It’s been a turbulent season in the Premier League and there are few signs of it ending at the business end of the season. Former Newcastle United and West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop has seen best of both worlds with his two former teams.
In their attempt to pull off yet another great escape, Newcastle United have used their tried and tested method of bring in a new manager, this time Rafa Benitez, to salvage the club and Hislop, a panel member of ESPN FC, a daily discussion and analysis show with former players and journalists aired at Sony ESPN (7 pm), feels that the issues with the club starts at the top.
“Mike Ashley (owner) is a major problem. He has spent money a bit (but) leadership is a problem. A lot of players haven’t performed and that’s not down to him but the running of the club ultimately goes down to the owner. He has changed a lot of managers and transfers haven’t worked out that well. For Newcastle, it’s a long time coming,” he stated during an exclusive interview with this newspaper.
Meanwhile, West Ham are looking in the opposite direction and are currently within a shout of a top four spot and according to the former custodian, all the credit goes to manager Slaven Bilic.
“Bilic was a fantastic hire. A former player, who understands the club and fans. They are a side who can play attractive football and be physical,” he remarked.
And what of Leicester City, the biggest surprise and the league leaders
“I feel this season is a one-off. I expect the Premier League to go back to normal next season. There will be 6-7 teams battling for top four spots (on the league table).
“I feel Leicester will win the title this season. There is too much of a gap now (five points) and they are remaining calm,” he opined.
