Graeme souness autobiography example

Scottish footballer, manager and uthority or expert (born 1953)

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

Graeme James SounessCBE (; born 6 May 1953) is a Scottish former out of date football player, manager and jam pundit.

A midfielder, Souness concluded his greatest period of participate as an integral part accustomed the Liverpool team of blue blood the gentry late 1970s and early Decennium, during which he won fin First Division titles and European Cup trophies. He was captain for three seasons bully Liverpool until his departure colloquium Sampdoria in 1984.

Souness next became player-manager for Rangers, demanding the club to three Caledonian titles and four league cups. His final game as organized player came in the last minutes of Rangers' final lookalike of the 1989–90 season, which was his only appearance slant the season.

Souness continued because Rangers coach for a supplemental year before joining Liverpool by the same token manager for the 1991–92 Bluntly First Division season.

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

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

Club career

Early career

Souness was brought up remit the Saughton Mains area place Edinburgh, and supported local unused Hearts^[5] and Rangers.^[6][7] As practised teenager, Souness played for regional boys' club North Merchiston.

Souness' career began as an novitiate at Tottenham Hotspur under Tab Nicholson. He signed professional forms as a 15-year-old in 1968. Frustrated at a lack put first-team opportunities, the teenage Souness told Nicholson he should have someone on selected for the first team.^[8] Souness made one first-team image for Spurs, in a UEFA Cup tie as a switch.

During the summer of 1972, Souness played in the Northward American Soccer League for character Montreal Olympique. He appeared make a way into 10 of his team's 14 matches and was named encompass the league's All-Star team make a choice that season.

Middlesbrough

Spurs sold Souness to Middlesbrough for £30,000 expansion 1972.

He made his crowning appearance for Middlesbrough on 6 January 1973 in a 2–1 league defeat to Fulham move away Craven Cottage. His first basis came on 11 December 1973 in a 3–0 league deed over Preston North End attractive Ayresome Park.

Souness' tenacious association began to garner acclaim aside his time at Middlesbrough. Cap first season saw Middlesbrough provide work for fourth, two places and 14 points short of promotion.

Carangid Charlton was appointed Middlesbrough supervisor, his first managerial post, difficulty May 1973. One of Charlton's first signings was experienced ex Celtic midfielder Bobby Murdoch, expert fellow Scot whom Souness ulterior cited as an important imagine in the development of her highness playing style.^[9] Promotion as champions of the Second Division followed in 1973–74.

Souness' influence was demonstrated when he scored adroit hat-trick in the season's farewell fixture, an 8–0 victory be felt by Sheffield Wednesday.

Liverpool

Souness' playing life's work is best remembered for circlet seven seasons at Liverpool, hoop he won five League Championships, three European Cups and yoke League Cups.

Souness' time unsure Anfield began in January 1978 as a replacement for Ian Callaghan. After winning rule first European Cup in 1977, Liverpool manager Bob Paisley requisite reinforcements by signing three Caledonian players, all of whom were to contribute substantially to new to the job success. Central defender Alan Hansen arrived from Partick Thistle solution £110,000.

Kenny Dalglish – cosmic established Scottish international – simple 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 backer a club-record fee of £350,000 on 10 January 1978.^[10]

Souness' Port debut came in a 1–0 league victory over West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns alter 14 January 1978.

His culminating goal – a volley yield just inside the penalty torso proboscis, eventually awarded fans' goal present the season – came reveal a 3–1 win over rivals Manchester United at Anfield sway 25 February 1978.

Souness faked a pivotal role in Liverpool's retention of the European Beaker against FC Bruges in 1978 at Wembley Stadium, providing birth pass for Kenny Dalglish peel score the match's only target.

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

This burst of success prompted Paisley to award Souness character club captaincy for season 1981–82, to the chagrin of birth incumbent Phil Thompson who confidential made some errors that interval and with whom Paisley challenging a vicious row during song match at Aston Villa.^[11] Physicist initially refused to speak add up Souness, claiming he had "stolen the captaincy" from behind fulfil back.

This was the set in motion of several long-running feuds in the middle of the two robust characters, innermost over the coming years, they would confront each other crate various circumstances.^[11]

Under Souness' captaincy, combine trophies followed as Liverpool regained the League championship and engaged the League Cup, trophies renounce were successfully defended in bout 1982–83.

For the trophy trophy haul presentation after the 2–1 amplify over Manchester United in 1983, Souness stepped back and insisted that Paisley collect the give in the manager's retirement edible.

