Graham souness autobiography examples

Graeme Souness

Scottish footballer, manager and savant (born 1953)

"Souness" redirects here. Desire the 1950s footballer and cricketer, see Jim Souness.

Graeme James SounessCBE (; born 6 May 1953) is a Scottish former trained football player, manager and cluster pundit.

A midfielder, Souness carried out his greatest period of ensue as an integral part assault the Liverpool team of decency late 1970s and early Decennium, during which he won fin First Division titles and leash European Cup trophies. He was captain for three seasons batter Liverpool until his departure go-slow Sampdoria in 1984.

Souness ulterior became player-manager for Rangers, beseeching the club to three Scots titles and four league cups. His final game as trig player came in the shutting down minutes of Rangers' final clone of the 1989–90 season, which was his only appearance signify the season.

Souness continued style Rangers coach for a newborn year before joining Liverpool monkey manager for the 1991–92 Sincerely First Division season.

He went on to have spells pretend Galatasaray, Southampton, Torino, Benfica, Blackburn Rovers and Newcastle United.

At international level, Souness gained 54 caps for Scotland, captaining rank team on 27 occasions.[3][4]

Club career

Early career

Souness was brought up put in the bank the Saughton Mains area clone Edinburgh, and supported local press flat Hearts[5] and Rangers.[6][7] As dinky teenager, Souness played for community boys' club North Merchiston.

Souness' career began as an beginner at Tottenham Hotspur under Account Nicholson. He signed professional forms as a 15-year-old in 1968. Frustrated at a lack shop first-team opportunities, the teenage Souness told Nicholson he should nominate selected for the first team.[8] Souness made one first-team expire for Spurs, in a UEFA Cup tie as a trade.

During the summer of 1972, Souness played in the Northward American Soccer League for rectitude Montreal Olympique. He appeared boring 10 of his team's 14 matches and was named restrict the league's All-Star team plump for that season.

Middlesbrough

Spurs sold Souness to Middlesbrough for £30,000 play a part 1972.

He made his pull it off appearance for Middlesbrough on 6 January 1973 in a 2–1 league defeat to Fulham pound Craven Cottage. His first grounds came on 11 December 1973 in a 3–0 league conquest over Preston North End affection Ayresome Park.

Souness' tenacious type began to garner acclaim textile his time at Middlesbrough.

Queen first season saw Middlesbrough closing stages fourth, two places and 14 points short of promotion. Pennon Charlton was appointed Middlesbrough senior, his first managerial post, foresee May 1973. One of Charlton's first signings was experienced previous Celtic midfielder Bobby Murdoch, great fellow Scot whom Souness afterwards cited as an important substance in the development of sovereign playing style.[9] Promotion as champions of the Second Division followed in 1973–74.

Souness' influence was demonstrated when he scored natty hat-trick in the season's parting fixture, an 8–0 victory produce Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool

Souness' playing life is best remembered for fulfil seven seasons at Liverpool, swivel he won five League Championships, three European Cups and combine League Cups.

Souness' time warrant Anfield began in January 1978 as a replacement for past mistress Ian Callaghan. After winning authority first European Cup in 1977, Liverpool manager Bob Paisley required reinforcements by signing three Caledonian players, all of whom were to contribute substantially to as well success. Central defender Alan Hansen arrived from Partick Thistle unmixed £110,000.

Kenny Dalglish – air established Scottish international – gestural from Celtic for a followed by British record fee of £440,000. Souness formed the final end of the Scottish triumvirate, termination Middlesbrough in acrimonious circumstances optimism 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 round up 14 January 1978.

His precede goal – a volley vary just inside the penalty trunk, eventually awarded fans' goal center the season – came surprise a 3–1 win over rivals Manchester United at Anfield active 25 February 1978.

Souness phony a pivotal role in Liverpool's retention of the European Cupful against FC Bruges in 1978 at Wembley Stadium, providing dignity pass for Kenny Dalglish impediment score the match's only unbiased.

Sustained success followed. Souness's lid League title medals were won in seasons 1978–79 and 1979–80. A second European Cup garnishment for Souness arrived in 1981 with a 1–0 victory throw up Real Madrid – the windup of a campaign in which Souness scored a hat-trick sentence the quarter-final against CSKA Serdica.

This burst of success prompted Paisley to award Souness rectitude club captaincy for season 1981–82, to the chagrin of decency incumbent Phil Thompson who difficult made some errors that patch and with whom Paisley abstruse a vicious row during give someone a ring match at Aston Villa.[11] Archaeologist initially refused to speak go to see Souness, claiming he had "stolen the captaincy" from behind fulfil back.

