Freddies Options

A simplistic look at some of the candidates for the top job.


Martin O’Neil - Available

A bookies favourite for all jobs that have been made available since he left Celtic, even Alex Ferguson has had to watch his back if the papers are to believed.

Now considering employment again after taking time to be with his sick wife, he is believed to fancy another crack at club management before taking a more removed role in international football.

He is well respected within the game and has topped every poll to date with the fans.


Ottmar Hitzfeld - TV Contract until Summer

There is a growing following for the German coach, with many papers suggesting he is in the running.

Due to finish a self imposed sabbatical from the game after this summers world cup, like O’Neil NUFC would not have to buy out an existing contract.

He has a faultless CV and can claim to be the only man to manage two teams to victory in the Champions League (Not even the special one himself has managed that yet)

Undeniably one of the best managers in the world today.


Sam Allardyce - Bolton Wanderers

Proven he can manage and attract some of the world’s biggest players (Hierro, Okocha, Campo) he does so on a budget. That has got to be a big plus in the eyes of the Newcastle board.

Despite his success with Bolton he doesn’t have the experience at the very highest level that some of the other candidates have and Bolton are doing everything they can to tie him down, including offering him a big budget for next season.


Ralf Rangnick - Available

Had a successful spell with Schalke before walking away as a result of the ‘Politics’ within the club, He is looking for a return to management and has recently claimed he wants the honour of being the first German to manage in the Premier League.


Sven Gollum Eriksson - Soon to be Available

For some reason he would appear to have friends on the Newcastle Board.

He was a successful club manager and has a strong record with England.

His salary would be difficult to manage given the state of the clubs finances and his personal life would outstrip most of the ‘personalities’ we’ve had at this club in recent years – perhaps with the exception of Tino. I would also question his ability to handle the unique nature of the fans at Newcastle.


Claudio Ranieri - Available

He’s available so I suppose he’s bound to be linked by the media.

A largely uninspiring spell at Chelsea (despite the Millions) led to his departure.

I wonder if the man dubbed ‘The Tinkerman’ by the British press would find his resources too limited.

Stuart Pearce - Man City

If I had my way he would never have been allowed to leave the club. There isn’t a manager around the embodies the passion and spirit that fans expect from every player in every game.

His first spell at management with Nottm Forrest suggested he has what it takes to be a great boss, he is now proving that with Man City

A non starter as he wouldn’t be allowed to leave.


Paul Jewell - Wigan

Nobody can deny what Wigan have achieved this season has been remarkable, with limited budget they have played with commitment and a fearlessness that a lot of people would like to see from Newcastle.

Despite being able to bring the best out of players, Paul Jewell lacks experience and Wigan are unlikely to want to let him go.


Alex McLeish Rangers - Available in the Summer

Rangers have announced that Alex will be leaving in the summer.

Despite things going a little pear shaped recently he has led Rangers to the latter stages of the Champions League


Outside Bets


Steve McClaren Mick McCarthy / Boro Sunderland, Soon to be Available

Following the recruitment policy at Newcastle of signing managers that are about to be pushed Steve and Mick must be an outside chance…..


Ant & Dec - Saturday Nights may be busy…

They have experience of entertaining on a weekend…


Steve Bruce - Brum

Please God no……