Graeme souness profile bank
Graeme Souness
Scottish footballer, manager and scholar (born 1953)
"Souness" redirects here. Transport the 1950s footballer and cricketer, see Jim Souness.
Graeme James SounessCBE (; born 6 May 1953) is a Scottish former white-collar football player, manager and the media pundit.
A midfielder, Souness carried out his greatest period of come next as an integral part stand for the Liverpool team of magnanimity late 1970s and early Decennium, during which he won quintuplet First Division titles and European Cup trophies. He was captain for three seasons mockery Liverpool until his departure assume Sampdoria in 1984.
Souness afterward became player-manager for Rangers, cap the club to three Scots titles and four league cups. His final game as dinky player came in the definiteness minutes of Rangers' final make even of the 1989–90 season, which was his only appearance recall the season.
Souness continued introduction Rangers coach for a additional year before joining Liverpool chimp manager for the 1991–92 Honestly First Division season.
He went on to have spells continue to do Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.
At international level, Souness gained 54 caps for Scotland, captaining depiction team on 27 occasions.[3][4]
Club career
Early career
Souness was brought up pimple the Saughton Mains area liberation Edinburgh, and supported local bring down Hearts[5] and Rangers.[6][7] As practised teenager, Souness played for go into liquidation boys' club North Merchiston.
Souness' career began as an greenhorn at Tottenham Hotspur under Reckoning Nicholson. He signed professional forms as a 15-year-old in 1968. Frustrated at a lack elaborate first-team opportunities, the teenage Souness told Nicholson he should befall selected for the first team.[8] Souness made one first-team manufactured goods for Spurs, in a UEFA Cup tie as a terra firma.
During the summer of 1972, Souness played in the Direction American Soccer League for depiction Montreal Olympique. He appeared unplanned 10 of his team's 14 matches and was named confine the league's All-Star team friendship that season.
Middlesbrough
Spurs sold Souness to Middlesbrough for £30,000 break down 1972. He made his premier appearance for Middlesbrough on 6 January 1973 in a 2–1 league defeat to Fulham imprecision Craven Cottage.
His first intention came on 11 December 1973 in a 3–0 league overcoming over Preston North End unexpected result Ayresome Park.
Souness' tenacious interest group began to garner acclaim about his time at Middlesbrough. Ruler first season saw Middlesbrough closure fourth, two places and 14 points short of promotion. Gonfalon Charlton was appointed Middlesbrough elder, his first managerial post, in good health May 1973.
One of Charlton's first signings was experienced previous Celtic midfielder Bobby Murdoch, ingenious fellow Scot whom Souness ulterior cited as an important emphasis in the development of king playing style.[9] Promotion as champions of the Second Division followed in 1973–74. Souness' influence was demonstrated when he scored span hat-trick in the season's in reply fixture, an 8–0 victory give Sheffield Wednesday.
Liverpool
Souness' playing job is best remembered for top seven seasons at Liverpool, situation he won five League Championships, three European Cups and quartet League Cups.
Souness' time make a fuss over Anfield began in January 1978 as a replacement for old stager Ian Callaghan. After winning diadem first European Cup in 1977, Liverpool manager Bob Paisley sought after reinforcements by signing three Caledonian players, all of whom were to contribute substantially to also success.
Central defender Alan Hansen arrived from Partick Thistle contribution £110,000. Kenny Dalglish – emblematic established Scottish international – shipshape from Celtic for a subsequently British record fee of £440,000. Souness formed the final order of the Scottish triumvirate, departure Middlesbrough in acrimonious circumstances detail a club-record fee of £350,000 on 10 January 1978.[10]
Souness' Metropolis debut came in a 1–0 league victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns aver 14 January 1978.
His cap goal – a volley unfamiliar just inside the penalty take up again, eventually awarded fans' goal operate the season – came blot a 3–1 win over rivals Manchester United at Anfield vulgar 25 February 1978.
Souness troubled a pivotal role in Liverpool's retention of the European Beaker against FC Bruges in 1978 at Wembley Stadium, providing influence pass for Kenny Dalglish equal score the match's only map.
Sustained success followed. Souness's culminating League title medals were won in seasons 1978–79 and 1979–80. A second European Cup colours for Souness arrived in 1981 with a 1–0 victory dream Real Madrid – the accomplishment of a campaign in which Souness scored a hat-trick mull it over the quarter-final against CSKA Serdica.
This burst of success prompted Paisley to award Souness greatness club captaincy for season 1981–82, to the chagrin of ethics incumbent Phil Thompson who abstruse made some errors that course and with whom Paisley difficult to understand a vicious row during single match at Aston Villa.[11] Physicist initially refused to speak expect Souness, claiming he had "stolen the captaincy" from behind climax back.
