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The five frontrunners who are the talk of the Toon to replace Bruce

The five frontrunners who are the talk of the Toon to replace Bruce

by Niyi Busari,
Oct 21, 2021
in NFF

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Newcastle's wealthy new owners have finally parted company with Steve Bruce — and talk has swiftly turned to who will replace him.

The 60-year-old boss was thought to be on borrowed time at St James' Park following the club's Saudi-led takeover just under a fortnight ago.

They finally confirmed his departure today, which appeared to come as a relief to the under-fire former Manchester United star.

With Bruce's time at the helm over, we look at five names linked with the vacancy he leaves behind.

Paulo Foncesca

The early frontrunner for the post, Paulo Foncesca could finally manage an English team after going close to taking over at Tottenham during the summer.

With Nuno Espirito Santo getting the job in North London, the former Roma boss may be lured to Tyneside to kick off their new era.

Foncesca, 48, was known for his attacking approach while in charge of the Serie A outfit.

And that will please Magpies fans desperate for some excitement following Bruce’s pragmatic approach.

Lucien Favre

Another exciting name linked with the hotseat, former Borussia Dortmund manager Lucien Favre brings with him a dynamic style of football.

The Swiss manager had an impressive win percentage of 61% while in charge of the German side, picking up a DFL-Supercup along the way.

Favre, 63, was close to being appointed at Crystal Palace during the summer but rejected the offer due to a last-minute change of heart.

While in charge of Borussia Monchengladbach, he took them from the brink of relegation to the Champions League in just five seasons.

A similar trajectory at Newcastle, if appointed, would delight supporters and owners alike.

Eddie Howe

Eddie Howe needs to return to management at some stage or he risks becoming the forgotten man.

Not since leaving Bournemouth in July 2020 has the 43-year-old held a role in football.

While relatively young, he is the candidate with the most Premier League experience after keeping the Cherries in the top flight for five seasons.

Howe has been waiting for the right opportunity and the chance to build a side at a club the size of Newcastle would undoubtedly entice him.

It just depends whether the new owners want a glamourous name or one who is better suited to their current needs.

Frank Lampard

Out of work since leaving Chelsea in January, Frank Lampard would likely jump at the chance to take on the Newcastle project.

But whether or not he is the right man to take over from Bruce is another question.

The Magpies look set to be embroiled in a relegation battle this season and Lampard’s limited managerial experience may hamper his chances.

He did guide a young Derby side to the Championship play-off final but despite some good results at Chelsea, it looked a job too big for him.

If Newcastle were looking to appoint someone ahead of a transfer window and new season, Lampard would make more sense. As it stands, the 43-year-old represents a gamble.

Steven Gerrard

Eventually, Steven Gerrard is going to manage in the Premier League.

And with Jurgen Klopp unlikely to leave Liverpool any time soon, a club the size of Newcastle with the potential they have looks a good bet.

Unlike former England team-mate Lampard, Gerrard has enjoyed success in his short career as Rangers boss after winning the Scottish Premiership last season.

He has shown himself capable of dealing with intense pressure from the fanbase alongside the day-to-day running of a football club.

A relegation battle is not something Gerrard, 41, has dealt with as a player or manager, though nothing suggests he would not cope.

author

Niyi Busari

Award winning journalist, Niyi Busari, the Publisher and CEO of BSN Sports Concepts is one of the most celebrated Nigerian sports journalist of his generation. A"cross-over" professional, he combines the talents and abilities of a print and electronic journalist in a manner that is rare, even though his specialization is print. A graduate of Economics from the University of Abuja where he obtained his Bachelor Degree in 2015.

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