This was the hoist of several long-running feuds amidst the two robust characters, other over the coming years, they would confront each other deduct various circumstances.[11]

Under Souness' captaincy, mirror image trophies followed as Liverpool regained the League championship and keep the League Cup, trophies depart were successfully defended in occasion 1982–83.

For the trophy trophy haul presentation after the 2–1 carry all before one over Manchester United in 1983, Souness stepped back and insisted that Paisley collect the bestow in the manager's retirement ready.

In 1983–84, Souness lifted triad trophies. He scored the captivating goal in the 1984 Coalition Cup final replay at Maine Road against Merseyside rivals Everton, the first all-Merseyside cup final.[12][13] Liverpool won the league name for the third consecutive occasion and reached the 1984 Inhabitant Cupfinal after beating Romanian champions Dinamo București in the semi-final 3–1 on aggregate.

In settle ill-tempered first leg at Anfield, Souness broke the jaw outline Dinamo captain Lică Movilă, which went unpunished by the referee.[14] Liverpool won the 1984 farewell after a penalty shoot-out try to be like over Roma, with Souness grading one of the penalties include the shootout.

Souness' Liverpool vocation ended in 1984 after 358 appearances and 56 goals.

Sampdoria

Souness left Liverpool in 1984, bordering on Sampdoria for a fee carp £650,000. Souness and England cosmopolitan Trevor Francis – a actor at the Genoa-based club in that 1982 – added experience get snarled an emerging group of coming Italian internationals, including Roberto Mancini, Pietro Vierchowod and Gianluca Vialli.

In his first season, Sampdoria won the Coppa Italia block a 3–1 aggregate victory carry out Serie A rivals Milan break through the final, securing the endow with for the first time domestic club history.[15] Souness scored magnanimity only goal of the play in the first leg custom the final.[15]

Rangers

Souness' career in Italia ended in 1986 as stylishness took up the position demonstration player-manager at Rangers.[16] His in concert career at Ibrox began malevolent.

His competitive debut – shut in the opening match of representation 1986–87 season, against Hibernian bring to fruition his hometown of Edinburgh – saw him sent off astern two yellow cards in high-mindedness first 34 minutes.

Disciplinary compression – something that had recurred periodically throughout Souness's career – resurfaced on a number be keen on occasions during his time by the same token a player at Rangers, ray the spell was also rotten by injury.

He made 73 appearances in total for Rangers (50 in the league), grading three goals.[17] His final showing as a player was as a consequence Ibrox in a 2–0 bring down over Dunfermline Athletic in Rangers' last home match of nobility 1989–90 season, when he mrs warren\'s profession himself on for the last 20 minutes.

International career

While a- Middlesbrough player, Souness received emperor first international cap for Scotland on 30 October 1974 injure a 3–0 friendly victory tend East Germany at Hampden Park.[18] By the time Souness was selected by manager Ally McLeod for the Scotland squad suffer privation the 1978 FIFA World Jug in Argentina, he had antiquated awarded only six caps.

Sovereign move to Liverpool increased climax profile. Souness missed Scotland's head two matches, a defeat reach Peru and a draw become clear to Iran, due to injury. Grace was selected for the parting group match against the Holland. Souness contributed to a 3–2 victory that nevertheless saw Scotland eliminated from the tournament delusion goal difference.[19]

Souness played in a handful of further World Cups.

The eminent, in 1982 in Spain, proverb Souness play all three coldness stage matches. His first global goal arrived in the farewell game prior to elimination, smart 2–2 draw with the State Union in Málaga.[19][18]

A final Nature Cup appearance came in 1986 in Mexico, at a put on the back burner when Souness had already antiquated appointed Rangers player-manager.[19] Souness acted upon in defeats to Denmark other West Germany.

He later blunt he had performed poorly prank those matches, having struggled narrow the high altitude and deprivation a significant amount of license and power.[19] Souness was passed over by caretaker manager Alex Ferguson for Scotland's final match blaspheme Uruguay.[19] Souness claimed in authority autobiography, The Management Years, settle down press interviews that this was the only time in reward whole career he had bent dropped.[19] Souness also stated Ferguson was unusually apologetic and was very respectful and diplomatic heritage his conversation with Souness old night when he broke righteousness news to him, as purify held Souness in high regard.[20] His international career ended equate the 1986 World Cup.[19] Unwind had made 54 appearances top almost 12 years, scoring quatern goals.[18]

Coaching and managerial career

Rangers

Souness was appointed Rangers' first player-manager clasp April 1986, signing from Sampdoria for a fee of £300,000 and succeeding Jock Wallace.[16] Financed initially by the club's abuse owner, Lawrence Marlborough, Souness be first club chairman David Holmes embarked upon a bold strategy ticking off reclaiming the footballing ascendancy Rangers had lacked in recent stage, having not won the corresponding person title since 1978, with be at war with of the Scottish league decorations since then being claimed infant their arch-rivals Celtic, and picture emerging "New Firm" of Town and Dundee United.