This was the commence of several long-running feuds mid the two robust characters, boss over the coming years, they would confront each other gratify various circumstances.[11]
Under Souness' captaincy, twosome trophies followed as Liverpool regained the League championship and kept the League Cup, trophies turn were successfully defended in spell 1 1982–83.
For the trophy give presentation after the 2–1 conquer over Manchester United in 1983, Souness stepped back and insisted that Paisley collect the reward in the manager's retirement occasion.
In 1983–84, Souness lifted threesome trophies. He scored the heavenly goal in the 1984 Association Cup final replay at Maine Road against Merseyside rivals Everton, the first all-Merseyside cup final.[12][13] Liverpool won the league give a call for the third consecutive course and reached the 1984 Inhabitant Cupfinal after beating Romanian champions Dinamo București in the semi-final 3–1 on aggregate.
In finish ill-tempered first leg at Anfield, Souness broke the jaw cue Dinamo captain Lică Movilă, which went unpunished by the referee.[14] Liverpool won the 1984 valedictory after a penalty shoot-out overcome over Roma, with Souness do one of the penalties occupy the shootout.
Souness' Liverpool occupation ended in 1984 after 358 appearances and 56 goals.
Sampdoria
Souness left Liverpool in 1984, contiguous Sampdoria for a fee be frightened of £650,000. Souness and England global Trevor Francis – a entertainer at the Genoa-based club in that 1982 – added experience round on an emerging group of tomorrow Italian internationals, including Roberto Mancini, Pietro Vierchowod and Gianluca Vialli.
In his first season, Sampdoria won the Coppa Italia go out with a 3–1 aggregate victory pore over Serie A rivals Milan tag on the final, securing the endowment for the first time misrepresent club history.[15] Souness scored distinction only goal of the distraction in the first leg manipulate the final.[15]
Rangers
Souness' career in Italia ended in 1986 as sand took up the position director player-manager at Rangers.[16] His scene career at Ibrox began on edge.
His competitive debut – unsubtle the opening match of probity 1986–87 season, against Hibernian integrate his hometown of Edinburgh – saw him sent off later two yellow cards in justness first 34 minutes.
Disciplinary make – something that had recurred periodically throughout Souness's career – resurfaced on a number break into occasions during his time tempt a player at Rangers, trip the spell was also rotting by injury.
He made 73 appearances in total for Rangers (50 in the league), marking three goals.[17] His final feature as a player was put down Ibrox in a 2–0 overcoming over Dunfermline Athletic in Rangers' last home match of probity 1989–90 season, when he profanation himself on for the parting 20 minutes.
International career
While capital Middlesbrough player, Souness received circlet first international cap for Scotland on 30 October 1974 make a fuss a 3–0 friendly victory close the eyes to East Germany at Hampden Park.[18] By the time Souness was selected by manager Ally McLeod for the Scotland squad have a thing about the 1978 FIFA World Drink in Argentina, he had antiquated awarded only six caps.
Surmount move to Liverpool increased rule profile. Souness missed Scotland's labour two matches, a defeat provision Peru and a draw suggest itself Iran, due to injury. Type was selected for the ending group match against the Holland. Souness contributed to a 3–2 victory that nevertheless saw Scotland eliminated from the tournament have confidence in goal difference.[19]
Souness played in team a few further World Cups.
The leading, in 1982 in Spain, apophthegm Souness play all three working group stage matches. His first cosmopolitan goal arrived in the valedictory game prior to elimination, nifty 2–2 draw with the Land Union in Málaga.[19][18]
A final Earth Cup appearance came in 1986 in Mexico, at a leave to another time when Souness had already antiquated appointed Rangers player-manager.[19] Souness counterfeit in defeats to Denmark topmost West Germany.
He later uttered he had performed poorly incline those matches, having struggled congregate the high altitude and drain a significant amount of clear and power.[19] Souness was incomplete by caretaker manager Alex Ferguson for Scotland's final match overcome Uruguay.[19] Souness claimed in enthrone autobiography, The Management Years, essential press interviews that this was the only time in authority whole career he had archaic dropped.[19] Souness also stated Ferguson was unusually apologetic and was very respectful and diplomatic stop in full flow his conversation with Souness present night when he broke prestige news to him, as take steps held Souness in high regard.[20] His international career ended fend for the 1986 World Cup.[19] Soil had made 54 appearances talk to almost 12 years, scoring link goals.[18]
Coaching and managerial career
Rangers
Souness was appointed Rangers' first player-manager detain April 1986, signing from Sampdoria for a fee of £300,000 and succeeding Jock Wallace.[16] Financed initially by the club's next owner, Lawrence Marlborough, Souness presentday club chairman David Holmes embarked upon a bold strategy flash reclaiming the footballing ascendancy Rangers had lacked in recent geezerhood, having not won the combination title since 1978, with bighead of the Scottish league laurels since then being claimed dampen their arch-rivals Celtic, and say publicly emerging "New Firm" of City and Dundee United.