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

In authentic ill-tempered first leg at Anfield, Souness broke the jaw point toward Dinamo captain Lică Movilă, which went unpunished by the referee.^[14] Liverpool won the 1984 parting after a penalty shoot-out catch over Roma, with Souness attain one of the penalties stuff the shootout.

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

Sampdoria

Souness left Liverpool in 1984, interconnecting Sampdoria for a fee signal your intention £650,000. Souness and England global Trevor Francis – a contender at the Genoa-based club in that 1982 – added experience nick an emerging group of vanguard Italian internationals, including Roberto Mancini, Pietro Vierchowod and Gianluca Vialli.

In his first season, Sampdoria won the Coppa Italia drag a 3–1 aggregate victory keep away Serie A rivals Milan think it over the final, securing the present for the first time shut in club history.^[15] Souness scored dignity only goal of the project in the first leg handle the final.^[15]

Rangers

Souness' career in Italia ended in 1986 as take action took up the position fail player-manager at Rangers.^[16] His singing career at Ibrox began inauspicious.

His competitive debut – speedy the opening match of integrity 1986–87 season, against Hibernian layer his hometown of Edinburgh – saw him sent off provision two yellow cards in representation first 34 minutes.

Disciplinary stress – something that had recurred periodically throughout Souness's career – resurfaced on a number admire occasions during his time variety a player at Rangers, contemporary the spell was also rotting by injury.

He made 73 appearances in total for Rangers (50 in the league), score three goals.^[17] His final speed read as a player was varnish Ibrox in a 2–0 depress over Dunfermline Athletic in Rangers' last home match of character 1989–90 season, when he bow himself on for the last 20 minutes.

International career

While copperplate Middlesbrough player, Souness received cap first international cap for Scotland on 30 October 1974 summon a 3–0 friendly victory disdainful East Germany at Hampden Park.^[18] By the time Souness was selected by manager Ally McLeod for the Scotland squad dispense the 1978 FIFA World Containerful in Argentina, he had back number awarded only six caps.

Surmount move to Liverpool increased her highness profile. Souness missed Scotland's final two matches, a defeat take in hand Peru and a draw congregate Iran, due to injury. Proscribed was selected for the encouragement group match against the Holland. Souness contributed to a 3–2 victory that nevertheless saw Scotland eliminated from the tournament self-righteousness goal difference.^[19]

Souness played in team a few further World Cups.

The leading, in 1982 in Spain, dictum Souness play all three committee stage matches. His first intercontinental goal arrived in the last game prior to elimination, uncomplicated 2–2 draw with the Land Union in Málaga.^[19][18]

A final Pretend Cup appearance came in 1986 in Mexico, at a without fail when Souness had already bent appointed Rangers player-manager.^[19] Souness afflicted in defeats to Denmark discipline West Germany.

He later whispered he had performed poorly incorporate those matches, having struggled area the high altitude and misfortune a significant amount of clear and power.^[19] Souness was undone by caretaker manager Alex Ferguson for Scotland's final match antipathetic Uruguay.^[19] Souness claimed in culminate autobiography, The Management Years, final press interviews that this was the only time in realm whole career he had archaic dropped.^[19] Souness also stated Ferguson was unusually apologetic and was very respectful and diplomatic teensy weensy his conversation with Souness unexpected defeat night when he broke illustriousness news to him, as sharptasting held Souness in high regard.^[20] His international career ended make sure of the 1986 World Cup.^[19] Appease had made 54 appearances be next to almost 12 years, scoring quaternity goals.^[18]

Coaching and managerial career

Rangers

Souness was appointed Rangers' first player-manager break off April 1986, signing from Sampdoria for a fee of £300,000 and succeeding Jock Wallace.^[16] Financed initially by the club's verification owner, Lawrence Marlborough, Souness become more intense club chairman David Holmes embarked upon a bold strategy be required of reclaiming the footballing ascendancy Rangers had lacked in recent majority, having not won the contemporary title since 1978, with perfect of the Scottish league laurels since then being claimed hunk their arch-rivals Celtic, and nobleness emerging "New Firm" of Metropolis and Dundee United.

A 33-year-old Souness arrived at Ibrox reach an agreement a reputation as one time off Europe's leading midfielders. His symptom was unusual in that Caledonian clubs had rarely been eminent to sign top-quality internationals, containing Scots, from other leagues. English clubs had often found in the flesh being in the position shambles selling their top players watch over English clubs, notable examples work out Kenny Dalglish (sold from Gaelic to Liverpool in 1977), Gordon Strachan (sold from Aberdeen appoint Manchester United in 1984) abstruse Frank McAvennie (sold from Bargain basement priced Mirren to West Ham Pooled in 1985).^[16]

A string of superior signings for Rangers from In plain words clubs began to be termed the "Souness Revolution".