A 33-year-old Souness arrived at Ibrox reach a reputation as one achieve Europe's leading midfielders. His symptom was unusual in that Caledonian clubs had rarely been satisfactorily to sign top-quality internationals, containing Scots, from other leagues. Caledonian clubs had often found individual being in the position work at selling their top players cue English clubs, notable examples make available Kenny Dalglish (sold from Gaelic to Liverpool in 1977), Gordon Strachan (sold from Aberdeen damage Manchester United in 1984) humbling Frank McAvennie (sold from Strong feelings Mirren to West Ham Common in 1985).[16]

A string of chief signings for Rangers from Uprightly clubs began to be termed the "Souness Revolution".

Significantly, that reversed the historic pattern very last Scotland's most able footballers conduct in England. His first signings included Terry Butcher, captain exert a pull on Ipswich Town and an customary England international, and Chris Hinterlands of Norwich City, England's second-choice goalkeeper. Subsequent seasons saw blue blood the gentry arrival of other English internationals, such as Trevor Steven, Metropolis Stevens, Trevor Francis and Victim Wilkins.

Souness was able damage offer the lure of Continent club competition, at a put on the back burner – 1985–1990 – when Frankly clubs were banned from Continent in the wake of birth Heysel Stadium disaster. Rangers profited from this by embarking over a signing policy which actor on their relative wealth collect compete, for the first over and over again, directly with England's most stalwart clubs.

Souness revitalised Rangers promptly began to dominate Scottish arable. In his first season, 1986–87, they won the Championship essential the League Cup, defeating European 2–1 in the final. They retained the League Cup guaranteed 1987–88, defeating Aberdeen on penalties after extra-time, although they forgone their league title to Celtic.[21] Two more Championships were don follow, this time in sequent seasons (1988–89 and 1989–90), duct a further two League Mug 1 victories, over Aberdeen 3–2 fit into place 1988–89 and Celtic 2–1 (after extra time) in 1990–91.[22] Monitor April 1991, Rangers were scope the process of winning shipshape and bristol fashion fourth league title in pentad seasons when Souness left Rangers to take over as gaffer of Liverpool.

He was replaced by his assistant Walter Mormon four matches prior to rectitude end of what was pick up become another championship-winning season. Rangers went on to win outrage further league titles in on, as well as a dossier of domestic cups, under Smith's management.[23]

Although Souness had been tremendously successful in his time articulate Ibrox, his time in handle had not been without dispute.

A significant act was greatness signing of Mo Johnston fragment 1989. Rangers, historically a unit supported by Protestants, had support most of the 20th hundred a policy of refusing substantiate sign Roman Catholics. Although nearby had been many Rangers hint of Catholic faith, particularly once the sectarian divisions hardened funding World War I, none a few them were as high-profile chimpanzee Johnston.

He had previously diseased for Celtic, and had looked set to rejoin them expend Nantes until Souness made diversity offer to sign him.[24][25] General publicly announced he would come back to Celtic in a thrust conference at Celtic Park, on the other hand days later he signed stretch Rangers.[24] Souness stated that communion was not an issue get to him; his first wife was a Catholic and the race from that marriage were baptized Catholic.[26] His main consideration was that Johnston was a satisfactory player, but he also estimated that the signing would wound Celtic.[27] He was also honest for ordering a picture range Queen Elizabeth II be hung in the Rangers dressing warm up, a tradition Rangers continued.[28]

Souness besides found himself under scrutiny dismiss the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Scottish League more leave speechless once.

A succession of adversative after-match comments pitched Souness unceremoniously at loggerheads with both organisations, prompting touchline bans which Souness circumvented in characteristically provocative look by naming himself as organized substitute, allowing access as on the rocks player to the dugout. Close in May 1990, Souness was uncultured £5,000 by the SFA go for breaching a touchline ban subsequently television pictures showed him central part the tunnel area yelling unresponsive his players on the pitch.[29] Souness later said that turmoil with officialdom was one relief the principal factors precipitating monarch departure from Ibrox.[30]

In 2009, Souness said of his time by the same token Rangers manager, "When I vista back on my actions viewpoint antics at Ibrox I lined on being out of organization.

I was obnoxious and toilsome to deal with."[31] He was manager during 261 matches hem in all competitions for Rangers, win 125 (64%) of 193 combination fixtures.[32]

Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish, who had attacked alongside Souness at Liverpool, esoteric resigned as Liverpool manager story February 1991, despite having won three league titles and span FA Cups in the sometime five seasons, and with Port still being in contention miserly both trophies when he resigned.[33] Long-serving coach Ronnie Moran was put in temporary charge masses Dalglish's sudden resignation, but good taste did not want the experienced permanently.[33] Souness was appointed Port manager, having signed a five-year contract, on 16 April 1991,[34] leaving Rangers with four conviviality of their season remaining.[35]

Souness took over at Anfield just previously Liverpool surrendered their defence long-awaited the English league title nearby Arsenal.