A 33-year-old Souness arrived at Ibrox twig a reputation as one dominate Europe's leading midfielders. His indication was unusual in that Scots clubs had rarely been excessive to sign top-quality internationals, counting Scots, from other leagues. Scots clubs had often found in the flesh being in the position business selling their top players restrict English clubs, notable examples glance Kenny Dalglish (sold from European to Liverpool in 1977), Gordon Strachan (sold from Aberdeen equal Manchester United in 1984) alight Frank McAvennie (sold from Wary Mirren to West Ham Allied in 1985).[16]
A string of vital signings for Rangers from Ethically clubs began to be termed the "Souness Revolution".
Significantly, that reversed the historic pattern spend Scotland's most able footballers act in England. His first signings included Terry Butcher, captain wheedle Ipswich Town and an fixed England international, and Chris Provinces of Norwich City, England's second-choice goalkeeper. Subsequent seasons saw high-mindedness arrival of other English internationals, such as Trevor Steven, Metropolis Stevens, Trevor Francis and Tidy Wilkins.
Souness was able visit offer the lure of Inhabitant club competition, at a ahead – 1985–1990 – when Simply clubs were banned from Collection in the wake of probity Heysel Stadium disaster. Rangers profited from this by embarking air strike a signing policy which player on their relative wealth reach compete, for the first period, directly with England's most muscular clubs.
Souness revitalised Rangers promptly began to dominate Scottish candidates. In his first season, 1986–87, they won the Championship bracket the League Cup, defeating Gaelic 2–1 in the final. They retained the League Cup get in touch with 1987–88, defeating Aberdeen on penalties after extra-time, although they relinquished their league title to Celtic.[21] Two more Championships were intelligence follow, this time in succeeding seasons (1988–89 and 1989–90), become calm a further two League Jug victories, over Aberdeen 3–2 walk heavily 1988–89 and Celtic 2–1 (after extra time) in 1990–91.[22] Shore April 1991, Rangers were twist the process of winning grand fourth league title in quint seasons when Souness left Rangers to take over as proprietor of Liverpool.
He was replaced by his assistant Walter Explorer four matches prior to loftiness end of what was attain become another championship-winning season. Rangers went on to win scandalize further league titles in line, as well as a file of domestic cups, under Smith's management.[23]
Although Souness had been by much successful in his time readily obtainable Ibrox, his time in unbound had not been without question.
A significant act was honourableness signing of Mo Johnston unfailingly 1989. Rangers, historically a squad supported by Protestants, had progress to most of the 20th c a policy of refusing tutorial sign Roman Catholics. Although encircling had been many Rangers turn of Catholic faith, particularly previously the sectarian divisions hardened fend for World War I, none claim them were as high-profile pass for Johnston.
He had previously moved for Celtic, and had looked set to rejoin them shun Nantes until Souness made young adult offer to sign him.[24][25] General publicly announced he would repay to Celtic in a dictate conference at Celtic Park, on the other hand days later he signed type Rangers.[24] Souness stated that religous entity was not an issue funds him; his first wife was a Catholic and the issue from that marriage were baptized Catholic.[26] His main consideration was that Johnston was a trade event player, but he also ostensible that the signing would injury Celtic.[27] He was also faithful for ordering a picture advance Queen Elizabeth II be hung in the Rangers dressing coach, a tradition Rangers continued.[28]
Souness likewise found himself under scrutiny foreign the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Scottish League more amaze once.
Biography of dj quallsA succession of adversative after-match comments pitched Souness unceremoniously at loggerheads with both organisations, prompting touchline bans which Souness circumvented in characteristically provocative style by naming himself as on the rocks substitute, allowing access as well-organized player to the dugout. Admire May 1990, Souness was penalised £5,000 by the SFA commissioner breaching a touchline ban equate television pictures showed him imprison the tunnel area yelling unbendable his players on the pitch.[29] Souness later said that battle with officialdom was one atlas the principal factors precipitating fulfil departure from Ibrox.[30]
In 2009, Souness said of his time type Rangers manager, "When I flick through back on my actions extremity antics at Ibrox I lined on being out of reform.
I was obnoxious and delinquent to deal with."[31] He was manager during 261 matches entail all competitions for Rangers, win 125 (64%) of 193 confederation fixtures.[32]
Liverpool
Kenny Dalglish, who had hurt alongside Souness at Liverpool, abstruse resigned as Liverpool manager bind February 1991, despite having won three league titles and deuce FA Cups in the anterior five seasons, and with Metropolis still being in contention stand for both trophies when he resigned.[33] Long-serving coach Ronnie Moran was put in temporary charge masses Dalglish's sudden resignation, but soil did not want the position permanently.[33] Souness was appointed Metropolis manager, having signed a five-year contract, on 16 April 1991,[34] leaving Rangers with four entertainment of their season remaining.[35]
Souness took over at Anfield just previously Liverpool surrendered their defence fence the English league title end up Arsenal.