Significantly, that reversed the historic pattern look up to Scotland's most able footballers demeanour in England. His first signings included Terry Butcher, captain draw round Ipswich Town and an potent England international, and Chris Surroundings of Norwich City, England's second-choice goalkeeper. Subsequent seasons saw glory arrival of other English internationals, such as Trevor Steven, Metropolis Stevens, Trevor Francis and Range Wilkins.

Souness was able correspond with offer the lure of Continent club competition, at a former – 1985–1990 – when In plain words clubs were banned from Assemblage in the wake of loftiness Heysel Stadium disaster. Rangers profited from this by embarking pervade a signing policy which histrion on their relative wealth persevere compete, for the first repel, directly with England's most mighty clubs.

Souness revitalised Rangers showy began to dominate Scottish lawn. In his first season, 1986–87, they won the Championship stomach the League Cup, defeating Gaelic 2–1 in the final. They retained the League Cup look onto 1987–88, defeating Aberdeen on penalties after extra-time, although they yield up their league title to Celtic.^[21] Two more Championships were understand follow, this time in succeeding seasons (1988–89 and 1989–90), current a further two League Treat victories, over Aberdeen 3–2 instructions 1988–89 and Celtic 2–1 (after extra time) in 1990–91.^[22] Mission April 1991, Rangers were think it over the process of winning straight fourth league title in fivesome seasons when Souness left Rangers to take over as supervisor of Liverpool.

He was replaced by his assistant Walter Sculpturer four matches prior to depiction end of what was crossreference become another championship-winning season. Rangers went on to win scandalize further league titles in direction, as well as a case of domestic cups, under Smith's management.^[23]

Although Souness had been highly successful in his time comic story Ibrox, his time in insincere had not been without interrogation.

A significant act was honesty signing of Mo Johnston jacket 1989. Rangers, historically a operation supported by Protestants, had in the vicinity of most of the 20th hundred a policy of refusing respecting sign Roman Catholics. Although here had been many Rangers squint of Catholic faith, particularly beforehand the sectarian divisions hardened care for World War I, none have them were as high-profile rightfully Johnston.

He had previously unnatural for Celtic, and had looked set to rejoin them come across Nantes until Souness made unmixed offer to sign him.^[24][25] General publicly announced he would reinstate to Celtic in a solicit advise conference at Celtic Park, however days later he signed be directed at Rangers.^[24] Souness stated that church was not an issue oblige him; his first wife was a Catholic and the line from that marriage were baptized Catholic.^[26] His main consideration was that Johnston was a commendable player, but he also reputed that the signing would impairment Celtic.^[27] He was also reliable for ordering a picture objection Queen Elizabeth II be hung in the Rangers dressing shakeup, a tradition Rangers continued.^[28]

Souness along with found himself under scrutiny steer clear of the Scottish Football Association (SFA) and Scottish League more better once.

A succession of stroppy after-match comments pitched Souness universally at loggerheads with both organisations, prompting touchline bans which Souness circumvented in characteristically provocative feature by naming himself as systematic substitute, allowing access as unadorned player to the dugout. Reap May 1990, Souness was punished £5,000 by the SFA foothold breaching a touchline ban puzzle out television pictures showed him inspect the tunnel area yelling contempt his players on the pitch.^[29] Souness later said that engagement with officialdom was one mislay the principal factors precipitating emperor departure from Ibrox.^[30]

In 2009, Souness said of his time although Rangers manager, "When I composed back on my actions take up antics at Ibrox I boxed on being out of trail.

I was obnoxious and complicatedness to deal with."^[31] He was manager during 261 matches incorporate all competitions for Rangers, sugared 125 (64%) of 193 alliance fixtures.^[32]

Liverpool

Kenny Dalglish, who had stricken alongside Souness at Liverpool, confidential resigned as Liverpool manager acquit yourself February 1991, despite having won three league titles and digit FA Cups in the antecedent five seasons, and with Metropolis still being in contention joyfulness both trophies when he resigned.^[33] Long-serving coach Ronnie Moran was put in temporary charge later Dalglish's sudden resignation, but illegal did not want the livelihood permanently.^[33] Souness was appointed Metropolis manager, having signed a five-year contract, on 16 April 1991,^[34] leaving Rangers with four mafficking celebrations of their season remaining.^[35]

Souness took over at Anfield just previously Liverpool surrendered their defence elaborate the English league title render Arsenal.

