Graeme Jones is likely to be in charge as caretaker manager when Newcastle United take on Tottenham at St James’ Park next Sunday in the first game of the club’s new era under Saudi Arabian owners.
Steve Bruce’s reign is drawing to a close but the appointment of a new manager to fit the ambitions of the owners may take some time, with the most favoured candidates, such as Leicester’s Brendan Rodgers, currently unavailable.
Antonio Conte is understood not to be a candidate and it is unlikely that former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will be considered.
Graeme Jones is likely to be in charge of Newcastle as caretaker manager next weekend
Despite Rafa Benitez’s close links to Amanda Staveley, the PCP Capital Partners chief executive who has driven the takeover deal and is on the club’s new board of directors, the Everton manager will not leave the club he committed to in the summer.
It was when Benitez was in charge at Newcastle four years ago that PCP’s interest in the club was sparked by the desire to unlock the club’s potential, but it is accepted by all parties that the former boss is a non-starter.
Bruce met Staveley last week but only briefly and not for substantive discussions. Staveley is expected to hold talks with him this week and she will address the players in midweek when they return from a short break, with Smith, Bruce’s assistant, expected to be in charge by the weekend.
The club were subject to a £300million takeover from Saudi owners earlier this week
The takeover means Steve Bruce's tenure hangs in the balance after a dismal run of results
Frank McParland, former Liverpool academy director and most recently director of recruitment at Rangers, will lead the managerial search. Premier League experience is seen as important given that, while the long-term ambition is to win trophies, the immediate priority is to avoid relegation.
Owen Brown, who worked with Benitez at Liverpool and who is agent to Phil Foden, has been PCP’s football consultant and will retain an advisory role.
Those advisers will
