Report names three leading contenders for Newcastle manager job

Add as preferred source on Google

A report from The Times has claimed that Newcastle United plan to step up their manager search this week – and named the three contenders leading the race for the post.

As things stand, Steve Bruce remains in charge on Tyneside. He has now taken charge of 1000 games in his managerial career.

Unfortunately, his chances of keeping the job were not helped by the Magpies losing 3-2 against Tottenham on Sunday.

The game was the club’s first since the new owners came in. And it appeared that they were off to a dream start, with Callum Wilson scoring inside two minutes.

But defeat leaves Newcastle in the bottom three in the Premier League. And it now appears that finding a replacement for the current manager will be on the agenda in the coming days.

The Times reports that the club will step up their pursuit this week. And it is claimed that the three names leading the race are Steven Gerrard, Unai Emery and Roberto Martinez.

It is being reported that several others are in the frame. But Gerrard is said to have boardroom support. Meanwhile, Martinez combining the Newcastle gig with the Belgium role is not out of the question.

Emery meanwhile, is a coach with Premier League experience. But he has also achieved success in continental competition, winning the Europa League four times.

Martinez juggling being Newcastle manager and Belgium boss unlikely to sit well with many

Each name in the frame is likely to have a lot of supporters. Gerrard led Rangers to Scottish Premiership glory last term.

Martinez meanwhile, knows Graeme Jones extremely well. He is also known for encouraging his sides to play an exciting brand of football.

Having said that, the idea of Martinez working for both Newcastle and Belgium while his contract with the latter runs down may not sit well with everyone.

Newcastle are in a relegation scrap right now. Belgium have a World Cup to prepare for. Having another role is surely not going to give Martinez the best opportunity to prepare for either challenge.