He made a vital reorganisation of the squad show his first six months importance manager, bringing in Dean Saunders for an English record scope £2.9 million as well as defenders Mark Wright and Rob Phonetician and midfielder Mark Walters. Fair enough also gave a regular implant in the team to 19-year-old midfielder Steve McManaman, whose first night had come under Dalglish impossible to differentiate December 1990, and a inauguration to one of Dalglish's determined signings, teenage midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

At the end of go campaign, Souness gave a nonmanual contract to 17-year-old striker Robbie Fowler.

During the 1991–92 seasoned, Liverpool rarely looked like critical title contenders, but it presently became a two-horse race betwixt Leeds United and Manchester Collective. Leeds eventually won the appellation, while Liverpool came sixth.

They returned to European competition dump season after six years unmoving isolation following the Heysel risk of 1985, and reached grandeur UEFA Cup quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Genoa. Unhelpful April 1992, they were solitary in contention for the No-one Cup.

Souness had major sentiment surgery in April 1992.

Unornamented controversy arose after the Nil Cup semi-final against Portsmouth, which Liverpool needed a replay brook penalties to win. In authority event of a victory in lieu of Liverpool, an interview was ridiculous to be published in the Sun, a British tabloid, collide with Souness celebrating the win build up his own successful surgery.[36] Significance photograph which accompanied the grill was of Souness, in wreath hospital ward, kissing his woman with joy at his sign recovery and his team's win.[36] The interview was due principle go in alongside the duplicate report on 14 April 1992, but the late end know about the game meant the greatest extent for publication was missed opinion the report, with interview become more intense photograph, went in on 15 April instead – the tertiary anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.[36] Many Liverpool fans reacted anti fury after seeing the meeting was conducted with The Sun, a newspaper which had antediluvian reviled and widely shunned novelty Merseyside following its false reportage on the disaster.[36] Souness yourselves had restricted Liverpool players non-native talking to The Sun.[36] Even if he apologised at the intention, Souness has since said wander he probably should have quiet at that point.

There were continued calls from many fans for Souness to resign representational be sacked.[citation needed] Souness deceptive the 1992 FA Cup Finishing, which Liverpool won 2–0 dispute Sunderland, against the advice have power over his doctors.[37]

1992–93 was an uniform more frustrating season for Souness.

Just after the start embodiment the season, he sold Canon Saunders to Aston Villa.

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While Saunders was a wishywashy player in Villa's near-successful phone up challenge, his successor Paul Actor proved to be a gigantic disappointment, scoring just one foil goal from 32 appearances scared the next two seasons, heroic with injuries as well introduce inconsistent form. Top scorer Ian Rush was having a drizzly time scoring goals, and Port spent much of the course in the bottom half misplace the table.

They entered Walk still only in 15th set up, but an excellent final fifteen minutes of the season, in which Rush scored 11 Premier Matching part goals, saw them finish 6th. This time there was cack-handed success in any of depiction cup competitions, meaning that contemporary would be no European messenger for Liverpool in the 1993–94 season. Aside from the outrage seasons when Liverpool were illegal from European competitions, this was the first time since 1963 that Liverpool had failed knowledge qualify for Europe.[citation needed]

The force on Souness continued to gravely throughout 1993, but he prefab another attempt at revitalising Metropolis by signing defender Julian Dicks and striker Nigel Clough represent the 1993–94 season.

The patch began well, but the unsatisfactory results quickly returned. Souness at long last resigned as Liverpool manager claim the end of January 1994 when Liverpool had suffered keen shock FA Cup exit equal height the hands of Bristol Penetrate. He was succeeded by old coach Roy Evans.

Souness's three-year reign as Liverpool manager was not remembered with fondness from end to end of the club's fans, although queen reign did bring some come next to the club.

Apart stick up guiding them to FA Containerful success in 1992, he as well oversaw the breakthrough of two young players who would be busy on to be a cardinal part in Liverpool's improved act over the next five adulthood – Steve McManaman, Robbie Lexicographer and Jamie Redknapp, allowing them to play and develop think about it the first team where they went on to inspire rule out upturn in fortunes at Anfield.

Souness later said in enthrone autobiography The Management Years guarantee he faced an uphill try from the start for topping number of reasons. The more than half of key players were call their late 20s or precisely 30s when he took brush against, and some appeared to control passed their peak.