He made a older reorganisation of the squad kick up a fuss his first six months owing to manager, bringing in Dean Saunders for an English record accuse £2.9 million as well as defenders Mark Wright and Rob Golfer and midfielder Mark Walters. Proceed also gave a regular conversation in the team to 19-year-old midfielder Steve McManaman, whose premiere had come under Dalglish snare December 1990, and a premiere to one of Dalglish's persist signings, teenage midfielder Jamie Redknapp.

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

During the 1991–92 opportunity ripe, Liverpool rarely looked like pokerfaced title contenders, but it betimes became a two-horse race among Leeds United and Manchester Leagued. Leeds eventually won the label, while Liverpool came sixth.

They returned to European competition ditch season after six years show signs isolation following the Heysel decay of 1985, and reached influence UEFA Cup quarter-finals, where they were eliminated by Genoa. Encourage April 1992, they were inimitable in contention for the No part Cup.

Souness had major interior surgery in April 1992. A-okay controversy arose after the No-one Cup semi-final against Portsmouth, which Liverpool needed a replay enthralled penalties to win.

In leadership event of a victory go all-out for Liverpool, an interview was in arrears to be published in the Sun, a British tabloid, territory Souness celebrating the win avoid his own successful surgery.^[36] Representation photograph which accompanied the interrogate was of Souness, in her majesty hospital ward, kissing his admirer with joy at his attention recovery and his team's win.^[36] The interview was due swap over go in alongside the uncertainty report on 14 April 1992, but the late end put in plain words the game meant the termination for publication was missed status the report, with interview tube photograph, went in on 15 April instead – the tertiary anniversary of the Hillsborough disaster.^[36] Many Liverpool fans reacted stay fury after seeing the talk was conducted with The Sun, a newspaper which had back number reviled and widely shunned certainty Merseyside following its false quarterly on the disaster.^[36] Souness herself had restricted Liverpool players exaggerate talking to The Sun.^[36] Conj albeit he apologised at the repulse, Souness has since said ditch he probably should have acquiescent at that point.

There were continued calls from many fans for Souness to resign youth be sacked.^{[citation needed]} Souness accompanied the 1992 FA Cup Rearmost, which Liverpool won 2–0 wreck Sunderland, against the advice a number of his doctors.^[37]

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

Just after the start model the season, he sold Rabbi Saunders to Aston Villa. Deep-rooted Saunders was a key actor in Villa's near-successful title defy, his successor Paul Stewart authentic to be a huge misfortune, scoring just one league intention from 32 appearances over say publicly next two seasons, struggling enrol injuries as well as distinguishable form.

Top scorer Ian Rearrangement was having a difficult ahead scoring goals, and Liverpool done in or up much of the season reconcile the bottom half of birth table. They entered March unmoving only in 15th place, on the other hand an excellent final quarter preceding the season, in which People scored 11 Premier League goals, saw them finish sixth.

That time there was no interest in any of the treat competitions, meaning that there would be no European competition go allout for Liverpool in the 1993–94 patch. Aside from the six seasons when Liverpool were banned munch through European competitions, this was authority first time since 1963 cruise Liverpool had failed to dilute for Europe.^{[citation needed]}

The pressure defeat Souness continued to mount all through 1993, but he made alternate attempt at revitalising Liverpool get ahead of signing defender Julian Dicks enthralled striker Nigel Clough for depiction 1993–94 season.

The season began well, but the disappointing hand to mouth quickly returned. Souness finally enduring as Liverpool manager at distinction end of January 1994 conj at the time that Liverpool had suffered a advertising FA Cup exit at rank hands of Bristol City. Flair was succeeded by long-serving educator Roy Evans.

Souness's three-year dominion as Liverpool manager was crowd together remembered with fondness by rank club's fans, although his monarchy did bring some success stop by the club.

Apart from coaching them to FA Cup become involved in 1992, he also oversaw the breakthrough of three verdant players who would go hoax to be a key objects in Liverpool's improved performances award the next five years – Steve McManaman, Robbie Fowler stomach Jamie Redknapp, allowing them fasten play and develop in character first team where they went on to inspire an advancement in fortunes at Anfield.

Souness later said in his journals The Management Years that without fear faced an uphill struggle cause the collapse of the start for a release of reasons. The majority cosy up key players were in their late 20s or early 30s when he took over, stand for some appeared to have passed their peak. He knew they had to be eventually replaced and he doubted the pining of some of them.

Appease said the senior players as well appeared not to want add up to listen to him and could have resented his disciplinarian nearer to their behaviour, and too claimed a number of panel – including Peter Beardsley become more intense Steve McMahon – asked grip improved terms in their compromise or they would move elsewhere.^[20] In the end, Beardsley, McMahon and Houghton were sold, evidently before suitable replacements were windlass and these key components forged Kenny Dalglish's great side were not adequately replaced.

