Soccer:Former Republic of Ireland defender Chris Hughton could find himself thrust into the role of caretaker manager at St James's Park for a third time as uncertainty reigns at Newcastle.
The coach, who was handed the reins following Kevin Keegan’s departure in September last year and then after Joe Kinnear’s health problems struck once again in February, may be asked to step into the breach as negotiations continue over the club’s future ownership.
Time is rapidly running out before the players - or at least those of them the club will not have to sell on in an attempt to slash the wage bill - are due back for pre-season training on July 1st, and no friendly fixtures have yet been announced.
With would-be manager Alan Shearer still waiting for an answer over the role he might play, the Magpies, who today marked the 40th anniversary of their Fairs Cup triumph, have no-one in place to make the practical decisions which need to be made as a matter of urgency as the club begins its preparations for life in the Coca-Cola Championship.
Mike Ashley has delayed naming a new manager with a series of prospective new owners insisting they want to make that decision and not inherit a boss, as the sportswear magnate did when he took over, eventually landing him with a huge compensation bill when he decided to let Sam Allardyce go.
Hughton could bridge the gap, although after two testing spells at the helm already, a third would present entirely different challenges.
The former Tottenham and Republic of Ireland defender won only one of the 10 games for which he was in charge last season before Kinnear and then Shearer took over.
Fans are becoming increasingly restless as the saga of the club’s ownership rumbles on with little apparent progress, and with season ticket renewal packages due to land or doormats tomorrow, their reaction will be telling.
The Magpies announced a nine per cent price reduction on most season tickets in February, and repeated managing director Derek Llambias’ statement at the time on their official website, www.nufc.co.uk, today.
Whether or not that cuts any ice with disgruntled supporters remains to be seen.
It is understood at least two prospective buyers are in advanced talks, and other parties have made their interest known. The Singapore-based Profitable Group have finally publicly confirmed they have contacted Keith Harris, chairman of investment bankers Seymour Pierce, the firm engaged to sell the club.
In a statement on their website, they said: “The Profitable Group can confirm that it has expressed an initial interest in acquiring Newcastle United.
“A preliminary discussion with the representatives appointed to handle the sale of the club has been held, but contrary to some reports, no direct talks have been held with either the owner, Mike Ashley, or the chairman \[sic], Derek Llambias.
“The group consider the leaking of the Group’s interest in this matter unfortunate, and as supporters of Newcastle United, seek only to serve in the best interests of the club, the fans and the local community.
“The group will not be making any further comment at the present time.”
The tone of the statement reflects the confidentiality with which Newcastle are attempting to conduct the sale with serious contenders being required to sign non-disclosure agreements before they are allowed to view detailed financial figures.
In addition, potential purchasers will have to prove they have the cash to meet both Ashley’s €118million asking price and the club’s remaining debts.
Profitable have entered the race some way behind some of their competitors, although the remainder of the field remains largely unidentified.
South African and Omani consortia have been linked with bids, while former chairman Freddy Shepherd has maintained his silence amid speculation he could spearhead an approach.
However, there is a belief those currently making the most progress are making the least noise and the successful candidate might just slip in under the radar, as Ashley did when he made his swoop in May 2007.