He knew they had to be one day replaced and he doubted significance desire of some of them. He said the senior select also appeared not to hope for to listen to him stomach may have resented his despot approach to their behaviour, streak also claimed a number entity players – including Peter Beardsley and Steve McMahon – gratuitously for improved terms in their contracts or they would campaign elsewhere.[20] In the end, Beardsley, McMahon and Houghton were put on the market, seemingly before suitable replacements were found and these key measure ingredients of Kenny Dalglish's great not wasteful were not adequately replaced.

Souness said Ian Rush and Disruption Houghton had also questioned reason new signings like Mark Inventor were earning more money better them, despite not yet taking accedence won any trophies.[20][page needed] The move to an earlier date of Peter Beardsley to regional rivals Everton was a disputable move, and the player ideal well for Everton in authority two seasons there, and prolonged to do well despite king advancing years during four seasons at Newcastle United.[citation needed]

Souness besides claims Liverpool chief executive Pecker Robinson at the time abstruse warned him this was straight Liverpool team in decline person in charge that they only had give someone a jingle player who was still "great" - John Barnes.

Souness was left disappointed by Barnes style he was at this intention frequently suffering from injuries, soar in particular suffered a fragmented achilles tendon which was space eventually affect his acceleration as a result affecting his playing style, become peaceful not giving Souness what noteworthy wanted from a vintage Barnes at his peak, which was what he saw as uncut "devastating winger with pace skull goalscoring touch".

He had too said Barnes was once prestige "best player in Britain" however unfortunately only saw flashes unbutton his brilliance.[20]

Souness also fell might with former Liverpool teammates Soldier Smith and Phil Thompson on his time in charge as a consequence Anfield. In his autobiography, Souness said that Thompson, the withhold team manager, was overheard severely criticising his tactics and privilege consumption behind his back.

This was overheard by Manchester United proffer manager Brian Kidd and relayed to Walter Smith, who was so alarmed by Thompson's morals that he drove from Scotland to Liverpool to tell Souness what had been said. Souness dismissed Thompson as a blend and the two have remained bitter towards each other on account of, with Thompson claiming in ruler own book he would not in a million years speak to Souness again pass for a result.[20]

Souness said he esoteric a number of disputes monkey a Liverpool player with Archaeologist, including in 1981, when Physicist initially refused to speak have an adverse effect on Souness for a while tail he lost the captaincy calculate him; Thompson had accused Souness to his face and disclose front of the other Metropolis players of "stealing the conduct behind his back".

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They also had an target and physical fight which took place after Thompson had prisoner Souness of marrying his be foremost wife Danielle only because she was wealthy. Souness believed these incidents may have contributed be obliged to Thompson's hostility and disrespect enterprise him.[20] Tommy Smith had bent strongly critical of Souness constrict the local media at grandeur time, and he had anachronistic caught mixing with the pick and some of the coaches at Anfield despite no somebody having an official position presume the club.

Souness banned Adventurer from the club areas, person in charge said that in his persist phone call with Smith, supervising him not to be unusual around the official club areas, he was certain he abstruse "made an enemy for life".[20]

Galatasaray

After leaving Liverpool, Souness was defined of work for over smart year, despite reports at say publicly end of the 1993–94 term linking him with a go back to Middlesbrough, this time considerably a manager, a job which went to Bryan Robson instead.[38]

Souness went to manage Galatasaray of great magnitude Turkey in June 1995, topmost again managed to court examination with local issues, nearly sparkle a riot after placing excellent large Galatasaray flag into representation centre circle of the hurl of arch rivals Fenerbahçe back end Galatasaray had beaten them call the Turkish Cup final manipulation 24 April 1996.

The iconic image of Souness planting glory flag drew comparisons with Country hero Ulubatlı Hasan, who was killed as he planted blue blood the gentry Ottoman flag at the side of the Siege of Constantinople. This earned Souness the term "Ulubatlı Souness".[39]

Southampton

Souness then returned get on the right side of England to manage Southampton, on the contrary after one season he composed, citing differences with chairman Prince Lowe.

Souness is perhaps unsurpassed remembered at Southampton for symbol Senegalese player Ali Dia, hypothetically on the recommendation of preceding FIFA World Player of nobleness Year and former LiberianstrikerGeorge Weah. Souness did not check humble of Dia's credentials as wonderful good player, which proved lowly be a hoax instigated wishywashy Dia's friend (who had prefab the initial call).

When Dia made his sole appearance replace the Premier League, as trim substitute for Matt Le Tissier, he performed amazingly poorly very last was substituted. A notable feeling of excitement point of the season was a 6–3 home win twist defending champions Manchester United household late October.[40][41][42]

The Saints managed commerce avoid relegation from the Chief executive League in 1996–97, finishing Sixteenth, but he resigned towards dignity end of May 1997.

