Newcastle caretaker-manager John Carver planning for long-term future

JOHN CARVER is making plans for Newcastle’s future even though he may not be part of it.

00:30, Sat, Feb 28, 2015 | UPDATED: 10:10, Sat, Feb 28, 2015

John Carver GETTY

John Carver is yet to win as Newcastle manager

Defeat at home to Aston Villa today would inflict further damage on the caretaker-manager’s dream of being given the job on a permanent basis.

But he admits he is still thinking “long term” as the club’s hierarchy involve him in talks about players’ contracts.

“I will give my opinion,” Carver said. “The conversations we’ve had have always been long term. We’ve had a session on pre-season dates and venues. We haven’t decided where we’re going, but we’re talking about different options.”

Results need to improve if Carver is to feature in those plans and victory is essential against a Villa side seeking their first league win under new manager Tim Sherwood.

“Tim has brought a different style to Villa and given them a different identity,” Carver said. “He’s definitely changed the style – it’s back to front.”

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“Under Paul Lambert they used to play football and pass it. They didn’t always seem to have a purpose, but now they’re a little bit more direct. They’re playing off Benteke.

“I watched their game against Stoke and it wasn’t a classic. He’s trying to put his stamp on the team and they’ve got that energy and enthusiasm which always comes with a new person coming in.”

While Jonas Gutierrez could be involved as a substitute today, his close friend Fabricio Coloccini is under fire for his performance in the 5-0 humiliation at Manchester City last week.

But Carver said: “He’s been great for me. He’s the captain of this team and he holds us together and he’s been outstanding in my opinion, the staff’s opinion and the players’ opinion.

“He’s been a great servant to this club and the fans do like him. Everybody’s going to get criticised and sometimes you have to take that on the chin and deal with it, especially after the result we’ve just had.”