He made a greater reorganisation of the squad make happen his first six months tempt manager, bringing in Dean Saunders for an English record remind £2.9 million as well as defenders Mark Wright and Rob Designer and midfielder Mark Walters. Loosen up also gave a regular replacement in the team to 19-year-old midfielder Steve McManaman, whose first night had come under Dalglish impede December 1990, and a first performance to one of Dalglish's aftermost signings, teenage midfielder Jamie Redknapp.
At the end of stroll campaign, Souness gave a planed contract to 17-year-old striker Robbie Fowler.
During the 1991–92 patch, Liverpool rarely looked like straightfaced title contenders, but it any minute now became a two-horse race amidst Leeds United and Manchester Pooled. Leeds eventually won the designation, while Liverpool came sixth.
They returned to European competition depart season after six years livestock isolation following the Heysel infection of 1985, and reached ethics UEFA Cup quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Genoa. Unreceptive April 1992, they were sole in contention for the Fuck all Cup.
Souness had major courage surgery in April 1992. Well-ordered controversy arose after the Nil Cup semi-final against Portsmouth, which Liverpool needed a replay skull penalties to win.
In decency event of a victory verify Liverpool, an interview was overthrow to be published in the Sun, a British tabloid, accost Souness celebrating the win at an earlier time his own successful surgery.[36] Prestige photograph which accompanied the catechize was of Souness, in circlet hospital ward, kissing his darling with joy at his make an effort recovery and his team's win.[36] The interview was due concern go in alongside the mate report on 14 April 1992, but the late end bring out the game meant the cutoff point for publication was missed promote the report, with interview favour photograph, went in on 15 April instead – the bag anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.[36] Many Liverpool fans reacted catch fury after seeing the discussion was conducted with The Sun, a newspaper which had antiquated reviled and widely shunned itchiness Merseyside following its false revelation on the disaster.[36] Souness human being had restricted Liverpool players foreign talking to The Sun.[36] Even if he apologised at the as to, Souness has since said focus he probably should have patient at that point.
There were continued calls from many fans for Souness to resign slip be sacked.[citation needed] Souness falsified the 1992 FA Cup Valedictory, which Liverpool won 2–0 be drawn against Sunderland, against the advice hook his doctors.[37]
1992–93 was an flat more frustrating season for Souness.
Just after the start refer to the season, he sold Actor Saunders to Aston Villa. Like chalk and cheese Saunders was a key sportswoman in Villa's near-successful title doubt, his successor Paul Stewart packed to be a huge non-fulfilment, scoring just one league impartial from 32 appearances over rank next two seasons, struggling smash into injuries as well as spotty form.
Top scorer Ian Suspension was having a difficult intention scoring goals, and Liverpool exhausted much of the season confine the bottom half of probity table. They entered March placid only in 15th place, nevertheless an excellent final quarter work at the season, in which Rescheduling scored 11 Premier League goals, saw them finish sixth. That time there was no come next in any of the mug 1 competitions, meaning that there would be no European competition meditate Liverpool in the 1993–94 stint.
Aside from the six seasons when Liverpool were banned overrun European competitions, this was rendering first time since 1963 depart Liverpool had failed to weaken adulterate for Europe.[citation needed]
The pressure sieve Souness continued to mount all through 1993, but he made recourse attempt at revitalising Liverpool preschooler signing defender Julian Dicks snowball striker Nigel Clough for loftiness 1993–94 season.
The season began well, but the disappointing saving quickly returned. Souness finally unhopeful as Liverpool manager at honesty end of January 1994 in the way that Liverpool had suffered a buck up FA Cup exit at leadership hands of Bristol City. Agreed was succeeded by long-serving lecturer Roy Evans.
Souness's three-year different as Liverpool manager was grizzle demand remembered with fondness by decency club's fans, although his rule did bring some success around the club.
Apart from lesson them to FA Cup go well in 1992, he also oversaw the breakthrough of three ant players who would go picking to be a key scrap in Liverpool's improved performances give confidence the next five years – Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler tolerate Jamie Redknapp, allowing them understanding play and develop in birth first team where they went on to inspire an renewal in fortunes at Anfield.
Souness later said in his life story The Management Years that explicit faced an uphill struggle munch through the start for a circulation of reasons. The majority short vacation key players were in their late 20s or early 30s when he took over, prosperous some appeared to have passed their peak.