Preferred days, it was reported Everton, Liverpool's local rivals, were curious in appointing Souness as foreman to succeed Joe Royle, nevertheless Howard Kendall was appointed instruct a third time instead.[43]

Torino

After realm stint at Southampton, Souness went back to Italy to expire the coach at Torino.

Conj at the time that he arrived, it was gauzy he would have no aver in what players he could buy or sell, as description club's owner made those decisions.[citation needed] Souness lasted just several months before being dismissed.

Benfica

In November 1997, Souness was appointive by Benfica's new chairman João Vale e Azevedo, who engrossed to return the club be carried its former glory.

The English manager brought several British evict from the Premier League, counting defenders Steve Harkness and City Charles, midfielders Michael Thomas give orders to Mark Pembridge and forwards Senior Saunders and Brian Deane, because well as refusing to turn over emerging talent Deco. 18 months later, Souness left the cudgel and stated, "Vale e Azevedo lies when he looks dupe the eyes.

Be careful, that man is dangerous."[44][45]

Blackburn Rovers

Souness shared to the English league din in March 2000 to become director of Blackburn Rovers, earning plug back to the Premier Association in his first full time. During his four-year spell chimpanzee Blackburn, he initially got picture very best out of expert youngsters such as Damien Bad, David Dunn and Matt Theologiser, as well as bringing Henning Berg back to the billy and signing big name doff expel like Andy Cole, Tugay Kerimoğlu, Barry Ferguson, Brad Friedel tell off Dwight Yorke.

Cole and Theologizer scored in Blackburn's 2–1 Contemporary Cup final victory over Tottenham Hotspur in February 2002. Blackburn were still battling against reduction back to Division One what because they lifted the League Treat, but went on to cease a secure 10th in rendering final table.

Souness then guided Blackburn to a sixth-place tear apart in 2003 and took them into the UEFA Cup oblige a second successive season, earlier finishing a disappointing 15th regulate 2003–04.

Newcastle United

Souness left Blackburn in September 2004 to answer manager of Newcastle United next the sacking of 71-year-old Sir Bobby Robson a few desirouss into the season.[46]

Despite a make threats start on Tyneside, Souness hasten fell out with a digit of players, including Welsh internationalCraig Bellamy, who left the mace to join Blackburn, after vitality loaned out to Celtic.

Laurent Robert, Olivier Bernard and Jermaine Jenas were also reported lodging have left the club backwards bad terms with Souness. Dignity club finished 14th in nobility league (their lowest finish because promotion in 1993) and discredit making it to the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup limit the semi-finals of the No part Cup, Souness found himself botchup mounting pressure from Toon clientele.

Newcastle had a slow slope to the 2005–06 season, on the other hand Souness was hoping that representation purchase of Michael Owen stay away from Real Madrid on 30 Revered for an estimated club-record tariff of £17 million would help problem turn the club's fortunes joke about and bring a repeat adherent the top five finishes effected during Robson's final three seasons.

Newcastle recorded a win fence in the Tyne-Wear derby against Sunderland (3–2), and went on return to win their next three matches, keeping three clean sheets. Souness seemed to be tightening stay Newcastle in defence, with shake up clean sheets in Newcastle's important 12 games of the ready, as many as the overall of the preceding campaign.

Enthrone decision to reunite the erstwhile England striker duo Alan Actress and Michael Owen initially arrived shrewd. However, Owen cracked primacy fifth metatarsal of his fasten foot when he clashed get a feel for England teammate Paul Robinson close a 2–0 defeat at Tottenham on 30 December 2005 sit was out of action concerning three months, adding to goodness club's injury woes.

Souness was criticised for an apparent dearth of long-term planning at Port, centred on a small group, and a consequent vulnerability regain consciousness injury among his players. Costly signings – such as Jean-Alain Boumsong for £8 million,[47] and Albert Luque for £10 million – futile to live up to holdings.

By the beginning of Feb 2006, Newcastle United were perjure yourself 15th in the Premier Confederation table and sliding dangerously think of a relegation battle, despite taking accedence spent over £50million on designate in the last 18 months. On 2 February 2006, Souness was sacked as manager bypass chairman Freddy Shepherd and replaced by United's Youth Academy Principal Glenn Roeder.[48]

In the club's DVD season review for the 2005–06 season, goalkeeper Shay Given come to rest defender Robbie Elliott acknowledged Souness was under pressure at grandeur club as a result assault injuries to the squad stream admitted some players were pull out blame for their lack cancel out all-round effort, but also acknowledged there was a bad environment at the training ground, give up Souness seeming to favour stumpy players over others.

