Craig Hope: New name added to Newcastle shortlist, 57-year-old without a club

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The Mail’s Craig Hope has reported that a new name has been added to the Newcastle manager shortlist – in the form of unemployed Rudi Garcia.

Garcia, 57, left Lyon in the summer after two years at the French club in which he won 42 of the 78 games he managed. He only lost 18 times.

The impressive Frenchman boasts an eye-catching CV, with a win rate of more than 50% at Lille – 129 from 256 games, spanning five years.

He also spent two and a half years as Roma gaffer, again, with a win rate of over 50%. Before Lyon, he managed Marseille for three years.

An impressive manager that is yet to chance his arm in English football – though he remains out of work. On paper, a quick and easy hire.

But he is hardly a stop gap. Garcia’s experien has attracted Newcastle, with Hope saying sources had informed him of the interest on Sunday evening.

Garcia to Newcastle: A good appointment from the new board?

They could do a lot worse, and have been linked with poorer managers. Garcia has the experience, but also the fresh know how.

He has worked at clubs in perilous relegation battles – spending five years with Dijon and a year with Le Mans. He knows what it takes.

Could he adapt to English football? Well, he has shown he can go to a different country and do well – staying in the Roma job for a long time.

For all of the managers they have been linked with, Newcastle would be making a solid decision to get Garcia. Without a club, he is ideal.