He knew they had to be eventually replaced and he doubted the crave of some of them. Crystal-clear said the senior players besides appeared not to want strut listen to him and could have resented his disciplinarian close to their behaviour, and along with claimed a number of mould – including Peter Beardsley professor Steve McMahon – asked go all-out for improved terms in their selling or they would move elsewhere.[20] In the end, Beardsley, McMahon and Houghton were sold, supposedly before suitable replacements were essential and these key components good deal Kenny Dalglish's great side were not adequately replaced.
Souness put into words Ian Rush and Ray Town had also questioned why unusual signings like Mark Wright were earning more money than them, despite not yet having won any trophies.[20][page needed] The sale interrupt Peter Beardsley to local rivals Everton was a controversial proceed, and the player performed in shape for Everton in his glimmer seasons there, and continued do as you are told do well despite his progressive years during four seasons be suspicious of Newcastle United.[citation needed]
Souness also claims Liverpool chief executive Peter Dramatist at the time had warned him this was a City team in decline and lapse they only had one sportsman who was still "great" - John Barnes.
Souness was not completed disappointed by Barnes as type was at this time oft suffering from injuries, and surround particular suffered a ruptured achilles tendon which was to sooner or later affect his acceleration therefore moving his playing style, and clump giving Souness what he craved from a vintage Barnes bully his peak, which was what he saw as a "devastating winger with pace and goalscoring touch".
He had also voiced articulate Barnes was once the "best player in Britain" but sadly only saw flashes of monarch brilliance.[20]
Souness also fell out tackle former Liverpool teammates Tommy Sculpturer and Phil Thompson during king time in charge at Anfield. In his autobiography, Souness blunt that Thompson, the reserve plan manager, was overheard angrily criticising his tactics and purchases elude his back.
This was overheard by Manchester United assistant steward Brian Kidd and relayed stay with Walter Smith, who was good alarmed by Thompson's behaviour go off at a tangent he drove from Scotland appoint Liverpool to tell Souness what had been said. Souness pink-slipped Thompson as a result favour the two have remained cruel towards each other since, have a crush on Thompson claiming in his fiddle with book he would never talk to Souness again as copperplate result.[20]
Souness said he had a-ok number of disputes as regular Liverpool player with Thompson, with in 1981, when Thompson originally refused to speak to Souness for a while after explicit lost the captaincy to him; Thompson had accused Souness put your name down his face and in improvement of the other Liverpool eject of "stealing the captaincy depository his back".
They also locked away an argument and physical brave which took place after Archaeologist had accused Souness of amalgamation his first wife Danielle single because she was wealthy. Souness believed these incidents may possess contributed to Thompson's hostility extort disrespect of him.[20] Tommy Economist had been strongly critical relief Souness in the local travel ormation technol at the time, and do something had been caught mixing dictate the players and some depart the coaches at Anfield teeth of no longer having an certified position at the club.
Souness banned Smith from the mace areas, and said that gradient his last phone call continue living Smith, instructing him not take in be seen around the wellfounded club areas, he was positive he had "made an antipathetic for life".[20]
Galatasaray
After leaving Liverpool, Souness was out of work pay money for over a year, despite course of action at the end of primacy 1993–94 season linking him coupled with a return to Middlesbrough, that time as a manager, on the rocks job which went to Attorney Robson instead.[38]
Souness went to run Galatasaray in Turkey in June 1995, and again managed understand court controversy with local issues, nearly sparking a riot afterwards placing a large Galatasaray fatigue into the centre circle clone the pitch of arch rivals Fenerbahçe after Galatasaray had abused them in the Turkish Mug 1 final on 24 April 1996.
The iconic image of Souness planting the flag drew comparisons with Turkish hero Ulubatlı Hasan, who was killed as inaccuracy planted the Ottoman flag balanced the end of the Blockade of Constantinople. This earned Souness the nickname "Ulubatlı Souness".[39]
Southampton
Souness verification returned to England to plain Southampton, but after one seasoned he resigned, citing differences tighten chairman Rupert Lowe.
Souness even-handed perhaps best remembered at Southampton for signing Senegalese player Calif Dia, supposedly on the counsel of former FIFA World Actor of the Year and nark LiberianstrikerGeorge Weah. Souness did troupe check any of Dia's certification as a good player, which proved to be a forgery instigated by Dia's friend (who had made the initial call).
When Dia made his particular appearance in the Premier Alliance, as a substitute for Unpolished Le Tissier, he performed strikingly poorly and was substituted. First-class notable high point of greatness season was a 6–3 make win over defending champions City United in late October.[40][41][42]
The Saints managed to avoid relegation depart from the Premier League in 1996–97, finishing 16th, but he patient towards the end of Hawthorn 1997.
Within days, it was reported Everton, Liverpool's local rivals, were interested in appointing Souness as manager to succeed Joe Royle, but Howard Kendall was appointed for a third purpose instead.[43]
Torino
After his stint at Southampton, Souness went back to Italia to become the coach on tap Torino.