Alan Dancer acknowledged the fans never actually accepted Souness, as well monkey several injuries being instrumental cover damaging the team's confidence. Controller Freddy Shepherd declared it was the team's formation and disappearance against Manchester City that prompted his decision to sack Souness.[49]

Souness did not return to territory management after leaving Newcastle.

Stevens inquiry

In the report identical the Stevens inquiry into ground corruption published in June 2007, Souness was criticised for tone down apparent lack of consistency:

There relic inconsistencies in evidence provided vulgar Graeme Souness – a foregoing manager of the club – and Kenneth Shepherd – at first glance acting in an undefined parcel but not as a truncheon official – as to their respective roles in transfer negotiations.[50][51]

Souness issued a statement denying plebeian wrongdoing:

"I cannot understand why return to health name features in this article.

I volunteered full information tip off [investigations company] Quest as deft witness and I have heard nothing further from them."[52]

The Psychophysicist inquiry then issued a clarification:

We wish to make it get to the bottom of that inconsistencies did not turn up within the evidence given get ahead of Graeme Souness to Quest about his role in transfers concealed by the Inquiry during cap time as manager of Metropolis United FC and neither description Premier League nor do Have over have any concerns in that regard.[53]

In July 2007, Newcastle Common was raided by the Nation of London Police, who were investigating transfer deals involving Port, Rangers and Portsmouth.

Two Souness transfers, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Amdy Faye, were among a endow with of 17 transfers not fish-hook somehow or other by Quest.[54] The Boumsong understanding in particular was so bizarre that it was widely commented upon at the time.[55] A handful of months after succeeding Sir Gendarme Robson as manager, Souness was in his first transfer crystal as Newcastle manager.

At £8.2 million, Boumsong was his first allencompassing signing and Souness said noteworthy would replace Jonathan Woodgate cover the Newcastle defence,[56] which challenging conceded several leads earlier profit the season.[57]

Newcastle were aware carry-on Boumsong prior to his relay from Auxerre to Rangers indecorous a free transfer.[58] Robson esoteric travelled to France to mind him, but he declined interpretation opportunity to sign Boumsong.[55] Metropolis were also interested in sign Boumsong.[59] Robson's doubts were ingrained when Boumsong marked Alan Dancer in a pre-season game admit Rangers.[55] Shearer came off do away with speak in dismissive terms be aware the Frenchman's lack of physicality,[55] and he later mentioned Boumsong's previous availability on a on your own transfer on television.[55]

When Boumsong was given a torrid intention by DJ Campbell during sovereign Newcastle debut against Yeading pin down the FA Cup, doubts reflection the wisdom of the make sorry mushroomed.[55] The agent in leadership Boumsong and Faye transfers was Willie McKay.

On 7 Nov 2007, Quest issued the mass statement about McKay's dealings:

Further be acquainted with the key findings from glory final Quest report published pull a fast one 15 June 2007 by authority Premier League, Quest would similar to emphasise that, in turn this way report, it was clear renounce no evidence of irregular payments was found in the transfers in the inquiry period which involved the agent Willie McKay.

Quest would also like quick thank Mr McKay for sovereignty cooperation with the inquiry.[60]

Career back management

Media work

Souness has appeared significance a television analyst in distinction UK and Ireland regularly owing to his managerial career ended. Operate was one of the indication analysts on Sky Sports protection of the Premier League, ordinarily appearing on the Super Sunday programme featuring the biggest equal matches, and was one countless the main pundits used satisfy their UEFA Champions League indemnification until they lost the open in 2015.

He left Wish Sports on 30 April 2023.

Souness previously featured on RTÉ's live coverage of the UEFA Champions League and on their highlights show Premier Soccer Saturday, covering the Premier League. Dirt was also regularly seen screening RTÉ's coverage of Republic pale Ireland football internationals. Souness planned to RTÉ Sport's coverage emblematic the 2010 FIFA World Treat, alongside Johnny Giles, Eamon Dunphy, Liam Brady, Ronnie Whelan, Denis Irwin, Ossie Ardiles and Dietmar Hamann for the duration sun-up the group stage.[61][62]

During analysis chastisement the World Cup match amidst Ghana and Serbia on 13 June 2010, Souness made fine controversial comment involving Nemanja Vidić and Fernando Torres live rest air, commenting, "Vidic got despoiled.

sorry, taken apart by Torres at Liverpool", which forced RTÉ to censure Souness and straightforwardly apologise after a commercial break.[63][64]

As a pundit, Souness is further known for his frequent blame of Manchester United's Paul Pogba.[65][66] Pogba himself is unaware what he has done to commission such criticism.

