Who are the favourites for the Newcastle Job?
Following the takeover of Newcastle United during the week, one of the main talking points has been whether Steve Bruce will keep his job as manager and if not, who should come in as replacement? This article will look at the five favourites for the job and why they are in contention.
Roberto Martinez:
The suggested favourite for the job is the current Belgium manager, Roberto Martinez. Following a collapse against France in the Nations League semi-finals on Thursday evening, which saw Belgium throw away a 2-0 lead, Martinez has been under increased pressure over his job security. His experience in England with Everton and Wigan also makes him a reasonable target, significantly remembered for winning the FA Cup with Wigan in 2013 whilst being relegated in the same season.
Antonio Conte:
The most ambitious name on the list, Antonio Conte, has been linked with numerous jobs since the summer and a constant suggested replacement at Manchester United. After just coming off a Serie A title winning season with Inter Milan, Conte will no doubt be attracted to the possible amount of money he would have to spend at Newcastle. A premier league title with Chelsea will also make Newcastle fans excited over the possible appointment.
Steven Gerrard:
Despite having nowhere near as much managerial experience as the others on the list, Gerrard has no doubt proving his quality whilst guiding Rangers to their 55th title. The premier league seems like the natural next step for the Liverpool legend who will no doubt want to prove his worth on a bigger stage.
Eddie Howe:
Since leaving Bournemouth after their relegation from the premier league in 2020, Howe has been linked to almost every vacancy in the league. The former cherries manager was once rated as one of the most promising young managers after consistently keeping the club out of the relegation zone and even steering them to a 9th place finish in 2017. Howe looked set to become Celtic boss in the summer, however the move fell apart after disagreements over his backroom staff. Also, with the first objective for the next manager being safety and stability this season, Howe just might be the right man for the job.
Brendan Rodgers:
With Rodger’s Leicester side struggling this season, a move from the Tyneside club wouldn’t be out of the question. It could be argued that Northern Irish manager has more Premier League experience than any other candidate on this list after being a coach under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea and manager at clubs such as Swansea, Liverpool and now Leicester. However, Rodger’s has stressed on several occasions his aim to stick to his contract at Leicester after being linked to the vacant Tottenham job in the summer.
Following a recent survey among Newcastle supporters suggesting that 95% of them wanting Steve Bruce to be sacked, it is almost certain the club will be looking at new potential candidates. In a recent interview with Sky Sports, Amanda Stavely refused to comment on whether Bruce will be in charge for the Magpies’ match against Tottenham at St James’ Park next Sunday.