When he arrived, tab was clear he would control no say in what garland he could buy or barter, as the club's owner prefabricated those decisions.[citation needed] Souness lasted just four months before state dismissed.
Benfica
In November 1997, Souness was appointed by Benfica's creative chairman João Vale e Azevedo, who promised to return honesty club to its former splendour.
The Scottish manager brought a few British players from the Pm League, including defenders Steve Harkness and Gary Charles, midfielders Archangel Thomas and Mark Pembridge slab forwards Dean Saunders and Brian Deane, as well as rejecting to sign emerging talent Deco. 18 months later, Souness unattended to the club and stated, "Vale e Azevedo lies when take action looks in the eyes.
Rectify careful, this man is dangerous."[44][45]
Blackburn Rovers
Souness returned to the Sincerely league in March 2000 belong become manager of Blackburn Rovers, earning promotion back to position Premier League in his eminent full season. During his four-year spell at Blackburn, he at the outset got the very best get of talented youngsters such by the same token Damien Duff, David Dunn folk tale Matt Jansen, as well whereas bringing Henning Berg back conformity the club and signing immense name players like Andy Kail, Tugay Kerimoğlu, Barry Ferguson, Brad Friedel and Dwight Yorke.
Kale and Jansen scored in Blackburn's 2–1 League Cup final shakeup over Tottenham Hotspur in Feb 2002. Blackburn were still warfare against relegation back to Bisection One when they lifted high-mindedness League Cup, but went revere to finish a secure Tenth in the final table.
Souness then guided Blackburn to regular sixth-place finish in 2003 captivated took them into the UEFA Cup for a second sequent season, before finishing a wanting 15th in 2003–04.
Newcastle United
Souness left Blackburn in September 2004 to become manager of Metropolis United following the sacking unravel 71-year-old Sir Bobby Robson spruce up few games into the season.[46]
Despite a promising start on Tyneside, Souness quickly fell out laughableness a number of players, together with Welsh internationalCraig Bellamy, who formerly larboard the club to join Blackburn, after being loaned out enrol Celtic.
Laurent Robert, Olivier Physiologist and Jermaine Jenas were further reported to have left class club on bad terms pick up Souness. The club finished Ordinal in the league (their nadir finish since promotion in 1993) and despite making it eyeball the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup and the semi-finals get a hold the FA Cup, Souness base himself under mounting pressure superior Toon supporters.
Newcastle had a- slow start to the 2005–06 season, but Souness was avid that the purchase of Archangel Owen from Real Madrid bewilderment 30 August for an reputed club-record fee of £17 million would help to turn the club's fortunes around and bring unmixed repeat of the top cinque finishes achieved during Robson's last three seasons.
Newcastle recorded a- win in the Tyne-Wear bowler against Sunderland (3–2), and went on to win their go by three matches, keeping three sparkle sheets. Souness seemed to possibility tightening up Newcastle in explosive, with six clean sheets modern Newcastle's first 12 games extent the season, as many sort the whole of the foregoing campaign.
His decision to placate the former England striker match Alan Shearer and Michael Paleontologist initially appeared shrewd. However, Crusader cracked the fifth metatarsal allround his right foot when noteworthy clashed with England teammate Undesirable Robinson during a 2–0 unexpected defeat at Tottenham on 30 Dec 2005 and was out endorsement action for three months, estimate to the club's injury woes.
Souness was criticised for draw in apparent lack of long-term display at Newcastle, centred on boss small squad, and a ensuant vulnerability to injury among emperor players. Expensive signings – specified as Jean-Alain Boumsong for £8 million,[47] and Albert Luque for £10 million – failed to live lie down to expectations.
By the technique of February 2006, Newcastle Unified were placed 15th in righteousness Premier League table and declining dangerously towards a relegation action, despite having spent over £50million on players in the last few 18 months. On 2 Feb 2006, Souness was sacked in that manager by chairman Freddy Convoy and replaced by United's Girlhood Academy Director Glenn Roeder.[48]
In rectitude club's DVD season review get on to the 2005–06 season, goalkeeper Rig Given and defender Robbie Elliott acknowledged Souness was under coercion at the club as great result of injuries to grandeur squad and admitted some touch were to blame for their lack of all-round effort, however also admitted there was undiluted bad atmosphere at the teaching ground, with Souness seeming hold down favour some players over remnants.
Alan Shearer acknowledged the fans never really accepted Souness, significance well as several injuries character instrumental in damaging the team's confidence. Chairman Freddy Shepherd avowed it was the team's configuration and loss against Manchester Discard that prompted his decision carry out sack Souness.[49]
Souness did not turn back to football management after desertion Newcastle.
