Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren?

If he is then Tony Blair is Sven Goran Erikkson- both in charge of the subjects which get most press coverage, both have at least half the population who think they can tell them how to do their job better and both have extremely colourful love lives (ok,not that one).

Sven seemed a man waiting for the inevitable end for at least the last 18 months of his management, unable to stir the team to glories that came easily in the early years. You see where I'm coming from yet? McLaren,when he took over had at best a two month honeymoon period before the knives were out- will Gordon get even that long?
Gordon needs to hit the ground running to show he's his own man- the equivalent of McLaren dropping Beckham- perhaps something on Iraq or tuition fees? Whatever it is, his big test will be how he handles the big crisis- losing in Croatia was McLaren's- what will Brown's be and what are the odds of them both being in their jobs by 2010?

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Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#1)

Not sure I really understand the above analysis.  But I think one of the Union leaders got it spot on recently when he said that Blair was a brilliant politican and brilliant at defending Labour policy even when it was rubbish.  We saw that this afternoon when he produced a fantastic performance against Cameron in the Commons.  But the Union leader questioned if Gordon Brown would be as capable in defending dodgy Labour policy's to the public and to the Commons as Blair has been?

Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#5)

I'd stick to political analogies and compare Brown with Sir Anthony Eden and Rab Butler; although Eden made it up the greasy pole in the end, he didn't last long. I have a feeling the same fate awaits Brown and we'll probably have Milliband in 2009, fighting the Election. But don't tell anybody.

Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#6)

One does feel with Gordon Brown it will all end in a 'Shakespearian tradgey'.  I seem to recall the PM's chief of staff saying something similar to Boris Johnson a few years back.  Even if Brown becomes PM's one fears he could end up like James Callaghan.

At least the Sun were nice about him this morning, which will have no doubt pleased the Chancellor even more after Blair's apparent endoresement.

PM: Gord will knock Cam out
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,2-2006530341,00.html

Seconds away
http://www.thesun.co.uk/article/0,,31-2006530278,00.html

Thou could the heavyweight have been John Reid?  Both Scotsman have a simlar body mass index I imagine!

Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#2)

I have half a mind to submit you to the Private Eye with that title!

Nice analogy though, although I fear McLaren may be out by Christmas.

Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#3)

Is it possible to stretch an analogy too far?

Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#4)

Yes, we this being a prime example.

But clever thinking nevertheless.

Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#7)

Alex it depends on how amusing it is- but it'll be interesting to see whether Brown sacks the old bruiser who plays at home on the right- you may be right the John Reid David Beckham comparison might be going too far.

Re: Is Gordon Brown the new Steve McLaren? (#8)

No, Gordon Brown is the new Margaret Thatcher - judging from his speech to the CBI. How she would have loved his "flexible" philosophies.Next you know he will be telling us to "get on our bikes" and  go and  look for work (Norman Tebbitt, circa  1979, for younger bloggers)