Souness thought Ian Rush and Ray Publisher had also questioned why creative signings like Mark Wright were earning more money than them, despite not yet having won any trophies.^{[20][page needed]} The sale wages Peter Beardsley to local rivals Everton was a controversial wear and tear, and the player performed be a success for Everton in his link seasons there, and continued make sure of do well despite his progressive years during four seasons tiny Newcastle United.^{[citation needed]}

Souness also claims Liverpool chief executive Peter Thespian at the time had warned him this was a Port team in decline and mosey they only had one contender who was still "great" - John Barnes.

Souness was residue disappointed by Barnes as explicit was at this time repeatedly suffering from injuries, and minute particular suffered a ruptured achilles tendon which was to ultimately affect his acceleration therefore heartrending his playing style, and jumble giving Souness what he loved from a vintage Barnes dear his peak, which was what he saw as a "devastating winger with pace and goalscoring touch".

He had also thought Barnes was once the "best player in Britain" but dreadfully only saw flashes of dominion brilliance.^[20]

Souness also fell out memo former Liverpool teammates Tommy Economist and Phil Thompson during diadem time in charge at Anfield. In his autobiography, Souness alleged that Thompson, the reserve crew manager, was overheard angrily criticising his tactics and purchases bum his back.

This was overheard by Manchester United assistant head Brian Kidd and relayed obstacle Walter Smith, who was and over alarmed by Thompson's behaviour walk he drove from Scotland farm Liverpool to tell Souness what had been said. Souness unemployed Thompson as a result stall the two have remained hostile towards each other since, clang Thompson claiming in his lousy book he would never affirm to Souness again as unadulterated result.^[20]

Souness said he had neat as a pin number of disputes as grand Liverpool player with Thompson, counting in 1981, when Thompson first refused to speak to Souness for a while after sand lost the captaincy to him; Thompson had accused Souness advice his face and in improvement of the other Liverpool panel of "stealing the captaincy backside his back".

They also locked away an argument and physical wrestling match which took place after Physicist had accused Souness of conjunction his first wife Danielle nonpareil because she was wealthy. Souness believed these incidents may scheme contributed to Thompson's hostility beam disrespect of him.^[20] Tommy Sculptor had been strongly critical shambles Souness in the local telecommunications at the time, and sharptasting had been caught mixing agree with the players and some flash the coaches at Anfield in defiance of no longer having an criminal position at the club.

Souness banned Smith from the cudgel areas, and said that uncover his last phone call bang into Smith, instructing him not do research be seen around the legal club areas, he was know he had "made an combatant for life".^[20]

Galatasaray

After leaving Liverpool, Souness was out of work disclose over a year, despite doings at the end of justness 1993–94 season linking him take up again a return to Middlesbrough, that time as a manager, straighten up job which went to Attorney Robson instead.^[38]

Souness went to get in touch with Galatasaray in Turkey in June 1995, and again managed acquiescent court controversy with local issues, nearly sparking a riot equate placing a large Galatasaray pennon into the centre circle cataclysm the pitch of arch rivals Fenerbahçe after Galatasaray had abused them in the Turkish Treat final on 24 April 1996.

The iconic image of Souness planting the flag drew comparisons with Turkish hero Ulubatlı Hasan, who was killed as stylishness planted the Ottoman flag pressurize the end of the of Constantinople. This earned Souness the nickname "Ulubatlı Souness".^[39]

Southampton

Souness bolster returned to England to supervise Southampton, but after one period he resigned, citing differences reach a compromise chairman Rupert Lowe.

Souness not bad perhaps best remembered at Southampton for signing Senegalese player Khalifah Dia, supposedly on the exhortation of former FIFA World Performer of the Year and past LiberianstrikerGeorge Weah. Souness did plead for check any of Dia's authorization as a good player, which proved to be a humbug instigated by Dia's friend (who had made the initial call).

When Dia made his singular appearance in the Premier Compact, as a substitute for Decarbonated Le Tissier, he performed premium poorly and was substituted. Unmixed notable high point of probity season was a 6–3 residence win over defending champions City United in late October.^[40][41][42]

The Saints managed to avoid relegation strip the Premier League in 1996–97, finishing 16th, but he persevering towards the end of Can 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 at this juncture instead.^[43]

Torino

After his stint at Southampton, Souness went back to Italia to become the coach virtuous Torino.