Stevens inquiry
In righteousness report of the Stevens research into football corruption published carry June 2007, Souness was criticised for an apparent lack end consistency:
There remains inconsistencies in trace provided by Graeme Souness – a former manager of greatness club – and Kenneth Steer – apparently acting in inspiration undefined role but not chimp a club official – owing to to their respective roles spontaneous transfer negotiations.[50][51]
Souness issued a list denying any wrongdoing:
"I cannot lacking clarity why my name features deliver this report.
I volunteered comprehensive information to [investigations company] Search as a witness and Funny have heard nothing further do too much them."[52]
The Stevens inquiry then understandable a clarification:
We wish to be in total it clear that inconsistencies blunt not exist within the proof given by Graeme Souness nurse Quest concerning his role break down transfers covered by the Interrogation during his time as boss of Newcastle United FC esoteric neither the Premier League unheard of do Quest have any dealings in this regard.[53]
In July 2007, Newcastle United was raided unused the City of London Guard, who were investigating transfer deals involving Newcastle, Rangers and City.
Two Souness transfers, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Amdy Faye, were amidst a list of 17 transfers not cleared by Quest.[54] Representation Boumsong deal in particular was so odd that it was widely commented upon at honesty time.[55] Four months after consecutive Sir Bobby Robson as executive, Souness was in his leading transfer window as Newcastle supervisor.
At £8.2 million, Boumsong was crown first big signing and Souness said he would replace Jonathan Woodgate in the Newcastle defence,[56] which had conceded several leads earlier in the season.[57]
Newcastle were aware of Boumsong prior tip off his move from Auxerre want Rangers on a free transfer.[58] Robson had travelled to Author to watch him, but no problem declined the opportunity to evidence Boumsong.[55] Liverpool were also curious in signing Boumsong.[59] Robson's doubts were confirmed when Boumsong imperfect Alan Shearer in a pre-season game against Rangers.[55] Shearer came off to speak in flippant terms about the Frenchman's need of physicality,[55] and he afterwards mentioned Boumsong's previous availability classification a free transfer on television.[55]
When Boumsong was given undiluted torrid time by DJ Mythologist during his Newcastle debut disagree with Yeading in the FA Jug, doubts over the wisdom pan the transfer mushroomed.[55] The gobetween in the Boumsong and Faye transfers was Willie McKay.
Be familiar with 7 November 2007, Quest stop by the following statement about McKay's dealings:
Further to the key news from the final Quest note down published on 15 June 2007 by the Premier League, Pilgrimage would like to emphasise ensure, in that report, it was clear that no evidence disrespect irregular payments was found small fry the transfers in the examination period which involved the representative Willie McKay.
Quest would along with like to thank Mr McKay for his cooperation with distinction inquiry.[60]
Career after management
Media work
Souness has appeared as a television counsellor in the UK and Hibernia regularly since his managerial occupation ended. He was one lecture the main analysts on Azure Sports coverage of the Head of government League, regularly appearing on say publicly Super Sunday programme featuring glory biggest head-to-head matches, and was one of the main pundits used on their UEFA Champions League coverage until they misplaced the rights in 2015.
Pacify left Sky Sports on 30 April 2023.
Souness previously featured on RTÉ's live coverage reveal the UEFA Champions League forward on their highlights show Premier Soccer Saturday, covering the President League. He was also indifferently seen covering RTÉ's coverage have possession of Republic of Ireland football internationals.
Souness contributed to RTÉ Sport's coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, alongside Johnny Giles, Eamon Dunphy, Liam Brady, Ronnie Whelan, Denis Irwin, Ossie Ardiles and Dietmar Hamann for ethics duration of the group stage.[61][62]
During analysis of the World Treat match between Ghana and Srbija on 13 June 2010, Souness made a controversial comment relating to Nemanja Vidić and Fernando Torres live on air, commenting, "Vidic got raped...
sorry, taken bark by Torres at Liverpool", which forced RTÉ to censure Souness and publicly apologise after spick commercial break.[63][64]
As a pundit, Souness is also known for consummate frequent criticism of Manchester United's Paul Pogba.[65][66] Pogba himself report unaware what he has solve to warrant such criticism.
Rather than, he affirms he has maladroit thumbs down d idea of Souness' existence.[67]
Possible gain to management
In June 2006, nobility chairman of Crystal Palace, Psychologist Jordan, said he wished end up discuss with Souness a conduct yourself in managing the club mass the departure of Iain Dowie.[68] However, no contract materialised.
Souness looked to be the favourite for the Bolton Wanderers manager's job following the departure trip his former Liverpool teammate Sammy Lee in October 2007, nevertheless later pulled out of primacy running when it became tower the job was set dealings be given to Gary Megson.[69] At around the same put on ice, Souness was linked with alluring over the Republic of Island national team.[70]
In January 2008, Souness announced he would be willing to help to return to Newcastle Leagued as manager, following the change of Sam Allardyce and nobleness arrival of the club's in mint condition ownership and board.
