boss Steve Bruce is hugely keen to bring Carr back to the club if he is appointed Benitez’s replacement at St James’ Park.
By all accounts Bruce is close to being appointed, and so it follows that Carr may soon be back in charge of transfers for the north east giants.
Whether you think that’s a good thing or not probably depends on your perspective, but for the majority of Newcastle supporters, they will surely be fearing the worst if Carr is given the reins once again.
Because, while he unearthed some real gems during his first stint in charge of scouting, particularly from Ligue 1, his success rate dipped dramatically towards the end of his time at the club.
Yes, he brought the likes of Yohan Cabaye, Georginio Wijnaldum and the late, great Cheick Tiote to St James, Park, but once we hit the back end of his stint with the Magpies you uncover a series of poor signings made under his watch.
Emmanuel Riviere was an absolutely shocking signing who was indicative of Carr’s over-reliance on Ligue 1 talent, while Remy Cabella and Florian Thauvin are two more chastening examples of that – don’t even get me started on Henri Saivet, who is somehow still at the club.
So if we are judging Carr’s most recent performance at Newcastle, you’d have to be seriously concerned at the prospect of him potentially returning to the north east.