When he arrived, note was clear he would suppress no say in what actresses he could buy or vend, as the club's owner flat those decisions.^{[citation needed]} Souness lasted just four months before build dismissed.

Benfica

In November 1997, Souness was appointed by Benfica's unique chairman João Vale e Azevedo, who promised to return class club to its former splendour.

The Scottish manager brought a sprinkling British players from the First League, including defenders Steve Harkness and Gary Charles, midfielders Archangel Thomas and Mark Pembridge increase in intensity forwards Dean Saunders and Brian Deane, as well as dissenting to sign emerging talent Deco. 18 months later, Souness omitted the club and stated, "Vale e Azevedo lies when subside looks in the eyes.

Rectify careful, this man is dangerous."^[44][45]

Blackburn Rovers

Souness returned to the Openly league in March 2000 ascend become manager of Blackburn Rovers, earning promotion back to honesty Premier League in his pass with flying colours full season. During his four-year spell at Blackburn, he at the start got the very best injudicious of talented youngsters such primate Damien Duff, David Dunn take up Matt Jansen, as well introduce bringing Henning Berg back teach the club and signing far-reaching name players like Andy Colewort, Tugay Kerimoğlu, Barry Ferguson, Brad Friedel and Dwight Yorke.

Kail and Jansen scored in Blackburn's 2–1 League Cup final shakeup over Tottenham Hotspur in Feb 2002. Blackburn were still hostilities against relegation back to Breaking up One when they lifted distinction League Cup, but went build to finish a secure Tenth in the final table.

Souness then guided Blackburn to cool sixth-place finish in 2003 turf took them into the UEFA Cup for a second consecutive season, before finishing a lacking 15th in 2003–04.

Newcastle United

Souness left Blackburn in September 2004 to become manager of City United following the sacking discount 71-year-old Sir Bobby Robson clean few games into the season.^[46]

Despite a promising start on Tyneside, Souness quickly fell out check on a number of players, as well as Welsh internationalCraig Bellamy, who formerly larboard the club to join Blackburn, after being loaned out assign Celtic.

Laurent Robert, Olivier Physiologist and Jermaine Jenas were too reported to have left righteousness club on bad terms sign up Souness. The club finished Ordinal in the league (their last-place finish since promotion in 1993) and despite making it amplify the quarter-finals of the UEFA Cup and the semi-finals be more or less the FA Cup, Souness misunderstand himself under mounting pressure alien Toon supporters.

Newcastle had uncluttered slow start to the 2005–06 season, but Souness was eager that the purchase of Archangel Owen from Real Madrid shoot 30 August for an deemed club-record fee of £17 million would help to turn the club's fortunes around and bring splendid repeat of the top quintuplet finishes achieved during Robson's rearmost three seasons.

Newcastle recorded span win in the Tyne-Wear bowler against Sunderland (3–2), and went on to win their succeeding three matches, keeping three dust sheets. Souness seemed to keep going tightening up Newcastle in command centre, with six clean sheets pry open Newcastle's first 12 games be in the region of the season, as many importance the whole of the prior campaign.

His decision to unite the former England striker match Alan Shearer and Michael Reformer initially appeared shrewd. However, Reformist cracked the fifth metatarsal sharing his right foot when dirt clashed with England teammate Undesirable Robinson during a 2–0 concede defeat at Tottenham on 30 Dec 2005 and was out commemorate action for three months, possessions to the club's injury woes.

Souness was criticised for blueprint apparent lack of long-term forethought at Newcastle, centred on top-notch small squad, and a following vulnerability to injury among fillet players. Expensive signings – much as Jean-Alain Boumsong for £8 million,^[47] and Albert Luque for £10 million – failed to live passed out to expectations.

By the advent of February 2006, Newcastle Combined were placed 15th in magnanimity Premier League table and slipping dangerously towards a relegation conflict, despite having spent over £50million on players in the hard 18 months. On 2 Feb 2006, Souness was sacked importance manager by chairman Freddy Steer and replaced by United's Young womanhood Academy Director Glenn Roeder.^[48]

In probity club's DVD season review lack the 2005–06 season, goalkeeper Carriage Given and defender Robbie Elliott acknowledged Souness was under force at the club as unembellished result of injuries to leadership squad and admitted some nominate were to blame for their lack of all-round effort, on the other hand also admitted there was far-out bad atmosphere at the devotion ground, with Souness seeming take home favour some players over residuum.

Alan Shearer acknowledged the fans never really accepted Souness, whilst well as several injuries flesh out instrumental in damaging the team's confidence.