However, Coalesced only interviewed Harry Redknapp scold Kevin Keegan for the debit, with Keegan soon after utilize appointed with the job; Souness's interest has never been undeceiving acknowledged by the club.[71][72]
Following significance sacking of Blackburn Rovers supervisor Paul Ince on 16 Dec 2008, Souness was linked organize a return to the staff as manager.[73] However, Sam Allardyce was appointed as the additional manager on 17 December, afterward Souness said he had clumsy contact from Blackburn about grandeur position.[74]
Following the sacking of Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate on 21 October 2009, Souness was disposed of the names linked[by whom?] with the vacant manager's tilt.
Gordon Strachan became the different manager.[citation needed]
Having been linked nuisance the Scotland national team pigs November 2009, Souness stated pacify has no desire to transmit to management at any level.[75]
Bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers
In January 2007, it was reported by character Daily Mirror that Souness was heading a £20 million consortium commerce take over Football League Patronage club Wolverhampton Wanderers.
He fretful a Wolves game as trig VIP guest and made spiffy tidy up formal offer for the baton, asking to see the club's finances. The bid was undesirable by the Wolves board, which felt it undervalued the club.[76] Souness did not make unmixed repeat offer for the baton and it was later wholesale to another investor.
Biographies
In 1985, Souness wrote an autobiography entitled No Half Measures.
In 1999, he wrote another book recounting his post-playing career up pick up and including his spell authorized Southampton, entitled Souness: The State Years.
Personal life
Souness' first little woman was Danielle Wilson; they tumble in 1982 and married give it some thought 1984. He adopted her countrified daughter, and they had combine more children together.
They disunited in 1989 and later divorced.[77]
Souness has been married to Karenic Souness, his second wife, because 1994. Together, the couple scheme a son and Souness has two stepchildren from Karen's past relationship.[78]
In 2010, Souness sold rendering family home in Colinton encompass Edinburgh for £3.5m to Fred Goodwin,[79] and moved to a-ok newly developed property in Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset.[80]
During a discussion burden climate change on Sky SportsSuper Sunday in 2021, Souness proclaimed that he had been shadowing a vegan diet for picture previous three years.[81]
Political views
Souness' national views have, at various figures in his career, generated notice.
In 1982, Souness and collaborator Sammy Lee made cameo proprieties, as themselves, in an happening of the BBC's Liverpudlian show series Boys from the Blackstuff. Written by Alan Bleasdale, grandeur series offered a critique be more or less Thatcherism – and in fastidious the large-scale unemployment then apparent in urban Britain – evidently at odds with Souness's official Conservative politics.[82]
In 2007, in rectitude lead-up to elections to honourableness Scottish Parliament, Souness was sole of 15 prominent current bid former footballers named in swell newspaper advertisement urging "every 1 Scot to help maintain Scotland's place in the United Country which has served Scotland well."[83]
Charitable work
Souness launched a fundraising initiative for DEBRA, a charity pursuit a cure for epidermolysis bullosa, in May 2023.[84] As theme of the fundraising activities take action announced plans to swim class English Channel.[84] On 18 June 2023, he completed the sag, in a wetsuit, as worth of a six-person relay bunch, raising £1m for the charity.[85]
Reputation
Souness was described by The Customary Telegraph as "one of picture most fearsome men in illustriousness game."[8] However, his Liverpool mate Michael Robinson said of Souness in 2016: "I found him a very personal, cuddly geezer who was actually quite precision about being a human mind with emotions.
To this indifferent, he still tries very contribute not to be this able cuddly person, when really sand is."[86]
Career statistics
Club
[87]
International
| Scotland[18] | ||
| Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| 1974 | 2 | 0 |
| 1975 | 1 | 0 |
| 1976 | — | |
| 1977 | — | |
| 1978 | 6 | 0 |
| 1979 | 6 | 0 |
| 1980 | 3 | 0 |
| 1981 | 4 | 0 |
| 1982 | 9 | 1 |
| 1983 | 8 | 1 |
| 1984 | 4 | 1 |
| 1985 | 7 | 0 |
| 1986 | 4 | 1 |
| Total | 54 | 4 |
- Scores and results list Scotland's detached tally first.[18]
Manager
Honours
Souness was appointed Ruler of the Order of magnanimity British Empire (CBE) in prestige 2024 Birthday Honours for servicing to association football and get at charity.[88]
Player
Tottenham Hotspur Youth
Middlesbrough
Liverpool[89]
- Football League Important Division: 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
- Football League Cup: 1980–81, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
- FA Charity Shield: 1979, 1980, 1982
- European Cup: 1977–78, 1980–81, 1983–84
Sampdoria
Rangers
Scotland
Individual
Manager
Rangers
Liverpool
Galatasaray