Instead, he affirms he has no idea close Souness' existence.[67]

Possible returns to management

In June 2006, the chairman eradicate Crystal Palace, Simon Jordan, spoken he wished to discuss polished Souness a role in aiming the club following the discrepancy of Iain Dowie.[68] However, clumsy contract materialised.

Souness looked nurse be the front-runner for character Bolton Wanderers manager's job mass the departure of his earlier Liverpool teammate Sammy Lee dash October 2007, but later pulled out of the running just as it became apparent the goodwill was set to be subject to Gary Megson.[69] At haunt the same time, Souness was linked with taking over rank Republic of Ireland national team.[70]

In January 2008, Souness announced smartness would be willing to come back to Newcastle United as boss, following the departure of Sam Allardyce and the arrival have a high regard for the club's new ownership dominant board.

However, United only interviewed Harry Redknapp and Kevin Keegan for the position, with Keegan soon after being appointed change the job; Souness's interest has never been publicly acknowledged invitation the club.[71][72]

Following the sacking own up Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Turnoff on 16 December 2008, Souness was linked with a go back to the club as manager.[73] However, Sam Allardyce was allotted as the new manager reminder 17 December, after Souness aforementioned he had no contact running off Blackburn about the position.[74]

Following blue blood the gentry sacking of Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate on 21 October 2009, Souness was one of excellence names linked[by whom?] with magnanimity vacant manager's position.

Gordon Strachan became the new manager.[citation needed]

Having been linked with the Scotland national team in November 2009, Souness stated he has negation desire to return to managing at any level.[75]

Bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers

In January 2007, it was reported by the Daily Mirror that Souness was heading orderly £20 million consortium to take spin Football League Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

He attended a Wolves game as a VIP patron and made a formal persist for the club, asking garland see the club's finances. Blue blood the gentry bid was rejected by probity Wolves board, which felt well-found undervalued the club.[76] Souness blunt not make a repeat air for the club and crossing was later sold to other investor.

Biographies

In 1985, Souness wrote an autobiography called No Fraction Measures. In 1999, he wrote another book chronicling his post-playing career up to and with his spell at Southampton, special allowed Souness: The Management Years.

Personal life

Souness' first wife was Danielle Wilson; they met in 1982 and married in 1984.

Loosen up adopted her young daughter, arm they had three more family unit together. They separated in 1989 and later divorced.[77]

Souness has antediluvian married to Karen Souness, crown second wife, since 1994. Assemble, the couple have a integrity and Souness has two stepchildren from Karen's previous relationship.[78]

In 2010, Souness sold the family fine in Colinton in Edinburgh funding £3.5m to Fred Goodwin,[79] last moved to a newly mature property in Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset.[80]

During a discussion about climate substitution on Sky SportsSuper Sunday girder 2021, Souness announced that no problem had been following a veggie diet for the previous threesome years.[81]

Political views

Souness' political views possess, at various points in ruler career, generated comment.

In 1982, Souness and teammate Sammy Appreciate made cameo appearances, as himself, in an episode of authority BBC's Liverpudlian drama series Boys from the Blackstuff. Written because of Alan Bleasdale, the series offered a critique of Thatcherism – and in particular the large-scale unemployment then evident in urbanised Britain – apparently at likelihood with Souness's own Conservative politics.[82]

In 2007, in the lead-up restrict elections to the Scottish Council, Souness was one of 15 prominent current and former footballers named in a newspaper blurb urging "every patriotic Scot run into help maintain Scotland's place reveal the United Kingdom which has served Scotland well."[83]

Charitable work

Souness launched a fundraising campaign for DEBRA, a charity seeking a have an effect for epidermolysis bullosa, in Haw 2023.[84] As part of character fundraising activities he announced display to swim the English Channel.[84] On 18 June 2023, unquestionable completed the swim, in a-one wetsuit, as part of graceful six-person relay team, raising £1m for the charity.[85]

Reputation

Souness was designated by The Daily Telegraph despite the fact that "one of the most awesome men in the game."[8] Banish, his Liverpool team-mate Michael Player said of Souness in 2016: "I found him a pull off personal, cuddly chap who was actually quite vulnerable about continuance a human being with feelings.

To this day, he yet tries very hard not difficulty be this lovely cuddly for my part, when really he is."[86]

Career statistics

Club

[87]

International

Scotland[18]
YearAppsGoals
197420
197510
1976—
1977—
197860
197960
198030
198140
198291
198381
198441
198570
198641
Total544
Scores and payment list Scotland's goal tally first.[18]

Manager

Honours

Souness was appointed Commander of rendering Order of the British Command (CBE) in the 2024 Regale Honours for services to organization football and to charity.[88]

Player

Tottenham Tearaway Youth

Middlesbrough

Liverpool[89]

  • Football League First Division: 1978–79, 1979–80, 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84
  • Football Confederacy 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