James Milner believes
Newcastle's next manager will have to ensure that The Magpies are
challenging for silverware next season.
Sam Allardyce is widely expected to assume the vacant post at St
James' Park after Glenn Roeder's departure, with his prime task
being to bring a major trophy to Tyneside for the first time since
1969.
Both Roeder and his predecessor Graeme Souness failed to take the
club onto a higher level and the Tyneside natives have grown
restless with the club's stagnant progression.
Milner, who has expressed his disappointment at Roeder's departure
after a difficult campaign for the club, has now called on whoever
takes on the job to re-establish the club as a contender for
end-of-season honours.
"It's disappointing, but that's football," said Milner. "Things
happen fast, and it's how you move on from them.
"I have been through this a few times here and at Leeds. It's one
of the toughest things when you change a manager - you have got to
start again and prove yourself all over again.
"Everyone was disappointed Glenn went, but as I said, that's
football. The responsibility falls on everyone, and that includes
the players.
"Hopefully whoever comes in can get this club where it deserves to
be, which is up the Premiership table.
"I want to be in a Newcastle side which is challenging for honours.
Hopefully we can have a good pre-season - I think that's the
key."
Milner has enjoyed an impressive campaign from a personal point of
view, making 52 appearances, and the former Leeds man admits he has
been happy with his input on Tyneside.
"I am delighted to have played as many game as I have and hopefully
I can keep improving and enjoying my football," Milner added.
"It has been a long season and a lot of things have happened.
Things change quickly and it is about how you adapt to that and how
you move on from things."
