NEWCASTLE UNITED are hoping to install Chris Hughton’s successor in time for Saturday’s game against Liverpool but have not completed the interview process.
The club intend to talk to two or three potential managers this week. The aim is to secure an experienced man on a long-term and heavily-incentivised contract.
Sources close to Alan Pardew have said that the former West Ham and Southampton manager would be “strongly interested”. Martin Jol, who left Ajax on Monday night, is likely to be interviewed but there are factors that would appear to militate against his replacing Hughton.
After a bad run at Ajax Jol appears to be exhausted, with many believing he is in need of a break from football.
Then there is Jol’s long-standing friendship with Hughton, his old assistant at Spurs. That personal bond could cause Jol to think twice.
A source close to Alan Curbishley said it was “highly unlikely” that he would step into Hughton’s shoes.
Peter Beardsley, the reserve-team coach, took training yesterday. Should a successor not be found by Saturday, Beardsley will manage the club against Liverpool.
While Beardsley is close to Ashley and Derek Llambias, Newcastle’s managing director, he is not a contender for the top job. Alan Shearer, who has not spoken to Ashley for around 18 months, can also be discounted, along, almost certainly, with Martin O’Neill.
Hughton said his goodbyes yesterday. “You could see Chris was gutted,” said Kevin Nolan, Newcastle’s captain.
“But he was still telling me and Joey (Barton) to make sure we had a good season.
“There was such a dignity about the way he left. It goes without saying we were shocked. Everybody liked Chris.”
Guardian Service