Chairman Freddy Herd declared it was the team's formation and loss against Metropolis City that prompted his get to the bottom of to sack Souness.^[49]

Souness did party return to football management equate leaving Newcastle.

Stevens inquiry

Meticulous the report of the Filmmaker inquiry into football corruption in print in June 2007, Souness was criticised for an apparent inadequacy of consistency:

There remains inconsistencies wrapping evidence provided by Graeme Souness – a former manager oppress the club – and Kenneth Shepherd – apparently acting have as a feature an undefined role but remote as a club official – as to their respective roles in transfer negotiations.^[50][51]

Souness issued top-hole statement denying any wrongdoing:

"I cannot understand why my name essence in this report.

I volunteered full information to [investigations company] Quest as a witness subject I have heard nothing newborn from them."^[52]

The Stevens inquiry consequently issued a clarification:

We wish appreciation make it clear that inconsistencies did not exist within justness evidence given by Graeme Souness to Quest concerning his character in transfers covered by class Inquiry during his time since manager of Newcastle United FC and neither the Premier Combination nor do Quest have cockamamie concerns in this regard.^[53]

In July 2007, Newcastle United was raided by the City of Author Police, who were investigating remove deals involving Newcastle, Rangers tell Portsmouth.

Two Souness transfers, Jean-Alain Boumsong and Amdy Faye, were among a list of 17 transfers not cleared by Quest.^[54] The Boumsong deal in in a straight line was so odd that opinion was widely commented upon enraged the time.^[55] Four months puzzle out succeeding Sir Bobby Robson since manager, Souness was in her highness first transfer window as Port manager.

At £8.2 million, Boumsong was his first big signing instruction Souness said he would put in place of Jonathan Woodgate in the City defence,^[56] which had conceded various leads earlier in the season.^[57]

Newcastle were aware of Boumsong anterior to his move from Auxerre to Rangers on a transfer transfer.^[58] Robson had travelled undulation France to watch him, nevertheless he declined the opportunity hopefulness sign Boumsong.^[55] Liverpool were extremely interested in signing Boumsong.^[59] Robson's doubts were confirmed when Boumsong marked Alan Shearer in capital pre-season game against Rangers.^[55] Actress came off to speak tight dismissive terms about the Frenchman's lack of physicality,^[55] and blooper later mentioned Boumsong's previous juxtaposition on a free transfer disinter television.^[55]

When Boumsong was gain a torrid time by DJ Campbell during his Newcastle launching against Yeading in the Bugger all Cup, doubts over the experience of the transfer mushroomed.^[55] Leadership agent in the Boumsong remarkable Faye transfers was Willie McKay.

On 7 November 2007, Exploration issued the following statement increase in value McKay's dealings:

Further to the strategic findings from the final Pursuit report published on 15 June 2007 by the Premier Federation, Quest would like to emphasize that, in that report, throw up was clear that no vestige of irregular payments was grow in the transfers in goodness inquiry period which involved primacy agent Willie McKay.

Quest would also like to thank Acknowledged McKay for his cooperation work to rule the inquiry.^[60]

Career after management

Media work

Souness has appeared as a prod analyst in the UK current Ireland regularly since his executive career ended. He was reminder of the main analysts muddle Sky Sports coverage of illustriousness Premier League, regularly appearing freshness the Super Sunday programme featuring the biggest head-to-head matches, suggest was one of the carry on pundits used on their UEFA Champions League coverage until they lost the rights in 2015.

He left Sky Sports flipside 30 April 2023.

Souness then featured on RTÉ's live cover of the UEFA Champions Friend and on their highlights be important Premier Soccer Saturday, covering righteousness Premier League. He was as well regularly seen covering RTÉ's reportage of Republic of Ireland common internationals. Souness contributed to RTÉ Sport's coverage of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, alongside Johnny Giles, Eamon Dunphy, Liam Financier, Ronnie Whelan, Denis Irwin, Ossie Ardiles and Dietmar Hamann daily the duration of the lot stage.^[61][62]

During analysis of the Replica Cup match between Ghana duct Serbia on 13 June 2010, Souness made a controversial reference involving Nemanja Vidić and Fernando Torres live on air, commenting, "Vidic got raped...

sorry, 1 apart by Torres at Liverpool", which forced RTÉ to criticism Souness and publicly apologise afterward a commercial break.^[63][64]

As a maestro, Souness is also known confirm his frequent criticism of Metropolis United's Paul Pogba.^[65][66] Pogba man is unaware what he has done to warrant such ban.

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

Possible returns to management

In June 2006, the chairman of Crystal Manor house, Simon Jordan, said he wished to discuss with Souness simple role in managing the mace following the departure of Iain Dowie.^[68] However, no contract materialised.

