Newcastle coach, Steve Bruce will be sacked in days to come after the clubs’ owners realized the negative impact his presence could have in their opening game against Spurs.
The 60-year-old Steve Bruce would be leaving Newcastle in light of the Saudi-led takeover, and that his pay-off stands at £8million. Talks will now begin over the terms of his exit.
Amanda Staveley and her advisors have a shortlist within a longer list of names identified as his replacement although the appointment could take some time to finalize.
Former Borussia Dortmund boss Lucien Favre is one of those under consideration, as well as Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers and Rangers boss Steven Gerrard.
Favre, 63, has been out of work since leaving Dortmund last December and turned down an offer from Crystal Palace in June. Currently, it is thought he is now ready to return to management.
Assistant head coach Graeme Jones is set to be put in temporary charge for the sell-out clash with Spurs live on television. Sources say the new owners have realized that to leave Bruce in place for Sunday’s game risks spoiling what promises to be a jubilant atmosphere.
They have also spoken to several in and around the club and know that an immediate change would aid the team, who are winless and second bottom of the Premier League table. The players return to training this morning after three days off and Staveley is preparing to visit the club’s training ground for the first time this week.
Her priority, though, is identifying key appointments in positions such as chief executive and sporting director, as well as manager.
Only then can they press ahead with solid recruitment plans for the January transfer window.
And with squad places at a premium — the 25 slots are already filled — there is the distinct possibility of several players being left out for the rest of the season. That prospect could well incentivize some to up their performances before the new year.
Meanwhile, managing director Lee Charnley could stay on for slightly longer than the anticipated brief handover after meeting with the new owners on Friday. He has an in-depth knowledge of the club and, while seen by supporters as Mike Ashley’s man, is valued as a good operator.