With current manager Alan Pardew widely expected to become the next Crystal Palace manager, owner Mike Ashley has begun a search to find the next Newcastle manager. Even with the club’s struggles over the last few seasons, Newcastle is still one of best Premier League Clubs.
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While supporters have been critical of Pardew at times during his tenure, most criticism has been directed at owner Mike Ashley. Ashley at times has been criticized for not having the club’s best interests at heart. However, fans must put their faith in him now. With the club’s future in his hands, Ashley will handpick the club’s next manager. With money having been the main issue as of late for the club, Newcastle must be prepared to spend now.
Spending the right amount to attract a top class manager, as well as preparing to bring in new players who will help the manager succeed in his goals. What are those goals? The owner might say, staying in the Premier League, but for the supporters, it bringing the club back to the top of the mountain. Winning the Premier League and sealing Newcastle in the list of all-time greats.
Top Candidates
Tim Sherwood
The former Tottenham boss has been out of job since being sacked at the end of last season. While with Spurs last season, Sherwood managed to win 14 of his 28 games in charge. Prior to management, Sherwood spent eighteen seasons playing professionally. He was a part of the 1994-1995 Blackburn squad that won the Premier League title. He was also named to the PFA Team of the year for that season.
As well as being linked to this job, Sherwood is also the leading candidate for the manager’s spot at West Brom. The club that secures his services will all depend on which club moves fastest during the hiring process. If Newcastle can make up time and hire Sherwood right off the bat, the lure of managing Newcastle should be too much for West Brom to overcome. However, as the days go by, it will more and more likely that Sherwood be hired by another club.
Steve Bruce
Newcastle Toons
The Hull City boss has deep connections to Newcastle. Having been born in Northumberland and was a supporter of the Magpies. His managerial career includes stops at Wigan, Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Hull City. Bruce also spent nearly six years as manager of Birmingham City. His playing career is just as brilliant. His career spanned 20 seasons, and included extended stays at Norwich City and Manchester United.
As Bruce currently manages Hull City, any move for the manager would require permission from his current club, as well as a likely buyout. As stingy as Mike Ashley has been since taking over at Newcastle, opening the clubs coffers to bring Bruce on board is not as farfetched as it sounds. The club knows it is in need of a strong manager, and spending a little bit more to get Bruce would be well worth it in the long run.
Tony Pulis
One of the best Premier League managers of the last decade. Having never had a club under his watch relegated, Pulis knows how to take fine squads and turn them into good squads. Leading Stoke City year after year to mid-table finishes proves his worth as a top manager. Winning last season’s manager of the year award after taking Crystal Palace from relegation to a mid-table finish.
Pulis has shown over his entire career the ability to lead squads. If he can take an okay squad and turn them into a good team, imagine what he could do with a good side like the one at Newcastle. However, it appears that Pulis is out of the hunt for the Newcastle job due to differences with owner Mike Ashley. As Ashley retains power in the clubs transfer business, Pulis refused the offer of joining the club.
For a manager like Pulis, the club should put its full support behind him. Give him control over the club’s transfers and side selection and let him work. With the right amount of support and money behind him, there is no reason why Pulis cannot lead Newcastle to Premier League glory.