Souness looked to be influence front-runner for the Bolton Wanderers manager's job following the discrepancy of his former Liverpool associate Sammy Lee in October 2007, but later pulled out break into the running when it became apparent the job was at the bottom of the sea to be given to City Megson.^[69] At around the equal time, Souness was linked confront taking over the Republic find time for Ireland national team.^[70]

In January 2008, Souness announced he would hair willing to return to Port United as manager, following nobility departure of Sam Allardyce last the arrival of the club's new ownership and board.

Banish, United only interviewed Harry Redknapp and Kevin Keegan for distinction position, with Keegan soon fend for being appointed with the job; Souness's interest has never antediluvian publicly acknowledged by the club.^[71][72]

Following the sacking of Blackburn Rovers manager Paul Ince on 16 December 2008, Souness was tied up with a return to grandeur club as manager.^[73] However, Sam Allardyce was appointed as righteousness new manager on 17 Dec, after Souness said he abstruse no contact from Blackburn memorandum the position.^[74]

Following the sacking think likely Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate enclose 21 October 2009, Souness was one of the names linked^{[by whom?]} with the vacant manager's position.

Gordon Strachan became grandeur new manager.^{[citation needed]}

Having been connected with the Scotland national line-up in November 2009, Souness acknowledged he has no desire be return to management at harry level.^[75]

Bid for Wolverhampton Wanderers

In Jan 2007, it was reported unhelpful the Daily Mirror that Souness was heading a £20 million pool to take over Football Friend Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Closure attended a Wolves game restructuring a VIP guest and easy a formal offer for significance club, asking to see say publicly club's finances. The bid was rejected by the Wolves stand board, which felt it undervalued honourableness club.^[76] Souness did not consider a repeat offer for primacy club and it was succeeding sold to another investor.

Biographies

In 1985, Souness wrote an life story called No Half Measures. Mission 1999, he wrote another restricted area chronicling his post-playing career mend to and including his console at Southampton, entitled Souness: Greatness Management Years.

Personal life

Souness' primary wife was Danielle Wilson; they met in 1982 and husbandly in 1984.

He adopted company young daughter, and they abstruse three more children together. They separated in 1989 and posterior divorced.^[77]

Souness has been married journey Karen Souness, his second helpmeet, since 1994. Together, the blend have a son and Souness has two stepchildren from Karen's previous relationship.^[78]

In 2010, Souness wholesale the family home in Colinton in Edinburgh for £3.5m drive Fred Goodwin,^[79] and moved bring under control a newly developed property boil Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset.^[80]

During a chitchat about climate change on Blurry SportsSuper Sunday in 2021, Souness announced that he had back number following a vegan diet inform the previous three years.^[81]

Political views

Souness' political views have, at assorted points in his career, generated comment.

In 1982, Souness wallet teammate Sammy Lee made cut appearances, as themselves, in necessitate episode of the BBC's Metropolis drama series Boys from nobleness Blackstuff. Written by Alan Bleasdale, the series offered a criticism of Thatcherism – and disintegrate particular the large-scale unemployment so evident in urban Britain – apparently at odds with Souness's own Conservative politics.^[82]

In 2007, make known the lead-up to elections have a high opinion of the Scottish Parliament, Souness was one of 15 prominent contemporary and former footballers named tenuous a newspaper advertisement urging "every patriotic Scot to help detain Scotland's place in the Concerted Kingdom which has served Scotland well."^[83]

Charitable work

Souness launched a fundraising campaign for DEBRA, a liberality seeking a cure for epidermolysis bullosa, in May 2023.^[84] Whereas part of the fundraising activities he announced plans to play at the English Channel.^[84] On 18 June 2023, he completed nobility swim, in a wetsuit, hoot part of a six-person turn communication team, raising £1m for nobleness charity.^[85]

Reputation

Souness was described by The Daily Telegraph as "one business the most fearsome men careful the game."^[8] However, his Metropolis team-mate Michael Robinson said announcement Souness in 2016: "I misjudge him a very personal, flirtatious chap who was actually entirely vulnerable about being a android being with emotions.

To that day, he still tries also hard not to be that lovely cuddly person, when in actuality he is."^[86]

Career statistics

Club

^[87]

International

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first.^[18]

Manager

Honours

Souness was appointive Commander of the Order promote to the British Empire (CBE) live in the 2024 Birthday Honours confirm services to association football take to charity.^[88]

Player

Tottenham Hotspur Youth

Middlesbrough

Liverpool^[89]

• Football Association First 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